Thursday, September 15, 2011

la la land

I am back! From LA and from the nearly two week blogging break. There were a few circumstances and feelings that contributed to my largely distracted, uninspired, scatter-brained state of mind, all of which have since passed. I mean after all, I started this blog with the intention to share my travels through life with you all and so what if I don't write for awhile. I have to let go of the guilt and "should haves" I've been carrying around and just enjoy the process.

Anyways, as previously mentioned, I just returned from my trip to LA. I stayed with one of my best friends and bridesmaids, Jenna. She is awesome and its always good to see her. PS - she's going to be on a reality show! here is the trailer - she is the crazy, fun, & beautiful roomie. Here is a short photo diary of the trip. I left my brand new fancy camera at home with the hubby to be so pardon the iPhone pictures.

Jenna also got me an appointment at the Kim Vo salon Saturday morning in Beverly Hills. Michelle had my colored and styled in under an hour and I have never been so happy leaving a hair appointment. It was actually super affordable! What wasn't affordable was our breakfast. We were famished after such a hard day at the salon (hehe) so we went upstairs to The Conservatory (the Mirage hotel's in house eats). We spent $24 on orange juice alone! Maybe next time we'll just pick up some McDonald's breakfast to go. Yikes!

Ta da! New hair! What do you think?
We spent all Sunday morning at the Rosebowl Flea Market. Holy cow this place is heaven! If it wasn't for the heat and lack of motivation that morning, I would have spent hours browsing the endless racks of fabulous vintage. Jenna found this cute head scarf. I'm obsessed with her new pixie cut. Only she could pull it off so cute.

Meet Jenna <3

Leaving the flea market, Jenna and I had the strongest cravings for hot dogs. Maybe it was the frozen lemonade we had earlier or the first hotdog I had, either way, we were on a mission. The only place to satisfy such a craving? Pinks! This famous food stand was totally worth the 10 minute wait. I was in heaven.





But oh no, we weren't done yet. Jenna insisted that I be introduced to Foster's Freeze. Now, call me old fashioned, but I had never heard of this place and my dipped cone loyalty lies with Dairy Queen. But there was no hesitation from my part when Jenna offered up this place to satisfy my sweet tooth desires. While it did the trick and was super delicious, I'm sticking with DQ.





Now for the main event, the sole reason I decided to fly down to LA (besides Jenna's cute face, obvi) was to find my wedding dress. With about 60 days left, I was desperate. I knew I had to go straight to the source, Monique Lhuillier. Let me start by saying that the salon is beautiful. Sharon was the Associate helping me out that morning and while some may find her abrasive, she got the job done. After about two hours, ten dresses, and a run in with a rather rude "celebrity" that thought she was too important to share the only big mirror they had in the store, I gave up the credit card and walked away having just purchased my dream dress. Oh how I wish I could share the pictures, but I know they won't do justice (Note: they do not allow pictures in the store until the dress is actually purchased). I will give you a few details; The wonderful craftsman's at ML are creating a custom tulle skirt with a silk ruched corset top for me to wear on the big day. I also purchased a very beautiful antique looking, rhinestone and tulle belt to wear. The jury is still out on the veil but luckily I still have time. 


The racks at Monique Lhuillier : Swooooon!

I can't wait to go back for my fitting and see the final product. Jenna and I also met up with one of our favorite couples, Nick and Alex, to go see the movie Contagion and grab a quick bite to eat. They are some of my other best friends from back home in Florida and I miss them so much (note: Gene Simmons and his wife were sitting behind us in the movie theaters!). This weekend getaway was exactly what the doctor ordered - much needed bff time and a break from the stress of wedding plans back home. And again, sorry I've been MIA. Hope to share more with you soon.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Young at heart

Am I too old for party hats? Not if we're talking about these whimsical works of art my Stuart McLachlan. The double sided paper and dreamy fantastical scenery created by this paper master may not last long at a 5-year-old's birthday party, but the fashion editors and head honchos at Vogue have already found a grown up home for them in the editorial world. I also love that the styling/make-up in these photos doesn't distract from the fun fascinators. Oh to be young again.



Wednesday, August 31, 2011

In Transit

The weather in San Francisco always keeps you guessing.  Somedays we get a break from the fog and wind and it may even feel like summer, but other days it could almost be winter! That's why I was so excited to see this great "Wear Now, Wear Later" series from J.Crew in my inbox this morning. Except in San Francisco, I could wear them one day after the other. What is the one piece of clothing you're relying on to take you from summer to fall this year?

Image from J.Crew

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Our Vendors: Photography

Okay. Finally! I'm feeling a little better and getting back on track this morning! A lot has been accomplished in terms of wedding planning - I guess thats the only benefit of spending an entire weekend in bed. We have secured nearly all of our vendors and I think I found my dream dress, Hooray!

Today, I am so happy to share this new series with you guys "My Wedding: Vendor Spotlight"! Each week I'll introduce key vendors who are helping to make this wedding possible and exactly what I have always dreamed of.

First up, our photographer, the uhhh-mazing Tec Petaja. From the first day I began looking at wedding blogs I knew I wanted to hire Tec. He makes every woman look incredible while seamlessly capturing those "special moments" you'll want to remember forever. On top of that, he's hands down one of the nicest guys to talk to and always responds super quick to all of my hectic e-mails. I was so excited when he told me he had our new wedding date available (its also his birthday weekend). Here's a look at some of my favorite shots of his and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Also, check out his blog for more photos.

Monday, August 29, 2011

o.b.s.e.s.s.e.d.

September 22, I will be camping outside of the Westfield Mall to get my hands on the latest Alexa Chung for Madewell must have pieces. I mean, how dreamy is this video? So charming and wearable. Hope you're having a good Monday.  I've come down with a terrible cold and hope to be back to my normal blogging self tomorrow!


Saturday, August 27, 2011

Getting Back On Track

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions.  Planning a wedding in about 90 days is quite the undertaking and when you add in family pressures, guest list limitations, budgets, etc... things can become a little overwhelming and stressful. Sometimes I think it would be easier for me to just throw my hands up and cry, to forget the entire wedding and just go to City Hall.  Then, Aaron comes in to save the day by helping me realize our wedding will be exactly how our wedding is supposed to be.  I have been so lucky that almost all of the vendors I wanted from the beginning could make the quick adjustment and continue to work with us. And all the small details I'm freaking out about now? I know they will work themselves out somehow, I just know it. I have the choice to either enjoy this process and experience or hate it and stress the entire time, missing out on the pleasures of planning.  So today, I will make the choice to know a beautiful thing is never perfect and my wedding will absolutely be beautiful.  


{ image from PaperSnitchBlog, found via Pinterest }


Thursday, August 25, 2011

All My Friends

So besides listening to the latest LCD Soundsystem album, here's what I'm doing today:

* Debating between which of these two events I want to go to






* Picking up my sweet new Thursday Friday bag from the Post Office, and...



* Having lunch with my old boss & friend Lindsay, Co-founder of Velvet Brigade, an online e-commerce site hoping to democratize fashion




What are you guys doing today? Going to any of the SF events??