First, I was honoured to be included in a friends bridal shower over the weekend. After someone asked me what I thought was appropriate to wear to a daytime shower, I looked around the room at the gorgeous girls…
You always want to respect the guest of honour. You also want to let the hostess know you appreciate the trouble she’s gone to. It’s nearly always safer to be a bit overdressed than under-dressed {in my unofficial opinion!!}. But, lovelies, please use common sense – a cocktail dress is not fitting for a daytime event and yet jeans are typically not welcome in a country club.
Secondly, after an absolute out-of-the-blue surprise gift from Renny, I was forced to take a spin around my favorite boutique on Oak Street: Kate Spade. There were plenty of pieces that would be perfect for a shower, so I’ve put together the following simple solutions for the next time you’re on the receiving end of a wedding-cake-shaped invitation:
Let’s start with the outfit on the left:
-The gorgeous sleeveless Kate Spade top beautifully frames your face – this blouse can certainly be the cornerstone of your ensamb
-Paired with skinny J.Crew ankle pants, the shirt can be comfortably left un-tucked {perfect for the pastries you’ll want to undoubtedly indulge in!}
-Gorgeous Prada heels add height and contemporary drama to this otherwise classic outfit
-Over-sized David Yurman knot earrings will look perfect with your Lily Vanderwoodsen-esq pulled-back hairstyle
-The covet-worthy terra cotta colored Brian Atwood clutch can be used year round {or so you tell your man when he sees the bill}
Now let’s talk about my dreamy collection on the right:
-Surprise, surprise – we’ve got a bold orangey red Kate Spade dress as the start to it all off…{will I ever tire of this color?!}
-With the simple, chic cut of the dress, understated shoes end up being the perfect pairing. These JCrew flats fit the bill {and would also look fabulous with it’s neighbors’ black pants!}
-Simple studs by Slane and Slane add a bit of a Parisan punch to the look
-I adore the skinny yellow Kate Spade clutch – just big enough to fit your iPhone and lipgloss
-Grey is proving to be the perfect neutral this season. I am obsessed with this grey enamel Hermes bangle – an understated {yet ostentatious} finish to the look
As the wedding industry continues to boom…it seems as though nothing can be too customized, too chic or too fashion forward. Seemingly an infinite amount of choices need to be considered by any average bride…
Colors – it’s not just pink and green or an all white wedding anymore. Brides are selecting color palettes that are unique combinations reflecting themselves, the season or their moods.
Dresses – first it was Vera, then Monique…now dozens of dress designers are creating gowns fit for any fashionista – and at any budget!
Dinner Tables – round tables were the norm just a few years back – but not only have square and {my favorite!} rectangular tables become almost common, there are even more to choose from now. Rental companies are now offering taller tables where guests are seated on custom stool-like chairs to add yet another layer of texture and dimension to your setting. Decor firms are moving forward with handfuls of customized table options – whether mirrored or even inlaid with a custom fabric (or gorgeous patterned wallpaper!), brides are able to ensure their special day is unlike any of their girlfriends.
Accessories are no exception. If you’re not familiar, please let me introduce a new obsession…ban.do! Started by two stylists in LA, ban.do is a super-duper charming lot of {mainly, but not exclusively} hair accessories like headbands, pins and bows. Each even comes with it’s very own haiku!
The pieces are not limited to brides, however, many would make a gorgeous accent for girls who choose not to wear a veil – but still want some drama {yipee! tiara’s are not the only non-veiled option!}
Here are a few of my favorites:
Their bridal line has beautiful head-bands and pieces, many with vintage inspired detailing.
The black label contains unique pieces that are all either one-of-a-kind or limited edition. Vintage elements are incorporated, found from all over the world.
And the cutie heart by ban.do is an affordable line – with all pieces under $50.
When you’re in love – why not tell the whole world?!
A pretty yellow bow can make any basic outfit extrodinary!
I am excited to introduce a new feature post series: “Well…” It may help inspire you with stylish direction with things from your wardrobe and accessories to tablescapes and travels.
Onward…
For those who know me, you make think I’m doing a board on my basic weekly uniform. I must admit, I always do tend to fall back on some classic staples – always with a few gorge additions and details!
This Well…Dressed! board was put together with my chic brides in mind. The collection of goodies may be the perfect, easy solution for a late afternoon wedding planning meeting followed by another incredibly important appointment: cocktails with girlfriends for a proper chat about all of your wonderful wedding details as they fall perfectly into place.
-These skinny, ankle-cropped J.Crew jeans are topped with a crisp Gap fitted white buttondown {collar slightly popped to help frame the face, of course}.
-You’ll always be on time with this gorgeous mens gold Rolex – highlighted by my favorite Essie nail color: Clam Bake. -An understated, yet quirky elephant necklace is an absolute steal from Forever 21.
-Simple over-sized pearl studs are worth the investment – wear them to the gym or on the town. {I can’t even make a pot of coffee without my pearls in place.}
-When heading from your meeting to happy hour, help shade the setting sun in style with these fantastic Tom Ford aviators.
-The leather Dolce and Gabana bag adds a slight rustic touch to your classically glamorous ensemb. -You won’t sacrifice style when ensuring all important files and notes are always fingertip ready with this charming expandable file tote by russell+hazel {I received this tote as a gift from a bride that immediately became my most treasured tool while planning our wedding!}
-Finish the head-to-toe look with these insanely glitzy and girlie Kate Spade peep-toed beauties {I received these as a surprise from my husband on my birthday…I love pairing them with unexpectedly casual outfits!}
