I'm a sucker for it...

Seersucker!  Ok, I know, bad bad bad play on words.  But who can help it?  Little ring bearers in summery seersucker suits are potentially the cutest thing I've ever seen.  And more affordable then tuxedo rental too!

You can score this one for $39.99 at In Fashion Kids

My good friend R.'s ringbearers wore seersucker ensembles for her wedding, wearing their vests (sans jackets due to the heat- a great built-in contingency she planned for), and they looked incredibly adorable.  With hot pink bow ties too.  Who is in love?

Offbeat Ties

Choosing groom's and groomsmen's attire can be even harder than choosing the bride's.  For some reason, I can distinguish between 8 million white dresses, but rental tuxedos all look the same to me.  Some couples get around this by looking into suits or switching out accessories.  But another way to personalize the groom's look that I am really drawn to right now, is a great, custom tie.  And Etsy is just the place to find them.  Check out this goodness, and keep in mind, if you don't see what you want, many of these sellers will do even more custom work with you!

from toybreaker, 5 for $135

from RokGear, 3 for $69

from MeandMatilda, 3 for $63

from Fantasy Vintage Wear, $27.95

from tuxandtulle, $18

Which ties do you love?

Pillowcase Dresses!!!!!

I know, five exclamation points is a bit much but it's hard not to write with so many when I see pillowcase dresses.  These are a recent discovery of mine, one that has turned into a full-fledged obsession.  There is something so lightweight and airy and comfy and kid-appropriate about a pillowcase dress.  They are inexpensive to make, can be made with recycled or vintage materials, and can be totally customized to match a wedding.  I think they're the ideal flower girl dress, and I also love that they're re-wearable.  If only I was 28 years younger.  If you don't like these, you have no soul.  I mean it, I am in love.  Or maybe I just need to get knocked up.  But that's another blog post for another day...

Even if you're not a seamstress yourself, you can score adorable pillowcase dresses on etsy.  Take a look at what my own quick research revealed (all images link to their source)!

[caption id="attachment_2745" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="KayKape's version ($19.99)"][/caption]

Crisp in blue from TheUptownBaby ($25)

[caption id="attachment_2741" align="aligncenter" width="233" caption="From Main Street Bowtique ($40)"][/caption]

Hummingbirds from CreativeBee706 ($20.99)

[caption id="attachment_2742" align="aligncenter" width="200" caption="Also from Main Street Bowtique ($54)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2740" align="aligncenter" width="289" caption="Girlie Bow's Damask adorableness ($20)"][/caption]

Oh Yes she DID!!

I just read about this news yesterday over at the Bride's Guide and it is just such good news that I had to share it with you.  Ready?

... Vera Wang ...

is collaborating with David's Bridal to launch a new collection for 2011 at a $1500 or less price point! 

*cue Halleluiah Chorus*

That's right my friends.  I've noticed David's has really been stepping things up lately with more updated gowns and better looking fabrics... it's really a breath of fresh air to see retailers offering better gowns at better prices!  Hooray for affordable fashion!

And you know as soon as I get my hot little hands on some preview images, I'll be sharing, so stay tuned!

[caption id="attachment_2842" align="aligncenter" width="230" caption="One of my faves from Vera's fall 2010 collection"][/caption]

Today I'm Loving: Vintage Wedding Gowns

So let's say you are like me and you love vintage clothing.  The history, the care, the preservation, it's all so special!  And let's say you are also a budget-conscious bride.  Worried?  You shouldn't be- this dilemma is easily resolved!  Here's my quick list of great places to look for incredible vintage gowns at reasonable prices (all but one of the gowns below are under $1000).  I know, I know, these dresses are generally teenie tiny (JEALOUS of the girl who could wear one of these sans starvation!!), but I've heard through the grapevine that seamstresses are quite capable of making dresses like this larger- and they can do things with some of the less than desirable sleeves you sometimes see- so it's worth the effort.  All images below link to their retail source.  Happy hunting!

Ruby Lane

Ruby Lane is one of my favorite places to shop for antiques- I have scored everything from the perfect 1933 Chicago World's Fair souvenirs for my dad's birthday, to hats from the 1950's and books from the 1920's.  So it comes as no surprise to me that many of the Ruby Lane vendors are carrying wedding gowns.  Just look at this gorgeous gown which hails from the 1940's and is only $145.  I bet it looks a lot better on a real person than on a shapeless dress form.  Not to mention, the antique lace alone has to be worth that price!

[caption id="attachment_2279" align="aligncenter" width="222" caption="Click through to check out the stunning detachable train!"][/caption]

Posh Girl Vintage

The name says it all- this online retailer's collection of fabulous white dresses will blow you away.  Like the dress below, a 1950's eyelet confection which is begging someone to wear it in their backyard wedding!  Just make sure you watch the website often and buy quickly if you love something because these lovelys seem to sell FAST!

[caption id="attachment_2280" align="aligncenter" width="163" caption="1950's White Eyelet Organza Long Dress only $323!!"][/caption]

The Frock

You are going to melt when you see the goodness over at The Frock.  A well-edited collection of high-style, high-quality vintage gowns that will knock your socks off!  If you've got the cash, they've got the goods.  For example...

[caption id="attachment_2281" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="This Harlowe Era Fantasy gown is from 1930 and will set you back $4700 big ones. But oh my."][/caption]

Cherished Bride

Much like the Frock but at lower price points, Cherished Bride has incredible offerings, all in ready to wear condition!  Right now, I'm drooling over this 1930's masterpiece of structured, art deco magic.

[caption id="attachment_2282" align="aligncenter" width="228" caption="And at $750, I think most people I know will be drooling too."][/caption]

Etsy

Last but not least, every girl's go-to resource for all things fabulous- etsy!  In particular, I recommend you check out Timeless Vixen Vintage if you want to drool some more.  I'm not even going to waste any more time discussing-- I'm getting to the good stuff-- just click the images for links to the store!

[caption id="attachment_2283" align="aligncenter" width="223" caption="There are about 8,000 things I love about this dress. Including the price: $325"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2284" align="aligncenter" width="191" caption="Sweet pink perfection, and only $660"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2285" align="aligncenter" width="233" caption="In the words of Rachel Zoe, I DIE. I DIE.  $325"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2286" align="aligncenter" width="202" caption="Such a shame I can't wear white to someone else's wedding- I don't know where else I would wear this. But I heart it. $410"][/caption]

Tiffany Blue Dress Finds

Here at The One! we always enjoy getting reader questions, especially about cute clothing!  So today I have one to share that's been lots of fun to research:

Help!  My cousin/bff is getting married in July and I am an "honorary bridesmaid"  (special, but don't get to actually be a bridesmaid!)  I need a dress-- I'm thinking cotton, summery (it will be North Carolina and hott!) and maybe tiffany blue.   Any suggestions?

Yes, we do have suggestions!  Tiffany blue is not an easy color to find, so actually, one of the best places to shop for such a dress is, probably, bridesmaids stores.  But here's some other cute options that would at least coordinate with Tiffany blue that we found to consider!

Nervous about rocking such a strong color all-over?  Consider a pattern instead of a solid- this can be a great way to introduce a second color you love too- and especially flatter your skin tone!  Also, don't forget that you can always buy an inexpensive dress and spend a little money on alterations to make it perfect-- sometimes the total cost of a cute Target find with some alterations is still much, much less than the cost of a department store dress, and because it fits properly, actually looks better!  Happy shopping!  (All images link to their source)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="503" caption="Both from the Merona collection at Target! Left: Bridget Shift Dress in Green Floral. Right: Karissa Shirt Dress (both $39.99!)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2521" align="aligncenter" width="215" caption="David's Bridal: Cotton Sateen Strapless Dress ($135)"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="178" caption="American Eagle: Bubble Print Tank Dress ($34.50) (no, you don't have to be 16 to shop there, the sizing is reasonable!)"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="140" caption="Urban Outfitters: Kimchi Blue Zip Pleat Ruffle Dress ($58)"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="293" caption="Ann Taylor: Silk V-Neck Dress ($215) (Ann also sells a very similar dress with a scoop neckline in the same color)"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="232" caption="Anthropologie: Caballo Falls Dress ($168)"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="198" caption="Nordstrom: Trixxi One Shoulder Dress ($68)"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="BCBG: Front-Twisted Printed Dress ($148)"][/caption]

From Project Runway to Project Wedding

Who loves watching Project Runway?!  Ohhh me me me!!  If you watched last season, then you know of Carol Hannah- she made the final three and in my personal opinion, should have won... she is a-maaaaz-ing.  And guess what else?  She now has a live etsy store AND a bridal etsy store!  With great fashion finds if you're looking for wedding attire- either as a bride, bridesmaid, or simply a guest.  And in a whole host of great colors.  I know, I've mentioned all this before.  But it is too awesome not to talk about again.

Here are some of my favorites.  All images are from Carol Hannah's etsy store- go check them out in person for more information!

[caption id="attachment_2232" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Calhoun Street dress"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2231" align="aligncenter" width="184" caption="Hasell Street gown"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2230" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Queen Street dress "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2228" align="aligncenter" width="223" caption="Spring Street short dress- so cute!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2229" align="aligncenter" width="184" caption="Pinckney dress"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2227" align="aligncenter" width="188" caption="And last but not least, the Wentworth Street gown... LOVE LOVE LOVE!"][/caption]

What do we think ladies?  Love a lot or love the most?!

Update on Gilt Groupe's Wedding Weekend

If you read The One! already, then you know from yesterday's post that Gilt Groupe has collaborated with Martha Stewart weddings (my all-time favorites, working together!  yesssssss) to bring you an incredible sale this weekend- it's called Wedding Weekend, and I think it's a definite must-see for anyone who loves weddings!  But today I am extra excited because I have even more goodness for you.  Yes, it's true, we scored PREVIEWS of some of the stunning gowns (and shoes!) you can find at the sale, straight from the source!  Thanks to the fine folks over at Gilt for sending these to us!!  Grab a tissue because you're about to drool... and sign up for Gilt today, if you haven't already, so you'll be ready on March 12 when the sale starts!!



[caption id="attachment_2467" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Gown by Carolina Herrera: Original Retail: $5790, Gilt: $1999"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2468" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Carolina back view"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2469" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Carolina overlay (sigh!)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2470" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Another perfect gown from Carolina Herrera: Original Retail: $4990, Gilt: $1599"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2471" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Carolina back view"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2472" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Carolina detail"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2473" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="From Thread Made To Order, Silk Faille Strapless Notched Bust Liddy Dress: Original Retail: $305, Gilt: $228.75"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2474" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Thread back view"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2475" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Thread detail"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2476" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Vera Wang Lavender Label, Bias Satin Draped Neckline Gown: Original Retail: $655.50, Gilt: $196.65"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2491" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Vera back view"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2477" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Vera detail (how I love thee)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2478" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The icing on the cake! Sergio Rossi: Original Retail: $770, Gilt: $128"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2479" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Sergio looks good coming or going"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2480" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="This shot makes me so psyched for summer shoes again!"][/caption]

What other cyber-sales have you visited for wedding deals?  Or non-wedding deals for that matter?  After all, a girl doesn't have to wait for her wedding to get glam!