DIY Vintage Bridesmaid Necklace

On this rainy day, I wanted to share with you a perfect little DIY project from Ink & Button via Ruffled.

What you’ll need:

- One strand of crystals from a vintage chandelier. My crystals are made out of glass and thus cheaper than the real deal. Crystal and glass strands from old chandeliers can be found at antique stores, architectural salvage stores, or on eBay.

- About 4 yards of satin ribbon in desired choice of color from a local craft or fabric store. I bought mine by the yard at a fabulous trim store in Nashville called Textile Fabrics (http://www.textilefabricstore.com)!

- Embroidery floss in a color that matches the ribbon, found at a local craft of fabric store.

- Wire cutters


Instructions:

1. Use some wire cutters to take the chandelier strand apart so that only the crystals are remaining.

2. Wash the crystals with warm, soapy water (mine were quite dirty but shined up so pretty!) Many strands have graduated sizes of crystals. I lined mine up for the necklace so that the largest crystals were in the middle.

3. Begin with one end of your ribbon, tucking the rough end under and then folding the ribbon back and forth accordion style so that you achieve two loops. The size of your loops should be pretty uniform throughout the necklace to create a neat look. Mine were about a half inch tall.

4. Thread your needle and sew through the two loops of ribbon you just created. The idea here is to create a loop of thread (see photo) where you will eventually attach the ribbons that will tie around your neck.

5. Begin by attaching your first crystal. Each crystal should have holes drilled in each side. Take the thread that is attached to the ribbon and push your needle down through the crystal and into the ribbon. Bring the needle and thread behind the ribbon (forming a small tight loop on the back of the necklace) and push it back up through the ribbon and through the other hole of the crystal.

6. Gather two more loops of ribbon, folding accordion style, just like you did in the beginning and push your threaded needle through the loops. (I tried using three loops around the center crystal to create a unique effect.)

7. Repeat this process until all the crystals have been used or desired length is achieved. Finish the necklace the same way you began: trim the ribbon, tucking the rough end under, and create two loops of ribbon. Sew through the ribbon loops and back – creating a loop at the end of your necklace with the thread.

8. Cut your remaining amount of ribbon in half. Fold each piece in half – these two pieces will become the ends that will tie around your neck. Push the folded end of one of the ribbons through the thread loop that you created at one end of the necklace. Pull the two loose ends of ribbon through the loop to form a loose knot.

Voila! Instant cheap chic.


Credits:
Project by Ink & Button
Blogged by Ruffled

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'Vintage Tea Party' Bridal Shower Inspiration Board

With upcoming spring and summer weddings come warm-weather bridal showers. Tea party bridal showers have proven to be a popular trend, and by bringing yours outside you add a fresh, rustic element.

Frequent your local thrift shops for mismatched china and old furniture pieces. Add vintage charm and homebaked goods for a truly memorable event.


Credit:
Inspiration by Bonafidebride @ StyleMePretty Style Circle

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Dresses by SarahSeven

Every so often, I come across a Perfect Dress; one that can be worn for so many occasions, but is so unique that it will receive compliments every time it is worn. I introduce to you a master of the Perfect Dress: SarahSeven.

From bridesmaid dresses, to a rehearsal dinner dress, to an engagement photo shoot dress, you'll surely find The One at her etsy shop.

Tulip


A Peaceful Afternoon

Tea for Two


Robin's Egg


Fancy That Dress

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Loving: Lace Tape

DIY'ing your wedding? (Aren't we all!) These adorable rolls of lace tape 'pack' a lot of charm (no pun intended... okay, maybe it was).

Don't you just want all of these? Just to have? What a perfect fit for your invitations, escort cards, programs, favor boxes, centerpiece vases, drinking glasses (need I go on?)...

Black Lace Decorative Packing Tape, TapeSwell

Laceful Decorative Packing Tape, TapeSwell

Vintage White Lace Decorative Packing Tape, TapeSwell

Lace Tape, Oboiler


Lace Tape, GoldAgent

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DIY 'milkglass' vases

Can't find milkglass for all of your reception tables? No worries. Collect a bunch of glass containers, from soda pop bottles, to wine bottles, to ketchup and pickle jars, to mason jars. Pour paint inside each one, and swirl it around until well-coated. Pour out excess paint and let dry. Voila!

Though these are done in varying paint colors, you can bring a sense of uniformity to your vases by using the same color paint in each one.

Mason jars with white paint on the inside would look gorgeous with a votive inside.

Step 1:


Step 2:


Step 3:


Credits:
Kellie Collis for Ada & Darcy

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Anthro-esque Butcher Paper Wall Flowers

I'm loving these Ruche paper flowers made from (no lie) butcher paper. Who would have thought that something so 'blah' could be transformed into something so 'ah'?


For DIY instructions, click here.

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Dare to Wear: Suede Wedding Shoes

Wedding fashion has come a long way in the past five years, making way for wedding dresses with pockets and bright, colorful wedding shoes. This shift to laid-back chic has been welcomed in our economy with open arms. Why not take it one step further with suede wedding shoes? If you calculate 'cost per wear' like I do, suede shoes will rank favorably against wear-once fabrics such as satin.

We've scoured the web in search of the prettiest, most wedding-worthy suede shoes. And with options in every color, you're sure to find your perfect pair.



Credits:
Red - Steve Madden 'Toppazz', $99.95
Pink - Luxury Rebel 'Hilary', $195.00
Orange - Butter 'Scrabble', $275.95
Yellow - Joan & David 'Demille', $155.04
Green - Christian Louboutin 'Suede Ankle Strap', $845.00
Blue - Charles David 'Harper', $164.90
Purple - Christian Louboutin 'Suede Peep Toe', $745.00
Black - Beverly Feldman 'Felissa', $214.95
Peach - JCrew 'Lilly', $228.00

Photography - Caroline Tran

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Loving: Crystal Chandeliers

If there's one thing that will never, ever get old at weddings, it's crystal chandeliers. Aside from the fact that I'm head over heels for them, they are so incredibly practical. From black tie soirees to shabby chic affairs, crystal chandeliers are like a pair of classic blue jeans; they can be dressed up, or dressed down.

Although renting matching crystal chandeliers for your event is a safe bet (they run about $100 each to rent), mismatched chandeliers are unexpected and unique.

Adding crystal drops and beading to any regular light source can rev up the glamour, as well. Here, vintage foyer lights get a makeover with crystal. Check craigslist for some diamonds in the rough, or check your local Lowe's and Home Depot for some budget finds. Jazz up both with some crystals and beading from your local craft store.

Hanging a crystal chandelier from an old tree helps to bring the indoors outside. Consulting an electrician or lighting specialist is key, as extension cords will need to run down the back side of the trees. Hanging strips of white holiday lights adds a touch of sparkle and helps mimic the look of a weeping willow tree.



If your reception will happen under a tent, bring a focal point into the space through the use of chandeliers. This draws the eye away from all the 'white'. Low-set chandeliers set over seating areas help to make the event relaxing, and the newly-defined seating areas encourage mingling and conversation.



If you're set on big, elaborate florals but still want people to see each other over the centerpieces, consider combining the centerpiece with the lighting above. Florals can add a major dose of drama to your chandeliers, and the table will look magnificent with lower-set flower petals and votives that draw the eye upward.

All photos via Project Wedding.

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Gushing over Blush Floral Design

I absolutely adore this wedding, and the true perfection of it lies within the floral design. Elisabeth at Blush Floral Design created a symphony of complementing colors and textures that I so dearly admire.

Credits:
Blogged by StyleMePretty
Florals by Blush Floral Design
Catering by A Thyme to Cook
Photography by Creative Image Collections
Gown by The White Dress by the Shore
Favors by Les Petites Presents
Stationery by Tulaloo

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