top it off.

I've had cake on my mind lately. Toppers, specifically. I love that people are veering away from the expensive tiered monstrosities that have become associated with weddings (no offense to those who like them). I love the idea of pies, or just a dessert bar that skips cake altogether. We're just going with a few simple layer cakes, but I want a cake topper to set it apart. Some of my favorites:

 

flags. 

 

heart.

dead people. (yep.)

initials.

bombing.

Today I found the final pieces to complete what I hope will be my vintage glam wedding day look.

j. crew

My favorite vintage bombshell inspiration: Veronica Lake.

fizzy lifting.

Another thing I'm scheming. Via Project Wedding. Now, where to buy weird sodas?

here comes the bride.

We've finally decided on our ceremony music. I won't say what it is because I'm tired of raised eyebrows, but it's inspired by our favorite movie and I'm very excited about it. Hopefully people will be able to keep their eyebrows locked and lowered when the big day arrives, because this wedding is going to be anything but traditional.

print is not dead.

Excited for this new design magazine, Anthology. Link via Oh Joy.

so fresh.

I recently ran across an old Lucky article that lists the best websites you've probably never heard of. My on-a-budget self is having a hard time being good.

Filled with vintage and vintage-inspired finds from across Europe (but mainly France), I'm pretty sure Chicago's P.O.S.H. was made just for me.

The Curiosity Shoppe has a fun selection of stationery and a lot of other wacky, Modcloth-esque stuff.

Three Potato Four, based in Philadelphia, has everything from antique signs to kids stuff to wedding accessories. Warning: You probably can't afford anything.

Funny and functional gifts from Spoon Sisters.

road trippin.

The indecision continues. We've (and by we've I mean I've) gone from planning an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation to a romantic French getaway to an all-American road trip. Currently fixated on California's legendary, scenic Highway 1. San Francisco, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, L.A. With plane tickets out there just $150, it's tempting indeed.

dia de los halloween.

source.

I'm getting married a week after my favorite holiday, Halloween. Just a few days after Dia de los Muertos. I think I know what my costume needs to be this year.

verdant.

david stern.

I'm going to go hear David Stern talk about his work this afternoon. I love how he captures character traits and expressions with huge, sloppy globs of paint. His exhibit is on view at the Halsey.

camera envy.

How can any self-respecting blogger survive without a fancy camera to help them capture their home-cooked meals and picturesque bike rides? It's time for an upgrade.

The picture above is not my usual camera, nor was it taken with my usual camera. It's one we got at a yard sale that I'm hoping to clean up and learn how to use. It was taken with the office camera, which I secretly want to steal.

home.

**

I'm thrilled to be heading home to Virginia this weekend. On the agenda: my favorite Mexican restaurant, J. Crew factory store, antiquing, apple-picking, and Dad's cooking. I might even climb this mountain. Just thinking about scrambling up the rock outcrop on the tippy top makes my toes tingle.

Funny how I couldn't wait to escape the mountains when I was young, and now I can't wait to get back.