A Country Wedding

There's something so wonderfully charming about a country wedding. Since countryside promotes ease and relaxation, they are perfect venues for a laid back wedding with lots of charm. For an outdoor event, you can make a picnic covering tables with traditional country checkered tablecloths or quilts. You can also use candles to light up the place if the event will be held at night. Vibrant flowers such as lilacs, dahlias, or sunflowers would be lovely to decorate tables, perhaps filling your old mason jars. 

Photography: Tec Petaja

Honeymoon Attire

There is nothing I love more than a vacation! Joe and I have our honeymoon coming up this Summer, however he will not tell me where we are going! I contemplated packing for every possible temperature for a while however I decided that I would instead stick with packing for a warm climate with fingers crossed that I will be right. I figure I can always do a little shopping where ever we arrive if the weather is cooler than expected. 


I absolutely love planning out a myriad of different outfits and imagining how I can mix and match them to ensure I'll be able to fit everything into my carry-on and not have to check two extra bags! I plan on packing pretty light and sticking to the bare essentials as I didn't want to tote much around - a few pairs of sandals, a big beach tote, shorts and tees, several sundresses, a few long necklaces and a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses. This is all I need to be comfortable for lounging on the beach, going out at night and everything in between.

Below is a peek at what would be at the top of my list. What are your packing essentials?

 A cute summer hat, my Raybans, and hopefully a six pack!

An extra scarf, some versatile shorts, a cute one shoulder top.

My beloved Feed Bag, this large burlap bag reads "FEED the Children of the World" on one side and "1" on the reverse, indicating that each bag will provide one child in Africa school lunch for an entire year.

Something to keep my hair manageable at the pool..

 An array of lightweight Summer clothing I can mix and match with soft pastels, warm corals, strappy sandals, etc.

The evening maxi dress, something for going out in style. I love wearing long pale dresses rather than little black dresses while on vacation because they show off tan skin beautifully. 

 The daytime swimsuit, something bright and eye catching for lounging at the pool.

The evening suit, for a late night swim or to cover up a sunburn if I get toasted in the sun the first day.

Steven Alan Spring 2011

Steven Alan's Spring 2011 lookbook is full of lovely pieces. His easy, breezy, carefree looks are exactly what my closet needs right now. With sunny days right around the corner I find myself dreaming about warm days at the lake, riding bicycles with flower-filled baskets, and gauzy, soft summer clothes drying in the sun. Here is a peek at Steven Alan's Spring lookbook, where each outfit fulfills my summer dreams. Do any of these outfits catch your eye?

Perfect for wearing to the local street market or taking a stroll around town.

 Ideal for a casual date, vacation, or a day of shopping with the girls.

The perfect outfit for gardening, biking to a coffee shop, seeking out adventure.

This outfit will take you anywhere, from the beach to the movies, with comfort and style combined.

A new take on little black dress, this navy dress is perfect for a date night or dining out with the girls.

A smart, chic, and sophisticated look for walking around campus or the perfect outfit to wear at the airport if you're heading out of town.

This outfit is smart, trendy, and sporty with the perfect amount of layering for biking around town or taking a stroll on a warm summer evening. 

Hues Unfolding

Spring 2011 bridal fashion has been unfolding beautifully tinted wedding dresses, some traditionalists have been shaking their heads at this but white has not always been the first choice for brides. In ancient times brides wore brightly colored wedding dresses to signify their joy. White for western brides did not become fashionable until Queen Victoria wore it at her wedding to signify her status, later brides would wear white to honor the queen. However in this day and age, there is no reason to follow any exact set of rules. 

If pearl is your dream, give it a whirl. Thinking of black? Go for it and don't look back. Wanting to wear blue? You will always be true. Dying to wear grey? Flaunt it, for its your day!

 Vera Wang

Vera Wang

 Vera Wang

 Sarah Seven

 Sarah Seven

 Claire Pettibone

 BHLDN 

1970's Revival

It seems we're all looking for a bit of vintage in our wardrobes these days. The 1970's retro look is now showing up all over - from catwalk to high street. Recently, fashion has adopted looks from the 20's and 30's,  and we have all seen the rise (and fall) of the eighties fashion come back (eek!), but this season it's the seventies that fashion is embracing. Designers have charmed the runways with some long awaited hippy romance. So here's a little romantic 1970's inspiration to get you ready for Spring. 

 Crochet. One of the hottest trends for this season which is showing up on sweaters, tops, and swimwear. Hesitant on wearing a woven bikini? Try pairing a loose crochet sweater and high-waisted shorts over your bathing suit for a cute retro beach look.

 Floppy hats. Wide brimmed hats have taken over this Spring. Be brave and try sporting this trend on the streets rather than just the beach. 

Sheer button-up shirts. Tied or tucked in at the waist, button-up shirts are ideal for Spring. Try pairing this trend with oversized glasses, a fun statement necklace, or a cute floppy hat. 

 (LWD) Little White dresses. Feminine details such as lace, broderie anglaise, frills, and draping are all a must for white dresses for Spring. 

Wrap Dresses.  Diane Von Furstenberg invented the wrap dress in 1974, and since then it has become a staple item for every women's closet with its figure flattering cut that takes you from day to night in style.

Denim: Wide-leg and flared. The most universally flattering cut of denim is back! Put your skinny jeans aside and rock some flared denim this Spring, for legs that go on for miles pair your jeans with wedges for hidden height.

Going the Distance. Maxi dresses, maxi skirts, coats, and pants with floor skimming hemlines. 

One of a Kind

Sometimes as a bride it is easy to lose track of your original vision, you might begin to wonder what your friends and family would want to see you wear rather than what you actually want to wear. It is important to keep to your own personal style so that your personality shines through. Remember that this is your day and it is perfectly alright to try something new, even if it hasn't been done before. I always enjoy seeing brides wear uncommon hair accessories and dresses, because those become the most memorable parts of the attire. Here is the incredible work of  Elizabeth Messina who collaborated with Delphine Manivet‘s gorgeous and wonderfully unique gowns that are styled to perfection.