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!
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