J Crew bridal bounty
For anyone who knows me, it won’t be a surprise that the first fabulous US goodies I'm featuring come from J Crew. It is quite literally my favourite store in the world. For those of you who aren't as familiar with it, it perfects the classic all-American style, and its bridal range is the epitome of this. In the US these days the secret is out, and many savvy US brides have themselves and their maids kitted out in gorgeous J Crew style. However, if you or your maids don J Crew in the UK, rest assured that it is still far from an obvious choice. Given the pictures below, it's difficult to see why. The wedding collection is a truly fantastic range of effortless chic whether you're plumping for neutrals, pastels or full on candy-colours for your wedding party. But it's worth checking out the broader site - especially the jewellery - for some absolute corkers - the necklace below is to DIE for …
Across the Pond
There's no doubt about it, American brides really know how to put on a wedding in style. They've been taught well by Martha Stewart … I love looking at US wedding blogs, but it's not particularly helpful to know that (a) the stunningly talented wedding planners and photographers they feature are based thousands of miles away, and (b) that given the weather in this wonderful country, looking at snaps of a picture-perfect Malibu beach wedding is not going to yield many practical tips for the British bride.However. There is one invention that can help us get our hands on some of that All-American goodness. One of those how-did-I-not-think-of-this-myself inventions … the amazing Bundle Box. If you haven't encountered Bundle Box, it's my dream come true - a company that provides you with a US mailing address (and even a US credit card if necessary) to allow you to shop online at US stores and ship your purchases to BB which will package up your loot, work out shipping & tax costs, and deliver it all to your door quick-smart for one integrated fee. Not quite as tax "efficient" as getting your US-based colleagues to take delivery of and lug over your booty on their next business trip, but a brilliant, (almost) instant-gratification solution.
Thanks to Bundle Box, it's possible to devote a snippet of this blog to the delights that await you across the pond in the Land of Plenty. Stay posted for some gorgeous American style ideas that YOU can get your hands on ...
Links
Quotes
" He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. " Emily Bronte: Wuthering Heights:
" I am no one special, just a common man with common thoughts. I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me, and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect, I've succeeded as gloriously as anyone who ever lived. I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and for me, that has always been enough. " Nicholas Sparks: The Notebook