This stunning dress-jacket-combination is hot off the Fall 2012 runway, from Dior.  Designer for Dior, Bill Gaytten, has kept his Dior Pre-Fall 2012 collection under wraps until recently, and this dress – featuring a classic neck to floor silhouette and a sweet open-back jacket – is simply stunning.

Image found on dust jacket

I’ve had a seeming infatuation with baskets since my early years, watching Yogi Bear fight so hard for that pic-a-nic basket.  (Watch cartoons, they’re good for you.)  So it’s no wonder, I could focus on only one thing when I saw this park wedding over at Forget Me Knot Weddings months ago.  Baskets!

Plus the picnic-themed party idea is just plain adorable.

The bride, Danni, from the duo, Danni + Nick of ohellofriend, explains the baskets:

‘We reversed our wedding schedule around and started with the reception first, because we wanted to get married at sunset. guests arrived and gathered to share a picnic basket lunch. There was no seating at the park, so we went all out with picnic blankets.’

I’m a huge fan of collecting something for the wedding – it adds a personal touch and the eclectic mix speaks volumes about a well-thought-out wedding. {More on that here.}

Plus, the picnic theme has the wheels in my head turning – what a cute menu you could come up with:

• wax-paper wrapped sandwiches (turkey/avocado/brie, mozarella + tomato, etc.)
• cups of potato salad, cole slaw, veggie salads
• cupcakes, cookies, brownies
• fresh fruit
• homemade potato chips in kraft paper bags
• lemonade, iced tea

Valentine’s Day picnic, anyone?

Images via: Forget Me Knot Weddings // Photographs by Christian Cruz

They look amazing – don’t they?

Leah of Freutcake provided this perfect recipe while guest blogging on Jess’ blog, Forgiving Martha. I’ve promoted (and swooned) over the use of lavender before, and these perfect chocolate-dipped lavender shortbread cookies fit right into my pro lavender (and pro-baked goods) stance.  They would also make a perfect favor, both because they look pretty and they’re solid (never underestimate the power of a cookie to crumble in an ornately wrapped packaging … a.k.a., disaster!)

Lavender Shortbread Cookies {adapted from Barefoot Contessa}
3 sticks (3/4 lb.) unsalted butter at room temp
1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 heaping Tablespoon dried culinary lavender
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
7 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the butter and 1 cup of sugar until just combined. Do not cream butter and sugar, as you don’t want to add air to this dough. Add the vanilla extract and mix. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt, then add them to the butter-and-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Dump onto a surface dusted with flour, divide in half and shape into two flat disks. Wrap each disk separately in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Lightly flour you work surface and rolling pin and roll out the dough 1/2-inch thick. Choose your favorite cookie cutter and cut out cookies placing them on an ungreased baking sheet lined with either parchment or a silicone mat. Sprinkle cookies with sugar and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are just golden. Cool to room temperature.
4. When the cookies are cool, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Place 3 ounces of the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and place it over a saucepan of simmering water. Once the chocolate has melted, remove it from the heat. Add the remaining chocolate and stir with a wooden spoon until it has completely melted and is smooth and glossy. Taking one cookie at a time, dip one end of each cookie in the melted chocolate and place it on a parchment lined baking sheet. Once all the cookies have been dipped, place the baking sheets in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
6. Shortbread cookies keep in an airtight container for about a week but are best served same day!

Visit Forgiving Martha for more tips on making these amazing cookies! // Spotted on Something Pretty

In the hours before the big moment, amidst the hustle and bustle, curling irons, champagne, lipstick, tears and joy, send a love note.

Image here

I love the vintage feel of a long lace dress and likely because we all conjure up images of the big day when picturing a floor-sweeping white dress, even the simplest of it’s kind evoke a romantic feel.  Particularly, with peasant tops, tunics, floaty dresses in chiffon and soft cotton, full skirts with pleats and lace details, these dresses also have a perfect 70s-inspired vibe – which I love.

Perfect for a rehearsal dinner or more laid back wedding venue, these dresses are breezy and beautiful.

And a few of my favorite vintage-inspired white dress picks:  Free People Cutwork Dream Dress // BCBGmaxazria Keylene Dress // Rebecca Taylor Beaded Gown // Beyond Vintage Blouson Lace Dress // Mara Hoffman Embroidered Peasant Dress // ALICE by Temperley Long Esmeralda Dress

Image here