No Heels, No problem!

I was not blessed with the coordination required to wear high heels. I have worn them occasionally on special occasions, but I often find them to be uncomfortable and impractical. I imagine that I resemble an adorable, yet confused four year-old when attempting to walk in them. Therefore, I am in search of a fashionable pair of comfortable shoes to wear on my wedding day! The following are some of the options I am considering.

1.  Blue by Betsey Johnson Joy flats from Zappos:

 

These sparkly flats with ankle straps and a slight 1/4 heel are $99.00. Reviewers on Zappos’s website rated them 4 out of 5 stars and one reviewer said they are “super-comfortable.”

 

2. The Unisa Dariala Flat Sandal from DSW

 

The simple, yet classic Unisa Dariala Flat Sandal is adorned with pearls and rhinestones. They come in gold or silver and retail for $44.95.

 

3. 2. ModCloth’s Step Perception Wedge in Gold 

 

 

These vegan faux leather wedges are gorgeous! Reviewers on ModCloth wrote extremely positive reviews about these wedges saying they were both comfortable and stylish. The only downside about these beauties is that they are currently out of stock, but ModCloth reorders based on customer demand so hopefully they will be back soon.
4. Steve Madden Nilla Bone Leather Wedge Sandals from Lulu’s

 

 

These fashionable wedges from Lulu’s  with push-stud closures are made out of genuine leather and retail for $79.00. They have a cushioned insole and one reviewer commented, “These are true to size and they’re really comfortable.”

 

5. Custom Converse 

Converse are cute and comfortable. You can custom order converse with your wedding date, choose a color that matches your wedding theme, or embellish them with your new last name (if you choose to change your name that is!)

Alternative Honeymoon Ideas for Couples

Going on a honeymoon isn’t as practical as it used to be. Today couples are choosing to go on their honeymoons months or even years after their wedding day. Others choose not to go on one at all. Why spend thousands of dollars on a week in the sun when you could put it towards rent, a down payment on a house, or student loans?

Historically, a honeymoon referred to the time period after a wedding during which couples drank honey-based mead to increase fertility. During the 1800s, British couples would go on journeys after their wedding to visit family and friends who couldn’t make it to their celebration.

Whatever your honeymoon dilemma I have come up with a few alternatives to save you money and use the most of your time with your new partner in crime:

1. Road Trip– There’s something romantic about hitting the open road. Map out a route featuring places you’ve always wanted to see. Make a playlist of your favorite songs. For more ideas check out the Travel Channel’s post on the 5 Most Romantic Road Trips.
2. Camping– For nature lovers, camping is the perfect way to spend quality time together. There are no distractions in the outdoors and according to Elite Daily couples who go camping together have better sex.
   
3. Stay Home– Okay you might be thinking, why on earth would we take off an entire week to stay home? But just think about the options: Putting away and organizing all your wedding gifts, having a Netflix movie marathon, or finally going to that local restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. A honeymoon with your honey doesn’t have to be complicated.
   
4. Day Trips– Plan a week of small excursions! Go bungee jumping, take a cooking class together, or try wine tasting. The best part of day trips is that you still get to go on adventures together, but you don’t need to pack or make sure that your passport is up-to-date!

Do you have any fun alternative honeymoon ideas? Leave them in the comments below!

5 Surprising Places to Find a Wedding Dress

David’s Bridal and Alfred Angelo are some of the biggest wedding dress chain stores out there. They have a large range of sizes, styles, and price points. But there are other options! I explored five alternatives to see how they measured up to the competition. 

J.Crew:

J.Crew is known for its classic approach to clothing. The J.Crew wedding collection is equally as simple and elegant.

Price: Gowns range from $295-$1,800

Sizes: 00-16

Customer Service: To try dresses on in store you have to travel to one of their three locations in Chicago, Washington, D.C., or New York. However you are able to order dresses online and try them on in the comfort of your home. Wedding specialist are available in the stores listed above, through email, or by phone.

Bonus: They have beautiful hair accessories

ModCloth:

ModCloth offers unique dresses from independent designers at affordable prices. What’s not to love about that? They also have amazing shoes to choose from.

Price: Gowns range from $40-$415

Sizes: depends on the dress, some only go up to size 12, others up to size 26

Customer Service: Helpful customer reviews and free exchanges

Call or live chat with stylist or customer service specialist

Bonus: Great shoes, often with a retro twist

BHLDN: 

Anthropologie’s wedding collection is inspired by vintage wedding dresses. Probably my favorite out of the five because of the quality, style, and customer service they offer if you can get to one of their store locations.

Price: Gowns range from $220-$2900+

Sizes: 00-14

Customer Service: 8 locations around the country, or order online. Note that they do not provide alterations.

Bonus: Beautiful shoes and jewelry

Tradesy:

A website to buy or sell gently worn designer clothing and accessories online.

Price: Gowns range from $100+

Sizes: 00-12, plus, and petite

Customer Service: phone or email day or night. They only accept designer fashion pieces and send free shipping kits and handle returns

Bonus: Biggest variety in terms of style and price because the dresses are used

 

Adored Vintage:

Online retailer of vintage clothing, accessories, and decor.

Price: $168-$500+

Sizes: Harder to pinpoint since dresses are vintage. The site posts specific measurements (bust, waist, etc.) for each dress. Vintage conversion and sizing charts available for reference.

Customer Service: Available through email, but all sales are considered FINAL unless the dress is damaged

Bonus: List type of fabric, condition, and type of closure (zipper, clasp, etc.) for each dress

 

Engagement Rings – What are the Options?

My boyfriend and I had been together for about four years when we started to discuss marriage. We had graduated from college and were renting an apartment together. We had raised an adorable and seemingly well-adjusted cat. Marriage seemed like the next step in our journey as a couple. There was just one thing holding us back— the cost of an engagement ring.

Between graduate school, students loans, rent, and basic utilities we were pretty much maxed out.

We ended up postponing our engagement until we had saved up a decent amount for a down payment on a ring, which we picked out together. Deciding to get married was a decision that we had mutually agreed upon and we thought that we should both have a say in the ring as well.

I find the whole engagement ring and proposal scenario outdated. It’s like saying: “Great we both want to get married! (I hope. If he just proposed without talking to me about it first I probably would have said no. That’s a big decisions to make without involving me, you know, a partner in this hypothetical marriage) Now you have to go out and buy me a large expensive piece of jewelry that I can wear on my finger to show people that I am betrothed to you.”

An engagement ring used to be a sign that your husband would be able to provide for you financially. While this may still be the case for some couples, most women play a bigger part in the financial stability of their household (although we are still not paid as much as our male counterparts for many reasons)

I contribute to our relationship financially and will continue to do so after we are married. Therefore, it seemed natural for us as a couple to share the cost of a ring. If he couldn’t make a payment I took over and vice versa.

I am very happy with my engagement ring, but I wish that I had done more research about the alternative ring options that are available to couples and the ethical concerns surrounding the way diamonds are harvested.

Brilliant Earth, for example, is a company that is devoted to selling jewelry that is produced in a humane and sustainable way. I had no idea that the demand for diamonds worldwide was contributing to pollution, unsafe working conditions, and violating the rights of indigenous people. Brilliant Earth engagement rings range from $475 upwards making them an affordable alternative to jewelry store chains.

Another option I hadn’t considered for myself was a tattoo in place of a ring. While my fiancée already has tattoos we ultimately decided against it because I’m too afraid of needles (something I hope to overcome one day!) However, there are many beautiful tattoo concepts for couples to look to for inspiration. Best of all you’ll never loose your ring because the reminder of your commitment will always be with you.

There are so many other options (some shown below) — a simple knot or Claddagh ring, silicone rings, wooden rings, etc.

I hope these options provide you with alternative ideas for you and your partner!

Crown Bezel Pearl Ring ~ Steve Allan

Titanium and Bentwood Ring ~ Rosler via Etsy

Wood and Titanium Jeweled Engagement Ring ~ Rosler via Etsy

Sterling Silver Claddagh Ring ~ TheJewelryGirlsPlace via Etsy

Baguette Bastian ~ Digby & Iona

Twig Ring ~ Satomi Kawakita Jewelry

Tourmaline Kira ~ Digby & Iona

Savannah Wedding Ring ~ ashhilton via Etsy

Buttercup Diamond Ring ~ Brilliant Earth

Heart Knot Ring- Sterling Silver ~ hoopsbyhand via Etsy

Silicone Wedding Rings ~ Wodbottom via Etsy

Grey Diamond Ring ~ SundayOwl via Etsy

Resin Stacking Ring ~ daimblond via Etsy