Salacious confession, no?
As a longtime blogger I’m very much aware that a good selection of links makes any blog more useful to their readers. (Granted, I’ve had no hits since I started this a few days ago, so right now I’m speaking to an empty room. But that’ll change…I hope).
Being that this is a wedding-themed blog, I’ve created wedding-themed categories:
crafting resources: These are sites that I’ve either used or will likely use in the coming months to finish my DIY projects, both wedding-related and not.
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Beadworks: While visiting the physical store is preferable–especially when browsing for inspiration–locations are scattered (the closest one to me is a good 45 minutes away!). Great collections of hard-to-find beads, including fancy gemstones.
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Crafts, Etc.–Online resource for basic beading supplies at lower prices than Beadworks.
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JoAnn Fabrics: Nationwide chain of sewing and crafting needs. Again, good for inexpensive materials.
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Paper Source: Found this originally through Weddingbee users, and a great collection of papers (obviously), unique gifts and albums. Reasonable prices and very fast service.
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The Paper Mill: Great for buying large quantities of paper for a variety of needs–will likely turn to this group in order to make my programs and favors.
favorite inspirational catalogs: these are the catalogs that I get once a month (if not more often) and I can’t help but look through them thanks to sumptuous set design and quirky styling.
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A.P.C.: A French clothing company specializing in minimalistic clothes that ooze with that certain casual French chic. If it were in my price range I’d be always kitted out in this; sadly, my budget only allows a few pieces per year.
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Anthropologie: Another expensive line, they tempt me monthly with visions of spice markets and libraries. A great starting off point when looking for accessory design inspiration–but proceed with caution.
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J.Crew: will get its very own post for reasons I will elaborate on later.
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Styledesign.de: I’ll explain this one later as well…
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The MoMA Design Store: generally a wonderful resource for quirky, unexpected gifts–great for couples who “have everything.” Although if they really do have everything, perhaps a donation would be more appreciated.
general inspiration: where I go to find something new and different, or to look at something familiar in a completely new way:
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Foodandwine.com/Foodnetwork.com: great resources for information on all things food, especially if you’re dreaming up your menu for the reception. Food & Wine is more upscale, but both provide plenty of information at your fingertips.
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Longwood Gardens: local to my reception venue in PA, this is an amazing public garden and horticultural center–worth checking out in person, or at least peeking at the photos here.
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Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art: All wonderful to visit, and all have excellent online catalogs to view their collections.
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Style File and W Magazine’s Editors’ Blog: sure they advocate spending loads of dough that you don’t have on things you don’t need, but every once in a while they post some brilliant photos or an interview with a reasonably interesting designer or artist.
not-so-scary wedding sites: the title speaks for itself.
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Brides.com: to be used sparingly, and mostly for the ability to create online scrapbooks of “clippings” so you can organize vendors, looks and color combinations. I’d stay away from the forums, though.
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Weddingbee.com: the reason why I started blogging in the first place. There are a number of wonderful blogs from a variety of brides and a very strong DIY focus. The least scary of the bridal websites I’ve so far come across, with some of the best-written blogs out there.