"Last year’s words belong to last year’s language
and next year’s words await another voice.”
— T.S. Eliot
Showing posts with label style: retro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style: retro. Show all posts
Sunday, December 31
Thursday, December 28
pinspiration: new year's eve
I recently saw a post where someone described 2017 as "personally, great; internationally; a mess," and I couldn't agree more. While our New Year's Eves tend to skew toward the cozy (our friends plan a night of Minute to Win It games and appetizers), if this year's fashion offerings are any indication we're all dreaming of a little Studio 54 throwback style. Even a cozy night at home needs a little sparkle and glitter, in my opinion. Let's do this, 2018. We're ready.
Sunday, May 28
sunday simplicity.
"The bad news is time flies. The
good news is you’re the pilot.”
— Michael Altshuler
Sunday, October 30
Wednesday, July 6
wedding wednesday: inspiration for a cheerful summer camp wedding
Longtime readers of this blog know that summer camp is the heart of my life - in fact, this year I'm celebrating my 20th year of participating in camping programs at my local 4-H center, from my first week as a camper in 1996, becoming a counselor-in-training, growing in self-confidence as a teen leader, and building teaching and teamwork skills by working on staff for three summers, to serving as an adult volunteer. Last week, I furthered my commitment to the organization that has helped shape me as an individual by becoming a 4-H All-Star, which is the highest honor one can receive in the organization in the state of Virginia - there's a secret handshake and everything.
When I look back on the last 20 years, some of my favorite memories of camp are bright, cheerful, and warm - painting ceramics during free recreation period, holding hands with sweet campers away from home for the first time, singing songs with my best friends at the top of our lungs, and gathering around the campfire by the lake to share in magic that gets passed down to new campers each summer. I think that summer camps make an amazing wedding venue, and today I'm sharing inspiration for a dream wedding with a retro vibe - inspired by dahlias, red camp lanterns, and the optimistic atmosphere of summer camp.
Dahlia Invitations by Althea and Ruth for Minted
Isn't this invitation perfect for a summer wedding? I love the hand-drawn illustration. This past summer, when two friends who were both on staff together at my camp tied the knot, they borrowed our camp's tradition of assigning campers to animal themed "packs" for their escort cards and table numbers. At our camp, the pack animals are bobcats, coyotes, deer, ducks, foxes rabbits, squirrels, and wolves. When I was still very young, campers were divided into tribes named after Native American groups who had historically lived in our area. I recently found out that current staff members there are assigned to "families" named after native trees. I love camp-inspired teams as an escort card/table number idea and think it adds a perfect retro camping touch to a wedding without being over-the-top.
My dahlia obsession comes back to me in full force every summer - I love the endless color palette they offer, and how versatile they can be for formal and casual arrangements. They may give my all-time favorites, hydrangeas and peonies, a run for their money.
This wedding took place on a former gold mine now operated as a private, not-for-profit camp - how cool is that? Follow the link for lots of great rustic wedding inspiration.
Another must-see is the vintage-themed camp wedding planned and styled by Amorology - at first I thought it was a styled shoot and couldn't believe it was the real deal!
Antique malls, Etsy, and even thrift shops would be great sources for summer camp inspired weddings - I love the idea of a reception dinner on mismatched plates and simple wildflower arrangements in a variety of containers.
Mixed vintage-inspired prints can add to the retro feel of a camp-inspired wedding in the form of bow ties, pocket squares, ring pillows, quilts thrown over hay bales, and anywhere else that needs a dose of colorful cheer.
My favorite time to walk around my camp is actually at night, just after campfire, when campers have gone to their lodges, the grounds are quiet, and the moon is shining on the lake. That's when I can remember all the walks up the hill from campfire with my friends, the mentors who taught me how to handle homesick campers, the late-night trips to the infirmary that always seemed to end with laughter, and, when I was on staff, Mr. Q dropping me off after our first dates the summer we met. Camp will always be home to me.
Sunday, April 24
Sunday, April 17
sunday simplicity.
“You don't love someone for their looks, or their
clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they
sing a song only you can hear.” ― Oscar Wilde
Tuesday, June 23
Retro Summer Style: Aquamarine and Gingham
In the virtual wasteland that is this summer's network television schedule, I have been really excited about The Astronaut Wives Club - I love learning more about the 1960's, and I was excited to see Yvonne Strahovski (Sarah from Chuck) and JoAnna Garcia Swisher (Ariel from Once Upon a Time) among the stars. When I found out the series is based on a book I knew I had to add it to my summer reading list. This week, I'm channeling 60's summer style - aquamarine, shirtwaist dresses, and classic feminine details like gingham prints and scalloped edges.
Disclaimer: Amazon and ModCloth links contain an affiliate code. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!
1. Vivienne Westwood dress (similar from ModCloth) 2. J. Crew bikini top and bottom 3. The Astronaut Wives Club from Amazon 4. Gingham skirt from ModCloth (similar in black) 5. Formula X nail polish in "Provocative" from Sephora 6. China Glaze nail polish in "Dashboard Dreamer" from Amazon 7. Stripe weekend shorts from GAP 8. Old Navy scallop-edge blouse 9. Cat eye sunglasses from Zero UV (similar from ModCloth) 10. Rotary telephone from Chairish (similar from Amazon) 11. Bait Footwear wedges from ModCloth
What television shoes, movies or books have inspired your style lately?
Linking Up:
Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express
Wednesday, March 11
style: blush and lucite for spring
One of the must-have items on my spring wish list is this floral scarf from Target - it's very similar to the Kate Spade scarf I spent last spring drooling over (note to self: stop waiting for Kate Spade pieces to "go on sale"... they will go out of stock instead!). Target's version includes two of this spring's most popular colors, blush pink and lucite green, is 1/8th the cost of a Kate Spade scarf, and makes me look forward to the days when my lunch buddies and I will be able to eat outside!
Disclaimer: Modcloth links contain affiliate codes. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!
3. Analog clock from Modcloth 4. Modcloth dress 5. Old Navy reversible tote 6. Target faux succulents (I'm loving this idea for planting succulents in mugs) 7. Modcloth ballet flats 8. Essie Resort 2015 nail polishes in "Stones N Roses" and "Time for Me Time"
Monday, September 8
clicks of note: standing by your side...
get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.
SWOON.
SMILE.
FLASHBACK.
LISTEN.
- Odessa's song "I Will Be There" is probably familiar to you either from the Subaru commercial it's featured in or from The Fault in Our Stars' soundtrack. I am loving the light, ethereal song - this is the kind of song I just want to wrap around me. I'm linking up with Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos - and you should, too!
SWOON.
- Bridal Musings features an amazing Amalfi Coast styled shoot.
- How cute is this preppy St. Louis Zoo engagement session?
- At South Bound Bride, bridal portraits with a rock and roll twist.
- Loving this colorful Charleston soirée from Southern Weddings.
SMILE.
- Loving Antiquaria Design Studio's new retro stationery and cards.
- Kate Spade presents the most amazing treat bags in the world.
- Pantone's colors for Spring/Summer 2015 are just so pretty.
- It's NYFW! Loving Desigual, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Trina Turk.
PONDER.
- Over at Serious Eats, Sarah's family meatball night sounds perfect.
- Hollie's insights on blogging really made me think about why I blog:
"I turn on the switch…write a post, then turn it off. Whether blogging is your full time job, your part time job, or your hobby, you still must have that switch."
- Last year, I rounded up my favorite graphic black and white pieces for fall, gathered inspiration for a Jane Austen inspired garden wedding, recapped my summer in entertainment, and blurbed the fall 2013 shows I was looking forward to.
- Two years ago, I shared our wedding's thrifted touches, rounded up modern terrariums from around the web and more geometric accessories, and joined an Instagram challenge for book lovers.
- Three years ago, I shared more of our wedding's handcrafted details, a peek at the girls getting ready at the salon, and what the guys were up to.
Wednesday, August 20
paper chase: music-inspired save the dates & invites
Previously, I've rounded up the prettiest watercolor wedding stationery, stylish mint invitations, and sports themed save-the-dates. Today, I decided to scout some ideas for couples who love music, whether you're a fan of modern tunes or oldies are your thing.
Music Lovers invitation from LetterBoxInk on Etsy | Album cover save-the-date from ElloThere on Etsy via Hi-Fi Weddings
For couples who love oldies or classic rock, these record-theme invitations are adorable and fun. I love the detailed packaging in the LetterBoxInk design, the concert poster inspired look of ElloThere's save-the-date, and these buttons from WeddingSaveTheDates are just plain fun.
1950's Record save-the-date buttons from WeddingSaveTheDates on Etsy
If vinyl's not your thing, there are plenty of boombox and casette tape inspired paper goods to go around. If your courtship included an exchange of mixtapes, one of these designs might be perfect!
Boombox save-the-dates from Chips and Salsa Designs
The Perfect Mix save-the-date from Zazzle
What about a save-the-date for a bohemian festival who loves attending festivals together? This design from Wedfest includes a super vibrant color scheme.
Our Big Day save-the-date by Wedfest
Ticket-inspired save-the-dates are popular with sports fans and music fans alike. If your heart belong in the '70s, these are for you.
Old School save-the-date from Hydraulic Graphix on Etsy
Vintage Concert Ticket save-the-date from CheerUpCherup on Etsy
I've also seen several gorgeous designs inspired by classic show prints used to advertise concerts. Not just for music lovers, these save-the-dates would also be a perfect fit for designers who love typography.
Concert Poster save-the-date by Marit Hanson
Holly Would Press via Invitation Crush
Josh and Alyssa's save-the-date from Three Steps Ahead
Tuesday, July 15
eShakti Dress Review [+ a discount code for YOU!]
Disclaimer: I received a dress from eShakti in exchange for my honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for this post.
Over the past year or so, I'd seen several fashion bloggers post about dresses from eShakti, but I wasn't really sure what made eShakti different from other online shops. Recently, I was contacted by a media relations representative who explained that eShakti is currently the only online women's fashion company offering custom dresses in size 0-36W. When they asked me to review one of their dresses, I was thrilled!
I am usually wary about ordering online from companies who don't have a brick and mortar presence I can visit to try things on and figure out how their sizing works - ordering a dress online can be such a gamble when one retailer's 12 is another's 16, and as a petite woman (I'm 5'2") I never know if dresses are going to be scandalously short or frumpy and long on me. I could tell as soon as I started perusing eShakti that this experience was going to be different. I browsed the adorable styles and settled on this contrast piped trim poplin dress because I liked the sixties-inspired details and the navy and coral color palette, and when I scrolled down to place my order, I saw that I could choose a standard dress size or enter my own measurements for a completely custom design. I chose a standard size since the chart on the site seemed to match up with my measurements. The site also had me enter my height, which this petite girl appreciated. In addition to being able to customize the size of dresses, some eShakti designs give customers the option of changing the sleeve type, length, and/or neck line of each style - as a teacher, I LOVE these options because they mean I can make the eShakti dresses I love appropriate to wear at work!
When I placed my order, I received an e-mail invoice with an actual image of the dress, the order number and product ID, and the customization I had chosen - I really appreciated having all of that information so that I would know the dress I received was exactly what I ordered. My dress was shipped through DHL, so I had to leave a note for the delivery man that it was okay to leave the box on the front porch.
Dress: eShakti (temporarily out of stock) Necklace: J. Crew Factory Shoes: TJ Maxx
I was happy to see when I took my dress out of the package that it looked exactly like the picture on the website, right down to the cute contrast stitching on the princess seams. The fabric is a thick cotton poplin and this dress includes a partial side zipper. Whereas the website listed inner bra strap keeps as one of the dress's features, they do not seem to have been added to my dress, but that's not really a big deal. I love the dress's fit-and-flare shape and decided I needed a 60's hairstyle to go with the mod look!
Unfortunately, when I tried on the dress, it turned out to be a bit too snug for comfort in the bust and the waist. After reading a few other bloggers' eShakti reviews, I realize that I could have returned the dress for a larger size. I really wish I had gone with the fully customized measurements rather than going with the size chart - there are two reviews on the page for the dress that state that it runs a size small.
The standout feature of this dress is definitely the button-tabbed banding at the waistline, and the band is removable for a slightly different look. I can see myself wearing this dress to work as well as special occasions like date night with Mr. Q!
Can you see yourself in a ladylike eShakti dress? They've created a coupon code especially for Beyond the Aisle readers! Enter "brides" in the ‘promotional code’ box when you place your order to get 10% off. This code is valid from 07/15/2014 – 08/15/2014.
Coupon Code Details:It is not case-sensitive. Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.This discount code is not applicable on clearance / sale, gift cards & overstock categories.Not applicable on previous purchases.You can visit and follow eShakti on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!
Linking Up:
Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express
Stylish Tuesday at Life's a Party, Dress For It
Budget Babes with Elegance and Mommyhood and Not Fancy Just Life
Budget Babes with Elegance and Mommyhood and Not Fancy Just Life
Thursday, March 20
paper chase: the best mint wedding invitations
Yesterday, I pictured a dreamy spring wedding with lots of mint. But let's just
say the girly pastel thing isn't quite right for you. Mint is one of the most popular
hues for weddings this season, and it's easy to find an invitation that suits
your style - whether you want to save yourself the fuss, support independent
designers, or DIY by printing your own invites at home.
Woodland Kraft invitations by Olivia Raufman for Elli
Woodland themes have been gaining popularity over the last few years,
and this invitation would be perfect for a March or April wedding at a
little chapel in the forest or a summer camp setting.
Chalkboard Invitations by Alethea and Ruth for Minted
As you know, chalkboard details are a favorite of mine - so I
absolutely love this design's totally modern take on chalk art.
Boxwood Invitations by Penelope Poppy for Minted
It doesn't get much more classic than a boxwood wreath tied
with ribbon, and the rest of this design is simple and sophisticated.
Floral Invitation by Behold Designz on Etsy
This floral invitation pairs a mint-infused jade green with this spring's
popular orchid for a fresh, feminine design. This is one of my all-time
favorite wedding color palettes.
You have to check out this wedding on Style Me Pretty - the bride
is a DIY queen who designed most of her wedding decor herself.
I love the banner design on these modern pastel invitations.
Forever at Last Invitation by Rio Grange for Minted
This design is one part dreamy and whimsical, one part sophisticated -
perfect for a city or destination wedding.
Celebration of Love invitation by Miranda Lyn for Minted
This pretty, retro-inspired design is definitely eye-catching and
sets the scene for a wedding day that isn't too serious.
California Dreamin' invitation by Cadence Paige Design for Minted
This invitation's postmark-inspired design would be perfect for a
destination wedding, and I love the confetti-inspired details and
modern text.
Hearts and Polka Dots printable save-the-date from Wedding Chicks
For the DIY bride, it doesn't get much better than the cute
polka dot and interlocking hearts in this design - and the design
can be customized to suit any wedding's color palette.
Confetti wedding invitation by SuitePaper on Etsy
Finally, I'm loving everything about this design from SuitePaper -
it's got confetti, it's got retro-inspired typesetting, and it's got
arrows! The perfect invitation to set the scene for a fun wedding.
Which of these designs is your favorite?
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