Nelle Handbags began on Etsy, and has since caught the eye of many fashion and style professionals. Available online and in a growing handful of boutiques, the Nelle designs are fun, flirty and “vintage chic.”

From the Nelle Handbags website:

The Wisconsin native got her start in handbag design at age 23 with no more sewing experience than a shark pillow she had constructed in a home economics class. In the spring of 2003 Laura set out to master the art of handbag design with a load of determination, a used sewing machine from the Goodwill and a library card.

In 2004 Laura Nelli started Nelle, a handbag company focused on creating luxurious handbags and clutches. By combining quality fabrics with her keen attention to detail Nelle handbags and clutches illustrate Laura’s deep appreciation of vivid colors and textures. Respect for independent and slow design led Laura to develop a handbag label that prides itself on crafting well-constructed pieces that are produced locally.

Since then Nelle handbags have attracted the attention of style editors and industry insiders. In 2008, Nelle was named one of 5 finalists in the Independent Handbag Design Awards for Best Handmade Handbag Category. Nelle’s entry was picked out of more than 600 entries from around the world.

Among her designs available for purchase are the following handbags and accessories. How perfect would these clutches be as gifts for your bridesmaids? Love them!

Good news for San Antonio brides – Bella Bridesmaid in Alamo Heights carries select items from the Nelle Handbag collection.

Brides have so many GORGEOUS options from which to choose. A handful of brides are lucky enough to have two dresses – switching into a lighter, cocktail style dress for the reception. If your budget is a bit tighter (and whose isn’t during this recession), but you still are looking for a way to add a modern twist to your reception fashion, you just might need to purchase a shoulder wrap by Modern Romance.

Taken from the Modern Romance website:

It all started with a bride who couldn’t find a wrap for her wedding. She searched high and low, in bridal shops, online and in local boutiques with no success.

Thankfully the bride had a friend who loved all things weddings and loved to sew. The friend created a beautiful ruffle-y wrap that was just the thing to dress up the bride’s elegant yet simple dress.

The guests oohed and aahed, the bride’s friends wanted wraps for their own weddings and Modern Romance was born.

Designer Christine Gorman creates romantic, unique wraps and accessories so you can have guests oohing and aahing at your wedding too.

Blog | Website

The talent of the artisans on Etsy is astounding. There are so many wonderful, unique items to find for weddings and everyday lifestyle. If you haven’t been to Etsy yet – what are you waiting for?! You are definitely missing out, so we’re going to help you a bit by highlighting some of our favorite Etsy vendors on an ongoing basis.

We recently discovered Amanda Archer – and her lovely dresses. Taken directly from Amanda’s Etsy store is the following excerpt:

Amanda Archer Collection is a women’s wear clothing line using natural fabrics and trims, creating made-to-order designs in a modern, classic style with a twist of retro and a pinch of whimsy. Specializing in non-traditional weddings for both brides and bridesmaids as well as special occasion dresses for parties, holidays, graduation, office, etc.

Website | Blog | Twitter

Now, on to some of her lovely designs!

It’s extremely easy for brides to become overwhelmed with the selection of venue, menu, caterer, dress, flowers, linens and on and on. The reception is the party, and rightfully so, but the ceremony deserves as much attention to detail.

Many brides with whom we meet might otherwise be scrambling at the last minute to consider the ceremony items: unity candle, decor, guest registry and “oh my goodness I have a ring bearer and flower girls as well!”

Take a breath; this is supposed to be fun, right? And that is exactly what we have found with these beautiful ring bearer pillows by Maihar Design. They are exciting and colorful, blending modern and elegance with ease.

Your wedding is an expression of you; your unique personality and interests. This is why we love these pillows so much; they are a step from the “norm” and give an unexpected twist to your wedding ceremony.