Ouma Clothing

Monique Martinez is the designer for Ouma Clothing, a fabulously romantic Etsy shop with a flair for feminine and romantic detailing. Here are a few images from her store:

Monique recently teamed up with Lindsay Ann Photography to showcase some of her new offerings and I loved the vibe so much, I had to share some of the images with you. Here are a few snapshots from the day. Be sure to check out Monique’s store Ouma…so many great finds!

Photographer: Lindsay Ann Photography | Dresses: Monique Martiez of Ouma Clothing | Hair Pieces:   Xappa of Space Cadet | Hair &Makeup: Vicki Vee | Location: Heber, Az

Bridesmaid Love

How fabulous would this little jewelry pouch be as a bridesmaid gift? I’m always looking for handmade, thoughtful ideas, and I think this little ditty from Plum Pretty Sugar would be fabulous! Bonus gift: put some actual jewelry inside!

Tiffany Blue Bridal Shower

This Tiffany blue bridal shower is absolutely gorgeous. Bet you’d never guess it was done on a budget! With the combined talents of Nanci at So Happi Together, Jane at Olive Hue Paper, Melody at Sweet and Saucy, and a few other vendors (see below), the result is absolutely lovely. Thoughtful, well-executed details (and some Trader Joe’s peonies) are all it really takes! Connie M. Chung Photography took these photos! Thanks gals for sharing!

Special thanks for the provision of: Chiavari Chairs – Chiavari Chair Rentals | Linens –  Elegant Design Specialty Linens

Custom Love Potion

You MIGHT hate me for this post. Because I’m going to show you something super cute, but kinda tough to DIY. I’ll be honest, this one’s kind of a toughie; but it’s so great, I couldn’t resist sharing!

Staci over at Sunlight Nights made an amazing six pack of beers with custom labels for her boyfriend’s Valentine’s Day gift. And it got me thinking how killer custom labels might be at a wedding. You might not be able to do a fancy die cut like Staci has done here, but perhaps you could whip something great up and print them on labels like these from Paper Source. The labels come with a template, and if your stationery designer has created something custom for you, like a sort of wedding “logo” then you could easily apply it to the labels. Getting the original labels off your beers is as simple as soaking them in water and peeling them right off.

I know… I’m really really crazy. But I love the idea. They might work for a great custom gift for the groomsmen, or a welcome gift for your out-of-town guests, or perhaps as a favor on some wine at your shower! It’s just a crazy thought, I know… but seriously, if you’ve got a LONG engagement, you might as well tackle a few DIY projects, right?

A Neutral Stance On the Matter

I have a hankerin’ for neutrals + metallics as of late, so I channeled my desire into bridesmaid inspiration à la J.Crew. I tend to use jewelry for unexpected bursts of color to compensate for the modest palette.

[1] Seraphina Dress | Beechwood, [2] Layered Crystal Glace Necklace | Metallic Blush, [3] Superskinny Leather Belt | Pale Gold, [4] Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan | Warm Wheat, [5] Shimmerveil Leather Ballet Flats | Platinum Gold, [6] Crystal Glamour Bracelet | Metallic Blush

And the finishing touch: Saipua

Thanks for stopping by.

-a

Snow Globe Torture!

My sister sent me this link from Well Worn, who featured these Anthropologie snow globes used for featuring jewelry.  Of course I felt immediate regret that I was too late to use this idea for a last minute Christmas gift. Oh Anthropologie. Why must you torment me so? However, I began to imagine how snow globes might make an AMAZING centerpiece for a shower or wedding (or even a favor at a shower?). And I think they’d totally work for a winter wedding. So much potential for customization! What do you think?

DIY instructions for making your own snow globe from Well Worn:

You will need:

All can be found at a craft or haberdashery store.

*A jar of your choice (with a lid)

*Figurines or jewelery

*Anti-rust sealant for metal pieces

*Clear-drying epoxy

*Distilled water

*Dash of glycerin

*Large silver or white glitter (smaller versions will float at the top)

Steps:

1. Use clear-drying epoxy to adhere your piece to the inside of the lid. Let dry per instructions.

2. After the epoxy dries completely, fill your jar with distilled or boiled water (at room temperature, of course).

3. Add just a dash of glycerin so the “snow” falls slowly.

4. Add as much glitter as you like. If you don’t like the look of glitter, you can usually find faux snow at craft and haberdashery stores.

5. Screw your lid on tightly and enjoy your snow globe!

Bachelorette in Joshua Tree

If you didn’t already see the photos of the Joshua Tree “Wild Things Bachelorette”, you must IMMEDIATELY go to Utterly Engaged and Erin Hearts Court for tons of AMAZING photos of the most inspirational bachelorette ideas. There aren’t enough superlatives to convey how much I adore the styling by Paige of Bash Eco Events and Kelly of Yes Please Design as well as the creative direction of Utterly Engaged’s Lucia Dinh. And Erin Hearts Court Photography? Does it get any better? Pretty sure not. Here are a few pics by Erin Hearts Court…but you MUST go check out more here and here! Great job to all involved!!!

Speechless!

I had the absolute pleasure of getting to help out with Utterly Engaged‘s November photo shoot yesterday. Words cannot explain how big my designer crush is on Paige, from Bash Eco Events and Kelly from Succulet Love Designs and Yes, Please. Their styling, inspired by their board below, blew my mind. And I swear, I’m totally not exaggerating. I almost shed a tear…partly because I was so jealous of their amazingness and partly because their work was just that great. Can’t wait for you to see the November issue of Utterly Engaged, but until then, you’ll have to check out the hot-off-the-press October issue.

Handmade for the Bridesmaid

So, does handmade count even if you don’t handmake it yourself? I think it does. Because the important part is that it’s handmade! I’m really into embroidery lately, but more in the vintage rustic style.

You can go the personalized route…

{JulieEllen}

Or perhaps something like this one:

I also love this version, which is a little pendant…

Fall Neutrals

If you’re not a fan of orange and red hues, but still love to embrace the fall season in your decor, find inspiration from fall neutrals. I’m particularly loving Fairyfolk’s felt oak leaf place cards, which double as favors. Heart it!

Images 1 & 2: source unknown. Image 3: Fairyfolk.

*UPDATE: Gorgeous pumpkin set-up on left designed by Kate Holt of Flowerwild Designs. You can see more of the shoot in Sunset Magazine here.