1. HOME TWEET HOME: Strawberry sweet and truly functioning, this birdhouse is hand felted using naturally water resistant sheep’s wool. Sized for chickadees, the doorway can be enlarged to accommodate bluebirds! $28.
Stylish Living, Downtown Apex
facebook.com/StylishLivingApex  

2. WAITING TO INHALE: People drive for miles for a sniff of the Voluspa coconut wax blend candle collection, shown here in Bella Sucre. Scalloped edge glass jar candle $18; large tin $18; deco tin, $9.
Stylish Living, Downtown Apex
facebook.com/StylishLivingApex  

3. Deep Sea Serveware: Octopus Salad Bowl and Seahorse Platter beg to be displayed, $46 and $89.
Ivy Cottage Collections
Ivycottagecollections.com

4. BREATHTAKING BEAUTY: Summer’s bounty doesn’t get any prettier than this vintage basket full of silk hydrangeas, peonies and more, custom designed by Elizabeth herself, and complete with bird’s nest. $170.
Elizabeth’s Home & Garden Shop, Downtown Cary
elizabethshomeandgarden.com

5. Nautical Napkin Rings: Adorn your table with these beaded coral-like beauties, $28 for 4, which make a bold statement against a hand stamped tea towel, $14.
Ivy Cottage Collections
Ivycottagecollections.com

6. Tabletop Gardens: Bring the outside into your home or office with a low-maintenance terrarium, $69.
Ivy Cottage Collections
Ivycottagecollections.com

7. GARDEN’S EDGE: An eclectic take on a garden guaranteed to bloom! Fun and slightly edgy metal wall art offers hardy summer themes. Flowers $22 each, butterfly $13.
Elizabeth’s Home & Garden Shop, Downtown Cary
elizabethshomeandgarden.com

Compiled By Cary Magazine Editors

BOLD WALK

The name of this bold cork-platform shoe says it all: FIESTA! $72

GO GREEN

Cheery and charming is a rare treat! Go-anywhere bag in green, $68

Sophie & Mollies Boutique, Apex

facebook.com/SophieMollysBoutique

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GARDEN WEAR

Pretty pastels offer a softer side to flower power; necklace, $26

SWEET SCARF

Marvelous mint meets the season’s songbirds; scarf, $29

Cousin Couture, Fuquay-Varina

facebook.com/CousinCouture

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SUPER SOFT TEES

On or off the court, this insanely soft shirt, $42, packs a punch of color and attitude.

STYLISH SWEAT BANDS

Soft velour backing keeps these headbands in place even during intense workouts. Starting at $12.

NEON SHOES

Your opponent sees a flash of hot pink as you bury a cross court backhand out of her reach — thanks to the stability and durability of your hot new Asics Gel Resolution tennis shoes, $129.95.

DOUBLE DUTY TOTES

A dedicated racquet pocket secures a racquet inside, and the generous size and pockets of this Ame and LuLu tennis tote make the bag great for the pool and beach as well, $106.

Love All Tennis

lovealltennisshop.com

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FABULOUS FRINGE

Split sleeves trimmed in fringe are a fun and flirty detail on this green ikat dress by C. Luce, $78. Pair with a bold necklace, like this orange teardrop, $40, for a colorful combination.

RESORT READY

An embroidered tunic, $85, and white skinny jeans, $168, have a relaxed, elegant vibe reminiscent of a Caribbean getaway. Adriano Goldschmieg Legging Ankle jeans are crafted in California.

Scout and Molly’s

scoutandmollysofcary.com

Letterpress
Give guests a luxe first impression with letterpress invitations. A revival of a classic technique, made modern with graphic elements and fresh typography.
Paperwhites Press
www.paperwhitespress.com

Brooch Boquets
Create a family heirloom out of antique and vintage costume brooches. Fully customizable based on each bride’s style and color preferences. A green alternative to fresh flowers.
Blooming Brooch Bouquets
Available at Antiques Emporium in Cameron Village

Fancy Shapes
For the bride who wants something a little different, cushion and asscher are two fancy — not round — cuts that ensure your stone stands out.
Diamonds Direct Crabtree
www.diamonds-direct.com

"A cushion-cut diamond is like a pebble; no two are exactly the same."

-Barak Henis, Diamonds Direct Crabtree

Pinterest
Create personalized inspiration boards with this endless gallery of ideas and how tos.
www.pinterest.com

Intricate Bands
On the engagement ring, men’s and women’s wedding bands, a little detail goes a long way. Split shanks, shown here, add presence to a solitaire ring. Engraving, two-tone metals and set diamonds turn a basic band into unique jewelry that stands alone.
Diamonds Direct Crabtree

Shades of Gray
Layered, monochromatic color palettes convey understated elegance. Ivory, white, gold and silver are other classic choices.

“A lot of brides want a very subtle, very neutral color palette. I think your whites, ivories and greens are traditionally the most popular in this area, but a lot of people are incorporating more gray instead of the green.”

-Katie Dunn, La Fete
eventsbylafete.com

Ranunculus
A double duty flower —closed blooms add a graphic punch, whereas open heads adds softness and texture.  They come in a variety of colors to suit any palette.  Consult your favorite florist for the best seasonal availability.

Hand-painted Signs
Welcome guests with a personal touch that becomes a family keepsake.  Paperwhites Press paperwhitespress.com

Cake Pops
Serve up a whimsical twist on traditional wedding cake.  Great as guest favors or a late-night treat.  Mama Corie’s Confections mamacories.com