Monday, December 28, 2009

Star Hair Clips

At home sick today I leafed through my latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings (an engagement gift from my cousin that keeps my apartment awash in wedding magazines) to see their story on star hair clips.

I've been a fan of these since Kiera Knightley dressed-up her art deco do in Atonement with a pair of clips (one is found by her well-meaning but nosy younger sister, alerting her that Kiera and the maid's son are canoodling in the library), but it's hard to find them at prices less than your month's rent (the Martha clips above top $1200 for three. Sheesh.).

As usual, though, Etsy (the hipster/indie/DIY/poor bride's best friend), comes to the rescue with a few vintage options, ranging from $5-$25 (I know.)

I like the nature-inspired look of these two, with the lazy-swaying starfish on the left and the leaf-nestled beribboned star on the right. ($10 from Gypsy's Trinkets)

Although a little dusty, this sweet little star is a steal at $5 (from bjalderman)


This one would pair nicely with the one above, and was the only to break double-digits ($25 from Billy Galaxy)

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Carved Wedding Bands

I am still waffling about my wedding band, since my requirements are much more complicated than Dave's (plain, simple, white gold). I know what I'd like: something not too flashy but still personal, something small, something that could complement my engagement ring, something I could wear out hiking in the mud or making a sand castle or painting without worrying about, something elegant enough for a fancy dinner or the ballet or a business meeting.

I'm still searching, but I think I've found the style I want: a carved wedding band. Although some of them can inch towards looking a little Lisa Frank, the wheat design of this art deco band is so lovely.

And how beautiful is this modern-style crown of olive leaves?

I'm leaning towards a band of flowers. My mom has one and loves telling the story of how she and my dad visited their jeweler with a little bag of diamonds and how he sketched out a few simple flowers, dropping a diamond in the center of each. I always loved how simple and feminine it was and how unique the design felt in comparison to most jewelry store bands.

My mom's band is yellow gold and rather wide, and she wears it alone (her engagement ring was turned into a necklace). With the help of my design-o-matic brother, I'm hoping to have a ring a little smaller and more delicate and modern.