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CB Style File: The Cutest Flower Girl Look Ever

I love the simple sophistication of this mod-inspired number from J. Crew - so perfect for a chic little flower girl. If they made it in my size, I'd be placing my order as I type!

 And I love the idea of pairing the dress with some super classic flats with bows:


Or some cheerful glittery ballet flats:


Are you having a flower girl in your wedding? If so, how are you styling her look?

Images via J. Crew. This is not a sponsored post.
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How to Flea Market for your Wedding, p.1: The Groundwork

I grew up tagging alongside my Mom to every single antique shop and market in Charleston, SC, and later, when we moved to Germany, we traipsed through market after market all over Europe. That childhood instilled an admiration of vintage items and I had a ball antiquing and flea marketing with my Mom and friends during the months leading up to my own wedding. We sourced dozens of milk glass vases, silver platters and trays, rhinestone baubles, cuff links and more. After the wedding, my husband & I moved back to Germany and I found myself in a brocanting paradise. My friends and I would daytrip into France, Belgium and Germany to discover antique treasures at pop-up markets and little dusty antique shops every week. Without a doubt, those were the best years of my life {so far!}. ;)

Because I consider myself pretty well-versed in the international flea marketing world, I thought I'd share a series devoted to tips and tricks of the trade to help you navigate this sometimes intimidating world of bargaining and bantering ... because there's no doubt that gorgeous antiques and vintage pretties can elevate the aesthetics of a wedding by leaps and bounds!
From my wedding - I sourced the silver cake stand at an antique shop in South Carolina.
The pitcher is a family heirloom and the milk glass vase was found flea marketing in Mississippi
TIP NO. 1 | First, get over any fear you may have associated with the word 'antique.' I've met so many people who hear 'antique' and immediately think big dollar signs and start shuddering. While some antiques certainly are pricey, you can still find gorgeous pieces at affordable prices. So shed that fear and look forward to the hunt ahead of you.

From my wedding - a glimpse at a few of the milk glass vases + compotes I collected from flea markets,
shops and antique malls. Some of them had to be cleaned heavily but the end results were pretty lovely,
if I do say so myself. ;)
TIP NO. 2 | Get ready to embrace some dust + dirt. While you'll sometimes find great deals at upscale shops, you're most likely to hit treasure at those grimy street markets, garage sales, or my absolute favorite - vide greniers - in France {vide grenier literally means 'empty the attic'}. I have found so many amazing treasures at markets and while I have invested many hours using clorox wipes and polishing scrubs to clean up my finds, I've never once minded because I'd just keep reminding myself of the awesome deal I got! Dust + dirt can be your friend - learn to be okay with them and trust in the power of soap!

From my wedding - I found that chic rhinestone pin at an antique mall in Alabama.
The blue sapphire is a family heirloom.
TIP NO. 3 | Don't forget about the antique shops. Just because you're more likely to find bargains at the markets, don't forget about boutiques and shops. Every once in a blue moon, you'll strike gold and find an amazing deal. I once found a sterling silver mint julep cup in a high-end antique shop in Louisiana for an absolute steal. And while you may not always make a purchase at antique shops, they will inspire you to no end - these shopkeepers and vendors have taken the time to clean up their gorgeous pieces and stage and style them so they'll be appealing to you - which will give you great ideas on how to incorporate different pieces in different ways. Whether for your wedding or your home, inspiration abounds at antique malls and shops. Visit them frequently!
One more glimpse at those pretty milk glass arrangements from my wedding!
TIP NO. 4 | Be educated. You wouldn't walk into Target and plop down $50 for a pack of frappuccinos just because that's what the price tag said - would you? Of course not! And the same goes for antiques - you never want to walk into a shop or market blindly. So do your research and know the going price for the piece(s) you like. My favorite way of educating myself is to shop around. Let's say I'm on the hunt for a milkglass cake stand ... I'd begin my hunt online and check eBay, Etsy and a few online boutiques to see what sort of price range exists. Armed with that knowledge, I'd then visit a few local antique malls/shops/markets and keep my eye peeled for those elusive milkglass cake stands. I personally feel that this is the best way to earn an education on the going price as you're actually able to see the piece in person and compare more accurately. After you've shopped around online and in person, you will start to see a pattern in pricing and you'll know if a price is sky high, right on the mark or if it's a true bargain. This is the time that you should start searching for the best price and leap on it when you find it. Bottom line: Know the competition and you'll know a good deal when you see it!

COMING UP | Next week, I'll share tips on bargaining - whether you're shopping on Royal Street in NOLA or the regular ol' local market, there's a special language to use and you should know it. I'll later share a special European edition highlighting some key phrases and techniques to score some serious booty.

ps. Click on the label 'flea marketing for your wedding' to access all the posts in this series!

Photos by Look Photography.
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CB Style File: Devon Baer Tunics + 3 Ways to Style Them {for Wedding Events!}

Meet my newest closet staple + serious crush: The Devon Baer tunic:

 

Between the rich dupioni silk fabric, the brilliant colors, the exquisitely fab ruffle collar and the oh-so-flattering cut, I am seriously on cloud 9 and wish I could wear my DB tunic every day of the week!

I've long admired Devon Baer Designs, hitting the perfect note of timeless casual preppy sophistication since 2009 when Devon launched her own line. What I most love about DB's chic tunics is their supreme versatility: You can style them up or down in a pinch. Combine the versatility factor with top-notch luxurious fabrics and I think these tunics are the perfect investment piece! Especially if you're currently in wedding planning mode - they are beyond perfect for so many events leading up to a wedding {and, of course, after!}. Hello engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, bach parties, wedding-after party, Sunday brunch ... you guys, I could go and on! Don't get me started on how cute they'd be for bridesmaids!

And I just have to say that I think the classic white tunic, pictured below, would be smashing tucked into a linen pencil skirt and heels for a courthouse elopement or simple garden ceremony ...


Can't you picture it?? Le sigh...

To demonstrate the fab versatility I keep chattering about, I played dress up {and down} with my gorge ruffle tunic in cobalt to show you a few fun ways you can style these pretties:


First, I paired the tunic with a houndstooth pencil skirt, a long strand of pearls, a beaded sash (c/o), and heels. I think this look would translate perfectly for an engagement party or Sunday brunch.


Next, I dressed up a pair of navy capris with black satin heels, a shimmery clutch (c/o), laurel leaf beaded sash (c/o) and a rhinestone bracelet (c/o). I think this ensemble hits the perfect note of dressy casual ... great for a bridal shower or bach party!

You might remember that laurel leaf sash from our Parisian Love shoot where I wore it as a headband. :) 

And, lastly, I dressed my beloved tunic down for a Friday night dinner date. I had to resort to a few iPhone selfies as my hubby was running late from work and the sun was rapidly setting but I think you'll get the idea ... I paired the tunic with a pair of faded jeans, sparkly flats and a few baubles and bracelets.


I hope these looks give you a few ideas for upcoming events and I'd love to hear how you style your DB tunic!! Thank you so much to the lovely gals at Devon Baer Designs for teaming up with me - I am beyond in love. :) And a special shout-out to my sweet husband for taking photos and not even complaining about {but rather embracing!} having to wear my sequined + tulle camera strap! You're the best. xx.

And, pssst, Devon Baer's incredibly gorgeous spring line is just around the corner! It will officially be debuting on March 1st but I scored a few sneak peeks ...


Can you stand it?!? I can't wait to see the full line - I'm already in love!

Feeling social? Network with DB Designs here:

This post sponsored by Devon Baer designs. Tunic c/o Devon Baer.
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Refined Kentucky Wedding at the Historic Hunt-Morgan House in Lexington

Lord knows I love a good Southern wedding and Cassie + Zach's beautiful Kentucky wedding offers up a delicious dose of refined Southern charm. From Cassie's Gatsby-inspired beaded dress and jade drop earrings {from her grandmother!} to the historic Hunt-Morgan House in downtown Lexington, I know you are going to love every last detail of this sweet fete! / Photos by Melanie Mauer.

Says Cassie, "Zach & I met summer of 2009 but remained just acquaintances until December 2009 when I decided last minute to go to Nashville with a group of friends, not knowing who all was going. We had a blast that night in downtown Nashville and he ended up being my New Years kiss and we've basically been together ever since. 


I carried a 5191 coin (tied around my bouquet) in memory of my grandfather & step-grandmother who were killed in the flight 5191 crash and wore my grandmother's ring on my right hand.


 The jade earrings were my great grandmother's (they were my "something borrowed," unfortunately my mom wouldn't let me keep them, no matter how hard I begged!)


My best friend, Rishi, officiated the wedding, we had a small ceremony around 60 people and a huge reception with the jimmy church band."



I most looked forward to..."Wearing my dress, being able to see everything that we'd planned come to life, and dancing the night away with our friends and family, and of course, marrying my best friend."

Thanks so much to Cassie and Zach for sharing their magical day with us and to the sweet and hugely talented Melanie Mauer for sharing her always gorgeous photos with us. xx.

Credits: Wedding Venue: Hunt Morgan House, Lexington, Kentucky / Reception: Idle Hour Country Club /  Event Planner: Sarah Leer / Florist: Patrick Howard / Cake: Martine's Pastries / Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Photographer: Melanie Mauer

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