Finding Inspiration - The Sea

Ever since I got Jenny's save the date I have been dreaming about beach-inspired weddings. Okay, actually I've just been dreaming about the beach.  Right now it is raining here and, since it is Wednesday, you are probably stuck at work. So let's take a little dream-cation and look at some beach-inspired lovelies.

These are invitations but wouldn't this also be a cute idea for a seating chart?

Starfish invitations

Mmmm, beachy wedding photos at dusk. So romantic.

Puerta Vallarta Wedding

Thanks, Amy, for sharing the link to Mike and Grace's wedding. You were right, all the photos were just lovely. Everyone else, you must visit Sarah Yates Photography Blog to see more photos of this dreamy wedding.

How about this ring bearer starfish also found via Amy?

original image from Botanica Floral Designs

 I love that you and I see a chic and unique ring "pillow." Amy? Amy sees little boys in tuxedos armed with ninja throwing stars!

Okay, enough day dreaming.  As soon as the rest of my supplies come in I can get back to work on Jenny's garter.  Wanna see what I've done so far?

What about the beach inspires you - the colors, the waves, schools of pretty little fish?

Treasury Tuesday

Really, I think we should all wear hats every day.

Hold on to your Hat

And look! A few other Etsians think more people should wear me (clicking the caption will take you to the actual treasury on Etsy).

Psssst! Your underwear is showing!

If princesses weren't so proper

Spiders are for girls

In Plain Sight

This week you may have seen me:

pinning down indie

at Scoutie Girl

finding things of pinterest

Pinterest

playing with art

EffectiveArt PlayDate blog

This by the way is the first time I've been featured on another blog without me asking first.  In other words, Jeanette found my garter and put me on her page all on her own!  Who feels like a superstar, now?!

adding a little spark

Team Spark on Etsy

What're your favorite internet haunts?

For Every Girl, A Garter

Well kids, we're changing things up a bit. I just wasn't feelin' you feelin' the voting scenarios. I think we can all agree, however, that looking at pretty dresses is fun, fun, fun! So today I have...

This fabulous confection is available through CustomMadeForU, a Chinese family that offers a variety of gorgeous dresses through their Etsy shop. This particular beauty is listed for $1500. Seriously!?

I've paired it with my own confection, the Love in Bloom Garter . I love these together.  All the ruffling, and the pink and cream color combo.  Perfect!

What sort of accessories would you dream up for this fairy tale dress?

Find Inspiration In...The Sea

More specifically, find inspiration in starfish. Why? Because of the very pretty chickadee in this photo.

That's Jenny.  I could go on and on about how fun and sweet she is. I could write about her infectious laugh and pretty smile, too. But she'd get kind of embarrassed so I'd better not.

What I will write is, Jenny's getting married! Earlier this month I got a save the date card. Wanna see?

I love it! Especially the starfish, which Jenny tells me is going to be a prominent element at the wedding.

Want to play along? Post links to your favorite sea-inspired projects and photos in the comments.

Treasury Tuesday - Treasure and Be Treasured

Me first! I put together a little something inspired specifically by this totally fab bag .

Vintage Houndstooth Travel Bag from epoca

Doesn't it just scream mid-century Hollywood? And what type of classy, sassy aspiring starlet would carry such a chic piece? Holly would, of course.

Holly would by Never a Plain Jane

Holly would never ask why when the real question is "why not?". Holly would wear red lipstick with her mint green dress. Holly would be a star. I'm sure you can guess where she would live. Would that we could all live like Holly would

 And if making a treasury is fun, being in one is flattering.

Love makes the world go round by Dark Cycle Clothing

Squeaaaaaaallllllll

Quick! Do a google search for “unique garter.” Now scroll to the bottom of the page. I AM THERE! I am the last entry on PAGE ONE OF GOOGLE EVERYTHING SEARCH!!!!!!!!! Weeeeeee!

(I promise I have not used up the world’s supply of exclamation points on this post).

In Plain Sight

This week you may have seen me

tooling around

sharing the love

finding things of pinterest

socializing

Under Cover Love

They are a little bit vintage, a little bit playful, and a lot practical. Your wedding might be your "day in the sun" but there is no reason you can't bring a little shade with you. That's right, we're talking parasols!

via Bride's Cafe

They are just so perfect.  Some brides opt to have their bridesmaids carry these romantic sunshades in lieu of bouquets. They are an awesome way to help keep guests more comfortable during outdoor celebrations. And beleive me, there is nothing more fun than watching flower girls and ring bearers turn into swashbucklers wielding brightly colored "swords."

A collection in some of this season's hot coral and tangerine palettes.

Carnival Decor via Green Wedding Shoes
Parasols in a row via Justin & Mary
Orange Star Parasol at luna bazaar
Painted Parasol via alisa burke

Pastel parasols just feel romantic.

Pagoda Umbrella via Pinterest
"Whispering Wind" by  Krista Keltanen
Kissing via One Lovely Day
Flower Girl Parasols via Martha Stewart Weddings

Last week I saw this post addressing a bride concerned that a black and white color scheme would be too lackluster for a wedding.  Well if The Perfect Palette's elegant mood board didn't convince you, maybe this will:

Black and white parasols = Vintage Drama

 via Somewhere Splendid

I'm already married, but I think I want the Chantel Thomass number to lend some charm to the rainy season.

Drape Umbrella at brollie's galore

Inspiration Found: Scallops

I fall in love with this dress every time I see it.

Begonia Dress by Kelsey Genna

In fact, it seems a lot of people are seeing all the potential of scallops.For instance:

As decor

via Apartment Therapy

For insulation

Coffee cup cozy via Pinterest

In rain or shine

Beach umbrella via Cocopani

And now, drum roll please,

as inspired, handmade bridal underpinnings!

Unique scalloped garter

I'm really pleased with how this garter turned out.  I adore the fabrics (silk, chiffon, and satin), and I wish I could capture how gorgeous that shade of green really is. I think I'll spend some time developing a scallop line - I love it that much. Do you think it lives up to its inspiration?

How about you - are you loving scallops as much as I am right now?

Treasury Tuesday - Puttin' on the Glitz

I'm not trying to fool anyone here.  I like glitter. And shimmer. With sparkles on top. It turns out, I'm not the only one.

Puttin' on the Glitz

Seriously, you find the best stuff on Etsy.  Please click the link and visit my treasury at its Etsy home. Maybe take a closer look at some of the exquisite items (like those shoes!).

Bride Style - Retro Glam with Ease

Today I have a special treat weeks in the making: a collaborative post with magician of film and (mascara) wand: Courtney Zepeda-Hawkes of Glamourpuss! Courtney is an artist in every respect.  She is equally adept with Pencils, powders, film, and facets. Today, she is loaning me her 17 year expertise as a make-up artist and photographer to help style a fictitious bride, designed to inspire you!

Meet Liz.

Source

Liz is a no-nonsense kind of bride. She just doesn't go for a lot of frivolity and prefers to devote her time to pursuing her interests instead of passing trends. I can tell you now that this bride is not about the fuss of a wedding - the traditions that tend to stifle some brides are not even a concern for Liz. This wedding is her way.

March into spring!

Spring is here (or almost, for some of you)! I can smell it, I can hear it, it is on its way. Waiting for it might drive me mad, but I'm no march hare. Strike up the band and we'll march to meet it - we'll march right into spring!

Click on the photo to view my treasury on Etsy

For Every Girl, A Garter

I took a little time off from matching garters with dresses so I could expand my inventory.  Now that I've added a few new beauties to my Etsy shop  the games can resume!

Check out this Valentino:

Metis Gown

I can only find the site in Italian so I hope I am giving you good information. I beleive the Metis Gown is part of a line designed by Valentino for Julia Sposa.  If anyone reads Italian and wants to correct me (or add additional info) my feelings will certainly not be hurt.

There is something so chic yet romantic about this dress.  I don't know if it is the lace or that gorgeous bateau neckline. And then those sleeves! So elegant!

If I am ever lucky enough to have a bride pair one of my garters with a Valentino gown, which do you think she should choose?

Something blue featuring vintage ivory lace

An equestrian inspired garter

A garter equal to the dress in romance and elegance

It feels good to be playing our garter game again! I'm excited to hear your thoughts on some of my newer designs and cannot wait to see which you would pick.  Don't forget to tell me why!

Find Inspiration In...Scallops

My brain has been buzzing and whirring from the moment I laid eyes on this dress.

Begonia Dress from Kelsey Genna

I see scallops, but the inspiration for Ms. Genna's genius was the begonia.

Scallops, ruffles, flower petals - however you interpret that dress, it is absolutely delicious!

Irish in a pinch

Happy March! Saint Patrick's Day is a few weeks away so this week's treasury is a small tribute to a few of the many things that make Ireland worth celebrating. If you click on the photo to view my treasury on Etsy, don't be surprised if it looks a little different. Right after I notified the featured artists I got a very kind message from the photographer Arpad Lukacs.

"Hello,

Thank you very much for including my photo in your treasury! It's a very kind gesture and I'm very sorry but that particular item will expire today and I wasn't planning to relist it...:( Sorry about this, I didn't mean to ruin your wonderful treasury.)

All the best,

Arpad"

 He was then kind enough to recommend a replacement photo.

Blackrock in Ireland 12x8 (inch)

You guys - seriously - you must visit this guy's website. His photographs are stunning!  It is work this Arpad's that makes a girl want to travel. Since I can't, at least I can take a mental vacation.