Smart Wedding: Finding "the" Dress

Anyone remember this post from way back in March of last year? No? Ok, well let me refresh your memory. I had recently taken a trip to New York City to try on dresses at Kleinfeld's where I fell hopelessly in love with this beauty from designer Augusta Jones. I have basically been pining over this dress for the last 8 months. I've been considering  busting my budget for it. That is until recently, when reality set in. Who am I to think I can go out and drop three grand on a dress?

I've heard people say: 

"It's your day"

"You'll always regret not getting "the" dress"

"You only get one wedding"

Blah. Blah. Blah. 

At the end of the day, it's still money. So to the relief of SSF and my parents, I came to my senses and decided to keep looking. And you know what? It is possible to find more than one dress that looks absolutely amazing on you. It's also possible to find a dress that's a more affordable. I went last weekend and tried on a few dresses and found two beautiful ones I could see myself in for the wedding. I have a 2 more appointments this weekend, one of them being a follow-up to last week's, and I am dragging everyone but SSF with me so I can finally make a decision. 

So to all you ladies out there, getting married in the next year, longing for that expensive dress that in no way, shape, or form, fits your budget. My advice is don't believe the hype. Don't buy in to all the excitement of getting married and buying a wedding dress. Stay focused and most importantly stay under budget!  Oh, and once you found your dress, stop looking!

Now, pretty pictures: 

Source: thesweetestoccasion.com via Grace on Pinterest

Bridemaids: I hope you are reading this. This is my vision. Go buy your dresses. 

Source: stylemepretty.com via Grace on Pinterest

this cracks me up.

Source: reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com via Grace on Pinterest

love the intimacy of a long table, it will be perfect for our small wedding.

Source: shineonwithlb.com via Grace on Pinterest

Again, bridesmaids.. be prepared. I may make you do this the morning after the wedding.


Have a good weekend! 

Why Not?

Why not end a week that started with a 6 figure confession with a list of things I am completely obsessing over? That's just who I am. Lucky for me, just looking doesn't cost money.
DIY

Source: adventuresindressmaking.com via Annie on Pinterest

My next project.. turn our old gross blinds into beautiful roman shades with this super easy diy. Anyone know where to get good fabric?

Home-State Pride

Source: mayabrenner.com via Grace on Pinterest

I saw this necklace from Maya Brenner over on Pretty Shiny Sparkly and was a woman obsessed with state "pride" necklaces. Another affordable version is available (without the diamond) but made from recycled materials at Kris Nations Jewels (Ahem, SSF, family.. my birthday is quickly approaching...)


White Jeans

Source: cutypaste.com via Grace on Pinterest

I am a laggard and a skeptic on white pants, but they appear to be what my closet is missing. Now if only I could trade in one of my million other pairs of jeans for white ones.

Leather Riding Boots

Source: None via Grace on Pinterest

Yes I know it's the middle of summer. Let's just saying I'm looking ahead (for once).

Maps

Source: everythingfab.com via Grace on Pinterest

There will be maps in the wedding. Believe you me.

Haircuts

Source: reese-pics.com via Grace on Pinterest

No seriously. It's been too long since I've actually had my haircut that I dream about it!

Wedding Pictures

Source: stylemepretty.com via Grace on Pinterest

Anyone else take style me pretty breaks at work? Yes?

I use Pinterest for sucking hours out of my day,  join me?

Spend vs. Save: Bohemian

I've been wanting to do a post like this for awhile now. The only thing that has stopped me in the past is my own laziness. It's a lot of work to go searching around for all of the items! Kudos to you bloggers who do countless posts like this (that I love).

My inspiration for this set was none other then Nicole Richie. I don't know anyone, celebrity or otherwise, that pulls off the boho look better then her.

Spend vs. Save: Bohemian by GraceECro featuring Old Navy dresses

Items in this set:
Daughters of the Revolution Ruffle Mini Dress, $220
Old Navy Womens Smocked Drop-Waist Halter Dresses, $30
Petite Mid Wash Denim Jacket, 45 GBP
Balmain Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain Beaded Sandals, $2,280
Toeses Are Roses Sandal - ModCloth, $28

Total Cost for Spend Outfit: $2754

Total Cost for Save Outfit: $123