French Forest Wedding

If you've been reading Little Winter Bride for a while, most of you know by now that I am a flower fanatic, a lover of all things involving nature and the more wild, the better. So naturally, one of my daily reads over morning coffee is, Tigers to Lilies, a blog, dedicated to all things nature and natural. I have super love for her style. Recently, Lili, the little lady behind this inspiring site said her "I do's" among the trees of a little forest in Gien, France. So course, I had to know more and Lili was kind enough to share some photos with me...
An intimate french fete filled with friends, family, feathers in a forest..OH MY! (now say that 10 times and fast.... like "she said sea shells at the sea shore") oh dear....I have fallen in love with this little party and that's just the beginning of this whimsical wedding. For more delish details head over here....

Budget Bouquet

I picked up some light pink wax flowers at the farmers market the other day. Each stem contains many little blossoms, so I only bought three which was more than enough to create, one small bouquet and one boutonniere. I used kitchen twine to secure the stems and leftover green raffia that I had lying around (most likely from a gift, yes I'm one of those that saves all gift wrapping and ribbons to recycle for gift giving) to make the bow and one scented geranium leaf from my window box for the boutonniere. Viola!
These budget friendly flowers are usually available all year round and come in light pink, dark pink, mauve and white
Florist's typically use them as fillers in flower arrangements but I think they make a sweet statement on their own, don't you agree?

silver lace

Bring in the metallic for the winter wedding season. I'm leaning towards silver lace, like the one this bride wore. The pattern is a delicate appliquè lace floral motif and the silver color is what makes this adorable dress special. Long lace dress not your thing? How about a short, festive cocktail dress, like this pretty thing or maybe a more budget friendly one?

(image tealily photography)

sunday in milano

It's Sunday in Milan and the weather is slowly changing it's tune, which puts me in the mood for some comfort food cooking. The smell of roasted chicken or turkey (depending the time of year) drizzled with gravy reminds me of home. And of course a side dish of potato's (mashed or roasted) and string beans. Whether it was my grandmothers house or my own childhood home, there is just something about that smell that is comforting. While cooking this evening, I have to admit, I'm already planning Thanksgiving in my head. Love this time of year. (photos Deirdre Quinn)

little weekly finds......

it's seems like babies galore this month (and more arrivals in months ahead) among our friends so I was thrilled to stumble upon these onesies. don't they make adorable gifts? and I simply cannot resist these ruffles
can't wait to get my hands on this childrens book for my nephews
some seaweed and ocean plant illustrations
inspiring vintage pressed flower book
would simply be in heaven to rest my little head in this summer tree house and maybe the main house would look something like this and if one were to stretch this dream further, this would be where we would host lavish dinners.....
this amazing before and after home renovation of this Parisian apt.
a few simple wedding bouquets
an intimate and enchanting forest wedding found here
a vintage wedding gown for $695
if i could upgrade my hunter boots i would choose these
plastic bags made into art

i heart nyc

The past couple of days I've been missing NYC
thinking of my family and friends back home across the big blue....sigh
then I stumbled on this little treasure created by designer H. Sakurai
and it put a smile on my face
for those of you that are NYC brides, these little jewels would make great bridesmaid gifts
and better yet, why not gift them in these goodie bags

it only takes two....

I'm truly in awe of this simply beautiful and chic nyc city hall wedding

really, at the end of the day, that's all you need, right?
love EVERYTHING about this wedding.
the talented lady behind the lens is, Jimena Roquero
for more favorite nyc city hall here and here

fairytale wedding

oh my!
look at that dramatic cape like veil
more exquisite details from this fairytale wedding here

(found via lovely bride blog)
(photo source)

bike with style

My A. is a bicycle guy. Obsessed with bikes. Pretty much rides when ever, where ever, night and day. I'm the wife obsessed with safety, particularly, in a city where cars drive as if they're racing in the Italian Grand Prix. So, I have to admit, I was over the moon when he finally purchased a bike helmet from Yakkay. I tell ya, this little company, designing fashionable bike helmets was divine intervention.
I think I can bear to wear my dorky helmet for a little while longer but soon hope to upgrade to this one

(photo source)

his & hers

While I'm not a fan of his and her beds (too old fashion), I do give a big thumbs up for the his and her bathrooms. Sure I could survive sharing one but we're lucky enough to each have our very own (teeny tiny) his and her bathrooms, side by side, but no where near as grand and luxurious as the ones shown in the film, The Arrangement, (see picture above)
As hubby and wife we pretty much share everything but when it comes to the powder room we're spoiled with our own private space.
Although sometimes I turn to A. and ask "way not make one BIG bathroom instead of these teeny tiny no space his and her ones" I guess in my heart, I'd rather share everything.

(p.s. great film by the way, worth the watch)

golden tulips

delicate petals that look like they've been dipped in gold
ok, only the chain is gold plated but isn't it sweet? found on this adorable site

left over spring

Feeling a bit under the weather today with a strange summer cold, weird, I know. It's August, who gets colds in August? I do. Go figure, I blame it the many planes I have been on recently.
anyway, I'm resting my stuffy head but I thought I'd share this wisteria blossom just outside our house.
Feels like a little milano spring held on and braved the hot hot summer

day trip

A. and I joined some friends this past weekend for a little river swim at this special spot.
Only 40 min. from our home in milan....
love day trips out of the city and into nature

What special nature spots to you go to near your home?

swoooooon

the last little elegant garment by the late McQueen
silver feathers anyone?

(photo source)

home sweet home

A. and I are back in milan from our glorious vacation in greece.
trying to snap out of island life and back into city dwelling
photos and travel tips to come......
stay tuned......

on holiday

still floating in the sea
enjoying lazy days on the island with friends and A.
one more week and things will be back to normal at LWB
hope everyone is having a great summer

chamomile posy

i'm a big fan of the uncomplicated bouquet.
sweet and simple just works better sometimes, like this little posy of chamomile created Brooklyn florist, Kat Flower


(photography jen huang)

andiamo in vacanza

A. and I are heading on vacanza for 3 weeks to this little island far far away from modern life.
My BFF and her main man are joining us all the way from San Fran, yowza! talk about trains, planes and automobiles! 3 flights, overnightstay followed by a hydro boat ride to the little oasis, where we will be waiting on the dock (see photo above) to greet them.
Can't wait to swim in the sea, eat fresh picked figs every morning (see above), devour delish polipo (octopus) for lunch and dinner (i'm obessed) and just be........

oh so french

francoise hardy a natural french beauty
why is it that the french just oooooze style that looks effortless?
luv it

bubbles anyone?

i think i'm liking the sipping out of a vintage champagne glass thing
last week, A. and I went sipped the bubbly out of vintage glasses at this place

(photo source)

Wedding Photographer: Emily Anderson

beautiful work of Chicago based wedding photographer, Emily Anderson
to see a sweet proposal of the couple featured above go here

handmade jewels

sweet pea necklace found here

art deco inspiration

was out and about in Milano the other night with A. who brought me to a little art deco gem of a restaurant called, Amici Del Liberty. Delish!
My little take away, was not a doggie bag, (which by the way doesn't exist in Italy, thank god) but this beautiful, art deco cutout business card made of super thin metal.
Um, divine? so was the prosecco served in vintage champagne glasses....

Vintage Hollywood

architectural digest gives a little glimpse into the Hollywood homes of 10 silver screen legends
to see more of these beauties and their sense of style go here

(found via contentment farm image via AD)

jean patou

...love this silhouette


(source)

Floral Stylist Livia Cetti

The oh so clever and creative floral stylist, Livia Cetti has just updated her website
some afternoon eye candy, trust me, stop what you're doing and check it out
I'm still dreaming of the violet bouquet she made for my wedding day......

(images via the green vase\ photographer Thayer Allyson Gowdy)

urchin

little urchin terrarium, how cute!
i would love to try to make one.
where to begin.....

(image source)

a botanical hair piece anyone?

YES, please!
I'm drooling over these beautiful images by fine art wedding photographer, Jen Huang.
And not too mention the GORG botanical hair accessories created by these two lovely little ladies
Wouldn't you love to rock one of these creations?

TREASURE HUNT: sweetest vintage dress under $500

is this not the sweetest looking vintage dress EVER?
champagne is the new white
chic and elegant
for more details go here

summer

summer thunderstorms, finally!
it's been so hot here in milan, the kind of yucky, sticky, I don't want to be in a city hot.
one more week to go and then it's off to a special haven in the Dodecanese Greek islands to this little spot.

(photography via little daily's)

saturday night fever dress

I'm a total sucker for Bee Gees Saturday Night Fever and would love
to spin around with A. in this red number?
maybe it shall be next year's anniversary outfits.....hehehehe

peach velvet

this peachy jewel makes a perfect accessory for any summer soiree

karen walker jewellery

how perfect is this little crab pendant for a summer accessory?
New Zealand based designer, Karen Walker is a little lady of all sorts of talents. Not only does she make adorable jewels to be worn by all but she also has a pretty little clothing line, check it out here

(image source)

sunday morning

mellow Sunday morning with A.
our weekend mornings consist of reading the news on his\hers laptops, catching up with my bloglines and playing records all the while sipping cafe and freshly squeezed orange juice.
two items everyone should have in the kitchen: this moka pot from bialetti and a stainless steel, plastic or vintage citrus press for fresh oj.
If truly want to splurge you might want to check out this one
I swear by my little vintage plastic one that was formally my mother-in-laws

(photography deirdre quinn)