Good as Gold

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We're always looking for fun details that are on trend without being trendy.

Gold has been on everyone's radar over the last several years but we're starting to see it pop up in some fresh and unexpected places.

Gone are the days of faux pas, gold lame bridesmaids dresses! Brides now have fun and flirty options for their best ladies. Doesn't this group of girls look amazing!

via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Another fun place gold is popping up is on cakes! Sophisticated glamour with a touch of whimsy...my own holy grail! How fun would this be at your best friend's bachelorette party or wedding shower?!

BHLDN is now open!

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BHLDN officially opened its doors yesterday at its very first location in Houston's own Highland Village. For those of you who don't know, BHLDN (pronounced beholden) is Anthropologie's sister store for all things wedding. From the moment you set foot in the store you are whisked away to a world of romance, beauty and whimsy. The stores beautiful palette of gray, white and stunning distressed wood combinded with its warm lighting is not only inviting, but incredibly calming, as well.

When you enter the store you walk into a room filled with amazing bridesmaid and any occassion dresses. Sprinkled around the room are cases filled with stunning headpieces made by Jennifer Behr and vintage beaded bags they found at French flea markets. You then head down a wide hallway where you find the decor room tucked away to the side. This is a small dark paneled room filled with the most amazing little things- from stationary, to unique escort card holders, to handmade cake toppers, you are sure to find something to add that special touch to your special day. Heading back out to the hallway you enter into the store's shoe salon and accessories space. Right off of the shoe salon is the room dedicated to the most amazing, delicatly beautiful lingere. You then walk to the back of the store, and just when you think things can't get any better, they do! The room is filled with mannequins dressed in BHLDN's stunning collection of wedding gowns. The gowns are priced from $600-$6,000 and range from size zero to twelve. The amazing thing about BHLDN is that you can have your gown in hand within three days of purchasing it!

On Wednesday I had the privilage of attending BHLDN's Wedding Indusrty Brunch. Below are a few pics I snapped on my phone's camera :)

One neat fact I learned from talking to BHLDN's incredibly sweet staff is that each of the spacious dressing lounges are equppied with iPod docks so Bride's can listen to their own Ipod!

Happy Shopping!

What do I get my bridesmaids?

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Finding the perfect gift for your bridesmaids is often at the bottom of your wedding to-do list, and there isn't usually a ton of your budget allocated to gifts for your attendants. But, the ladies you ask to be a part of your wedding are usually special friends or family members (or soon to be!) and deserve a little something special. The best gifts are things people actually use, and might not buy for themselves. Here's some cute, different ideas:



photo from: marthastewartweddings.com

Water bottles are so popular right now, everyone seems to have one. The company that made this adorable example (discountmugs.com) allows you to send custom artwork (a monogram, or a design used throughout your wedding like this silhouette) and they apply it to the bottle.


A more traditional gift idea, these make-up bags from http://www.beau-coup.com/ are silk shantung and come in really pretty colors. You could get them in a color that corresponds to your wedding palette or a color that reminds you of each bridesmaid. Get them monogrammed with initials or names.



LL Bean totes come in so many cute colors and different sizes, and again, can be monogrammed (love!). Fill them with water, snacks, info for the wedding weekend and a sweet note.





















I'm a huge fan of stationery, and, you guessed it, especially when it's personalized. I love the idea of getting notepads with patterned or personalized pencils or pens (the examples above are from iomoi.com and Oriental Trading Co.). Who doesn't love a cute notepad to jot down a grocery list? Or notecards with their initials (these are from minted.com)?


Another cute trend that also contributes to a good cause (bonus!): Toms! Each pair you buy also buys a child in need a pair. Get different styles to fit the personality of your maids, or all the same. Love the glitter styles!

For the bride with a classic sense of style, pearl stud earrings are a welcome addition to any woman's wardrobe.


Have fun with it, and let it be a way to show your gratitude to these special ladies!

--Katie