For those of you who haven't lived through a winter in the Pacific Northwest, let me assure you: it's dreary. We don't have anything as exciting as snow. Sure, we get patches of black ice and the occasional late start school day. But generally speaking, November through February is a morass of gray days, persistent drizzle, and perpetually cold, damp feet.As you may imagine, it's hard to picture summer during such dreary weather. It's even harder to feel all romantic and wedding-plan-y. However. Today was the first sunny day in forever. Not coincidentally, it's also the Sunday of my midwinter break... meaning I'm not feeling grim and resigned about going back to work tomorrow. I have two more days off, people! I'm getting lots of sleep. I'm cooking/baking lots of food made with love and care (as opposed to exhaustion and spite). And I'm finally starting to get excited about wedding planning again.
Why am I telling you? Because I'm zeroing in on my dress for the maid of honor, and I've got it narrowed down to two. I tried to have the maid of honor make the choice, but she's as conflicted as I am (and she'd look great in either dress). So... which do you like better... the Nordstrom's (first picture), or the J.Crew dress (second, pictured in blue, but we'd order in black)? Either way, it's going to be accessorized with a bouquet of light blue hydrangea. Keep that in mind.And also keep in mind that this is a backyard ceremony--so no stilettos to go with the dress, unless we want her sinking into the lawn. Plus, this is the Pacific Northwest, people: in other words, the Land o' Dress Jeans. We're not insanely formal out here. Finally, the maid of honor is a brilliant veterinarian with many benefit dinners in her future--I'd love for her to be able to wear the dress again.
So. I'd love your vote on the dress... Nordstrom's (1) or J.Crew (2, blue)? And if anyone out there has a line on a cheap place for wedding invitations, I'm all ears! (Yes, I know this post has nothing to do with writing... does that tell you where my focus is lately?)
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21 comments:
I like the detail on the Nordstrom's one! But they're both really cute.
I like them both, but just an FYI, I wore a J Crew bridesmaid dress (the Emily) with a pair of small-heeled wedges and when the photos came back I definitely looked ... stumpy. So make sure she tries the dress on with low heels (since you said stilettos are not going to work).
Oooh hmm. I say is she's small busted and slender go with the Nordstrom one. If she's fuller and more curvy go with the second. Though they're both cute! How exciting you're planning a wedding!!!
It is dreary in the winter around here. I've only lived here, so it doesn't bother me.
Thanks for dropping by my blogs I love it when do!
Nordstrom! More interesting and it looks like a more flattering cut from the photo. And seems to have a better drape.
-your friendly neighborhood costume designer
I prefer #1, but I think she'd get more use out of #2.
And I'd happily trade you a Houston summer for a Pacific Northwest winter. At least I think so...
I could talk about weddings all day.
The Nordstrom's is sexier, but the J.Crew looks more weddingy. I'd go with Dress #2. You don't need people looking at the bridesmaids and thinking, "Yeah. She's hot." The J.Crew is plenty pretty enough. Although, if you reeeeeally love your bridesmaids, I suppose they might get a little more use out of the Nordstrom's dress. But if the J. Crew one is less spendy, then maybe they'd rather have that. It's a dilemma, fer shure.
Great deals on fab wedding invites:
http://www.indianweddingcard.com/
That tip is from a friend of mine who had the most well-organized wedding in history, I'm pretty sure. She saved a lot of money by reading a book called Bridal Bargains. Here's her pre-wedding website. http://www.berlinovo.com/
It's full of great information.
I would go with number one. I like the length better and it could be more formal for later use.
Hard to know without feeling the fabric, etc. - but without knowing what either is made of I'd vote for the J. Crew dress.
I agree with Alyssa -- the Nordstrom's is slightly prettier, but the J. Crew seems more useful in future. Especially if we're talking work-related benefit dinners. The Nordstrom's looks like it features more boobage than I'd want my co-workers to see.
They're both really pretty dresses, though!
Nordstom's! It's beautiful. Plus, it looks like it would look better with a little shrug/cardigan/sweater.
I'm going with no. 2, I think it's a bit classier with the, hmmm, thingie at the waist... I guess what I mean is it's a bit more formal and so, more wearable to functions.
They are both gorgeous, and I'd pick #1 over #2 (I prefer the lines & fabric), but in context.... for a summer wedding in Washington, I'd go for #2. I think it it would look better with slightly more casual shoes (the first kind of needs stilettos, don't you think?). So there's my vote. Like you don't have enough conflicting opinions already. :) By the way, I'm still hoping to get an email with the wedding dress pic... Any day now!
This is really tough! It's hard to see the detail on #1. Is it lovely or cheap-y looking? Would it get annoying after looking at it too long? These important questions need answers! #1 looks like it would be more fun to wear, with a great drape or something over the arms if its chilly. #2 is nice, but I don't think it would look as good on her... and CrewShmrew, I've been bitter about that company ever since they raised their prices to such extremes and chosen models that have about as many curves as a 12 year old boy! Can she order both and send one back?? The real question is whether you are going to get our dear veterinarian to take out the ponytail & wear her hair down for the event! ;)
Kate, I had no idea you are from the PNW! We could be neighbors :)
My vote is for #2. But then I tend to shy away from anything with spaghetti straps around here because I'm never warm enough to wear it. Besides #2 has a more classic style and would be more wearable for other occasions. My daughter made the same decision about stiletto heels for her bridesmaids since she is having an outdoor wedding too. I have no idea what I'm going to wear since I look "stumpy" in both low heels and flats.
BTW, your description of PNW winter weather is spot on and made me chuckle. Sunday was a beautiful sunny day, I was almost blinded and had to scramble around to find my sunglasses.
Like others, I prefer the 1st, but feel she'd get more use out of the second. Either way, they're both great dresses. :)
I ordered my invitations from invitationsbydawn.com. They have a great selection and can work with pretty much any budget. I have to tell you, a lot of people told me to go to Michael's website, download a template and make my own. But...that was a LOT of work. I don't regret for one second that I spent a little extra and had someone else do it for me. Seriously.
:)
I can't wait to hear how things progress for you!
I like the Nordstrom's better...
I vote for the J Crew one.
I like the Nordstrom better, but have given it NONE of the extensive thought everyone else has. I jst like it better.
-jaime
I think your maid of honor would get more use out of dress #2. It appears to be a little more casual for an outdoor wedding.
Hurray! Thank you all for weighing in. Just to let you know, I'm going to go with the second dress--primarily because two fashion-conscious people who know the Maid of Honor (her sister, our metrosexual friend) mentioned that it would probably look better on her.
If you're interested, I tagged you with the 'six thing meme'. ;)
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