Customizing Your Party (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Sometimes having a blog is the best thing ever.  For example, when people let you try things out to review them, which is what today's post is all about!  The folks over at Customized Girl totally made my day a few weeks ago when they contacted me and invited me to try out some of their goods (for free, thanks CG!)!  And the even better news is that Customized Girl will be offering a mind-blowingly generous giveaway here at The One! next week, so definitely keep checking back- lots of fabulous freebies on the way!!



Customized Girl, together with it's sister site, Bridal Party Tees, has some incredible offerings if you're considering making t shirts or keepsakes for your bridal party gifts, or if you are planning a bachelorette party.  I've tried making T shirts through VistaPrint (which were certainly workable), but found CG's products to be of a significantly higher quality for almost the same pricing and with more options.  And just as importantly, the print quality was excellent!



I can't share photos of my specific order just yet because it's a surprise for someone special (but I promise I will down the road), but I'll tell you this: I ordered a few different types of shirts- a men's tee, ladies fitted tees, stretchy tanks and even a tote bag.  Each and every piece that I ordered arrived looking exactly as I had ordered it, and the shipping was super fast!  The fabrics are soft and comfy!  The ink was vivid and definitely not going anywhere!  And even though everything I ordered was a tad different, it all coordinated so well I couldn't be happier!



One of the best things about these goodies is that they come in a variety of price points (unlike some of their competitors) and they always have some cute stuff in their sale section too, so you don't need to bust out a bajillion dollars to have some fun.  And the customizing software is super-user friendly.  You can use their pre-made designs and change text, fonts, sizes, graphics, or you can start from scratch and make your own!



Aaaaand... it's not just for girls.  They have options for men and kids too, so you can buy gifts for the whole bridal party (even baby onesies)!  All images in this post are, of course, from the websites, but you should definitely go check it out to see more!

Don't forget to keep checking back in for the upcoming giveaway- it's a great one!

Bacheloretting, Just $4.74

So, it's not news that I heart VistaPrint.  But I recently learned that VP makes T shirts and totes, with prices starting at $4.74 (or in some cases, free, if you have the right coupon).  And so I did some looking into it.  Turns out these inexpensive tees are actually quite cute, and of course you can even upload your own design.  Now, I love companies like Zazzle and Custom Ink too, not to mention the adorable custom finds you can get on Etsy or Wedding Chicks, but hey, times are tough.  Sometimes you have to make the call to cut costs, and this is a good way to do so while still getting a product completely personalized (for instance, you could put each gal's name on their own shirt; or make the bride's a little extra special)!

Wouldn't these be wonderful, affordable bridesmaids gifts?  Or perfect for an upscale out of town bag?  Personally, I always love wedding swag and have not stopped wearing my most recent wedding related item, a zippered hoodie from friend P's bachelorette.  In fact, I *may* or *may not* have recently designed some tees for two different events I'll be a part of in the near future, and I'm so excited with how they came out!  Here's some of my favorite VP options!

And remember, if you order from VistaPrint, be sure to use Ebates so you can get cash back too!! 

Oh yeah, and I almost forgot, they make tote bags and hats too.  What designs are your favorite?

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!

Sale Alert: Gilt Groupe Partners with Martha!

I have excellent news for you today if you are planning a wedding and have a "champagne taste but beer budget" problem (or just like a good bargain).  Gilt Groupe is partnering with Martha Stewart Weddings this weekend, March 12-14, starting at noon ET!  I have been a big fan of Gilt Groupe for a while now, because I always score great deals there.  But now, gowns by designers like Carolina Herrera and Alexander McQueen will also be for sale there... not to mention bridesmaids dresses from Amasale and Vera Wang Lavender!  If only I had known about this sale a year ago!  Ah well, my loss is your gain!  I would love to hear if any of you score a great find at this sale!  If you're not a member of Gilt already, click here to sign up- even if you're not looking for wedding duds, you're likely to score some great deals!

Matching 'Maids, Not Poor 'Maids

 

 It is my long-standing personal opinion that when it comes to selecting a bridesmaid dress, anything goes if you are the bride- you get what you want and your girls will wear it because they love you.  But shoes are a slightly different story.  Maybe it's because they're more likely than the dresses to be worn twice.  In any event, it's my personal belief that the nicest way to do bridesmaid shoes is to either (a) tell people a color (such as silver or black) and let them choose their own, or (b) pick a really inexpensive shoe.  I think either approach builds goodwill among the ladies... and I've said it before and I'll say it again, woe to the girl with a load of unhappy bridesmaids on her hands!  

For example, my dear friend R. recently chose shoes to go with our navy blue Jenny Yoo bridesmaids dresses.  The dresses are super swank, but the shoes are cheap n' chic.  From none other than Lela Rose for Payless!!  I heart these shoes.  And I can vouch that they look even better in person, if that is possible! 

[caption id="attachment_2325" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="$29.99 (click for source)"][/caption]

But of course you don't have to limit yourself to just Payless.  Check out these hot pink lovelies from, yes, Target! 

$22.99

 

And don't forget the junior's stores.     Charlotte Russe, for example, carries this great shoe in teal, gray and black, and I am loving the bling!

[caption id="attachment_2327" align="aligncenter" width="188" caption="$34.99"][/caption]

 And these peacock flats are to die for.  Am I right?

$22.99

 Even Baker's has some cute options (and I have't shopped there since I was 14).

[caption id="attachment_2329" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="$29.99"][/caption]

 And don't forget chains like DSW, TJ Maxx and Marshall's either.  Just make sure you buy fast - they carry limited quantities- so your ladies aren't left shoeless!

Got Mah Hairs Did

On our wedding day, I woke bright and early (due to an unfortunately noisy heating unit in my hotel room) and excitedly threw on my special "getting ready outfit"- a juicy couture track suit (got it on sale of course, thanks Bloomingdale's!) with a "Bride" tank top I'd scored on sale from the Wedding Chicks in my favorite color- pink!  Armed with my most comfortable duds, I met up with my ladies and got ready to get my hair and makeup done!

For hair and makeup, I told the ladies that I would be getting myself made up at Panico salon in Oradell, NJ.  I told the girls they could do their own hair and makeup or join me- and most of the bridesmaids did.  Those who didn't actually had hair that was easy to style, so I was perfectly content to let folks choose for themselves, and in the end everyone looked lovely!

We got to Panico at 9 am and I was there until a little after noon- so yes, it was a long morning.  But as you can see, it was fun girl time!  One lesson I did learn in the process, however, was that I should  have built in more time.  We had a very tight schedule, and because we didn't stick to it very well, I ended up feeling rushed when I got dressed.  Did it matter?    Not really, no-- but if you're planning your wedding, take note!

The most important thing was that we all bonded, and we all really loved the way we looked when we walked out of there.  You'll see even more once I start posting the recaps with pro pics, but suffice it to say, Panico rocked it out!

[caption id="attachment_2222" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="Pre-'Do"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2215" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="Taming my mane into submission"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2218" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="Look how cute my girls are, even pre-polish!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2219" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="Makeup time!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2220" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="We were all smiles as our looks came together"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2221" align="aligncenter" width="432" caption="A couple of final poses before we were on our way!"][/caption]

And how did we get here?  Checking In;  Practice Makes Perfect: The Rehearsal!; The Rehearsal Dinner!; The Rehearsal Dinner Slide Show; Girls Gone Wild!

Cute Bridesmaids Dresses, Halleluiah! (part II)

Today I want to share with you the cute assortment of dresses chosen by stepsister S. for her August garden themed wedding!  These dresses are floaty and lovely in buttercup yellow (I predict this will look great with a tan) and all are tea length.  The dresses are all from Dessy Group, so they're pretty easy to find.  And can I just take a moment to say THANK YOU to S. and D. for letting me choose my own dress?!  I always love a group of matching girls, but I am equally in love with this trend of coordinating-instead-of-matching and I'm psyched to be the beneficiary of it!

Ok so again, we need your help.  Shoe suggestions please?!  Methinks yellow shoes would be too much of a good thing (and a throwback to the 1980's), but maybe with the right yellow?  And what do you all think of orange shoes (orange is the other wedding color, think: sherbet not traffic cone).  Or would you go with metallic?  Something else?  Comments with links to affordable suggestions will be given extra credit!  :)

[caption id="attachment_2097" align="aligncenter" width="222" caption="6566- in the buttercup shade we'll all be rocking (this style is designated for the MOH)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2098" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="6537"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2099" align="aligncenter" width="183" caption="6518"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2100" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="6506"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2101" align="aligncenter" width="220" caption="6505"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2102" align="aligncenter" width="217" caption="2750"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2104" align="aligncenter" width="230" caption="2058- I didn't even have to try this on to know it was "the one" for me!"][/caption]