Feel-Good Friday

"True love is everything that it's cracked up to be." : )

Come back next week when we start talking about clothes again. 

Feel-Good Friday

How to: Choose a Wedding Dress

In another life I am sure I was a bridal consultant. I love every delicate detail, hearing love stories, watching wedding videos, and of course the dresses. With the invention of Pinterest I'm sure I'm not the only one who would do her wedding differently. But there are a few definite things I wouldn't change: the place, my groom, and my dress. Join me as we discuss tips for the perfect dress and all the other sprinklings of fun that will make up your big day!

Before wedding dress shopping it is important to know that there are four basic silhouettes a dress can come in. They are: A-line, Ballgown, Fit and Flare, and Sheath. It is helpful to know which silhouette will best flatter your body type, but since it is your wedding day, don't rule out your favorite. Knowing that there are four basic outlines in a dress can help to eliminate the overwhelming process of beginning to try on dresses. Even if you are completely unsure of what you want, you can start by trying on four different dresses in four different shapes. Knowing what you do not want in a wedding dress is almost as important as knowing what you do want.

Click here for a handy guide of body types organized by your most flattering dress silhouette:

After you decide the silhouette you would like it is important to consider your fashion personality. You may decide that you want a timeless and classic look for your wedding, but you will still want to feel like yourself. You can have a simple dress and bring in the personality through the details and the shoes if you choose, or you can choose a dress that drips in personality. If you're not sure what your fashion personality is, refer back to this quiz.

The final step in choosing your gown is the finishing touches. This is where the magic comes in and you really feel like a bride. On Say Yes to the Dress, Atlanta they call it, "jacking up" the bride. I like to think of it as the frosting on the cupcake.

Some frosting for your cupcake:

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Feel-Good Friday: Playful Moms

Have you checked out the new Sonnet James dresses yet? I love a woman who wants to change the world and then goes for it! I have to admit I haven't thought much about my clothes holding me back from being a "playful mom" but after watching this video I realized that the time is short where Jackson will want me in his world. The next day I put off my chores (as if I needed an excuse) and built car tracks and played on the floor with Jack. It was so fun to see his active little mind and for him to want me to be part of his play time This set a new standard because now he comes into my room in the morning, grabs my hand and says, "Come on mom, play cars!" Who can resist a little that!? I realize that being a mom to two boys is going to put me outside my comfort zone, encouraging me to be more active and outdoorsy. I still have a long way to go but surely I'm going to need a play dress for such occasions. 

Enjoy this happy promo video and have a happy Friday! 

Frugal Fashion Find: Dorothy Perkins

Dorothy Perkins outfit circa 2008

I first discovered Dorothy Perkins while on a study abroad with my sister five years ago. After learning about the Beatles in The History of Rock and Roll, and sharing what Spark Notes had taught us the night before in our British poetry class, we would end the day with a grocery stop at Tesco and then peruse the racks of our local Dorothy Perkins. We admired the unique designs and fabrics, and also the fact that nobody back home would have the same pieces. 

I love Dorothy Perkins for its trendy styles, affordable prices, and the high quality of materials used in their pieces. I still have, and wear, some of the pieces I bought on that trip! These factors make Dorothy Perkins my first Frugal Fashion Find. Thanks to the magic of the internet, Dorothy Perkins apparel is now available to those of us across the pond from its British origins. With prices ranging from $12 for printed tees to $100 for party dresses there is sure to be an item to satisfy your style craving while pleasing your pocketbook. Further your savings by receiving 15% off for signing up for their newsletter and orders over $50 always ship free! 

tee- Dorothy Perkins. skirt- Dorothy Perkins. shoes- similar. earrings- similar. bracelets- Nordstrom, similar, similar.

Shop some other DP favorites:

Feel-Good Friday

With baby boy more than halfway here, it was time to sit down and discuss something not so fun: The budget. : ( When it comes to $2 date nights, mac & cheese dinners, and canceling cable, I'm all in. But reigning in my online shopping and limiting my Nordstrom Rack outings makes my heart pound a little faster and my palms a little sweaty. Of course it will be worth it when baby boy is here, and what's more feel good than financial security? In the meantime I will be shopping some old closet staples, repurposing old items, and on the look out for frugal fashions. What are your budget styling tips?

Baby Brother!

I can't believe this pregnancy is halfway over and we are having another boy! It's going to be so fun for Jackson to have a little brother and I'm sure they will be best friends. We decided to have a little party/photo shoot to celebrate!

Me:  dress- Mountain Blossom Boutique. necklace- Viva La Jewels. earrings- similar. bracelet- similar. shoes- Steve Madden.

Jack: polo- Old Navy. shorts- Old Navy. 

Feel-Good Friday: Girlfriends

I'll never forget the summer night when my friends left for college. We were all at Katy's house until early in the morning, reminiscing high school on the couch in her family room and knowing that in the morning we would go our separate ways and everything would change. Camille and I cried the most because we were the ones being left behind, at least until Camille would join them in the fall. It was so hard that our paths took us to different states, but we each had things we needed to do in our lives and people (and husbands) to meet. Now, slowly but surely they are all returning home and I couldn't be happier. This weekend calls for a reunion in the mountains and you better believe there will be lots of cookie dough, and giggling, and girlfriends.

The happiest Friday!