The Perfect Shoe...

So I know I haven't posted in awhile but let me tell you...things have been very busy. And while Brandon and I have done quite a bit of planning and made a few important purchases (YES I got my dress—more on that later), I have decided to make my first post back about THE shoe.

While I am entirely into the realm of "purchasing," shoe buying is my forté. Something seems so natural about finding the right pair of shoes. And to be quite honest one of the best feelings in the world is slowly lifting the top off a shoe box, and carefully peeling away at the tissue to uncover the heeled treasure beneath. 

Though the dress is probably the most important purchase—and the most difficult, I knew that when it came to finding my shoes they would find me. While visiting the Zappos.com (the best online retailer)  to purchase a pair of Carolina Blue Chucks I searched the term "bridal" and found pages of white satin shoes. I sifted through Kate Spades, Cole Haans and others but my heart stopped when I came across an amazing pair of peep-toe, slingback (my favorite style) Stuart Weitzmans. AND, they were on sale!

I ordered them yesterday, and they are already in my possession. They fit perfectly! 

Now the hard part: what color should I dye them? 

(More on that later..heehee)

My new favorite Web site!

My co-worker and fellow bride-to-be, Chi-an turned me on to this amazing site! So if you're tired of the usual wedding frill and want unique, non-traditional accessories and accents in your wedding then you definitely need to check out Etsy.  This site is an online community that connects custom artists and craftsmen from over 150 countries to buyers like you and me. All of the items found on the site are handmade, and absolutely beautiful. They have an entire section dedicated to weddings where you can find everything from veils to guestbooks to custom paintings of your wedding gown.

A few of my faves:

This is an original, silk hairpiece created by Etsy artist
Virginia Geiger Jewel . It has a Swarovski pearl and crystal center, with a touch of soft feathers adding the perfect finish to a vintage bridal ensemble.

Paloma's Nest handcrafts unique, ceramic mementoes, including the Ring Bearer Bowl™ (seen right) which can be used later as an ornament or wall decoration—try hanging a dinky silk pillow on your Christmas tree...

 

And for the nerdiest of groomsmen, how about a pair of Lego cufflinks by artist qacreate. They come in a bunch of different colors that would look great when paired with Chuck Taylors of the same hue!