Photo: Candyce, the Epoch Collection by Modest-Couture

Modesty has evolved over the course of American History. Showing too much ankle was once considered immodest. Over the past several decades, however, wedding dresses have become more revealing. In fact, it’s only been in the last 10-15 years that strapless wedding gowns have become the conventional bridal fashion. As a result, modest wedding dresses have become more difficult to find in bridal stores. Brides must envision what their dress could look like with costly alterations- to raise necklines and add sleeves- as most bridal stores don’t even carry sample dresses with sleeves… unless you count the stained 1980’s sample gowns in the back room.

Many religions have modesty as the fabric of their beliefs, such as the Jewish Orthodox, Latter Day Saints, Pentecostal, Islamic and Conservative Christians. These brides cannot wear a strapless gown in their temple, church or mosque. A jacket is not an accepted solution. There are also many brides that don’t have religious requirements but choose modesty to cover a scar, tattoo, or are simply not comfortable showing their arms.

Modesty means different things to every bride, but a bride that chooses modesty should have options to look amazing! The Epoch Collection by Modest-Couture offers classic bridal gowns without sacrificing great style and elegance. These wedding gowns feature more modest necklines and sleeves of various lengths.

How many Savvy Scoop readers have been searching for a beautiful Modest wedding dress? And what are your thoughts on Ivanka Trump’s demure Vera Wang gown?

Photo: Lisa Ann, the Epoch Collection by Modest-Couture

Photo: Vyvyan, the Epoch Collection by Modest-Couture

Photo: Dessy Accessories

- Two Taupe totes
- Two pairs of Buttercup flip flops
- Two Buttercup clutches, each filled with Stila cosmetics and a coordinating headband
- Two Dessy flash drives (which will be customized for each girl)
- Two “My First Pearls” necklaces (for her little niece and junior bridesmaid)
- Two Groomsmen neckties
- Two neckties for her Groom, to wear at the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner
- And a pair of Buttercup flats and pearl drop earrings for herself!

Can you believe all of this!? For $500!? I’m still shocked… Check out all of the Dessy accessories you’ll have to choose from if you win our Style Board Challenge! And don’t forget- all submissions must be sent to savvyscoop@onewed.com by Dec. 31st!

Photo: Adorable red peep toes with fabric rosette, via SMP Photo Gallery

The ongoing dialogue about finding the perfect bridal shoe seems to go something like this: Comfort first but hey, what better occasion to show off those Jimmy Choos? My suggestion is to find that happy heel height (for most brides, it’s 2 inches) where you can maneuver around greeting guests and being a bride without sore calves and blistered feet.

Because we have such a vast array to choose from these days, it’s hard to believe once upon a time etiquette dictated there was one type of shoe you could wear on your wedding day: closed toe pumps in white or ivory peau satin. While closed toe satin is still elegant, so are the purple satin mules and peachy Christian Louboutins below. Both would pair up nicely with just about any silhouette.

The powder-puff marabou mules (photo 3) were once the chi-chi footwear confined to the boudoir and worn almost exclusively with negligee and penoir sets. Popularized by Jean Harlow, they were trendy all through the 50s and early 60s. Now they can be flaunted and worn out to the most glam events- including your wedding.

The bridal thong. Not just for beach weddings, brides who want chic as well as comfort have found this happy medium.

If you’re curious how that trend towards shoes in hues got started, here’s the skinny: brides have been breaking tradition on all fronts of wedding fashion, accessorizing included. In my own experience working with them, it really took hold once wedding dresses with touches of color came into play. That blue sash or belt; red trimmed neckline or black lace overlay. Now it’s caught on and even brides all dressed in white from veil to hem are sporting green, blue, red or yellow shoes under their gown.

While the styles pictured here are tres chic now, you can go beyond and be daring if you want. Have a pair of those pink vintage stilettos from the 1960s in the storeroom? Wear them. And if you want some kind of lace-up spectator pumps or fur boots, go for them; think about how you can work them into your ensemble. There’s always a way. Know that shoes can be one of the most creative aspects of pulling your look together…

Credits, Photo 2:
Love Life Images, Lyndsey Hamilton Events, Paul Rich Studio, Twin Lens, Jose Villa, Jose Villa Photography

Photo: Purple satin mules and peachy Christian Louboutins, via SMP

Photo: Powder-puff marabou mules via SMP Photo Gallery

Photo: The bridal thong, via SMP Photo Gallery

Photo: Corbin Gurkin

Vendors Involved: PHOTOGRAPHY by Carolyn Quilici for Lisa Lefkowitz Photography / Event Design: Kate Siegel / Wedding Planner: Stacy McCain for Stacy McCain Event Planning / CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE: Annadel 1880 Winery & Garden (Private estate through Paula Le Duc catering) / CATERER/RENTALS: Paula Le Duc / FLORIST: Cherries / LIGHTING/SOUND: Got Light / ENTERTAINMENT: Bay Music & Entertainment, Inc.

Olive Route, a letterpress studio in Berkeley, California, crafted all of the paper products for the wedding. From letterpress invitations to hand drawn maps of the grounds, each paper accessory complimented the style of the day to perfection. We heart Olive Route big time at SMP so we weren’t surprised in the slightest to see Olivia’s designs take center stage.

A good dessert buffet will get me every time…but one as cute as this one? Well. It has warmed my heart to no end. The couple served homemade inspired treats like lemon blueberry tarts, passion fruit tarts and mini berry pies. Caridwyn and Sons are the genius behind this perfect touch. They served locally grown, Napa inspired food including marin suns top sirloin grilled over oak with mashed chillie, marjorum, garlic & De Vero extra virgin olive oil with roasted fingerling potatoes. Ummm, yum?

During the reception, the groom surprised his bride with a seranade of his own version of “Love Me Tender,” accompanied by his sisters. Standing ovation, obviously.

Photography by Meg Smith, Wedding Invitations and Paper Goods by Olive Route, Catering by Caridwyn and Sons, Reception Location Durham Ranch, Gown Designer Vera Wang, Flowers by Florabunda, 707-363-164 / Caligraphy by Papineau Calligraphy / Linens by La Tavola Linen

That’s my dream when I was a girl…..

First of all, it’s time to get down off that pedestal of hoity-toity and snobbery. I mean, really. Look at you, up there on your gleaming tower of organic, grain-fed, vegan cuisine! Come off it, man! I’ve found something even better. And cheaper. In fact, maybe you too would have noticed it if you managed to take your head out of your free range BE-hind and look around you for once. Damn…I always have to do all the work around here.

Now, I know you’re busy eating anything with the words “braised,” “carmelized,” “aged,” “dry-aged,” “truffled,” “exotic,” “ragout,” “reduction,” or “glazed,” in it, but seriously dudes. come back down here to regular town, ya jackass! Wait, I take back one of those. I don’t mind the word “glazed” if we’re talking about a donut. “glazed carrots,” however? not for me. I like regular people food.

There is no reason for you to be such a snob when the real secret to fine gourmet cuisine lies right in front of you on most main streets and definitely at every truck stop. You can find this kind of cuisine in any town, and it doesn’t empty out your pockets (unlike certain Roasted Kona Kampachi with a Fennel-Pollen Crust that I know…). Undeserving readers, it is with great honor that i now present to you….FAST FOOD AND CHAIN RESTAURANTS.

My god. if you’re looking for The Best of The Best, or as the French might say, La Crème de la Crème (you. are. a. snob. …ya damn frenchy), look no further. I have been traveling again, this time to the four corners of the country. That’s right…out east to a quaint little bistro with a clever name…TGI Friday’s. Hilarious! South to Texas where i enjoyed my first ever Jack in the Box. West to California where I encountered the rare, but delicious, Taco Bell and Burger King. And North to Wisconsin, to visit…well…a place called Michael’s. It’s kind of the poor man’s fast food…they serve “custard” instead of ice cream. what gives??!! I don’t know…I guess I felt bad for them, so I included them.

Anyhow, let me tell you. THIS is the cuisine to be discussing at the water cooler! Did you know that at taco bell, you can get 4 burritos for about $3.50? And at Burger King, they have a $.99 menu. A WHOLE menu dedicated to only spending 99 cents! Now that’s classy! And you don’t even have to get up out of your car! If you’re interested in a slightly more active dining experience, Chili’s will be right up your alley. Now that is a classy joint. The booths are greasy so you can slide right in and out of them, no matter how much you eat! Plus, all of this food is truly delicious. I think the cooks, or sous-chefs, if you prefer (give me a BREAK), must add little something-somethings to their food. Perhaps some kind of…oh, I don’t know…additives? addictive substances? chemicals? animal parts? Whatever the magic ingredient, I know it’s wonderful.

See for yourselves! And then go get me a Sausage McMuffin. They only serve breakfast til 10:30 though, so you’ll have to hurry up.

xoxo, delicious food

fountain cokes and fries…what more could a girl ask for, really?

if i showed you what was under the wrapper, vegetarians wouldn’t exist

a beacon of light in the middle of a 1000 mile drive.

ultimate cheeseburger…its blurry because i had the hunger shakes

chicken sammie…blurry again from the ole shakes.

green beans = boring. FRIED green beans = delicious!

each nacho is individually topped. no fighting for toppings here.

sick. who would even eat this? this is embarassing…

that is a bucket of cheese in which to dip your cheeseburger.

chicago dog. it comes close.

peanut butter sundae from michaels…the poor man’s chain restaurant.

BOSTOM EFFING MARKET! these’ll give you the indigestion.

fries from wendy’s are fat. because they make you fat.

ooh! chicken crispers from chili’s! great whilst high.

you pick 3. ribs, chicken, shrimps (ew), potatoes, and broccoli. damn.

“healthy choice” FRIED CHICKEN salad. with ranch, most likely.

the size of a meximelt is often compared to that of a human turd.

that would be meat, cheese, sauce, onions…all your basics.

the real king

We taste-tested dozens of frozen pizzas from the grocery store at Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine—these top-scoring pies really deliver.

BEST OVERALL: American Flatbread Cheese and Herb
“It’s pizza in its purest form,” one taster said, “simple and earthy.” (americanflatbread.com for stores)
Read the full review »

BEST CHEESE: Wolfgang Puck All-Natural Margherita
This pie won raves over the “big, pretty” tomato slices and strong flavors of olive oil and herbs: “It tastes like fresh pesto.”
Read the full review »

BEST PEPPERONI: Tombstone Pepperoni
Tasters called it “one generously topped” pie. The supermarket standby also scored big for its “thick and salty” slices.
Read the full review »

BEST VEGETABLE: DiGiorno Rising Crust Spinach, Mushroom & Garlic
“It’s doughy on the inside and crisp on the outside,” said one taster. And this well-decorated pie is smothered with “loads of spinach” and “fresh-tasting mushrooms.”
Read the full review »

BEST SAUSAGE: Home Run Inn Deep Dish Sausage
Tasters said the inside-out deep-dish pie is worth the fuss, praising its “crunchy crust,” “big tomato chunks” and “juicy sausage.” (homeruninn.com for stores)
Read the full review »

BEST CRUST: Amy’s Kitchen 3-Cheese Pizza with Cornmeal Crust
Freezers aren’t always kind to pizza crust—making them doughy, dense or limp. But judges noted the “great cornmeal texture” on this unique recipe.
Read the full review »

BEST ODDBALL
California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken
The frozen supermarket version of the restaurant’s pie beat plenty of wacky pizzas. Judges loved the “tangy” sauce and “mountain of toppings.”
Read the full review »

Monday
Flemish Beef Stew

Throw this recipe together in a slow cooker before you leave in the morning (or the night before), and you’ll have a flavorful hot dinner waiting and ready when you get home.

Tuesday
Chicken Chilaquiles

Wednesday
Chili-Rubbed Tilapia With Asparagus and Lemon

Thursday
Autumn Vegetable Succotash

Friday
Roast Chicken Dinner

Saturday
Golden-Crusted Pork Chops With Green Beans

Sunday
Caramelized Garlic and Shallot Pasta

“What are the advantages?” inquired the prospective buyer.

“The advantage is that you can always tell which way the wind is blowing.” replied the realtor.

Like lawyers, real estate agents are not high in the popularity stakes. That’s as the case may be, but years ago when Guy and I were looking to buy our very first house in South Africa, we made a new best friend in our agent Jilly. She was full of joie de vivre, hilariously self-deprecating and, above all, totally without artifice. In other words, she just didn’t believe in bull and was adept at showing us houses that would suit both us and, more importantly, our budget. It wasn’t her fault, then, that we ended up buying a house we couldn’t really afford. See, the thing is, after a long weeks of viewing and just not finding anything that rocked all the fleet, Jilly sighed piteously and said, “Okay, I’m going to take you for a peek at a house that has just come onto the market. It has everything on your wish list – and on mine too, for that matter - but there is no way in Hades that you can afford it. So forget about buying it. It’s strictly a ‘look and drool, but don’t touch’ house.”

Jilly unlocked the front door of No. 3 Havelock Square and motioned us through. Guy and I walked into the hallway, gazed up at the sweeping staircase, the beautiful architraves, the scrubbed wooden floors, the enormously high ceilings and huge sash windows and were both rendered speechless.

As we were leaving, I looked back at the house…..and it winked it me. I kid you not. It winked and whispered, “I’m yours.” And so it came to be that we lived there for many very happy years with our girls and two fat Labs until the time came for us to say totsiens to South Africa and head off on other adventures.

During our recent house hunt here in England, I knew that we’d never find another Havelock Square, but the cottage we found on our safari to Norfolk last weekend did make us look at each other and squeal. Well, Guy doesn’t do squealing, but he grinned widely when I did, so I knew he liked it too.

It’s called The Red House – which I like – and it’s in a tiny village called Great Snoring – which makes me laugh. It‘s a few minutes from the wild and empty Norfolk coast which means long walks and seafood feasts and lots of sailing in the summer. It’s only an hour and 40 minutes from London by train, so not far for the girls and not far for us to go to get our big city hit every now and then. It isn’t very big, but there is enough room for friends and family. Most important of all is that The Red House feels happy and looks pretty. D’you know what I mean? Yes, I’m sure you do!

Right then, let me take you on a tour of England and show you a small selection of the houses we’d seen before we found the little red one in Great Snoring.

(Important to remember, though, that ‘one man’s meat…’  All the houses shown here are truly lovely, but just not right for us.)

Hampshire. 

Lovely converted chapel, tiny courtyard garden and no room for family and friends.

 

 

Wiltshire.

Cute, but too dark and squishy inside.

Wales.

Wonderful position, dreamy views, but it didn’t ‘wink’.

Devon.

Adorable, but just a bit too teeny weeny.

Worcestershire.

Wrong county.

Scotland.

Blissful isolation.  Bit chilly.

Berwickshire.

More glorious solitude.  Too far away for weekend visits from family.

 

Dorset.

Too low for long people.

 

Sussex.

Enchanting, but looming pylon.

Kent.

Almost… but not quite.

 

And finally……

Norfolk.

The Red House.

 

Hold thumbs that all goes according to plan and do remember, the door will always be open for my bloggy friends! If you’d like to see a little more of Norfolk, I wrote about it here: Childhood Imaginings.