outfit envy

While Dan and I won't be getting married until mid-2013, I can't help but let wedding and marriage plans sneak into my everyday thoughts - especially after this weekend, when I went to an incredibly beautiful wedding of a dear friend from college! I've always loved the idea of gray as one of our wedding colors, and ever since we got engaged, I'm hyper-aware of how other colors pop out when paired with it. I especially love the way gray and vibrant colors are used in the outfits below:

Source: polyvore.com via Kelly on Pinterest

I love how using gray and denim in the big pieces like the shirt, pants, and bag and bright orange in the scarf, shoes, and belt is both casual and stylish.

Source: polyvore.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Yellow and gray is such a gorgeous, happy, and calm combo of colors, and I love the way this outfit pairs them in a professional yet pretty way.

Source: polyvore.com via Kelly on Pinterest

I think this outfit is an excellent example of how the color paired with gray doesn't necessarily have to be a bright color in order to stand out. The use of light purple in the main pieces and simple gray accents is peaceful and romantic.

What do you think of the use of gray in outfits, as either the starring role or as an accent? What colors do you prefer to pair it with?

design dreams: throw pillows on beds

Lately I have been daydreaming a lot about the home I will have someday soon with Daniel. I want our bedroom to be a safe haven: cozy, comfy, and relaxed, yet romantic, cute, and stylish. I love the idea of lettered throw pillows because they add an "extra something" to the room's style while also being functional. Check out the ones pictured below:

Source: tumblr.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Adorable "Mr. & Mrs." pillows are perfect for newlyweds.

Source: imperfectlypolished.com via Kelly on Pinterest

They can always be switched out first initials of the husband and wife once the honeymoon phase is over ; )

Source: etsy.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Or, if one wanted to emphasize atmosphere and attitude over coupledom, Scrabble letter-style pillows to spell out a well-chosen word.

Do you like the idea of lettered throw pillows? What sort of ones would you use in your home?

P.S. Check out The Aestate for a great giveaway of an instaclassic home design book, The Perfectly Imperfect Home. And while you're over there, explore the site - it's awesome!

my life: "i talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress..."

We're engaged!! : )

weekly gems

Hello, everyone! How was your week? Mine has been great! I spent it visiting Dan and his family in Columbus. We drank coffee and ate ice cream from our favorite places, made chocolate covered bananas, played catch, kicked around a soccer ball, ate out at an awesome fish and chips place, went for walks, and just generally relaxed around the house. One of the highlights of the week was when Dan got me an early birthday present - Martin the Monkey, featured up above. We made him together at Build-A-Bear Workshop before seeing a movie (the review of which will be posted next week). Please note Martin's Indians uniform in honor of my favorite Cleveland sports team (who are doing AWESOME this season - knock on wood!).

Do you have big plans for this weekend? I'll be getting certified in CPR and moving more things from my apartment to my parents' home. I hope your weekend is not as busy and a bit more entertainment-oriented! Or that you at least have time to browse some of the awesome links below. See you next week! : )

• NBC has announced its fall schedule for the 2011-2012 TV season. ABC has announced its fall schedule as well.
• I would totally live-in this L.A. condo - seriously love everything about it!
• Excellent news for coffee drinkers! And even more reasons to love & cherish your friends.
• Check out this slideshow of the best movie love triangles.
• Great tips for constant worriers.
• This video of Gwyneth Paltrow rapping is too funny!
• How-to thrift effectively!
• Movie casting news: Armie Hammer in The Lone Ranger and Michelle Williams in the Oz prequel.
• Where to find the love in photographs.
• Can't wait to try pomegranate-champagne punch, chopped broccoli salad, and chocolate lava cake.
• Love this beautiful, yellow and gray wedding and this elaborate, pink and gray proposal

weekly gems

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• These cookies are fantastically cute and festive.
• Prince William and Kate Middleton's engagement portrait!
• These "Snow Day" foods look delicious and highly appropriate for winter.
• Adore these Christmas lights.
• Truly obsessed with Matchbook's Strikes Our Fancy. I can't stop looking through it. Also enjoying Alyson's Pintrest. (I might have to make my own tumblr or Pintrest soon...)
• In awe of this photo of the day.
• This awesome new fashion site by the former creative director of Lucky. (via A CUP OF JO)
• Favorites weddings of the week number one, number two, and number three.
• Love this quote.
• Definitely going to write myself a letter!
  
• Made my day to read this interview with artist Judy Kaufmann - love her illustrations!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I will be heading home early Saturday morning - I'll officially be on winter break! I'm looking forward to spending time with family and relaxing at home...maybe fit in some Christmas shopping! What are your plans for the weekend? Any interesting web finds from this week?

a royal engagement

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So Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged!! Congratulations to them! Apparently they've been secretly engaged since October, but it was not announced until now. For some reason, I am a fan of Will and Kate as a couple and always feel drawn to read stories about them, so I'm very excited about this! : )

The prince gave Kate his mother Princess Diana's engagement ring. He said it was his way of honoring his mom and incorporating her into the celebration of their impending marriage. From the bit of feedback I've been reading on the web, some people think it was a bad idea since Charles and Di's marriage ended in divorce. Personally, I think it is super sweet and a wonderful way to honor his mother and future wife, to link them together in such a way.

Also, it was reported Prince William asked Kate's father for permission before he proposed. Love it!

Can't wait to hear about the plans for this sure-to-be huge wedding!


What do you all think about Prince William giving Kate his mother's engagement ring? Are you excited for a royal wedding?

a pixar proposal

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How amazing are these ring boxes?! They were made by Michal Miszta, a modelmaker in Dublin, Ireland. As a lover of Pixar and a hopeless romantic, they just blow me away!

What do you think? What movies would you want a ring box designed around?