Right Hand Ladies

16 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Bridal Party, Shopping, Weddings

Tags

anthropologie, BHLDN, bridal party, bride, bridesmaids, dresses, elegant, fancy, florals, free people, garden wedding, jcrew weddings, m&S, maid of honor, ModCloth, mother nature, nature inspired, pastels, ruche, shopping, wedding party, wedding planning, weddings

There are so many elements to get in order for your wedding day. From invitations and decor to scheduling all the vendors you need just in time, it can be very overwhelming. One thing to remember is to always have fun and breathe. Planning your big day may be stressful but just know you have people right by your side to help along the way. What would a bride do without her maid of honor and bridesmaids? These are the ladies you personally handpicked to ride along with you. So its important to make sure they look their best and feel beautiful as well.

Here are some of my picks for the lovely ladies in your wedding party. I think it comes down to being comfortable, having the piece fit well, and not ending up costing tons of money. Anything easier on the pockets during an event such as a wedding will help out for sure. Hope you get inspired. Enjoy!

For a more casual garden, nature inspired wedding, these would totally fit the bill. Just because your event is not fancy doesn’t mean it won’t be elegant. Take cues from mother earth and explore florals, pastels, and flowy garments that are soft and delicate. These next picks I found at Ruche, BHLDN, ModCloth, Free People, and M&S.

Ruche – Enchanting Garden Printed Dress

BHLDN – Wingspan Dress

ModCloth – Pondside Processional Dress

ModCloth – The Latest Bouquets Dress

Free People – Cast Your Net Dress

Free People – He Loves Me Floral Dress

M&S – M&S Collection Deep V-Neck Ruched Bodice Chiffon Dress

Having a boho styled wedding incorporates natural elements but has a more earthy feel. Think dresses with layers of fabric, soft and flowy pieces, longer styles, and more handmade elements. Free People is hands down one of the best shops to look for this style of clothing. But I have found some other cute options at ModCloth and Anthropologie.

Free People – Cora Off the Shoulder Gown

Free People – Martini Embellished Trapeze

Free People – Modern Chinoise Dress

Ruche – Loved You First Pleated Maxi Dress

Anthropologie – Sapphire Day Dress

More upscale weddings with an elegant feel, should incorporate a more streamlined style. Simple pieces with beautiful fabrics that really make a statement. Same style is also popular in prom dresses – teranicouture.com/collection/prom-dresses-2017/. Maybe a little shimmer here and a touch of glam there, but not overbearing designs. Here are some of my favorites I found for all seasons from BHLDN, JCrew, M&S, Ruche, and Anthropologie.

BHLDN – Niceties Dress

BHLDN – Daylily Dress

JCrew – Mirabelle Dress in Silk Chiffon

M&S – M&S Collection Pleated Fit & Flare Dress

M&S – M&S Collection Sleeveless Mesh Spotted Prom Dress

Ruche – Sophia Monique Tiered Lace Dress

Anthropologie – Eclipsing Lace Dress

I know the bride is a main focus of the wedding, as she should be, but there are so many other important elements that are a part of the overall picture. I upsets me to see a bride who looks stunning and then bridesmaids who just seem uncomfortable and unhappy. They need attention as well. Just as much as the groom and his groomsmen. The bridal party should pop off the background of the wedding, meaning the overall style and theme of the decor as well as the natural setting should be a perfect setting for you all to shine.

Don’t lose your mind shopping endlessly for the perfect dresses and outfits. Besides local shops you always have the internet which comes with being able to try things on in your own home where you are more comfortable. I think that pretty awesome. And even though you have plenty of options where you are from, checking out places in other countries can sometimes really pay off, like the shop Marks & Spencers I included in my picks. You might be lucky to find something no one has seen before and find special deals on garments that might be pricier where you are from. The possibilities are endless.

Finding Inspiration through Nature

16 Monday May 2011

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, The Great Outdoors, The Home

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

design, moss, natural, nature, nature inspired, organic, plants, trees, woodland

Finding inspiration for any event or project is really important. It helps bring out creativity and push you to come up with amazing ideas. Nature is one place I have always trusted to give me inspiration. Whether it was a painting, a poem or designing an interior space, Mother Earth has never let me down. The fact I love about nature is it will never die or get old and certainly never become outdated. With the beautiful elements of nature, you can create spectacular designs that will stand the test of time.

I took a photograph in New Hope a couple of years ago that popped up while I was looking through old work. This scene has always been in the back in my mind because I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. I loved how the building was old and had ivy growing all over it. It showed a sense of age and vintage appeal I really connected with. Although a bit overgrown, the grass added a nice element to the space. The green tones and softness in its freedom brought a nice texture to the water behind it. And how can you not love the view of the trees across the water. You can’t see it here, but there is a bridge to the right that introduced a hard element to the area, making the naturalness almost fantasy like.

As an inspiration, this setting brought images of moss, dew and various neutral tones to the surface. While playing with these pictures in my head I came up with a conservatory theme. I love this idea for a room in a home, especially for a foyer or a sitting room. This, for sure, will be something I explore in my new home.

When pulling inspiration from the photo, try not to be so literal. I would recommend bringing in wood furniture that has a rustic, aged feel. Gray blues would be nice on the walls. This would mirror the sky and water. Incorporating real plants is a must. I imagine leafy plants and herbs in terra cotta pots and various clay vessels. Showcasing vintage crates and cheese boxes will bring more vintage appeal. Laying down moss inside of them would look earthy and raw.

I wouldn’t include metals so much as I would glass but bronze and rusty finishes would be fitting. Old jars of all sizes and colors would be great. Fill them with small rocks or pebbles, even tiny succulents would work. You want the room to feel lush without being congested. Be careful not to modernize it to much. This theme is not about being modern or contemporary, it’s about authenticity. Floors should be natural elements such as wood, brick, stone or cork. It will help tie the whole space together.

Here are some more ideas and products that will inspire this theme: