When it comes to weddings {whether you are a guest or the bride} - the parties before the wedding or the special day itself deserve to have pretty jewelry that matches the dress. Today, I've teamed up with Blue Nile to bring you a fun post where I'm pairing pretty jewelry {with pricing from under $100 to under $500} along with a cute coordinating dress that's perfect for any of your summer festivities.

For under $100 - you could pair this Petite Anchor Pendant with the Line and Dine Dress from ModCloth. Instead of finding a dress that has even more anchors on it {I came across many like this in my searches}, pair this delicate necklace with a complimentary dress. One with navy blue stripes and a red bow at the waist is the perfect way make a nautical statement without going overboard {pardon the pun}.

PS: This Petite Anchor Pendant in Sterling Silver could be yours for FREE

ENTER TO WIN the petite anchor pendant from Blue Nile here

For under $200 - I've paired the vibrant Amethyst Cushion Pendant (on sale for $108) with the jersey knit Callback Confidence Dress in sassy purple from ModCloth. The neckline of this dress is perfect for the two amethyst gemstones to fit between.

For under $300 - I've paired the Lapis Statement Necklace ($220) with the Beguiling Beauty Dress from ModCloth. The striking neckline on this dress is perfect for a statement necklace with the lapis gemstones. I also love the cummerbund-like pleating above the waistline.

For under $400 - I've paired the colorful Peridot and White Topaz Dangle Pendant ($315) with the handmade summer floral sundress from Lovely Melody Clothing. Love how this necklace brings out the pretty green in the dress and contrasts beautifully with the bright pink flowers.

For under $500 - I've paired the Blue Topaz Halo Ring ($425) with the Baby Blue Vintage Style Sundress from Lovely Melody Clothing. Just as a classic round gemstone ring is timeless - so is a pretty little dress with a bow at the waist. Neither type of design will ever go out of style.

PS: This post contains affiliate links which basically means that you as a purchaser see nothing different by clicking the links above. But, when a purchase is made, I will receive a small commission. For example, on a recent affiliate sale that was a total of $112 for the particular shop owner, resulted in me earning $4.48 in commission. It definitely takes lots of sales to add up - but every little bit helps keep my blog running and your support by clicking on my affiliate links means so much to me.

I have a great infographic from Debenhams to start your Monday morning with - it's a guide that illustrates options for finding the perfect dress for your bridesmaids based on different wedding themes, personalities and shapes. Since you will want to select bridesmaids dresses that flatter your own gown, your friends will also want to be sure the dresses flatter them too. This guide will show you that from theme to design, fit and figure - there's a dress option that will suit all themes, personalities and shapes. 

Flattering Cuts for Bridesmaids | Infographic by Debenhams and Debenhams Wedding Insurance

Summer is definitely here in the northeast - we're right in the middle of a heat wave with temps reaching 90+ all week. PS: if you need me this week, you will likely find me at my parents house with my two girls and the big inflatable pool they bought this year.  Joining us today is the husband and wife wedding planning and design duo - Sojourner and Milo of Erganic Design based in New York. They are here to share their Top 4 Summer Themed Wedding Trends . . .  

1. Ombre Color Palettes are fresh and visually inspirational. Using analogous colors in block sections makes a bold statement.

2. Soft Color Tones for Flowers are popular in the summer. Try selecting a bold color for the bridesmaids dresses (like Red) to counter the soft understated colors of the flowers.

3. Have a dramatic send off . . . Sparklers will do the trick. Sparklers are a must have for summer nights. They're fun for your guests and great for pics.

4. Non-matching bridesmaids dresses are a chic trend. The colors should be complementary to each other, and work well optically within photos.

I have something a little bit different and new today on the blog for you. I thought it would be fun to pick out a dress and then add accessories and beauty touches to complete the look. Oh, and I also include the price of each item too. While this ensemble is perfect for bridesmaids - it would also be ideal for any special event - from attending a bridal shower to being a guest at a wedding to a night out on the town. Pretty please do let me know if you like this fashion ensemble type post as I had fun putting it together and would love to do more.

Shopping List: twist wrap dress in african violet {$160}, lux chiffon flower in American Beauty {$14}, gem drop earrings {$26}, Essie Jamaica Me Crazy Nail Polish {$5.50}, monaco patent leather evening clutch {$30.40}, eye shadow {$1}, lip stain {$2}, cocktail fashion ring {$11.98}, black patent leather heels {$23.40}

some shopping list items may link to proud affiliates of Brenda's Wedding Blog

Shabby Apple is known for the great selection of flirty and stylish dresses that can easily be worn in the office, to a family event and even for date night. They are also perfect choices for bridesmaids dresses as they can easily be worn again and again after the special day. And, right now - you can save 10% sitewide at Shabby Apple with coupon code favorite10 making it a great time to shop for your favorite new dress. BUT, HURRY the 10% off savings ends tomorrow night September 14th!!!!

Below you can see the top 6 best-selling Shabby Apple dresses . . . I am loving the blue lace dress {I'm Late! I'm Late} with the ribbon tie at the waist. And, the wrap dress {Elizabeth Islands} looks like the perfect fall dress for me after I have the baby {a bit forgiving in the places you need it to be post-baby}.

Left: Alice | Middle: The Red Queen | Right: I'm Late! I'm Late!

Left: Ingrid | Middle: El Capitan | Right: Elizabeth Islands

Shabby Apple is a proud affiliate of Brenda's Wedding Blog. While I've earned zero compensation for writing this post, I encourage you to click on the affiliate links to help support my blog. If a purchase is made I will earn a small percentage of the sale, but you won't have to pay a penny more by using the affiliate link. This helps me keep the blog running and creating more fabulous posts for you :) WIN-WIN. I truly appreciate my supportive readers and love sharing my finds with you each day.