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You’ve chosen the dresses, now you just need the perfect accessory to bring your bridesmaids to wedding-day-ready status. I know I am not alone in thinking that the classic post is the most perfect piece of jewelry. They look fab by themselves or can be the just the right thing to compliment any necklace. The versatility of these alluring little studs are ideal for whatever style you are going for. Oh, and if you haven’t noticed already, all of the gems featured on SMP today are pretty dang affordable, so much so, that you might just want to snag yourself a pair!

Row One: Banana Republic’s jewelry collection is a well known secret to style-savvy buyers worldwide. If it isn’t already, this store should be at the top of your list for estate-inspired jewels that are, for the most part, affordable. If you are looking for a classic stud that will go with just about anything, look no further than this perfect trio: The Clustered Jewel earring ($42), the Beveled Gem earring ($29.50) and the Jeweled Button earring. All completely gorgeous.

Row Two: The world is your oyster when wearing any of these stunning pearls. Each earring brings a little something different to the mix. A little edgy, Juicy Couture. A little eclectic, Anthropologie ($24). A little vintage, although a bit pricier Kate Spade ($45).

Row Three: This little trifecta is hitting all the current trends. Kate Spade ($45) brings you a few hints of floral, Juicy Couture ($48) some enamel, and leave it to BCBG ($48) to bring on the metallic.

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Post tags: Anthropologie, Banana Republic, BCBG, Bridesmaids Jewelry, Jewelry, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade
Post categories: Accessories, Bridal Party, Round-Ups, Wedding Fashion

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After last weeks Bridesmaids Dress Round Up, I thought what better way to finish up the perfect bridesmaids look than with a dazzling collection of chic, fabulous jewelry. Turning to some of our favorite stores and designers, we’ve put together an assortment of eye-catching jewels with a variety of price tags that will suit lots of different budgets.

Row One: Vintage inspired and dripping with sparkles, these beauties from J. Crew are the essence of glamour. The Crystal Soiree earrings ($55) are very old Hollywood with loads of modern charm. Dainty and very lady like, the Heirloom Flora earrings ($45) are the perfect addition to a classic dress. And oh, how amazing are the Shimmering Teardrop earrings ($45)? They have just the right amount of glitz without being over the top.

Row Two: The Nordstrom’s Crystal Drop earrings ($28) are simple and sweet and are extremely versatile-coordinating with any style. Bundled in a cluster of gold, The Gilded Bonbon earrings ($42) are as playful as they are stunning. The Oneiros Drops ($32) are subtle in all the right ways with their dangling delicate drops of crystal.

Row Three: Betsey Johnson ($30) channels 60’s glam with these pearl drop earrings. Modern and completely unique, the Gold Orb earrings by Jean Pelle ($36) are a beautiful and ethereal addition to any bridesmaids dress collection. Craving a lavish look? Your bridesmaids will definitely achieve it with Banana Republic’s Pearl Drop earrings ($32).

So much more to come!!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Banana Republic, Betsey Johnson, Bridesmaids Jewelry, Earrings, J. Crew, Jewelry, Nordstrom
Post categories: Accessories, Bridal Party, Round-Ups, Wedding Fashion

From the lovely bride, Lauren…

Fashion ~ When dress shopping, I only went to one bridal salon, AniA Bridal, in downtown Portland. I ended up buying the third dress I tried on. I didn’t know what I wanted when I went shopping but knew the minute that I tried my dress on that it was ‘the one’. It is a fluted Alvina Valenta gown made from silk shantung with Guipire lace trim. I had a bolero made out of the Guipire lace – it was lovely.  I decided not to wear a veil but instead made a hairpiece by deconstructing a necklace from Banana Republic and wiring the broach-like jewelry to a hair comb.

Choosing bridesmaids dresses was a challenge. I had 7 bridesmaids and wanted them to feel comfortable in their dress. I chose the designer, color and fabric and let each of them choose the style. The crocodile-green color looked surprisingly good on everyone and the girls said that they felt very comfortable. As a gift, I bought them all sage-colored wraps to help keep them warm. I also found wonderful jewelry designer on Etsy. She had a lovely red fern pendant necklace in her collection and I bought one for each bridesmaid as well as Lincoln’s sister, our groomswoman.

Lincoln and his groomsmen rented espresso-colored suits from Mr. Formal in Portland. We bought satin fabric that matched the bridesmaid dresses had the groom and groomsmen’s ties custom-made. Lincoln gifted each of his groomsmen hoodies – one of his favorite articles of clothing and a must-have in the Pacific Northwest.

Family and Friends ~ The most memorable part of our wedding day was, of course, the love and support or our family and friends. We wanted to include them as much as possible in our wedding celebration since they’ve had such an impact on who we are today. We really saw our wedding as not only the union of the two of us, but also the joining together of all of our friends and relatives.

Lincoln and I decided that we both wanted our parents to escort us down the aisle. We did a ring-passing ceremony, where our mothers gave our wedding rings to our wedding party members. Our wedding party then passed the rings to one another, offering a silent blessing before Lincoln and I exchanged the rings.

At the end of our ceremony, each of our parents stood and offered a blessing. My dad and stepmom read the Art of Marriage, my mom read ‘Two Happy Lovers’ by Pablo Neruda and Lincoln’s parents offered some valuable words of advice about love and marriage.

My maid of honor is a talented singer and one of Lincoln’s groomsmen is a talented guitar player. Several months before the wedding, we asked if they would be interested in singing and playing our first dance song. They agreed and, man, was it great! The best part is that a friendship between the two blossomed out of the whole thing.

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Alvina Valenta, AniA Bridal, Banana Republic, Eric Cable, Lauren Brooks
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog, Traditional Elegance

Lounge chairs – Viceroy Hotel Palm Springs, CA personal picture (from Picasa Web Album) Bouquet – Martha Stewart Weddings LBD – Banana Republic Invitations – Matzinger by Wiley Valentine Cupcake Tower – Sprinkles Cupcakes

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Banana Republic, Martha Stewart Weddings, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Viceroy Hotel, Wiley Valentine
Post categories: Contests, Inspiration Boards

I am going to let the bride, Heather, give you a bit of detail…

From the time we were engaged, Kevin and I envisioned a casual, yet stylish, FUN backyard wedding.  Being extremely family oriented, we wanted a day not only to celebrate our love, but also our relationships with those closest to us. The ceremony was held in a quaint, little old church just outside of Kevin’s hometown, and the reception followed at his family residence, in Pleasanton, California.
 
My cocktail length dress, embellished with raw-edged fabric and tulle flower appliqués (BCBG Maxazria), together with yellow & white polka dot peep toes (Delicious) and old-fashioned birdcage veil (www.myweddingveil.com) completed the stylish vintage feel I was going for. Our wedding party, made up of only our siblings, wore J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Vans. 

So much more to come!
 

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Banana Republic, Birdcage Veil, California, J. Crew, My Wedding Veil, Pleasanton, Polka Dots, Vans
Post categories: Budget Beautiful, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Real Weddings, The Blog, Vintage Chic