Wedding Dress Shopping

I IM-ed Betsy on a Monday morning and basically said something like, hey, I'm going to David's Bridal at lunch to look at dresses. You want to come?

I never imagined myself shopping for my wedding dress at David's Bridal. I always thought I would go to a smaller, more intimate boutique.

SIDENOTE: In fact I do have a gown from such a boutique that I purchased when I first became engaged - must be like 8 years ago now. (I'm trying to sell it so if anyone wants a gorgeous silk, designer ball gown for their wedding, hit me up.)

I was keeping myself to a strict budget and I wanted to have access to the widest selection possible within that budget. David's Bridal fit the bill perfectly.

I pulled a short list of styles from their website and brought it with me. They didn't have all the styles in-store, but the stylist was good about finding a nearly matching dress in those cases.

The stylist was fun and there was always at least one other associate nearby to gush about how good I looked. It felt vaguely staged but that was ok. It felt nice to be gushed over.

The first dress I tried on was actually in their prom dress section. It was not on my list. I saw it on the rack while I was waiting. (They kept me waiting longer than I expected so I ended up browsing a bit.) They didn't have my size in this dress, but I was into the idea of wearing color. And the colors were so romantic on this one, like a mermaid princess.

I thought, "Hey, if it looks good..."

Well, it did not look good.

And I'm way beyond trying to pull off any kind of fantasy creature look. I had a lot of fun trying it on though. They stylist was totally just humoring me at that moment. I think he was off looking for shoes or something. Obviously not serious.

So I stuck with wedding gowns after that.

I loooooved the neckline in this next one. But I felt like my chest looked huge. And it seemed a touch matronly. And it seemed kind of serious.



This next one was my least favorite. I felt like I was wearing a maternity gown. You can see the stylist taking my concerns very seriously.



Next was actually a true contender. The stylist pulled it based on my other selections. It looked nice with the veil and I liked the sparkles a lot. But I was looking for a higher neckline and while the extra fabric on the lower skirt was really pretty (especially when I twirled!), it was a bit frilly for the look I wanted.



The one I chose was the second one I tried. I was ready to walk out the door with it! But being only the second dress, I felt like I needed to try a few more. I put it back on in the end and was so happy I found my dress! I felt like it was the most "me" of them all.



I found a different veil later at a Brides Against Breast Cancer event. And obviously I opted not have a belt. I wanted to keep the line clean and simple.

Thanks Betsy for being there and being the photographer!

P.S. Seeing these photos makes me want to have bangs again.

Getting fancy

My baby shower was the perfect opportunity to get fancy. I suspect it may be a long time before I get so gussied up again so I made a conscious decision to relish it.

I don't know about you, but I LOVE the ritual of getting ready for a special occasion. Hanging up the dress, curling my lashes, picking out jewelry, being especially careful with eyeliner...it floods back memories of school dances and special date nights. All the celebrations I've attended. I think about the times I got ready with my sister or girlfriends. As my baby shower day approached, I found myself wishing I had a girlfriend with me at the salon. But they were all helping set up my shower! :) Now I'm glad I didn't. The leisurely morning was a gift that allowed me to quietly contemplate and enjoy the excited expectation and gratitude I felt for the day.

Have you been to The Dry Bar? If you haven't and decide to, it's worth springing for the floater scalp massage. Sooooo goooood. They offered me tea and cookies, and Devil Wears Prada was on. So it's pretty much girly heaven. They made my hair look so fancy. I pinned in new Ban.do flair I got just for the occasion. I took my time with my makeup. I slipped on a dress I spied for 50% at Letters from L.A.. I nearly squealed in the store fitting room when it zipped it all the way up.



Sergio told me I looked beautiful. (swoooon.....) And you know, I felt it. Sure the beauty tricks help but honestly, I just felt so incredibly happy to have arrived at this particular day.

Baby wardrobe from Martha!

Last week I posted a few instagram images of the teeny baby clothes Martha shipped to me all the way from France. I wanted to get a few shots in some better light. So adorable. Kills me. That little knot hat!






Baby's wardrobe is growing quickly. We bought a onesie at Unique L.A. and Summer surprised me with a custom creation when we met at Work/Shop last weekend. I'll post those in a bit.

Stretchy Pants

I tried on my loosest jeans this past Sunday morning and they did not fit! eeep! I mean, I could still zip and button but boy, it was uncomfortable and unattractive. So I went out and purchased a pair of maternity jeans. And you know what? I love them.

These jeans are like my stretchy pants a la Nacho Libre.



I contemplated a belly band but after seeing one in person and talking to the sales person (who was also pregnant), I decided on the jeans. I just knew I wouldn't feel comfortable with having my pants undone, even with the band. The jeans are supposed to be wearable throughout my entire pregnancy and even beyond while I work to lose the baby weight.



Inspired by a new pair of pants, I managed to put together a cute outfit.

• Shirt is vintage Sears label
• Vest is Guess from way back high school! 
• Of course, my favorite sparkly heart band.do pin holding it all together

Tomboy Style by Lizzie Garrett

Myrtle in Echo Park had Tomboy Style by Lizzie Garret a little early so I got to snap up a copy before today's official release date. I pored over each iconic image with a short cocktail and raindrops drumming the rooftop. It is such a pretty book. I think I need a little more rebel and adventure into my life.




Image from Tomboy Style.

Tomboy Style: Beyond the Boundaries of Fashion from pier pictures on Vimeo.

GIRL CRUSH: Liu Wen

So I did a little research on a blossoming new girl crush. This girl is a supermodel. And, she is the first Asian face for Estee Lauder, as well as the first east-Asian to walk the Victoria's Secret show. Not clear on what took so long but whatever. And um, she made some Esquire list of sexy women. (Again, whatever.)

Gorgeous.


via Liu Wen's FB page


via Marilyn Agency NY FB page


via models.com


via models.com

Wouldn't it be nice though if couture allowed models to smile again? I mean look, why would you want to lock this up?


via Aujourd'hui a Paris


via Bonae L'Amour

Ahhh! So cute!

via Liu Wen's FB page.

I want to be her. No, I don't really. Well, maybe just a little. Seeing a Chinese face command this type of attention in fashion makes me happy.

Check out this sweet interview with Liu in W Magazine.

UPDATE: She and I share the SAME last name! That makes me illogically giddy.

Sofia Coppola's Marni for H&M Commercial

Did you spy my girl? The one from the Madewell catalog I obsessed over in the Fall of last year?

Thrifty Thursday! 1.19.2012

We spent some time with my mom at the Long Beach Antique Market last weekend. It was our first time to this flea market and we had a great time. Also, since when did flea markets sell beer? Anyway, hidden amongst some overpriced wares and other items of questionable saleability were some really nice finds. We're trying to be budget conscious this year so we walked away from most. There was that London Fog trench that fit perfectly. And that amazing ostrich feather mini jacket/bolero. And that cute painting that reminded me of my sister. Sergio found an incredible deal on a couple of wirey patio loungers that needed just a bit of TLC but were too big for our car.

I did get this. Vintagey goodness. And only $5.



Classy.

Outfit Post - Sweater Dress + Orange Shoes

Outfit post! My dress looks familiar huh? It's the only sweater dress I own.

I teased Sergio for taking such a crooked photo of me. But now I kind of like it. Despite my obvious slouch. And wet hair. Like my shoes? They're on the newish side. Surprisingly, they're Naturalizers. 
Check out Sergio's shoes. Isn't the orange cute?

Not Black Friday Shopping

I supported Small Business Saturday in a big way this year. I was happy to discover great new (to me) lines and even met a couple of the designers!

Group picture (l-r):

Naked Zebra cowl criss-cross sweater top. (Lady)
Vintage beaded sleeveless sweater, perfect for NYE! I love that the tag reads: Made in British Hong Kong. It makes me think of my family. (Owl Talk)
Popomomo wine colored ladder top made from Tencel - derived from wood pulp! super cool. (Letters from L.A.)
Myne by Ashley Ann top. (Letters from L.A.)

These new duds are puttin' a swagger in my step.

Ok. Well, that was fun. Back to not shopping for a while. My wallet is gaping at me and it's not pretty. ;-)

November feels like...

Closet Visit film No.2 "Matilde"

Have you see Jeana Sohn's new Closet Visit film?

Matilde from closet visit on Vimeo.

Whimsical. Beautiful. Fellini-esqe.

Nursing a serious girl-crush on Jeana. She's so talented.

LEILA and Matt Bernson

What I'll be wearing this Fall.


24k gold plated Necklace by LEILA.


Jardin boots in Sahara by Matt Bernson.

I picked up both at my new favorite boutique, Letters from L.A..

Madewell - FALL 2011

I recently received this lovely catalog in the post. Want join me on my visit with it?



First, I think that model is gorgeous. I am currently trying to grow out my hair. I wonder if I'll make it to that length before I chop it. Also, I really like those eyebrows. Mine are almost like that, but less groomed and less, well, perfect.



And, how much am I loving that taupey gray + sunshiney yellow text? A lots.



Chambray-like shirt dress. Widelegged Jeans. Yes please.



Polka dot pants. Too bad they're both tapered, cropped AND pleated. All three combine to be like the ultimate weapon of leg shortening destruction. At least on me. I think it only looks good on former Estonian soccer stars, like this model.



That rusty orange dress is so pretty. It may deserve a store visit. That outfit on the right totally makes me nostalgic for Boston. I miss Boston, especially since Fall's coming soon!