Fruit roll ups, TV, and other things

So the wedding went very well. Liz, the bride, looked stunning in an empress cut gown with red embroidery and a split trailing sash. We bridesmaids cleaned up pretty good too and one of them said it looked liked we planned our dresses even though we totally did not. It was a good weekend. I ate and drank good things, had seconds of the wedding cake (I know, right?), caught up with old friends, lost and miraculously found my purse and makeup bag, went to a waffle house for the first time, danced the cha-cha and gave everyone the evil eye while telling them they shouldn’t dare to catch the bouquet because that thing belonged to the maid of honor. That may have been a bit much in retrospect, but they all listened. Is there anything scarier than a mean bridesmaid?

I have since returned to my city/apartment/bunk bed and have returned to more everyday activities like going to work, losing my keys, worrying about money, and checking out shows on Hulu. Greys Anatomy will be back in about 30ish days, but until then I wander around cyberspace looking for something to hold me over.

Anyone reading/watching anything good lately?

I have been thinking about making this more of a “creative” blog. This is basically an excuse to keep on posting whatever I like without feeling like I’m a failure. Low expectations people, way underrated.

Oh, and I want a fruit roll up. Or some pasta. Really just food in general would be nice.

LBD. Little Black Dresses.

Well. I mentioned awhile back that I was looking for a black dress to wear as a bridesmaid. Here it is. Just a simple black dress with a decent structure and conservative neckline. It’s about as straightforward as Little Black Dresses come but it fits nice, was super cheap, and has pockets. Still a little shocked I found this at a Target but I am not complaining. Honestly, I am too poor to complain.

"Mossimo Sateen Black dress". On sale for $13 now at a Target near me.

Bridesmaids: a study part 1.

So my great friend Liz just asked me to be a bridesmaid in her August (hello heat!) wedding. I’ve been a bridesmaid a couple time and each time I’ve been asked I’ve been struck with a serious sense of honor. The tradition of having bridesmaids and groomsmen might be one of  my favorite things about American ceremony traditions (there aren’t many!). So from a friendship point of view, I’m sincerely flattered, honored, and proud to stand next to my good friend on her big day. From an aspiring fashion blogger perspective, I am THRILLED.

First, something fresh to write about.

And second, I get to shop! Liz is one of those smart brides who is letting her party pick out their own dresses.  Sound terrifying? It’s not. And I would argue that this is often a better idea than the traditional pricey trip to David’s Bridal where everyone picks out the same gown and then lets it grow mold for the next 50 years. Ok, I’m being dramatic. One of the best dresses I ever wore was from David’s Bridal and THAT bride was smart too cause she let us pick out styles that we liked/didn’t look like pumpkins while wearing. But you know what I mean.

THINGS THAT CAN MAKE YOUR BRIDESMAIDS HATE YOU (brides)

1. Making them all wear the exact same cut. The average bridal part is what, 4-8 people? Try finding 4-8 people that you love (and who love you back) with the exact same body shape. Not happening. What ends up happening is that like 1/8 of the bridal party looks good and everyone else looks like they’re wearing something from one of those western portrait places on the beach that give you dresses with no backs to wear. Anyone know what I’m talking about? Don’t do this brides. Your friends will wear what you give them but there’s no guarantee they won’t be cursing you under lipstick painted smiles while you’re walking down the aisle and they’re praying that what-their-mamas-gave-them stays put for the sake of all that is holy and good.

*disclaimer. Sometimes everyone looks good in the same dress. It’s just hard to make that happen. This girl did.

2. Making everyone wear a terrible color. Yes! This is hard. But the hard cold truth is that not everyone looks good in chartreuse or burnt orange and why would you want your best friends looking bad? Every color has a billion shades, many of them more forgiving and friendly than others. Colors everyone can wear: Black and periwinkle. I’m not an expert so that’s all I know. I’m sure there’s more. Get to Googling.

EXAMPLES OF TERRIBLE CHOICES

oh my lord.

To the above: NO, NO, NO. Thank god the 80's only last a decade.

MODERN DAY “TRADITIONAL” CHOICES

A lot of brides love places like David's Bridal because you can easily match different styles in the same color, fabric etc. Yes, they look like bridesmaid dresses and you can only wear them once but for girls who want a traditional, polished look, you can't beat it.

here are a few from Alfred Angelo's 2011 collection. I can appreciate the less traditional look they're going for and in general think their stuff is less cookie-cutter looking. Also more pricey just fyi.

DARING, FUN, and INNOVATIVE CHOICES

Bold and memorable, y'all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A sweet non traditional alternative from Anthropologie.

 

Last one. Perfect example of getting a uniform look while allowing everyone to wear someone that reflects their own taste and makes them look good. Not better than you bride, but good.