I’ve always loved the idea of a short wedding dress like Audrey Hepburn wore in Funny Face. Playful and sweet, there’s something utterly charming about a tea-length or mini wedding dress, don’t you think?

For our wedding, I wore a knee-length white dress under a white coat (I don’t think anyone ever saw it as it was 18 degrees outside!), and a floor-length Art Deco-inpsired silky dress for the reception. If I were getting married today, I’d love to wear some of these pretty dresses:

This sweet-chic babydoll dress by Romona Keveza (the same designer of Kaley Cuoco’s SAG Awards dress) from her Spring 2012 RTW collection. So spirited, I adore the flirty feel and the movement.

These darling mini wedding dresses from BHLDN make my heart skip a beat (left: Seraph’s Whim Shift; right: Miraflores Dress). How perfect for a garden, backyard, or courthouse wedding.

This BHLDN minty crinoline skirt (which also reminds me of Kaley Cuoco’s mint Romona Keveza dress) took my breath away. (I’m obsessed with this color!)

While not a short wedding dress, I am completely smitten with this Oscar de la Renta poppy-print gown from his Spring 2012 RTW collection {similar}. Does it make you swoon, too?

So tell me, would you wear a short wedding dress or an unexected wedding dress with a twist? If you’re already married, what did you wear on your weddding day? What would you wear if you were getting married today? 

One of the spring trends I’m most looking forward to is the resurgence of candy colors, especially mint. Refreshing yet sweet and sophisticated all at once, I’m feeling very minty fresh. Let’s grab a mojito, pretend we’re on an island — Capri will do! — paint our nails mint and dive into spring (the early bird gets the worm!) with these darling mint pieces.

1. Juicy Couture Striped Floppy Hat

2. ASOS Rare Pastel Stripe Dip Hem Dress

3. Schuler & Sons Pulled Tide Wedges

4. ASOS Pastel Skinny Belt

5. Essie Mint Nail Polish

Even though, admittedly, it’s been summerlike here in LA, it still gets nippy at night. (Plus, I can get cold chills in 80+ degree temps — you too?). So I’ve been on the hunt for a cute sweater or two to add to my very sad little collection. Here, a few darling favorites — all under $100:

1. ASOS Bonjour Sweater – Oui, oui.

2. Topshop Owl Sweater – A hoot and a half.

3. ASOS Angora Sweater With Heart – Charming, darling.

4. Paul & Joe Sister Polka Dot Sweater Dress – There’s a sweet bow on the back, too!

5. Numph Polaris Sweater – Boxy and boyish but with a very girly twist.

Totes

I’m so ready to get outta town! You too? These colorblock cuties — and darling shoesies — scream bon voyage. Now, where to go…

Where would you head if you could be anywhere in the world right now? I’m between Cappadocia and Puglia (I desperately want to stay in a trullo). While I don’t know which place I’d chose, I certainly know what I would bring:

 1. GAP Colorblock Tote – Light but large enough to carry home your treasures.

2. Kate Spade Striped Adette Dress - For frolicking in the olive fields.

3. GAP Colorblock Tote – Room to smuggle home more treasures!

4. Kate Spade Eat Cake for Breakfast Gia Pouch - A good mantra wherever you are.

5. Marais USA Studded Flat — Perfect for those cobblestone streets.

Call me schmoopy, pookie, but I’ms a sucker for anything with heart(s). So when I spotted this preppy-chic sweater with heart elbow patches (elbow patches!), my heart nearly skipped a beat.

Wouldn’t this be cute to wear on Valentine’s Day? It’s darling in a Love Story sorta way paired with this suede skirt, but it would be just as sweet with black skinny jeans, too, dontcha think?

So you guys know my boyfriend Andy Spade, right? His clever shop Partners & Spade is offering a really cool and cheeky Christmas present for a mere $.99. For less than a buck, they’ll send you (or your lucky gift recipient) a polaroid of “any over-priced product” in their store (packaging included!). Genius, right? Details here.

Or, make this idea your own by printing out fantasy gifts for your loved ones (or tear things out of magazine…or snap photos of things you want to give…or, if you’re really artsy, you could even draw them!). Think anything from those dazzling Louboutins for your bestie to a private island for your lovie. The options are endless.

I love this idea, how about you? Would you want to give or receive a gift like this? I know I would!

Did you see Sarah Jessica Parker on Live With Kelly earlier this week? She looked *so* darling in her frilly Valentino dress and bright teal tights by Hue. Bright tights are one of my favorite ways to jazz up any look (and any gloomy day!), and they’re an easy, fun and inexpensive way to add a festive touch to your holiday party ensemble. (I normally get mine from American Apparel.)

Do you love them, too? What do you think? Do you wear bright tights? Would you wear colorful tights? Is it too much or just right?

Here, SJP gives us the deets on her outfit in Fashion Finder (I love Fashion Finder and wish every show did this). I wouldn’t kick those Jimmy Choos outta bed, either!

Happy Friday, my dears, and I’ll see you back here next week for Gift Guides galore, plus Christmas in New York and Christmas in LA photos. Until then xx!

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to aimlessly wander and stumble upon new discoveries, like unknown designers and shops (ice cream shops included!). Such was the case when strolling around my old — and favorite — New York neighborhood, Nolita, this weekend. The bright, bold colors and shapes of Dinosaur Designs instantly drew me in.

Set up more like a gallery than a shop, stacks of resin bracelets beckoned, as did cool vases — all made of resin and all in unexpected and fun color combos. Like alligator burgers and Crocodile Dundee, Dinosaur Designs hails from Australia and each piece is handmade.

I love a good cocktail ring and these fun statement rings won me over. Wouldn’t they be fun to rock at a holiday party, quite literally?

These earrings would also make quite the statement, whether with a chic little black dress or jeans and a tee.

Once my eyes spotted these gold bracelets, voices in my head — that sounded eerily like Hugh Jackman — chanted in unison, ‘Come to mama, come to mama!’

And even though I wanted nearly every piece I touched (I touch everything when I shop, sue me!), I didn’t buy anything on the spot… And totally regret it.

Luckily for me — and all of the lovely ladies I’d like to give pieces to for Christmas, there is a Dinosaur Designs online shop, too.

Which would you go for: ring, bracelet, necklace, vase? 

Sometimes a girl just needs a little glitter…and a lotta girly glamour! That time is now.

1. Betsey Johnson Maggie Dot Pump Platforms at Ruche
2. Glitter iPhone Case at J.Crew
3. Sequin Scarf at Ban.do
4. Mini Hearts at Ban.do

My darlings, I hope you had a delicious Thanksgiving weekend and are all fueled up for the most exciting online shopping day of the year – Cyber Monday! It’s the one day of the year where you can get the best deals (sans pepper spray). We’ve asked some of our favorite designers, brands and online shops to give you, dear readers, amazing coupon codes that will help you stretch your holiday dollars (that just means we can buy more, right?). Behold, the annual Holiday DEALS Gift Guide!

Delicate Raymond	The Soap Box Company	Moop
Lauren Conrad, Mischa Barton and Carrie Underwood are just a few of the famous fans of Delicate Raymond’s breathtaking jewels. We adore the Vintage Monogram Collection, featuring engraved coin bangles and initial charm necklaces. Worn layered or alone, each piece adds instant glamour to your look and makes a treasured gift.	Artisanal bath and beauty products packaged beautifully? Yes, please! Bonus: Everything is all-natural and tested for sensitive skin. This Vanilla Milk Lotion and Body Wash Caddy Set is on our wishlist and we plan to gift it to our spa-loving friends. It would also make a great hostess gift. Now, to choose a scent… Vanilla? Almond Blossom? Sweet Mint? Or Holiday scents?	Coveted and beloved by the fashion blog world over, Moop’s incredibly cool handmade waxed canvas bags are like a favorite pair of jeans: comfortable, durable, and they make your backside look good. Oh wait… But they do make *you* look good. And smart. We love the Paperback, which fits your fave book (or iPad or Kindle) perfectly.
Use code BUSSBUSS35 for 35% off any regularly priced merchandise through 12/31/11!	Get 20% off plus a free holiday lip balm with code BUSSBUSS through 12/25/11!	Enjoy free domestic shipping in the US through 12/3/11 with code MOOPMOOPBUSSBUSS at checkout!
Klix Makeup Brushes	Bellissima Jewelry Design	autrepeau
This genius three-brush set features white, replaceable, recyclable brush heads so you won’t have to spend time cleaning, rinsing, drying and reshaping your makeup brushes, only to find they never quite work the same again (and aren’t even clean!). We’re nabbing sets for our sisters and besties (um, and ourselves!) and giving the gift of glowing skin this holiday season. Take that, Santa.	We were floored when we first spotted Bellissima’s handcrafted necklaces and jewels. The sophisticated and playful color combos (like the cool grey and punchy red of the Lucille necklace above) instantly take a ho-hum outfit to a whole other level. After scooping up a few pieces for ourselves (hello, it’s holiday party season and we need to spice up that LBD!), we’ll be gifting Bellissima jewels to the special ladies in our lives… if we can bear to part with them!	We’ve been huge fans of autrpeau ever since we sampled one of their long-sleeved innerwear tops over seven years ago. And now we never wear sweaters without one. Created as an incredibly comfy second skin to be worn under itchy sweaters and scratchy suits, autrepeau’s camis and tops make winter wear and suits comfy — and save you bundles on dry cleaning bills. We’ll be gifting them to all the business women and sensitive-skinned ladies we love.
Enjoy the Klix Makeup Brush Collection for just $39.99 (reg. $59.99) through 12/31/11 with code BUSS2011 at checkout. Free shipping is included, too!	Enjoy free shipping with code BUSSBUSS through 12/17/11!	Enjoy 10% off and free shipping with code BUSSBUSS through 12/30/11/!
Kensie	Asos	Delias
We love the cool-girl clothes Kensie dishes up, like this shimmering black sequin frock. We’re also pining over the downtown-chic sweaters, vests and capes. And we can’t believe this amazeballs deals. This means we can buy twice as much, right?	From on-trend yet wallet-friendly dresses and coats to bags and shoes, our ASOS wishlist is miles long. And now is the time to stock up as they are treating us to a very rare coupon code. Hooray for Black Friday online deals with no trampling required!	We may not be 14 anymore, but that’s never stopped us from indulging in Delia’s super-cute, affordable clothing. How cute would this darling scarlet number be for holiday shindigs AND on Valentine’s Day, too? We’ll likely be scooping up some cute cardigans while we’re at it. A deal this good is hard to pass up.
Buy one get one free using code MAKEPRETTY through 11/29/11!	Enjoy 20% off womens (including sale items!) with code HAPPYBLACKFRIDAY through 11/28/11.	Take $20 off any order over $75 with code 75AFFND at checkout!

More deals:

Kate Spade: Up to 75% off + $5 ground shipping during the sample sale on 11/28/11.

Trina Turk: 15% off with code CYBER15 on 11/28/11.

Anthropologie: Free shipping on orders over $100 through 11/30/11 when you use this link.

Dwell Studio:  20% off plus free shipping with code BESTSALEEVER11 on 11/28/11.

Banana Republic: 30% off with code HUGECYBER on 11/28/11.

GAP: 30% off with code HUGECYBER on 11/28/11.

Steve Madden: 30% off plus free shipping with code STUFFING at checkout. Exclusions apply.

J.Crew: 25% off + free shipping with code SURPRISE on 11.28.11 only!

Madewell: Enjoy an extra 30% off sale items & free shipping with code ENJOY on 11/28/11 only!

Macy’s: Get an extra 25% off (10% electrics) with code MACYSFF through 12/5/11.

Rebecca Minkoff: Major deals (like $100s off!) in the Black Friday Sale, plus first 100 to use code CYBERMON get 10% off new purchases (1 per customer).

For more great deals, sign up for The DailyBuss email and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

* This guide brought to you by our lovely sponsors.

Breaking news: Hedgehogs are the new flamingos are the new foxes are the new owls. Proof?

Exhibit A: Jonathan Adler; Exhibit B: Kate Spade (via Oh Joy!)

You’re welcome, America.

p.s. Aren’t these little guys so cute? Which do you love most: owls, flamingos, foxes or hedgehogs?

My first reaction to seeing Christmas trees in stores already? Oooh fffff-reaky deaky call me Wheezie! After a few deep breaths – and some medically induced chocolate – I thought why freak out when I can chic out instead? We’re still a comfortable two weeks away from Turkey Day, and a super-cushy six weeks away from Christmas. Plenty of time to make the holidays merry and bright, right? Right?!

All a girl needs is the perfect party dress (check), fabulously festive Christmas cards (check), a colorful and affordable hostess gift (see exhibits C for coasters and H for highball glasses above). Oh, and a spike-the-punch necklace to help you remember how to keep calm and holiday on (check).

Luckily, all of the above are available in one bright spot, thanks to my best gal pal, Kate Spade. And she’s such a peach to give us free shipping too.

Aaand, wer’re breathing…

Last week, we pondered if foxes were the new owls. This week, it turns out those sly foxes might not be so sly after all. Flamingos are on their tails! Here, a few of my fave flamingo picks, plus some blue and golden accents, too.

1. J.Crew Printed iPhone 4 Case – Navy and white, a classic delight.
2. Monserat De Lucca Flamingo Earrings – Yup, flamingos the new foxes.
3. Charlotte Taylor Stilt Striders Skirt – See above.
4. Kate Spade Curling Ribbon Ring – Like a gift for your hand.
5. Baggu Duck Tote – Holds all of your essentials, without holding your wallet hostage.

p.s. Or do bears take the cake?!

Because I know you love a good deal as much as I do, I couldn’t resist sharing this denim doozy with you. For $125 get $250 of J Brand Jeans. Pretty major, right? At Fashion’s Night Out, I coveted the coated denim — a fun, waxy, color-rich spin on denim (I have the hots for the red pair). But I’m also smitten with the ’70s-inspired Love Story bell bottoms. I’m also keen on the blue sapphire velvety skinny jeans (sexy!) and dig the high-waisted cords.

What’s your denim style these days? Do you dig skinny jeans? Or have you hopped on the bell-bottom bandwagon? Or, do you keep it classic in boot-cut jeans? Have you ever tried J Brand? They suck you in and are super figure flattering. Apparently, even Anna Wintour wears them. You can click here to get the J Brand deal, pumpkins.

Are foxes the new owls? Who cares, I love both! You too? Great. Here I play favorites with five foxy delights.

1. Odette New York Standing Fox Ring – Pretty clever.
2. Fantastic Fox Hat – Toss on a brown sweater and leggings and you’re set for Halloween.
3. Alkemie Swift Belt – For your itty bitty waist.
4. Sweet Harvey Fox Note Cards – Tell someone they’re foxy with a sweet note.
5. Painted Fox Tee -Stone cold.

p.s. A few more foxy faves: door knocker; Halloween mask; Matte Stephens print; more art!

Have you heard of Sweetest Day? Me neither. But recently, while shop-hopping at Fashion’s Night Out in Los Angeles, my friend noted that she was trying to be good by not buying everything in sight because Sweetest Day was coming up and her hubby had just bought her some amazing vintage cocktail rings to celebrate it. Say what?

It turns out that Sweetest Day, which takes place on the third Saturday in October (this year Sweetest Day will take place this Saturday, October 15th), is mostly celebrated in Ohio (where my lucky friend hails from) and the Great Lakes region.

(Note to self: My parents are from Ohio…Why did they keep this from me and how can I make them pay up for lost time?! Hmmm… Must consult Judge Judy, stat.)

Rumors point to Sweetest Day being a Hallmark holiday, but it turns out that a nice man by the name of Herbert Birch Kingston, who worked at a candy factory in Cleveland, Ohio, actually started the holiday in 1922 as a way of doing something nice for the city’s less fortunate and often forgotten residents: the sick, the elderly, and the orphaned. Sweet indeed. So, with the help of some film stars and neighbors, he gathered up and passed out boxes of candy to local hospitals and orphanages.

These days, Sweetest Day is a mini-Valentine’s Day of sorts, where husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, and friends and relatives, celebrate those who have shown them kindness. Sometimes that’s with a card, or a special dinner for two, or with a box of candy or, for some lucky ducks, with envy-inducing vintage jewels. That’s just the kind of holiday I can get behind. How about you?

Of course, as residents of Ohio start to migrate to other areas of the country, the holiday has begun to spread and anyone who wants to get in on the Sweetest Day fun can celebrate.

Will you be celebrating Sweetest Day? Is it a holiday you have heard of or is this news to you? I’d love to know. For those of you who celebrate Sweetest Day, do you have any favorite gifts you have given or received over the years? Please share in the comments!

p.s. I think this is a great way to spend Sweetest Day!

[Top photo: DIY pillow by In Between Laundry; second photo: handmade heart cut-out dress dress by kayemkay; third photo: via Nicole Allen's Pinterest; fourth photo: via Le Love; last photo: handmade fox plush by RoyalMint]

Since we spend something like one third of our lives in bed, it might be time to invest a bit more in the boudoir. Here, five chic bedroom picks I’ve been dreaming about.

1. Kate Spade New York Piedmont Park Bedding – Chic + romantic = a perfect night’s rest.
2. Fifi Chachnil La Serenite Playsuit – So French. So fabulous.
3. Petek Design Spooning Print – A sweet reminder of the best way to sleep.
4. Only Hearts Livy Set – Beats my normal oversized Tshirt and skivvies ensemble.
5. Illume Boulangerie Jar – Why not indulge all of your senses?

It’s no secret that I love tights. They’re playful and fun and instantly turn an otherwise ho-hum outfit into something special. Tights are also great for hiding a multitude of flaws, when you just don’t feel like baring your naked legs and seeing the effects that too many French fries have had on your thighs. And while I’m a total sucker for colorful tights (I’m wearing mustard yellow ones as I type), my absolute favorite tights are from Hansel from Basel. They always have the cutest and most clever designs, including tights with glasses, hot air balloons, tiny birds, scallops and even darling handwriting. Aren’t they adorable? Do you love tights too? Have any favorites you’d care to share? I’d love to know xx!

You can see and shop all of the above right here.

Black and brown are fine, but color is divine! Which is why I’m so happy to see a rainbow of show-stopping heels this fall. Here, 10 faves that just might make your heart race, too.

1. Jeffrey Campbell Foxy Platform – Mama needs some blue suede shoes.
2. Jeffrey Campbell Annabella Platform – And some red suede and bows, while you’re at it.

3. Bettye Muller Blackwatch Slingbacks – Speaking of red and bows, I’m mad for these plaid lovelies.
4. Pilcro Colorblocked Oxford Heels – C’mon, get happy in these geek-chic delights.

5. Sam Edelman Roza – Hello, big stud.
6. Sam Edelman Lyla Platform Pump – Ready to show your spots?

7. Kate Spade Charm- I’ll forever be charmed by these twinkling stars.
8. DV Boston Colorblock Heel – Sometimes black and blue is just what the doctor ordered.
9. Kate Spade Karolina – Nothing says party like glittering footsies!

10. Charlotte Olympia Cat-Face Pump – A splurge, yes, but can you really put a price on your pet?

Which of these shoes makes you swoon? Blue suede? Red bows? Kitten heels? I’d love to know!

Anthropologie rarely holds sales so when they do, I like to take advantage. Especially when the sale is on brand new in-season merch. Right now through October 9th, you can get 30% off all outerwear and boots - my two favorite things and what most of us need right now. And I know exactly what I want. This arrow-embellished Lauren Moffatt Eastward Dress Coat that I spotted at the Design*Sponge at Home book party at Anthropologie in Beverly Hills the other night and instantly swooned over (along with just about every blogger in attendance). And these Dolce Vita Short Excursion Booties, because my Isabel Marant lookalike obsession just won’t end.

I’ve also been lusting over this Madchen cape and these Lucky Penny Argyle Lace Booties since I spotted them at the Decorate book signing at Anthropologie at The Grove last month. I’m noticing a theme…  Aren’t those laces insanely cute though?

To take advantage of the sale, simply click here to shop!

p.s. No code is needed.