Vacation

Hmmm. Did I tell you I was going on vacation? Because I am. For one blissful week. I'm going to shop, eat, read, and drink. Be back in a week!

Things I Love: Almost Fall Edition

I'm back friends. And as the days get a little shorter and the temperatures a little cooler, I find myself looking squarely into my very favorite season. I love everything about fall: football games, a hot pink J.Crew Jackie cardigan and my favorite jeans, apple cider, the kids Halloween costumes at OldNavy, the perfect pair of brown boots, the smell of a new, perfect pink eraser (even adults should be able to buy new school supplies).

So, I thought I would put together my list of almost fall favorites. These things will help me transition into the nights of extra blankets and pumpkin pie.

A Note From Cards

O.K. I know I am not a teacher, but I can pretend with these cute notecards.

Bananna Republic Silk Wrap Dress
Have I mentioned to you all that the husband and I both have our 10 year high school reunions in October? So, I am on the look-out for a good night time dress that doesn't look like it is trying too hard. I think this lovely number says, yes, I was in the math club, but I also enjoyed a good Jack Daniel's Watermellon Cooler from time to time.

The Kate Spade Halle Wedge

One word - YUM. I treat myself to a new pair of black work shoes in the spring and the fall. Love these, but the price is a little steep. Good thing Jessica Simpson has been taking time off her day job to design shoes. These are almost as good as the Kate Spade version.

The J. Crew Jacinda Jacket in Honey Glaze

This would be great with jeans for a Saturday and equally great with some navy work pants for a Monday meeting. Love the wearability.

What are your almost fall favorites?

For the Preppy Bridesmaid

I'm off to Dallas tomorrow morning, EARLY. Like so early, I think the last time I had to set my alarm clock this early, it was to cram before the SATs.

Anyways, wanted to share this lovely stamped monogram necklace from GemsByEm on etsy. This would be a great bridesmaid/hostess/just for me because I am awesome gift. Agree?

Preppy Party Craft Kick

O.K. This project makes me want to learn how to sew. I love the look of this home-made garland. Also perfect for your next birthday party or shower.

Via The Purl Bee. WARNING: This website will make you want to be a craftier person.

Monogrammed Chocolates

I am obsessed with this personalized candy board via Martha Stewart.

This will be on the agenda for the next shower I throw. Especially these babies. They are almost too pretty to eat.

YUM

Loving the neckline and look of J.Crew's Gracie wedding dress. Also loving the price ($395) and that it comes in petite.

Also really loving the Cecelia dress for the maids.

And the Matilda or the Super 120 (in purple) if you're attending a fall/winter wedding.

Pink & Green Preppy Wedding

Here's a picture from the lovely wedding I attended this weekend. As we entered the afternoon cocktail hour, we were greeted by servers with silver trays filled with signature cocktails (pink lemonade & vodka and bourbon & gingers) and these beautiful table arrangements overlooking the lush lawn of the Farmington Country Club.

The event planners for the wedding, Easton Events were fantastic. I even got to chat with one of their planners, who sent me a link to this beautiful wedding they coordinated. Check it out gals, it is lovely.

And in case you're wondering, Jamali Garden Supply has the best selection of trays, julep cups in varying sizes and lots of galvanized products (we used their french vase to hold our sparklers).

Hypothetical Do Overs

If I had it to do all over again ….

I would look like this.

Mr. Preppy Wedding and I would hop on a plane and climb to the top of this castle.

I would learn how to say A Perfect Fit in Italian.

There would be nutella gelato instead of a wedding cake.

Now how about you girls?

Richmond Wedding & Home Inspiration

I just love it when I find bloggers who live in my city, it's like your cheering for the same hometown team. In the last few weeks, I have been searching for more inspiration and found these two little Richmond based gems:

- The Little White Book - awesome site for Richmond wedding planning. There are vendor reviews, location ideas and lots of other inspiring tidbits. Check it out.

- This Young House - some great information on DIY home projects. And the couple who runs the blog had a super cool, low key wedding.

Which leads me to my second point. I've also gotten a few e-mails from Richmond brides-to-be and new married ladies who were interested in having a meet-up. I am proposing limeaid and raspberry white chocolate cookies at Mosaic Cafe on September 17 at 6:00pm. So, shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment if you're interested in coming. We can talk about weddings, how much we love Richvegas, where to get the best pedicure in town, celebrity gossip, whatever you want. I look forward to actually getting to meet some of you!

Onto pressing matters. I have a plane to catch this afternoon and then it's off to Charlottesville for a wedding that is going to be super, super chic and very UVA. Patricia Lyons is photographing the event, so I can't wait to meet her and can't wait for you all to see the pictures!

Martha Stewart Does Wedding Collection at Wal-Mart?

Guess where I am this week?

Hints: It's very hot, everyone is very fit and Will Smith did an awesome song about this city a few years back.

And while I was turning into my plush hotel bed last night, I saw a commercial about the new Martha Stewart Celebrate Collection at Wal-Mart. Did you girls know about this? I checked it out and there are a few cute things and everything is at a perfect price point. Here's a grouping of the eyelet collection, it is tres cute.

Photo Frame Cake Topper & Eyelet Lanterns

Two more hours to vote girls!

And while I know you are probably tired of details from my wedding, I'm going to link to our recently added knot real weddings post anyways!

UPDATE: Numero FIVE is the Winner. Congrats to the Number 5 bride. Erika - forever-more, you can tell people you had the preppiest wedding of 2008!!