Rings and Things

 

Signet Rings

Wouldn't these signet rings be a great alternative to a wedding band? They are so classic and preppy - I love their simplicity and the idea of using your new married monogram for the engraving. It would also make a great anniversary gift! {Found via A Cup of Jo}

Sponsor Spotlight: Dee Ruel

I am really excited to introduce you to our latest sponsor - Dee Ruel! Dee creates gorgeous handmade jewelry, perfect for bridesmaids and brides alike. Her unique pieces would also make great gifts for all the ladies who have pitched in to help plan your wedding (shower hostesses, etc). And even better, Dee also creates wedding stationery and paper! You can find some examples of adorable invitations on her site, and can contact her directly for more information.

DIY Project: Braided Bead Necklace

My apologies for the lack of posting yesterday - these last few weeks seem determined to kick my butt! So while I regroup and get a little rest, take a look at this adorable DIY project from ECAB {via Darling Dexter}. This bead necklace would make such a sweet gift for your bridesmaids and would certainly fit within any budget! And even if you are challenged in the craft making department, as long as you can string beads and braid you've got this one in the bag.

French Decor in Chicago

I love everything French, so I was so excited to find out about this adorable little Parisian wedding boutique right here in Chicago! My friend Melissa Hayes just went to The Left Bank for a photoshoot and she was kind enough to pass along all the pictures you see in this post. Aside from the gorgeous trinkets, wouldn't this be great inspiration for a wedding? All the little suitcases stacked together, the vintage frames and dress forms - love it!

Sponsor Spotlight: Sparkle Thots

I am really excited to welcome a new sponsor to the blog - Sparkle Thots! Not only does owner Ruth Chan make all of her lovely jewelry by hand, she is also one of the nicest business owners you could ever hope to encounter. Each piece of jewelry is both classic and beautiful, definitely something you could wear on your wedding day and beyond. The Rose Quartz necklace pictured above would look beautiful against an ivory dress, and the ribbon ring is both affordable and a perfect gift for your bridesmaids!

In addition to jewelry Sparkle Thots also offers beautiful blossom headbands, and right now Ruth is holding a giveaway for one of the headbands pictured below! Simply head over to her blog for more information on the contest, and how you can enter to win. You only have until April 15th to enter, so don't delay!

Make A Statement

It looks like this week is inadvertently turning out to be collections of inspiration for all sorts of different wedding aspects (I think I like it). A lot of brides are turning to chunky necklaces to add an interesting element to their white dresses, and I adore each and every one of these from Elva Fields. And I don't think I have to explain how much I wish I had found that green necklace before my own wedding!

How about you? Are you going with a statement necklace for your day or opting for the classic route?

White Owl

These lovely necklaces from White Owl were all over the blogs last year, but when Cyd wrote about them again recently it reminded me to share them with all of you. The materials are repurposed lace and fabric from flea markets, estate sales, etc. These would certainly make a statement with a bridesmaids dress (or even a wedding dress)!

Bittersweets NY

All of these adorable rings are handmade in Brooklyn by the talented folks at Bittersweet NY. It seems like a lot of people are opting for unique and non-traditional engagement rings these days, and these would certainly fit the bill! What about you? Did you opt for a traditional ring or something a little different?

Sponsor Spotlight: Gems by Emily M.

I am so happy to welcome one of my favorite sponsors back to the blog - Gems by Emily M! Emily creates adorable handmade jewelry, that make perfect keepsakes (as well as great bridesmaids gifts)! Her jewelry comes in a variety of different styles perfect for just about anyone in your life. Definitely head over to her Etsy store and check it out!

Hazel & Harlow

Hazel and Harlow has a variety of beautiful hand carved jewelry, with price ranges to fit any budget! Wouldn't some of the delicate pendants make beautiful bridesmaids gifts? I would even be happy to accept one from Santa (hint, hint)! What do you think?

Etsy RoundUp

The Etsy Handmade blog - The Storque - recently posted a roundup of some wedding items that are too good not to share again here. There is not a chance I am stylish enough to pull off some of these beautiful pieces (mainly that veil) but oh how I wish I could! You can find the beautiful Helen veil in austie's shop:

These adorable white flower bouquet earrings are made from deconstructed plastic, and can be found in raquelcastillo's shop:

Oldage is selling this vintage mini dress for only $64! Truly the perfect attire for a shower or rehearsal dinner:

I know the concept of a wedding day clutch isn't for everyone, but personally mine proved to be really useful. And the detailed silver design on this clutch from Briana Edelman Designs means you're sure to use it after the wedding is over:

Jess L.C.

I absolutely adore the jewelry from Jess L.C. Based out of Chicago, all of the designs are handmade and extremely affordable. Don't they look like they could cost hundreds of dollars? Everything is well under that price range, and when I emailed Jessica to ask if I could write about her designs, she reminded me that she offers a 25% discount for bridal parties with multiple maids. Just email her and mention the discount to receive 25% off your order (plus, free shipping on orders over $60!) She also has a really cute blog that is worth checking out - a girl after my own heart!

B.Poetic

I adore these blooms from b.poetic! Made from vintage linens, they can be pinned to your shirt, your belt, to your purse, pretty much any surface that could use a petal or two (and really, what surface can't use a flower?)

B.poetic also offer shoe clips, hair clips and corsages and the ever lovely owner of the shop has offered up a giveaway to all of you! Take a look at her blog and/or her Etsy store, and leave a comment here letting us know what design you would choose. You have until Midnight (CST) on Thursday, August 27th to enter. The winner will be announced over the weekend. Good luck!