Friday, December 29, 2006

Preppy Rehearsal Dinner Dress

Wedding dress. Check.

Now it's time to move onto the rehearsal dinner dress. Because we’re getting married in a church, I wanted to keep this look PG. When I was in NYC a couple of months ago, I ran across this beautiful Diane Von Furstenberg number and fell in love.

What do yall think? I really like the blue gingham look. My mom thinks it’s a bit too casual, but I think it is such a cute design. I'm really into the whole preppy shirt dress look. Best of all, Intermix online has it on sale.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

New J. Crew Wedding Selection

Exciting news everyone! J. Crew has its infamous new spring/summer wedding collection posted here. I already have a few favorites:

There’s Anna, a perfect bridesmaid choice.












Or Hannah would make a perfect rehearsal dinner dress.
And the PERFECT preppy summer wedding dress is (drum roll please) Celeste. Look at how beautiful the large circles look on the fabric. It is prepptastic.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Preppy Christmas Recap

Hope everyone had a great holiday!

I managed to balance spending time with my in-laws-to-be and my parents this year while pulling off a rather yummy Christmas eve dinner party. All in all a successful, yet not exactly relaxing, Christmas 2006.

A pic of the super cute lil sis and the super cute littler cousin. My sister and I are diggin red as an accent color this year.

The husband-to-be seemed very happy with his presents, especially the light up Tetris game that Santa so nicely tucked into his stocking. I think that he has beat his high score many times over in these last few days.

But, onto wedding fun. I MUST, MUST, MUST link to this hillarious site - Godawful Wedding Crap. If you want to laugh your butt off spend some time looking at this amazing selection of awful wedding products.

As the months to my wedding draw near, I have lots on my plate this week. I had my first meeting with my alterations lady yesterday, I am finalizing linen decisions this week and my mom has booked the venue for the bridesmaids tea party.

I also snagged the ivory version of my jcrew bridesmaids dresses on ebay, so I now have a getaway outfit that will last through the wedding after-party at a neighboring bar. All for the low, low price of 30 dollars!

Friday, December 22, 2006

Merry Christmas from the Preppy Bride-to-be

Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

This photo was taken at a bar (where Santa obviously needed to wind down) about a month after the husband-to-be and I started dating. I’m guessing you never knew Santa was a gin and tonic kind of guy.

I’m taking a few days off to celebrate with my family. Hope that everyone enjoys the long weekend and has a fabulous holiday!

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Preppy Wedding Inspiration

Quick post today. Want wedding inspiration from real brides? Visit, the Somewhat Official Knot Bio List. Just make sure you have LOTS of time to peruse through the gorgeous pictures. It makes me smile just thinking that on March 24, I’ll be looking like these ladies and having the time of my life.

Oh and lots of great vendor recommendations if you can find a knottie in your city.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Preppy Expressions of Joy and Thanks

After reading one of my new favorite blogs, Just my cup of tea, I was happy to see a wedding stationary vendor who did more than save-the dates. Paper Bride, is a great site that offers preppy cards for all those occasions that come up during wedding planning.

Want to find the perfect card to ask your best friend to be a bridesmaid, it’s here.












Want to find a fantastic way to thank vendors like your band, caterer, florist and all the other people who helped you pull off the perfect preppy wedding, you can find it at Paper Bride.


Need tip envelopes and information on how much to tip, done.
There is even a Delux Bridal Gift Box that contains all the cards you’ll need for your wedding.



What a great way to express joy and thanks for your special day!




UPDATE: Just saw that the brilliant design team behind
Paper Bride also has a site for moms-to-be called Paper Mama. There stuff is just as useful and blissfully cute.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Homemade Gifts

From my last post on peppermint bark, take a look at this cute, homemade gift I created for my co-workers. MMITs, we CAN do this!

100 Things About Me

  1. I have brown hair and brown eyes.
  2. I wore purple contacts for about 4 years.
  3. I had a phobia in third grade that the bus was going to leave me behind, I cried every single day for months.
  4. I was an American Studies/Government double major in college and amazingly I have found a job.
  5. I once worked at a museum and hated it. People that work at museums are pretty weird.
  6. I have had four jobs since graduating from College in 2002.
  7. I have worked since I was 15. Virginia doesn’t have child labor laws (just kidding).
  8. I got my learners permit after taking the test one time. And did it with my best friend Alison.
  9. My mom is an only child. I somehow inherited only child tendencies from her.
  10. I am anal retentive about how to switch on a light. My fiancé really loves that about me. (Being very sarcastic right now).
  11. I have always like to read books.
  12. I always got good grades, but never really worked all that hard.
  13. I want to have three kids.
  14. I want them to be tall, that’s why I am marrying someone who is 6’4. Well that and his amazing good looks.
  15. I always wanted to be a teacher.
  16. When I taught school as a little girl I had a fake lesson planning book and even graded and took attendance for my “students.”
  17. I am not a very good listener.
  18. I am extremely loyal.
  19. Sometimes when I drink too much I like to break things.
  20. I was in a sorority in college.
  21. I was in a drinking society in college (see number 19).
  22. My best friend is my fiancĂ©. He is the funniest person I’ve ever met.
  23. I never saw my Grandma without high heels on.
  24. I am a quarter Japanese.
  25. I prefer hand-written letters over e-mail. But I don’t send letters enough.
  26. Once during a hurricane, I let my best friend convince me to hang from a column in front of my house and I fell flat on my face. We were 23.
  27. Movie popcorn is my favorite food.
  28. I have never broken a bone. I did splinter my collar bone.
  29. My mom mad me take a bath before she took me to the hospital. I REMEMBER that bath.
  30. My dad used to play Barbies with me.
  31. My little sister had photographic memories for commercial jingles.
  32. When I was in college I went streaking. (see number 20).
  33. It was (and will be) my only attempt at public nudity.
  34. I don’t drink coffee.
  35. I do drink diet coke.
  36. I tried to do 21 shots on my birthday and only did 8.
  37. I still threw up that night.
  38. I hope my mom doesn’t read this.
  39. My mom has the biggest heart of anyone I know.
  40. She is also the biggest worrier.
  41. If I could have three wishes, one would be to have every item of clothing J. Crew has ever made OR ever will make. And then I would ask for 100 more wishes. Because that’s how you con a genie.
  42. I consistently have nightmares that I fall while walking down the isle and when I stand up my teeth are gone.
  43. I have very small hands.
  44. I would like to learn how to sew.
  45. I would also like to open a stationary shop.
  46. My favorite TV show WAS Lost. Until this year’s bullshit season.
  47. My favorite TV show now is Bridezilla (seriously how are these people getting married?).
  48. I am getting too old to watch the Real World. Can’t these people get a job?
  49. Oh god, I’m getting old.
  50. My favorite adult drink is a jack and coke.
  51. I bite my nails.
  52. I have a new obsession with J. Crew headbands.
  53. I wish I was a better cook.
  54. When I become a mom, I hope I can be laid back about it like my friend Paige.
  55. If I had a bigger bed, I would let the dogs sleep with me.
  56. My first blog obsession was Pink is the New Blog.
  57. My first blog obsession that did not involve celebrity gossip was dooce.
  58. I really like libraries.
  59. I am a democrat.
  60. I could never marry a republican.
  61. My fist date with my husband-to-be was a beer pong tournament.
  62. I am marrying an eagle scout who cannot find his parked car to save his life.
  63. My least favorite chore is cleaning the bathroom.
  64. I really don’t like high heels.
  65. Kitten heels are the best fashion trend around.
  66. I refuse to wear skinny jeans. (Some others were part of this pact and they backed out. Erin, I am talking about you).
  67. Sometimes I want to go back to school.
  68. I got into Chapel Hill for graduate school, but took a different job instead.
  69. I didn’t eat eggs, until my husband-to-be started making me omelets.
  70. My favorite colors are black and white.
  71. I like country music.
  72. I do not like Toby Keith.
  73. I used to have a large crush on George Stephanopoulos.
  74. I also used to dream about dating one of the Gallagher brothers of Oasis.
  75. I like polka dots a lot.
  76. My first gift from a boyfriend was a bottle of CK One. Remember the whole uni-fragrance trend. Hmm, wonder why that faded into oblivion.
  77. I drive a Volvo S40. She has a lot of issues. She has even had to have her computer rebooted. She may need therapy.
  78. My new dream car is the Jeep Commander. I just wish they had a hybrid model.
  79. My favorite dream designer is Diane Von Furstenberg for everyday wear and Oscar de la Renta for special occasions.
  80. My husband-to-be is a dreamer. I am a realist, or as he puts it, "dream-killer."
  81. Fall is my favorite season.
  82. I like watching basketball more than football.
  83. I think if a boy likes you, you’ll know it.
  84. I don’t think there are any exceptions to number 83.
  85. I think actions speak louder than words.
  86. When I drink alcohol, I turn break out in hives. See number 24.
  87. My favorite board game was the game of Life.
  88. I do not own an ipod.
  89. My favorite movie right now is the remake of Pride and Prejudice.
  90. My friends would say that I am outspoken.
  91. When I have kids, I want to stay home.
  92. I never work out.
  93. I may have to before my wedding.
  94. Looking at my organized day planner always calms me down when I feel stressed.
  95. I got my Christmas cards out the first week of December this year.
  96. I flew for the first time at 21.
  97. I am not athletic. See number 92.
  98. My favorite beer is a Bud Light.
  99. I wish I could hire Cesar (aka The Dog Whisperer) to train my pups.
  100. The first movie that made me cry was the Land Before Time.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Preppy Peppermint Bark

I thought I would post an idea for all you monogram-mommas in training (hereby known as MMIT) who want to make something for that holiday party/dinner with the in-laws/special present for the co-workers. I find that when looking at a recipe, I can normally get to step three (which will use the term grate, double-broil or separate egg from yolk) before I realize I am in over my head and decide to stick with the hamburger helper AGAIN.

Once in a while though, I come across a recipe that tastes great and only has three steps. I found one this weekend that impressed my mother which is a large task. Here it is in all its glory.

Preppy Peppermint Bark

2 packages Nestle White Chocolate Morsels (2lbs)
12 crushed Bobs Large Candy Canes (1 cup)

Step One. Crush all candy canes in a Ziploc bag using some kind of metal instrument. (I used my nice ice-cream scooper)

Step Two. Melt chocolate morsels in the microwave in a large bowl (For all you MMIT’s make sure that the bowl CAN be microwaved). I would stir every 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s melted when it develops a liquid consistency.

Step Three. Combine candy cane pieces and chocolate. Pour and spread into a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Then chill in the fridge for 45 minutes, take out and break into bark sized pieces.

Now, what makes this bark preppy is the presentation. For presentation at an event, make sure to place in a perfectly preppy bowl. Like the one below from Joanne Hudson.

For gifts of “Yes I made this with my own hands", place in a clear bag and tie with a red and white polka dot grosgrain ribbon. Tres preppy!

Holiday Happenings

It’s been a busy Holiday weekend for this bride-to-be. After successfully navigating the groom-to-be through the last of our Christmas shopping (he didn’t even complain, well not THAT much), I managed to wrap 90 percent of our gifts and attend two super fun holiday parties on Sunday.

The first was a cookie swap at Anne’s house. Here’s the host passing around a sampling tray.












And here’s Lindsay and Sarah . Sarah may win the award for preppiest girl I know. And one of the cutest! She’s also a fellow Wahoo, so you KNOW she’s a smart girl too!








Mmmm. Cookies. So MANY cookies.

The second party was a family affair in my hometown at the home of a bridesmaid/best friend from high school. Santa managed to make an appearance and talk to all the kids. Well, all the kids who weren’t completely afraid of him!

Look at this face, isn’t he just the cutest.

This fun-filled weekend really took my mind off the wedding planning for a bit. Don’t worry, once I realize we are three months away, I’ll snap right back into planning mode. WAIT, THREE MONTHS AWAY ….

Friday, December 15, 2006

The Preppy Wedding Shoe

We all know that the dress sets the tone of the wedding, but what about the wedding shoe? For you girls who long for a shoe that will be the piece de resistance for your perfectly preppy wedding attire, look no further.

Kate Spade has you covered. Who knew, she has a line of amazingly preppy wedding shoes that are sure to impress every preppy bride.

Take a look at the Muse.









Or how about the Icon. Oh these are so lovely.








UPDATE: Both of these shoes are only available in size 11 on Kate Spade's website. For a better selection of sizes, visit the Kate Spade Section of myglassslipper.com.

I opted to spend a little less and went with the J. Crew big bow heels. Quite a deal now for $99.












For you girls that want comfort, check out the dainty Delaney ballet slippers in satin. So whimsical.













Mrs. P wore Cynthia Rowley on her wedding day. Cynthia Rowley shoes have a blue heel for the perfect something blue. I found the these on myglassslipper.com.












As shoe crazed as we are for everyday wear, the preppy bride must ensure her wedding shoes take the cake!

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Congrats to the Preppy Lil Sis

Just wanted to give a Congrats to my preppy lil sister. She finished her last exam of college yesterday. I hope you went on a real bender last night, because from now on it’s all about paying for your own drinks, apartment and clothes. Well maybe not your own drinks, but that is a whole different story.

Anywho, the little sis was a Gamecock for the last four years and now she is coming home for good and I couldn’t be more excited.

Take a look at us circa. 1990. Note the very large bow on my sister’s head. Mom was and still is all about the hair bow.











And here we are New Years 2005. No bow, but a definite buzz.

Love ya boogs!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Things I Love: Nars Orgasm Blush


I have been a fan of this blush and Nars Products for years now. It is the perfect color on everyone. Even the beauty maven in my life (my amazing ex-roomie who now resides in NYC - I miss you), was impressed by my find and was herself an orgasm convert.


Thinking about gift giving last night, I thought how cute to wrap up this blush with a little card - “Hope this Christmas is Orgasmic.” Beauty.com has the blush on sale for $25 dollars and the shipping is free. Happy Shopping!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Preppy Delivery

Just a short post today. I had a doctor's appointment this morning and have spent the rest of the day doing some much needed house cleaning.

Just wanted to post about a fun delivery I got a few days ago. A self-confessed ebay junkie, I found this and had to have it. The seller has the cutest ring bearer pillows. She will also custom make other accesories for your wedding. I highly reccomend her services.
Now, I must go. Look at these cute faces just so happy their mom is home. On a weekday!

Monday, December 11, 2006

Perfect Preppy Place Cards

To continue with the Yummy Reception theme, I thought I would link to a great site for some of you girls that are doing a sit down dinner reception.

Place cards, table numbers and even menu cards are a integral part of the sit-down reception or rehearsal dinner. Enter Magic Wand Weddings. They have a vast selection of place cards in all color hues. I really can’t find one I don’t like.

I mean look at how cute these are.
And these come in lots of colors with four different sayings: Save room for cake, Sip champagne, Toast the bride and groom, Catch the Bouquet, Bon Appetit and Enjoy this special day.












And you know my obsession with polka dots. A letterpress polka dot heart, perfection!

Most of the options come with coordinating table numbers and menu cards. You can also choose to order the cards and personalize yourself or pay a little more for custom personalization.

And this site is not just for weddings. Imagine using these place cards at your next dinner party or supper club function. Another step on your way to becoming the next Martha!

Friday, December 8, 2006

Preppy Food Time


For some reason this preppy bride-to-be has been VERY hungry/food-obsessed these last few days. Could it have something to do with consuming massive quantities of Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark (aka chocolate crack)?

More likely, it is due to correspondence with our lovely caterer over these last few days. Because we chose to have our wedding reception in a historic landmark, we began the search for a caterer right away. See wedding food is one part of the holy wedding trinity, along with a hopping Motown band and all the alcoholic beverages you can drink.

For me (and the husband-to-be - he digs food), it was essential to find some one to spice up our vision of preppy southern chic. I met with plenty of people who were going to give me ham biscuits, chicken salad and a carving station. YAWN. I wanted fun and out-of-the ordinary, but still delicious. As soon as we met with the caterer we chose, that vision was fulfilled.

We decided on doing a buffet style reception (this is big in the South). Here are some fun things we thought up: sliders, sweet potato ham biscuits, mini gouda grilled cheese sandwiches (served with a shot glass of tomato soup), a mashed potato/mashed sweet potato/grits bar with all the fixings, dueling carving stations, and dough cups filled with mac and cheese, corn pudding and collard greens. Oh and our cute Mason Margaritas will be served in mason jars (to match the antique ones we are using for flower displays) and guests will put on the top to shake their own margaritas.

Hungry Yet? Did I forget to mention the milkshakes to be handed to guests as they leave (this one I am still fighting for, we’ll see if the budget allows).

So, there is a lot of starch in our menu, but the husband-to-be and I LOVE good southern food. My recommendation is to have what you love, sushi, mexican food, popcorn or milkshakes. And find a caterer that will work with (and not against your vision).

If you need help deciding on menu choices, check out these sites that will fill you up with inspiration:
Had any great wedding food lately? I would love to hear about it in the comments section!

Thursday, December 7, 2006

The Preppy Honeymoon?

Today I am going to ask for your advice. Where should the husband-to-be and I go on our honeymoon? We were thinking of the Carribean (Anguilla) or Barcelona. Keep in mind, we are going in March (Europe's still cold). We both love the idea of going back to Europe and exploring, we just have been advised to take a honeymoon where the main priority is relaxing.

So, suggest away. We have a budget and luggage with nowhere to go!

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Preppy Wedding Photos

One of the most fun decisions we got to make in the last few months was picking our wedding photographer. Since we got engaged, it was the one thing I really cared about and the one thing I wanted to really splurge on.


We decided on a great husband and wife photography team (if you are in VA, I would completely recommend) and they even have a blog!

It did take lots of research, with hours spent on google combing through some pretty awful websites. I mean, how can you sell a creative service and not have a great website. That's your business. Sorry, I digress.

I wish I had found the Wedding Photojournalist Association earlier. Their website is easy to navigate and all of their photographers go through a screening process. Photographers are linked by state and their price range, providing you with the tools to make a great decision.

Not getting married? No worries. This site provides you with hours of fun, looking at amazing photographs and allowing you to pinpoint exactly what you want for your wedding. And even better, while daydreaming, I am sure your groom will bear a striking resemblance to Brad Pitt or George Clooney.

Have kids? Most of the photographers also do family candids. Talk about adorable.

Good Luck exploring! I'll try to post later on some great ideas for utilizing your amazing photos during this holiday season.

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Things I Love - Joes Provocateur Petite Length Jeans

Calling all short girls.

Now, if you are like me or my super cute little sister, you spend over 150 dollars on the perfect pair of jeans and then you proceed to CUT about 5 inches off the bottom. I don't want to do the math on that one, but I do know you are throwing away money on each snip.

Cut to Christmas shopping with the husband-to-be this weekend and I came across these amazing jeans at Need Supply, a local boutique with the best jeans selection in town.

The brand: Joes Jeans

The Style: Provocateur

The Claim: Petite-fit, denim pant with a higher knee break to elongate the leg. 5 pocket styling and single button closure. Boot cut.

All I know, is the jeans fit perfectly. And they make the butt look great. Even the husband-to-be was impressed. And no need to visit my alterations shop. Needless to say, I know what will be wrapped up for me under the Christmas tree this year!

Just thought I would share with all you petite girls out there, TRY ON THESE JEANS. Or get them from Bloomingdales today!

Fun Wedding Monogram Details

Martha, Martha Martha. Ms. Stewart and her Good Things could keep you up all night thinking of all the things you could do for your wedding. Martha has given me lots of sleepless nights these past few months, but let's face it, her ideas are good. And so preppy. And her Weddings magazine is really the bible for all you preppy brides-to-be.

Well, here are a few of her Good Things that I will be incorporating into my wedding. Surprise, Surprise they involve monograms.

First, take a look at this genius idea for incorporating a monogram into your bouquet.












Just take a hanky, it could be one that means something to you or one that you have purchased with your monogram and the date of your wedding and envelope wrap your bouquet. If you (like me) have no idea how to envelope wrap, I am sure that our florists probably do!

If you're looking for hankies, The Lace Shop is a great resource. I mean look at this beautiful hanky for 10 dollars.

I think these would also serve as great bridesmaid or MOB/MOG gifts. A thoughtful keepsake that can be passed down, again for under 10 dollars!

If you would rather stick with a satin wrap for your bouquet, fear not. They, too, can be monogrammed. There is a seller on ebay who is offering this beautiful wrap with customizable colors for 20 dollars.

I don't think I have mentioned my love/borderline obsession with ebay. Let's just say, I am a frequent ebay shopper. As evidenced by purchasing my wedding dress on their site!


Martha has another great idea for adding a unique monogram touch to your wedding. We always search for that something blue, she has helped us find it. Her suggestion is to create a dress monogram to pin inside our gown.

Now, again, if you are not the crafty type you can certainly purchase your dress monogram. There is an ebay seller offering one for only 15 dollars.

UPDATE: I forgot to mention, if you order your dress from the amazing selection at J.Crew Weddings, you can spend an extra 20 for their super cute dress monogram tag.


Well, I hope you too are inspired by the endless opportunities to integrate the monogram into your perfectly preppy wedding. Don't worry, this is not the last post about monograms.

Monday, December 4, 2006

Christmas Gifts

I was just browsing the Pottery Barn website and there were lots of great ideas for personalized Christmas presents this year.
I'm adding these personalized PJs to my wish list.
And these would make great gifts or bridesmaid presents. The color of the thread can be customized to match your wedding.
I also love ticking (almost as much as toile). So wouldn't you just love this personalized cosmetic case?And the greatest gift of all? All these products are offered with free shipping. Happy Shopping!

Sunday, December 3, 2006

Christmas Decorating

It is the first Christmas that husband-to-be and I will be in our new house. And although we may have disagreed on some decorating decisions (I am not really a fan of the mallard look), I am happy to report we agreed on almost ALL of our Christmas choices for the house.

First came the tree. It is fake. I'll admit it. We decided that until there are children, we will not put ourselves through the hassle of buying a real tree. I do miss that amazing smell, though. Behold our fifteen dollar tree in all its glory.












We purchased it at Target, along with cute red and apple green ornaments.

I also decided to take on a craft project for the tree. To maximize its preppyness, I went to the local craft store and bought the inexpensive wooden letters for each member of our family. Now we have a cute monogrammed tree for around twelve dollars. I also like these monogram ornaments from Restoration Hardware.












Now, you can't have Christmas without stockings. Because our cape doesn't have a fireplace, we decided to hang our stockings from our staircase. We secured them with twine from Lowe's and I bought small model clothespins to secure all the Christmas cards we receive this year.

The stockings you see are from Pottery Barn. I got them on ebay for very cheap, because they are last year's model. I still think the red toile makes them very cute and current!

Remember how I said the husband-to-be and I disagreed on a few things. Well, mostly it was this polka dot ribbon, I had made at a local craft store. He is beginning to understand my love of polka dots with the wedding planning, but it is still something hard for him to accept! This bow cost me four bucks and is super cute.

After getting the house set up, it was time to pose the preppy pooches for next year's Christmas card cover shot. They both looked positively preppy with their fun holiday scarves from their pedicure appointment this weekend. Here they are both staring in the general direction of the camera.

Dempsey is a little confused about this whole Christmas tree thing.














LuLu got very tired of this whole process and decided to take a nap.
















I hope that you are enjoying all the fun of this holiday season!

Friday, December 1, 2006

Things I Love - Smiths Minted Rose Lip Balm


I hate chapped lips. And as winter weather approaches, so does the probability of a pesky un-kissable pout. Although it may be 70 degrees here in Virginia, I wanted to share my new favorite winter weather beauty product - Smiths Minted Rose Lip Balm.


Sold exclusively at sephora , it does more than just soothe chapped lips. You can use it on your dry spots, elbows and cuticles. I even use it to tame unruly eyebrows. For only 7 bucks you can buy it here. It will make the perfect stocking stuffer for friends. And for you brides-to-be, it will ensure your kissablility for years to come.