Mother of the Bride (or Groom) Dresses for the Moms I Actually Know

Mother of the Bride (or Groom) Dresses for the Moms I Actually Know

Via

I remember a picture that I sent to my mom before I got married: it was of a page from a magazine, and it laid out what that magazine thought was "The Only Option" for "Modern Mothers." I sent it to my mom because we both found it hysterical. Who were these "modern mothers" and what happened to their style?! 

Here's the thing: I don't know any women who want to feel dowdy on their daughter or son's wedding day! The women I know who have a child getting married feel just like the other women I know--they want comfort, they want to feel special, and they might have certain parts of their bodies that they feel more or less comfortable with. For some reason, though, many articles and stores think that mothers want to wear one of about three dresses, all pastel and/or beaded, and all with a cropped jacket.

This is what a modern mama can look like! 

In case you, or your mother (or your spouse-to-be's-mother), want something better than that, let's chat. You see, I recently worked with a virtual client (she's in the midwest) whose daughters are getting married this summer, and she wanted some help with what to wear for their bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and weddings. I'm going to share some of what I suggested to her over the next few weeks.

First, let's start with the main event. I think what any woman wears to the main event of a weekend, whether it's a wedding or a fun weekend away punctuated with a Broadway show, can help her mentally set the tone for the whole weekend. I don't say this to put pressure on anyone! In fact, the opposite! I think once you know what you'll wear for the most special part, the rest can just fall into place.

I Found the Most Gorgeous Formal Dresses

I Found the Most Gorgeous Formal Dresses

Do you want to know where I found the most gorgeous formal dresses recently? At Saks Off Fifth, the outlet store.  I don't have a lot of events that require a formal dress nor where one would be appropriate, really, but these dresses made me want to throw one! If you're ever looking for one, I highly recommend that you check out an outlet mall near you if it has an Off Fifth. Here's a sample of the gorgeousness that I had to snap with my phone camera.

Fall Finds, Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom Fashion, Maternity Style that Doesn't Suck, and All Black, All the Time

Fall Finds, Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom Fashion, Maternity Style that Doesn't Suck, and All Black, All the Time

Boy-oh-boy does food poisoning suck the life out of you! My sister visited from Sunday night to Wednesday, and the first day and a half of her visit were fabulous. We shopped, we breakfasted, we giggled and talked in sister code, and then...and then....we ate thai food. And it all went to Hell in a hand basket.

On nearly the other side of it all, I'm easing back into the online world with some good old fashioned pinning! I have a few Pinterest boards that I've been adding to lately that I want to share with you! I have to say, the whole "back to school" thing really bums me out. I love summer above all other seasons, and I tend to get a little blue in the fall. This year, I'm trying to combat that by getting excited about fall fashion. Here is a sneak peek of my Fall Finds board, which I'll continue to update with pieces you might already own or want to buy and images that have me inspired for fall.

Via

I love the moody florals in this jacket and, of course, her hair.