{Eco-Chic Weddings} by Emily Anderson

{garden wedding}: topiary + fruit favors

I love botanical and garden border illustration, and Liz Pepperell is one of my favorites. You can purchase her illustrations online, and wouldn't that be a pretty and unique way to design your invitations? This is a garden inspired layout, with happy dragonflies buzzing around reusable topiary centerpieces...

{Dress: Marchesa, Sp 08; Apple image: Junebug Weddings ; Handmade rose fabric rings: Brides Magazine; Topiary: MS Weddings; Fair Trade bracelette by Columbian artisans;  Dragonfly Earring, handmade by KT Collection;  Scarf: Vintage Indie.}

{what do you think}: vera wang at kohl's

What do you think about Vera Wang's new line at Kohl's? I would venture to guess at some point she might offer some lower-priced bridal gowns, but who knows. Below is a quote from The Protagonist. I'm curious to know what your thoughts are.

{I know they broke up, but I had to post this snap of Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams because her Vera Wang gown was simply stunning, and she in it. By the way--he doesn't really look very happy here, does he?)

Go here to read commentary from The Protagonist....

{eco-chic} wedding inspiration: carol belanger grafton

Long a resource for designers, the books produced by Carol Belanger Grafton (Editor) range from the sublime to the pedestrian (think: Vicotorian era flourishes, and animal sticker books). They also provide some  great inspiration and ideas for an eco-chic event. Let this also be a reminder that inspiration need not come from a "wedding" resource...

   

    

{cool} wedding from offbeat bride

I found this  supercool wedding on Offbeat Bride...from the Converse sneaker (a vegan favorite) to the rockabilly vibe, this bride and groom show that good style can go a long way.

{z} for zinnia {r} for freddy + ma rock

A few more lively things to ponder as Fall wedding seasons begins...A pretty handmade dress by a family friend, Carol Schneider, would be a really nice way to dress your little flower girls. She uses vintage fabrics, and her dresses can be worn for years and years, and passed down (my daughter has several in her closet from a friend)...read more below...

Zinnias are a hearty flower, in season for Spring, Summer and Fall, and a good way to be local. A custom clutch by the fabulous Freddy & Ma: just send them your own fabric and they'll whip one (or several) up for you. On the bottom, you can find this rad-reddish bracelette at World of Good, and the necklace is handcrafted by artist  Michael Michaud.I'm really falling for the silk hemp options available...you may be able to find the dupioni that's  shown here on Olivia Luca.

{The flowers are from Martha Stewart. More about the bracelette: Handcrafted in Colombia and distributed by Tierra Santa Café, a group helping artisans get fair compensation while pursuing higher education, this jewelry is also made of tagua, a sustainably harvested rainforest nut. In 2003, Salvarte was founded to increase opportunity for the numerous skilled artisans in Colombia, and they are highly conscious of their social and cultural responsibility.}

{fall weddings}:color inspiration + local harvest

We went to upstate New York this weekend to enjoy the bounties of Fall...only one slice left of the homemade apple pie and it's all mine...I think mini-apple pies would make a delicious alternative to wedding cake..To find local farms near you, go to localharvest.org. And here's a little color inspiration to help us welcome the season.

   

{from the top: Blue truck with pumpkins, Real Simple October 2007, photographer: Francesco Lagnese; Antique necklace: Sarah Drew; A box of wedding bouquets with Dahlias (the perfect fall wedding flower!) California Organic Flowers; Fiery orange maple tree, Colourlovers.com}

 

{eco-chic jewelry}: vintage musings on etsy

I love these pretty, recycled pieces by Vintage Musings, available on etsy...

     

{world peace day} twee's bliss + shiva rea

Yoga brought me to this place. I saw a need  to infuse some balance, perspective, joy into the wedding planning process. To inspire people to relax, and remember that it is about your partnership, your family, your friends...not about the size of the ring, the price of the dress, or the perfect photographs. And to remind us that we are citizens of the world, stewards of the Earth.  Today is World Peace Day and this weekend is the Global Mala Project, created by the amazing Yoga Teacher Shiva Rea. This morning, Twee Merrigan reminded me to live a more peaceful, balanced life. It is with a peaceful heart that you will truly twist and soar, on your weding day and long after.

{Yoga Journal, Twee Merrigan}

{something handmade} madison gre

I found these great clutches whilst perusing etsy...handmade by Madison Gre, and perfectly perfect for a bride.
{flowers are from freshfloralart.com}

{the paris flea market}

If you don;t already know, one of the great wonders of the world is the Paris flea market. When I was in fashion,  I worked with a woman whose  official title was "Inspirational Shopper." She travelled all over the world,and shopped. That was her job. Seriously. Whenever she returned to NYC,  her luggage was a virtual treasure trove of the lovely and the sublime. She always went to the Paris flea market. The most famous flea market in Paris is the one at Porte de Clignancour, officially called Les Puces de Sain-Ouen, or Les Puces (The Fleas). But now, thanks to Le Petit Garage, you too can (sort of) visit the Paris flea market whenever you desire...je suis enchante...