Happy weekend, everyone!
Today I’m joining my friends Kim and Elizabeth for our weekly roundup.
I have weddings on my mind.
And what I’m loving this week reflects that.
Last weekend Jim and I did a little pre-wedding shopping.
Then we stopped at one of our favorite new restaurants for lunch.
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It was an incredibly warm and beautiful day.
Afterward I dragged Jim to a couple of open houses.
One of my favorite things to do on a sunny Sunday.
Before we dive in, a word about Ukraine.
As the horror continues to unfold the world’s admiration for President Zelensky grows.
Talk about rising up to meet the moment.
To understand more about Ukraine’s history,
I watched the Netflix documentary, Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom.
It’s a jarring look at the 2013/14 protests in Kyiv resulting in the
removal of the country’s then president.
It’s not easy to watch but provides perspective on relatively recent events.
And highlights the grit and determination of the Ukrainian people.
This week we made a contribution to World Central Kitchen.
This wonderful organization co-founded by Chef Jose Andres
has already established eight kitchens along Ukraine’s border with Poland.
And meal distribution centers in six neighboring countries.
Image via @bakerandbardbaking
With that’s said, let’s get to it.
COMFORTING WORDS
My friend and blogging mentor, Kari Anne of Thistlewood Farms, has a gift for storytelling. Earlier in the week she posted this sweet reminiscence that touched my heart and I think it will yours too.
COMFORTING FOOD
Ina Garten’s French Country Omelet is a recipe I make again and again and again. It’s simple … bacon, eggs, and potatoes … hearty and delicious. It’s great for breakfast, lunch or dinner and even for a causal brunch or luncheon. Paired with a fruit or green salad, it’s a quick and easy meal.
Image via Barefoot Conteessa
For lunch or dinner, I serve it with a simple arugula salad. Baby arugula tossed with a little olive oil, lemon juice and shaved parmesan cheese.
WEDDING REHEARSAL LUNCH OUTFIT
One week from today Jim’s son, Kyle, is getting married! Kyle and his beautiful fiancé, Melody, were engaged in early 2020 and like many couples saw their wedding plans delayed. The wait is almost over, and the happy day is around the corner. I wrote about the engagement dinner and wedding wine tasting last fall. But before the wedding comes the rehearsal. And the rehearsal lunch! What am I going to wear? I’m so glad you asked.
Sweater Dress / Boots / Layered Necklace / Earrings / Bag / Nail Polish
Note: Kim shared the bag (and hilariously called it a puffy purse) in her post a couple of weeks ago … and I couldn’t buy it (in ivory) fast enough. Thanks, Kim … I get so many great style tips from you.
Ok, so I had a wardrobe malfunction. Earlier in the week I tried this amazing sweater dress on again and it’s a tad too loose on top. How did I overlook this when I tried it on the first time? Sheesh. I have nothing to say for myself. After a moment of panic, I let my fingers do the Googling and before I knew it, I had three new options. Two of the three fit perfectly so it looks like the day is saved.
Option 1 / Option 2 / Option 3
Which one do you like best? Which do you think I chose?
I’ll throw on this cute denim blazer-style jacket over the dress. Because we’ll be outside and I expect it to be chilly, I’ll bring along my cashmere wrap. Oh, and my new puffy purse stuffed full of tissues.
A FUN AND AFFORDABLE JEWELRY BRAND
The past two weeks I’ve been pulling together the finishing touches of my wedding weekend ensembles. During the process I discovered a new-to-me jewelry brand, Gorjana. Have you heard of it? It’s a Laguna Beach based, family run company that makes good quality, affordable pieces. Someone in the know recommended them and told me their gold-plated pieces are well made and really hold up. They also offer styles in 14 & 18kt gold.
I was looking for a layered necklace set and Gorjana has so many beautiful options. I finally settled on this one, shown in my rehearsal outfit collage.
WEDDING GUEST DRESSES
2022 is going to be a wedding palooza. We have four weddings on the calendar so far. The first two are formal. Finding a formal dress right now is – to put it mildly – a challenge.
Most stores have removed their formal gown section or have a very limited selection. Online shopping is the only real option. For Kyle’s wedding I must have ordered and returned 20 dresses. There were many I liked, even loved, but weren’t available in my size. One of my favorite options was this gold sequined number. It was a little big in the shoulders and couldn’t be altered because of the sequins. Sadly, my size is sold out.
Anyway, this gold dream is by Mac Duggal another new-to-me brand that designs wonderful options for formal weddings and events.
While I didn’t end up buying a Mac Duggal dress, I felt the brand was worth mentioning because I loved so many of their styles. And if you’re attending a formal event this year, you’ll want to be aware of too.
Here are a few of the Mac Duggal dresses I considered. The brand’s sizing is generous, and I sized down one and two sizes.
Another favorite I want to show you is this navy dress with latte colored overlay from JS Collections at Nordstrom. This was the first dress I tried and probably the most my style. I adore it and it fits like a glove (true to size). Jim loved it too. Between its obvious fabulousness, amazing fit and excellent price point I was concerned I wouldn’t be the only wearing it. And, as step-monster mother of the groom, I can’t risk that. Also, when I showed it to the bride and her mother their faces fell. They’re on the glamourous side of the formal dress scale and this dress just doesn’t bring it.
They loved the gold Mac Duggal though as well as this olive and gold Mac Duggal. Wait until you (they) see what dress I finally choose. Let’s just say … I’m leaving the glam factor to the beautiful mother-of the-bride!
If money was no object, I would have chosen this dress.
Now let’s see what Kim and Elizabeth found for us this week.
My weekend is all about last minute wedding preparations.
What are your weekend plans?
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
Until next week, cheers from Snowberry!
Can’t wait to see what you are wearing. So many gorgeous dresses.
Option Number 1; Classic and stylish. Can wear forever. Lends itself to pretty accessories. . Option Number 2; Too tight and the ultra long sleeves too trendy and casual for this type of event. Option 3; No pretty lines to it. Straight sack. Type of knit looks wintery. My opinion only……I know you will look great regardless of which you choose.
Can’t wait to see all the wedding photos. SO EXCITING! You’ll look beautiful as always.
I love Dress #1!! So cute.
Ill have to loOk into that JEWELRY… love thAt Necklace.
I like option one of sweater dresses. Nice lines!
it looks warm and sunny in ca! it’s still brown and chilly here in colorado. snow in forecast too. it’s called fake spring! have a great weekend with wedding prelude!
Great choices! Did you know that Mac Duggal is indian? His cousin mentioned that while she was giving me a guided tour of New Dehli. I love his work.
This is an exciting time for you! We have three weddings this year!
Juliet, you are going to look AMAZING in whatever you wear. I too am a step monster/mother and I felt the same way you did when my step-son got married.
I cannot wait to see the photos. I love every thing you have showed. What about the dresses for the next 4 weddings? I will wait until this one is over to see them.
Enjoy they wedding and all of the parties and events.
xo Elizabeth
Weddings are so exciting! I liked all the dresses !i cant wait to see what dreSs You choose for the wedding! Have A fun weekend!
Thanks so much for sharing my story! I so appreciate you!
Happy day!
Karianne
Option #2 for the sweater dresses. I love #1 ss well but feel that light of a color is Not appropriate if you’re not the bride. That gold column dress was absolutely stunning! Too bad on the siZe. Cant wait to see the final selection!
Watched “Winter on fire” last night and I understand things far better. the unbending spirit of the Ukrainian people to stay and fight once again, yes, it was difficult at times, but then important things can be that way. thank you for sharing this,
YOU BOUGHT NUMBER TWO AND I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT NUMBER THREE!
THAT WAS MY LUNCH A FEW WEEKS AGO!!!!!!!!
HOW DID YOU KNOW!!??
XXX
Hi Juliet,
It’s so exciting to be getting ready for all those weddings, with your step-son’s being the most important of all, of course! We have none on the calendar and I think i’ve actually only been to maybe 5 or 6 my entire life! Weird.
My favorite of the sweater dresses is no 2, i like the neckline and color. The sleeves seem a little long but that could be remedied.
Can’t wait to see what you chose for the rehearsal and the big day. WHichever it is I know you will look stunning. You’ve got style Juliet!
Enjoy all the lead-up to the big day. It will be over before you know it. Then it’s back to the doldrums! ; )
XO Heidi
How exciting! I have no doubt that You will be gorgeous in each and every one of ypur wedding weekend ensembles! That Mac Duggal dress Is to die for! So Red carpet!
Oh my. It seems i do my best proof Reading after i hit “Post Comment”.
Juliet, sorry to be so late to comment!! This post was so timely as more weddings are this year than in decades, no doubt you have given a lot of great ideas people need! I wish we had some to attend. The formal event sounds so fun. You are going to be amazing in whatever you decide. Maybe you can save that one from Nordy’s for another wedding? I can see you in it. LOVE the sweater dresses too. You are so sweet. about the bag.Aren’t they puffy purses cool? I call them therapy bags as they feel good too. Love it with that whole ensemble.. I love both 2 and 3. The denim jacket is adorbs and I think I need it and a sweater dress now… this saturday thing is going to result in a lot more shopping! I love the Gorjana brand also.. Thank you for all of this. Oh and the recipe too. I was thinking that might make a nice weeknight dinner! I love doing this with you two. xo
I can’t wait to see wedding pictures!! You will look lovely!!!
I agree with Beth! That gold number looks fabulous on you! Are you sure it is too big? Put on a few pounds ha ha!!