bustles

i helped out with a wedding last weekend + the bride had a very complicated bustle to her dress. after i figured it out (thankfully!) i made a mental note to learn more about bustles so next time a difficult one is thrown at me, i'll be able to handle it! there are several different types of bustles, + all of them serve the same purpose : to get the train + extra fabric out of the way so the bride can be more comfortable at the reception. here are the most common bustle types :

the under bustle : or the french bustle, where hooks + loops are placed inside the dress, + when connected create a layered, more poofy look to the back of the dress.

austrian bustle  : a series of loops are added to the back of the dress in a vertical row, + a long string is put in the end of the dress that connects each loop. when you pull the string, the dress bunches up. this pull system is similar to that in shades or blinds. 

over bustle : also known as the ballroom bustle (picture the evil step sisters' gowns in CInderella, you know where it pooches out at the bootie?). the edge of the train is attached to buttons or hoops along the waste line. 

brides! whichever bustle your seamstress chooses, make sure you take someone else (mom, sister, bridesmaid) with you to your last fitting so the seamstress can explain how the bustle works!

• i think natalie postman's wedding dress was perfect for her eco friendly, big sur wedding. 
• 19 food tips that you definitely didn't know - but need to know!
• can you fish tail? 
• i adore this tie-the-knot save the date!

have a great thursday!

*leah bell

DIY table runners

hey everyone! it has been a while since my last post; we have been busy enjoying visitors, reconnection with old friends, planning our wedding + loving chicago in the summer! although its been a crazy past few weeks, i've managed to set aside some time and make some progress with wedding planning (including purchasing my dress!). i am now down to the details + have been focused on table decor. i am not a fan of the table runners provided by the hotel, so i am seriously  considering making my own table runners. i've done some research on how one goes about making table runners + it seems pretty doable (even for a non sewer)! here are some super creative examples of unique DIY table runners : 

write notes to your guests with this sweet chalkboard runner.

here's a tutorial on how to decorate your table runner with chevron stripes.

why not use wallpaper as a table runner? 

this pinwheel table runner is a perfect alternative for floral centerpieces. 

wouldn't a screen printed burlap runner be great for a rustic wedding?

i adore this vintage book table runner! 

amy atlas is my hero - who else would've thought to make a necco wafer table runner? love it!

this is such a great idea : all you need is burlap, ribbon, hemming tape + an iron.

get busy with some painters tape + make a custom painted table runner.

phew - so many ideas!

• this article  has forced me to extend my workout an extra 30 minutes - ha!
• click here to see 16 amazing wedding dresses under $1000.
• i just ordered this + i am PUMPED!
• would you wear this headband? 
• have you ever wondered what's on a toddler's mind? 
• lollapalooza is this weekend wahooooo!

have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

*leah bell

birthday!

its my birthday weekend! i've am so looking forward to a beach picnic, wine tasting + my great grandma's blueberry pancakes - yay! 

found on we heart it 

• nameberry just announced the top baby names for 2012 so far - do you see yours?
• i can't wait for sunday night!
• click here to find out these celebrity's real names. 
• check out these 10 crazy cupcakes.
• i share my birthday with some pretty awesome people! 

have a great weekend, everyone!

*leah bell

day of wedding group shots

my friend just reminded me of something quite essential : print out a list of group shots you want for your wedding day. this way you won't leave out any poses + you'll save time. i've know the typical group shots, but  really want to throw in a couple funny ones to loosen up our wedding party + family. here are some good ideas : 

via blushing bride

via blushing bride

via blushing bride

via rebecca fitzpatrick photography

via pinterest

• try these vintage paper wedding decor ideas - so fun! 
• i am most likely doing this tomorrow.
• these floral cocktails look divine!
• how you should store fruit in the fridge - who would have known!
• before you start stuffing those envelopes read this tutorial. 
• are you addicted? (because i am!)

hope you had  great hump day!

*leah bell

surprise!

my sister + her boyfriend just got engaged - yay! i could not be happier for the two of them, they are wonderful together + their story is so romantic. they sent out an email to relatives + friends with this picture attached - i think their idea is precious (can you see it?). how did you announce your engagement?

pink petticoat

what happens when you combine jessica sloan's design creativity, flowers by jasmine trenary, a pink petticoat + a tennessee vineyard? an incredible wedding - that's what you get! green wedding shoes recently featured the most amazing wedding full of personality and fun. i love how the event design was a perfect reflection of the couple's style, everything from the attire to the decor. this wedding seemed like a blast! 

 

• does your wall need a hug?
• stop being lazy! swap out your clothing go to's with something a bit more stylish.
• i'm loving this summer style staple. 
• dan cretu is incredible - check out his sculptures.
• click here to read the 100 best things in pop culture right now.
• we just booked our photographer!

have a marvelous monday!

*leah bell

imagine nations

 struggling to find a personalized + unique present for recent grads, newborns or newly weds? why not "give them the world?" wendy gold, a san fran based eco artist, transforms vintage globes into a work of art using recycled material as decoupage. her work has received lots of press, + rightly so! why couldn't i think of something like this?

• i'm trying to master the fun bun.
• my new obsession : cool hunting by honestly...wtf 
• get inspired!
• pitchfork guide to upcoming releases - oooh the excitement!

have a great friday!

*leah bell