Waiting to elope

Dear ESB,

My man and I have known we wanted to be together for the legal long haul for quite some time, and last year I asked him if he would be ok with eloping. He's always been very clear about how ready he is to sign on the dotted line, and said, "just let me know when you want to marry me." So I asked him one day how much notice he'd like--he said one day's notice. To save for rings and possibly a honeymoon, I talked him into a year's notice.

So I've thought about it and thought about it--all  the time I frustrate myself with this silly waiting game. We know we want to get married, we don't want to have a wedding, why not just do it? I've thought about giving "a year's notice" in November, for our anniversary. We're going to the mountains like we did last year (to stay with a very inspiring 83 year old German woman in an 19th century farmhouse, on her peacock farm run by 4 huge Alsatian dogs! Incidentally, the Frau thinks we're married and sends us mail addressed to Mr. & Mrs. Mylastname. Sehr suß.)

Then today, I don't know why, I thought: why don't we just elope this November? Another thing weighing on my mind is that I don't know how much longer my grandmother is going to be alive... we live on opposite sides of the country and she has decided it's too difficult for her to travel anymore. We're still very close, and last month I was lucky enough to spend 8 days with her. We talked extensively about marriage and relationships and I got her approval to marry my dearest. I know it would make her happy, and also fill the empty frame that she's been staring at in the hallway among all the family wedding photos. (She even hinted while I was there, "maybe one of the grandkids will get married!" The reason the frame is empty is quite sad--her youngest son--a preacher!--cut off all communication with the family.) Also, I know I want to wear my grandmother's beautiful blue velvet dress (with a leather jacket, naturally) to the courthouse. November would be just enough time to hem the dress and call a photographer--perfect, no?

Am I just making this way more complicated than it needs to be? It's an elopement for chrissake! Should I tell him I'd rather fuck this whole plan-an elopement-a-year-in-advance thing? OR should I surprise him when we're already in the mountains? He's my best friend--I feel like I've been sitting on this "year's notice" thing waiting for November to roll around when really we're married every day, just not on paper. OR should we really wait a year and save up for a kick ass honeymoon?

Sincerely,
Waiting to elope

*****

Surprise him.

Hem the dress, call a photographer, and give him one day's notice just like he asked you to.

p.s. Yay!!

Lola by Hilary Walsh, styled by Brett Bailey, makeup by Sara Glick for Unwind Magazine

a little something blue

From Alyson Fox's new collection. How gorg would this necklace be with a simple white dress? I mean, right??

Email Alyson directly for pricing + availability. (And soon. That shit sells out quick.)

p.s. Remember Alyson's own repurposed wedding dress? Gaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Back to the usual DRESS PROBLEMS

Dear ESB,

The year started off like any other: working my full-time job, trying to get my photography career going, making plans for my fiance's film shoot in a developing country... We shot the film in March. In April my sister/bestie had a baby. In May, baby daddy left. In June we found out my dad had cancer. In July my dad had surgery. In August we found out the film we made will premier at Tiff (in September)!! The stress and travel of 2011 are now catching up to me and my chronic illness, which has been in remission for two years, is back. 

Now you have my list of reasons (excuses) for why I don't have a wedding dress. My other excuse is that I can't justify spending a bucket-load on one article of clothing blah, blah, blah. I've been to bridal shops and am pretty grossed out by the shiny, plastic-y dresses that appear to have been designed in the 90's.

I'm 5'3", size 8 and my stomach swells to four-months-pregnant when I'm stressed thanks to the aforementioned chronic illness (I'm probably exaggerating). I'd like something long, with some structure and in the white family. Empire waists are not my friend. My budget is $500ish. The wedding is in November in a restored barn on a mountain.

I live in New York and have done the department store circuit. Any suggestions on where else I might shop? Have you seen anything that might work? Am I being too picky and/or cheap?

Thanks.

No Time To Shop

*****

You guys feel like shopping????????

I am officially stumped. Last night I was all ready to recommend the Marilyn Gown (I had it PASTED UP and everything, with flowers-in-hair a la Tori) when I realized it has a fucking empire waist.

I guess I must be out of practice.





Or...... lazy. There's a distinct possibility that I'm lazy.

Carola Remer by Sean & Seng for POP F/W 2011 via Kylea Borges via Sylvia Buchacher via don't you wish you had some more?

I don't want my in-laws at the wedding

Dear ESB,

We're a month away from our wedding and just now having some parent-issues.

My fiance has been on the outs with his parents/family for the better part of a few years. They've never really been happy with the fact that he's been with me, simply for the fact as I am not Jewish and he is (non-practicing, he really could care less about it). The one time we've met, they were really cold and pretended that I wasn't there. Nice, right? They were indifferent when he told them we were engaged as well and he hasn't really wanted to talk to them since.

Now that we're so close to the wedding, they want in. They want to go to the wedding to support him because they love him, even though they would've preferred a Jewish girl and that it's "bad enough" he's marrying outside of the faith, but they're "willing to put it aside." That's really the only reason.

I've really refrained from going batshit and telling him that I hate the whole lot of them for being such assholes because I don't want to put him in a position where he can't feel like he can talk openly about them and I always want him to be able to talk to me if he's feeling like shit. He now basically has asked me if I want them there. I don't want to be the one making this decision, but I also don't really want these people at our wedding.

Heeeeellp.

P.S. I am not planning on converting, as the both of us are pretty agnostic in our beliefs.

*****

You won. He's marrying you. Now you get to be the bigger person.

They're his PARENTS for fuck's sake. YES, YOU WANT THEM THERE.

Hyoni Kang by Lincoln Pilcher for Vogue China via Fashion Gone Rogue

psssssst.

there's a new dear esb for you over on 100lc.

get over there, wouldja?

coco rocha by bruce weber for vogue paris november 2007 via

Hinged Strung Stitched: handmade albums, books + boxes

For those of you still on the hunt for the perfect wedding album, Hinged Strung Stitched makes these simple, beautiful pieces by hand in their Portland studio.

Materials for the albums are all 100% cotton rag, acid free + archival, which I learned from my dear archivist readers (multiple! I've got multiple archivist readers!) is pretty crucial.
______________________________

First person to say "$200 for a blank book?" gets STRUNG UP. You are welcome to go to Walmart and buy a cheap-ass non-archival album, or source the acid-free paper and bind a motherfucking archival album yourself, but I really don't want to hear it.

Seeking: A FABULOUS FAKE

Dear ESB,

I'm looking for a fabulous fake diamond. My fiance proposed with an awesomely artistic wooden promise ring as a place holder because he knows how specific I can be. So I've been searching for the perfect ring and found it but I know the actual diamond will cut into our savings.

We are paying for the wedding, ourselves, putting a downpayment on a home and getting a new car in the very immediate future. I figure we can cut costs by getting a quality 2.5 - 3 carat fake and upgrade it later. So I'm looking for a fabulous fake for now that is undetectable to the naked eye and I want the OO's and Ah's to ensue.

I know that I can spot a Cubic Zirconia rainbow sparkle a mile away but not much more after that. Any advice?

Thanks in advance!

*****

Wear your AWESOME PROMISE RING until you can afford a $10,000 diamond.

Or: Spend the damn money if the OO's and Ah's are that important to you. Which, barf.

Emerald Cut Ring (pictured in bronze with sterling jewel) by Digby & Iona. The only sort of fake you'll ever catch me endorsing.

Dear ESB: Do I need wedding programs?

this should be easy. I just need a little guidance or kick in the pants.

Do I need wedding programs? Those little booklets one receives at a wedding that lists out the bridal party and all the songs and scripture (getting married in a church).

I've got ideas to DYI something beautiful, but the idea of spending a large amount of time for something most people use as a fan, leaves me with a headache. I don't want to be plagued with too many projects.

So, can I scrap the hundred bucks or so, and if people want to know how I met my maid of honor, they could ask and I could tell them?

many thanks

*****

fuck the programs!

Photo by Steve Fitch (1973) from the Diesels and Dinosaurs series, property of the Smithsonian American Art Museum via Bailey B via Una Vida Bella + Koprolitos

the search for THE PERFECT BAG

You guys, I'm on a bag hunt.

I suddenly realized I really ought not carry my "I ♥ LA" tote around the Vancouver Film Festival. (Much as I love my I ♥ LA tote. Which I have toted EVERYWHERE for almost two years now.)

This Dry Wax Haversack by Hoi Bo is just about the perfect bag, though I think I want something all black. Mabs they'd do me a custom black leather strap??

It's made of hand-waxed cotton, so it's completely water and dirt-proof, but it's much more lightweight (I'm assuming) than a leather bag. Have you ever toted a leather tote? That shit gets heavy FAST.

The Wet Wax Weekender pretty much slays me, too.

Hoi Bo isn't easy to purchase online, but the lovely ladies are happy to ship internationally if you email them directly.

(via n &n)

did I say I was "over" veils?

whoopsy.

(photos by lillian and leonard)

Um.

Dear ESB,

Although I could write an essay on the in-law drama I've had over the past 11 months, I'll spare you and me and cut to the real, pressing issue-at-hand: cowboy boots.

I have a beautiful pair of ivory silk Louboutins for my ceremony and cocktail hour but, much to the dismay of my mother, I want to wear cowboy boots to my reception. Not in the cheesy "I'm from Texas" way, but in the "I want to dance my ass off and I love boots" kind of way. And though I have 5 pairs of well worn boots, none of them seem a fit with my dress which, although fancy, was made for a great pair of boots. This is the dress but mine will be Ivory with a blush underlayer. Can you help me find the perfect boots? In 2 weeks?? HELP!

yours truly,
barefoot bride

*****

No

Dear ESB: Should I disregard your advice?

Dear ESB,

My wedding is fast approaching and for the first 6 months of searching for a dress, I was dead set on finding something vintage. It took me that long (and several purchases) to admit to myself that I’d have a better chance of encountering a unicorn than a vintage wedding dress even close to my size (and in my budget). So I went with a new dress that I love and makes my mom very happy.

Rewind back to vintage dress shopping, and I come across this beautiful lace wiggle dress that fits me perfectly (and I mean perfectly!). It’s clearly not my wedding dress, but I bought it anyway. It’s about twice as much as I would ever spend on a dress without a specific place to wear it, so, I’m thinking rehearsal dinner. The thing is, it is in the cream color family. I would say more of a beige-ish with gold accents. I know your rule about wearing anything close to white on the night before the wedding, but it’s sooo pretty. And perfect for my evening, cocktail-style rehearsal dinner (not my afternoon picnic wedding).

Should I go against your highly regarded advice, or find something else to wear?

Sincerely,
Pining Over Vintage

*****

You're a grownup. Do whatever you want.

Photo by Viviane Sassen of Kinga Rajzak for Pop Magazine via Soph Mueller

Inter-continental wedding woes: FOLLOW-UP

Dear ESB,

Just an update... I was this girl, who was asking your advice on how to plan a wedding for two families from opposite sides of the pond who aren't loaded.

In the end, for many many reasons, we decided to have a ceremony in both lands. The first was a civil ceremony in my Grandma's backyard in Michigan. While the location was originally chosen as she was housebound (and I wanted her to attend my wedding more than anyone in the world beside myself and my fiance), she passed away 2 months before the wedding. The ceremony went ahead, the last family event to take place in her home, after nearly 60 years and 5 generations celebrating all major events there. As you can probably guess, it was a very emotional day, but it was everything I've ever wanted in a wedding. We ate BEFORE the ceremony (a barbeque catered by my former boss), I wearing a burgundy dress that my grandmother wore as her "going away dress" the day after her wedding in 1941.

My family did everything for the wedding for us: decorating the backyard, hiring a tent and chairs, and covering everything with flowers, on a budget of literally 600 dollars. Right before the ceremony, I changed into a light blue 1950's dress. My cousin played Beatles songs on his guitar as my hub walked in with his parents and me with mine. We then danced the night away to an iPod in the pouring rain on the back deck.

On the Irish side, we rented out a boutique hotel in the country, a shabby chic Georgian stately home.  We had a small marquee on the front lawn, and my Uncle Mike, a minister, performed the blessing under a giant willow tree on the property. The music was a small bluegrass band, whom I'd found busking on the streets of Dublin. I wore a dress by Maria Lluisa Rabell, this Spanish designer who only uses unbleached natural fabrics (bought it at a trunk sale and had it altered). Our guests danced the night away to an 80's cover band, and then our friend DJ'ed into the wee hours.

This is all to say, thanks to you and those who commented, it was nice to have some moral support.  And while my Irish wedding was more "weddingy" than my Michigan one, I really preferred the civil ceremony, and in my heart it was my "real" wedding.

Love,
Midwestern Girl

p.s. The first set of photos (the backyard bbq) are by a family friend called Hugh Plummer. Second set (the Irish country celebration): my amazing friend and professional photographer Karina Finegan. 

*****

SO. GREAT.

♥

Shoes, Guest List + THE BATHROOM SINK

Dear ESB,

So, it's not like I waited for all this to happen and then email you. Nope, it all happened yesterday. I'll start off with the fun:

SHOES
I'm wearing this dress (front, back). I'm in love with it. If possible, I'm in love with the shoes equally as much. So, our wedding venue is an art studio loft space on the top floor of a building in Washington DC. I recently discovered there is access to the roof via a ladder that looks like this. Clearly, I want pictures on the roof, there are views of the Capitol, Washington Monument, etc. But, definitely won't be walking up that ladder in heels. I found these for ladder climbing and beyond. I love them, so do my MOH and BM. Problem being, FH doesn't like them, but says I'll be gorgeous no matter what, plus, the dress covers the shoes. I'm leaning towards not getting them, advice?

GUEST LIST
I own my house, I have two roommates. One I love, one I don't. The one I don't is moving out 3 months earlier than I planned for. Which equates to nearly $2K in losses. I'm happy to have her go, but worried about money, and what that means for wedding budget (we're paying for it ourselves). I would give it a 95% chance I will not see said roommate in the 3 months between my wedding and when she moves out. Before I felt obligated to invite her. But, does this get me off the hook?

MOVING IN
So, why not have FH move in? I'm actually surprised how unopposed I am to having him move in 3 months early. But, I'm worried that my motivations for this are purely financial, which makes me think this is a bad idea. Then there's all the stuff you learn about each other when you move in, and we'd be doing that with a roommate instead (who we both love, but still). Should we just save that for marriage, or does it not really matter in the scheme of things? If he moved in, he'd live in the open room, not mine. (We're both church-going, religious, and virgins -- and intend to stay that way.) Then there's the stigma at church -- but I don't *think* I care about that too much. We both feel the same way about this, sort of unsure, sort of surprised by thinking it would be okay.

OH, and about halfway through engagement my parents told us they are getting a divorce (after 29 years) and my dad cheated on my mom. That shattered all kinds of things in my heart. Still trying to figure out what, if any, part my dad plays in the wedding. But, that's a whole other email I suppose.

*****

1. I'm more concerned about you climbing the ladder in THAT DRESS than in the heels.

2. Yes.

3. Move him in. The sooner the better. Maybe it's not ideal for you to learn all the he-throws-his-dirty-socks-on-the-floor-and-leaves-his-mustache-trimmings-in-the-sink stuff with a roommate, but better now than after you get married.

Image courtesy of Cymbeline

EAT, or go to my best friend's wedding?

My best friend is getting married and she appointed me and her sister as maids of honor. The wedding was supposed to take place next Summer, which gave her and everyone involved plenty of time to save and plan, etc... She and her fiance have now decided to basically elope and get married at city hall with just very close family and friends invited. They will have a photographer, and will be holding a reception dinner at a low key, trendy place. The reason they decided to go this route is to save money and take a large amount of stress off of their shoulders. I love my best friend dearly and I absolutely adore her fiance and they are such an amazing couple. I want her to be happy no matter how she decides to tie the knot. Here's my dilemma...

The newly proposed wedding is in 8 weeks. I live clear across the country and cannot afford the hefty price tag of the flight. I have to eat and support myself! I could save up for it seeing as I have 8 weeks, but the flight will only get more expensive. My best friend said that they could try to work half of my flight into the budget, but me being who I am, told her that that wouldn't be necessary. It's important for me to be there for her and I really want to experience that day with them, but it's going to be so painful to my bank account. And I can't help but think that this day has lost some of its emotion involved, I mean, what's the rush? If they changed their minds once they could do it again potentially. And I'm using my last two vacation days which would allow me to be home for 3 days.

When I think about what she means to me and how much fun I know I will have, I am positive about the whole thing, and I don't care if I starve for two weeks. But when I think about it realistically, the money, the time, the fact that she doesn't really need me there anymore, it makes my decision impossible! Everyone that I have asked says that I should just tell her the truth, that I can't really afford it, and that it's a lot of money and effort to come home for just a few days. But my heart is telling me that I should go, and be there for my best friend no matter what.

What should I do?!

*****

Dude, it's your BEST FRIEND?

That's what credit cards are for.

Photo by Todd Hido via Charles Hall + photokaboom

In support of the kaftan...

...I was going to comment on your recent post.  But at the time I read the post the comments on other posts were getting, shall we say, slightly tetchy. And frankly I didn’t want to get torn to shreds. I’m a coward and I’m ok with that.

Anyway, to get to the point (and I appreciate I’m slightly late in getting there) and in support of the venerable garment that is the epitome of all things 70s, I thought I’d send you the above photos of my wedding last year. I wore a Temperley kaftan. I am led to believe that it was supposed to be beach-wear. I loved it. My husband loved it. The guests said they loved it. My brother said I looked like I should be in Blake’s 7.  

And that’s all I have, other than to say that you evil club of mean hipster brides rocks. But you knew that anyway.

*****

No, YOU ROCK.

(Images 1 +2 by Laura Hall, Image 3 by Carl Lewis)

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!!

quick question

would it be inapprops for brides to straight-up start wearing CROWNS?

i welcome your nominations for the next headpiece.

louise bourgeois by bruce weber for helmut lang via la garçonne via wool&misc via woodleyparkzoo

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.

g'morning.

Perhaps you'll forgive my dilly-dallying on getting the Bona Drag vote up if I give you a new my maid of honor is a cunt?

I was up all night packing for a wee trip to my dad's while H took my computer apart and put it back together again. (Okay, not really. But he did update my old-ass version of photoshop, which took FOREVSBALLZ.)

Christina Ricci by Mert &amp; Marcus via Fashion Gone Rogue
______________________________

Brought to you live from the Vancouver airport. I LOVE YOU, VANCOUVER!

happy tuesballz.

I just had to post these photos from oh, darling! Lovely faces, lovely light. Fabulous dresses on the guests.

Speaking of... There's a new Dear ESB regarding guest attire for you over on 100 LC.

HAIR!

Dear ESB,

I have long, thick, heavy hair. And by long, I mean like I have to ensure it doesn't fall in the loo when I take a wee.

I usually wear it down, or piled high in a messy rat's nest bun on the top of my head, held together by three, yes, three elastics.

Problem is, I want to look somewhat less like a hobo, and more like a sexy biatch for my wedding.

I went for a hair trial (ugh) on the weekend, and got them to do something like this. Looked great... for about an hour, then it lost all its volume with the weight of my hair, and turned into a saggy mess that looked worse than my usual tangles. Even with the 6 million pins the hair dresser used.

Any suggestions on a badass sexy hairstyle that will hold up my heavy hair? I also have a killer low backed dress, and didn't really wanna cover it up by having my hair down. Or should I just suck it up, and chop a foot or so off my locks?

xox,
Cousin It

*****

CHOP IT ALREADY. Jesus.

Image by Riitta Ikonen

Dear ESB: What do I get my [BLANK]?

I've been getting a lot of requests for gifts lately. 

Gifts (under $200) for the 8 friends flying to Ireland for a destination wedding. Gifts (under $100) for the rad future in-laws. Gifts under $40 for the bridesmaids and the artsy parents and the "well.... um... lame" in-laws-to-be.

I don't do lame. But you can't go wrong with a porcelain skull or a handmade salt bowl, amirite?

Porcelain Beaver Skull by Beetle & Flor at Smith + Butler ($175, pictured at top) or Skunk Skull ($80, pictured above) at Magpie & Rye

Alder Fruit Bowl ($175) + Arbutus Salt Bowl ($45) from Herriott Grace 

Note: This shop sells out FAST, so if you're serious about buying one of their pieces, join the mailing list.

Signature Bracelet from Scosha ($25)

Catbird Candle ($32)

I finally invested in Tarot Deck after Leigh tipped me off that it smells like records. So best. It makes the bedroom smell good even when it's not burning.

Deborah Lippman Boom Pow Nail Polish with 24K gold dust ($20)

Image via Accidental Chic

Dear East Side Bride: I feel numb

 
Aug 20 2:18AM   

So I have been reading for awhile but never really needed to write until now, since most of the planning has been done by other people (I know, lucky me). My wedding is in exactly one week and I feel like a zombie. Everyone is way more excited than I am and expects me to be over the moon, but I just can't find it anywhere in me to even fake it. This has been going on for over a month now, I thought it would go away as the date approached but no luck.   

Some details - I was living in the US (until a week ago) and am currently trying to finish grad school which normally sucks all my mental energy. My FH lives in Paris and the plan is to live with him and work on my thesis from there until I am done. I used to live with him in Paris, the move is of course a big one, but I've done it before. The wedding is actually in Rome, because that's where his family is, so I have a bunch of friends and family coming from CA and then he has a huge family (who did most of the planning before we finished saying 'we're engaged' - although my parents jumped in and helped quickly). The wedding itself should be great - I'm not so worried about the details and I don't have any misconceptions about how 'perfect' things should be, etc. I originally wanted to do it next spring when I know I would be finished with many years of grad school hell, but his family and my family convinced us to do it sooner (our gramma's are getting old). I agreed, got a little stressed about it again recently, but I think I'm over that.

I should also mention that getting married was mostly my idea. My FH is somewhat against the idea for political reasons, but since we are from two different countries we don't have much of a choice. Since the engagement he sort of took over the planning and got excited about everything, so I know there is no resentment there on his end. Actually - he is great. I'm super super super lucky. In fact I remember talking to a good friend about 2 months ago about how lucky I have felt in this relationship because of how well things work.

My problem now though is that I have developed some sort of amnesia.... I remember saying that, but I don't remember how it feels. I don't remember how anything feels. I don't care about the wedding anymore, I don't care that I am in Rome, I don't care about moving to Paris, all I want to do is sit in a pool with a drink in my hand or run off to some island far away and hang out at the beach. It's hard to talk about because I know the whole thing sounds like a fairy tale and I should be so super happy and excited.... I'm not sure if this is some sort of adrenal fatigue from grad school (for those of you who haven't experienced a PhD program, it's like getting repeatedly punched in the face and trying to keep working and smile through it). I WAS excited about it before. I haven't changed my opinion on my FH. He's awesome. I was hoping when I arrived in Paris and saw him again after 3 months all of this would go away, but it hasn't. Has anyone else gone through this at all? Part of me is scared, which I know is normal, but the rest of me is completely blank.   

Any advice would be helpful at this point. Our families have planned a super fun wedding for us, with several other parties before and I really would like to enjoy everything - I have no idea what happened to me.

*****

Aug 20 11:39AM

Are you IN LOVE with him?

*****  

Aug 21 12:58AM   

Yeah, I am.

*****

That's all that matters. Don't beat yourself up about enjoying the stupid wedding.  

Gemma Ward by Craig McDean for Vogue Italia February 2005 via Mari M

Seeking: A new signature necklace

Hey ESB-
I'm searching for a *new* signature necklace, as mine tragically perished on a roadtrip as of late. Sadface. You know, an every day small metal charm kind of thing. Help a sister out?

*****

I spotted this little faceted necklace on etsy and thought of you immediately. It comes in antique gold (pictured), oxidized silver and oxidized gunmetal.

Via n &n, who just pinned the little faceted studs

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)

The new BHLDN?

(click to enlarge)

Stone Fox Bride. Could be genius. Could be a faux-indie-wedding nightmare.

Note: Not all stone foxes need the hook-up on yoga studios, acupuncturists and ASTROLOGISTS. (I just threw up in my mouth a little.)

Anyhoo. Can I get a volunteer to go check out the store -- and snap pics, obv -- the instant they open?

Thank you, Stephanie, for the heads-up. Whatever would I do without you??