Boots And Things

I have the most thoughtful hubby! Check out what came in the mail for me the other day:

The Bailey Button Triplet by Ugg. I've been wanting these for awhile. They're such a stylish, casual, comfy little boot that I can easily wear with tights, shorts, skirts, etc. I'm so excited! I also received the care kit in order to keep my new little booties in ship-shape! :D

And as if these weren't enough, I was also gifted with this super-sweet vintage Gunne Sax dress, purchased from American Archive:

It's such a flattering and timeless shape! The straps were a touch too long, but nothing that can't be easily fixed by the tailor. Haha, it's so bad, but having this dress makes me want to get some pretty little western-style boots to go with it. I've been browsing Zappos and I'm totally in love with these distressed, slouchy boots by Durango:

Gasp! Aren't they absolutely gorgeous?! Unfortunately, the price tag is a little high for me and I think I'd be seriously pushing it if I asked my mister to buy me these babies when I haven't even worn the last pair (see above) that he gave me. Haha. Instead, I've settled for these:

Not quite the same, but adorable, nonetheless, and will still achieve the same look. These are Sheriff by Rocket Dog and are a steal at a mere $59 USD. :D

Currently scouting some cool locations here in northern Cali for a "prairie girl" shoot location featuring my sweet little dress and, hopefully, western boots. Crossing my fingers!

Hugs,
Cat

Current Obsession: Vintage Gunne Sax

Argh! I know, I said I'd be posting more, doh! This quarter really has me by the neck, however. We're only 3 weeks in and I feel like it's finals week already! I have one more term to go before graduation, so my professors are really stepping it up! I hope you guys don't mind intermittent posts in the next couple months that are more image-based with minimal text, haha. I just don't have the brain power to write so much these days, I'm using all my juice for school!

Anyways, the weather is getting nice and warm, though in the bay area, temperatures don't exceed the mid to high 70's even during the height of summer. Personally, I think pretty dresses would be perfect for this season and I'm currently OBSESSED with vintage Gunne Sax dresses right now, especially from the 1970's! Check out what I found on eBay:

I found these beauties on an eBay store called American Archive. Aren't they gorgeous? I just love how feminine, romantic, and shabby-chic they are! I like to imagine beautiful, boho-chic girls wearing them to outdoor music festivals back in the day...*sigh* so romantic! I MUST MUST MUST get my little paws on a few of these, they would make for some gorgeous shoots, wouldn't they?

Hugs,
Cat

Two Year Wedding Anniversary

Two years ago, I married the most amazing man I ever met.  I had called it from the start.  Two weeks after we first started dating, I looked into his eyes and declared: "I'm going to marry you!"  He looked a little startled, but didn't protest.  And here we are today. :D

Our wedding was a small, but elegant affair that took place at the Berkeley City Club, a beautiful, vintage building designed by the amazing Julia Morgan.  The theme was a Phantom Of The Opera-esque masquerade ball done in red, ivory, and black damask.  Pretty romantic, no?  I felt like such a princess that day, decked out in my airy white dress, black lace Louboutins, and sparkling diamonds on my ears and at my throat.

It took me two years to plan with my event coordinator.  We paid very close attention to detail...from our first dance, which was an elaborately choreographed rhumba, to our centerpieces which were 4-foot-tall manzanita branches decked out with red rose blossoms, candles, and crystals.  We even, as well as our wedding party, had our laser-cut Venetian masks imported from, well...Venice!

Our cake was a gorgeous and delicious confection of 4 flavors, stacked high with tiers of deep, red roses, decorated with a black and white damask design and sprinkled with tiny sugar flowers:

Guestbook

It was a magical (and exhausting!) day that I'll never forget!  But all the fancy-schmancy stuff aside, what it comes down to is that I made vows to spend the rest of my life with a person that couldn't be more perfect for me.  He is loving, he is patient, he is kind.  When I'm at my worst, he manages to keep his cool and never has spoken a cross word at me...no matter how irrational and wrong I've been. (lol)  He works long, exhausting hours so that he can provide me with the life that I've wanted with the freedom to pursue my own dreams.  Even after all these years, he can still melt my heart with his smile.  How did I get so lucky?  Sometimes, I don't feel like I deserve him...  But here's the thing: I do vow to spend the rest of my life trying to be as good to him as he is to me. :D

Happy anniversary, darling.  I love you forever.  xoxo

Vintage Lace Mini

Goodness!  Looks like I've been out a long time.  Hehe.  It's just been one of those weeks.  Anyways, remember how I was super-excited about Valentine's Day and had this whole outfit prepared?  I actually never got a chance to photograph it because our dinner reservation was at 9pm and by then, there was no more light available for a proper shoot.  Husband and I had some time today, so I got dressed up and he got his fancy camera and we did a little photo reenactment.  Check it out!

Dress and Clutch: Lola

Shoes: Candies

Headband: Lovelina

So, there isn't really anything authentically vintage about this outfit, but I think there's a certain vintage-inspired romance that's conveyed through the pieces.  The dress is made of creamy lace with just the faintest hint of peach.  The faux python clutch is a pale blush, accented with simple, clean gold hardware.  The filigree design and soft pink rose on the headband accentuate the antique feel, while the glittery golden pumps add the perfect touch of contemporary sparkle.  

Hope you liked the outfit!  I had such a good time wearing it.  I got nice compliments from husband. :)  It's good to know that I can still impress him sometimes, lol.

Happy Sunday and have a great night! :D

Hugs,

Cat

I Love: vintage wedding rings!

My personal style tends to trend towards most things feminine, romantic, and vintage-inspired.  Therefore, a few years ago when my husband and I decided to get engaged, I went on the search for my ideal antique ring.  Surprisingly, the perfect seller was just a few keystrokes away and was appropriately located at AntiqueEngagementRings.com.  The owner is a wonderful man named Leigh who offers the most stunning vintage and vintage reproduction jewelry I have yet to come across anywhere else.  Here is a small sample of some of the styles that are available:

I just love how the intricate designs, engravings, and different-shaped stones add so much character and romance to these styles.  While Leigh offers mostly vintage reproductions, there are genuine antique rings available, too, that have added depth and dimension due to their histories.  I don't know how he does it, but rings from Antique Engagement Rings usually appraise for more than their purchase price and are available for any budget, ranging from $400 to over $40,000.

Though located in New York, Leigh and his team worked closely with my husband and me via email and phone to make sure I got exactly what I wanted.  Service was efficient, friendly, and detail-oriented.  We ended up going with an 1920's Art Deco reproduction with an Asscher center stone.  I've had it for over 3 years now and still can't stop looking at it!  Leigh also custom designed a wedding band to match my ring exactly. :)

You can't tell from this photo, but there's beautiful engraving and milgrain detailing all over my engagement ring and wedding band.

So, for all you romantics out there, feel free to explore his gorgeous ring website, whether you're looking for a wedding ring, a right-hand ring, or you're looking just for fun!  I still visit from time to time because I just love ogling all those pretty little sparklies!

On a completely different note, I think I totally landed my class presentation and passed my midterm with flying colors!  Yay!  Well, happy Tuesday and goodnight!

Hugs,
Cat