I have always been one of those lucky women who can wear a hat, almost any hat really.  And there is something grand about a hat.  It hearkens back to an era of civility.  It dares to go where few women these days tread.  But with the recent resurgence of the head band with large fascinators I dare to say hats will be coming back.

Recently my Mother traveled through Ireland and she found Kathleen McAuliffe a woman who makes extraordinary hats.  When she saw these hats she immediately thought of my friend who is going to have the most beautiful wedding this summer and who has really fun style.  So I wanted to pass along the fun for any bride or wedding party that dares to be a little more eclectic in a really beautiful classy way.  They are pricey, but absolutely beautiful and really top quality, as they are hand made and have been featured worldwide.  Below are some of my favorites:

Perfect for accompanying a cute simple bridesmaid dress.

Black used to be a no-no at weddings, but nowadays anything goes, and ooh wouldn’t this go so well at a formal outdoor wedding?  I can just see it looking so beautiful and demur for a wedding set on a beautiful stone patio.

For the bride who doesn’t want a gigantic bird, but a gorgeous loopdy loop instead.  This would be to die for with a simple form fitting dress.

Now this to me is a show stopper, and it would photograph so well.

The perfect Mother of the Bride hat.  It won’t be prettier than the bride, but it will grab the appropriate amount of attention the Mother of the Bride deserves, plus I think it has a bit of authority to it.

Now if you go to a wedding and someone is wearing this, you just know you are going to have a good time.  It is called Kate and it is just longing to come home and reside with this Kate.

This hat is just so cute.  And wearable to so many things.  And wouldn’t it just pair so well with a formal tux?

Now Ms. McAuliffe makes more casual hate too, and while I love her show stoppers above, her casual hats are really exquisite and much more affordable.  This one below looks like the perfect honeymoon getaway hat to me.

Of course you don’t need a wedding to own one of these, they would be perfect for a derby, a cocktail party or for a really cute night out.  I am so glad my Mother found this place, and it is such good timing because I am telling you- hats will be back.

So, I know my blog tends to probably be more for the ladies.  But today it is for the men, and the ladies who dress them, big news:

Charles Tyrwhitt a British men’s clothing retailer with stores world wide is having a really large sale right now, right here with shirts from $30-70 a real steal.  They also have their normal sale fall deals, and there are really some nice clothes to be had.  They specialize in dress shirts, but they have really nice casual button up cotton shirts, suits, cuff links, ties and casual wear, as well.  Their fabrics are really of a high quality and the shirts last for a long time.

Charles Tyrwhitt has long been the solution to the fact that the Hubby doesn’t normally have the same style as me- this is one place where we both approve.  The quality and fit impresses us both.  You can even send in your measurements for exact fitting and tailoring.

Here are a couple ideas to get you believing:

And if you are like me and do your Christmas shopping really early, well this is just a jackpot.  They also have some really nice ladies clothing, as well, but check the size guide as the sizing is very different.

I really like Cole Haan shoes and purses.  They are durable and made of good quality leather.  And I have found that they have really good customer service for repairs- I had a pair of their buck swede and fur mule flats that had gotten dirty that I didn’t trust anyone else with and they restored them beautifully.

Now through September 20, 2009 they are offering a 15% discount off your entire purchase in store if you bring in a pair of gently used or new shoes to donate to Soles 4 Souls.

I shop at Cole Haan for nice basics.  The loafers to wear with all the leggings in fashion this season.

The comfortable flats.

The Village Soft Hobo- a nice not too big not to small black all around bag.

Or something fun like this blue tote.

So if you find yourself in need of some nice basics and have a new or gently used pair of shoes to give stop in.

I thought with all this advice on long weekend traveling you might need some great weekend getaway travel accessories.

By coincidence today and tomorrow One Kings Lane is featuring Saltbox.  One King’s Lane is a site that features designer home goods at a discount.  It is an members only site, but membership is free, so sign up here.

But even without an invite to One Kings Lane you can get the really neat products of Saltbox at Pop’s online store.  To view all their collection you can also check out their site here, which I prefer over Pop for viewing styles and colors.  I love their striking prints, that are modern and colorful, but also not too busy.

My travel essentials normally include a large weekend bag that is squishable.  That means if the overhead bin is full it can get shoved under the seat, it also means that coat check at Bloomingdales in New York will hold my bag while I shop, even better it means I can fit in those extra goodies I bring home for my friends.  I like the bright yellow collection best as it would be glamorous but not too beachy so it would travel with me to New York, Philly, Miami or Phoenix and not look out of place.  This bag fits the bill perfectly as a weekend bag:

I really like that it has an outside zippered pocket perfect for magazines or other quick grab items (like the hotel confirmation).

On a weekend getaway I also absolutely have to have a large purse that can fit everything that I or Hubby might pick up.  Realistically for it to work for me there has to have room for sunglasses, cameras, flip-flops, wallet, change purse, souvenirs I buy along the way, a water bottle and maybe even a beach towel.  My purses endure sandy beaches, state parks and floors everywhere so they need to be big and tough.    A purse like this with a reinforced bottom will take a lot of abuse and a style that is somewhat collapsible means when everything isn’t in my purse it isn’t huge, but it will hold all those things I require.  I also like that the strap isn’t sewn on to the purse so it cannot come unattached due to poor or abused stitching.  Although this purse comes in  the yellow I love so much I am featuring the sherbet basket weave color here because I think it really compliments the leather/leatherite accents well:

You can clip the center and it will have a smaller rounder appearance or use it more market bag style.

Next for the trips I know I will be coming home with goodies I often also take a tote bag.  I can easily shove it empty into one of my other bags, and use it latter.  Saltbox’s tote bags would nicely carry a couple bottles of wine, wrapped up by the local winery I am at for a day.  It also perfectly held all those notes and folders I had for wedding planning (even holds a clip board) or that conference I went to (nicely held the spa brochure for the conference center’s spa too), it also fits that pair of running shoes or stilettos that just don’t quite fit in my overnight bag for a longer trip.  The picture below is of the tiki basket weave print which is another very good all around color:

If you want something that has zippers and closes for this type of function, check out their carry all, which for me would also make a cute briefcase or day to day purse, as well (featured in black and white to show off how easily you could use it at home day to day):

Now come all the accessories I need to keep my big bags organized.  You have the cosmetic bag for lip gloss, wipes or even your toiletries if you pack light (line it with a plastic bag so you can easily pull it out of your checked luggage through security in a required clear plastic bag).  Sometimes I pack two of different prints and I store my camera and video camera in them.  This one is marine colored.

They also have wallets in two sizes.  The travel wallet will fit a passport, while the day to day wallet is slimmer but still holds a good amount of stuff.  They have a separate place for coins, which I like if I am going somewhere with a different currency that uses a lot of coins.

The pencil bag is perfect for fitting sunglasses (in case we forget our case), our currency if two currencies so they don’t get mixed up, or umm pens (which I don’t like just in my purse because I have had one break and ruin a purse).  It would also be good for cosmetic brushes, and non liquid toiletries.

Then of course you need a couple luggage tags for these bags, and I love to match.  I also think these bright colored tags would be great on a piece of black luggage to stand out from the crowd.  I have a big black garment bag so I always like something to differentiate it.

Last but not least I always have a business card holder because I never know who I might meet that might need a little assistance in some way or another.  And being stylish never hurts one win business.

So travel in style, with function and form.  With a little help from Saltbox and Katelin Taylor (don’t worry I won’t tell).

Ok peeps today Wedding Wedneseday is all about the jewels.  Well actually one particular jewelry site that I am particularly found of: Mali Jewelry and Accessories.

I first visited this store shopping the Miracle Mile in Chicago and when I was in the store what hit me most was how perfect the jewelry would be for a wedding.  But online they have a huge selection of one of a kind necklaces and accessories which are just beautiful, especially this year when big jewelry is in.

Their jewelry would also be very appropriate for a Mother’s Day present as they have some cool chunky jewelry that any Mom would love.

The bonus for you is that I suscribe to their mailing list and this month they have a 20% off Mother’s Day discount.  Just enter 20 at the checkout.

Check out some of my favorites below:

For a daring Bride not afraid of some color.

For a more traditional bride.

For something a bit smaller.

Something pretty.

Something blue (I believe this one is adjustable, how cool).

Also pretty.

Lariat style perfect for a v-neck dress.

They also have some neat, but a little pricey, evening bags:

Isn’t the gem detail beautiful?

One last one I promise:

So enjoy one of my favorite online jewelry stores!  Perfect for brides and everyone else (including Mom’s don’t forget to do something, I will be calling my brother to remind him)!

Today we are handling bridal party attire.  This really shouldn’t be so difficult, but apparently it is.  So don’t worry I will help!  Your bridal party should look good.  They should feel good.  They shouldn’t plot ways of secretly destroying any wedding picture they are in.  So here are some tips to make them happy and make your day go smoothly.

We will start with Bridesmaid’s dresses.  I don’t know why some people pick out the dresses they do.  They are often hideous.  Even if you were picking a certain color unless it is a really odd color there are so many dresses out there in all colors.  My main suggestion is to pick dresses based on fabric quality.

My maids will be wearing dresses from TwoBirds Bridesmaids.

They are made from a jersey fabric that is very flattering.  They can be tied in so many ways that each dress can look different to match the comfort level and body type of maid.  The dress also is very flattering on all sizes whether super skinny or not.  The dress comes in a variety of colors and now you can order plus sizes and bandeaus.  You can also get matching wraps and ties.  I know my maids are excited at how nice the dress looks and the fact that they will actually use it again.  Another big perk: the fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily, read: at all, so you don’t have to worry when packing.

Also the dress is very elegant and can be used for an evening affair or daytime wedding.

I am also a big fan of Ann Taylor’s bridesmaid dresses.  They have some nicer fabrics and the wedding I have seen them used in look very nice.  They are not that expensive and so long as you avoid the shiny taffeta there are some nice looks like these:

Honorable mentions go to the Jenny Yoo collection.  I really like so many of the dresses, but don’t like the idea of having to go to a bridal store to find them.  And JCrew.com who has some cute styles, although I think they are a little overpriced for what you get, what dresses are really a good value these days?  At least they have some style like for instance this dress:

Available in many colors.

Let them pick their own shoes, if you really insist pick a color, but people’s feet are so different and girls have so many comfort preferences don’t try to match shoes.  I refuse to wear open toed stappy sandals to an all night on the feet event, unless I know they are comfortable and I have worn them before.  I prefer pumps, but I know not everyone is used to wearing 3 1/2 inch heals all day, everyday.  Comfort really is key in this endeavor.  And if you want your Flower Girls and Junior Bridesmaids shoe color to match the Bridesmaids, get the lil ones shoes first they will be harder to fit and find.

Grooms:

My groom got a custom made tux.  I really recommend guys finding a nice tux to purchase rather than a rental.  Fiance had a nice tux, but this one will fit perfectly and have nice style.  If you live in the city and enjoy going out you will have use for a tux.  If you are in the DC area I highly recommend Eric Finn.  They are quality tailors at a price that is well worth it.  They even have a line of ready made tuxs if you are in a big hurry.

Even if your guy isn’t wearing a tux have him get a custom made suit.  Between the purchase of a nice suit and the alterations it will run about the same, but a custom suit fits so much nicer.  And think how much use he will get out of it?  You can even add details like initials or a wedding date to make it special.

Groomsmen:

If your groomsmen are also wearing tuxs then go for the rental.  Do a big chain place, it is just easier.  But please go for a classic tux.  Men generally dislike this formal of clothing, but non-traditional formal clothing is really the pits for many men.  Can I give you a hint ladies?  Don’t pick it out.  Let him do this, he is a big boy he knows what his friends will want to wear and black and white matches any color.  If you go more casual again think custom pants, shirt and tie.  Or for that beach wedding go for high quality linen.  But no matter what ladies let him pick it.  The groomsmen will do a lot less griping if you stay out of it.

Junior Bridesmaids and Flower Girls:

If you are getting married in the Spring I really urge you to check out Marshalls, TJ Maxx or Target pre-Easter.  They have some really cute dresses that would make the perfect dress for a Flower Girl or Jr. Bridesmaid for about 1/3 of the price.  You could also check out some department stores like Sears or JC Penny’s that have a lot of children’s clothing.

We purchased dresses from Marshalls and my Mother added details to make the dresses match more closely to the bridal party.  She trimmed the dresses with ribbons that would match the color scheme, and added some flowers and other things.

If you aren’t that creative try Angel Wears.  They have pretty dresses like the one below for around $60.

Or the So Sweet Boutique, which has dresses like the ones you see in bridal stores for much less.  Aren’t these adorable?

For shoes for the girls I really highly suggest Marshalls, TJ Maxx or Zappos.com.  You would be suprised the cool designers making children’s shoes these days: Stuart Weitzman, Carol Little, Donald J. Pliner and Kors.  And if they are not able to wear tights or socks consider an alternate pair of very comfortable cute sandals or something in case they get blisters from flats or strappy shoes.  Girls nowadays love the flip-flops, check out the cute Stuart Weitzman flip-flops I got my mini-maids for the weekend.  Also below are a pair of Silver Kors shoes I think would be really comfortable for kids and super cute and wedding appropriate, even sock ready!

Both available at Zappos.com.  Also at Marshall’s.  The great thing about Zappos.com is the free shipping and returns, so if it takes you a couple tries to get the right size no biggie.  These both come in other colors like pink too!  Love them.

You can’t keep everyone happy, but try to keep those near and dear to you happy, especially the little ones.

So as a good kind-of-boss and friend, I am always in search of cool, but not too expensive gifts.  Often I will bring flowers in a nice arrangement, or a nice bottle of wine for friends who enjoy that kind of thing, but often I like something a little more girly or personal.  For girly girls, often times I pick up stuff at antique stores or during sales.  I always have a bag of small nice gifts, and can normally find something in there for anyone.  A great place to find those things is the Eastern Market.

I love the market, I love the interaction with local artisans, I love the fresh fruit and I love the selection of meats and cheeses.

I really love the card stand at the Eastern Market.  It is in the flea market section.  You can get all sorts of cards from $1.00 to $3.00 and even the $1.00 cards are nice.  I always flip through them and get a bunch of birthday cards, a few wedding cards, a couple baby cards and a couple get well cards.  I use blank cards for thanks you and other occasions, so I get those as well.

Another artist I really like is Amy Marx, her sea glass jewelery is really pretty.  I really like the connectors she has made that you can use to turn her bracelets into necklaces, that makes them very versatile.  Here is a sample:

Chris Water’s has very cool chopsticks and Asian ceramics.

Had Matter Art makes the coolest keyholders.  I really like the ones with funny prints like cows or hula girls.  I also like the collage ones like the one below.

You hook you keys below, and put little things like your extra garage pass on the shelf.

I also absolutely love the arrangements by Blue Iris.  They are modern and chic.  I think anyone would be supremely happy to get one of their arrangements, and they would instantly make a room look put together.

Man Made Design’s which makes very modern earrings, cufflinks and pendant’s has an etsy shop!  Find their beautiful and modern gifts like the aqua cufflinks below… they are super cool and a favorite color of mine.

But my very favorite is Turtle’s Webb.  A humanities major like me who took jewelry classes in college and fell in love with it, unlike me she makes more of a living out of it… someday.  I love her metal flower earrings.  I have ones similar to these below that are cooper and silver, I get compliments on them almost everytime I wear them.  I once saw gold ones that were phenomenal that I would love to have.  I really think this jewelry is so distinctive and creative.  My grandmother used to grow these flowers in hanging pots that look a lot like the flowers in her design so that is one reason they really hit home to me.  I can’t think of the name of the flower now, but maybe it will come to me.

You could also get some lovely cheese, fruit, bread in the Market itself.  The flea market has so many lovely gifts.  There are so many vendors I can’t even remember the name of like the box guy who has small boxes with cartoons and pictures on them.  The vendor who has super cute linens which look very April Cornell.  I love a day at the market I find things for me, and I find things for others.  All in all it is a great time.

And bonus if you get there early you can get bluebucks at Market Lunch, they are yummy blueberry buckwheat pancakes.  They are worth the wait.  If not then get a crabcake, they are one of the best in the city.

Welcome to another edition of Wedding Wednesday today we are on to the topic of bridal attire.  (You don’t get to see  mine until after the wedding, no peeking!)

Trust me I know, and it is wrong, and don’t deny that it isn’t, but your most important priority is looking good for this wedding.  You will do the obligatory wedding diet, you will pick out the perfect hair, the perfect make-up, the perfect accessories and the most important item the best dress.

To do that the first thing you need to do is your homework.  Pick up a few wedding magazines and start googling the brands you like to find dresses you like.  If you can’t show these people exactly what you want the chances are it is going to be a long slow process.  Many times even when you show them what you want they will try to sell you what you have.  My three favorite brands were:

1. Atelier Aimee:  They only have one store in the United States, it’s in New York City.  This is an Italian Designer and I would guess that you will not see anyone with a dress anywhere close to your dress, and it will be one people remember.  They use color in the absolute best way.  There are dresses with a bold punch of color, their are dresses with subtle pastel, and their are white and off white dresses so detailed you will be feel like either Marie Antoinette or the richest flapper.  Their dresses have incredible style, but are never trendy.  They have bold draping and beautiful details.  This is where I bought my dress, which I won’t post because it is a secret until the wedding.  For the level of detail the prices are very good.  I would say their price range is between $4,000-$10,000 + (you can always go up this is the case for any designer).  My dress was around $6,000 with alterations.  If you are the type of person who wants something different, which if you read my bog you probably do, but by different you don’t mean hippy or odd, then this is the site for you.  (By the way the movie Made of Honor featured one of their dresses)  Here is a pictures of a few dresses that look nothing like my dress.

2. Matthew Christopher:  These dresses are incredibly well made dresses for their price point, from the $2,000-5,000 range.  The lines of the dresses are clean, modern and delicate.  The details are their.  For this price range the fabrics are really nice, most of the fabrics in that range are really gross.  This one is from the 2008 collection, if you are short waisted I particularly recommend this brand.

3. Monique Lhuillier:   These dresses are very delicate, with elegant flowing lines.  If Audrey Hepburn was in her twenties and getting married I think this is the brand she would choose.  The beading is immaculate, the lines are classic, but with a twist.  I really love the capelets that go with them, but they are very pricey.  This dress while not so pretty on this model is a great style because it would photograph so differently at all angles, without the capelet still very pretty, and the beading is beautiful.  It was my number two gown, come back in May for my number one.

This one is also beautiful:

Once I found the styles and brands of dresses I liked I then called the places that had them.  Few places actually had the exact dresses I wanted.  Then I found many places I went either pressured me to make a decision, didn’t want to tell me prices, or just were downright rude in the DC area.  The only place I went that I can highly recommend is Bella Rosa in Richmond.  They were professional, courteous, non-pressuring and really wonderful to work with.

But my real advice is after you have looked around a little here, figured out the shape that looks good on you, go to NYC.  Make an appointment at Kleinfeld’s and other boutiques if Klienfeld’s doesn’t have your dress, but they have pretty much all the dresses from the big names.

My advice in terms of a veil is to make one yourself or search on Etsy.  This birdcage veil is very cute, good job Brenda’s Bridal Veils, and $76, the stores will try to charge you a couple hundred dollars.

Etsy has all types of veils, cathedral, fingertip or even birdcage.  They also have a huge selection of bridal fascinators.  I really like the ones from Whichgoose.  A headpiece like this would be beautiful with or without a veil.

I hate wedding shoes.  I find strappy sandals so uncomfortable, I don’t want to dye shoes, and quite frankly I don’t want to spend money on shoes I will never wear again.  For my bridal shoes I bought Kate Spade’s Karolina pumps in silver snakeskin.  I suggest going to Zappos.com and typing in the heel size and color you are looking for to find cool wedding shoes.

Garter:  I really am dreading this object.  I am definitely not wearing it through the entire night.  Luckily GaterLady on Etsy has some super cute garters, that make even people like me who really don’t care and dislike the whole thing happy to browse through her selection to pick out a cute heirloom lace garter.

Yay GaterLady.  Yay Etsy for helping out on wedding needs.

And remember wear what makes you comfortable and pretty.  Be true to yourself and you will be a beautiful bride.

Add some great hair and make-up and you are set!  BTW I picked out a beautiful hugely high Marie Antoinette wedding-do like a mix between these two pictures about a year ago:

And of course it is now all the rage… I love/hate when that happens.