Beholden the Dress

While at the new BHLDN store in Chicago I came across this AMAZING dress. It is by Catherine Deane and unbelievably gorgeous. 

Shopbop and Harvey Nichols had it in some colors, but are sold out. I will be stalking to see if I can find it in a color other than white in my size so I can wear it to some upcoming weddings. My weekend wish is that I do. 

If you have never been to the BHLDN site or the store, you really need to check it out. If you are shopping for wedding dresses, make it a stop on your scouting. There were some unbelievable vintage gowns as well as some others that made me want to renew my vows as soon as possible. 

They also carry evening, bridesmaid options, beautifully curated jewelry and accessories, as well as decor for parties and weddings. 

Obsessed with this sparkly clutch and bib necklace. 

This long dress was a beautiful blush color with delicate stripes. 

The perfect LWD

Vintage headband that would be so pretty tucked into soft wavy hair

I hope you all have a fantastic long weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Bella Bridal Shower

Sorry I have not been updating, but I am working on some things around here that I cannot wait to share soon. My posts may be a little sparse in the coming weeks, but I promise to share what I am working on and try to keep up as much as I can. 

One project that had my attention the last month is a bridal shower I threw for my future sister-in-law. I adore her and it was so fun planning this fun day with my mom. 

My brother and his future Mrs. got engaged in Italy, so we used this as inspiration for the entire event. Starting with the invitations....

These were custom printed from Envy Marketing, which I found on Etsy. The venue is one of my favorite Italian spots in Chicago, Quartino. It's rustic charm, delicious food and impeccable service was the perfect place. 

Her favorite flowers are peonies, which were incorporated into the arrangements along with beautiful romantic bouquets. 

We worked with Debi Lilly, from A Perfect Event, for all of the floral. And once again (she was my wedding planner) she and her team put together the most gorgeous flowers. 

She also used silver trays, julep cups, and mercury glass votives, which the perfect combination with the rustic wooden tables and candelabras. 

For the favors, we ordered these custom cookies to match the invitation shape. Their monogram was scrolled on them and they were tied with dried lavender. 

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the afternoon was filled with prosecco, pasta and laughter. The perfect combination. 

xo

Erin 

Pain Au Chocolat

There is a possibility you are opening this post and expecting a recipe for  chocolate croissants that I just had to share because it is so easy. And if you know me at all, you would be surprised since I have zero patience for most baking. That has not changed at all, but I did make this croissant shockingly. The catch is that it is from Trader Joe's and required only about three steps from me. I would never normally post about a pre-made packaged pastry, but this is worth sharing. Trader Joe's offers packs of frozen croissant dough in the freezer section. Just pop them out of the box the night before and let rise, brush with some egg in the morning, and bake for twenty minutes. What emerges is the most flaky, warm, crispy, delicious croissant that you cannot believe was (somewhat) made in your own kitchen. I would like to think of myself as somewhat of a croissant connoisseur, as I flock to them in just about every destination I have been to. And maybe besides Paris, these croissants rank up there with the very best. Trader Joe's also has plain and mini options. The idea of fresh croissants from your own oven is kind of the best culinary discovery I have made in awhile. Best part is, it required so little work from me! 


xo
Erin 

Mother's Day Firsts

Mother's Day weekend is here and for the first time I am actually one of the ladies being celebrated. And to be honest, it feels a little strange. I always associate the holiday with Sunday's at home relaxing with my mom, breakfast made by my father, and dance recitals. 

My dance studio always had their annual show on this weekend. The long show, about five hours, was filled with many girls of all ages dancing for their moms on Mother's Day. I used to think that it was probably kind of a bummer for the moms to spend their entire day in a dark room, mostly watching other kids dance through number after number. They would have rather been sleeping in, laying around in pajamas all day, watching girlie movies, and eating pizza. I mean that is what I would want to do. 

But now that I am a mom, I can see why they all flocked to the theatre and watched every number and patiently waited for their daughter to arrive on the stage. 

They were Mothers. And they would sit through hours of anything to see just one second of their child beaming with pride doing anything remotely cute or talented. 

Because honestly I would listen to Thomas scream all day if I got just one laugh out of him. Luckily, I do not have to endure that kind of craziness (god bless the mother's that do). 

Being a Mother changes you. And not just in the in mushy ways that you love your baby. It changes the way you look and think about everything. Three months in I know at least that. Everything else is a mystery that I obsess over and hope to know more about or at least accept that sometimes there are no answers. 

Thank you to my Mom for sitting through all those shows and showing me that there is nothing greater than the moments you see your kid shine. 

I have a long way to go, but those moments are already starting. 

xo

Erin 

Get the Look: Diane Kruger

My love for Diane and her style runs deep. The girl can do no wrong and did not disappoint at the Met Ball. This Prada, that I am sure was specially made just for her, is amazing. The feathers add drama, but the simply designed camisole top and easy styling makes it the perfect look. 

I wish "Mrs. Prada" could make me this. But until then, I am loving these two options. 

1. Theory $415

2. Low Luv x Erin Wasson $70

3. Anthropologie $198

4. One by Babs $425

5. Soixante Neuf $148

Though the drama of the feathers would not be as practical for say a wedding or black tie affair in our world, the addition of an open back to the dress adds just enough. I love these long pendant necklaces, as you can layer them while dressing up or down. Diane's Prada clutch was a bold choice, and something to not be afraid to do. This summer, nothing is "too much." Have you seen how much neon is around? 

xo

Erin 

Hide and Peek

Though I recently shared my favorite new swim styles for this summer, the more important piece of my summer wardrobe would have to be the cover up. Because as much as I am willing for my former self to reemerge, it is most likely going to take me much of the summer for things to fall back in place post-baby (does it ever, really?). 


Cover ups can be just as cute as the suit they are hiding, but what makes some of them even better is they sneak a peek at what is underneath. So if you are feeling a bit bashful, at least you can show off your bikini without even having to undress. 

From Left: Marc by Marc Jacobs $173, Pim + Larkin $59, Roberto Roller Rabbit $99, Unitah $154

A little bit see through and enough coverage to make anyone feel comfortable. And if you never feel like taking it off, I do not blame you. Because clearly these are worth staying covered up for. 

xo

Erin 

Met Ball 2012

By far my favorite red carpet event and I only have a quick minute to post, but could not miss posting today...

Let's start with my favorites...

Gisele looks incredible. The Givenchy is so chic and I love her slick hair. 

Diane is my best overall. The girl is flawless and this is dramatic, yet effortless. 

Emma Stone is her usual quirky self, but looks really pretty in this look. 

The color of Emma's dress and the on trend peplum is just enough. 

Lana is just enough glam and goth. 

Allison is simple and chic in Ralph Lauren. 

Such a great looking couple. Claire's hair is not my have, but they look so great together. 

Camilla has that same glam and vixen look that I love. 

As for the worst, it is more like that these people disappointed me the most. There were a lot of train wrecks, or people trying to hard to stand out. These ladies are just people that I love that I really wished would have picked something else. 

Most of these speak for themselves, but Cameron may be one that you are surprised by. Is anyone else weirded out by the cut of this dress? She is so rocking and the cut somehow is unflattering. Lily Collins needs a new stylist like now! She is constantly in gowns that are too old for her and swallowing her whole. Kills me because she is adorable. Chloe, Heidi and Kristen literally could wear anything from any designer and these are their choices?! Such a waste. Heidi's dress looks like it came from the ale rack in the Prom section at Macy's. Elizabeth's dress, there are really no words. 

There were so many looks to comment on. And I loved so many, but with limited time this is as far I can get today. What did I miss? 

xo

Erin 

Images: Huffington Post

Retinol Remedy

I have been using a form of Retinol for the last three years. Before I was pregnant, I was on a prescription Retinol for acne, Ziana. I loved it and got the benefit of not only clear skin but fading fine lines. 


For those that have never used Retinol, it is a form of Vitamin A that is prescribed to many for the treatment of acne. It also is used to fade age spots, acne scars and as an anti-wrinkle remedy. Obviously, it works in many ways. Retinol is very powerful and can only be used in certain doses with a script from your dermatologist. Many other friends of mine that have tried it have not liked it because it can be very drying and irritate skin easily. If you tough out this period, your skin tends to adapt after a few weeks. 


When I got pregnant and during breastfeeding, I was not allowed to use a retinol and I mourn it every day. My skin is still recovering from the hormones and my appointment is booked to get my prescription back asap. 


Because of I cannot resist any product and it's promises to "fix" everything and anything about my skin, I tried a ton of Retinols over the counter (ok when breastfeeding, but check with your doctor first). My favorite of them is Philosophy Help Me. It has a price tag that is middle of the road, does not irritate as much as others I tried, and works well with other products. I did have to amp up my moisturizer the first two weeks, but eventually my skin came around. 


I am curious if any of you have tried Retinol and what works best for you? Retinol is honestly an aging acne-prone girl's best friend. Don't know about you, but that category includes me and many girls I know. 


xo
Erin 

Weekend Look: Cinco de Mayo

You must think I am totally obsessed with Cinco de Mayo given the amount of posts I am writing about it. And truth be told, I am. But I think because I am not celebrating with a big soiree this year, I am having withdrawals and taking it out on my posts. I promise, this is the last one.... At least until next year. 


So now that we have the meal covered, the drinks and the table, it is time to style you for the party. A crisp white dress with neon accents, the perfect canary clutch that you will cherish for years, and some earthy, but fab espadrilles to keep it down to earth....

Dress: Lipsy $136

Clutch: Victoria Beckham $650

Wedges: Delman $237

That over sized VB envelope clutch is officially on my list of must haves for the summer. Nothing is a better summer staple than tan leather wedges that work day or night and these actually look comfortable. The dress also has an exposed zipper in the back making it even more amazing. 

Happy celebrating this weekend. Whether you are going all out for the holiday or just cracking open a Corona, enjoy. 

xo

Erin 

Set the Table: Cinco de Mayo

To go with my recipe on Monday, I was thinking of how to set the scene with a few easy pieces. Instead of the over-the-top decor of so many fiestas, let's try a more sophisticated approach...

 Set of four Tumblers $18

Walnut Serving Tray (on sale) $58

Sacaton Dinner Plate $20

Azure Tablecloth $128

Spicy Grapefruit Margarita 

I am totally obsessed with the plates. The pop of orange with a great print is the perfect backdrop for a fun meal. The cobalt blue in the tumblers is a great contrast with the richness of the wood tray. As for the Spicy Grapefruit Margarita (recipe here), it not only looks delicious but color coordinated. Who could ask for more? 

xo

Erin