Bridal Look

To recall here was my inspiration look. And this is what I pulled off:



I loved my dress from Dolly Couture (Seriously check her out if your looking for a short dress - where else can you get a semi-custom dress for < $600). I loved my pearls. And I loved my hair. I went back and forth about the bright fuchsia hair flower instead of something more subtle. In the end I am really happy with the pop of color.


I am not really a girly girl and would nearly go into panic attacks when I would think about all of the primping, plucking, and prodding that needs to be done to get a perfect bridal look. I did my own makeup based on a lesson I got from the ladies at Clinique. Definitely recommend getting a free lesson from a department store makeup counter and spend your money on makeup instead of an expensive application.



What to do next? Photo booth? Grand Entrance? or Reception details?

Hair Trial

All of you other brides put me to shame. Just a week and a half away til W-Day and I have just made all of the hair arrangements. I went in for a short consultation yesterday and I got a quick 10 minute hair trial. Not paying for a full trial allowed me to get a sense of the style and still afford appointments for both the ceremony and reception 2 days later. Besides since I wasn't interested in an updo a full trial isn't really necessary. The day of will look very similar but with more product to make it last. Just what I wanted - loose natural curls with bangs swept to the side.


We also played around a little with the hair flower and I think I decided to place it just behind the ear. Since I am wearing pearl studs I think I will leave the flower as is and not add a pearl or rinestone in the center. This is also me sans makeup which gives me hope that I won't look half bad.



Won't we look cute!! So excited. Today we are officially in the single digit countdown. Yeah!!!

Another DIY Hair Accessory Pic

Once I posted the picture of my DIY hair accessory I wasn't happy. Our house is such a dungeon the pictures looked very dark and hard to tell the color. Anyway, her is a slightly better one. The flower is definitely a bright fuchsia and the feather a turquoise - out 2 main wedding colors. I was thinking also that instead of the rinestone button I should probably go with something pearl because I will be wearing a pearl necklace. Oh it is so hard to be consistent...



I would love to hear any thoughts!

DIY Hair Accessory

This is my current hair inspiration. Long with a slight curl, sides back secured with a hair flower and the bangs swept off the face.


photo from Snippet and Ink

I am planning to DIY my own hair flower to complete the look but I need some help deciding what to do. I had great intentions for this project including cutting and layering ivory organza and lace. But am running out of time with less than 4 weeks to go. So more of a semi-homemade style hair accessory it is. Sandra Lee would be so proud.

I got a fuchsia colored flower at Target on clearance for only $4. Since I am not afraid of color and was excited to see it in one of our main colors I went for it. The photos aren't the greatest, sorry. So the question now is which semi-homemade version do I go with.

Version 1: The flower as is. It has an alligator clip on the back and is easy to wear.



Version 2: The flower with the addition of rhinestone button.



Version 3: The flower with rhinestone button and a turquoise feather. I didn't cut the feather yet so the photo wouldn't be the final version.



Version 4: The flower and the feather (not pictured).

So which should I do??

More Hair Clips

Oh the torture. I can't sleep. I can't eat. I MUST decide on a hair accessory. Ok, really I have no trouble sleeping or eating but the inspiration keeps getting better and better and I don't know what to do! Maybe I will just start wearing a fancy hair clip everyday....

My latest inspirations:

Photos from LaBohemme Etsy shop.

I love the vintage clips in the center and the turquoise colors. I went to the craft store this weekend to buy supplies for my DIY hair clip project. Only $13 for a bunch of stuff - most of which I will likely return. Otherwise it would be the gaudiest clip ever if I use it all. But I am not sure I can get a look like these above or like this or these.
Any tips for a DIY version?

Ooh La La!

Yeah for award season! I love movies and TV so I love Jan/Feb and all of the award shows. The fashion is also fun and this year white gowns are definitely a trend. And there are some pretty styles and colors for bridesmaids as well. Here are some of my favorites from the SAG Awards. Anyone have a favorite?

All photos from Access Hollywood.

Rosario Dawson in what would be a gorgeous look for an Old Hollywood themed wedding.
Ooh, I wish I was a red head. Christina Hendricks gown is gorgeous in red and would also be a very romantic gown in white.If it came in a shorter version, Laura Linney's dress would make a cute bridesmaid dress.Claire Danes with great hair and makeup.

Anne Hathaway as a Grecian goddess.

Terri Hatcher - loving the one shoulder gown trend.

Cool Find of the Week

Etsy sellers have done it again.

I saw this post on the Bride's Cafe featuring some amazing photography and seller's from Etsy and was instantly in love with this picture. I am thinking that this would be a great way to do my hair with this type of hair piece. The hairpiece is from Etsy seller g.q. designs. It is a little out of my price range but thinking it would be worth it. My dress has a similar neckline, although has a larger bow made of gorgeous ivory lace. I was thinking a bow would clash with a flower in the hair but based on this photo I think I like the combination. And after seeing this I am on a search for pearls.

Photos from here and here.

Also I am totally in love with my dress and it is on the way to being fixed. I am very thankful to Dolly Couture for making a gorgeous dress and taking care of the zipper situation. (Apperently there was a mixup with some of thier zippers and they have graciously remided the situation. Things happen and all is good.) Alterations are also in progress so the waistline issue I was halving should be taken care of. I will post some photos soon!

Up or Down?

I am trying to finalize where, when and how I will get ready for the Wedding Ceremony and Fiesta Reception 2 days later. I don't have many skills when it comes to hair and make-up so planing a splurge and seeking out the professionals. I think I have the where and when in order but am asking for some advice on the how.

Hair up or down? I created this inspiration board using Bridal Canvas (like my favorite Polyvore - only just wedding related photos).

I am trying to grow out my hair and right now it is just below my shoulders. When I cut it this summer I thought I would have plenty of time to grow it out long but now am a little worried. I also currently have bangs but am making the commitment not to trim them in case I need/want longer bangs for the wedding do.

I have previously talked about some sort of flower or feather hair accessory, this is still in the works but should I incorporate it with a loose and natural looking up-do? or long flowy loose locks with just the sides pulled up? I think this kind of accessory would work with either hair style but knowing how I want the hair will help me decide on how large or small of an accessory to get.
Any suggestions?

Flowers, Feathers, or Both?

It seems like big beautiful hair clips with flowers feathers, or both are a close second to colorful shoes as the most trendy bridal accessory. Well this gorgeous trend is definitely a bandwagon I want to jump on. Wait a minute - is there a wedding trend I haven't adopted yet?
I have been waiting to do too much research on a hair accessory because I haven't actually seen my dress yet (argh - con of custom orders), therefore I am not sure of the shade of ivory. And there is the color of shoes I will go with and if I have any strong feelings about other jewelry to consider as well. The decision making never ends. But here are the results of my first serious recon mission.

Examples from Fancy Smancy Designers

Jennifer Behr

From K. Autumn
(the photo on the left is from a great blogger and wedding Rebecca from Oh So RB).

So at a hefty price these may not be the best option for me. But I found several other great alternatives on Etsy. I love Etsy - a wedding planing goldmine. Below are some great designs that I am thinking about.

Examples from Etsy Sellers

from Psalm 117

from Twigs and Honey by Myra Callan

from q. d. designs

from Brenda Bridal Veils

from JMG Jewelry Design

Anybody have a favorite?