Relief, at last!

I can tell you one thing that is worse than the Las Vegas time warp...wedding planning! The past six months came and went in the blink of an eye. I am now proud to say the BIG DAY happened with success on May 14th. There were many times when my (now) husband and I were wishing we would have escaped to a tiny island to do the deed. I found this imagery to be helpful for you gals and guys undergoing the wedding planning process.

Ironically, just after our wedding ended, my husband and I simultaneously agreed that the planning pain was completely worth it. We had a blast and both the ceremony and reception were meaningful and loving--not just between the both of us, but also between us and our friends and family. 

Don't lose yourself in the planning. There are hundreds of magazines and websites that lure you into trends, services and glamour. Keep yourselves true to your heart when planning. Keep it simple and somewhat spontaneous. And most importantly, keep a low budget! It will mean so much more in the end. I will divulge our wedding details in the next post. Stay tuned...

Location, Location, Location!

It's been almost a year now that my fiance and I have been racking our brains for the perfect location to tie the knot. Little did I realize that I'd be revisiting my statistical problem-solving skills to come up with a venue that is: a) about the two of us, b) beau-ti-ful, c) cheap!, d) close in proximity--unless we elope, e) encompasses our needs, and f) fewer rules.

There are many ideas we've run across that definitely meet criteria a) and b), however, may not satisfy c), d), e), or f).  Or, the venue may satisfy criteria choices a), b), d), and e) but not so much item c) or f).

So here they are--my favorite options devastatingly unable to solve my equation. May they bring answers to yours.

Orchid Greenhouse Wedding at Shelldance Orchid Gardens; Pacifica, CA

(image via Green Wedding Shoes)

Texas and Pacific Railway Station terminal lobby; Ft. Worth, TX

(image via www.dallasnews.com)

Barr Mansion; Austin, TX

(image via Jessica Monnich)

Haiku Mill; Maui, HI

(image via Jana Morgan)

Vista West Ranch; Dripping Springs, TX

(image via Amelia Tarbet)

Hotel St. Cecilia; Austin, TX
(image via Trip Advisor)

On the Impulse

Amidst the excitement of our engagement, I fell victim to an impulse buy. This dress is absolutely amazing, (why else would I have purchased it?) Let's just say my body type is not the right fit for this dress. Twiggy upper arms and torso are a no-no. I was swimming in this dress. I just got too excited.

This Nataya Age of Love dress is up for grabs on Tradesy, which is a wonderful way of finding "the" dress at low cost. And may I add that Tradesy offers a greener alternative to a one-time use new dress (and clothes!)

Here are some additional photos. I have found another vintage dress that I found at a more serendipitous moment--stay tuned. In the meantime, please visit the link below if you are interested!

Post for this dress is at http://www.tradesy.com/weddings/wedding-dresses/other-nataya-wedding-dress-81895.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

I was flipping through a 2009 issue of Vogue in which an article was featured on famous designers re-creating vintage fashion. I fell in love with their take on modernizing the styles while retaining the details of yesteryear's clothing. I found them absolutely inspiring and must be shared!

The suit is c-l-a-s-s-i-c! I'm in love with the stitching and detailed edging.

What I love most about vintage fashion is the class. There's not one ounce of slop, tomboy, or mess in this outfit.

When in doubt, go neutral.

Absolutely stunning.

If I had they ability (and the money) to make things happen my way, one of these dresses would be my wedding dress...

If you remember my nostalgic post about vintage hats, this is a perfect example of the dying art of dressing. Never do you see vintage hats, gloves and brooches on a modern-day woman. (Sigh)

This ensemble was interesting from the standpoint of color. Note the black suits paired with ivory tights and brown ankle boots. Note taken.

Dressing for A Lot Less, Pt Deaux

Another culprit of lesser practicality presented itself while I was flipping through a Victoria's Secret catalog: The 'Deconstructed Tunic.'

Ladies. I have a much better idea. When it's that lovely time of the month and you feel ______ (insert emotion/adverb here), channel this energy. Then, lay flat one of your comfy tunic shirts and stab it incessantly with a knife or scissors...Saves you $55!

Dressing for A Lot Less

I seem to get at least ten different catalogs per month. Out of all ten catalogs, I order from one the most. The others I've probably ordered an item once or not at all. (How do they seem to find me?)

Before I banish them to the recycling bin, I torture myself. "I wish I could afford this gorgeous top", or "someday I'll buy that classic leather bag." Then, comes the "I can't justify purchasing this for what it costs" bit. What a waste to send me these printed catalogs, only to be looked through just once.

One of these culprit retailers happens to be J. Crew. I love this company and their style is classic. I enjoy looking through their catalog because most of all, I think their styling is fantastic. But looking through their most recent catalog had me gasp at some of the outfits and their costs.

This was the cover outfit. Cute. I looked at the item details and added each piece altogether. $700. Are you kidding me? It looked artistic and relaxed but this kind of look should never cost that much. I have a better idea. Go to your local thrift store and look for a cargo jacket, usually at a cost of $7. These jackets were popular back in the 1990s. Buy a pair of jeans while you're there for $5, tie them on the rear bumper of your car and drive for about 30 miles with them dragging behind. Cut them off and roll it up. And the undershirt? Buy a plain white shirt at your favorite cheap haunt, and hand paint your stripes with black fabric paint. Look for your favorite heels somewhere in the back of your closet that might be gathering dust. Same with the bag. All for a total cost of no more than $25.

This outfit also has that funky artistic vibe that I love so much. This outfit also added up to $360. Again, I know I could go to my local thrift store and find a white skirt for around $5. Do you remember how to tie-dye from middle school art class? Just add rubber bands and dip parts of the skirt into differing colors of dye. Make your kids do it since they might be hounding you for something to do. A denim shirt is commonplace. My bet is that you could find one for less than $20. Pair the two items up with one of your bulky bib necklaces and some brown boots and you've got the look for around $25! And it may have even brought your family closer together!

Time Warp Poem

Four months truly came and went--
I thought my blogging days were spent.
Two brothers married within a month apart--
Ready for my own? I haven't yet the heart.

I continue to dream and crave to write--
But life's obstacles sure did put up a fight.
My dog fell ill, a week later ate a plastic bit--
My creativity is strong, but my wallet is unfit.

Here I return with this poetic intermission--
In an attempt to continue throughout my transition.
Where do I begin after all of this time?
(Fill in the blank here)