Happy late Monday afternoon (on… dun dun dunnn… Bachelor night), bubelahs!  Ok now listen, and listen real good like.

There are times.  Tiiiiiiimes, when a person has simply GOT to share something with her audience.  Something so deeply happy-ifing… so lovely… so beyond perfect… just so gashdarned right, that NOT to share it, well it just seems like that should be illegal, that ‘holding back’ of such a thing.

And this, ladies and gentlepersons… this is one of those times.

Ok with that kind of build-up I forreals hope you guys actually like it the way I do.  Otherwise uh-oh.

Kimee, one of the two Super Incredibles behind The Boudoir Divas got married a hot second ago.  The timeless beauty of that one fine day, not to mention that one fine FACE of hers, came through hardcore in what I think are some of the most gorgeous wedding photos eh-vah, all captured by the fantastic Jackie Wonders.

However.  

There were TWO THINGS that specifically caught my eye in a way nothing else could, and these things wouldn’t release my eye – they absolutely refused – no matter how much my sweet, innocent eye begged for its freedom.  And my eye is cute, it’s a sweet, cute eye – but still, no luck!  (Now you say: “what were the two things, Alison?” because you’re always so nice to indulge me.  And then I say…) These two things were a) Kimee’s beauty throughout all of those amazing images, and b) THOSE GOSHFORSAKEN SHOESIES ON THOSE FOOTSIES OF HERSIES.

More specifically, Seychelles “I Do” heels.  Ohhh, what a sight they are!  And today, out of nowhere – the reason for this random post – I happened upon them on Lori’s Shoes, where they’re ON SALE, practically for pennies!

You guys, I’m not a huge shoe fanatic.  But sometimes I just can’t TAKE IT.  I just– I can’t.  I like them like I liked Matt F. in kindergarten.  I want to chase them around the playground until they trip over themselves and smash their faces in, and then I want to kiss them on the cheek and make them cry.

Okie dokie, this brings me to my question of the day: are you more a fan of color, or of white/ivory, when it comes to one’s wedding days shoesies?  Do tell. :)  p.s. – Don’t hold back; I don’t expect the entire world to agree with me.

xoxo  - Alison

The Boudoir Divas are members of Vendor Love.  Explore more of their work here, in our guide.

Well hello and welcome to your Tuesday evening posticle.  We have much to explorrrrre…

But first:

Well played, Jonathan Adler store in my neighborhood.  Well played.

So this blog post concept was born the moment I bought a certain sequin gold frock and I just wanted to mention how frustrating it is to see this…

… whenever I check on the status of my order.  Because I’m pretty sure I didn’t order in any Chinese food.  “On its way” does not help me.  I would like my order tracker to help me deduce the need to determine a different ensemble situation for a holiday party on Thursday night.  I am thinking yes?  My dear readers, do you have any outfit suggestions/advice for me?  I live in nyc so I can always walk to the flagship store of whatever online brand you may suggest.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions, I super needs thems.

Ok so you guys know how I feel about Ryan “Hey Girl” Gosling.  He’s legitimately my only crush, outside of my Honey.  Yes, for reals.  I don’t crush easily.  I also don’t know if *crush* still means what I think it means, which is what I knew it to mean when I was in middle school.  Because as I wrote that I started singing “I ain’t a playa I just crush a lot” and that is most certainly a reference to casual P in V action.  So.  I don’t–I don’t really know what–what does it mean these days, does it mean P in V?  I hate how everything always ends up meaning a sex act.  I really do.  It makes writing that much harder.  [← case in point.]

Here’s where I was going with this.  Honey understands the Gosling crush, so he indulges me.  Because I challenge any real man with a heart to see Crazy, Stupid Love and not be taken with Gosling’s charm.  Still, whenever I talk about Gosling on the blog it’s very dramatic between the time I’ve posted the blog and the moment I actually see or speak with Honey.  It’s been fine so far but I never really know how he’ll react.  I mean, I am a bit much.

Ok so here’s the thing.  (I hope you weren’t expecting a transition, because you’re not getting one.)  I love sparkles, and I love gold.  It is my truth.  What does this mean for you?  This means that I collect a lot of sparkle/gold/glittering inspiration on the internet, often from Pinterest pins I love, and then I curate it the f**k up and ultimately blog it, for example like right here right now.

My first find is not a Pinterest find, so clearly I’m good at sticking with themes, but anyway it’s a gold sequin dress with sleeves which means I will wear it during the winter.  I discovered it via Twitter when Sarah Yates linked to her blog post sharing the dress, and I immediately bought that s**t up like crazy even though it might not look quite as good on me as it does on her tall, model frame.  (This is not Sarah Yates below; Sarah has blonde hair.  That’s essentially the only difference.)

Ok so now I am going to cry you a river, because I just checked back while proofreading this and they are mothereffing sold. out.  Kindly address all hate mail to Asos, not to me.  I woulda stocked up on those b!tches.

PIN – Momma needs this silverware.  Or, goldware.  Flatware?  Flatware.  Momma needs these utensils.

PIN – Chevron drawer liners?  Is this heaven?

PIN – I want many of these Eames chairs.  (Now.)

PIN – Love this bold statement necklace from Rent the Runway.  KILLAH.

PIN – This gold nail polish from Anthropologie is super pretty.  I mean in pictures.  I have no idea what it looks like on nails.  Probably good?  I’d buy it.  Again, this just goes to show that styling is everything.

PIN - These sequin letters from Glitter Guide are somethin’ else, y’all.

PIN – leather mouse pad in gold, from Freshly Picked.  BOOYAKASHA:

I have that keyboard ↴ except mine is way dirtier because I eat over it like a dummy.  Also I rarely turn off my computer, and I hate turning off my keyboard in order to clean it because I am the most impatient person on the face of the Earth and can’t stand to be disconnected for one minute?!!

So here are my feelings about this mouse pad: it is supa fresh and I would totally pick it if life made sense and we could buy ourselves our own gifts for Christmas and just open them together like mature adults… celebrating the holiday of children.  So yes, Freshly Picked is the ideal shop name for the purveyor of this item.  I approve of your branding, sirs/maidens.  Carry on.

It also comes in white, or, Caucasian.  It’s pretty.

GIVE MEE ZAH NIXT PINN!!!!  (Being part German means I have permission to poke fun at Heidi Klum.  It comes in the birth swag bag, along with always playing the villain in feature films.)

PIN – Pretty gold + kraft paper packaging situation that I love, via Brunch at Saks.

Fun fact: actually having brunch at Saks IRL is like putting your money into your mouth and then eating your money, but in a penthouse restaurant with panoramic views.

PIN – I’ve had my eye on this gold chevron tray for EVER.  And it looks like up in the air somewhere has up and made another one!  I do not know why I have not yet purchased it, nor why I’m telling you about it since I want it for myself so badly.  $100 is just a lot of money to me.  But OMGIWANTIT.  Anyway, if you get it, congrats!  Isn’t it gorgeous?  LOVE.

PIN – via Kate Arends; Pretty sure I need this sweater.  Hint hint, person who always gets me sweaters.

Also, these amazeballs gold striped Thank You cards, Hello cards or this one, too, all by Rifle Paper Co.  DeLIGHTful, y’all.

PIN – I like elegant holiday decor that isn’t all holiday-ey about it.  Which means I love this Anthro art installation blogged by Things on My List and captured by Brett Gullborg.

I mentioned the following tip on Twitter earlier today but this image above really puts a face to a name, if that makes sense.  So this is me sharing it again: “To avoid over-Christmas-ifying your holiday wedding, decorate with ornaments and garland in muted or nude/ivory/cream tones.”

I think you’ve hit egomaniacal status when you start quoting yourself from earlier in the day.

In other news, I think there’s something on your tongue.

Sorry, but that is grossness.  Take the picture before she starts drooling uncontrollably due to her inability to swallow.  Gross PIN via here.

So, a couple of questions if you don’t mind!

1. Do you have any favorites?

2. If anyone has any suggestions for me as to what I should wear to this holiday party on Thursday, I beg of you to share them with me.  Even if it’s just a scarf.  SCARVES PULL TOGETHER OUTFITS, amirite? :)

xoxo!  - Alison

↑ like WHOA.

Happy Friday afternoon-almost-weekend you guys!  I sorries; I knowww it’s late even for me :) but most of today was spent working on some projects/some upcoming news of the personal variety – that yes, of course I’m going to share with you soon – and the remaining time was weirdly spent editing shots I took at a recent Vera Wang event because I feel bad I haven’t freaking SHAAARED them with you yet, jeez, but I promise they are coming, I promise promise promise.  Ok anyway I really wanna hear your deepest, darkest thoughts on the following, so here we go…

I think I’m telling a lot of people’s stories when I say this… so tell me if you’ve experienced this, too:

You know how in the beginning when you start looking for dresses, you’re brimming with excitement and you’re so sure you’re going to find “The One” and you’re like Bachelor Brad Womack at the beginning of his second season, where he says “one of these women is goin’ ta be mah wife,” and it just feels like a sure thing because, I mean, there are so many choices! and you’re certain that you’re not gonna stop being pumped and driven about your dress shopping.  And then you know how after months of perusing wedding dresses they all start to sort of bleed together and it gets kind of overwhelming because nothing’s popping out at you as *a keeper* and at this point when people ask you about them, you turn into Bachelor Brad Womack A Few Episodes Into The Season, and you start describing the dresses like how Brad described the women who were competing for him, which is with zero emotion or differentiating details?  And you get so overwhelmed with dress choices/possible wives that you start saying things like “I thought I knew where I stood, but now I got no ideer agin,” and you’re left feeling pretty disillusioned and uninterested, because “crap, I can’t tell the differences between these girlies anymore and muh favorite one has a kid already which is pretty much a deal-breaker for me because I don’t see past T & A when I’m considering a life together,” and you need a therapist to come visit your Bachelor rental property and you start talking about your childhood and how you weren’t loved while you and your therapist look out over sprawling vistas and many similar-looking women (to you), and you feel almost defeated…?

So, do you – are you feeling me on that?  Yes?  No?  What has your dress shopping experience been like?

Well here’s the beauty part of this post (it wasn’t back there where I talked about The Bachelor for a whole paragraph and made you throw up a little bit in your mouth): Sofia and André of Brancoprata sent me what the uber-talented André came away with, camera-style, from their incredible experience in Mexico at the most recent Jose Villa Workshop, and I am quite proud to say that today, ladies and gentlemen, TODAY… we are seeing the trappings of what can be described only as one seriously Unforgettable Dress.  It’s a Claire Pettibone, ladies and gents.

… and it is spectacular.

Do you love?

P.S. – and there was a taste up at the top of this, but here’s a larger, healthier taste of what’s coming up next week, in Part II of this shoot:

You guys it has become clear to me that it is indeed possible to fall in love with a table scape.  Deep, deep, erotic, passionate love, full of lovemaking.  There ya go, there’s your weirdness dose for the day, in case you were wondering where it was.

So… what do you think of the dress, mis amigos y familia?

Some fun question bits, if you’d like some fodder: When you think about/shop for a wedding dress, do you look for special details, or straightforward simplicity?  Do you like a sheer back, or covered, or open?  Do you prefer straps, to strapless?  Do you like all white/ivory/cream, or do you think you’d like a dose of color?

Please do share!  I’m dying to know!

xoxo!  - Alison

Brancoprata is member of TKB’s Vendor Love. You can explore more of Brancoprata in our guide.

Photography: André Teixeira of Brancoprata / Workshop: Jose Villa Workshops / The beautiful couple is Jana Williams and Dave Baez / Location: Hacienda El Carmen / Abby of Style me Pretty / Styling: Jill La Fleur / Cinematography: Joel Serrato Films / Karina Puente / Brian of Richard Photo Lab / Jim Cagel Accountant / Mar of Team Hair and Makeup / Kate of Flower Wild Design / Paper goods design: Amber Moon / Calligraphy: Mara, Neither Snow / Cake: Erica O’brien / Wedding Gowns: Claire Pettibone / Hair Pieces: Mignonne / Engagement session gowns: Everly

Sponsors: Richard Photo Lab / Fuji Film / Velvet Raptor / Cypress Albums / Kraft and Jute / Think Tank / Ryan of Finch Design

OMFG DO YOU HAVE ANY MONEY LEFT??!!  Because I’m hearing through the grapevine (read: news) that people are fully occupying Cyber Monday with the entire contents of their wallets.  But the important question is: are you getting a good deal?  I hope you’re not dropping your Benjamins on that lawn mower you started eying on Friday for the first time ever because it was going to be 50% off.  Because you live in the city, Alison.  You don’t NEEEEEED a riding lawn mower.  Especially not if you’re going to have to pay Manhattan Storage a monthly fee to store it until you move to the suburbs.  Which if you have your way, won’t be happening for at least 25 more years.

Yeah, so don’t buy the lawn mower, Alison.  I come from a place of love.

OK, ANYWIZZLE, I scrounged up some really stellar deals and discounts for Cyber Monday, and I wanted to make sure y’all know about them.  Because these brands and these prices are insane.  Here, check it out…

First off, Emici Bridal has an awesome Cyber Monday sample sale going on, and it amounts to FREE shipping on everything through today if you use coupon code FREESHIP!

I must say, I’m surprised she’s discounting these things.  She’s so successful without the need for sales, so this must simply be her act of kindness for the day?  Whatever it is, go to there and capitalize.  You’ve seen the Mini Catala Flower Bouquet in Orange Crush up in the lead image of this post, and here’s the Seattle Bouquet and the Lana Gemstone and Rhinestone Beaded Black and Ivory Silk Cuff - all options in Marie’s Sample Sale category, just to show you a taste of what’s to be had:

Next up, LuLu*s has some really great deals going on over in their Cyber Monday category.  I love LuLu*s and always dig their s**t.  Totally affordable and fun.  Capitalize, friends.  Some of these dresses would make the loveliest bridesmaids dresses!

LOVE this simple, modern frock…

And now for a few florals and prints…

And now the block prints…

Valencia Squeeze Orange Dress + Lucille Ball Polka Dot Dress + A+ Navy Blue Dress + Family Reunion Navy Blue Dress + Tulle Hollywood Premiere Black Dress + Historic 101 One Shoulder Floral Dress + Big Sky Country Floral Blue Maxi Dress + Tropical Delicious Coral Dress

And next we have Stella Bella Invitations!  For Cyber Monday, she’s offering customers of her etsy shop 10% off, with the use of promo code CYBER10.  So get buyin’, peoples!  If you’re in the market for paper goods, she’s a DELIGHT to work with.  That’s like SO important in my book.

Oh, and personally, I’m really into this chevron print.  I mean, I guess me and the whole world, at the moment.

Tessa Kim is offering amazeballs savings and all you have to do to receive your discount code is “Like” their Facebook page, and then once you’re on Tessa Kim’s page, visit the “BLACK FRIDAY SALE” tab over to your left and BAM you’ve got the ability to get 35% off the entire store.  HOLY CRAP.  Seriously.

I mean look.  LOOK at this stuff.

Shot by Candice Benjamin, these images are what dreams are made of.  I want to walk around in my underwear with these delicate pieces on my head.  I feel like adding anything from my closet to an ensemble involving a Tessa Kim piece would devalue the overall look.

Not that my naked body would be the best case scenario ensemble.

Umm, alrighty, real wedding coming up, and it’s effing GREATNESS.  But for now, happy smart shopping day! :)

xoxo!  - Alison

Emici Bridal and LuLu*s are both sponsors of TKB.  Stella Bella Invitations, Tessa Kim and Candice Benjamin Photography are members of Vendor Love, TKB’s preferred vendor guide.