The Accessories

I'm stuck. I just can't seem to find a pair of earrings that wants to work with my accessories, that I like, and that feels unique. In short, I'm looking for a pair of earrings that isn't necessarily bridal. That said, I also want a pair of earrings that is bridal. Now you're confused, right? Me too.

Here's a snapshot of my accessories as they stand now (the floral, silk belt from J. Crew is still pending until I can try it with my dress):

Vintage Clutch, Muscari Designs Hair Flower, J. Crew Belt, and Kate Spade Shoes

Here are the earrings I have already tried that didn't work:

Crystal Fireball and Pearl Drop Earrings from Carolee ($40)

Floral Crystal and White Simulated Pearl Teardrop Pierced Earrings from Carolee ($75)

Large CZ Flower Stud Earrings from Carolee ($95)

Crystal Cluster Earrings by Etsy seller K. Garner Designs ($32)

As of now, I have a pair of cream- and blush-colored pearl clusters on silver. One of my maid-of-honors has offered to lend me a pair of platinum-and-diamond hoops with a small dangle charm, and I also have these (below) by Etsy seller Jurgita Handmade.

Luka Swarovski Crystal Earrings ($27)

I'm not swooning over any of them, but then again, I haven't had the full outfit on to give it a whirl. I won't get this opportunity until a few days before the wedding so I'm prepared to come armed with plenty of options.

If I had all the money in the world (or a budget over $100), I might go for something from the antique store from which I bought my wedding band.

Diamond and Pear-Shape Aquamarine ($2,875)

14K YG Rose Cut Diamond Flower ($1,195)

10K YG & Rose Cut Diamond Cluster ($275)

So, hive, I turn to you for advice. First, do I wear silver or gold in terms of color? Pearl or faux-diamond (as I can't afford the real thang, unless I borrow)? Any earrings you suggest that you've seen? Help me, please.

Hair Foliage

I always knew I wasn't going to be a veil bride. It's just not me. Then, I went back and forth between hair flower and head band. In the end, the flower won. I just couldn't back away from the floral prettiness that is organza-and-taffeta petals and blush- and ivory-pearls.

So, as every other Bee has ever done, I searched Etsy for some hair flowers I thought suited my look. I stumbled upon this beauty by Portobello and was pretty keen on the center of the flower and its petals (sans the feathers and birdcage veil).

Alena Headpiece by Portobello

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I'd bookmarked Mrs. Quiche's flower-maker, Muscari Designs, way back when and kept returning to their Minnesota Bloom. They were all sold out but I thought I might be able to finagle my way into a custom flower.

Muscari Designs Minnesota Bloom

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I wanted to combine the look of the Minnesota Bloom with her set of two flowers, the Sweet Peas.

Muscari Designs' Sweet Peas

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Easter at Muscari Designs agreed to blend the two styles for me, using blush-colored pearls and fabric, and here's what she came up with. She sent me three images of different samples she made.

I ended up asking her to take the velvet out from behind the pearls. The third of the above was my favorite so she took note that I liked the blush fabric and created these lovelies for me...

I have two of these adorable flowers. They're both pretty small and would fit beautifully with a half-up, half-down style, trailing down the back. My hair trial with the new stylist is coming up this weekend and since I have the hair flowers in-hand, they'll be making their debut.

Did you choose a hair flower, headband, veil or other hair accessory? Fill the hive in on who you got it from and which it is! We can always use suggestions.

To Veil Or Not?

I've never been a veil bride. From the very first dress I ever tried on (almost one year ago!), I never pictured myself with a veil, even though my mom made me try on a few. I was drawn to a raw veil (love how modern this feels) and then to a mantilla veil (love how vintage this feels), but in the end, I'm pretty sure I'll be walking down the aisle sans this iconic bridal accessory. 

For a short while, I considered a headband made from ribbon like these brides, and I'm still kind of in love with the idea.

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I'm also considering the hair flower route as so many brides have done before. Mrs. Perfume revealed her DIY flower here, Mrs. Cupcake showed us her purse- and hair-accoutrements here, Ms. Mascara gave us the rundown on crafting your own here, and Mrs. Pineapple made a feathery flower here. While three out of the four brides above crafted their own, I would be taking the safe route and buying one pre-made. 

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For inspiration on both fronts, I've been on Etsy (story of my life) and come across these lovelies.

Etsy seller Oh My Deer

Etsy seller Grace Art and Antiques

Etsy seller BeSomethingNew

Etsy seller Muscari

What should I do? A hair flower or two? Or a headband?