Shoes+Storytime

The other day I was strolling through my local Von Maur when these sparkly beauties caught my eye!  My love of glittery shoes goes way back to when I was 3 and was obsessed with The Wizard of Oz.  I actually told people my name was Dorothy.  And yet, for some reason my mom dressed me as the wicked witch for Halloween.  But I digress...  Basically I can't help but love anything covered in glitter and these have the added bonus of somehow still looking classy.  Because the color and style are fairly conservative, they can get away with all the sparkle.  How cute would these be on your wedding day?? 

Nine West "Escher" Shoes $78 at Zappos

I'm not sure if that pissed off look is because I'm trying to look "wicked" or if it's because I had to forgo ruby slippers in favor of green facepaint.

Etsy Finds: September Edition

Here is this month's list of unique and lovely "Etsy Finds" (sorry there was no August edition, that month completely got away from me!!)  As always, this list only includes sellers with 100% positive feedback, because EB readers deserve nothing but the best!

treeandkimball

Tree and Kimball by Lisa Bruemmer creates gorgeous lace and metal jewelry pieces that are perfect for the vintage loving bride!

ancelote earrings $18

Best of EB: I Want Candy!

Here is this Monday's "Best of EB" post... Enjoy!!

If ever a jewelry line could cause a toothache, this would be it.  Ever since I interned at Tenacity Boutique a few years ago, I have fallen victim to the obsessive, sparklicious world that is Tarina Tarantino jewelry and accessories.  Her broad sources of inspiration combined with her psychadelic use of color make up an amazing array lucite and Swarovski crystal confections and let me tell you, it's very addicting.  And, if your as hooked as I am, there is no reason why the addiction can't carry over into your wedding day!  There are plenty of options for you and your bridesmaids and these are pieces that you can't almost guarantee will be worn again.  The quality is fantastic, and they are made in her "Sparkle Factory" in Los Angeles. I've created some inspiration boards showing a few of the many different ways Tarina jewelry can be worn on the big day.  As always, click the images to enlarge.

 These bright, floral inspired pieces would look great at a tropical destination wedding!

A little more shoe love...

I came stumbled over these beauties and thought they were deserving of my sporadic shoe showcase (errr shoe-case??).  They are by LA based shoe design company Lanalia, and the cool thing about them is they are totally customizable.  Lanalia’s philosophy is “Your Day, Your Shoes, Your Way” and the goal is to allow a woman to create her perfect shoe. You can choose from leather or satin, 22 different colors, 11 different colors of Swarovski crystals to cover the heel and/or sole, a 4.5 or 5.5 inch heel, a NASA created Poron cushion option, 3 width choices, and a monogram option available in 7 colors.  The price is pretty steep, around $1,000 depending on what options you choose, but possibly worth every penny for the shoe connoisseur...

 What do you all think??  Share your comments below!

Lanalia's "Zina" shoe

{Image via Lanalia}

Inspiration Board: Peacocks!

They're so gorgeous!  And even the little white one is cute!

click to enlarge

There's a reason why peacocks have inspired people for centuries- they are incredibly gorgeous birds!  They sport such amazing rich colors and textures.  Use this lovely birdie as a jumping off point by incorporating rich blues, turquoises, greens, bronzes, and dark aubergines.  Peacock feathers make great accents in floral arrangements, headpieces, and as a cake motif.  Top it off with rich maids dresses and a wedding gown that will turn heads!

Top left gown: Mikaella "1508"
Top left maids dress: Alvina Valenta "AV9021"
Blue shoes: The Knot
Top right ring bearer pillow: Project Wedding
Top right maids dress: Watters "7726"

Middle left boutonnieres: Ekaminsk on Etsy

Green shoes: The Knot

Middle ring bearer pillow: The Knot

Middle invitation: Paper Olive

Middle right cake: Brides

Middle right centerpiece: The Knot

Bottom left maids: both Vinyard "1508" and "1507"

Hairpiece: Neva Plume on Etsy

Bottom middle cake: Cake Coquette

Bottom right bouquet: Barb Cameron Photography

Bottom right gown: Lazaro "LZ3050"

{Peacock images via Google Images}

{Trend board images via the listed websites}

Thoughts on this inspiration board?? Put them in comments section below!!

Etsy Finds: July Edition

About a month ago I did a post featuring some great items I came across on Etsy.com.  I featured sellers with a variety of products that fit what EB readers are looking for.  I decided to only feature sellers with a 100% approval rating because I would feel funny recommending a product that I haven't tried and hasn't always proven to be successful.  Since that post went over so well, and since I love Etsy and all its crafty wonderfulness, I've decided to make it a monthly feature!  So, here is Etsy: Round Two...

 ClutchThat!

ClutchThat!'s high quality, hand made clutches feature rich silk fabrics and beautiful (typically peacock) designs.  They also offer personalization services for free on three or more bags.  So great for maids' gifts!

Peacock feathers silk brocade clutch, $75

Bird on a Branch silk purse, $72

Green Peacock Feathers clutch, $70

Navy embroidered Peacock clutch, $80

...

White Dress+Colored Shoes=Adorable!

I love when brides wear colored shoes on their wedding day!! 

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Thoughts on the colored shoe+white dress trend? Put them in the comments section below!

-Alessandra

Style Icon Inspiration: Audrey Hepburn

There is a reason why so many women list Ms. Hepburn as a huge style influence. She had grace, a clothes friendly waif-ish figure, perfect bone structure, and class.  From her early films like Roman Holiday and Sabrina to her classic roles in Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady, Audrey wore many quintessential styles by Hubert de Givenchy.  Givenchy called her his muse and designed all of her film wardrobes starting with Sabrina and also designed clothes for her personal wardrobe as well.  Use her as your wedding inspiration muse, as well, and you wont look anything but chic!

Hepburn in her Oscar winning performance as Princess Ann in Roman Holiday

"Ecole de Danse" Inspiration Board

In addition to being a huge fashion nerd, I am also a huge art nerd.  I have a poster of Edgar Degas' "Ecole de Danse" (French for 'School of Dance') tacked to my wall that my mom bought in New York City over twenty years ago at a Met exhibit showcasing his work.  As I was staring at it this morning, I thought about what I like most about this lovely work of art and decided that it is the vibrant Impressionist colors and the illusion of textures they give off.  Since these things translate perfectly into bridal style, I've decided to create an inspiration board based on the painting featuring ballerina inspired wedding gowns and rich colors and textures.

click to enlarge

"Ecole de Danse" by Edgar Degas, 1873 Oil on Canvas, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington

click to enlarge

Use Degas' "Ecole de Danse" and other dreamy Impressionist paintings as a jumping off point when styling your wedding, incorporating rich splashes of color, watercolor textures in your flowers and decor, and fabrics like tulle, satin, and grosgrain ribbon.

Top left gown: Vera Wang "Eliza" gown

Top row pink place setting photo from The Knot

Top middle wedding gown: Tara Keely "TK2059"

Top bridesmaid dress: Melissa Sweet "MS318"

Top right flowers from Martha Stewart Weddings

Middle left bridesmaid dress: Wtoo "883"

Middle yellow bouquet from The Knot

Middle ballet flat: Badgley Mischka "Reba" flat

Middle cake from The Knot

Middle wedding gown: Sottero and Midgley "ASM3184"

Middle right centerpiece from Martha Stewart Weddings

Bottom left photo from The Knot

Bottom left wedding gown: Forever Yours Bridal "410105"

Bottom middle place setting from Martha Stewart Weddings

Flowergirl dress: Wawa "47819"

Bottom right bouquet from The Knot

Bottom right wedding gown: Modern Trousseau "Wallis"

{"Ecole de Danse" image via Google Images}

{All other images via the listed websites}

Share your comments below!!

-Alessandra

Happy Fourth of July!!

Happy Fourth of July to all of EB's American readers!! 

{Image via The Knot}

-Alessandra

Kirralee & David: Australian Beach Wedding

Some more shoe love...

So as I was perusing the many bridal shoe retailers the internet has to offer, I came across these beauties and realized that, after falling off my chair, they needed their own post.  They look like they walked right off the Alexander McQueen runway and onto my computer screen.  Basically, if Lady Gaga were ever to get married, I think these would be the shoes she'd pick. 

Behold, my dear readers, the Benjamin Adams "Sissy" shoe-

Inspired by the intriguing life store of  Empress of Austria, Elizabeth of Wittelsbach, AKA "Sisi", this silk satin shoe features Swarovski crystals and a 5" heel, although the platform is 1 1/2" so it feels only like 3 1/2".  The shoe ranges from $600-700 and is custome made, so delivery takes between 8-12 weeks.  So worth the wait!!

{Image via My Glass Slipper}

What do you think of this style??  Let EB know!

-A

Related Posts:

Who doesn't love shoes?

Some shoe love...

Put Some Spring in Your Step!

Everyone Needs Etsy!

I am always a little shocked when I come across people who still don't know what Etsy is, and so in doing this post I hope to spread a little Etsy-love and show a few of the amazing ways you can use Etsy for your wedding needs. 

Etsy is, essentially, an online craft fair where crafty people like you and me are able to set up shop and sell their handmade items to anyone in the world.  When searching Etsy, there are over 30 main categories to choose from, anywhere from art to candles to crochet to music to woodworking.  "Weddings" has its very own category also, where you can find anything from accessories to favors.   I looked through the wedding section and picked out a few seller's stores to feature in this post.  I looked for products that were unique and eye catching, as well as looking well made.  I also only chose seller's with 100% positive feedback ratings.  By purchasing some of your wedding items from Etsy, you are helping support independant artists and also coming away with a unique product that will really stand out at your big day.  Also, many times artists are willing to make custom changes, a perk you usually don't receive from mass produced goods.  So take a look, and also remember to check out the thousands of other artists selling their creations on Etsy!

Via Bella Bespoke Custom Clutches

Via Bella's handmade clutches are gorgeous, and she can customize them with embroidery or using your bridal or maids fabric.  These would make great maids gifts!!

Luxury Big Bow Clutch in Cream dupioni silk; $72

Luxury Silk Clutch shown in Tiffany Blue, Chocolate, and Taupe dupioni silk; $56

Luxury Silk Clutch in Retro Blooms in Silver, lined with fuchsia dupioni silk; $65

...

A Little Hanky Panky...

For years we've been hearing about how Hanky Panky undies are the best fitting most comfortable thongs on the market.  Now, in addition to all these stellar qualities, you can have them personalized with rhinestones for your big day (or any other day, for that matter).  You can put your initials or wedding date or whatever 6 characters you choose.  I created a few examples on their site, take a look...

Hanky Panky Signature Lace Low Rise Thong in "Powder Blue" (not personalized)- perfect for your "something blue"!!

{Images via Hanky Panky}

Would you sport this fun style on  your big day?  Leave your answers in the comments section!!

-Alessandra

Related Posts:

It's Whats on the Inside that Counts

Six Fun New Color Combo Ideas!

Because there are so many color combinations to choose from, it's very easy to get overwhelmed and go with more obvious choices.  But don't!  Your wedding will be so much more memorable if you choose something a little more unusual!  Regardless of your wedding theme and style, there is a unique option for you.  Take a look...

For a vintage inspired wedding, try:

Aqua & Gold

On left: "Cloud" dupioni silk gown by Anna Elyse; style "Jackie O"

On right: "Sand Dune" tulle bobbinet gown by Vera Wang; style "Veronica"

...

Who doesn't love shoes?

Since I, along with most other women I know, love shoes so much, I decided to do a post featuring a bunch of really fun, unique bridal shoe options.  Enjoy! 

Satin ankle strap sandal featuring feather and crystal embellishment.

Shoe by Nina; style "Vaso" at My Glass Slipper

A sexy satin birdcage sandal is fun and unexpected!

Sandal by Calvin Klein at Zappos

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!

{Image via The Knot}

-A