This photo of non-matching bridesmaids is so inspiring to me, because it proves in a single glance that eclectic can be sophisticated. Modern and vintage can co-exist, and bucking the norm is often quite lovely.
Nine chic bridesmaids all in a row by W. Scott Chester Photography via the Southern Weddings Blog
~Happy Monday!
Inspiring Photo No. 14
Feature Friday | Proof: Sustainable Wood Sunglasses
We're back today with a Feature Friday series, and this time, we're featuring not only a product but also a cause. With more and more companies becoming aware of the need to be eco conscious, we're seeing a surge in products manufactured with sustainable materials that have a minimal impact on the environment. From organic and natural fabrics in wedding gowns and fashion to wind-powered printing mills and pure vegetable dyes in stationery, we're seeing eco friendly transitioning from trend to the norm.
Even with this heightened awareness, we are still floored when we see an ingenious product, especially when it's made with sources you'd never thought possible. Take wood for example. Would you ever imagine sunglasses made out of wood? Neither had we, and we definitely wouldn't have thought they'd have so much style either. Introducing Brooks Dame, the brain behind a line of sunglasses manufactured solely out of wood, and dedicated to a cause close to his heart. Here he sits down with us to chat about the idea behind Proof, their mission, and the company's plans for the future:
How did the idea for Proof come about?
Well our family grew up in the wood industry. My grandpa started his own sawmill he'd run product and then put it on a truck and run down to California and drop it off on the weekend and then come back and do it all over again.
So we have sawdust in our veins. It's really a part of us. I was working on trying to make some bamboo ski poles I thought it'd be a cool eco-option for skiers and it'd be something that people noticed on the hill. I couldn't get it perfect and was about to bag the idea. While I was researching bamboo I learned about all the cool applications for it and its qualities. Its super sustainable, eco friendly, grows fast, strong, good looking, etc. So as I did more research on bamboo I found bamboo reading glasses and thought why not do bamboo sunglasses, that lead to some other wood types and it's snowballed from there.
I know you and your wife, wedding and lifestyle photographer Cristi Dame, have traveled extensively to less fortunate countries around the world. Can you tell us a little bit about how the amazing gift of eyesight became the model behind Proof sunglasses?
Sure,
Cristi's family is from El Salvador and we've spent a lot of time down there. Done some projects. We've had the opportunity to meet people from all over and many different walks of life. We've also traveled quite a bit. A few years ago we went to India. We were both really surprised at the amount of people in India and the amount of people living below the poverty line. India is beautiful, the people, the colors, its kind of a magical place. We both really liked it.
The group we work with in India has multiple clinics and they provide sight restoring surgeries to people who can't afford them. The Clinic we work with was actually introduced to me while in school; We did a case study on it. I like the concept, the story and thought it was a worthy cause to work with. It just took 4-5 years to come up with a product that could support it. There are so many talented people in the world. People who have much to give or share and just need the opportunity. These surgeries afford them those opportunities.
We love that not only are you contributing a large portion to those less fortunate in India, but that you're making a stand for the environment as well. Tell us a little about your process for making sunglasses out of wood?
That was really at our core. Once we had the product it was almost instantly that we realized it would lend itself to helping others and getting involved in social causes. Our product being made from wood automatically qualifies us as having an eco-friendly product. Wood is sustainable if managed properly.
Most sunglasses come from plastic. And plastic comes from oil or petroleum based products. So it's pretty interesting when people compare us to other sunglass companies that have been doing this a lot longer than us. They are usually quick to point out that all the big boys use plastic in their frames.
It has been interesting people from various demographics have been interested in the products. We get hip hop artists, hipsters, fashionistas, and tree huggers (we actually recently got featured on treehugger.com). Everyone likes the product for different reasons, but the fact that we are a "green" company earns us some extra miles with all of them.
We also offer the industry's only sunglass recycling program. If you get tired of the Proofs you are wearing down the road you can send them back in to us. We will repurpose them into animal bedding and give you a discount off your next Proof Purchase.
We source our wood from managed forests and each pair of glasses is hand assembled and finished. It's a process, but it helps us maintain high quality and good looking product.
We know that the idea of wooden sunglasses is not only innovative, but outside of the norm as well. Can you tell us a little about the sunglasses themselves- are they lightweight, provide UVA/UVB protection, etc?
Wood is extremely lightweight. We have actually compared our bamboo frames to plastic frames that are the same size and the bamboo comes in a few ounces lighter.
It is extremely durable as well.We offer 3 wood types currently 5 lens options. All our lenses are 100% uva/uvb protectant.All of our sunglasses have spring loaded hinges so they fit a variety of faces.
We also put a little message on the inside of each temple. It is laser engraved and is kind of like a fortune cookie or motivational quote that you can check out each time you put a pair on.
What other future plans does the company have at this point?
It has been crazy. The response has been great. We have magazines, websites, media outlets trying to get samples, stories etc. We've had some really big names chasing us down to feature the product. We are talking Oprah big (really, we got a call from O magazine last week requesting samples for an upcoming spread). Vogue, Outdoor magazine, etc.
We are also getting some requests from some more famous individuals and think that'll help us get some additional exposure. Right now we are enjoying the ride and trying to keep our inventory in stock.
We want to continue to expand the line. We have a few new models in the works that will come out for F/W. We also want to add some additional accessories.We currently have a line of hats and shirts as well. Each is linked to a social cause we are into like- Native American education on the Reservations, Child Soldier rehabilitation in So. Africa, reforestation in Haiti, etc.
Really we hope to continue to grow and reach more people. If we do this we can also affect more change in the social causes we are involved in.
Right now purchasing the sunglasses is as easy as clicking a button online. Any plans for bringing them to stores? 
Good question. Right now we are selling almost exclusively online. We are getting requests to open accounts from all over the world which is fun. Sorting through them all is the tough part. Deciding which stores you want to be in and which you don't is always a challenge.
We recently attended the Pool Tradeshow in Vegas which is tied in with Magic. It happens every 6 months and all the big brands attend. It was a lot of fun. Cool to see some well known brands and some up and coming brands as well.
We met a lot of great people had a great response at our booth. It was always packed with people asking questions, trying on glasses, and ordering shades for their shops.
So we should be opening up stores around the country in the next few weeks.
We are really excited and really appreciate the support of those people who believe in the movement and the whole concept behind Proof.
So stay tuned. Until we open up a store in your area go check out the webstore.
We want to thank Brooks for taking the time to sit down with us. We are always thrilled to hear about products and companies doing good. The sunglasses are such a great option for those consumers looking for a balance between having style and the supporting environment. And knowing that you're directly helping others is always a huge plus too. Be sure to visit the Proof Website to peek on the entire line and keep up on what the company's up to. Congrats to Brooks and the Proof team on all your successes!
Tidbits | On Telling Your Story By Jasmine Star
Just a quick post for today, lovelies. We're gearing up for a vacation for a few days next week (didn't know I still had that word in my vocabulary!), as well as lining up all sorts of design-related goodness for the coming months.
This little tidbit by Jasmine Star hit home, and I think it's beneficial for bloggers and brides alike. There definitely is a reason why we do all that we do. So do take a peek at Jasmine's newest commercial (sorry folks, I'm not technologically advanced enough to actually embed the video here), I think you'll be glad you did!
~Happy Thursday!
Wedding Wednesday | Fall Wedding Inspiration: Cedar and Nougat
Pantone recently released their 2011 fall colors, and the soft green named Cedar and the kraft-colored Nougat made the list. Paired together, they create a sophisticated wedding palette. We also liked pairing a few other shades, such as a modern spring green, to add some more depth to your wedding design.
This color inspiration would be perfect for a spring or a fall wedding. Check back next week for another inspiration board featuring Pantone's newest colors for fall!
{Sources}:
Row 1: Green and white bouquet via Project Wedding/ Natural chair and green sash via Wedded Lux
Row 2: Green fabric swatches via Kelly Oshiro/ Green and white wedding cake via Martha Stewart/ Kraft and green wedding invitation via Oh So Beautiful Paper.
Bridesmaids Dresses By 57Grand
These bridesmaids dresses from 57 Grand are not only amazing, but the styles and cuts are ingenious. There aren't many wedding party dresses that can truly tout a rewear status; it's usually hard to see past the formal feel of the frock.
But now with these dresses, your bridesmaids really can wear them to work or for a date with cocktails.
Visit the boutique to see all of the styles and more ways to rewear the dresses here!
Inspiring Photo No. 13
One word: Peonies. I adore peonies in all colors and forms, yet they tend to like to tease me. They have a short shelf life- most are in season from April until about June. Why is it that all I seem to want to design around for summer weddings is peonies?
~Happy Monday!
I Love You Tutu | StudioWed by Mirela
Words can't even describe how darling a flower girl would be gliding down the aisle in this tutu dress:
Layers and layers (around 300 yards, to be exact) of super soft tulle make up this dream of a skirt- so perfect for the little cherubs in your wedding, or even for photo shoots of your own little doll after the wedding.
And if you're a bride in need of a Haute Couture dress on your wedding, try one of these ethereal tulle skirts in an adult size:
Be sure to check out StudioWed's Etsy Shop for more colors, sizes, and other products like garters, ring pillows, and more.
~Happy Friday!
Tidbits | The Necessities In Weddings And Fashion
I found this stunning blog, called Covetuer, via Elements of Style, and loved that they recently teamed up with Vogue about fashion and style icons and their must-haves. New York Fashion week is happening (ends today), and the story followed key players and their survival kits for during the grueling week ahead. I only wish my life was half as stylish:
It must be hard work to look so sophisticated at all times, even in the wee hours of the morning or running through the airport. I'll take those shoes any day, and that Celine bag? You had me at hello. Be sure to read the entire story and all about each "kit" here.
I thought this was such an interesting article that I felt like snapping a picture of some of my daily necessities, both for during the work day and for a wedding day (not as dramatic, sorry lovelies):
My shiny new iphone (bye bye, Blackberry), my Macbook Pro, Mac Lustre Glass (not much of a lipstick girl), my larger-than-life white watch, and finally, my favorite pen (I really am quite picky with what I'll write with).
On the wedding days you'll see me and the Soiree Girls with at minimum these items:
The wedding day timeline (and clipboard), wet wipes for after the cake cutting and for cleaning hands before touching a white dress, clear fishing wire, double-sided tape (we use it for EVERYTHING from keeping table runners and place cards in place to fashioning ribbon just so), breath freshener, extra corsage pins, and thread/needle. Oh and of course, my favorite pen.
What are some items you can't live without on a daily basis? How about at your wedding- were there some items that saved the day for you? Do share in the comments below.
~Happy Thursday!
Wedding Wednesday | Real Winter Wedding By Tana Photography
We love it when brides get creative with their shoes- why stick with traditional bridals when you can have colors, rhinestones, embellishments, red bottoms (sweet and excited little shout out to one of our summer brides this year), and sparkle? This wedding was sent to us by Tana Photography, and took place on Christmas week. From Tana:
" The couple is Torrie and Kevin. They're living in Indiana; she's in grad school and he's a baseball scout. She told me they had initially met at a Boisel pub while they'd been BSU students. She was the waitress and he was there to watch a baseball game with friends. She wasn't suppose to work that day, and wasn't suppose to serve the section he sat in. He lingered around just to get a chance to talk to her. They think it was fate they met that day."
Vendors:
Photographer: Tana Photography http://www.tanaphotography.
Venue: Boise Art Museum http://boiseartmuseum.org/
Dress: Watters Too http://www.watters.com/
Shoes: Steve Madden
Food: Seasons Bistro http://seasonsdelicatering.
Flowers: Botanica in Eagle
Cupcakes: Lily Jane's Cupcakes in Eagle http://lillyjanescupcakes.com/
~Happy Planning!
Little Collections | Kelly Wearstler
Kelly Wearstler, though not an event planner but rather an interior decorator, is so inspiring to me. Actually, I probably spend equal time as, if not more, on interior design blogs than wedding blogs. Sometimes it's really good to eschew the trends of the wedding world, and instead, look at color, prints, pairings, and even furniture for more inspiration. Do you find that happening to you? The more you look at real weddings, the more you find your mind only gravitating towards projects and ideas you just saw?
Kelly is one of those artists (yes I consider all creative positions forms of artistry) that continually does what is right for her and her clients. She stands up for her styles and owns it. She recently launched her new blog, and I loved one of her posts featuring a sneak peek into her design studio:
But what I loved even more was seeing how she organizes her projects. Love the idea to use trays to collect anything and everything pertaining to each project. They are kind of like inspiration boards, but instead have a more sensory purpose as you can feel, touch, compare, and throw physical objects in there that strike your fancy.
Head over to Kelly's blog to read about the projects she has in motion for each of these trays.
How do you like to organize your projects, wedding or otherwise?
~Happy Planning!
Happy Valentines Day
Happy Valentine's Day, lovelies. Hope your day is full of roses and your evening full of candle light and champagne. Not only is today's Cupid's day to shine, it's also the launch of a gorgeous new bridal line by Anthropologie, called BHLDN (pronounced "Beholden"). A collection that stays true to Anthropologie's signature form- lots of intricate details, ruffles, floral accents, and just a little bit vintage.
The dresses start at $1000, and the collection also features shoes, bridesmaids dresses, and more. You can see the line unveiled at the online boutique here: BHLDN.
~Happy planning!
{Photos}
Hearts photo by Ban.Do
A Romantic Los Olivos Wedding
When we came across this wedding, our jaws dropped in amazement. It's rare for us to be completely blown away by the amount tiny details woven throughout, but this one has taken the cake. A wedding by Lauren + Abby Photography, this romantic day was full of ethereal and such whimsical elements...Love.
How gorgeous are the paper flowers surrounding the ceremony site?
Hello, superbly awesome DIY chandelier.
To see even more beautiful images from this wedding, go to Lauren + Abby Photography here and also to Taylor'd Events Blog.
~Happy Thursday!
Valentine's Lingerie By Anthropologie
Anthropologie never ceases to amaze us, from their decor trinkets to delicate frocks, they always have us swooning season after season. And the same goes for their underthings...we love how sweet, yet sophisticated, and classy these numbers are.
We also love how there is something for every kind of girl- The Tomboy, The Romantic, The Minimalist. So perfect for that last minute Valentine's gift (and perfect for dropping hints since we happen to have a local Anthropologie here in Boise); And to all of the ladies out there- we give you full permission to indulge yourself with one of these little ditties too.
~Happy Shopping!
{Sources}: 1. Between The Lines Cami Set, $32-$48 / 2. Erica Bra and Short Set, $38-$48 /
3. Sugared Grapefruit Bodysuit, $36-$72 / Gleaming Nights Bra and Panty, $68-$88
The Roses On Park Avenue
Continuing with our 'All Things Valentine' theme this week, I had to include some roses, the iconic love flower:
The Roses On Park Avenue in New York is an amazing installation by artist Will Ryman, and includes 38 giant red and pink roses, beetles, aphids, and even petals scattered (a few serve as lawn chairs).
Aren't they lovely? The project will remain on Park Avenue through May, and is the "artists love letter to the city". Sigh. One more reason why I need to go to New York City immediately.
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