edisen

Have you heard about the new online boutique edisen? Embodying the same vintage femininity of bridal lines like BHLDN, edisen offers an eclectic array of dresses, jewelry, shoes, and table decor. I already have my eyes on few early favourites including these flats + these earrings.



(Photo courtesy of edisen).

Gold Initial Bangles

Aren't these gold initial bangles by Frosted Willow sweet? At $18.40 (CAD) a piece they'd make the perfect 'just because' gift for your favourite lady.

Visit Frosted Willow's shop for more personalized pieces.




(Image courtesy of Frosted Willow).

new shades of gold.

I love stumbling across new styles of jewelry, especially when they are as pretty as these variations of classic gold.

Both unique and hard to find, I've heard this style being referred to as "chocolate gold." I really like the look of it and I think either of these bronzed wrist adornments would look lovely paired with classic gold.



Rose gold is beautiful. Although it has been thought to look nicer on some skin tones than others, I find altogether pretty.




Do you wear gold and, if so, what shade? Do you mix different shades or stick to one style?




(photos courtesy of Michael Kors and Stella & Dot; Stella & Dot and bella flor).

DIY Bracelets

The days are getting noticeably shorter and the mornings, chillier; it’s hard to deny that autumn is upon us. As soon as fall hits I get a burst of creativity and I start filling an arsenal of DIY projects for the months ahead.

This past summer I had fun crafting these hex nut bracelets (Emilie, that reminds me I still have one for you). Via Pinterest, I’ve stumbled upon a few other bracelet DIY guides that I’d like to try. What do you think?


braided hex nut bracelet. (I've mastered this one & I love how they look stacked with a couple other bracelets or bangles).


wrap bracelet. (this one looks relatively easy and it's a fun way to add a pop of colour to a neutral outfit).


macrame square knot string hex nut bracelet. (who knew hex nuts could be so versatile? honestly).


woven chain bracelet. (how to re-purpose your large link jewelery. I love it).



I love these tutorials and I think these bracelets would make sweet birthday or holiday gifts for girlfriends, not to mention the fact that they are both cost effective and easy to mail. It’s a win-win-win, if you ask me.

What activities are you filling your cozy fall evenings with? Do you get extra creative this time of year, too?




(photos 1, 2, and 4 courtesy of Honestly WTF…, photo 3 courtesy of Mini-eco all found via Pinterest).

summer fun: turquoise.

Turquoise is one of my two favourite colours (coral is my second favourite, if you wanted to know) and I enjoy incorporating it wherever I can, especially in the summer.

These two turquoise beauties are at the top of my wish list right now (and - if I'm lucky - they will both be mine after my trip to Seattle later this month)!

I wear pearl stud earrings almost every day but, in the spirit of embracing pretty summer-y things, these Kate Spade studs would give my pearls a run for their money.

The future home of this ceramic farmer's market basket is on my window sill where I will store my favourite of the moment recipes.


More summer fun in shades of pink + red.



(Photos courtesy of Nordstrom + Anthropologie).

Lex & Berg Wristware

I love bold pieces of jewelry that can spice up a dress... or a tee shirt. The bracelets created by the talented duo of Lex & Berg (or, Katie & Alexis as they are known to my sister) are just that. They craft wristware out of everything from brushed metal nuggets to swarovski crystals and are open to creating something that is uniquely you. I'm particularly smitten with the Nuggets line.





If you are interested in viewing more of their work or placing an order, visit their facebook page or email Lex & Berg at lexandbergwristware@gmail.com



Photos courtesy of Lex & Berg.

Ocean breathes salty... and beautiful.

I just stumbled upon these beauties from the ocean at the Hello!Lucky blog and I love them. Although any one of these unique pieces could be incorporated into a bride's look, I think it would be particularly stunning if each member of the bridal party donned a different necklace from the natural collection.

Photos courtesy of The Vamoose

Alas! The Vamoose shop is now open!

Bridal Style: Pearls, Sequins, Flowers, and Flappers

Ever since our trip to New York, I’ve been dreaming of pearls, sparkles, and oversized floral accessories. These details seemed to be present in every fashion spread that caught my eye. I immediately began brainstorming how they could be incorporated into Bridal Style. I then had to rack my brain to remember where I had seen all of these details used together before.

Upon returning home, I scoured my bookmarked pages and realized it was a soap opera wedding that had caught my eye from early last spring. There are some things that soap operas do very well, one of which are weddings.

The Young and the Restless featured a wedding between characters Chloe and Billy last April that paired some of my favorite details:
Pearls, Sequins, Flowers, and 1920’s-flapper style.



I love the bride’s headpiece and uniquely glamorous gown. The dramatic sequins are paired with simple-yet-stunning makeup and minimal accessories. The headpiece and bracelets add that extra something and work perfectly with the 1920’s style.


Is it just me, or is there something so lovely about a groom in tails?
Although this tuxedo option is not for everyone, I like to see this throwback style used so well.



The use of monochromatic neutrals paired with textures and embellishments in bridal style is a trend I’d love to see more of. There is something so timeless and so glamorous about this look.

It just goes to show: inspiration comes from everywhere.

Where are you currently finding inspiration?

{Photos: CBS 1, 2, 3, and daytime confidential 4 & 5}

How To: Spoil your bridal party on a budget (Part two)

Every girl would love to be gifted a special piece of jewelry.
I'm a firm believer that it's the thought - and not the price tag - that counts.

The following pieces are a thoughtful yet affordable way of letting your bridesmaids know that you care.

{Clockwise, top left: sora designs, $18; shi jewels, $22; everyday glory, $12; Elsewares, $50}

I adore classic cocktail rings (seen here in the top left and bottom right examples). It would be so lovely to have a story behind a fabulous costume piece.

There is also something to be said about traditional friendship rings. The pretty silver examples, pictured top right and bottom left, are perfect everyday pieces.

{Clockwise, top left: Cindy V designs, $21; kiska style: i, $24; ii, $29; and iii, $15}

I love how classic and girly this necklace by Cindy V. Designs is. The fabulous collection by Kiska Style is full of so many unique and stylish pieces; I had a hard time picking my favorites.

. . .

It would be a lot of fun to choose a different piece of jewelry for every bridesmaid, catering to each woman's individual taste. What's more, in many cases such pieces are one-of-a-kind.

The jewelry featured here - many of which assembled with handcrafted metals - provide style and elegance without the Tiffany's price tag.
Brides with large wedding parties will especially enjoy the value one can get for one's dollar by shopping handmade.

... something blue.

Every once in a while a piece of jewelry stops you in your tracks.

I was instantly smitten with this bobby pin set by Everyday Glory.


How perfect would any one of these pins be for a bride's something blue?

A simple bobby pin is beautiful in an updo, a veil, or a bride's bouquet. I love how this set does not match perfectly; I think two or three would be very pretty in a cluster.

At $28.00US for the set, these charming pins would be a fantastic addition to any bride's day of style.

Check out Everyday Glory's shop for more lovely pieces.

Pretty Hair Pieces

One of my current favorite bridal style trends is the hair piece. Today's Brides have the choice of pearls, flowers, feathers, & bows to add both style and personality to an updo or a veil.

This pretty flower by oh my deer completes the bride's messy updo, perfectly.
{Once Wed}


I adore these lovely yet understated pieces found on etsy. The effect a single pin can have on an updo is just striking. What's more, these pretty pieces are very reasonable; the cost-conscious bride does not have to sacrifice style.

{Clockwise from top left: freshwater pearl and copper wire hair pins, $16; Lotus Flower, $11; Set Of 6 Swarovski Pearl And Crystal Rondelle Hairpins, $22.99; Clay Gardenia flower, $12.50}


Both simple & stunning, a single hairpin can complete a bride's look.

I am also excited to see bridal parties using hair pieces as bold ways of expressing style. Although real flowers are very often used, I like the idea of faux floral pieces as these can be used again and again to update any outfit.

{Brides}

I know this look isn't for every bride.

What are your thoughts?

Prismera Designs

I couldn't resist posting the beautiful jewelry by Prismera Design I spotted on Something Old, Something New.

{Prismera Design via Something Old, Something New}
Laura, Prismera's designer describes the Hold collection these unique pieces are from:

For this group of work, I focused on a side of love that is often brushed aside in the conceptual aspect of designing jewelry. The Hold Collection is a reminder to cherish the hard times along with the joyous and passionate moments. The culmination of those experiences is what makes our relationships richer and more meaningful.

Not only are these pieces beautiful, they also represent such a thoughtful sentiment. I'd love to don a piece or gift one to a loved one.

Prismera Design offers several other collections that are equally lovely.

Femme Petal

I have a new etsy crush.

Erin Keys of Femme Petal creates fabulous jewelery using vintage materials. Her classic and glamorous style transcends through the collection, each piece making a statement. I love her use of pearls, colour, and bold flowers.

All of my favorite pieces just happen to be necklaces, however she also has gorgeous earrings, bracelets, rings, and hair clips.

Bonus: she creates custom wedding jewelery for brides and bridesmaids.
[Angie, this might be a perfect bridesmaid gift for your girls once they choose their dresses].

. . .

{Elizabeth, $25.50}

{Bloom, $32}

{Emma, $28}

{Purple Elegance, $25}

{Lolita, $30}

{Vibrance, $30}

{The Carrie Necklace [offered in various colours], $22}

. . .

I recently purchased my first piece for a certain girlfriend whose birthday is coming up. [I can't wait to buy one for myself].

Korcula

Forgive me. I'm traveling down the non-wedding route for a moment and indulging in a personal fashion obsession.

. . .

I have been on the market for what I have coined a "pointer finger ring" for some time now. Although chunky pieces are both glam and fun, I find they are too annoying for everyday wear. I've also decided that my stubby fingers won't allow anything that is too thin.
That leaves me with one option: wide-yet-delicate. Huh?

When I saw Emily wearing Korcula's Laura Ring I was smitten. I just adore the lattice pattern and its understated elegance.

{cupcakes and cashmere}

{Laura Ring by Korcula}

I'm going to get over the fact that I didn't find out about Lindley's jewelery sooner. [How did I miss her interview on Dilly Dallas?] This lovely ring [or any of her jewelery for that matter] would be perfect for a bridesmaid gift.
Now onto the important question: yellow or rose gold?

A Farmer's Daughter

Angela & I fell in love with the beautiful pieces made by A Farmer's Daughter when we visited her table at Indie I Do. Based out of Vancouver, A Farmer's Daughter creates one-of-a-kind hairpieces that are uniquely gorgeous.

What better a time to feature her work than today when she has given two pieces to the amazing Joanna Goddard to give away! Check out A CUP OF JOE today and leave a comment to win a bird-cage veil (with vintage rhinestones) or a feather hair clip (with ostrich feathers and a vintage pearl earring). How lovely?

If that wasn't convincing enough, check out some of my favorite pieces:


{Polka Dottie Wide Headband, $24}


{White Party Wedding Miller Headband Fresh Water Pearl, $34}


{Bird Cage Puffer Veil with Feather Clip Combo, $68}


{Bride Belle, $28}

Good Luck Everyone!

Simply Sublime

The jewelry created by Vancouver-based Simply Sublime is both unique and beautiful.
Each piece is handmade of Sterling Silver or Gold Filled chain and embellished with gorgeous stones such as Tourmaline, Citrine, Chalcedony, Rose Quartz, Blue Topaz, Garnets, Amazonite, Mother of Pearl, Turquois Aquamarine, Green Rutiliated Quartz, Real Pearls, Oil Jade and Moonstone to name a few.


{Shamrock Necklace 1, $128}

{Smoke Necklace, $138}
The Simply Sublime Atelier recently opened its doors to the public after Owner and Designer Constantina James received many requests. That's right, you can view these beauties in person at 3737 Oak Street, Vancouver {also, an Atelier will be open in Kelowna, BC}. For now, these images {and the many others featured in their online collection} will have to do.


{Chablis Bracelet, $118}

{RZ188 Ring, $138}

Congratulations are in order to CJ and the team at Simply Sublime.

Their fabulous pieces will be in the prestigious Oscar gift bags this weekend! 2009 Academy Award Nominees will be gifted pieces from the Simply Sublime Collection after stars such as Jennifer Aniston, Britney Spears, and Carrie Underwood have been spotted wearing their jewelry.

I'm sure we will be seeing more celebrities donning CJ's creations soon!

{Capri Cloud Earring, $98}

{Cleo Earrings, $128}
[Please note, this style is currently Sold Out]

:: BuenoStyle :: Lovelies

Angela and I fell in love with this hand-crafted jewelry at the Indie I Do show last month.

. . .

Christi York is a local jewelry designer who crafts beautiful pieces from recycled, vintage, and Eco-conscious materials.

She launched BuenoStyle in 2007 using vintage, discontinued beads from the '20s to the '80s to create limited edition one-of-a-few pieces. {Etsy Shop}

In her OAK line, Christi uses individual pieces found in various places to create exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces. {Gallery}

Christi will also re-work jewelry you already own, such as vintage pieces you have inherited, putting a touching spin on a bride's something old & something new.

I for one love the concept and plan to get in touch with Christi next time I'm in town. For now, eyeing up her Etsy page will have to do.

. . .
My Favorite BuenoStyle Etsy listings...


Secret Love Letter Vintage Necklace, $38
So Cute: she will customize the 'letter' to read anything, including "Marry Me?"

Black Dahlia Necklace, $38

Starfish Patina Necklace, $36