This past August my boyfriend and I traveled to Washington, D.C. for wedding number two of this wedding season. Again I was part of the bridal party, and again I was so very excited for the wedding. The Thursday night before the wedding we flew out on the red-eye from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. specifically so that I could make it in to town for the day-before-the-wedding events including the Bridesmaid brunch, the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
To start the day’s events there was also a manicure/pedicure session at Georgetown Nails but as we only arrived at seven in the morning I declined the time so I could get in a nap. If I didn’t sleep right then there was no way I was going to make it to the reception and still look good on film. But rest assured I did manage to get my nails done the Wednesday night before we left town at Mademoiselle Nails in Eagle Rock (for half the price of Gtown nails) and they were still in good shape for Saturday’s wedding.
Please note that while there is no specific bridal etiquette that says you absolutely must have manicured nails the day of the wedding I do think it is super important to have nice nails at special events and memorable affairs, even if it is just clear polish.
Manicured and rested - thank you W Hotel for having such fantastic, sun-blocking window curtains - I caught up with the bride-to-be and the eight other Bridesmaids. They were brunching at the delicious Peacock Cafe in Georgetown. I arrived amidst veggie burgers, Paul Newman sandwiches, french fries and white wine for all.
After eating, my friend the bride presented the nine of us with two thank you gifts. The first, a scarf we were to wear during the wedding ceremony over our black dresses (note, the dresses were our choice). The second, a custom-designed silk clutch from FIAZ CO on Etsy which is what I want to share with you now.
Kayla Collection Lined in Butter Silk ($70)
Chloe Collection Lined in Ink Silk ($55)
Every woman at the table opened her present to find a clutch inside that absolutely represented her unique and diverse sense of style. Go bride for such amazing attention to detail and really knowing your girls! Aside from the shape of the bag, not one was identical.
My clutch was cream with gold accents in the thread. It had a muted, classic, floral pattern woven into the fabric. The silk lining inside was teal and it was the perfect size for the wedding day because it fit my camera, my phone, some gum, my money, the hotel key and my Hollywood Fashion Tape. So, while my clutch was custom-made with me in mind, I did go look up this seller on ETSY only to find some absolutely beautiful designs.
While jewelry is certainly a very common Bridesmaid thank you gift that can also be worn the day of the wedding- see jewelry-designer Amelia Lock’s Expert Survival Tip on designing your own Bridesmaid jewelry here - there are other potential gifts to be gifted like the monogrammed spa robe I once received and love so much. But if you are looking for an alternative to jewelry because it is either out of your price range, or it is not your priority, check out these gorgeous and functional FIAZ CO designs. I know at least ten very fashionable - and particular - women who sure love ‘em.
Nikkita Collection Lined in Sapphire Silk ($70)
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Much like when we found ourselves doing 
