I'm not sure - but I'll list them and see: 2 pair basic pumps for work (black/navy) 1 pair black loafers (work/casual summer) 2 pair black ankle boots (work/asual winter) 1 pair knee-high snow boots 2 pair dress flats (silver/brown) 2 pair "dressy" heels (black/cream) 1 pair tennis shoes 1 pair yard loafers 1 pair flip flops for summer 1 pair black vinyl knee length heeled platform boots (for Halloween type dress up) 14 total, looks like. I'm okay with that - the "dressy" heels and flats I hardly ever wear, but I do need to keep them for those rare occasions I need a nice shoe in a specific color for a holiday party or some random event. I never wear the navy pumps, so those could probably go, but it's nice to have the option should I want it, and they're in good shape. I wear the heels out on a pair of pumps and ankle boots every year (due to daily wear, I'm sure), so I generally buy a new pair once per year, toss the old ones. This year I might see if I can just have them re-heeled though...

I hear you. I've been in similar situations. Although I completely agree that you don't have to go, if you're sure you don't want to, I know what you mean about it being hard to decline without fearing it will make you look stuck-up or judgmental. I'm not sure you can completely make it fine, but you can make it good enough, if you know what I mean. I agree: don't blame it on your husband. At most you can say, "Cuthbert and I have never been to Las Vegas, and we promised to go together the first time," although she might take that as sort of petty (if she even believes it!). I like Talley_sue's idea about money. That's the easiest way in and out of it, unless you think they will offer to treat you. But then you could just say you'd be uncomfortable with that. I think the key is to get past your decision not to come and on to "But you guys have a GREAT time!" as quickly as possible. If you have a suspicion that they are going to feel like you are being stuck-up or judgmental, consider sending flowers or a bottle of champagne to their suite as a surprise. Then you are definitely not being a killjoy.

I think those are pretty! And I think your color scheme sounds lovely and sophisticated. A touch of black around the neckline (maybe a black ribbon choker or something) would help give pale girls some contrast. I'll give you the same advice I just gave my own daughter, who is also planning a 2014 wedding: don't spend too much time trying to choose in the abstract or from internet pictures. Go shopping. See what looks good ON. Besides, you can't always tell quality or detail from pictures. Keep the shapes and looks of your real attendants, not 5'10" size 4 models standing on boxes in photos, in mind. My daughter and I are barely 5'0 and 5'1" respectively. So many styles I think are beautiful for my own dress and that she thinks are beautiful for her dress just wouldn't work on us. It's too bad, but we have to face the fact that so much formal and bridal wear is designed for tall women -- and, no, you can't just shorten them: the look is ruined, because the armholes, darts, necklines, etc. are all in the wrong places, and the details are out of proportion. I'm just telling you about our situation to illustrate the point. Instead of trying to imagine the perfect bridesmaid dress and then go out and find it and then try to make it work for your attendants, go out and see what's really out there in the stores. Keep your preferences in color, style, etc. in mind, of course, but keep an open mind when you are looking -- you may learn another idea about, say, fabric or neckline, from a dress that's in some totally wrong color or length. Finally, don't limit yourself to bridal shops. You will find a MUCH bigger selection at dress shops and department stores. The prices are usually lower and the quality often much better, too. Bridesmaids appreciate a dress that doesn't have a bridesmaid look if they hope to wear it again. Not to mention that you don't have to wait months for them. So unless you need a style that has variations for body types or something, start with the regular dress stores. I just looked at ONE site, Nordstrom, and found loads of pretty lace cocktail dresses. Here is a link. Here is a link that might be useful: lace cocktail dresses at Nordstrom

I installed Corian Rain Cloud after looking at a variety of marble look a likes. I love marble, but it can be hard to maintain and I have a sloped kitchen in an old house...would stress the stone. I LOVE THE CORIAN! I think I like it even better than marble now. I had it honed (non shine) as that what the installers said they are doing with all the marble on direction from the designers. You can see pics of my counters here: http://gildedmint.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-to-update-your-kitchenwithout.html Also, call around...don't go to Lowes or Home Depot. I went with a surfacing company and it was around $55 installed. Here is a link that might be useful: Rain Cloud Kitchen Photos