Something to Blush About

Pastels and light colors don't usually float my boat, but lately I've been feeling soft pinks, corals, and peaches, and especially a blush hue so translucent it seems to glow. I was recently a bridesmaid in a lovely October wedding, my favorite part of which was the bride's amazing Calvin Klein gown, above - deep sweetheart neckline with corseted bodice, sheer chiffon sash and overlay scattered with blossoms, full princess skirt, in the most whisper-delicate blush shade - a unique departure from classic white that perfectly fit an idyllic autumn day in Central Connecticut.

{A side view of the incredible gown.}

{Liz, the beautiful bride, makes last-minute preparations to walk down the aisle.}

{The frothy skirt of this dress is the stuff of little girls' Disney dreams ... with a sophisticated flair.}

{My inspiringly energetic new colleague Tatiana rocking powder-pink with a camel belt and an Anthropologie lace pencil skirt that has a vintage feel (against a backdrop of vaguely creepy 8th-grade human gene science projects).}

{Another awesome new colleague, Lauren, blends preppy chic with feminine flourishes in a mix of slim cropped pants, a pretty floral top in sherbet shades, and unabashedly fun candy-pink Sperrys that I might have to steal.} {I originally bought this blush dress in May of 2010 for engagement photos and haven't worn it since, so I paired it with cool-weather gear like tights, stacked loafers, and a cardigan. I feel like it has a lady-like Chanel-esque vibe, which is always a plus. Please forgive the doggie door.}

{Lotus, a fabulous friend of my BFF Marina, in a color palette that makes me drool - blush and black with a quilted cream-and-gold bag. I'm also digging the matching umbrella, but I don't know anything about her shining companion ...}

{Liz chose these sunset-inspired bridesmaid bouquets. I've been obsessed with quirky manicures like this. The light pink is Milani Nail Lacquer (aka my favorite CVS guilty pleasure) in Paradise Pink and reminds me of strawberry ice cream; a similar color is Essie's Fiji. The super-sparkly glitter-pink is Milani Nail Lacquer in Disco Nights.}

Although I normally gravitate toward black, neutrals, and bold jewel tones, the romance of barely-there, cotton-candy colors makes me smile, and that's my favorite color effect, when all is said and done.

-xoxo