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9:28AM

choosing a gown

For many reasons, mainly practicality, I love the idea of buying a 'bridesmaids' or 'alternative' dresses in white rather than maxing out on a 'wedding' gown. Which is what I did. Unfortunately for me, it wasn't the best experience. I went to an upscale bridal boutique, whose name I will not reveal, because they had a better selection of designer bridesmaid dresses. But when I started looking at bridesmaids gowns, instead of the $4,000 wedding dresses I got the biggest shaft. My style attendant stopped helping me, wouldn't answer any of my questions and when I finally selected a gown - she ordered it in the wrong color. They won't let me return the gown, so now I'm starting over.

I've been doing a TON of research on bridal alternative/bridesmaid designers and to my surprise, found a great selection. Some of these designers will actually ship you samples to try on before you order, so you're not stuck with a dress that doesn't work. If you are looking for an alternative to expensive, flashy, cookie cutter gowns, do check these vendors out.

Anna Elyse (pictured above): Fantastic, interactive selection of gowns. Any gown you see on their site, can be ordered in any color/fabric combo your heart desires. Also made in the USA.

Jenny Yoo: Ah, one of my faves with a great new 2010 collection. These gowns are understated, creative, modern, simplistic and affordable. They have tons of gowns to choose from too.

Thread: Now this one I've known about for a while. Great design, neat fabrics and good prices. They also have some wonderful new 2010 dresses. 

Aria Dress: Lots of options and they will send you samples before you purchase!

Coren Moore: Cute designs, good fabric options.

Simple Silhouettes: Again, great designs, styling and fabric options. They too will ship you samples (at cost) before you purchase a gown. 

***Update: Saja: Thank you Jengee for sharing this amazing line! The Saja gowns are whimsical, dreamy and most of all - practically priced! Love them! Thanks again for sharing :)

7:27AM

nova scotia country house

I would just love to spend the day (or summer) at this place. Look at all those flowers! And that tile! I love it.

images from Country Living

7:55AM

kate spade spring 2010

One of my favorite Kate Spade collections yet. I can't wait to see the ad campaign and lookbook they conjure to go with it!

more images here

11:53AM

celle blouse

This lacey top from Dace's new collection is so cute! Maybe come Spring it will be on sale!

10:00AM

glitter confetti

Although it would be a huge mess, I couldn't help but think of how much fun it would be to use these glitter packets as confetti! Outdoors of course! (available at the Nice Package Shop)

8:00AM

turquoise

Love the rich colors in this room from Atlanta Bartlett's Easy Elegance book.

6:07AM

striped blue + bright orange

I spotted this amazing ribbon/flower combo on Carolyne Roehm's website. Aren't those colors perfect together? It reminds me of this darling article Chelsea did for Project Wedding.

4:19AM

too early?

It's probably a bit early to be posting about Valentines, but i just couldn't help myself! Both of these cute cards are from Cocodot.

10:38AM

pre-spring cleaning

I know Spring is a world away, but I'm getting started on the hefty cleaning today! We're finally taking down our tree, a little late and putting up some much needed (bargain) bookshelves. Yay!

image via Coastal Living

5:23AM

weekend!

Hope you all have a great (holiday for some) weekend! Also, incase you haven't gotten a chance, here are a few ways to help those in need, in Haiti.

American Red Cross

Oxfam 

Haiti Children

image via Country Living

7:49PM

jack wills

I love the style of the clothes and accessories at Jack Wills. So cute + classic!

via Hanpicked

7:30AM

summer wildflowers

Love this wildflower painting by Jamie Shelman. I've been a fan of her's for a while now. I also adore her produce pieces, any one of them would be perfect in a light and airy kitchen.

12:00PM

citrus wedding favors

Citrus can be a very cute and affordable option for wedding favors. I like the idea of piling oranges or tangerines (depending on the season) into crates or baskets, adding a little "Thanks for celebrating with us! Please help yourself!" sign to the mix and creating a darling, low-cost, healthy favor! This 10lb crate of oranges will only run you $30 and I'm certain that if you find a local grower it will cost even less. Late Fall to Winter, brides pick tangerines, clemintines or tangelos and Summer to Spring pick oranges.

11:00AM

paperwhites + french linens

Feeling very inspired by stylist Kate French lately. I love this little dinner party here. The paperwhites look adorable in that cross stitched sack. I also love the look of the simple French linens on that dark wood table.