Chic for Cheap: Bridal Shower

Melissa and I have been having so much fun with our Chic for Cheap outfit challenges and we love what you've been coming up with too!  Last week reader Jos requested a bridal shower inspired look... and I have to admit that I struggled with this one a bit.  I found all sorts of sweet skirts and dresses that would lend themselves perfectly to a bridal shower look... but I'm a jeans girl though and through, so my finished ensemble had to reflect that.  I also decided to pick out a gift that was ultimately inspired by the look I put together.  I hope you like it... and as always we'd love for you to play along using Polyvore or your own image editing software (just leave a link to your finished image in the comment section here or on the Melissa Loves blog).  xo Ez

{GIFT}

Silo Votive Set by Up in the Air Somewhere

{OUTFIT}

Netted Chandelier Pendant Necklace by Precious Meshes, Emily Pump at Forever 21, Cashmere Short-Sleeve Cardigan at J.Crew, Ruffle V-Neck Ribbon Short Sleeve Top at Angie Hearts, Divine Rights of Denim Skinny Jeans at Charlotte Russe

Inspiration Daily: 9 .23 .08

Vintage 02 by Odessa Sawyer

(Photo Border by wwitch22)

Of Merit

Were you in the Girl Scouts when you were younger?  If so, do you remember when you would proudly sew your newest badge of accomplishment onto your kelly green sash... your chest swelling with pride?  Well for those of you who remember those moments fondly and perhaps with a tinge of sadness for the years gone by, Lee Meszaros has created the perfect thing for you.  Merit Badges for adults!  These are so clever and fun... and would make the sweetest gifts!  I can imagine giving the Leaving the Nest Merit Badge to my sister who just took off for college!  And for me I think it would be a toss up between the Drawing a Blank Badge or perhaps the Having Meat on Your Bones Badge!  Fabulous!

{Merit Badges by Lee Meszaros at goodEGG Industries}

Inspiration Daily: 9 .22 .08

"I'm In Portland" by Amy Nieto

(Photo Border by wwitch22)

In Good Company: Sartoria Vico

A few days ago, reader Stefania wrote to introduce me to Sartoria Vico... the Italian knitwear company that she started with three of her friends.  I loved everything the moment I clicked over to her site, and decided to find out a little bit more about Stefania and her beautiful creations.

Q: Do you ship outside of Italy?
A: For sure, our customers can chose and buy products online on the website, paying via paypal and receiving the goods directly at home. We deliver all around the world through SDA service. To be honest, Italians are not so used to shopping online, so our web clients are 85% foreigners!

Q: Were does your inspiration come from when designing such a great collection?
A: Thanks for the "great" tag!  We basically apply the traditional design process: we select a list of needs, finding the right solutions for each of them, adding functions to our basic items and accessories. Inspirations for shapes, lines, colors and details come from fashion history, books and magazines from the 50s, 60s and so on, filtered by our passion, taste and instinct plus some experience coming form years of knitting with mommies and grannies.

Q: How did go about starting your line with your 3 friends?
A: Starting with three friends was easy: we met at the design faculty, sharing houses, friends, experiences, loves and tears. We became friends, then, good friends, then best friends. Then came the hardest part: shaping a business out of our passions (knitwear, dressmaking, design, texture and textile).  A task we are still running day by day....

Q: Defined your Fall line in 6 words or less:
A: Delicate, convenient, warm, multi-functional, versatile but still feminine.

Thank you so much for sharing a special look at your business with us today Stefania!  I look forward to many beautiful collections to come.  To see the full Sartoria Vico line, click here.  And while visiting, be sure to play on their adorable little interactive dress-up page, right here.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!  xox Ez