Lovely Laces

I think I might have a problem. Seriously. I can't stop myself from buying shoes, specifically the new lace-up styles out for spring. I acquired the four pairs below at DSW last weekend. I might bring one of them back, but I'm pretty sure I can justify each pair. Flats by day. Wedges by night. Neutral colors. Leather and suede. Casual and dressy. All are comfy. I'm not sure I could give one up. Maybe the flat black pair? My $50 in DSW Reward bucks definitely helped justify my purchases. If you aren't a member, you should sign-up. I can't wait for spring to arrive so I can wear them. I'm so sick of wearing boots to work everyday, ugh. What about you, are you loving or hating the laced-up look?

Steve Madden Shelbi Wedge $49.95

Guess "Wglynette" Wedge (not on DSW's website)

Mia Botticelli Suede Lace Up Wedge $49.95

Sam Edelman Boutique Gina Ghillie Wedge $69.95

This one is my favorite - so comfy and I LOVE the color!

Anthropologie's Bridal Collection

I'm jealous. First, Vera Wang comes out with a stylish (and affordable) wedding line at David's Bridal and now Anthropologie/Urban Outfitters has launched it's very own bridal collection online. Umm, hello, I already got married. Why didn't this happen two years ago? Anyways, the new bridal line is called BHLDN. Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't get the meaning behind the name? (Update: I just realized it stands for "Beholden"). Regardless, the collection is amazing. Gown prices range from $1000-$4000. They also have an extensive assortment of bridesmaid dresses, shoes, jewelry and accessories. The look is definitely not for everyone, especially a traditional bride, but I love it. I would even consider purchasing some of the shoes or earrings for everyday wear if the prices weren't so high. I hope all of you brides-to-be take full advantage of these new collections. I know I would!

The Champions

Just bought myself a classic pair of Keds this weekend! I needed a cute, yet functional pair of shoes for my much anticipated trip to Italy this summer. I bought myself a navy pair at DSW. I haven't owned Keds since 5th grade...I'm in love all over again! Image via Martha Stewart.

Happy

These colors just scream...HAPPY! Who doesn't love pretty shoes and vibrant flowers? These shots came from Butterfly Petals. Amanda is an amazing florist - I've showcased many of her designs on the blog before. She named this bouquet "Mellow Yellow!" Photos by Omari Dickens Photography.

Mighty Moccasins

I didn't do much shopping in Arizona, but I did happen to pick up this cute pair of Minnetonka moccasins. I've been seeing moccasins more and more in the magazines these days. And they seem to be a staple at Urban Outfitters. I really wanted to buy this style, but knew that the suede softsoles would get ruined instantly. I'll definitely be breaking these babies out in the spring...

one of my favorites...

I love this shot of my wedding shoes...my flats were very comfortable!

A sixpence in your shoe?

Something old,

Something new,

Something borrowed,

Something blue,

a lucky sixpence in your shoe?

I haven't given this last "sixpence" portion much thought. What is a sixpence (I was kinda asking myself this question)? According to sources, it is a British silver coin that was minted beginning in the 1500's, through 1946. It is believed that if a bride sticks one in her left shoe on the day of her wedding, it will bring "wealth and good fortune" to her marriage.

I'm not so sure about this tradition. I don't have a "sixpence" coin and with only 11 days and counting, I'm not so sure ordering one is on the top of my priority list. Then there is the whole issue of "where is this coin actually going to go in my shoe"?! As previously shared, I'm wearing flat, grecian sandals that don't have much "shoe" to them. Are you planning on sticking a sixpence in your shoe? Or maybe you recently got married and included this tradition in your special day? I'd love to hear some reader's thoughts on this? Image sources from here and here.

Happy Happy Spring!

It finally feels like spring in Chicago today! Hooray! These yellow flats by Pour La Victoire are super cute, and just looking at them makes me happy. So I thought I would share...

Real Wedding: Kari & Josh

When Josh and I decided to get married, we knew we wanted a wedding that was small, intimate and low-key. City Hall weddings in Chicago are conducted in a truly unromantic basement, but twice a month civil ceremonies are held at the Chicago Cultural Center, which is a romantic old building with a Tiffany-glass dome. Our only guests were our parents, my two children, and a close friend who is also a photographer. We were married in a brief 15-minute service by a judge and then walked a few blocks to a lovely riverside restaurant for brunch. The weather was absolutely glorious, and the smiles and well-wishes of strangers as we strolled through the city was one of my favorite parts of the day - we even had a boat full of people on an architecture tour cheer for us as they went by! After a leisurely brunch and mimosas, we bid everyone farewell and spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing. Later that night, we got dressed up for a romantic dinner alone at an upscale sushi restaurant that we've always wanted to try. It was a perfect day, and the perfect way for us to start our lives together.

Vendors/Credits:

2-Piece Suit: Theory

Birdcage Veil: custom order by Breeziway.com

Shoes: Daniblack via Zappos.com

Shoe Ornaments: AbsolutelyAudrey.com

Flowers: Designs by Guzzardo's

Ceremony Site: Chicago Cultural Center

Brunch Site: Flatwater 

Real Wedding: Amanda & Dave (Part II)

More amazing photos and details from Amanda and Dave's elegant Arizona wedding. Amanda writes..."there were so many wonderful things that I was able to wear in my wedding day ensemble including amethyst earrings and a matching necklace from my husband, brother and sister-in-law. My veil had my Mom's lace from her wedding dress sewn into it. And my shoes were bright purple - I loved every second of it!" 

"The resort was amazing. The service was phenomenal and we had zero complaints. It was fun for my niece and nephews with a lazy river and water slide. The guys enjoyed golfing the morning of the wedding while the girls were all getting pampered and ready!"

"The resort and small sized guest list was perfect for us. It allowed us to bring our families together in AZ to let them all see why we love it so much and why we've made this beautiful place our home for almost 5 years..."

"We had quite a few DIY projects involved in our wedding...and I had a ton of help from my family. The favors (below) were made by my mother. We framed pictures of our parents, grandparents and brothers & sisters from their wedding days and displayed them at the reception. The hanging votive candles in the trees at our ceremony were made by my sister."

Location: Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Florist: Butterfly Petals

Photography: Lavish Memories by Abby Miller

Real Wedding: Amanda & Dave (Part I)

Check out this beautiful wedding that took place in Scottsdale, AZ last weekend. Amanda and Dave said "I do" outdoors at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. It was an intimate affair with only 37 guests, including close family and friends. The predominant color of the wedding was purple, which is evident from the beautiful photos below. Amanda wore a Maggie Sottero gown. The bride's identical twin sister, Amy, was the Maid of Honor, wearing a dress by Melissa Sweet. Other close girlfriends (bridesmaids) were asked to wear a favorite black dress and matching accessories. One of my favorites...the flowers! Amanda's bouquet was absolutely stunning! More to come soon...

(Click image to enlarge)

Vendors/Credits:

Photography: Lavish Memories by Abby Miller (Fort Wayne, IN)

Location: Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (Scottsdale, AZ)

Florist: Butterfly Petals (Gilbert, AZ)

Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero "Berkley"

MOH Dress: Melissa Sweet

Bridal Shoes: Aldo Shoes

My Wedding Shoes!

Mark that off of the list of things to do! I bought my wedding shoes!!! Silver, strappy, grecian sandals by Pelle Moda. They are fully encrusted in tiny, sparkly rhinestones - plus they are SUPER comfortable. I love tall, sexy heels as much as the next girl, but I know myself (and my feet!) and I need flat, comfy shoes for a full day of celebrating. And, even more importantly, I don't want to look taller than the future hubby in all of our pictures!

Here's the "tall" version of my shoe from Pelle Moda. These are very pretty and VERY tall! I'm already about 5'9", so there's no need to be 6'2" on my wedding day! Go here for more details.