Pretty is as pretty does...and not only are these items pretty, they are all fair trade, eco, and ethical...
For me, handmade trumps the alternative every time...and Jamie Joseph makes absolutely delightful pieces. Buy local, handmade and help nurture beauty in the world...
Verse is from the poem "O Me! O Life!" by Walt Whitman. more pretty things... Shabby Cottage Vintage Jewelry Beth Lauren Vintage Musings Fifi Bijoux
These delightful designs are by joan shum.
I absolutely love Jude Miller's intricately crafted flowers; they are truly pieces of art, and you can feast your eyes on them in galleries and museums. But, you probably can not have her flowers for a wedding...unless you want to drop a bundle....of cash that is. What you can do, however, is order handmade flowers from artist Cassie Mae Chapelle, of Mommy Makes Roses. For about $175, she will make a custom bouquet for you. Or, you can order a Mommy Makes Roses kit, and make your own non-disposable wedding flowers. Martha Stewart also has flower petal templates online.
{photo rights: Jude Miller}
I've gathered these pretty dresses from the Frock Shop to show how four non-matchy matchy dresses can look perfectly lovely when they are complimentary colors. I just wanted to prove that you need not have your bridesmaids wear the same exact dress to create a pretty picture. Be a revolutionary, and let them wear a dress a they like, and probably will wear again...
Today I bring you...a dreamy, creamy, delightful assortment of eco-chic wedding inspiration...
find these things here:
www.beatrixong.com
www.ninareneedesign.etsy.com
www.karenbussen.com
www.yousendme.com
www.opheliamiller.blogspot.com
In the 1953 movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Marilyn Monroe is immortalized as the gold-digging Lorelei Lee. The scene in which she sings the song Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend is a defining moment in movie making. It's also a defining moment for diamonds--or more specifically--our infatuation with them.
Most engagements involve a diamond ring. That's a fact. Diamonds have been the number one choice for more than fifty years, and 80 percent of today's couples still choose a diamond. All of this is because of one company: DeBeers. By now, we all know it was the brilliant advertising minds at DeBeers (or whichever Mad Men-style agency working for them) that created the enduring brand image of the Diamond. But this post isn't about the why of the diamond ring, but rather, it is about the how. So, how do you buy a diamond ring?
Well, as the song says, the value of a diamond is traditionally determined by the four C's--Clarity, Cut, Color, Carat. Now there's a fifth "C"--Conflict-free.
Finding the right diamond is difficult enough, and let's face it, by the time you jump through all of the necessary hoops to find the one, worrying about whether or not it's conflict-free might not be on the list. The industry is making some strides to change the trade of "blood diamonds," mostly through the Kimberley Process certificate program, with mixed results (read more here). And you do have some very interesting options. At the very least, only buy certified diamonds. I bet even Marilyn would sing a different tune if she knew the truth about diamonds.
For more insider tips, I suggest visiting the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Or, download a copy of their buying guide, "Buying Gemstones and Jewels" right here.
What was your experience with the engagement ring? Did you do anything unique--reset a family piece, buy a vintage ring, or maybe you went with a different stone? I'd love to hear about it.
Fifi Bijoux shows you how to be eco and chic with their luxury jewelry collection. You can even design your own dazzling symbol of love and unity. With delectable creations like these, why wouldn't you bijoux?
Charming Sam, by artist Amy Steinberg, has a plethora of inspiring ideas, items, and ephemera to whet your creative whistle...
Check out these related posts...
Ethical Jewellry
Eco-Chic Bling
Fifi Bijoux
