ivy & astor: sweet pea

via {here}

I am crushing big time on this Ivy & Astor "sweet pea" gown...just lovely.

It has been a crazy week thus far and we're only to Tuesday? :) Geeez!

Have a great week, y'all!

xoxo,
Kat

tgif: week recap

Hi, friends! TGIF to you :) I have been absent all week, but I'm back just in time to say ta-ta for the weekend!

Here are just a few things I love and wanted to share:

via {here}

Bow + low back + skirt detailing = perfection :) I'm in love with this dress.

via {here}

I love this image of Elizabeth Taylor. We lost the brightest of bright stars this week. Elizabeth, you will be missed.

A bit of news on the home front, I have finally cleared my office desk! YES! It was at the top of my to-do list for entirely too long, but now it is finally complete. I'm starting swirl ideas around about what I'd like to do with it. Here is some inspiration I've scrounged up:

via {here}

via {here}

via {here}

via {here}

via {here}

Lovely, no? I'm definitely working with minimal space, so some of these are out of my league. But a type-A girl can dream, right? And please notice that each image has a plant or fresh flowers in each space! A definite goal for my office re-do! :) But I'm still searching for further inspiration. What are your must-haves in your office space? Please share in the comments. Help me out!

And here's a lil inspiration for you on this lovely Friday:

via {here}

I'm off to Virginia for some bff time. Psyched! What are your plans for the weekend?

xoxo,
Kat

San Patrick Trunk Show

Calling all brides! I have some phenomenal news for you! The lovely ladies of Tre Bella Bridal are hosting a San Patrick trunk show this weekend! Here's a quick word from Kate:

"Well this weekend, the brides of the Triangle are in for a special treat. We will be having a San Patrick Trunk Show at our Bridal Boutique. No appointments are needed - we are having open hours from 10am until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Just stop in and enjoy the beautiful gowns!! Pricing starting at $1800 and don't miss out on the Trunk Show Promotion." -Kate, Tre Bella, Inc. via {here}


This is SUCH a great deal! Here are a few of my favorite San Patrick gowns from their stunning 2011 collection:

The Cadiz

The Cala

The Calaf

The Calesa

All images via {San Patrick dot com}.

Beyond beautiful, no? The versatility of the fabrics and textures is fantastic. If you're shopping for your dream dress, do NOT miss this sale! Plus the gals over at Tre Bella are simply lovely and they have a fabulous boutique setting for you to try on the dresses.

Tre Bella Bridal is located at 903 Broad Street, Durham, NC 27705. If you want to contact Kate, at Tre Bella directly, here is her information: (info@trebellabridal.com) or call me (919.323.7167).

 xoxo,
kat

ruffles

via {here} | by {Celebrate Life Photography}

via {here} | by {Zoom Photography}

via {here} | by {Jasmine Star}

via {here} | by {Hillary Maybery}

via {here} | by {IQvideography}

via {here} | by {spurbeck photography}

via {here} | by {J W Wedding Life}

I know we're only four days into 2011, but I'm a little anxious for spring time, flowers and ruffles...

Can you tell? :) Let me know which one of these beauties is YOUR favorite...

xoxo,
Kat

Spring 2011 Collections: Bridal Runway

A few of my favorites from the latest designer collections:

{Vera Wang}

{Kenneth Pool}

{Monique Lhuillier}

{Modern Trouseau}

{Christos}

{Vera Wang}

{Modern Trouseau}

{Monique Lhuillier}

{Reem Acra}

{Angel Sanchez}

Which one is your favorite?

xoxo,
Kat

the dress

I have several friends that are at that pivotal stage of their wedding planning: finding THE dress.  I've heard it can be a wonderful, easy choice - some even go with the very first dress they try on! I've also heard the other side in that it can be overwhelming, tiring and frustrating, taking store, after boutique, after shop to find the perfect look. I suppose it's all about the journey and no bride walks down the aisle feeling like they chose the wrong dress...

Jinsey Dauk, of The Knot {dot} com, put together a rockin' list of 15 Tips for Gown Shopping. A few of my favorites include:

• Wearing nude, skin-tone colored undergarments to your fittings, to be sure of fit and if you can see through the fabric. No peep shows, please!
• Know your budget going into the shop. Factor in cost of veil, headpiece, shoes, lingerie and jewelry.
• Trust your instincts - you will know when it's the right dress!

You can find the entire list of dress shopping tips here!

For kicks, I decided to throw together some of my favorite images in a dress inspiration board. I find myself leaning toward ultra-feminine, lace, ruffles and sweetheart necklines.

What styles or trends do you love? Or do you have a wedding dress shopping tale or tips of your own you'd like to share? Comment away!

xoxo,
Kat