The Wedding Chronicles: ACT SIX "Pack Attack: Cocktail Party &Rehearsal Dinner Outfits"

Pack Attack really appealed to me for this wedding post because it is a play on panic attack (I am also up to my eyeballs in items to be packed). All my close friends know that off and on through my life I have struggled with panic attacks and as this big, big day approaches I am feeling some anxiety pangs. However, as it gets closer I am getting more relaxed. I am at that point where if it has not happened then it will not happen. And that is OK. There is only so much one person can do. It's kind of like studying for a big test. You prep and prep and prep and if you do not have it the night before then it's too late to cram. This is my proverbial night before the test and I am ready to start relaxing and enjoying... the test? Maybe that's the wrong analogy. 

Thursday Night Party: DVF Jumper, Zara Heels, Zara Necklace, Chanel Purse. 

Friday Rehearsal Dinner: Anthropologie Blouse, BCBG Maxi Skirt, Nude Gucci Heels (no longer available, similar here), Zara Earrings, Valentino Rockstud Clutch. 

5 more days! I am SO READY to get to Vegas and be with all my loved ones in one place. Let the fun begin!

XO.

The Wedding Chronicles: ACT FIVE "The Gringo Honeymoon Packing Guide"

Can't believe our wedding is just a week away and Maui is just after that!!!

1. In-flight Wear: Proenza Schouler Pants, Equipment Silk Blouse, Acne Loafers, Zara Scarf (big, soft and affordable - just how I like 'em! What?), Ray-ban aviators, Valentino Rockstud Trapeze Bag.
2. Beachwear: Norma Komali bather, J.Crew Straw Bag, Ara Matthews Sarong, ILLESTEVA sunglasses, Sensi Studio Lady Ibiza toquilla straw sunhat, Musa Metallic braided leather sandals
3. Island Hopping Threads: Ray-Ban Aviators, Nike Air Max tennis shoes, J.Crew Shorts, MIH Jeans Safari chambray shirt, Chloe Marcie Mini Shoulder Bag.
4. Fancy Dinner Date: Aurelie Bidermann Earrings, Charlotte Olympia Clutch, Michael Kors Wedges, Issa Silk Dress.
5. Additional Swimwear: Lemlem cover up and Beth Richards Faye mesh-paneled swimsuit.
6. Lingerie (duh, this is your honeymoon after all): L'Agent by Agent Provocateur's teal stretch-satin chemise.
7. MUST HAVES: Goody Bun Coils (easiest up-do ever!), Burt's Bees chap-stick with SPF, Moroccan Hair Oil (helps limit those island frizzies), SPF 70 Neutrogena sunscreen (have you seen how ginger-white Brad is?), iPad (music! books! Candy Crush!), Ear buds (baby proof that flight).  

You Won't Be Able to Unsee This: Zooey Davechappelle

Zooey Davechappelle via Reddit
Now try to unsee that!? Happy New Girl Season 3!

MGMT's newest song

It's dark and I like it. Plus Michael Williams kills, per the usual. I do think they could have put in a little work on the name of the song. NYmag.com writes:

...Michael K. Williams plays a plant-hunting witch doctor who dreams up a psychedelic drug that ends up giving the man a horrifying deformity. It's sad and beautiful and directed by Isaiah Seret (Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' "Kisses Over Babylon"), with cinematography by Bradford Young (Ain't Them Bodies Saints).

The Cut; photo by YoungJun Koo/I'M KOO
London Fashion Week has been a pleasure to watch from the digital sidelines. This image of Eva Chen's lower half is making me desperately crave cooler temperatures and fall appropriate textures and silhouettes  That fur bag! The leather skirt! the Leopard sweater! Those Alexander Wang heels! I think they are?

Real life traffic metrics, ya'll. 

So, last week on 9/12 to be exact, my blog was on the front page of Reddit. Not for any satorical observations on my part, but from an article I enjoyed enough to re-post from GQ that featured a rather compelling interview with Bill Murray. Some folks on Reddit were arguing about Bill Murray and the Kung Fu Hustle? It was over my head.

Imagine my surprise when I checked my stats and I suddenly have 100k viewers in ONE DAY. [side note: this little blog of mine had previously generated a total 55k pageviews to date since it's inception in 2009 - which mind you, I was proud of.] It was pretty surprising and interesting to see where these people went once they got here? They also commented a lot. Now you have to read the article, clearly. Read it here and feel free to comment. 


Contracts abound right before the wedding.

Interesting thing about planning the big day, there are endless contracts to proof. I have thankfully had a lot of practice red-lining my share of contracts, but this is different. It's emotionally charged and personal in a way that I had heard about, but did not expect. I was finalizing the my wedding floral contract and I actually teared up reading it. It's going to be so pretty! One week from today at almost this exact moment I will be wrestling my way onto a direct SWA flight to Vegas with my wedding dress in hand. I can't wait for  you to see how it all turned out. Hell, I cannot wait to see how it is going to turn out!

Happy Friday from Tyson Beckford

Via
(photo by Diana Eliazov)

Images like this one make scrolling through all the fashion week images worth it. Oh hey, Tyson. You still got it.

Musical Musings: 1975, American Authors, & Lorde for Ya Playlists

BONUS: Jay Z ft. Justin Timberlake's Official Visual for Holy Grail

This Week: Jeff Koons & Dom, Capitalism! & NYFW

Time will not slow down! Every day is one day closer to our wedding and every day I am realizing one more, two more, three more (see how there's a pattern here?) things that need to get done, bought, paid for, organized. My quasi-obsessive self is really loving it, but the rational me is wanting to pump the brakes. Speaking of quasi-obsessive, I think I re-discovered my desire to not eat like crap all the time? (Don't get me wrong, I anticipate I will still be chanting this to some degree.) Half way through day two of the Blue Print Cleanse and I feel both in control and not crappy alive. Perhaps this will kick start my sprint to the white dress finish line. I did describe myself to my walking partner this morning as planning on being a "total psycho" for the next 2.5 weeks with regards to eating and drinking healthily. Here's to no burnout - cause nothing says burnout like the words "total psycho"! 

Here's some items I cannot get enough of this week:

• This Jeff Koons and Dom Perignon collaboration. This box is for their Vintage Rose and is supposed to be a balloon Venus. I love it and hate it. A lot.

• The two street style snaps, one of Anna Wintour glaring in front of construction and the other of a sunshine clad lady with adorable dog with hair better than mine, are probably my most favorite images I've come across all NYFW. They are not staged and that is the best part. See all of them here.

• This Steve Lambert interactive art installation "Capitalism Works for Me!" will be installed next week in Times Square. If  you live there please go by and hit True and then False for me to represent my conflicting opinions. Thanks.  

• Here are my top three outfits from my top three Spring 2014 RTW shows so far: Love the agate-like print on the 3.1 Phillip Lim boxy shirt (home decor inspiring fashion?). Love-love the geometric, black and white print on that really comfortable looking outfit at Marc by Marc Jacobs. And really love the Michael Kors dress because I want to own it and wear it on my honeymoon. Vacation... So close. 

I will have some wedding updates later this week. I am working on a mood board of my wedding parties' dresses and it is coming out pretty great. 

XO.

PS. My heart goes out to everyone effected by what happened on 9/11. We will never forget you. You are not alone.

Happy Friday!

This Week's Goodness: Hair Cuts, Wedding Cakes, Juice Cleanses & AHS!

ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY// BLUE PRINT CLEANSE// ZARA BOOTS // ZARA CLUTCH // SCARY AHS PREVIEW

Here are some quick nods to my must have's-must do's-must watches of this wonderful week a full 24 days until the wedding. That's right, I said it: 24 days, ya'll!

1. The Notorious B-Rad G and I spent a nice Labor Day weekend in Park City, Utah with my parents. We flew up Thursday afternoon and came home on Sunday. The weather was really magical in that clear air, mountain-y sort of way. It rained quite a bit, but with all the fire action around there no one was really complaining. Saturday we had a picturesque evening at the St. Regis stage in Deer Valley. Sarah Bareilles and One Republic played. No matter what your musical tastes these two bands are excellent live performers and put on a great show. I am currently totally obsessed with these two songs: Brave and Counting Stars. I have been to lots of shows here through the years and most people drink a little too much wine. This show was no exception only people got PLASTERED. We saw a grown man being escorted from the after party via giant bouncer hand holding like a baby and a woman vom all over a table. It was in-sane. And kind of gross in a hilarious way.
2. I think I have determined what I want my wedding cake to look like. Ombre anyone? Only with real flowers and less of those sugar beads. Bellagio plays this yes-man game and doesn't tell you prices SO that should be an interesting line item at the end of the night. Long story short, everything is in a package together and no individual prices are given. Therefore hiding their epic margin and making discerning customers GTFO. JK, we already signed the contract. It's happening regardless. Final items for wedding planning include seating charts/cards, programs, outfit selections, packing selections, music selections... Ah the details. It is going to be epic, but right now it feels like a countdown to D-Day. Only with more joy and wedding bliss at the end.
3. I cut my hairs to look like this. The middle party is something I have been  into for a while off and on, but was always afraid to commit because of facial symmetry insecurities (get a real problem, amiright?). I think it actually looks good, if I commit to round brushing that pesky front part.
4. Blue Print Cleanse time! 3 or 4 days? I cannot decide and am honestly waiting to pull the trigger because food is my last crutch for emotional support since I gave up drinking so many days ago in the name of le thin. Ugh, it's hard because drinking and eating are the BEST.
5. ZARA! You devil, you've done it again. Gray is my go to color this fall and as I have mentioned in earlier posts the ankle boot is the wardrobe accouterment this season. Also, the over-sized clutch is making a solid showing despite it's total impracticality for holding anything of substance. I bought it anyway because I could not avoid it's siren call.
6. American Horror Story's 3rd season begins in October and I am SO EXCITED. Coven is going to be so wicked. I cannot wait for more campy horror from show creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. 

Finally, I leave you with this adorable video of these kitties playing patty cake. You know you like it.

This Week's Top Top Top

VOGUE // EARRINGS // TIE DYE PANTS 

1. WOW, does Adam from Girls look hot holding that sheep-er-goat-thing? Perhaps it is because he is caught in a moment when he is not doing that crazy stuff his character is known for? I am into it. Thank Vogue for this one.

2. What do we think about these earring for the wedding? I am 1 week and 1 month out (cannot believe that) and I need to make some decisions about a lot of these little details. I like that they are glamorous, unique, New Mexico-y, thanks to the turquoise - kind of a modern art deco spin - no?

3. My close friends know me as some kind of wacky pants hoarder. These pants are def no different. Ahhhh, grown up tie dye makes my heart flutter.

4. That quote is the true-true (anyone seen the movie I am referencing here? so annoying, but so sticky - I say it all the time despite my best efforts). People that have goodness from their insides to their outsides show their passion and honesty in their work. And that work is basically the best work because of that honesty resonates with other people who are present. I strive to do this.

5. House decor question: how do you feel about me painting my interior doors black? Our old house has some pretty amazing crown molding and the black (like in the pictures above) really highlights the molding details. Brad's dragging his feet, but I am in LOVE.

General Life Updates

• We got a tenant! She moves in this weekend and we are STOKED. I hope she likes us... We busted our butts and our wallets getting that thing ready for full time inhabitants. I have learned more about electrical grids and circuits this week then ever before. How practical, right?
• RSVP cards are rolling in for our big day! Ever day brings it's surprises. It is interesting to see who comes and who does not. The good news: Brad, my bridesmaids, wedding party, family and various close friends will be there if they can. The rest is just semantics. 
• The house is in a good place as far as design is concerned. I like where we are and feel like we can comfortably relax until after the wedding. No more major changes, but definitely some small improvements that will help. For example, why would they not install a light fixture in the stair well? That is just dangerous. Now I have an electrician and will get that situation remedied stat. Grown. Up. Things.
• #kanyesworkoutplan (follow me on Instagram! @aftonybalogna) is going well. I am definitely firmer. Just need to lean out. I am thinking a juice cleanse is in my near future. Sorry in advance, Brad. Blue Print Cleanse for life. Anyone else want to do it?

Over and out.

Going to leave you with this little gem.

My TOP TOP TOP: Boots, Shades, Cuffs, Nighties, Chairs, Etc.

Banana Leaf Wallpaper // Shades // Copper Light Fixture // Giuseppe Zanotti Gold Vertebrae Cuff // Tory Burch Boots // 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target PJ Set // Amazing Vintage Chair

Here is a quick installment of my new weekly blog post "MY TOP TOP TOP" aka Can't Stop, Won't Stop aka High Five (or six, seven, whatever)... For those of you that get the name, forgive me, I could not help myself.

1. How amazing is that Banana Leaf Wallpaper? I am dying to have it in my dining room! Is it going to be out? Or timeless? Discuss.

2. Those shades are either going to look totally awesome or totally insane. Either way they are from ASOS.com and cost me about $12, so who cares, thank you very much fast fashion.

3. That light fixture is making me feel all tingly inside. Do you thing the proportions are as adorable in real life? Also, who'd of thought that you can order a $12,000 copper bathtub? Michael Bloomberg, ya'll. Because the super rich do not have enough ways to distinguish themselves from us plebeians.  

4. Giuseppe Zanotti has hit the nail on the head with this macabre cuff. I love that it is vertebrae! They say  it is spikes, but get real. We all know what it really is. And we love it.

5. The IT shoe of the upcoming fall season are black ankle boots. The majority in high fashion mags are by Celine, at right, and have tremendously tall heels, but these bad boys are both practically heeled and adorable. Plus a quarter of the price, although still not-so-cheap. 

6. 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target is hitting stores everywhere on September 15, 2013! Run, don't walk to your nearest Target at 10 am that morning. Better yet, be safe and go early. I thought this little PJ set was too cute. What a good gift!

7. This amazing vintage chair is one of those fabulous, but totally ridiculous Pinterest finds. You love it. You want it... It exists no where in real life. Thanks a lot. (PS. Follow me on Pinterest here)

PPS. Know of anyone that needs a place to live? We are renting our garage apartment to only the best and the brightest that Houston has to offer. Check out our Craigslist listing here.

Closet, Wedding, & Bachelorette Party Confessions

Hello friends, long time no talk! As always this post will begin with an apology about the extended period of radio silence that this blog has endured. Life has been busy in the best kind of ways and we are loving every minute of it. Finally settling into the new house has made all the difference in our mental health. 

First and foremost, I bought some amazing things on ASOS.com today that need to be shared. The ASOS Collection items are so wonderful and I honestly can say that they are relatively high quality for such affordable prices (as compared to Zara or H&M). PS - Have you heard that H&M is online now? Of course you have. Any-who  I am loving these two blouses for work or going out. Buy them here and here right now and in every color. I also bought two bikinis for ladies with a lot going on up top. These will be absolutely fab on our honeymoon. I am really excited that we changed from Santa Fe to Miami. Neither one of us has ever been there and we thought what the heck? let's try it. Hurricane-shmurricane... Gladly out hotels and flights are refundable, just in case. Has anyone been to South Beach or stayed at the Shore Club? It seemed to have the best reviews online. Please send me any and all recs ASAP. Thx. Buy the bikinis here and here.

Life has been really going in a really great way lately. We welcomed friends into our garage apartment while they renovate their home down the street, we planted lots of flowers, we sodded our yard (ourselves! so.much.work.), we installed a new dining room light fixture (much better - thanks CB2!) and lots more. 

Most notably is the fact that all wedding invites are out and people are audibly excited. It feels SO REAL. For months it has seems so far in the distant future and now it is HERE. We are thrilled to get the celebrations underway. I have a mountain of thank you notes to write and tons of practical new kitchen gadgets to find a home for. I also have been working out really hard because at 90 days out and now at less than 60 days out I realized how serious it is for me to get my skinny hat on. I have been doing the Advocare 24 day challenge and it has been ok. It is very supplement and mystery powder heavy (ever see someone drink a Spark? that is this company). I like it overall, but at day 10 I am kinda sick of it. In my head I alternate between slow chanting "10 MORE POUNDS" and "CUPCAKES. FRENCH FRIES. RED WINE." So, as you can imagine it's going ok.

Wedding wise all we have to do is pick the songs for the band, the Salamanders. And fill out our preacher paperwork. And order gifts for our wedding party. And order party favors. And schedule bridal portraits. And finalize the menu... WOW, we have a lot more to do.

Last but not least my older sister, Brooke, threw the most amazing bachelorette party EVER for me in NOLA last month. We had so much ridiculous fun. There was a horse head, strip clubs, Cajun foods, palm readers, revolting hangovers, Canadian bachelor parties, pool party time, lingerie time, nipple tassels, shopping, naps, love in da club, late night pizza, a trash shark, custom t-shirts... The list really goes on! I loved every single minute. Lets just say the ladies at the Penthouse off of Bourbon are like naked Cirque de Soleil acrobats that smell like sunshine or the car wash and make several dollars a second. It was insanity. K, bye for now.

PPS. Houston people, don't forget about Restaurant Month!

Link + Picture + Product Love: What's Happening NOW

 

image via NYCMag

In the article, ‘Picasso Baby’ Live: Jerry Saltz Goes Face-to-Face With Jay-Z by art critique Jerry Saltz, you get to really glimpse art world culture and bravado. I've always been smitten with the seen, but never brave enough to commit. This well written expose' on the six hour show by Jay-Z brought tears to my eyes. Why you ask? Someone from our musical generation is doing greater than great things. Pushing the envelope. Mixing cultures. Questioning norms. It is so refreshing and so much more intense and dumbfounding coming from a Hip Hop artist. Bravo, Jay-Z. Here's my favorite part of the article:

Maybe best of all was Marina Abramovic herself. When she arrived at 3:15 the crowd went silent for the first time. (Gotta hand it to her.) As the notes began, she walked toward him, taking off her belt and shoes. ("Oh God!," I fretted. "She's going to get naked again.") Then she stood with her hands at her side and her palms open, facing him. She climbed over the bench and stood that way for a moment — then, holding the pose, moved closer to him, then closer still. Until she placed her forehead on his. It was as if she was saying, "I gave you permission to steal my act; now I am taking it back." Astonishing. 

image here

Gus Petro, a Swiss photographer, traveled to both NYC and the Grand Canyon. He was struck by one's density and the other's emptiness. He then combined the photos of both locations into a chilling series called "Merge." 

After enduring a seven day trek down the Grand Canyon in 2010, I can speak from experience when I say it is amazingly vast and startlingly empty. We were one of several vessels on the water and saw only a few others. Being a mile down from sea level is the weirdest experience. We were literally combing through Earth's layers. 

"Merge" is a crazy juxtoposition of two vastly different, but totally American landmarks. Love it.  

buy it here

buy it here

buy it here

The creator of the namesake, new jewelry line Lele Sadoughi, cut her teeth at JCrew where she spearheaded the creation of their now amazing jewelry line in 2006. As an avid bobble collector, I can honestly say her creations for JCrew re-sparked my interest in their work. I didn't even know who the genius behind the overhaul was! 

Of course when I came across the above pieces in an Elle magazine story on her new line I instantly fell in love. The quasi-affordable, semi-precious stone filled line of jewelry is both trendy and classic. I love the colors and the hardware. Such a great mix of masculine and feminine. I ordered mine yesterday!!! 

Pinterest Finds - Follow me here for more of the goods.   

Everything about this image captivates me. The opulence! That cleavage! Who's that creepy guy in the back? Was this really a Chanel ad? Do you think MJ and Madge used the same plastic surgeon?
SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.
RIP MJ. 

1961 black cat audition in Hollywood. How are all these cats SO chill on leashes? My cat, Figaro, will dislocate his shoulder before staying in a leash. Yes, we've tried. What about it?

HOV.
I am so obsessed. Can he be my spirit animal? I mean that with the utmost respect.

Skull. Diamonds. 2 favorites = 1 home run.
Dior Jaillerie Victoire de Castellane Roi D'opalie

Chloe. 100% Girl Crush.

The Wedding Chronicles: Act FOUR "Las Vegas Wedding Invitation Suite + Flowers + Etc. = Amazingness"

Seahorse Bend // Lettering by Amy // Paperless Post // Naakiti Floral

We are getting so close to the wedding that I just had to share some of the details. Less than three months away! That sounds like forever still, but it strangely feels like tomorrow when you've been engaged as long as we have. The invitations are at the calligrapher's and the final deposit has been paid on the flowers. We also have the Rehearsal Dinner invitations in hand and my dress is tucked away upstairs. Mental note: I need to get that thing to the tailor ASAP. 

My lady friends and I are headed to my favorite Southern city for the weekend: NOLA! To celebrate my soon-to-be-ending bachelorette-ness. Fingers crossed they don't haze me to death. No shots please! I want to make it to dinner... 

Here's a few random updates:

Remember that house we bought? Well, here it is in all of it's before and after glory! Read all about our little fixer upper on the awesome, Houston real estate blog SwampLot. It is in the amazing historical subdivision of Westmoreland in Montrose. We LOVE being able to walk every where and especially like having a yard for the dog. We also are excited for our first tenants in the back house starting next week. 

I just bought these bad boys since the kitties (1 or both?) peed all inside my Toms (thanks jerks!). They are really cheap and on trend too. Perfect summer 2013 slip on's. Get them here in an assortment of colors.

Look how big my nephew, Peter Danger Clark, is getting! I just want to SQUEEZE HIM. Yes, you read that right. Danger is his middle name. Literally.

Had to share this hilarious picture of Brad and I that my Fairy God Father snapped two weekends ago at our first wedding shower in Austin. (PS. those necklaces are Chan Luu and I have not taken them off since I got them... I swear I am wearing them now.)

Last but not least: I gave in and made a wedding website. So please, check it out and chuckle behind my back at my expense: www.aftonandbrad.com. 

Life Updates Inspired by Wendy Davis: "The Lebron James of Filibustering"

I was repeatedly moved to tears as I reviewed the coverage of last night's historic SB5 filibuster in the Texas Senate this morning. Plus the ruling of the Supreme Court that crushed DOMA. So amazing! "Reviewed this morning," you ask? Not watched/streamed like the rest of the world? No TV. Still.

Long story short Brad and I moved into our dream home and STILL (3.5 weeks later) do not have TV/Cable/nada. It's been nice, but when it comes to current events I am typically a day behind.

These momentous events in Texas and US history have inspired me to get back on the blog and get it together. All of the above images are from this amazing Buzzfeed coverage. And speak to the extensive internet presence of this filibuster. Sadly, as you will read on Buzzfeed and elsewhere the always-streaming-24-hour-news-channels did not even give it a blip. What's up with that?!

The radio silence that has ensued on this here blog for what it tells me as the last 2-no-3 months (March 27?) is because we did all of the following, kind of on a whim? More on that later...
1) Finalized the wedding details, booked the honeymoon (Santa Fe!) and sent out our Save the Dates

2) Traveled EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND in April & May
3) Turned 27! Old. Old. I define it by saying I really know what I am talking about in meetings, ya'll. 
4) Sold Brad's house 
5) Put multiple offers on our dream house 
6) Bought said dream house after 3rd offer was accepted 

7) Moved into said dream house after selling our previous house out from under us in a frantic effort to duel close our two homes in 30 days. Can you guess which closed first? HINT: not the new one...
8) Leased dream house uncomfortably until we were clear to close. 
9) Learned why people say that buying/selling a house is stressful. Our closing was pushed by 10 days and then was split between 2 days because human error is alive and well.
10) Closed on our house! 
11) Drank so much in New Orleans at my friends' epic wedding that I broke the heel off of my favorite, new shoes. Yes. These. Don't they look like Altazurra, I know, right? They are Nine West, run very big and will give you hella bad lower-back-off-legs blisters. Highly affordable & uncomfortable. (only available in this color here) 
12) The wonderful Shoe Hospital on Shepherd fixed them! Only after poking a little, ahem, a lot of fun at me when I told them how they broke.
12) Got real sick presumably from the partying, but also from what looks like air filters that were never changed. Ever. 

HOWEVER, I am back and ready for business! Sorry to be gone so long. It's been a weird couple of months. The wedding is way underway and the list has swollen to a pretty hefty number by small, destination standards. Let's just say its more than a few people. AND my dress arrived! Plus I love it still. So, that's pretty great. 

I promise to do a wedding-centric post later/next week. Business is booming ya'll! We are literally counting down the days until the big weekend. First we have to get through the parental meet and greet. Only to be surpassed in awkwardness by my divorced parents and there spouses all eating dinner together the night before. They have not seen each other, not spoken, nothing since my college graduation in 2008. Get excited for that!

One last thing, I gave in and did a wedding website: www.aftonandbrad.com for all of those pesky particulars. Until then, I leave you with this image that is keeping me holding on...

The Wedding Chronicles: ACT THREE "Going on a White Dress Safari"

BHLDN / Mia Bridal Couture

As I discussed previously, in this post, wedding dress shopping is a pretty huge source of anxiety for me. Thankfully, it ended up being only mildly tiring and kind of pleasant. That is due, of course, to a solid group of friends who kept the Veuve and compliments flowing. The first place we went was BHLDN on Westheimer. I give the private room and private seating area a A++. As for the dresses, they were more of a 5/6. The selection was pretty large, the prices awesome (average price apx. $1k), but the sales lady was lacking. She was nice, but was constantly telling us how much time we had left. She also didn't offer too much in  terms of dresses, veils, etc. Instead my friends ended up surfing the showroom take items off of mannequins. Pretty funny. We then went to Benjy's for a much needed brunch and mimosa break. Thanks, Mom, for financing that! After a little too much food and champagne we went to Events on West Gray to look at china patterns... Because we had time to kill and I clearly have not done any of that. That place is amazing, btw! Still no idea what china I want?

Finally, it was time for our 2 pm appointment at Mia Bridal. It was packed with brides and mothers and aunts and friends.  It was at this time that it occurred to me that I was sad that none of the motherly figures were there to share this monumental occasion. I knew they were not coming, but it still hit me pretty hard. Thanks to good friends I was able to recover. Diary of a 'check's-in-the-mail' orphan. It could always be worse. Like, I could be a real orphan. 

On a lighter note, we only had to wait a little bit for our seating area and in the mean time I was encouraged to pull dresses I wanted to try. There were SO many dresses. Thankfully they were organized by price - keeping my selection pool to a minimum. Plus my sales associate was really helpful and most importantly honest about what she thought would look good on my body type. She also was not bashful about nudity and helped me get in and out of those suckers. It was so exhausting because those dresses are work to put on! 

Luckily, I ended up finding the perfect dress and it was under budget, until they informed me of what alterations + veil + that crystal belt cost. Oh well, thanks Dad! It will be here June 7th and I am so excited. Nothing says 'get in shape, girl!' like trying on wedding dresses. Stay tuned for my save the date proofs and more wedding action. The fam and I are off to Vegas tomorrow for meetings with the florist and the Bellagio. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly!

Musical Musings: New Song to Jam On

Closet Confession: My Latest Obsessions

I just spent some serious time perusing the online stock of two of my favorite trendy and affordable retailers. I have to say both have some pretty great stuff in stock PLUS they have free shipping both ways. Who gon' stop me, huh? I was so excited about the Zara purchases that I opted for the 24-48 hour shipping for an additional $9.50 - hey big spender! Fingers crossed just one pair of those shoes fit and are comfortable. My feet are so hobbit-esque wide that I am not going to hold my breath - thank goodness for free returns! Same thing goes for Asos: free shipping both ways. But I have to say their clothes fit much more generously (aka true to size) than the Zara collection. Perhaps it is because the English girls are big boned like us Americans? 

We are going to Pitbull tonight at the Houston Rodeo and it is going to be ridiculous. Fair food, people watching, open bar - let's get weird! I promise I will post my wedding dress try on shots as soon as I get the nerve. Without further ado, the Harlem Shake video for Rodeo Houston...