Loeffler Randall + ESB!!

Remember what I said about Loeffler Randall being the official shoe of East Side Bride?

BOOM.


They've asked me to co-curate + co-judge this Pinterest contest (running May 21-May 28).

Here are the rules:

Step one: Follow @LoefflerRandall on Pinterest.

Step two: Repin the "Pin to Win" entry photo [pictured above] and at least one Loeffler Randall product photo from our lr // hitched board.

Step three: Add a comment to your product photo telling us how you would wear your pick at a wedding. (Your upcoming wedding, your imaginary wedding, your best friend's wedding... Any wedding!) Make sure each photo is tagged #HitchedInLR & #LoefflerRandall.

**UPDATE: The winners have been announced here and here. **

p.s. Just so you know, I'm not willy-nilly recommending Loeffler Randall without sampling the wares. I bought these furry gladiators last month and they are KICK ASS.

I FOUND YOUR WEDDING JACKET

Actually, prettyglorious found it, and I stole it right out of her Polyvore set.

I am overwhelmed at the prospect of sorting through all of your Colorado wedding ensembles and narrowing it down to just five for the vote. But. Shopbop asked me to extend the deadline...

You've got til 12pm pst on Thursday to keep shopping.

Jr. Bridesmaids Contest FAIL

REALLY, you guys??

I am so meh on the dresses you picked. The only two I liked were either in the wrong color scheme or not avail in the size we need.

Nobody gets a postcard.



Lauren's probably right that you need to take the minimaid shopping. Why not buy her some other clothes while you're at it?? And yes, rip the tags off.

But just to school you on how it's done.... Here are a few minimaid-ish dresses I like from Revolve clothing (which has a lot of XS options in fall colors).

At top: Vava by Joy Han Gabrielle Mini ($63), Directly above: BB Dakota Nelly Scattered Leaves Tank Dress ($52)

 Indah Jordan One Sleeve Mini Dress ($83)

Patterson J. Kincaid Harlow Belted Dress ($97)

Pls help me find a Jr. Bridesmaid's Dress!

Dear ESB,

I've asked my 13yr old cousin to be in my wedding. She's a really sweet kid who is super excited to be included, but she is in the unfortunate position of having a mom who has been wearing the same clothes since 1982, not only because she has no style, but because she's an extreme cheap-ass. I'm all for thrift but she takes it to another level. I've always tried to get my little cuz nice clothes for her birthday and Christmas and my aunt inevitably returns them. It's annoying. 

So now it's wedding time and if I want her to look decent I have to pick out the dress and probably pay for it, which is totally fine. The problem here is, I have no idea where to find something stylish for a 13yr old. When I say stylish I mean not some satin, bubble-skirt, homecoming dress nightmare. She doesn't want to look like a little kid, but I don't want her to look like some skanky suburban high school girl, either.

For the record, she's not a super skinny kid, she would be like a size 16 in girls possibly getting into junior's sizes. The wedding is in the fall, so fall-ish colors would be ideal (all the girls are picking out their own dresses, I don't have set colors, but all the dresses will be short) and I'd like to keep it around $100. 

I recognize this isn't the usual demographic that you shop for, but any help would be appreciated.

*****

First of all, YOUR AUNT SUCKS. You must immediately start SNEAKING CLOTHES to the poor kid behind her mom's back.

2. I thought I'd throw this one out to the readers and then put my faves up for a vote. I'm running around Vancouver for movie screenings + blah, and anyway what could be more perfect to celebrate All Ages than a Jr. Bridesmaid's contest??

Winner gets a postcard from CANADA. Or something.

Joana by Mafalda Silva via Girls on Film

omg i love you guys.

CROWNS IT IS!!

And the winner of the Bona Drag contest is Galerie, of the Racerback + Silver Fringe!

That Lauren Manoogian Cotter Fringe Necklace was THE most popular item you guys included in your outfits, and she really did work it the best.

Update: Photo by Kate Daigneault (thanks, Maddie!) via The Lane.

p.s. Galerie, email me!!

Bona Drag Shopping Contest: THE VOTE!

So, I challenged you guys to put together an outfit for the Philly Bride featuring a dress for under $250 and at least one item from the Bona Drag online store. 

I also said I'd give extra points to anyone who found a way to incorporate small dogs/cats/bunnies. No idea what I was thinking.

Anyhoo. You guys did really well. And some of you made me look like a complete photoshop amateur, but I tried not to hold it against you (TONIA).

from Johnna (pictured above): This dress. These shoes. This bracelet. This ring. <-- jaguars count as cats.. right?

from Galerie: amazing acne naia dress with braided racer back, silver fringe necklace, grey suede platform sandals, and to splurge, a fabulous lace cape

from Tonia: The dress is here, the shoes here, the bracelet here and the DOG CHARM (!!!) here (hopefully I am not the only one in-love with wiener dogs.)

from Aimee: hello lovely! ($216), with this necklace ($545, i knooow), and these shoes ($398) and if there is a chill this jacket ($98)

from Melissa: Alright, the reformation dress, with these gorg pearls and the highest, comfiest heels or wedges you can find.

Pls use your vote wisely. The winner will receive a $200 gift certificate from Bona Drag.

Wedding? Yes! Rehearsal? NO.

I am having the super funsiest time perusing your Shopping Contest entries. Nicole almost stole my heart for doing the above layout herself in Polyvore.

But you guys should know better than to suggest any kind of dress in white/ivory/blush for a rehearsal dinner.

DON'T BLOW YOUR WHITE-DRESS WAD THE NIGHT BEFORE THE DAMN WEDDING.

I'll give you til Monday afternoon-ish PST to post more entries/redeem yourselves.

Erin Fetherston dress on The Outnet ($195), Big Bunny Ring by Digby & Iona at Catbird ($180), Rabbit's Foot Necklace from Cities In Dust Inc. ($60), Jeffrey Campbell Rose Floral Platforms from Bona Drag ($130)

don't want to look skanky at my rehearsal... (It's a SHOPPING CONTEST, you guys!)

Dear ESB,

First, your website rocks.

Second, I need some advice. I'm getting married to the best man ever in the suburbs of Philadelphia in November. The wedding itself is a bit more rustic/chic. To satisfy our urban/chic sides, we've opted to have the rehearsal dinner in the penthouse of a steakhouse in the city with a sick view of the Philadelphia skyline (yes, there is one).

My wedding dress is pretty traditional, all lace, strapless, corset back, beautiful, etc. So for the rehearsal, I want to wear something a bit edgy/sexy/urban. I'm having trouble finding the right dress in my budget (less than $250 please!) that isn't total skank or total bo-ring. I'm slender, nearly 5'11'', and not afraid to wear some serious heels. Got anything for me?

Your help would be, well, awesome.

Philly Bride

*****

All right you guys, here's the challenge:

Put together an outfit for our Philly Bride featuring a dress for under $250 (obv) and one item from the Bona Drag online store. Bona Drag has a rad selection of edgy/sexy/urban dresses, but feel free to shop their shoes and/or jewelry if you find a kickass dress elsewhere.

Extra points for ppl who find a way to incorporate small dogs/cats/bunnies into their ensembles. (Or would that not be edgy?? I'm losing perspective.)

Paste as many entries as you can dream up in the comments below (one entry per comment), and PULEEZE use this little bit of html to create links:

<a href="http://lewebsite.com/">Le Website</a>

or

<a href="PASTE THE LINK HERE">WHAT DO YOU WANT TO CALL THE LINK?</a>

(Get it? Blogger very thoughtfully offers a preview, so you can see if the link worked before you publish your comment.)

I'll do like with the Country Club Wedding Crisis, and post my favorite outfits for you guys to vote on.

My lady at Bona Drag is offering a $200 gift certificate to the winner. WOOT UP!

Pictured: Pamela Love Single Porcupine Needle Pendant (I die) + Society for Rational Dress Blue Stripe Open Back Maxi
______________________________

This is not a paid post.

HOUSTON, WE'VE HAD A PROBLEM

The Jack & Ginger, which is winning our contest with 30% of the vote, is no longer available in a medium.

Do we give it to the Wren, which is #2 with 21%?

Do we throw the Wren into a run-off with the Vero Moda (which is at #3 if we count Rob's 50 votes, which I think we should)?

Should MSUN just buy this stupid J. Crew dress, which my friend M thinks would be far more appropriate for a Country Club wedding than any of the other options?

Do you guys like this late entry better than anything else??

Is this all too boring for words and should we just GO DRINK A MARTINI ALREADY?

happy friday, ladypantses ;)

Photo: Lara Stone courtesy of POP Magazine 2007 via PAPERFASHION + Fashionising
_____________________________

FWIW, I voted for this puppy. To be rocked with kil-ler heels. Not wedges, HEELS.

kiss my [BLANK]: the winner!

The results are in for our first annual #kissmyBLANK contest, sponsored by Juice Beauty!

This pie chart I created in Wufoo is a little wonky, but accurate, I assure you.

(Click here to see the entries from all ten finalists.)

Tied for 3rd runner-up with 11.1% of the votes: @bikebuiltfortwo + @desertfete
2nd runner-up with 13.7%: @cevd
1st runner-up with 17%: @10_4_eleanor

Each of these lovely ladies will receive a four-pack of Juice Beauty's Organic Kisses Reflecting Glosses in "bubbly, light champagne, pretty pink, sumptuous fig and juicy, sweet guava." I've been dying to try these out, although my colleague at Juice Beauty refuses to pick up the hint.

And with 20.3% of the votes..... THE WINNER IS.....

@hartandsolphoto Effing couch hogs. #kissmyBLANK

Hart + Sol gets a basket of Juice Beauty products including Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer, Eye Treatment and Green Apple Peel (your choice of Full Strength or Sensitive). 

We'll expect you to tweet a couple of #kissmyBLANK's about how amazing your skin feels. Did I mention that?

I guess I'm just a little sad that the contest is over.

p.s. Don't forget, the Juice Beauty promotion (free full size Hydrating Mist with a minimum order of $30!) has been extended through July 8. Enter code ESB at checkout

p.p.s. Contest winner + runners-up, pls email me your dets and I'll pass em along to my man at JB, who is, in fact, quite terrific.

kiss my [BLANK]: vote!

Who will be crowned the winner of ESB's first annual #kissmyBLANK contest, sponsored by Juice Beauty??

I asked you guys to submit original photos depicting the single most annoying thing about wedding planning. Or marriage. Or life in general. Mostly you submitted photos of your pets. (ARE YOU SUCKING UP TO ME, OR WHAT?)

Anyhoo. I've narrowed it down to ten. Now it's your job to vote.....

@desertfete My mom doesn't seem to think I require a pillow. And so I'm left to make do with a wall. #kissmyBLANK

@celiasayshello Unfortunately, the cat has not managed to learn how to feed himself. #kissmyBLANK

@amy_inOC hot day & i need a pump 4 my blow up pool! #kissmyBLANK

@polaropposites so cold outside in St. John's (45ºF! on June 16th!) that the turtleneck had to come out of hiding. #kissmyBLANK

@bikebuiltfortwo not dishes but they are clean. #makingdinner #lesbianmarriedlife #kissmyBLANK

@cevd trash that never makes it to the bin in time for pickup. #kissmyBLANK

@klovescoffee I love my cat, but changing the freaking litter box... #kissmyBLANK

@hartandsolphoto Effing couch hogs. #kissmyBLANK

@ridiculousnikki what the F*CK, spider?? #kissmyBLANK

@10_4_eleanor Papparazzi-like guests at a wedding shower? (and THIS is the shot they post??) #kissmyBLANK

The WINNER will be awarded a basket of Juice Beauty products including Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer, Eye Treatment and Green Apple Peel (which, helloo, I need that).

And the four runners-up will receive Juice Beauty's Organic Kisses. You may feel free to vote for anyone you think needs organic kisses. Or not. Your choice.

p.s. Since the Juice Beauty promotion has been so popular (free full size Hydrating Mist with a minimum order of $30!) I talked them into extending it through July 8. Enter code ESB at checkout.

welcome to PANTS WEEK on esb!

I have several pants-related Dear ESB's lined up, and I thought I'd also take the opportunity to post a few of my recent favorite photos of ladies wearing pants.

If you've got favorite pants photos, send em my way! (With photo credits pls, if possible.)

This one is Marion Cotillard by Christian Kettiger, via Ez Pudewa via Bethany D.

p.s. You should also feel free to email me submissions for the #kissmyBLANK contest. I hate to exclude those of you with private twitter accounts.

kiss my [BLANK]

I'm super excited to announce ESB's first annual #kissmyBLANK contest, sponsored by Juice Beauty.

Here's how it works:

You guys submit original photos via Twitter depicting the single most annoying thing about wedding planning. Or marriage. OR LIFE IN GENERAL.

Just tweet your photo with the hashtag #kissmyBLANK. Images hosted on any platform, including YFrog, TwitPic, Flickr and Instagram, are acceptable.

Feel free to submit as many photos as you like. (Because the single most annoying thing changes from moment-to-moment, obviously.)

The prize, a basket of Juice Beauty goods including Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer, Eye Treatment and Green Apple Peel, will go to the person who best expresses her (or his!) particular frustration. And the four runners-up will receive Juice Beauty's Organic Kisses.

The contest starts...... NOW!

Two weeks from today, on Tuesday, June 28, I'll post my top ten picks so you guys can vote for the winner.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

p.s. Because I blathered on and on about how I'm such a faithful Juice Beauty user (I am! I've been using the Green Apple products for almost three years!) they hooked us up with a really great deal. With a minimum order of $30, you get a free (FULL SIZE) Hydrating Mist. I made a special request for this item because it's one of my faves and plus I figured you might need to cool down after snapping all those snarky photos. The promo will last until June 30 -- enter code ESB at checkout. 

p.p.s. There seem to be a lot of exclamation points in this post. My sincere apologies. 

*Update: We can only mail prizes within the US + Canada, but please, we'd love you to submit photos from EVERYWHERE. You could win a prize for your cousin in Topeka, yes?*

The 11th Reason Being Married Is Just Better

No, it is not "the rock."

Before I announce the contest winner, I would just like to say that H took his judging duties very seriously. He printed out all the entries (including comments from unruly things) and attempted to use a very complex starring system. In the end, though, there were so many stars he had to just go with his gut.

So without further ado...


THE RUNNERS-UP:*

dental insurance, baby, woohoo!
Also, initiative to buck up and GO to the dentist. No one wants to be the wife with the teeth falling out of her head when she's 40.
- Kerry

He encourages you to take a new job, which comes with a decent pay-cut, because your happiness is more important than $10,000.
- mrsbutton


THE WINNER:**

when people ask us "when are you two going to have a baby?", responding with either "when we need to save the marriage" or "maybe we will make one tonight". It's fun to watch people's reactions.
- LindsFM 


(Crystal Brass Knuckles by Debra Baxter via FFFFOUND!)
______________________________

*To receive bags of premium gummy worms.

**To receive the mix cd, and maybe another secret treasure or two.

And with that, I am DONESIES with contests/giveaways for a good long while. I promise.

enter the feather love contest. srsly.

Noa changed the rules. May schmay! Couples getting married any time are now free to enter. Plus she is really talking up this whole East Side Bride feature thing. She thinks I'm a big deal. (Hee hee.)

p.s. Have you looked at Noa's portfolio? I think she's the big deal.

(Image by Noa Azoulay-Sclater of Feather Love Photography)

A feather love contest

I never post contests... but Noa of Feather Love Photography just gave me the scoop on this, and it's too cool for me not to put up.

Noa is offering free wedding photography to one lucky couple getting married this May. She's looking for something "vintage/ hippie/ indie/ handcrafted/ hip." (Read: in dire need of free photography.) Extra points for English Garden or Great Gatsby inspired.*

And we are hatching a wee plan to feature the winning wedding on esb... If you think you might be down for that.

(Image by Noa Azoulay-Sclater of Feather Love Photography)

*Am I imagining things, or is everyone obsessed with The Great Gatsby all of a sudden?