Engagement Shoot with KMD Creations











Photos by KMD Creations.

Dress by Chi Chi London. Available in plus size here. Similar dresses here, here, here, here, and here.

My t-shirt and sneakers. Bracelets 1, 2, 3, 4.

This was so incredibly fun to shoot. Like a romantic date with loads of eye contact, laughter and PDA. The struggle was real trying to find the perfect dress and suit, but our second outfits we threw together as we walked out the door. We got back more than 200 pictures we'll treasure forever. It's a season I'm so glad we captured - I'm giddy with anticipation to be his wife!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Early Arrival

Inspiration: Chinese Laundry



Last week it was 50 degrees and rainy and gross. This week... it feels like spring is already in full swing. A bit earlier than usual, but I'm ready to bust out some shorts and enjoy the sunshine! (Winter can be a downer no matter where you live.) I saw this yellow top and high-waisted shorts in a catalog photo recently and was inspired to try it with my own closet. How's the weather where you live? Are you anxious for spring?

Top: Victoria's Secret, $25
Shorts: J.Crew, $25 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West c/o Macy's (same, similar, similar)
Purse: Marc Jacobs/Saks Off Fifth, $51 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Shorts, shoes and necklace are 1 year ago. Purse is recent.

ASOS  /  Fiorelli  /  Dorothy Perkins  /  Amazon  /  ASOS
Amazon  /  American Apparel  /  Boden  /  ChicNova
Karma Loop  /  J.Crew  /  J.Crew  /  Kate Spade

#TheFashionEdit with HSN

PANTS



HSN continues to make me crave spring with their new arrivals! Today I’m reviewing three items: pale pink trousers from the G by Giuliana line, a lavender dress by IMAN, and a Vince Camuto mint and python purse. All of these items are part of HSN’s Spring Fashion Collection, The Fashion Edit! 

First up are these pale pink trousers. I've been loving this style of pant lately. The elastic waistband in the back makes them so incredibly comfortable, and the shape is really versatile. I could see wearing these for a night out with a black top and statement necklace, but the material is also dressy enough to wear with a collared shirt in some work pant situations. I would wear it with a lace peplum top as pictured for a casual lunch date. 

DReSS, PURSE

Next up is a lilac IMAN dress. It comes in 5 different colors, and I chose this lilac/lavender color that is on-trend for spring. I also like the shape, it has a faux-wrap look to it. I kept it conservative for a work look, but I could also see pairing it with a hot pink necklace and lace up sandals for a trendy take.

Last but not least, I’m holding a Vince Camuto handbag in python, mint and nude that’s to die for! It was an instant yes the minute I saw it on HSN’s website, I had to have it. I could see it working with jeans and a t-shirt just as much as a conservative work dress. 

Check out even more HSN #TheFashionEdit new arrivals to love below. Which ones are your favorite?

Hal Rubenstein  /  Snob Essentials  /  Coco Rocha  /  Serena Williams
Coco Rocha  /  Aldo  /  Vince Camuto  /  Vince Camuto
Vince Camuto  /  Vince Camuto  /  Jessica Simpson  /  Vince Camuto

Today’s post is brought to you by HSN. All opinions and editorial decisions are my own. Thanks for reading!

Today's Everyday Fashion: Back In Style

Inspiration: ModCloth Coat, Shirt, Pants



You know that rule that you should get rid of something if you haven't worn it in 6 months to a year? I'm not a big fan of that rule. I will keep things for years without wearing it, and then pick back up wearing it again. Take this top and these shoes, both 7-ish years old, and they feel totally current. They made it this long since both are in great condition and I still liked each piece enough to keep it for later (aka for whenever it came "back in style"). What are your personal rules for when to keep and when to toss?  

Coat: ASOS c/o ShopStyle, $97 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Limited, $25 (similar)
Skirt: J.Crew, $45 (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West, old
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Top and shoes are 7 years ago. Skirt is 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Coat is this season.

Charlotte Russe  /  Calvin Klein  /  Guess
Vince Camuto  /  Charlotte Russe  /  Charlotte Russe
Lulu's  /  ALDO  /  Nine West
Shoptiques  /  Simply Soles  /  Ann Taylor

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Brocade Skirt

Inspiration: Sachin & Babi via Precouture.com

This catalog photo recently popped up in my email inbox and while I don't have an exact or similar print in my closet, I created the same feel by combining a brocade skirt with a cobalt top. I finished it off with a leather sleeve trench and black accessories. I usually wear this (6 or 7 year old) skirt with brown or taupe pumps so mixing it up with black accessories makes it feel fresh again! 

Coat: Express, $75 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: Tahari c/o Nordstrom, $58 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited, $50
Shoes: Charles David c/o DNA Footwear
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (same)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Skirt is 6 years ago. Jacket and purse are 2 years ago. Shirt is last summer, shoes are this season.

Bohoo  /  Romeo & Juliet  /  Neiman Marcus
Bohoo  /  Pendelton  /  BB Dakota
Yoox  /  Missguided
 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Packing for Key West 2

Inspiration: SHOP Bazaar



Today I'm sharing two more Key West/spring break outfit ideas! (You can read part 1 here.) First up is this adorable floral skirt. I fell in love with this pattern online (also in a pencil skirt here), and the top half turned out so fun with a combo of cobalt, electric blue and hot pink. I'd style it with heels on most occasions, but in laid-back Key West sandals are the norm. I think this skirt has potential to work for lots of different situations and shoes though.

Top: Tahari c/o Nordstrom, $58 (similar, similar, similar)
Skirt: Express, $31
Shoes: Call It Spring c/o, $50 (similar, similar)
Purse: Gap, $16 (similar, similar)
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Purse is 3 years ago. Top and shoes are 1 year ago. Skirt is new.

This was my attempt at a "bachelorette" dress but it didn't fare so well on me. I think ultimately I need a bigger size - the straps were too tight and it's way too short. I'm returning it (no time to exchange sizes before my trip), but I planned to wear it with flat sandals in Key West like shown, even though this kind of dress really looks great with strappy heels.

Now that I've done some brainstorming with new items for Key West, I'll share what I wind up wearing after the trip. I packed some really old items along with the new!

Dress: Express, $29
Cardigan: Express, old (similar)
Silver shoes: Wet Seal c/o, $9 (similar, similar, similar)
Black shoes: Macy's, old (similar)
Purse: Urban Outfitters, $30 (similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot, My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 7 years ago. Black shoes and purse are 5 years ago. Silver shoes are 2 years ago. Dress is new (returning).

$250 Giveaway with Live the Look



Dress: ASOS c/o Live the Look
Sweater coat: Mango c/o Live the Look

I have Live the Look to thank for finding this fringe dress and sweater coat. It’s a genius shopping website that makes suggestions for you based on a style quiz and it picked these two items for me. I immediately envisioned wearing them together with ankle boots, in an ultimate boho look for an outdoor event. Each piece works equally well apart, too. I'll wear the fringe dress this way for my upcoming trip to Key West, over a swim suit or for shopping. And the sweater looks great with jeans for a cozy day of running errands!

So what exactly is Live the Look? If you've ever wanted someone to do your shopping for you, but have final say on what you're buying, then Live the Look is your perfect solution. When you sign up for a free account (here), you fill out a style quiz. Then, like a best friend who knows your exact taste and size - the site suggests items to buy, and puts together outfit ideas for you. I will be honest - I was skeptical at first. I'm super-picky and have taken plenty of style quizzes with results that didn't seem accurate. Within minutes though, I couldn't believe the great things Live the Look found for me. Even with all the browsing I do online, I've never seen the cute stuff they suggested. I'm ob-sessed with the unique ruffle top pictured below, and I ordered the Kensie jeans below thanks to Live the Look, which I featured in Monday's blog post.  

Everyone can sign up for a free Live the Look account here. And simply by signing up, you are eligible to win our $250 giveaway! The $250 can be used to order anything you'd like, on any brand you'd like - including Michael Kors, Tory Burch, designer denim, etc. Use the Rafflecopter box below to let me know you've opened an account and the lucky winner will be notified by email next week. Good luck!

Which Live the Look finds are your favorite?

Dress  /  Top  /  Sweater  /  Bag  /  Bag
Heels  /  Boots  /  Dress  /  Jeans  /  Coat
Skirt  /  Top  /  Top  /  Dress

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today's post is brought to you by Live the Look. All opinions and editorial decisions are my own.

Today's Everyday Fashion: Packing for Key West



Today I'm sharing a couple outfit ideas I put together for my upcoming trip to Key West. Whether you're headed on spring break soon, or just wishing for warmer weather, hopefully these ideas will provide a little spring inspiration! 

This first outfit is my favorite kind of vacation look - a printed boho top with denim. The J.Crew Factory top is new and I completely love it. Whether I end up wearing it with jeans or shorts will depend on the weather. The cognac d'orsay flats are also new, but I'm not sure if I'm keeping them yet so I'll pack brown sandals. 

Top: J.Crew Factory, $40
Shorts: American Eagle, $18 (similar, similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory, $48
Hat: Francesca's, $10 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $111
Approx. dates: Shorts, purse, hat are within the last year. Top and shoes are new.

In the second outfit, these pants are not at all the fit I was expecting. They are slung so low on my hips that I have sort of an oddly long looking torso. I assume that's where they should fall though because if they were up any higher they would be way too short. Hard to say for sure since Factory doesn't use models on their website. I have other printed pants already that I'll wear in an outfit like this, either over a swim suit or for the car ride home. 

Sweater: J.Crew, $35 (similar, similar)
Pants: J.Crew Factory, $35
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $60 (similar, similar)
Hat: Francesca's, $10 (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $111
Approx. dates: Sweater is 5 years ago. Shoes are 4 years ago. Hat, purse are within the last year. Pants are new.

ps. I also ordered this striped sweater. The zippers stick out super funny on the sides, so I'm definitely returning. I'll be on the lookout for something similar, because I love it otherwise.

J.Crew Factory has great vacation clothes so I'm excited to see what they have to exchange in the store, like the options below. Spring can't get here fast enough!

Jacket  /  Sweater  /  Top  /  Top
Tunic  /  Dress  /  Pants  /  Dress  /  Flats
Top  /  Shorts  /  Shorts  /  Sandals  /  Flats

Today's Everyday Fashion: Denim Shopping

Hands down, the hardest thing to shop for? The perfect pair of jeans! I swear it's like a needle in a haystack. My favorite pair of simple dark skinnies are starting to fall apart, and even though I've been looking for a replacement pair for over a year, I keep striking out! (Grr.) Here are a few pairs I ordered online as my hunt continues.

Express jeans, $30 (with a coupon)

The color of this pair looked way better (darker) online. I also ordered a 2S (short), and I can see the that although they technically hit my ankles, the proportions are all wrong - I think the back pockets look squatty on me (I'm 5'7"). Verdict: pass.

Kensie / Lord & Taylor, $55 (with coupon)

I had so much hope for these, I ordered them in 2 sizes. They look great from the front, but the back pockets are all wrong on me (too far apart). I've never tried this brand, but it seems I am also annoyingly between sizes. The 26 is a bit tight, and the 27 (pictured) sag in the crotch as I walk because they are loose and won't stay up. Verdict: pass.

Express jeans, $30 (with coupon)

Flares are back! These are my favorite. The fabric is bit stretchier than I imagined, but I love the color and the fit. Flares aren't as practical as skinnies since you can only wear them with heels or flats and not both (this pair will require heels on me), but I can't help but love 'em. Verdict: most likely keep.

I'm still on the hunt for dark skinnies... I rounded up some options below. I want to try on the bottom right pair (at AE), and several of these are on sale at Amazon so I may give them a try. What are your favorite brands or stores for the perfect pair of jeans?

Mavi  /  7 For All Mankind  /  Yummie  /  Blank  /  KUT
It Collective  /  Mavi  /  Dittos  /  Hudson  /  AE

Today's Everyday Fashion: Windowpane

Inspiration: Harper's Bazaar



I've been looking for ways to wear my windowpane pants and yellow was a fabulous idea. I may not have a yellow coat yet (this one is on my wish list), but a yellow top, cardigan, or even a yellow purse is a great way to pair yellow with a windowpane print. I think the shoes are a little bold so I'd stick with black pumps, but I love her adventurous take on this classic yet trendy print!

Coat: Banana Republic, $128 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: LOFT, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: J.Crew Factory, $24
Shoes: Payless, $20 (similar, similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (same)
Necklace: INPINK c/o, $22
Approx. dates: Purse and top are 2 years ago. Coat and shoes are 1 year ago. Necklace is this season.

Anne Klein  /  Missguided  /  LOFT  /  Boohoo
Anne Klein  /  Piperlime  /  LOFT
Express  /  Banana Republic  /  LOFT

Today's Everyday Fashion: Almost Vintage

Inspiration: Couture Candy



This blazer is so old that I may be able to call it vintage soon. My parents bought it for me when I had a presentation my senior year of college, and I wore it for job hunting in the years after college. In recent years I repurposed it by rolling up the sleeves and wearing it casually, including today's Kate Moss re-creation. What are the oldest items in your closet that you've repurposed or that have withstood the test of time?

Blazer: Express, old (similar, similar, similar)
Tee: Lamixx c/o
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: Report/Piperlime, $10 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (same)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Blazer is 10 years ago. Jeans are 4 years ago. Boots, purse and tee are 2 years ago.

Vince Camuto  /  Guess  /  Sam Edelman  /  Sam Edelman
Guess  /  ModCloth  /  Chinese Laundry  /  C. Laundry
Schutz  /  Forever 21  /  Report  /  Gianni

Today's Everyday Fashion: The White Dress

Inspiration: ModCloth

It may feel counterintuitive to wear a white dress in the winter but I love the contrast it provides against a dark jacket and tights. I first featured this dress here with basic black and was inspired add emerald accents by this recent ModCloth email. Take one part black and white dress, add a black jacket and boots, and sprinkle with any bright color(s) for accessories!

Blazer: C. Wonder c/o (similar, similar, similar)
Dress: Express, $60
Boots: Cynthia Rowley/TJ Maxx, $80 (similar, similar)
Belt: Old Navy, $8 (similar)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (same)
Necklace: Stella & Dot (similar, similar, similar)
Approx. dates: Boots are 4 years ago. Belt is 3 years ago. Purse is 2 years ago. Dress and blazer are one year ago. 

LOFT  /  JCPenney  /  Guess
Calvin Klein  /  ModCloth  /  Lulu's
Forever 21  /  ModCloth  /  ModCloth

Today's Everyday Fashion: Printed Pumps

Inspiration: Redbook

"She looks gorgeous!" was my first thought when I discovered this inspiration photo from a few years ago on my computer. I love her version even more, but I wanted to try it with pants (they are my default when it's chilly outside), for a slightly different take on the same look. Both versions illustrate how well these blue colors work together, and the differences prove there's more than one way you can do it! 

Cardigan: H&M, $18 (similar, similar)
Top: Tahari c/o Nordstrom, $58 (similar, similar, similar)
Pants: Ann Taylor, $18 (similar)
Pumps: Payless, $20 (similar, similar)
Purse: Sole Society c/o (similar, similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Cardigan is 4 years ago. Top, shoes, pants, and purse are 1 year ago. 

Nine West  /  J.Renee  /  Michael Kors
Charlotte Russe  /  Dorothy Perkins  /  Steve Madden
Qupid  /  Steve Madden  /  Jessica Simpson
Qupid  /  Guess  /  Chinese Laundry

In my search for similar pumps I came across tons of floral shoes. I've been wanting a pair so badly, even if they aren't super practical (they can be tough to style). A couple of these are only $30 - could be worth a try this spring? 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Panama Hats

Inspiration: J.Crew



I've had this catalog photo saved for years. One of my favorite sources of inspiration is J.Crew and their creative color combos. I wish my sweater was just a shade more neutral, and less mustard for my version to really work well. I also prefer long and loose tops with my skinny jeans so the sweater feels like the wrong shape. It does have an overall eclectic/unexpected vibe to it that I'm digging though!

Coat: ASOS c/o ShopStyle, $97 (similar, similar, similar)
Sweater: Banana Republic, $28 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Flats: Steve Madden/Macy's, $59 (same)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot, My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Jeans are 4 years ago. Sweater and purse are 3 years ago. Flats and coat are this season.

Vince Camuto  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Nine West
Forever 21  /  Nine West  /  Nine West
J.Crew  /  Urban Outfitters  /  Forever 21
Urban Outfitters  /  Calvin Klein  /  Revolve

Also - check out this reader request for Panama Hats. I recently tried on #1 and didn't like it on me. The sides were really floppy/wavy and didn't stay straight, so I am also on the hunt. Here are some favorites $15-60!

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Leopard Coat

Inspiration: ATLANTIC PACIFIC VIA WHOWHATWEAR



A new idea for wearing an old leopard coat? Don't mind if I do. As much as I love the inspiration photo colors, I couldn't find an exact match in my closet. I went off the grid until I found my own trio of pink shades that work well together. There's a certain retro vibe to this look that I love ("Mad Men" collection coat and kitten heels, perhaps?).  Would you wear it?

Coat: Banana Republic c/o, old (similar below)
Top: Express, $19 (similar, similar, similar, similar) 
Pants: Limited, $35 (similar, similar)
Shoes: Nine West/DSW, $25 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Coat is 4 years ago. Top, pants and purse are 2 years ago. Shoes are recent. 

Macy's  /  Nordstrom  /  Lord & Taylor  /  Nasty Gal
Tahari  /  BB Dakota  /  Nasty Gal  /  Nasty Gal
ASOS  /  Boohoo  /  Sam Edelman  /  Calvin Klein 

Today's Everyday Fashion: Pretty Pastels

Inspiration: WCP/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES via WhoWhatWear



I'm coming at you today with a Kim K re-creation. We're wearing similar colors and a similar silhouette but it looks quite different on our body types. I never let a different shape, not exact colors, or something "off" about an outfit stop me from re-creating it though! You can always find something redeemable and ways to turn it into something that works for you. How would you make her combo your own?

Coat: ASOS c/o ShopStyle, $97 (similar, similar, similar)
Top: C. Wonder, $37 (similar, similar)
Skirt: LOFT, $55 (similar below)
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Necklace: My Stella & Dot
Earrings: My Stella & Dot
Approx. dates: Skirt is 4 years ago. Shoes and purse are 2 years ago. Top and coat are within the last year.

ASOS  /  Dorothy Perkins  /  Yook
Charlotte Russe  /  J.Crew Factory  /  Yook
Dilard's  /  ASOS  /  DailyLook

Today's Everyday Fashion: Double Duty

Inspiration: Express



I got my entire college wardrobe at Express and even worked there part time. Maybe it's a nostalgia thing but despite my friends (same age) looking adorable in their clothes all the time, I don't usually shop there. This catalog photo was so cute though I saved it to re-create (it's my first time pairing this floral skirt with something masculine like leather - I love this idea). It also lead me to do some shopping and I was surprised to find so many cute things! I shared some favorites below. Right now there's a coupon code (3047) that works on top of the President's Day sale and the prices are great, too. I'll be ordering a few to try out!

Jacket: Victoria's Secret, $257 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Tee: Macy's, $10
Skirt: Conversation Pieces c/o, old (similar in yesterday's post)
Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o HSN (same)
Purse: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Skirt, jacket and purse are 2 years ago. Tee and shoes are the last 6 months.

Jeans  /  Maxi  /  Dress  /  Dress
Top  /  Skirt  /  Skirt
Top  /  Skirt  (pencil version) /  Skirt

Today's Everyday Fashion: The Ballerina

Inspiration: Vanessa Jackman via WhoWhatWear



I was instantly reminded of this skirt when I saw her dress. Although my skirt is not quite as long, I wanted to find a way to wear it in the chilly weather with a sweater and coat. With the lace-up shoes and sheer layer on the skirt I feel like a pretty ballerina. A coincidence with Valentine's Day right around the corner but this look would make a great date outfit. I rounded up more pretty floral skirts under $100 below!

Coat: ASOS c/o ShopStyle, $97 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Sweater: Gap, old (similar)
Skirt: Varga Store c/o, $49
Shoes: ShoeDazzle c/o, $50 (similar, similar)
Clutch: Sole Society, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Sweater is 6 years ago. Clutch is 2 years ago. Skirt, shoes are 1 year ago. Coat is recent.

Forever 21  /  ASOS  /  ASOS  /  Yoox
ASOS  /  Forever 21  /  Romwe  /  Nordstrom
ModCloth  /  Yoox  /   Romwe  /  ASOS

Today's Everyday Fashion: Huge Giveaway

Inspiration: Sole Society



Whatever is quick and easy and will get me out the door, whatever is affordable: these are the qualities I look for in an outfit! (That, and sometimes fashion is really fun.) I was running late last week, had this inspiration photo on my computer desktop, threw it together with somewhat similar pieces and I was dressed for meetings and errands in a flash! Is this an outfit idea you would re-create?

Coat: Express, $75 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Shirt: Banana Republic, $30 (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: H&M, $32 (similar, similar)
Flats: Steve Madden/Macy's, $59 (same)
Purse: Michael Kors/Macy's, $270 (same)
Necklaces: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
Approx. dates: Shirt is 3 years ago. Coat, jeans, purse are 2 years ago. Shoes are recent.

Also - you guys have to check out this crazy good giveaway for a YEAR's worth of clothes! White Plum is giving away a $1,200 store credit to one lucky winner! The giveaway runs until Feb. 22nd, you can enter here on White Plum's site. Please send me pics if you win - I will be supremely jealous! 

Bridesmaid Ideas: POPSUGAR Must Have Box + More

Custom design by Bright Light Paper

When we started planning our wedding we carefully considered every tradition and whether or not we wanted to include it. I asked “what does it mean to be a bridesmaid? why or why not have them?” I couldn’t imagine not being surrounded by my best friends on such a happy day, but what next?

I knew I wanted to set the tone: that being a bridesmaid was more than a supporting role, but rather about thanking these women for blessing my life over the last decade (or two). I couldn't think of a better way to spoil them than by popping the question (“will you be my bridesmaid?”) with POPSUGAR’s Must Have bridesmaid boxes. The Kendra Scott necklace is my favorite part, they will be wearing them the day of the wedding. The box also contains beauty products, designer mints, and a jeweled picture frame. (It’s a retail value of $170 for only $75!) Check out some photos box below and you can click through to read more about each individual item.

I also enclosed the “Will You Be My Bridesmaid?” card, above. I had them custom made by Bright Light Paper. We collaborated on the design, and they were hand water-colored by the designer Elizabeth. Inside the card, I wrote a note asking them to be my bridesmaid!

POPSUGAR Must Have Box 

Needless to say, my friends were just a LITTLE excited to receive these boxes in the mail. Here are some pictures they sent me of when they opened them. I’ve never had so much fun answering my phone as I did that day. One friend was having a bad day at work and the box literally made her cry. It was the perfect way to kick things off!

Once I had 8 “yes!” responses the real fun began – deciding on dresses. I thought about choosing a color and having them shop for their own dresses, but I wanted to make it even easier by providing their dresses so they wouldn’t have to shop at all. I chose the “Maid Your Way” dress by Sorella Vita (Essense of Australia’s bridesmaid line). I love how it’s convertible so you can wear it different ways. It still has a slight mismatched look while being totally pulled together. I gave them three color choices thinking we’d do a mix of neutrals but everyone surprised me by choosing pink (blush, not the pictured pink), and they will wear their own nude shoes.

Last but certainly not least, I plan to do gift bags on the morning of the wedding while we are getting ready. I’m collaborating with Ooh Baby Designs to design some monogrammed tote bags and makeup cases. (An example from their website below.) The designer Stephanie sends you fabric choices so you can customize, and inside I’ll put snacks and any other cute trinkets I pick up along the way. I sure hope these ladies feel loved because I sure love them!

What bridesmaid traditions are you most fond of or would rather pass on? What are the best bridesmaid gifts you’ve ever given or received?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by POPSUGAR Must Have. Some of the items in this post were provided for promotional consideration. The opinions and ideas expressed are my own.