Back To School Clothes

Ah, wasn't it so much fun when your mom would take you to buy new school clothes... and then there was the whole dilemma on what outfit would be the coolest for the first day of school.

If I had a bit of cash to burn for back to school clothes...the first day of school I would be sporting something such as this:

Or maybe this one:

But alas, I have big, heavy, over-priced text books to buy for back to school instead of cool new clothes. It will be jeans and a tee shirt for me!

{Images via Anthropologie.com Outfits}

Cash To Burn: Rehearsal Dinner Dress

It has been a while since I did a post on those things I am lusting after but that my modest little budget won't stretch to fit. Today a gorgeous dress from Nanette Lepore has my attention... I would love to buy this for the Rehearsal Dinner.

{Image via Nanette Lepore}

Le sigh. It would look so fantastic. Maybe once I pay off grad school... As of now I think my credit cards would laugh at me if I tried to buy this dress!

Cash To Burn: Captured on Super 8

If we had a few extra grand to fit into the budget one of the first things that I would do is booked a Super 8 videographer. I am absolutely in love with this artistic style of videography. It takes my breath away.

If we had a bit more cash to burn I would be hiring either InFilms or Well Spun Wedding Films. I absolutely love the Mini Documentary offering from Well Spun that reminds of in "When Harry Met Sally" where the older couples are recounting how they became a couple.

I definitely recommend taking a moment to go the Well Spun gallery... their films are so lovely. Big sigh!

Cash To Burn: Lounge

I would loooove to create a lounge on the mezzanine of A New Leaf. When D and I go out it is most likely a neighborhood bar where we can grab a seat and the music doesn't inhibit conversation. I love places, bars or coffee houses, where a group can get comfortable in sofa's and eclectic chairs. So while creating a lounge at the reception may be a trendy thing, it fits our style and personality more than creating a dance floor.

Where better to lounge than under a tree for an outdoor wedding...

{Image via Stillwagon}

I love the pops of color against the stark white seating that looks so comfy and cool...

{Image via Glass Slipper Gourmet}

For our wedding, I would attempt to create a lounge that was comfortable, inviting, and understated.

This lounge by Soiree is the closest to what I am envisioning {although I would go a bit more understated}...

Don't you just want to sit and catch up and laugh with friends and family while you sip a drink when you see this lounge? However, as much as I would love to have lounge set up at our reception it just didn't rank high enough on the priorities to gain a spot on the budget.

If I Had Cash To Burn: Revamped Welcome Bags

If I had cash to burn, I would do things a little differently with my out of town welcome bags...

The bags themselves would get a make-over and would be from the incredible cool Envirosax Mikado Collection. My guest would be able to create a garden party of their downtown hotel room with this candle from Anthropologie to help them get in the gardeny spirit. They would be munching on Garrett's Popcorn out of custom tins while they sip on Ethos Water. In the morning while sipping on Intelligentsia Coffee {because seriously Intelligentsia Coffee is the best} they would be able to jot down the sites they want to see that day in the incredible cool CTA notepad from ChristineRenee's etsy shop.

Yes, if I had cash to burn this is what would be welcoming my guest at their hotels. I am doing welcome bags but they are of a much more modest nature... but I really wish they included some of these things. I adore those green bags and the candles. The coffee is one of my favorite finds in Chicago and as a veteran El commuter I would love to give them those CTA notepads. **sigh**