I am such a sucker for the teeny tiny details. Show me a gorgeously constructed gown made of exquisite fabric on a beautiful woman and I will be drawn to the hand-beaded, intricately folded itty bitty belt with the meticulous little fabric flowers every single time. Needless to say, Lela Rose is always a real treat for me. Her Spring 2009 collection might best be viewed with a magnifying glass!

When I was planning my wedding, I wanted fancy shoes. I thought that if I spent the money and got the Manolo's or the Jimmy Choo's that they would be miraculously comfortable and gloriously fashionable at the same time. How can something so fabulous cause pain? It must be like walking on piles of marshmallows, right?
Well, maybe sometimes, but not always. I tried a few options on, and let's just say that... gloriously fashionable? YES! Miraculously comfortable? Not so much.
This is why it intrigues me so much that Cole Haan has introduced some beautiful heels with Nike Air technology for comfort and support. I have not tried these, but I'm dying to find out if the holy grail of cute shoes has been achieved. First chance I get I will get myself to Neiman Marcus and attempt some wind sprints in these. In the mean time if anyone has a chance to try these out, let me know!

My friend Christine was shopping for a wedding dress recently, and was told that it would take no less than 5 months for her dress to come in. I was flabbergasted! They can build a house in less than 5 months! I never understood what the heck took so long. That being said, looking at the intricate beading and incredibly detailed embroidery on Reva Mivasagar's gowns, I can almost understand it. Almost. Still, the details are fantastic. Look at the train on the top right dress!

Time for a nice, un-controversial post about earrings! Yeah. Something to ease us into Wednesday as a team... united in our love of beautiful jewelry! Glittery Blue over at Etsy makes some wonderful ones, all affordable enough to give as gifts to all 8 of your bridesmaids!

When I posted about Freedom to Marry Week last year, I thought, "ok, this is something I believe in very strongly... I'm willing to take some flack if people object." I was thrilled and surprised to find an overwhelming show of support. People de-lurking to rally in favor of marriage equality for all. I'm not sure why I expected anything different from you all, but thank you for being such an awesome, supportive group. You guys are the best!
This week it's Freedom to Marry Week again, and I'm back here again to show my support for equal (not different) rights for everyone in our country. Learn about the cause here. Donate here.

Vera Wang? Giambatista Valli? Carolina Herrera? Nope. It's actually a very affordable gown from Bloomingdale's, new this spring. Perfect for a bride on a budget with a taste for something chic and modern. Love these finds!

When the weather gets particularly cold and dismal I have to increase the frequency of cake posts to keep me cheerful. All these were inspired by the bride's dress, all to spectacular effect. I love the ruffles! I Dream of Cake, for more gorgeous inspiration/fanciful distractions.

It's no secret how much I love Becky Kelso. Her style speaks to me on my most feminine, ageless levels. How great would those blue earrings be as your "something blue"? If only...

You're not the only one who needs to get dressed up for a special occassion, your cupcakes need a fancy outfit too! Love these ones from Estilo. Who, by the way, is having a sale right now, sweeeet!

I love these all so much. Seriously? I would wear the grey polka dot ones with a ball gown, a party dress, or a bathing suit. In a boat, with a goat... all of the above. How surprising and chic would any of these patterned pumps be under your wedding gown? Love. All from J. Crew.