In the Moment: Continuing Our Story

Today we pause from our recaps. Did you know we're going to be celebrating our six month wedding anniversary this coming Sunday? Time has gone by so quickly. And that's got me thinking about how we want to document our story going forward.

Before we got married, I carefully catalogued and saved Tweets, Emails, and Facebook status changes. Most of our love story was chronicled online.

This past weekend, the medium for recording our story became physical. How? While wandering through a barn, we found this Underwood typewriter.

The typewriter immediately tugged on my heart strings. I pointed it out to cubes and then said let me think about it and we walked on past. I thought about it maybe all of five minutes when we stumbled on a pair of nightstands. When the salesperson asked if there was anything else we were interested in, I responded, there's a typewriter too! Long story short, it now sits on the table in our entry hall.

As cubes was playing with the keys, I quickly slipped a sheet of paper in only to discover there was still some ink on the ribbon. And an idea was born. We'd create an Exquisite Corpse.

Our Exquisite Corpse Begins

We type whatever is on our mind or has caught our fancy. We hope that when guests come over they too add to the Exquisite Corpse. I have no idea how the story will unfold, but it's a neat project and one with a tangible result. I'll be filling the typewriter with various acid-free, handmade, treeless papers to keep the story colorful and long lasting.

How are you chronicling your love story?

Thursday Purseday: In need of an outfit

How do you plan what you're going to wear for the day? Do you carefully lay out your clothes and accessories the night before?

I wait until I wake up, until I'm in danger of being late to figure out what I'm going to wear. This morning I woke up wanting to sport buttery carmel accessories, specifically these shoes and this purse.

Shoes by Joyce of California, circa 1970s, Purse by John Romain, 1967; More photos on Flickr.

The problem? I'm not sure what to wear them with. I've come up with a totally not work appropriate and very unique style (grey ribbed tank top with greenish Italian torn up jeans) that I might try another time, but so far I'm drawing a blank for work.

What outfit would you pair with these shoes and purse?

Caring for Vintage Leather Shoes

Can you tell which pair of cowboy boots are over 20 years old? 

Is it the pair on the left (Pair 1)? Or the right (Pair 2)?

If you've made the investment in quality leather shoes, you're probably going to want to keep them for awhile. The easiest way to do this is to regularly clean them, as well as check for scuffs, cracks in the sole, worn heels, etc.

1. Check the toe for scuffs. 
2. Inspect the sole at the toe - it can thin depending on how your shoes wear. 
3. Look at the heel taps to see if they need to be replaced. 
4. Test the insole to see if it's coming loose. 
5. Inspect the insole to see if there's wear at the ball of your foot. 
6. Check for wear inside the shoe where your big toe and little toe rub the sides.

If there's no noticeable damage, simply give your shoes a good cleaning; mademan has an easy-to-follow How to Polish Vintage Leather Shoes guide. If your shoes don't pass inspection, it's time to take them to the cobbler. When I lived in Austin, I sent my shoes to a local cobbler at least once every three months depending on how frequently I wore them. I recently just found a cobbler in SF who is able to reliably rejuvenate my shoes.

As you can see from the series of photos below my Amalfi Pumps need some minor repair at both toes and to the insole for one.

Now if you get a little lazy and your shoes fall into disrepair, before you toss them into the trash, visit a cobbler. They may be able to save them. I'd thought that my cowboy boots were destined for the rubbish pile - I'd worn into the stacked wooden heel. (I really wish I'd gotten a before photo - the repair was so amazing you'd never believe how badly I'd treated my boots.)

An example of 14-year old loafers that have had prior repairs made: new heel taps, three-quarters of the sole replaced, new toe taps, reinforced tongue, new insole. The cost of new repairs exceeds the cost of a new or gently used pair of loafers.

Luckily I took my boots to not one but two cobblers before deciding to give up on them. (I'd actually bought a brand new pair of cowboy boots to replace them after hearing from the first cobbler that the boots couldn't be salvaged.) The second cobbler completely replaced the heel. If you look closely, you can see where he added new wood. (I've lightened the photo to show the repair, it's not noticeable when you're wearing the shoes.)

I buy a lot of retro and gently worn shoes and boots. I'm intentionally avoiding the term vintage; some of the footwear is as new as five seasons ago (2005). Most are from the 1980s (I've bought replacements for shoes that I'd purchased new and loved to destruction). A few pairs reliably date back to the 1950s or early 1970s.

Here's a quick checklist of what I check for when I'm buying gently worn shoes.

• Can the shoes be worn? Or does the seller recommend collecting or alternative use?
• What are the actual measurements of the shoe? Sizes have changed a lot over the past 20 years. How were they taken - inside the shoe or from the sole?
• Are the shoes leather or another material?
• Where were the shoes made?
• How much did the shoes cost new? Are they designer or a department store brand?
• Have the shoes been repaired? 
• If the shoes haven't been repaired, can any visible damage be repaired? Is the cost of the shoes plus repairs worth it? One of a kind - must have at any price. Or are you purchasing to save money.
• Is the leather or fabric discolored? If the leather appears etched it could be due to salt and may not be repairable. I made the mistake of wearing soft leather boots with leather soles in Michigan. Each black shoe had a permanent ring about 1/2 an inch from the ground and the leather soles became so damaged water could soak through.

An example of Etienne Aigner loafers in need of some love. Unless almost free, I would pass on these at a thrift store as the repairs will typically run about $20 to $25. With new loafers running about $40 to $60, it's not worth the investment. 

Answer: Pair 2 are the boots that I had repaired. Pair 1 are a new pair of Dan Post Kylee boots from Zappos. Both pairs had been worn the same amount of time between the date of purchase/repair and when the photograph was taken. The boots currently destined for the consignment store are the Dan Post boots. First they'll visit the cobbler to see if he can fix the poor workmanship (the unfinished seams shred my ankle and calf when I walk).

Well Hello Yellow

When looking for purses for my upcoming honeymoon I came across this basket weave handbag with mustard yellow leather accents. And last night at the mall as I walked by the Kate Spade store, the Hello Yellow window display brought it back to mind. I'm not typically a fan of yellow, but these sandals and accessories have me rethinking my stance.

What do you think about yellow? Take it or leave it?

The Finds: Amber Tantivy Thong, Cole Haan, $98, Zappos; 21" necklace, $12, Vintage Chics; Bakelite Bangles, $65, KatcherrFancy Vintage Jewelery; Solid State Travel Clock Radio, c.1960s, Aimor, $19.99,  Juniper Home Vintage; 9" long x 6" high x 4" wide, Retro Yellow Mustard Basket Weave Handbag, Amanda Smith, $39, Lilies of the Valley Vintage; 17.5mm Buttons, $3.00, Orit Dotan.

Thursday Purseday: Day Dreaming About the Caribbean

We've set the dates and location for our honeymoon! Now it's onto the day dreaming and the outfitting. Of course I'm looking at (and dreaming of) vintage (or thrift finds whenever possible) for our trip. The first thing to find? A purse. More specifically, one that looks good whether it's lounging on the beach or held smartly in a museum. I've already got a bag for hiking (it's super comfortable, holds the necessities, and has gone camping and to the playa). 

Some basic criteria my honeymoon dream bag needs to satisfy:

1. Environmentally responsible
2. Neutral colors
3. Size (large enough to hold a camera, my iPhone, my wallet or coin purse, and some sunscreen)
4. Shape (has to fit tucked inside my carry on because we're flying; purse I took with me to NY was 10"  x 13" x 4" and to Yountville was 8" x 12" x 3.5")
5. Must close (can't have contents spilling out if I drop it)
6. Comfort (can't irritate my wrist or my shoulder) 
7. Easy to clean
8. Ability to keep contents dry
9. Price (no more than $50 with tax)

First I scanned this season's offerings to get an idea of styles and color palettes.

The Finds (from left to right): Abby by Straw Studios, $45.60, from eBags; Straw Studios B10024, $48, Found Lori's Shoes through Making It Lovely; Wicker Whip Stitch Satchel by Magid, $41.60, from eBags; Mathilda by Helen Kaminski, $595, from eBags. 

Too casual. Too cheap looking. Too neutral (as well as way over budget).

Next I scanned the John Romain offerings, not expecting anything to meet my budget requirement. (John Romain is my new vintage crush.) Gorgeous handbags made in America; they're as green as you can get - fair labor laws, produced "locally" and not shipped around the world, and previously loved by someone else.

The Finds (from Top left clockwise): 7.5" diameter by 3.25" deep, John Romain, c.1960s, $88, from Raleigh Vintage; 6.5" x 11" x 4.5", John Romain, c.1960s, $30, from Mommy's Pocketbook (leather noticeably worn; some stitching is loose); 8" x 11" x 4", John Romain, c.1960s-1970s, $35, from Karen3231 (leather noticeably worn on handles and fold); 7.5" x 12" x 6", John Romain, c.1950, $50, from Angels Camp; 7.5" x 11.75" x 5", John Romain, c.1960s, $75, from Vintage Diehls.

You know the advice given to brides? Never try on a dress that's outside your budget, because chances are you'll fall in love with it and end up with heartbreak. I should know better than to look for John Romain bags. Want to know the result? I found two that are tugging on my heart strings. Can you guess which two?

Of course, there are other vintage options. Some have integrated wrapped straw or wooden handles.

The Finds (from far left clockwise): 5.5" x 8" x 4", c.1960s, $22, from Fashion Rerun; 7" x 8.5" x 4", $26, from Selective Memory; 6" x 13" x 4", c.1960s, $16, from Something New Again (unlined, opens fully); 6.5" x 12" Bag, $14, from Another Thyme; 6.5" x 11.5" x 4.5", c.1960s, $38, from Raleigh Vintage.

Others have faux wood, lucite, or metal handles. (Passing on those with metal handles as I fear they might be hot to the touch if I left the purse lying in the sun.)

The Finds (from far left clockwise): 8" x 14" x 5", Dayne Taylor, c.1950s, $15, from Roadside Vintage Hut; 6.5" x 11" x 5", Filcraft Importing, $25, from A Periwinkle June; 8.5" x 10" x 4", Simon, c.1960s, $28, from Vintage Stew (liner appears to be detached on one side); 6.5" x 8" x 4", $49, from Full Circle Studios (also available from Burlap Bikini, $27.99).

To me these work for a museum or a picnic, but seem a little too formal for the beach. Then there are purses with rolled leather handles - again most are either a little too formal or more appropriate for a picnic in the park.

The Finds (from top center clockwise): Dimensions Unknown, $14.23, from Made Ya Look; 6.5" x 11" x 5.5", c.1950s-1960s, $18, from Bags by Suzi; 7.5" x 12" x 4", Du-Val, $35, from The Vintage Ramble; 9.75" x" x 13" x 5", $28, from Marybeth Hale (leather decoration shows some wear; liner has hole); 8" x 11.5" x 4.75", Gary Gail Signature, $25, from Chic Vintage Styles; 6" x 11" x 4.5", Mr. Jonas c.1960s, $43, from Pineapple Mint (leather hinges on the bottom of the bag are worn).

Then there are these bags that work for sight seeing or visiting a museum but again maybe not the beach. (A few options exceed my budget.)

The Finds (top clockwise): 7.5" x 9" x 4", $24, from The Primitive Fence; 8" x 14" x 5", c.1950s, $40, from Studio 1950 (a couple of breaks in the straw); 9" x 12" x 5", Burlington, c.1960s-1970s, $75, from Skinny and Bernie; 9" x 13" x 5", c.1960s, $60, from Vintage Girl NY (leather shows signs of wear); 9" x 13" x 5.25", $35, from Seesong.

There are so many options from which to choose - all work with very different styles.

The Finds (from top center clockwise): 8" x 14" x 3.5", $35, from Whim and a Prayer; 7.5" x 13.5" x 4", c.1950s, $24, from Dirty City Vintage; 7" x 10" x 4", $24, from The GetUp Vintage (leather shows some signs of wear); 8" x 10" x 4", $29.99, from Emma's Vintage; Dimensions unknown, $25, from the exhausted etiquette (some holes in the liner); Dimensions unknown, c.1950s-1960s, $15, from Blase' Vintage (leather shows signs of wear, front leather clasp is scuffed); 6" x 10" x 6", c.1950s-1960s, $19.99, from The Groove; 7" x 12" x 6", c.1970s, $20, from Hardwire88.

I've "narrowed" the purses to the nine that I'm seriously considering.

The Contenders (shown at relative size to each other) Top Row: 1. 7.5" x 9" x 4", $24, from The Primitive Fence;
2. 7.5" x 13.5" x 4", c.1950s, $24, from Dirty City Vintage (leather straps show wear);
3. 7.5" x 12" x 6", John Romain, c.1950, $50, from Angels Camp;
4. 9" x 13" x 5.25", $35, from Seesong;
5. 6.5" x 12" Bag, $14, from Another Thyme.
Bottom Row: 6. 7" x 12" x 6", c.1970s, $20, from Hardwire88
(liner appears to be pulling away from the wicker, needs to be reattached); 7. 6.5" x 11" x 5", Filcraft Importing, $25, from A Periwinkle June;
8. 9.75" x" x 13" x 5", $28, from Marybeth Hale (leather decoration shows some wear; liner has hole); 9. 6.5" x 11" x 5.5", c.1950s-1960s, $18, from Bags by Suzi. 

If you were me, which purse would you chose for your Caribbean honeymoon and why?

Thursday Purseday: Organizing One's Thoughts

A place for everything, everything in its place.

- Benjamin Franklin according to Quote Gallery

When we were planning our wedding, my organizer went with me everywhere. My organizer was a journal with lined paper, a few fabric and ribbon swatches, and a handful of 4x6 inspiration cards. Everything fit perfectly in my purse (I had a purse large enough to conceal a Canon 5D with zoom lens).

I saw this bag captured on the streets of New York and immediately thought how great it would be to hold my current journal/notebook, camera, colored pencils, and more.

Credit: HB Nam, StreetFSN, New York Fashion Week, Day 5

I don't know why well-loved, aka "Distressed," bags call to me. I think there's just a casual style that implies being able to pick and go at a moment's notice. (When I was single I had a bag with canvas, paints, and brushes, and a change of clothes stashed in my car. There were many a weekend I just picked a direction and drove until I found a spot that inspired me.)

What are your favorite bags for organizing your gear? 

Here are some of the bags that I'm dreaming of.

The Finds: Chocolate Brown Backpack from Trustfund 21, $38; Black Backpack from Trustfund 21, $52.

The Finds: Coach Station Bag from Omnia Wears, $75 (not pictured $42.50 from The Well Seasoned Nest); Rina Rich Satchel from Shop Thrifted, $50; Hunt Club Satchel from Skinny and Bernie, $60.

For more lovely #ThursdayPurseday picks, check out these other blogs:

Brancorpa, Demoiselle, 

Peach Bride, Pearls for Paper, A Realistic Wedding, 

Sparkle & Hay, and The Unreal Bride.

What Inspires Me: Cameras

It's no surprise that a photographer would love cameras. It's even less of a surprise that a collector of vintage items would love vintage cameras. So of course I'd eventually feature cameras in my What Inspires Me column.

If you also love cameras, there are many ways you can incorporate them into your wedding. In your table design. As stands for table numbers or design elements on your tables.

Credits (Top Row, left to right): Camera Photo Stand by Decole from Japanese Gift Market, $6 ea. Photographed by Mandy Lynne Photography and Alisia K. Photography spotted on Magnolia Rouge. Bottom Row: Photographed by Kate Harrison spotted on Green Wedding Shoes. 

Credits (Top Row, left to right): Photographed by Mandy Lynne Photography and Alisia K. Photography spotted on Magnolia Rouge. Photographed by nBarrett Photography spotted on Postcards & Pretties. Bottom Row, left to right: Photographed by Tyler Branch Photography found via Green Wedding Shoes. Photographed by Taryn and Shelby of Joielala Photographie spotted on Ruffled.

As place cards. As artwork.

Credits (Top Row): Film and Polaroid Artwork by Joana Rosa Braganca spotted on Creature Comforts. Bottom Row (left to right): Paper cameras by Mel Stringer, $4 ea, spotted on Paper Crave. Photographed by Aimee & Troy Grover spotted on the found blog.

As props in your photos.

Credits (Top Row): Photographed by Studio Sixty Photography spotted on Polka Dot Bride. Bottom Row: Photographed by Jenny Sun Photography spotted on I 'Do It' Yourself. 

Fashion Friday: High Society (1956)

Searching for inspiration to complete your 1950s vintage look? Settle down with a style icon for an afternoon. 

Last week I wanted to be Audrey Hepburn. This week I'm dreaming of being Grace Kelly. (Hint next it'll be Katherine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story. High Society is a musical remake of that film.)

Credits: Layered Chiffon Ball Gown with Rhinestones and Pink and White Embroidered Flowers, designed by Helen Rose (Source: Annie Couture's Fashion and Costume Designers of the Twentieth Century Hubpage) and sold in 2007 for $220,000. Grace Kelly and Bing Crosbie, High Society (1956) via Vintage Culture. Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, High Society, (1956) via Style Matters. Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, High Society (1956), via Vintage Culture.

Click here to see more of Grace Kelly's costumes as well as other clothing designed by Helen Rose.

Where do you go for inspiration? Who are your favorite mid-century designers?

Fashion Friday: Funny Face (1957)

I grew up watching KQED and more than anything I wanted to be Jo Stockton, the character played by Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face. I wanted my moment.

Which moment? This one when she's discovered her sense of style and grace and exclaims to a befuddled Fred Astaire, "Take My Picture! Take My Picture!" Of course, the moment I remember isn't really in the movie. You see, I merged dialog from a different part of the movie with this outfit.

Credits: mptv Images via IMDb: 38 and 36 of 98.

I hadn't thought of this movie for years. Then a few weeks ago, I found this vintage Christian Dior evening coat and imagined myself in it as Jo in Funny Face, sweeping down the marble staircase with the coat billowing behind. Since then I've been on the look out for the perfect dress which this week I finally found.

Credits: Black Satin and Stretch Lace-up Boots by Balmain, $1,036 ($1,295 Retail) from Bluefly;
Black Taffeta Evening Coat by Christian Dior, late 1960s - early 1970s, $5,800 from Vintage Textile; Pale Pink Chiffon Dress by Valentino, $3,450 ($5,225 Retail) from StyleBop; Camelia Ring in 18K White Gold and Onyx, Large Version, by Chanel; Elisia Necklace by Bulgari.

I envy fashion stylists and photographers. They get to create these dreams and bring them to life, even if just for a brief moment.

My Favorite Things #5

Gorgeous letterpress cards and handmade Valentine's have filled my RSS feeder over the past couple of weeks. Here are the details that stood out.

The Finds: Kraft Heart Stickers by Knot & Bow, $3.50, spotted on Design*Sponge; Through the Post Clutch from ModCloth, $29.99, spotted on The Painted Style; iPhone App by Cartolina Designs, $1.99, spotted on Design*Sponge; 3D Framed Hearts by Paper Polaroid, $50, spotted on Paper Mojo.

After you've decided on how to express yourself, you need to dress to the nines. In honor of Valentine's Day, I took a classic color combination: Red and Black. (I abstained from including heart-shaped necklaces or purses.) I just love coordinated "mismatched" bridesmaids.

The Finds: Red Wallet from GottaWannItVintage, $20.00; Polka Dot Dress from Yella Brick Road, $148.91; Black Wide Brim Straw Hat from Fashion Tramp, $35; Red Glass Multistrand Necklace from JunqueGrl, $24.00 ; Red Dr. Scholl's Sandals from Ready Freddy Vintage, $21.00.

The Finds: Red Snakeskin Box Purse from Young and Ukraine, $85; Ruby Red Christian Dior Scarf from Leeway Vintage, $45; Black Taffeta Cocktail Dress from Daisy and Stella, $280; Necklace from Vintage Starr Beads, $48; Red Alligator Pumps from Decadence Past, $62.50.

What are you planning on wearing for Valentine's Day?

Thursday Purseday: Hearts for Valentine's

I stumbled across this charm and fell in love.

Chim Sterling Silver Purse Charm Pendant c1960s from MyBooms, $68 

For more lovely #ThursdayPurseday picks, check out these other blogs:

Brancorpa, Demoiselle, Magnolia Rouge,
Peach Bride, A Realistic Wedding, Sparkle & Hay,
Swatchbook Weddings and The Unreal Bride.

My Favorite Things #4

Naomi's twist on her TuesdayShoesday post reminded me of the tangle of shoes I had tossed in my closet up until a few weeks ago. With statement shoes in vogue and more art than function why not display them?

Credits: Leon spotted on Enchanted Dream Weddings; Bolaget Fastighetsformedling discovered on decor8. 

This idea of displaying shoes, set my imagination in motion. I immediately thought of a Cinderella-inspired engagement session in a shoe store or cobbler shop.

Back to reality and to my "Get Organized. Stay Organized." resolution. A wall of shoes would definitely keep me organized. The downside? cubes would go crazy if I dedicated an entire wall of our apartment to shoes, but the neatly arranged column of shoes might work. I have some lovely vintage black pumps and slippers that need to be admired.

Tuesday night while dining at Puerto Allegre, I saw a television ad for a replica of Kate Middleton's engagement ring. So what's a girl to do? Start dreaming again of course.

The Finds: Pink Rosette Handbag from Windsor, $35.90, spotted on The Charity Wedding; Friedrich Blue Enamel with Gold Chain Necklace from Fashion Rerun,$34; Christian Dior from Sweet n Sour Vintage, $400; Ste. Lazare Angora Cardigan from Mademoiselle Coco, $75; Natural Fancy Pink Pear Cut Diamond Engagement Ring from Weston Jewelry, $21,999 spotted on Classic Bride; Valentino Bow Pump from Nordstrom $745.

Of course Cinderella would be wearing vintage Christian Dior when her prince slid the gorgeous fancy pink diamond on her hand. Anyone else out there create stories for outfits? Or is it just me? I love having friends get dressed up and play act while I photograph them.

We've got a lot coming up next week on the blog. On Monday, we recap our cocktail reception. On Wednesday, tune in for the second in our Pampering the Groom series. Thursday will have the long awaited DIY vintage-inspired stamps (had some technical difficulties with my scanner).

Thursday Purseday: Covered in Fur

First there were feathers. Then there was faux snakeskin. Now? Fur, of course. Mink. Weasel. And Rabbit.

Where to Find the Look: Christian Louboutin Eden Vision Fur Ball Clutch from Saks Fifth Avenue, $1,395, Fendi Black Velvet Fur Ruffle "Spy" Bag from BlueFly, $2,990 on sale for $2,032.99.

Where to Find the Look: Rabbit Fur Handbag with Pink Handle from La Vintage Amor, $45; Morris Moskowitz Mink Fur Handbag from Vintage Arcana, $74.99.

What's your stance on fur? Love vintage? Hate new?

For more lovely #ThursdayPurseday picks, check out these other blogs:

Brancorpa, Demoiselle, Magnolia Rouge,
Peach Bride, A Realistic Wedding, Sparkle & Hay,
Swatchbook Weddings and The Unreal Bride.

What Inspires Me: Vintage Stamps

As a child I collected cancelled stamps. My first were stamps from Italy that my great grandmother gave me.

Credits (from top left to bottom left clockwise): Sarah Rusin Design photographed by Amanda of Turtle Pond Photography via Inspirations & Creations; Designed by Sarah Parrot with Calligraphy by Grace Edmands, photographed by Fat Orange Cat Studio via The Sweetest Occasion; Magnolia Rouge; Invitation designed by Nicole Tremblay and printed by Studio on Fire via Green Wedding Shoes.

For a wedding, this look can be more expensive than having stamps custom printed. If you're going for a vintage theme and want the details just right, you can go it alone (assembling collections via eBay or Etsy) or work with a stationer. I'd say no one notices the details, but I'd be lying. Our guests noticed our stamps.

Where to Get the Look (from top left to bottom left clockwise): Penny for Thoughts Stamps for 10 Letters from Verde Studio, $10; Puppy Love Stamps for 10 letters from Treasure Fox, $8.50; Rose Love Stamps for 10 letters from Treasure Fox, $8.50; Heart-Shaped World Stamps for 5 letters from Verde Studio, $6.25.

Check out Verde Studio on Etsy for curated collections as well as custom orders or The Paper Nickel Stamp Co (discovered on The Blah, Blah, Blahg via Snippet & Ink).

Do you have any tips for assembling a collection of unused vintage stamps?
Any vendors brides should know about?

Thursday Purseday: Restrained Dots

Whenever I look at clothes from the 1940s, 1950s, or 1960s, I think how easy it was for women to look gorgeous without even trying. Now I know this is far from the truth. The perfectly coifed hairstyles of the 40s and 50s took hours.

I'm really stuck on polka dots this week. I think they add a touch of fun to an outfit. Therefore, today's Thursday Purseday pairs a simple black wiggle dress with dots. I also threw in a bow (on the kitten heels) for good measure.

Where to Get the Look: Liz Claiborne Derby Hat from Rogue Retro, $15; Polka Dot Belt from By the Way, $12.50; Black Wiggle Dress from Vintage Dresses Outlet, $29.95; Polka Dot Purse from Bobettes, $27; Black Leather Pumps with Bow from Woo Hoo Only 10 Dollars, $10.

For more lovely purses, check out these other blogs: Brancorpa, Demoiselle, Magnolia Rouge, Peach Bride, A Realistic Wedding, Sparkle & Hay, Swatchbook Weddings and The Unreal Bride.