Pretty Ruffled Frock

This dress from Ananya's shop would be absolutely lovely for a bridal shower or for a very affordable bridesmaid dress.  Just add pearls and heels.  Absolutely lovely. 

Dressed for a Spring Party

The other day I headed out for a super quick trip to Anthropologie (seems like an oxymoron, right?) during my lunch hour and was stopped in my tracks by the loveliest dresses.  Anthropologie has been seriously on fire lately with their product offerings... they have me swooning on a regular basis.  Their dresses this spring are just perfect for attending or the bridesmaids at a wedding or for a bridal or baby shower... so pretty much for any pretty spring or garden party they will not disappoint.

If it was just two short years ago, my bridesmaids would be outfitted with one of these frocks.  

And Chicago ladies, did you know that an Anthro store opened on State Street by Marshall Fields?  Seriously great for an awesome lunch break.

Lively Dresses

Sometimes you just need a pretty & sexy dress to wear to a celebration.  And sometimes you just need to find a pretty & sassy dress for your bridesmaids.  Something fashionable.

Michelle Williams, the force behind the striking designs of Quail, has launched Quail Bridesmaid.  The line is so quirky, feminine, and lively that I had to share it with you.  I am just loving these dresses as they are clearly made to have fun and celebrate while wearing.  And Michelle is clearly a girl who gets the details, she will work to match the color for the dresses with the example you bring in; find your inspiration for your colors from an umbrella? Not a problem.

Now for those of you searching for a pretty frock to celebrate the season, an anniversary, a bachelorette party... Quail has you covered too.

I really am loving the work at Quail.  Such amazing party dresses options!

The Bridesmaids' Non-Bridesmaid Look

It has become a statement that nearly every bride utters at some point, "I want the bridesmaid dresses to be something they can wear again."  One way to have the dress be one that someone might actually wear again- go to stores you shop at normally instead of the bridal stores.  This can also make it a bit easier for trying on/purchasing if your maids are dispersed throughout the country. 

Anthopologie almost always has pretty dresses that would be really lovely as bridesmaid dresses.  I love the Calliope dress.  How simple and flattering would this look be for bridesmaids...

Dress: Calliope at Athropologie

Shoes: Nine West via Polyvore

Clutch: RedRubyRose

Bouquet: Brides

The Bride Wore Manolos

I was checking out Neiman Marcus' shoe section just for fun when I stumbled upon these gorgeous Manolos and literally gasped.  I love them!  This style has been around for a while but in this color it is perfection.  And I immediately thought, what an incredible shoe for a bride.  Now, I know that for most of us {myself included} that price tag makes you hurry away before you become too attached.  But even for a bride with a modest budget these shoes could work.  They make such a statement that you can go simple with the dress.  And dress lines such as the Jenny Yoo Bridal Alternative make it easy to find something stylish but at a price where splurging on the shoes keeps you in budget.  The shoes you can wear again making the price tag almost justifyable.  A bridal gown probably not.

For these shoes, I say show them off...

This bridal style comes together for approximately $1,260 {I left the bouquet price out as it would range by area of the country}!

I completely adore this dress by Jenny Yoo.  I was almost a "short-dress bride" and if they had this dress back then it may have been the one.  With these shoes and that dress, a simple birdcage veil, a chic bouquet of tulips, and a dainty something blue necklace all come together for a stunning look.

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik

Dress: Jenny Yoo

Necklace: Erin Gallagher

Bouquet: The Knot

Birdcage Veil: Twigs & Honey