Wednesday, February 8, 2012

How do you know when to stop?


Hello ESB,

Accessorizing is a strange concept to me because I'm a minimalist. But the dress.needs.something.
It just does - I can tell.

So, I bought this from Twigs and Honey and I am thinking of a necklace or bracelet, too, but then...is that too much? Shoes are an issue too. It's a garden party in Sedona, so stilettos and everything I like will sink into the mud, no?

The real question is: how do you know when you have too many accessories. I don't want to overshadow the dress, or make myself look like a "royal."

Also, is it just me, or is everyone out there looking exactly the same? blah...

Thanks ever so.

*****

Stilettos will strand you in the middle of the lawn (or should I say the xeriscape?), but a CUTE pair of chunkier heels like these suede See by Chloes ought to be safe.


Bonus: You won't look like every other bride coming down the pike.

As for "How do you know when to stop?" I'd say as soon as you find yourself asking the question, it is TIME.

40 comments:

  1. totally agree with esb. if you're not an accessories girl keep it minimal that's day.

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  2. That dress is gorg. Don't think you need a necklace with that pretty neckline (and headband). I'd stop there.

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  3. Ahh I have been coveting those shoes to wear with my wedding dress as well. Totally adorbs. If only they had them in a 10!

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  4. dress. headband. shoes. (your rings). done. bam.

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  5. This was me a few months ago, with basically the same problem.
    It honestly never occurred to me to NOT wear a crap-ton of accessories, even though I generally don't. There's just so much wedding shit out there, its easy to just keep buying and buying more and more. I love what you've picked so far. Really elegant dress, beautiful headpiece, quit while you're ahead.
    I actually don't love the shoes ESB picked this time around. What about something like these? I realize they are no longer available online, but maybe in store. Hope that helps.
    PS: Look at my fancy links!

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    1. Sarah, thank you! I like the white/blush leather but the buckles turn me off since the dress is so soft. A bit too gladiator, but I had to really put them with the dress visually to think that, because I otherwise like them. - The bride

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  6. to reply to the reader's comment about brides all looking the same... I would agree and say that it's probably because everyone is looking at the same blogs and drawing on the same inspiration and choosing trends because the blogs have convinced that it is their style too, instead of just ignoring outside influence and picking what they REALLY like.

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    1. ... plus the fact that all wedding vendors DO the same thing ... try to find a dress that ISN'T strapless that doesn't suck!!!!

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  7. ie couples getting married on farms who have never set foot on a farm in their life or gave one once on interest to animals and hay, who see the blogs and all of a sudden HAVE TO HAVE this amazing barnyard shindig

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  8. Ditto the above. Your dress is totally gorgeous. I do heart me some accessories too, so at most, I would suggest a simple bracelet, just a few bangles, or a pretty wrap bracelet. Send pics!

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  9. Simple studs in your ears and a very delicate bracelet.

    This bracelet or this

    Tiny studs

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    Replies
    1. yes. I was thinking the same things! But I like the second bracelet better.

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    2. Peggy, these are minimal, great options. I'm a sappy sentimentalist, too, so the wishing bracelets are right up my tear stained alley. Plus they'd make great bride's maids gifts. The studs are ehhhh....too small for me, but maybe I need to go hunt for something like this in person. Thank you times a mil. - The Bride

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  10. whatever makes you feel comfortable in. if you can move in it, and you're happy, that's it!

    your dress is beautiful, btw. congrats!

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  11. I am pretty sure, looking back, I totally over-accessorized. I didn't really love my dress though so I think I was overcompensating.

    I agree, that dress doesn't need a necklace. Who is the designer? It's so pretty. I would do some studs in your ears and call it good.

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  12. If you want flats, these are cute!

    Something blue wedges!

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    1. Doh! I was looking for a wedge when I found those super cute blue chunky heels. Silly me had wedges on the brain. :)

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    2. Those blue pumps are gorgeous. Not for this wedding (colors are earthy, soft blushes, apricot and light light patinaed greenish blue, ivory and grey) but for someone else's wedding, or the honeymoon.

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  13. oh, cookies. those shoes are brutal.

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  14. I'm not an accessories girl either. My mom bought me really pretty matching aubergine earrings and necklace for my wedding, but when it came time to put them on before the ceremony, I kept fiddling with them and eventually ditched the necklace completely. I probably looked under accessorized to most people's standards/taste, but I felt like me and I felt like the focus was on my face and not my bling. Moral of story: Just do you!!

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  15. That headpiece just sold out. Sigh.

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  16. @Maggie, it looks like Leanne Marshall.

    I think those See By Chloe shoes are fabulous, but the gown is so light and airy! I might suggest something open-toed and less clunky, like these sandals by Chie Mihara. Just an idea. I was a minimalist bride, too, and I kept it very simple. Stay true to yourself; don't go crazy. Good luck. xo.

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    1. Exactly. If you're not usually into accessories don't get all over board on your wedding day.

      @AmyK had it right. Dress, headband, shoes, ring, DONE.

      P.S. I'm getting married outside too and bought something similar to these glittery flats. I know glitter is overdone but I like 'em, they'll be under my dress, and they're comfy. But then again, I'm wayy low maintenance.

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  17. Now those shoes, they are beautiful.

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  18. Those shoes are waaaaaay too clunky for that ethereal dress!
    A true ballet slipper would be great; attach ribbons and tie at the ankle.
    Minimal and beautiful and you won't sink .. and will be super comfy.

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  19. Love the shoes but in suede, they'll be ruined before she takes her first step on the grass. I agree with wedges but make sure they're leather or pleather or something that won't get ruined by dirt/moisture.

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    Replies
    1. Gah, @Jessica, you just made my day. I've been looking for low wedges for my backyard wedding! Awesome.

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  20. i don't think that dress needs a thing other than a beautiful face.

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  21. I like ESB's shoe suggestion but maybe not with the headband. All the low casual flats that everyone suggested = yuck, though.

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  22. Look for some Seychelles! These heels are MAGICAL. Well-built, good heel, so comfortable and out-door friendly. They're also so damn romantical and pretty. (Also I know not one but two brides who rocked them which doesn't make them less special just kinda perfection for the right lady.)

    Seychelles!

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  23. "It's a garden party in Sedona, so stilettos and everything I like will sink into the mud, no?"

    I don't think a lady who normally likes stilettos is going to feel badass and fabulous in flats. Flats are minimalist. They are also boring.

    The floaty ephemeral dress and that gorg T&H headband say to me woodsy, slightly Grecian. So what about a low metallic sandal?

    I like these by DVF, too, though minimal is not a word I'd use to describe anything with that high a platform.

    Seychelles and the wedge roundup are good suggestions, too. Can we get some feedback from the bride?

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    1. Someone find me the DVF in a 2-3" heel rather than 5" (FH would be dwarfed) and they're MINE!! Thank you KT! - The bride

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  24. Hey ladies. Those seychelles are NO GOOD. I tried them on to go with my dress and they were hideously uncomfortable. I got married outside - reception inside - and I knew from walking around in Nordstrom with them on that they would not work on the cobblestone walkway that I had to strut along. They don't tie tightly enough to make them sturdy and though I love seychelles normally - those are no good.

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    1. Ah, I didn't realize the link was to a specific pair. I was more in support of Seychelles as a concept. Last season they offered quite a variety of non-stiletto cute options: flat sandals, chunky heels, both closed and open toed wedges.

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  25. i am having this exact problem! and i almost bought the same headband from TH! and i'm having a farm wedding despite the fact that i've never before set foot on a farm! and i'm setting foot on that farm wearing boring flats! sigh...

    i think the hardest part about accessorizing for me, besides knowing when to stop, is trying to decide if the accessories i have chosen complement one another or clash with one another. i typically do not have this problem in real life (probably because i also don't normally wear too many accessories). but, there is something about the blank canvas of a white dress that makes the accessories stand out in way more noticeable ways.

    i think if you wear that headband with that dress and nothing else you will look fabulous. as for shoes, i simply do not know.

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  26. I'm late to the party, but I just bought these seychelles in pewter and they are fabulous. Comfortable, substantial heel, and definitely something that I will wear again after the wedding.

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  27. KT, Bride here, thank you all for your feedback. Stop the presses, the headband is going back!! Twigs and Honey/Myra is awesome and is going to help me exchange it - it just didn't work with the dress when it got here. Too much gold. Will get something else from Twigs and Honey, but not sure what yet. The dress is silk chiffon and it's by Leanne Marshall, of Project Runway.

    I'm digging the most hardy wearing wedge concept because as some of you mentioned the suede will get ruined in the grass...although I do dig those heel ESB posted and am open to exploring chunky. I've always actually been more of a flats girl, but wanted to add an inch or two of height. The dress does need a lift off the ground or the woodsy/garden area will rip up the silk chiffon like pantyhose on barefeet.

    Also, I love and adore all of you who said the dress doesn't need anything, and agree the neckline should stay clean, but, it really does need an accessory or two. I'm thinking colored studs in the ears. Minimal but what's there, adds.

    Thanks my evil hipster ESB commune! You guys are the bees. I'm still looking through all the links. Will send ESB pics after the June wedding.

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