I haven’t posted a wedding update in some time, so wanted to share details about my experience going dress shopping with my mom and sister over the weekend…

We scheduled appointments at three different places — one that was super fancy, one that was middle of the road, and one that offered a range of designers and prices. I went in with movies like Father of the Bride and Bridesmaids ringing around my head, not to mention swirling memories of dress shopping experiences past with friends who were brides-to-be. What I learned: The experience is less scary/intimidating and more Prosecco-flowing and fun.

First, the stylist is your lifeline. From the moment I got basically naked in front of her (and him at the last place), it was clear: This person is a wedding dress shopping game-changer. They zip you up, zip you down, fluff your train and cinch you in. In fact, my favorite dress was one that I never would have picked, but the stylist insisted I try it on. I also loved their efficient/all-business approach: No one gave me any faked “oohing” and “ahhing” — the dress went on, I gave my gut reaction and it was on to the next.

Going with family (and friends) is the best. Um, Say Yes to the Dress, you’ve ruined me. I was convinced it was a risk having multiple opinions in the same room. My mom and sister were super chill, helpful and — the best part — notetakers and photographers. Plus, they gave really detailed thoughts that helped me narrow down the most figure-flattering styles and cuts. (The one part of the show that’s true: The right dress will totally make your mom cry.)

Plan time for lunch… Oops, I scheduled three appointments back-to-back-to-back. The first one started at noon. The last one was at 3 p.m. So lunch was sort of a no-go. “We’ll bring snacks,” was my attitude going in, but we forgot them on the counter, so there you go.

…and time for a toast. We hit up Pair Wine & Cheese in Brooklyn for a bottle of Prosecco al fresco when we were done. We analyzed the pics, laughed about some of the crazy poofy dresses I tried on, and agreed — as the bubbles hit us a little too quickly — next time, lunch is a must.

Do you have any tips for wedding dress shopping? Would love to hear!

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Happy Friday, my darling readers! How was your week? Mine was a bit action-packed, but that always happens after a long weekend away. Do you have any fun plans for the next couple of days off? I’m going wedding dress shopping with my mom and sister. Wish me luck! Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Building the best BLT ever.

Where to celebrate Bastille Day in New York.

Successful ladies on their morning routines.

A cheapie badminton set.

Love this pineapple boat.

Omg, this Instagram feed.

Comparing skylines.

The Lauren Conrad cookbook is coming!

Good things do come in pretty packages.

Things you should know how to do.

(Image via Pinterest)

Recently, we needed to replace our bath mat in our Brooklyn apartment. It’s funny: Since we moved in over two years ago, I’ve been buying what I now call drab and boring basic bath mats. Not anymore.

After a quick Internet search, I discovered this super cute, whale-inspired bath mat from West Elm. Matt popped into the West Elm Market shop in Brooklyn and done — another thing we could cross off our to do list. Except that this quirky bath mat puts the fun in at item designed mainly for function…and I sort of love it.

Do you have any items in your home that bring you unexpected joy?

(Images via West Elm)

I was shopping in Brooklyn recently and discovered the best-smelling candles made by a Chicago-based company called Tatine. The founder — a lover of London, British design and rock ‘n roll — names many of her candles using Led Zeppelin lyrics, according to the lady in the Brooklyn shop where I found them.

My favorite scent was One Rainy Wish, named after the Jimi Hendrix song, which smells exactly as you think it would: like a rainy summer day.

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Happy weekend, my lovelies — and happy almost 4th of July! I’m skipping town for a few days of relaxing and sun and sand. Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

Heart this Morgan James cover.

When can I move in?

After writing this, I’m intrigued by this book.

How to pair your wine with food.

A three-ingredient tomato sandwich. Yes, please.

The periodic table of balloons.

Make a summer bucket list.

The off-beat glamour of Parker Posey (will you watch Irrational Man?).

The prettiest pink dogwood.

DIY confetti poppers — perfect for the 4th!

(Image via Pinterest)