Wedding Guest Dresses for Summer Weddings

Good morning! This is my second official day of summer, and I am loving it! I spent yesterday weeding and planting in our garden, taking Bentley to the vet and cleaning like a mad woman. Today, little Bentley is at the groomer, and I am blogging at the local Starbucks.  Have you had the vanilla sweet cream cold brew yet?! If not, you need it in your life! My mom and Gary were in town over the weekend, and it was so great. Here's a pic of us trying to get 3 pups and a baby to look at the camera:

I don't know about you, but Mike and I have a bunch of weddings this summer for which we are SO EXCITED!!  We had my cousin Kara and Josh's in May, we have Lee (our best man) and Jacque's wedding this Saturday (the same day and time as our other good friends, Jackie and Pete! But both weddings will be amazing!), and then we have my cousin Rosie and Vincenzo's in August! Of course, as a guest at a wedding, you need dresses for these momentous occasions. My cousin, Ashley, actually came up with the idea of this post. Thanks, girl!

^^This weekend Lee's the man of the hour! 

Just a few items to note about shopping for a wedding guest dress: remember, the bride is the woman of the day! Do not try to upstage her! To that end, you should stay away from any hue of white. No solid creams, etc. Some brides won't mind at all, but to others, it might be upsetting.

Here are ten dress ideas to check out for the next wedding you attend.

[1.0] Gianni Bini is a newer designer exclusive to Dillards. I am in love with all the embroidered details of these dresses!

[2.0]  Anthropologie dresses.
Anthro dresses are definitely splurge dresses, but I am not exaggerating when I say the one I bought for my sister's wedding rehearsal in July 2013 is still in immaculate shape, even after 15+ wears and several dry cleaner visits. They are always so unique and intricately designed. Prepare for tons of compliments and years of wear! This might be the most lovely LBD I have seen in my entire life! I have seen it on two women at two different weddings I attended, and it looks amazing on ANY age woman!

[3.0] J. Crew dresses.
This yellow silk dress might be my favorite option right now! Stay tuned for J. Crew sales; I never pay full price for anything J. Crew! You can then re-wear any of these J. Crew choices for wedding rehearsals, showers, baby showers, etc. I just bought the peplum one (below) in the Kelly green for $60!

[4.0] Lilly Pulitzer-- classic summer! I am wearing the Eliot shift in the coral color for Jacque and Lee's wedding this weekend.  It is beaded and just stunning -- a lot prettier IRL than from the website pics.

[5.0] Rent the Runway
If you haven't done RTR yet, do it! You, quite literally, rent a designer dress for a super affordable price! I talked about it last year on the blog, but essentially, you pay anywhere from $40 + to rent a dress for 3-4 days. You receive two sizes of the dress in case one doesn't fit. I have had such great luck with it! I used it for my engagement party and a wedding! Additionally, you receive 20% off your first order! Oh! There's actually a RTR store in Chicago and Vegas, if you live close to either!


[6.0]  Nordstrom.
This is a no-brainer: free shipping AND free returns. Plus, tons of rewards if you are a cardholder. If you've never experienced Nordstroms' customer service, you are missing out!  PS: I have this dress in maroon and green, and I am obsessed!

[7.0] Banana Republic has incredible, versatile, unique dresses. These are dresses I wear to weddings and showers, but I also wear to work and parent-teacher conferences.
Also, currently 40% off everything! Just add the item to your cart! No code needed.
There are constantly BR sales-- just sign up for the emails. Also, if you have a Banana Republic, Gap or Old Navy card, you will get huge discounts. Check out these fresh dresses for summer weddings:

[8.0] ASOS is another favorite of mine. There is free shipping and returns, too, in case a size doesn't fit perfectly (since it is all online).

[9.0] Express.
Express has awesome deals for on-trend pieces. I am loving this lace-sleeve dress! Depending on your climate, you could totally wear this one to a wedding!

[10.0] Chicwish.
Chicwish is a website that I discovered through some of the bloggers I follow, and I am head over heels for their super trendy, fun pieces. The prices are outstanding. I love this crocheted dress for $51 and this tassel dress. That tassel dress might be the coolest dress I have ever seen!!! My sis would for sure make fun of me for it, hahaha, per usual. But I love it!

Do you have any summer weddings to attend? What are you wearing? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!
xxoo
Mary

Summer in Lilly + First Birthday Party Ideas!

Last weekend, my bff Jackie hosted a first birthday party for her sweet girl, Milly, in Chicago. The theme was Lilly Pulitzer/flamingos, put together by her super talented and creative sister, Julie (another one of my besties!). Every detail was adorable, and the Lilly prints were in full swing!

Lilly Pulitzer has the cutest mommy and me matching dresses for baby and mom. Obsessed!

This is Jackie's.

Milly and Finn are just a couple weeks apart in age, so we are already planning their wedding! LOL

Finny's mocs with anchors (side note: Anna bought these on sale. Follow Freshly Picked for sales! The regular prices are ridic, but the sales are awesome!). More FP mocs:

Also, Julie MADE that lemonade stand! Incredible, right? 

Find it here. 

Julie is so creative!

All the Paunicka/Hancock girlies! 

Plus, the future married couple, Milly and Finn! Special appearance by Layla's butt. lol. Julie (far left) has the coveted Lilly for Target maxi! I have it, too! And my sis. LOL! The best deal. I think mine was $36? Unfortunately, these are no longer available-- the Lilly for Target line was in April of 2015. 

My tank is one of my all time favorites. I have it in this blue and then another printed one. Loving this tassel one! I bought both on super sale during the #Afterparty sales, but here are some similar styles:

I also love Lilly's scalloped Buttercup shorts! They are TTS, and I am wearing a 6. I got these on super sale, too! Wait for the After Party sale before doing any Lilly damage. Trust me! I also wear them a lot. Like here and here! 

My sis is in an Essie tank:

Beautiful sissies^^

My earrings:

Jackie, Julie, and Jennifer + Anna and I all went/go to SMC! Jenny is going to be a SENIOR!  She just got back from studying abroad in Rome-- we are all so proud of her! Repping our Saint Mary's rings.

Love my sissies! 

Jenny and Jackie had the BEST earrings.

Jenny's are $14.99 from Marshalls! What a deal! They were so much fun. 

Jackie's classic Kendra Scott's are GORGEOUS!  See below for a ton of fun pink tassel/pom pom earrings! 

Even pink lemonade to match the theme! The girls thought of everything.

Jenny's dress:

My fave Lilly dresses right now:

Do you own any Lilly dresses? I always get mine on SUPER sale, but boy, do I love Lilly P!
xxoo
Mary

Father's Day Gift Guide: Part 2 of 2!

Today's post has even more insight on what dads really want for Father's Day (June 18!). Did you catch this post with details from my dad and Uncle Gery? Today, my Uncle Paul (dad's bro) and my step dad, Gary, will be helping you find the perfect gift for your own dads. You can also see a gift idea I am adding for new dads, too!

First up: Uncle Paul! My uncle Paul is an avid kayak-er and outdoors-man. These are perfect options if the dad in your life is active or loves being outside! (The pic above was us out on the pontoon for Kara and Josh's wedding weekend! It was not warm-- lol!) Here he is:


Thanks Mary for asking for father’s day gift ideas from me.  I am the proud father of Neil and Kara (Hoyer).  My father, Maurice, a World War II veteran, would have been almost 103 if he were still with us.  I am the proud uncle to Mary and her sister, Anna.

My gift ideas are are largely sun-related.  As we age and some of us spend more and more time at the dermatologist, some nice sun-shielding apparel can be practical. 

1. Oakley Sunglasses.
Extremely durable and long lasting.

2. I have these boots and if you're kayaking or anything in the water where you want a higher boot, these have awesome comfort, and you are able to move easily in them.  Pretty stylish looking, too!

3.  Sun hats for outdoor usage.  

Belle on Trend's note: very smart to stay protected by the sun! Hats and SPF are a must for any outdoor activity! If you need any sunscreen, talk to me, and I will get you hooked up with my mom and her Arbonne biz! lol!

4. Another trendy and practical hat for outdoor activities: here. 


5. Classic Ray Ban Wayfarers. 

Thanks so much, Uncle Paul! Next up: my step dad, Gary! 

^^Gary and his Lilly Pulitzer pants from the 70s, which he let me have! My incredible seamstress turned them into...

Amazing!

Mary asked me to come up with my favorite Father's Day gifts, so here goes.


I only have one son, and he is 34 years old.  The great thing is that we like to do the same things.  Every year for Father's Day we go golfing.  We go with my brother and another friend.  We pick courses we don't play much.  Just spending the day with him is great.

^^Gary, his son, Graham, his daughter-in-law, Kelly, and my mom at Graham and Kelly's wedding last November

My son gets me a gift every year, even though I tell him not to.

1.  Last year he got me a Dorco 7 Razor and Blades.  I was using cheap Gillette disposable razors, and  he didn't think they worked very well.  He was right.  It makes a huge difference.


2.  In the past he has gotten me fishing lures at the Bass Pro Shops.  I like the soft plastic Mr. Twisters. We like to fish in Ohio and Florida, and they catch a lot of fish.

3.  He has also gotten me a fishing rod.  It is a Shakespeare Ugly Stik.  It is a 7 foot medium action rod, and it works great.


4.  I use Power Pro Braided fishing line with it.  It is around $45.00 for a spool.  Even though it is not exciting, it is a great gift.

5.  He has gotten me Titleist Pro V 1 golf balls.  They are $47.00 a dozen.  Unfortunately, I lose them just as easily as cheap balls.

6.  The most expensive gift he ever got me was a Golf Buddy.  It shows how far you are from the green and the location of sand traps and water hazards. It does help, but you still have to be able to hit the ball straight.

^^ Gary's birthday is Christmas Eve!

Some other ideas for me are:

7.  I am obsessed with belts.  I hate putting them off and on my pants and shorts, so I have a belt in each pair of pants and shorts.

I don't like to spend a lot on them, so I am really a bargain hunter when it comes to belts.

Mary's note: I love this one!

8.  Bealls Outlet is my favorite store in Florida.  I love finding name brand clothes at bargain prices. 
Mary's note: loving this bow tie and this tie from Bealls!

9.  Golf shirts are my shirt of choice.  My favorite shirt is a green one.  Finn and I have matching ones.

10.  Fishing shirts are another good bet for me.  Bealls department store has a great selection.

It may be corny, but just being with my son is really fun.  He is a good kid, and I don't need anything but his company to have a good time.




Thank you so much for writing, Gar! Now my own idea...


For new dads:

Amazon Echo.

This is seriously BA. My sis just bought it for her husband, and I was in awe of the sound quality of it this past weekend. She would just say, "Alexa, play reggae music." And, alas, Bob Marley came on (and Finn started dancing). Volume too loud?  She just commanded it to turn down. Mind. Blown.

Treat your dad this Father's Day! He surely deserves it.
What's on your list to get Dad?
xxoo
Mary

Father's Day Gift Guide According to Dads: Part 1 of 2!

I am incredibly lucky to have so many fashionable, amazing, inspirational men in my life to look up to. I reached out to my dad and my Uncle Gery (mom's bro) for insight into what dads REALLY want for Father's Day! Remember, it's fast approaching, so be ready; June 18 will be here before you know it. So, without further adieu, the wisest dads I know!

Top Ten List of Father's Day Gifts by Robert Hancock (Belle on Trend's dad)  [author's note: my dad is probably my biggest fan on the blog! Thank you, dad! Love ya!]

^^dad and his girls at my wedding 7-11-15

1. Casio watches. Great for sport, disposable. Buy at Kohl's with multiple coupons.

2. Dillard's Clearance Center at Eastwood Mall in Warren, OH.
50% off of 65% off. Nautica, Polo, Timberland-- 3 shirts and change from a $20.

3. Asics GT 2000 shoes in ugly colors.
Excellent shoes for bad feet and affordable when clearance priced.

4. Notre Dame apparel discounted by Sears.

5. Books from Motorsports Collector in Downer's Grove, IL- my greatest luxury.

6. A gift certificate to a local Italian restaurant (no chains!!). I like Carmella's Cafe in Boardman, Ohio.

7. A gift certificate to Panera Bread. Coffee, blueberry bagel, and old right-wing guys lecturing on politics.

8. Socks from the Thor-Lo outlet in Statesville, NC.
The only socks worth owning.

^^Dad modeling a few of his favorite pieces in Cincinnati last summer.

9. Any CD by John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers.


10. A visit from my magnificent daughters, their superb husbands, and my wonderful grandson.

^^Dad and his girls at my Youngstown, Ohio wedding shower 

Now, from my Uncle Gery! Uncle Gery and I have always shared a special bond. Thanks so much for writing, Uncle Gery!

^^Dancing the night away at Uncle Gery's 60th birthday party. 

My daughter is very creative when it comes to gifts and gift ideas.  She knows my passions and taste.  Things that I like the most are a good drink and cigar on a summer night on a patio.  

If your dad likes a good drink, one of my favorites is a Manhattan that can be made in various ways; it is a bourbon based drink.  I prefer it made with the Crown Royal Reserve as the base.  In addition, the ingredients are very important for the perfect Manhattan which can be served up or on the rocks.  Ingredients: red vermouth, Luxardo cherries (VERY IMPORTANT- can purchase on Amazon in various sizes.  I like the 105.8 oz for $76.49),  Angostura Aromatic Bitters; must be had and finished with an orange twist. A restaurant chain that can produce what I consider a perfect Manhattan is Smith and Wollensky.  The bartenders there always taste test before they serve their customers.  

In order to accompany the Manhattan, my top choice of a cigar (other than a Cuban) is a good alternative that originates from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, or Guatemala.  I love Arturo Fuente that I usually order from JRCIGARS.COM.   JR Cigars was first founded in Statesville, North Carolina and was always my favorite pit stop in route to the Carolina Beaches. 

^^Taking a break from the dance floor at my step brother's wedding!

Next, is a good polo shirt.  That's all I wear.  My daughter bought me my all time favorite from Saks Fifth Avenue which is the Burberry Oxford Polo in black, that can be dressed up or down.  

She likes to keep me looking trendy.  

^^Christmas 2016 with the family. Uncle Gery is in the upper left hand corner and my cousin Ashley, his daughter, is next to me!

Another classic favorite of polos is Lacoste.  I have been wearing them since 1984. 

Also, during summertime I like the dry fit material from Under Armour to keep me cool; especially during golf outings.  Every Christmas my sister, brother in law, and nieces love buying me shirts so I can have a mini fashion show.  Mary then serves as a facilitator to explain where and how the shirt can be worn. Exactly why she is the fashion blogger of the family.  :)

Another timeless piece you can never have enough of is Sperrys.  I also have been wearing these since the mid 80s.  They come in various colors and styles.  My daughter recently bought me a new pair which I can wear on casual days to work.  The thing I love about Sperrys is their durability, and they do not appear worn out even after years of wear.  

Thanks to my niece Mary for asking me to contribute to her blog.  I am so proud of her for pursuing one of her many passions.  Thanks to my daughter for her assistance in writing this post and keeping me from being a social misfit.

^^One of my favorite pics with Uncle Gery from Florida! 

Thank you SO MUCH to my dad and Uncle Gery for their expertise!

What are you getting your dad for Father's Day? So many great choices from the real experts above : ) 

xxoo
Mary