Always Plan Your Life In Pencil - Never Pen

Plans change.  And though the plans that change sometimes involve the smallest of details, I've found it best to just accept that I should always use a pencil while planning.  The last several weeks have brought on a significant amount of decision-making and changing of plans, most having to do with our wedding in December, but it's all worked out better than I imagined.

My original Wedding Inspiration Board...Things have definitely changed!

For instance, I've been looking for a wedding dress over the past few months.  I knew what 'look' I wanted, I was up for doing something daring with the cut and especially the color and I had my photos of my favorite dresses cut out and pasted into my personal 'lookbook.'  However, most of the dresses were nowhere to be found and those that were ended up looking not quite as nice as I'd hoped.  By the time I got to my third dress boutique, I was exhausted and not expecting to find anything I hadn't already seen.  I was almost ready to give up and just order the Jenny Packham gown in my size straight from the designer, using about 1/3 of our wedding budget to do so, just to be able to end the process.

Five star rating in Rogers for this shoppe!

All I can say is THANK GOD for our wedding planner Heather at Inspired Grace Weddings who knows us as a couple (David and me) inside and out, has memorized our thoughts and expectations for the tone of the wedding, which would include the tone of the dress, and was able to bring excitement to the experience that day so I could really enjoy being with my mom and my aunt.  My consultant at She Said Yes
Bridal was also amazing; she was a sweet and very intuitive girl who really loved her work and made sure to pull dresses with Heather that incorporated elements in the dresses that I highlighted heavily in my book. Admittedly, I didn't end up buying any of the dresses I had pasted into my 'lookbook.'  However, I WAS able to buy all of the beautiful attire that I'll be saying my vows in and also have a first dance my new husband and celebrate all night long with my best friends. 

To check out more updates on our wedding (sorry, no sneak peeks at white wear), fun photos of the wedding party, beautiful images and info about the unique venue and historic accommodations, and little humor from the groom, go to www.InventingTheEngles.com

This is one of my favorite quotes, and I've been having to learn it over and over recently.  It's going to continue be a challenge for me to not just accept where I am but try to grow and flourish while I'm here.

-A 

Shopping Just Got Intense

Okay, I LOVE shopping and watching for new trends.  I love wearing dresses, skirts, and 'girly' blouses.  Wedding dress shopping?  It's the most intense shopping I've ever done in my life!  Yes, it's wonderful to have champagne while shopping.  However, that doesn't help that I'm lifting 40lbs of fabric over my head!  I'm literally sore the next day!  I don't know how some girls can try on any more than 15 dresses - it's a workout! 

It's not a complaint, though, because I know how lucky I am.  With each dress I feel how blessed I am to be in love with the man who wants to spend the rest of his life with me!  I wasn't looking for him, and he wasn't looking for me.  But, He is good and He created and molded us into the woman and man we needed to be at just the right time.  If I were to count my blessings, I would have too many to stop!  The challenges I've faced and still face have shown me who I am in Him and who I am in this world, and one of the things I'm going to be is a best friend and partner in life to a man greater and more wonderful than anyone deserves. 

Alright, alright, I'll get back to the fashion.  That's what we're all here for, right?  :)

Here are some of my favorites, and I'm not sure whether it's the cut, color, fabric, or just the fact that it takes my breath away; I only know that these are the dresses that show up again and again in my dreams:

Jenny Packham - This is my original dream gown. The back of the gown is just as gorgeous as the front!

Not sure of the designer, but I know the silver on this dress is calling my name!

For someone who doesn't want a huge ballgown or any traditional elements, I was surprised I fell in love with this gown.  It's a work of art, and I can't deny that!  All of my rules go out the window with this gown because it's simply magical.  From Novias de Espana

Novias de Espana

Novias de Espana

This Lazaro gown has a simple corset bodice with a sweetheart neckline, but what I love about the gown is the textured skirt!  It's no secret that I'm not a fan of dresses with the everyday ruffle, lace or large cliche flower pinned to them; I'm drawn to the skirts with wild texture - texture that from a distance one can't quite tell if it's rosettes, pick-ups, etc.  I love deconstructed material and lines that are cut a little bit irregular to give the gown more visual interest.   

Decisions, decisions.  I guess we'll see what wins out in the end... :)

Wedding Inspiration Board

Wedding Inspiration Board by asebourn featuring ball gowns

I am so in love with these Winter colors right now and how they can look modern by using clean lines and a chevron pattern.  The textures, especially on the necklace, dress and headband, are also a great way to play around with these cool colors.  I'm less inclined to make an inspiration board with warm colors because I despise Summer in the south, but we'll see.  I have a feeling I won't be able to resist!

Ciao, and stay warm!  
- A

Coast ball gown
$800 - coast-stores.com

Bow handbag
dsw.com

Star necklace
etsy.com

Orly nail polish
$11 - nelly.com

Kate Spade New York 'gardner Street' Toasting Flutes (Set Of 2)
nordstrom.com

Give Thanks by Looking Good (Pt. 1)

My favorite fashions that give back this season (Pt. 1)

It's the season of giving, but let's be honest: this is the time of year when we spend the most money on the people we know and love and ourselves (c'mon, you want to look good in all the family photos during the holidays!).  Not that any of this spending is wrong, of course.  You sister is going to love her earrings you're getting her for Christmas, your dad is in total need of a new wallet, and your own Christmas list is probably full of gorgeous fashion that you can't afford to get for yourself.

So, let's make this shopping time a win-win-win situation.  Yes, that's three wins.  Let's see:
1) the person loves the gift you give them = WIN
2) the feeling you get after the person opens the gift and loves it = WIN
3) the charitable cause that received money after you bought the gift = WIN
You can have all three!  Buying something that has that charitable label on it no longer means having a colored bracelet with a phrase or symbol on it.  Here are some of my favorite brands and fashions that are included in this triple-win scenario:

www.altardstate.com

Altar'd State is a store with a boutique feel, but carrying mostly 'giveback' brands.  It carries charitable brands like Toms, FEED, FashionABLE, Krochet Kids, Rockwell Tharp, Jedidiah, and now it's own charitable namesake brand, Altar'd State! 

 Here are some of my current favorite pieces from the Altar'd State Brand, available in stores or online-

Peak-A-Boo Pleat Dress $69

Trinity Teardrop Necklace in Green

$22

Loose Pocket Sweater $49

(A portion of the proceeds from every Altar'd State brand purchase will be donated to feed, shelter, clothe and educate children around the world.)

Market Bag, $68

If you're a shopaholic, consider purchasing a reusable bag from Apolis x Steven Alan.  The company uses a co-op in India to create these handcrafted totes that are functional and fashionable!  This handy bag will also help you avoid that pesky bag tax (if your state has one).  Can't you just picture tall loaves of french bread sticking out, or a gorgeous scarf tied to the handle?





Next post: more triple-win charitable gifts including jewelry, scarves and more!

Ciao!