A Recycled Shower Dress

I didn't plan this at first. It was one of those moments that magically fell into place. During college, I worked in the Savvy department of Nordstrom. I was constantly surrounded by my favorite designers--Marc Jacobs, Nanette Lepore, Adriana Goldschmied, Ella Moss--and often, I'd spend much of my pay check on designer duds. 

Theory Galila Dress ($325)

One dress, though, never made it up to the counter with me. I eyed a particular Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress over and over, taking in the vintage print and the flattering cut, the adorable buttons, and the dreamy color. But, I couldn't justify paying nearly $200 for a semi-casual dress. I left it where it hung and life went on.

Nanette Lepore Painted Rose Dress ($425)

Last January, Mr. Cowboy Boot was working in New York for a month designing a loft/entertaining space and I went to visit him. As we rounded the corner to the loft, we stumbled upon a very small flea market and decided to check it out. I was sifting through a rack of vintage coats when The Dress I'd Left Behind at Nordstrom five years before appeared. Not only was it in perfect shape, it was my size. A quick bargain and the dress was mine for less than $80. It also doubled as Mr. Cowboy Boot's Christmas present (lucky him, huh?). 

Theory Edan Dress ($295)

For now, I don't have any pictures of it. But you'll get a peek when I post pictures from my shower which is planned for this upcoming Saturday. 

Leifsdottir Embroidered Lace Dress ($378)

If I hadn't found the DVF dress, though, I'd consider the dresses throughout this post. They're all adorable! 

Where did you find your shower dress?

I've Been Duped

It's been a total of eight months since I've seen Julianna. That's the name of my Christos gown. Today, she arrived with an unexpected (and not entirely welcome) surprise. 

Me Getting Ready to Be Reunited with Julianna (who also happened to be on this mannequin)

I made the trip to Saks this morning with my mom for my first fitting. While my wedding isn't for another four months, I had to take advantage of my time home in Los Angeles to have my alterations done at Saks as I might not make it back to California before October. New Mexico doesn't have a Saks and, when I bought my dress, I got a $450 gift card for free alterations so I opted to have them done there. That means all of my alterations have to be completed in one week. Once they are finished, the dress will be sent to the Saks in Denver where I'll pick it up a few days before the wedding. I'll never have to stress about stuffing it into an airplane cabin, nor will I have to drive more than two hours with it. The trade off? I have to make some major decisions in very little time. 

MR. COWBOY BOOT. This is your cue...exit. Muchas gracias. 

Julianna as she fit out of the box--a little loose on top and long on bottom

Trying to show off my shoes

The cap sleeves that came with the dress arrived detached which was fine with me as I don't prefer them, and I immediately tucked in the spaghetti straps that come attached to make it strapless.

Strapless Version

As my fitter, Jean, entered the room she said this to me: "This dress cannot be done strapless." 

"What?!" I replied, "That was the whole reason I bought it. The saleswoman said it would be no problem."

But Jean pointed out how the straps come down to points on the back--without the strap, it looks like something is missing. I took a peep and, as much as I didn't want to admit it, I agreed. I asked her if she could just tuck the pointed areas in and re-sew it to be straight across the back. Apparently, because it has a sleeve-cut under the arm and not a straight cut (as strapless dresses are meant to), "people who know couture will notice," Jean said. Plus, the straps will make it more comfortable for dancing.

The right picture shows the points on the back (where the cap sleeves are attached)

At first I was upset, pouty, and felt like I wanted to throw a tantrum right there. I'm spending how much on this dress and I can't even have it the way I want it? She was right, though, the dress looked weird in spots if it wasn't worn the way it was designed to be worn. As she got to work, the straps started to grow on me. 

Jean pinning a layer of satin over crinoline while I hold up the tulle

Here was the end result of fitting one in which she pinned the back about a quarter of an inch, inserted some padding in the top so I don't have to wear a bra, and pinned the lining underneath. 

After the fitting, I went back and looked at the pictures on my camera. I'd tried to convince myself that the little satin straps (meant to go under the cap sleeves) were simple and elegant. But the more I looked at the pictures, the more I thought they looked casual and more functional than anything. So, now, I have to figure out what I want to add to them to make me happy. 

Here's what they look like with the cap sleeve. I think it's pretty but I prefer the dress more plain--the sleeves have rhinestones and sequins and feel more trendy than what I'm going for.

My thought, right now is to take some tulle from the bottom of the dress and lay it flat over the straps, letting the raw edges of the tulle come out a little wider than the strap. This would give it a ruffly, softer effect. While it wouldn't be as wide or as ruffly as this dress (below), this picture is my inspiration behind the thought.

(source)

What do you think, hive? 

1) Stick with the simple, satin strap

2) Screw "couture" and make it strapless

3) Add a layer of tulle a little wider than the straps to soften and ruffle

4) Reconsider the cap sleeves

5) Do something else (please explain below)

A Skincare Plan That Works

For the past 13 years, I've stuck to the same routine for cleaning my skin before hitting the sack. I've added in a few products over the years, but the base products (cleanser, moisturizer) still remain and I've even stayed loyal to one brand for the most part. My skin? Dry, dry, dry. Living at a high elevation sucks the moisture right out. I don't break out very often save for the occasional zit. So, my main focus lies in moisturizing. 

Lately, I've been straying from my brand-of-choice and trying out some different products. Mainly because I get a samples through work here and there and, what can I say, free product is free product. Some I love while others leave my skin peeling or stinging. So, in preparation for the wedding, I'm going to keep it simple and head back to my staple brand for most everything. 

You're wondering what brand that is, aren't you? Let me break it down for you.

My fountain of youth: H2O+. Their sea-derived skincare products are gentle and natural. While not drugstore-priced, they aren't the most expensive out there and you get a fair amount for your money. Plus, they last a long time--sometimes it takes me six months to get through a product.

Step 1: Make-up Remover

My one rule for make-up remover: no oil. I can't stand having greasy eyes. Thus, I opt for No Miss No Tears Eye Make-Up Remover ($8 for 8 fl. oz.), sold at Whole Foods stores. From the "healthy alternative products" nail company No Miss, this remover is thorough (gets everything) but is meant for sensitive skin with ingredients like soapwart extract.

No Miss No Tears Eye Make-Up Remover

Step 2: Cleansing

I've been using H2O+ Marine Cleansing Gel ($20 for 5.7 fl. oz.) forever. It's gentle, has softening microbeads, and boasts ingredients like sea fennel, sea lettuce, acacia, and wakame. 

Marine Cleansing Gel

Today, I went to the store and the saleswoman suggested I try the Waterwhite Brightening Cleansing Mousse. You get more for your money--7.5 ounces for $25--and it only takes one pump for a face-full of suds. It's algae-filled ingredient list is supposedly good for removing make-up and bringing out your skin's natural radiance.

Waterwhite Brightening Cleansing Mousse

Step 3: Toning

When my wallet is hurting, H2O+'s Marine Toner does a really good job ($16 for 8 fl. oz.) but if I'm feeling indulgent, I love holistic skincare-maker Dr. Hauschka's Facial Toner ($35 for 3.4 fl. oz.). It feels really refreshing to spray this directly onto your skin and when you wipe it off, you can see it removing dirt and make-up. This herbal concoction contains Anthyllis and witch hazel.

Dr. Hauschka's Facial Toner

Step 4: Moisturizing

On a budget? H2O+'s Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment ($34 for 1.7 fl. oz.) is a little sticky for my taste, but gets the job done. 

H2O+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment

If your skin is a desert, like mine, get Lierac's Hydra-Chrono Extreme Balm for Dehydrated Skin ($50 for 1.4 fl. oz.). It's amazing. It feels silky, smells great, and keeps my skin hydrated through the night. They make four levels of this (Extreme Balm is the most moisturizing, then Intense Cream, Comfort Cream, and finally, Refreshing Fluid) so if you live somewhere with humidity, you can get one that coordinates with your skin.

 Lierac Hydra-Chrono Extreme Balm for Dehydrated Skin

For pure skin bliss (I mean the feeling of supple, supple skin), check out Caudalie's Vinoperfect Night Correcting Cream ($68 for 1 oz.). If I could afford this ever, I'd stock my cabinet. It's the best moisturizing cream on the planet (thus the price tag). They also make a day version with SPF 15. Both feature extracts of grapevines, camomile, Shea butter, sweet orange, and tangerine.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Night Correcting Cream

Step 5: Eye Cream

I've tried quite a few brands lately and most of them are too strong. I wake up in the morning to peeling skin around my eyes. The one that works? H2O+ Sea Results Eye Mender Plus ($36 for .5 fl. oz.), made from arnica and green tea extract. It's so gentle but definitely minimizes dark circles and puffiness, but it's expensive. The best way to get this? As a sample when you purchase something else--it almost always inevitably comes with your purchase if you buy online.

H2O+ Sea Results Eye Mender Plus

And that's it. Yep, it takes long enough for Mr. Cowboy Boot to complain on a nightly basis but for good skin, it's worth it. 

What are your skin secrets? Any brands you stand by?

Homegrown Wedding Part II

Today is the first time I've been back to my parents' house in Los Angeles since I seriously started planning the decor. Eight months ago (the last time I was home), we had just booked our venue and I was on the search for The Dress so things are feeling more nailed down this time. It's funny how, when you're on the search for something, everything you've been looking at for the past 20 years all of a sudden appeals to you more. This time around, it's decor items. 

As I got settled in, I started to notice little antiques around the house that would look adorable adorning our escort tables or dessert tables. I was already in love with weddings in which the guests bring simple personal touches to contribute to the decor, so bringing stuff from my childhood home seems natural. My mom mentioned she'd be happy to bring some things along (via plane) to our wedding in Colorado if I just made her a list. Here are a few of the items I've come across:

More Cow Bell Please.

Horse Decor.

A Spur from Custer's Last Stand in the 19th Century

A Cute Teapot

An Adorable Rooster for our Buffet Table

A Cute Pitcher With Fake Flowers

A Shabby Chic Lantern

A Mason Jar I Bought in Sausalito, California

A Frame with My Parents' Wedding Portraits

An Antique Clock (if only it worked)

While searching around the house, I came across two pictures that are pure evidence that I was meant to be Ms. Cowboy Boot and have a horse-themed wedding:

What do you plan to incorporate into your wedding that you already own? Or what are you borrowing from friends or family?

What? No Cake?!

That's right. Mr. Cowboy Boot and I are forgoing that tradition. "But what about the pictures with the cake? You won't have those?" My mom asked when I told her. "Eh," I replied, "Neither of us really likes cake all that much." Sure, I've loved the design of wedding cakes and even swooned over a few but their aesthetic beauty doesn't make up for their price tag--at least not at our wedding. But that doesn't mean no one will be eating sweets after dinner. 

In lieu of wedding cake, we're opting for a seasonally-fresh pie bar a la this picture:

Pie Inspiration Board by Ritzy Bee

Since it will be fall at the time of our wedding, pies and crisps will mark the season. Apples, peach, cherry, raspberry, you name it, we'll have it. Um, hopefully. We're still waiting for our venue to get back to us with the catering contract so we can finalize prices and the menu. Until then, we'll be dreaming about all of the various flavors of pie we can offer. To keep you drooling, too, here are some fun inspiration boards that contain pie (all from Snippet & Ink):

Are you finishing off the meal with an untraditional dessert?

A Homegrown Wedding

While planning out my invitations with Ms. Sarah Parrott (our stationer), I stumbled across her fairly new blog, Homegrown Wedding. First, I had no idea that she was engaged but now that I know she's scoping for inspiration, I'll be checking her site often. It's adorable. Here are some of my favorite inspiration photos she's collected:

Dahlias from Country Living

Decor from Farmhouse Wares

Inspiration from Earth Friendly Weddings

Sunflower setting from Country Living

Save-the-dates by Rifle Design

Natural hair; Photo by Jenna Carver

Wedding Sign Inspiration

Her plan is to use organic, local food, flowers from her garden, a homemade cake, and handmade decorations.

In what ways is your wedding homegrown?

The Thing About BBQ Is...

When Mr. CB and I first moved to Santa Fe, two years ago, we road tripped it from New York City through the south. We'd been living in Brooklyn for a year and were craving some wide open space. If the concrete jungle taught us anything, though, it was how to eat and plan your meals carefully. You can't get a table without calling ahead, you can't cook at home without first devising which way you'll walk from the subway to ensure you pass a grocery store, and you can't eat well unless you look at reviews first. 

BBQ Menu Inspiration Board from Snippet & Ink

Thus, on our road trip, I carefully mapped out which restaurants we should stop at along our route out West. In Staunton, Virginia, we took a break at Mrs. Rowe's Restaurant for sweet tea and bread pudding. Later, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, our travels led us to Dreamland BBQ for nothing but ribs, ribs, and, well, ribs. (Okay, we're kind of foodies. Can you tell?). In New Orleans, you can't eat anything but pulled-pork po' boy sandwiches and especially if you're at the New Orlean's Jazz Fest. From there it was off to Salt Lick in Austin, Texas. Then, in a town called Ozona, Texas, we ate chicken fried steak at the Hitchin' Post in the heaviest rain storm ever. You get the idea--the Cowboy Boots started to develop a palette for some delicious, Southern barbecue. 

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Cut to: October 2008. The CBs find their venue and learn that a BBQ menu is available--and are pleasantly surprised since they have to go with their venue as their caterer. (Okay, I'll stop talking in third person now). Most couples who get married at Devil's Thumb Ranch opt for the barbecue buffet for their rehearsal dinner and more upscale plated dishes (like bacon-glazed salmon or a seasonal tasting menu for their wedding). The Ranch has an outdoor, BBQ space complete with picnic tables for rehearsal dinners (or, for wedding budgets on a tighter dime). We considered this option for our wedding, but it wasn't available in October as it's too cold but, lucky for us, October is when they cut their prices in half for low-season, which made the barn affordable for us.

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Last week, between hair and make-up trials, I sat down with our ever-organized wedding guru at the Ranch and sussed out what we think will be out menu. The only downside of this whole process is that we didn't get to have a tasting because they just don't do them. That said, I've eaten about eight meals (at least) at the Ranch and trust that our wedding meal will be equally as delicious. 

Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

(source)

Post-Ceremony Cocktail Hour

After the ceremony, we plan to utilize the deck that extends from the barn (where our reception will be) for a cocktail hour overlooking the mountains. Here's we'll have everything from our bar (more below) and a few passed appetizers that will serve as a good introduction to our BBQ.

- Fried White Truffle Macaroni and Cheese

- Spiced Beef & Blue Cheese on a Toasted Point

Dinner

The BBQ dinner will be served buffet style, but we'll still put menus at each person's seat (these are actually provided by the Ranch). The menu we started with was their sample Pig Roast, which we've tweaked a little below.

-Fennel & Coriander Crusted Pork Shoulder

-BBQ Ribs (these are amazing)

-BBQ Chicken Legs (instead of Steamship Round of Pork)

-Baked Beans

-Rosemary Roasted Potatoes (instead of Braised Collard Greens)

-Field Green Salad

-Garlic broccoli or some other veggie (instead of Corn on the Cob)

-Cornbread

Our Bar

While I'd had hopes of serving five local brews in quarter kegs as I so optimistically blogged about here, I found out there are only two beer taps in the room. Thus, we chose Odell Brewing Company's light and refreshing Easy Street Wheat Beer alongside Grand Lake Brewing Company's darker yet smooth Wooly Booger Nut Brown Ale. A signature cocktail? Check. To add a little New Mexican flavor to the meal, we're thinking about the simple margarita with a good tequila and homemade sour mix. Yum. If we decide to serve two, we're considering some concoction of San Pellegreno Limonata or Aranciata (lemon or orange soda) and vodka or maybe bellinis (peach nectar and champagne). We haven't chosen our wines, yet. And, alongside the above items, we'll offer a cash bar for hard liquor or champagne drinks.

(source)

And for dessert? Well, we'll save that for another post. All I can tell you is that Mr. CB and I just aren't into cake (except I love mint chocolate chip ice cream cake with chocolate cake, but that's more of a birthday thing). I'll fill you in soon. Promise.

What inspired your menu? Do you have any suggestions for us in terms of a good veggie to go along with BBQ as well as your opinion on our signature cocktail?