p.s. that is EXACTLY how I want my hair done.
Showing posts with label dress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dress. Show all posts
July 5, 2010
couture
p.s. that is EXACTLY how I want my hair done.
July 1, 2010
Sorry...
I may be out more often than in over the next 2 weeks or so. I'll be moving into my own first apartment and starting my first grown up lady job! It is super exciting but will be very time consuming until I get settled.
p.s. I tried on my wedding dress again before I left my parents house. I love it every bit as much as I did when I bought it six months ago. Yay!
Eight more months to go!
p.s. I tried on my wedding dress again before I left my parents house. I love it every bit as much as I did when I bought it six months ago. Yay!
Eight more months to go!
March 29, 2010
thrifty
I have returned from a very relaxing spring break visiting family at home and a little stop in monterey on the way back with the fiance. Back to the daily grind with my last quarter of college EVER!
So for now while I'm getting myself reorganized (finals weeks always leave my room looking like a tornado hit, including many many loads of laundry to be done), I will introduce you to THE shoes.
Yes, I already have my shoes for the wedding. I actually bought them last summer. And there's a little story that goes along with them.
Yes, that says "Chloe". How does a poor college student afford designer heels? Through the magic that is consignment stores. Specifically Buffalo Exchange, Costa Mesa for this purchase. I worked down the street from that store this past summer and I would pop by every week or so to peruse the racks. One day I spotted these, realized they were in my size, admired them but wasn't sure if I NEEDED them. That night I realized I did. So I went back the next day, and couldn't find them to my despair. I cursed myself for not taking advantage of their 24-hour hold policy and feeling the ultimate reverse buyer's remorse. I went in a couple days later (I don't even remember why at this point) and as I was looking around I spotted something shiny and silver on one of the top shoe racks. I had to jump to reach (being 5'2" has its disadvantages) but lo and behold they were the precious Chloe's, on the opposite side of the store from where I had first spotted them. I tried them on and they fit wonderfully, they couldn't have been worn more than once. They have a great vintage look, very timeless and are well constructed. And they cost me $65.
After immense online research I cannot figure out what season they are from, I think either spring/summer 06 or 07. The closest I could find is a peeptoe heel, without the ankle strap, in grey python (ACTUAL snakeskin...kind of weird but I hate snakes so I'm over it) not silver...that retailed for $900. NINE HUNDRED. I'd like to thank my mother for raising me to shop thrift and consignment. This officially goes down as the best deal ever.
So they fit right in with the color of bridesmaid dresses and overall wedding "colors"and my vintage style.
So for now while I'm getting myself reorganized (finals weeks always leave my room looking like a tornado hit, including many many loads of laundry to be done), I will introduce you to THE shoes.
Yes, I already have my shoes for the wedding. I actually bought them last summer. And there's a little story that goes along with them.
Yes, that says "Chloe". How does a poor college student afford designer heels? Through the magic that is consignment stores. Specifically Buffalo Exchange, Costa Mesa for this purchase. I worked down the street from that store this past summer and I would pop by every week or so to peruse the racks. One day I spotted these, realized they were in my size, admired them but wasn't sure if I NEEDED them. That night I realized I did. So I went back the next day, and couldn't find them to my despair. I cursed myself for not taking advantage of their 24-hour hold policy and feeling the ultimate reverse buyer's remorse. I went in a couple days later (I don't even remember why at this point) and as I was looking around I spotted something shiny and silver on one of the top shoe racks. I had to jump to reach (being 5'2" has its disadvantages) but lo and behold they were the precious Chloe's, on the opposite side of the store from where I had first spotted them. I tried them on and they fit wonderfully, they couldn't have been worn more than once. They have a great vintage look, very timeless and are well constructed. And they cost me $65.
After immense online research I cannot figure out what season they are from, I think either spring/summer 06 or 07. The closest I could find is a peeptoe heel, without the ankle strap, in grey python (ACTUAL snakeskin...kind of weird but I hate snakes so I'm over it) not silver...that retailed for $900. NINE HUNDRED. I'd like to thank my mother for raising me to shop thrift and consignment. This officially goes down as the best deal ever.
So they fit right in with the color of bridesmaid dresses and overall wedding "colors"and my vintage style.
March 14, 2010
outfit change
I plan on changing out of my dress before leaving the reception for the honeymoon. It just makes more sense logistically. I don't want to worry about shoving my dress into a suitcase, or dealing with getting it off by myself. Plus the undergarments that will accompany the dress are a bit more utilitarian than pretty. A different outfit would allow a change of those too ;)
I love this option. Pretty blouse and a pencil skirt sounds like a plan to me. My mom changed into a beautiful knit sweater and skirt before hopping into a vintage rolls royce with my dad. I'll have to find the photo when I go home.
March 13, 2010
This should not be considered subversive
One of the side effects of all the perfection-focused wedding junk is personal. Somehow this wonderful celebration of love and family begins to shatter the foundation of who we are as people. There's the bridezilla image, where planning a wedding suddenly eliminates all personality and normal priorities. Details and flowers and paper become the center of the universe. It becomes all about the magazine-worthy photos. Which: a)90% of weddings won't make it into magazines, and not many more will be spread all over blog land. b)who cares about what random strangers think? For me I want pictures to accompany memories. I have a terrible memory for the most part, they will be a way for us to remember and reflect on that day. For the photographer to capture moments from a different perspective. Random strangers won't have the same reaction to these photos, the true purpose behind them is the celebration itself. I'm not get married so that people I'll never meet can ogle or criticize what we did.
And then there's the blushing bride image. Who apparently has to look like an airbrushed photo? The teeth whitening offers and bride workouts are aggravating. I'd like to look like myself. I've struggled with confidence since I was a teen, and I feel like only this past year have I really made progress. I went from being a scrawny kid to a curvy 15-year-old. My 14 years of ballet have given me substantial muscles. I'm 5'2" with an hourglass figure. When I began to discover the "art" of airbrushing and the modeling industry I started to get really frustrated. I had to go out of my way to surround myself with images of REAL people. Embrace companies like Dove, who even though, yes they're still selling us "beauty" products, they're at least using real people of all shapes and sizes. Having to find photos of real size models. Finding women who are considered fashionable wearing clothing that flatters their curves. Wedding dresses are advertised on size 2 models with perfect teeth and tans. engagement rings somehow signal personal trainers instead of excitement. Bridal magazines tell you how to pose to achieve the best photos. when to start your facial regimens to prepare.
I feel like there's been a lot of movement toward embracing womens bodies with icons like Christina Hendricks but the wedding industry has yet to truly see that. There's a girl on "say yes to the dress" right now who is a beautiful southern belle with bright eyes and a size 0. She lost 120 pounds recently and she has no self-esteem trying on all these dresses. That doesn't give other women much encouragement if a beautiful woman who could be modeling these dresses doesn't even feel pretty. I think even our counter-cultural wedding blogs are struggling with overcoming it.
One of my bridesmaids told me "I hope you aren't planning to lose weight because you're perfect just as you are right now". I think we need to be saying this to each other every day. And there's a HUGE difference between wanting to be healthy versus wanting to lose weight to look a certain way for your wedding day. I'm not in the best shape of my life right now, college has made eating healthy and a regular workout schedule difficult. But my fiance is absolutely convinced that I have an amazing body and shape. It's a confidence booster for sure. But it also must come from within. Buying a dress 3 months ago was also another subtle way to embrace who I am right now. Buying a dress that fits my shape and looks good on me now discouraged any ideas about drastic body changes. I can't afford major alterations later on. I'm not buying another dress. End of story.
Whoever said "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" was a smart cookie. I will not let the advertising agency define beauty for me. They don't know me. I define it for myself. I have amazing people around me who love me for ME. My fiance is the only one I'm dressing up for. And I know it'll blow him out of the water, me looking like me. not changing myself so I can look like some other person because "that's what brides are supposed to do" (?).
Now on "say yes to the dress" one of brides calls an emergency right before walking down the aisle because there's a CREASE on the torso. OMG. call the fire brigade. seriously? Knowing me I'll spill something on myself, I'll get a zit, there will be hairs out of place, I will trip. I don't care. I will be too excited about seeing and being with fiance and my family and friends. I will be eating food and not worrying about the fit of the dress. If there's a crease I won't even notice.
And then there's the blushing bride image. Who apparently has to look like an airbrushed photo? The teeth whitening offers and bride workouts are aggravating. I'd like to look like myself. I've struggled with confidence since I was a teen, and I feel like only this past year have I really made progress. I went from being a scrawny kid to a curvy 15-year-old. My 14 years of ballet have given me substantial muscles. I'm 5'2" with an hourglass figure. When I began to discover the "art" of airbrushing and the modeling industry I started to get really frustrated. I had to go out of my way to surround myself with images of REAL people. Embrace companies like Dove, who even though, yes they're still selling us "beauty" products, they're at least using real people of all shapes and sizes. Having to find photos of real size models. Finding women who are considered fashionable wearing clothing that flatters their curves. Wedding dresses are advertised on size 2 models with perfect teeth and tans. engagement rings somehow signal personal trainers instead of excitement. Bridal magazines tell you how to pose to achieve the best photos. when to start your facial regimens to prepare.
I feel like there's been a lot of movement toward embracing womens bodies with icons like Christina Hendricks but the wedding industry has yet to truly see that. There's a girl on "say yes to the dress" right now who is a beautiful southern belle with bright eyes and a size 0. She lost 120 pounds recently and she has no self-esteem trying on all these dresses. That doesn't give other women much encouragement if a beautiful woman who could be modeling these dresses doesn't even feel pretty. I think even our counter-cultural wedding blogs are struggling with overcoming it.
One of my bridesmaids told me "I hope you aren't planning to lose weight because you're perfect just as you are right now". I think we need to be saying this to each other every day. And there's a HUGE difference between wanting to be healthy versus wanting to lose weight to look a certain way for your wedding day. I'm not in the best shape of my life right now, college has made eating healthy and a regular workout schedule difficult. But my fiance is absolutely convinced that I have an amazing body and shape. It's a confidence booster for sure. But it also must come from within. Buying a dress 3 months ago was also another subtle way to embrace who I am right now. Buying a dress that fits my shape and looks good on me now discouraged any ideas about drastic body changes. I can't afford major alterations later on. I'm not buying another dress. End of story.
Whoever said "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" was a smart cookie. I will not let the advertising agency define beauty for me. They don't know me. I define it for myself. I have amazing people around me who love me for ME. My fiance is the only one I'm dressing up for. And I know it'll blow him out of the water, me looking like me. not changing myself so I can look like some other person because "that's what brides are supposed to do" (?).
Now on "say yes to the dress" one of brides calls an emergency right before walking down the aisle because there's a CREASE on the torso. OMG. call the fire brigade. seriously? Knowing me I'll spill something on myself, I'll get a zit, there will be hairs out of place, I will trip. I don't care. I will be too excited about seeing and being with fiance and my family and friends. I will be eating food and not worrying about the fit of the dress. If there's a crease I won't even notice.
March 5, 2010
perfection?
I was at david's bridal this weekend to find bridesmaid dresses for my uncle's wedding. I see why they get mixed reviews. our consultant was extremely rude and a little too high strung. I was very thankful I had a good dress shopping experience as I observed the other brides there on Sunday.
Let's talk about THE dress. So a wedding dress is supposed to be the fanciest, most expensive dress you'll ever wear in your life? eh. that's a lot of pressure. and kind of pessimistic, i guess married life means no hope of ever going places that warrant fancy dresses. i think every woman needs at least one amazing dress in her closet, that makes you look and feel confident. something of quality, that you can pull out when you're invited to a party on the fly or new years eve crept up on you (even if you're not leaving your living room, thankyouverymuch). an investment piece perhaps. that should be a bit more versatile than a wedding dress.
I'd like to stay a bit more on the hopeful side, that I'll get to wear fancy dresses again. And definitely at a time when I can afford it a little more. maybe on a cruise. or if fiance becomes super successful and we get to go the academy awards.
The whole search for the holy grail of dresses is too intense! I spent WAY too much time looking at dresses online. I swear I've seen just about everything, designer, vintage and otherwise. I had to step back and eliminate those images. Although it was good to have a general idea of what I was looking for. I tried on a wide variety of dresses, before going back to exactly what I wanted. I tend to be a bit indecisive, and change my mind a million times. I knew I was taking a risk going dress shopping with my mom so early in the process. But I've made a conscious effort. it's not about finding the PERFECT dress. it's about my own dress, my own decision. I look good in it, and it's comfortable and I like it. And it fit my budget. End of story.
Let's talk about THE dress. So a wedding dress is supposed to be the fanciest, most expensive dress you'll ever wear in your life? eh. that's a lot of pressure. and kind of pessimistic, i guess married life means no hope of ever going places that warrant fancy dresses. i think every woman needs at least one amazing dress in her closet, that makes you look and feel confident. something of quality, that you can pull out when you're invited to a party on the fly or new years eve crept up on you (even if you're not leaving your living room, thankyouverymuch). an investment piece perhaps. that should be a bit more versatile than a wedding dress.
I'd like to stay a bit more on the hopeful side, that I'll get to wear fancy dresses again. And definitely at a time when I can afford it a little more. maybe on a cruise. or if fiance becomes super successful and we get to go the academy awards.
The whole search for the holy grail of dresses is too intense! I spent WAY too much time looking at dresses online. I swear I've seen just about everything, designer, vintage and otherwise. I had to step back and eliminate those images. Although it was good to have a general idea of what I was looking for. I tried on a wide variety of dresses, before going back to exactly what I wanted. I tend to be a bit indecisive, and change my mind a million times. I knew I was taking a risk going dress shopping with my mom so early in the process. But I've made a conscious effort. it's not about finding the PERFECT dress. it's about my own dress, my own decision. I look good in it, and it's comfortable and I like it. And it fit my budget. End of story.
February 21, 2010
style
look how cute these bridesmaids are!
(via oncewed)
How fun are those tights? Considering it will be february in northern california, aka cold, I'm totally cool with tights!
I was thinking of wearing tan fishnets under my dress, I can't find the inspiration picture at the moment, but it was very glamorous!
(p.s. don't type "tan fishnet tights bride" into google, it's horrifying!)
February 15, 2010
all angles
so my dress has a deep V back. I'm completely undecided about my hair. But if I wear it up, I was thinking of using a necklace to add some detail:
a gorgeous bride shot by the talented angelica glass
ashley olsen at last year's CFDA awards
Maybe some pearls?
February 9, 2010
check
p.s. did I mention I got my dress?
Because I did!
My mom and I stopped into David's Bridal on a whim while I was home over christmas. I tried on a few dresses and just felt like i was playing dress up. Then I finally tried on one that I'd been eyeing online for a while. It combined all the different elements I wanted in a dress. I felt comfortable, felt like myself. No crying just calmness. Also it was on sale and I got to take it home that very day. It also happens to go along with my mom/grandma's veil quite well. yay!
It only needs hemming and a bustle, otherwise it fit like a glove! Also David's does a complementary spot clean/re-beading/pressing when you get alterations so even though I took home a sample, they'll make it look good as new.
That's out of the way. No more looking at dresses for me, I've been very good. Deleted all the pictures, un-bookmarked the websites. I can't imagine wearing anything else. It's hanging safely in a closet at my parents house. I can't wait for Fiance to see it when I walk down the aisle!
Because I did!
My mom and I stopped into David's Bridal on a whim while I was home over christmas. I tried on a few dresses and just felt like i was playing dress up. Then I finally tried on one that I'd been eyeing online for a while. It combined all the different elements I wanted in a dress. I felt comfortable, felt like myself. No crying just calmness. Also it was on sale and I got to take it home that very day. It also happens to go along with my mom/grandma's veil quite well. yay!
It only needs hemming and a bustle, otherwise it fit like a glove! Also David's does a complementary spot clean/re-beading/pressing when you get alterations so even though I took home a sample, they'll make it look good as new.
That's out of the way. No more looking at dresses for me, I've been very good. Deleted all the pictures, un-bookmarked the websites. I can't imagine wearing anything else. It's hanging safely in a closet at my parents house. I can't wait for Fiance to see it when I walk down the aisle!
December 28, 2009
ladies in waiting
I am all about the mismatched bridesmaids. They are picking out whatever they would like to wear, something that flatters them, they are comfortable in and is their style so they'll ACTUALLY wear it again. I was trying to think of neutrals that would go along with our ideas, a color that is universally flattering but not harsh like black.
I was inspired by this board, "Glamorous Gray"
(by elizabeth anne designs)
Gray is indeed glamorous, and would be perfect for winter. I found some really pretty mismatched gray bridesmaids:
(via ruffled)
(via snippet and ink)
(via snippet and ink)
This collage is great. With something like gray, i think all shades and tones work together from pale silver to pewter. And for added wearability and uniformity my last "rule" will be knee-length. A cocktail type dress that has a broader future than than a long silver dress (which coincidentally is what I wore to my senior prom! ergo-if you'd wear it to prom then I wouldn't recommend it as a practical bridesmaid dress)
(collage made by inspired bride)
I added this for the color palette. I'm not dictating shoes, those are fair game. I trust my ladies' style. But gray velvet ribbon is so beautiful! Must try to incorporate velvet ribbon into details somewhere...
(via snippet and ink)
I was inspired by this board, "Glamorous Gray"
Gray is indeed glamorous, and would be perfect for winter. I found some really pretty mismatched gray bridesmaids:
(a clipping from I think elegant bride)
This collage is great. With something like gray, i think all shades and tones work together from pale silver to pewter. And for added wearability and uniformity my last "rule" will be knee-length. A cocktail type dress that has a broader future than than a long silver dress (which coincidentally is what I wore to my senior prom! ergo-if you'd wear it to prom then I wouldn't recommend it as a practical bridesmaid dress)
I added this for the color palette. I'm not dictating shoes, those are fair game. I trust my ladies' style. But gray velvet ribbon is so beautiful! Must try to incorporate velvet ribbon into details somewhere...
December 20, 2009
adventures ahead
So I saw Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark a few months ago (for the first time...i know i know. i somehow missed a lot of standard films in my childhood. my aspiring filmmaker fiance is seeing to it that this issue is fixed.) And all I noticed was how beautiful Marion's dresses were.
I couldn't find very good pictures but you could always go back and watch it. Harrison Ford in his glory days, quite entertaining.
There was this 40s inspired frothy gown. The swiss dot chiffon is a great little touch and I'm in love with those sleeves.
and this silky slipdress number is a lovely 40s glam dress as well.
I couldn't find very good pictures but you could always go back and watch it. Harrison Ford in his glory days, quite entertaining.
There was this 40s inspired frothy gown. The swiss dot chiffon is a great little touch and I'm in love with those sleeves.
and this silky slipdress number is a lovely 40s glam dress as well.
December 19, 2009
December 13, 2009
just a few more
December 11, 2009
December 9, 2009
red carpet glamour
some celebrities still have classic style. I really love these dresses
Elizabeth Banks at the 2009 Golden Globes wearing J. Mendel (LOVE J. Mendel dresses)
Alice Braga at the 2008 Venice Film Festival wearing vintage Alberta Ferretti
(all via little winter bride)
Elizabeth Banks at the 2009 Golden Globes wearing J. Mendel (LOVE J. Mendel dresses)
Alice Braga at the 2008 Venice Film Festival wearing vintage Alberta Ferretti
(all via little winter bride)
December 4, 2009
vintage
I hope to find a vintage dress, and I am totally inspired by this vintage Christian Dior dress Kate Beckinsale wore to the Golden Globes in 2006:
The lace, the flutter sleeves, side button and open back are exquisite!
The lace, the flutter sleeves, side button and open back are exquisite!
December 3, 2009
lovely
I love everything about these photos from Vogue Italia. The lighting, the retro vibe, the hair, the gown, the colors...perfection! That oriental rug and leather sofa are killing me.
(via This is Glamorous)
We'll be having a midday wedding, outdoors, so it'll take a little extra effort to evoke this mood but this is still definitely going on the inspiration board!
(via This is Glamorous)
We'll be having a midday wedding, outdoors, so it'll take a little extra effort to evoke this mood but this is still definitely going on the inspiration board!
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