Dexter

here

here

here

here

Currently channeling grandma and wickedly obsessed with vintage Dexter loafers.

brooch

How freakin' cool are these wooden embroidered brooches by noshii? I think I need one in every color. I could always risk a few digits and attempt to make one myself... But, for $25 a pop, I can afford to save the skill saw art for the pros and stick to using my digits for what they do best- opening wine bottles and ordering online.


via double takes

vintage shoe love

Wow.

ostrich love

You know how much I love short wedding dresses. And things that I'm sure my overly curvaceous hips could never pull off.

Check out this ostrich feather adorned dress by Sue Wong. Almost pretty enough to make me throw a second wedding (with Nick again, of course).

And here's the best part- it's under $600.

Things I've been lusting after lately

Chic dog ensembles by Beantown Handmade

Colorful pillows from Olive

Melissa shoes

Wood coasters

And gallons of homemade Sangria, of course.

flapper wedding

If I were getting married again, I would definitely do it in this vintage flapper gown from Etsy. Body hugging. Champagne lace. Under $300. *sigh*

And of course I would pair it with this.

Stones

Thank you East Side. I knew I could count on you for some solid Groom Style advice. Check out Mick Jagger. Is that not the best 70's look or what? Matching shoes and belt. Simple shirt. No tie. Perfect.



Image from here

hood

HeadHoods via Free People. I'm so loving the Audrey.

leanne

I'm dying to see more of Leanne Marshall's eco-friendly bridal creations. Gowns starting at $1300.

Go Leanne!

Anemone

I need this. Badly. Mainly for tickling Nick's nose while he's sleeping. I could wear it with my imaginary hand warmers and be in recycled fox fur heaven.

From Sara Lagacé on Etsy.

Part 2

A long time ago I posted part 1 of a "cool wedding clutch" series that I had all intentions of finishing- but like most things in my life (and if you are close to me you know this is all too true), I got distracted by a pretty object outside my apartment window, something cool came on tv, I got hungry... and I completely forgot.

Now it's almost a year later. I'm going to publicly admit that I recently developed a creepy new habit. For the past few weeks one of the first things I do in the mornings, after making a cup of coffee and prying my kitties out from their hiding spots to squeeze them, is run to the computer to check the new listings in made by hank's Etsy shop. It's like Christmas every morning (ok, not every morning, but close enough).

I've already purchased two and there's no end in sight. I'm addicted. Sure, white, satin, beaded, lace clutches are great- whatever- but aren't these colorful handmade bags so much more fun? Also, getting my favorites has turned into a sort of competition. The moment they're listed they go like hotcakes. You spot a favorite, get up to refill your coffee, then BAM, it's already gone. I've got to be quick. I've got to be alert. (To whoever bought the deer applique bag- *shakes my fist*)

Like I said, It's gotten me a little creepy. Creepier.


I just refreshed her shop again. *eye twitch*

It's almost dress season

I just love the look of a sweet summer dress paired with colorful heels and a cardigan. In less than two months I will be wearing this look five days a week. I have a vast collection of Anthropologie sales rack items and cleverly tailored thrift-store dresses that are dying to jump out of my closet.

Enough with turtleneck season already!

Dress found here

short wedding dresses under $500

Custom vintage slipdress by kt jean designs on Etsy. $250

White as snow and Mayflower dresses by Sarah Seven on Etsy. $455 and $195 (custom colors available)

BCBG Strapless Appliqué dress at Nordstrom. $398

Gold Spalding dress by Makool Loves You on Etsy. $475

Diane von Furstenberg Hippolyte dress from Nordstrom. $495 (my favorite)

And don't forget my all-time favorites from Holly Stalder: here, here, and here. I'm a little obsessed.

Frocky

I love all of these eco-friendly ensembles from Portland designer Julia Barbee.

A statement from creator Julia Barbee:

"Frocky Jack Morgan served in WWI and lived in North Carolina near my family. He defected, and wore a house dress because Jesus wore a dress.

I create because I am created. My inspiration draws from tactile bits, woolen fiber, and gossamer. I deconstruct because it allows me to embellish with extraordinary antique pieces exploring the history of the garment industry through old couture hems and grandma's tatting; it breeds a dance between finding materials to design with, and composing a form to work towards, and I can be a steward of the environment in a small way. I favor a neutral palate forcing texture to become a more dominant element. Formally trained in sculpture, I use my education in creating clothes, sculpting on the human body.

Each piece is one of a kind; mass-market is not the ideal here."


Images from here.

satin reservations

I have to admit, despite my undying love for my 30's inspired satin gown, I've been having reservations about the idea of satin on the beach. Thanks to this post over on Polka Dot Bride, my mind is now at ease. Does she not look absolutely stunning?

I think I can pull it off.

Hola Spring

From Cabbages and Roses' new spring line. I'm giving it two more weeks and I'm pulling the colorful sun dresses out from the back of my wardrobe. I don't care if I freeze. Where's the sun already?

Moth

Check out these gorgeous ensembles from Portland designer Gretchen Jones. I'm loving all of the captivating photos as well. Maybe I can fit a few pieces into my post-wedding budget (along with the ant spoons and fox fur hand warmers)?


Found here. Her Etsy shop.

low-key hair

This is definitely the look for me. A low, side-swept ponytail with just a touch of wave. Perfect for the beach, right?

So easy I might even be able to pull it off by myself.


Images from Project Wedding.

Black & Red

Via Spiga 'Monique'. $199

Sexy Silhouettes

I am totally biased, but I love a sexy, hip hugging sheath gown.

The curvier, the better.

From top: Victorio & Lucchino, Pepe Botella, and Valentino for Pronovias. All from the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of grace ormonde wedding style.