Go Shopping and Support the Arts!

Just got the email. Also, the Boston Marc Jacobs store always does stuff like this and sales when I am in Florida. ALWAYS. True to form, I will have landed in Florida a few hours prior to the event. As a former (and hopefully future) ballerina, I would love to support the Boston Ballet while buying Marc Jacobs stuff. Go shopping for me! You can find lots of cute gifts :)

Wedding Tip Wednesday: Bridesmaid's Bill of Rights

Since Melinda and I are both engaged (yay!), we are in full force planning mode. This means Melinda is dreaming up decorating schemes and finding vendor options while I read everything there is about etiquette, planning logistics and potentially difficult situations that often arise in such emotional times. We do a pretty good job of playing (oh wait, its working now!) together while providing different information and opinions :)

During one of my many extensive research sessions, I came across a great article at The Knot called the Bridesmaid's Bill of Rights. While Melinda has been a bridesmaid countless times, I have not so I figured this article would give me good insight. I was right. The Knot provides a spot at the bottom for the bride and bridesmaid to sign, but I think thats a bit much. Anyway, for your convenience I have posted the Bridesmaid's Bill of Rights below. For more info on what it means to be a bridesmaid, read about what Emily Post has to say.

Bridesmaids, current and future, this is a helpful guide to what is expected of you and what is unreasonable behavior from an otherwise level headed friend turned bride. Remember, you were chosen by the bride because you are a big part of her life and she knows she can count on you to help make her day lovely. And brides, take note and make sure to treat your favorite ladies in a way that reflects your love for them! There are so many wedding tasks that you shouldn't ask the girl who has never used (or had the desire) a glue gun to make all 150 place cards; rather, find something she may actually enjoy!

1. You have the right to freedom of speech - sort of: If asked by the bride whether you like something, you may respond honestly. If not asked, you must forever hold your peace.
2. You have the power to act with the bride's best interests in mind. If a troubling situation arises, you  have the authority to direct the photographer, bounce rowdy guests or ask the DJ to cease playing "Macarena" (or any overplayed pop song that you know the bride cannot stand).
3. You have the right to weigh in on your dress. You also have the right to hope with all your heart that the bride chooses one that you find less than terrifying. However, in the event your dream does not come true, you have no right to complain for a single second.
4. You have the right to veto cruel and unusual underwear: a Wonderbra that gives you porn-star cleavage, Spanx that cut off your circulation, panty hose the color of a bad sunburn.
5. You shall not be forced by the bride to permanently alter your appearance for the sake of looking good in the wedding pictures. This includes, but is not limited to, dyeing your hair, removing tattoos or getting a nose job. *** 
6. You have the right to call it quits on assemble-400-DIY-favors duty, but only after putting in enough hours to make your glue-gun-hand hurt. Don't forget, the bride needs your help (and she considers these things "fun").
7. You have the right to keep your other job, your other friends and, yes, your other interests while undergoing your tour of duty. While your loving bride may occasionally forget this important fact, you will remind her nicely.
8. You are relieved from your duties after the bride and groom head out on the honeymoon. If you want to do more, you can. But technically, you are free at last!

And the question(s) of the day: What were some good experiences you have had as a bridesmaid? Not all girls grow up obsessing over weddings; how would you approach bridesmaids that fall into this category with what what it means to be a bridesmaid?

***Do brides actually ask these things of their "friends"? Ridiculous.

Trousseau Tuesday: Kate Spade Sample Sale

Hurry over to the Kate Spade sample sale and check out all the great deals! There are a ton of purses, shoes, skirts, tops and accessories at seriously discounted prices. The sale ends at midnight September 1st, which is this Thursday. Happy shopping!

I love these shoes! The strips are well done, especially on the heel and strap. And the bow is absolutely adorable! They are currently listed at $150, instead of the original $300.

This purse is great for the upcoming fall season. The neutral color will go with everything and the chains on the straps are such a great touch. This purse is currently $190; compare that to the original $525!

Trousseau Tuesday: Mad Men and Fashion

Dear readers, I must confess, I think I was born in the wrong era. I don't enjoy leggings, rompers, skinny jeans, jeggings, or booties. I can't pull off the boho look and I don't give off that downtown edgy feel. Don't get me wrong, I love fashion, accessories, and shoes...but sometimes I think the "it" look goes horribly awry. I love tailored pieces, nipped in waist dresses, and feminine fashion from the 40s, 50s, and early 60s. That's why I was SUPER excited to find out that Banana Republic was putting together a small collection based on the AMC TV series Mad Men. If you haven't checked out the series, it's a drama about an advertising agency in the early 60s. I'll be honest, I haven't seen too many episodes, but what I do know is the fashion trend that is making a come back thanks to two stars of the show, January Jones and Christina Hendricks.

I stopped in the Banana last week while I was on vacation and did a little looking around. I found that while the Mad Men collection is on the small side, a lot of the other Banana Republic pieces for the fall will blend right in.

My favorite Mad Men picks are this animal print sweater ($89.50), bow blouse ($89.50), lace shell ($49.50), and jacket ($175). I mostly picked tops because I realize that the matchstick pants, full skirts, and sheath dresses featured in this collection are not flattering on every body type. However, these tops can be paired in a ton of different ways to either keep with the Mad Men look (i.e. pencil skirt, slim pants, or fluffy circle skirt) or to add some retro flair to a more modern outfit (i.e. pair of jeans, wide leg pants, or LBD). There are a couple of other pieces that would also fit right in like this blouse ($79.50) or this skirt ($98.00).

Overall, I think this capsule collection is worth taking a look at to add a few pieces to your fall wardrobe.* If you are interested in adding some retro fun to your wardrobe, Banana Republic offers free shipping for any purchases over $50.

* I'm always so sad to see summer go and realize that I'm about to endure another cold DC winter. In order to struggle through, I'll have to comfort myself with a new scarf, the promise of pretty fall leaves, and the return of the pumpkin spice latte!

Exciting Announcement! Part Deux!

Well dear readers, I have some EXCITING news to dish up and serve out,

J has been a busy man this past week what with organizing a scavenger hunt all over Boston...and a PROPOSAL to the funniest, most charming blogger. That's right ladies (and gentlemen, I know we have some menfolk reading along too), my cousin Briana is engaged! Mr. 3 and I got the news straight from the blogger herself on Saturday while we were shopping for our registry. We set up a skype feed right in front of the bridal registry (much to our consultant's surpise) so I could congratulate the happy couple and sneak a peek Briana's new sparkler. Mr. 3 and I are thrilled to pieces for them and cannot wait until we get together to celebrate! I wish them nothing but the best as they enjoy their engagement and start planning their wedding. Love is definitely in the air...congratulations to you two!