Twelve months ago we were awash in wedding fever with William and Kate and all the anticipated loveliness on the other side of the pond.

Almost a year ago to the day, Bliss wrote about the Kate Middleton royal engagement Franklin Mint doll and steered buyers away from the commemorative royal wedding barf bag. (Though it’s worth noting, the maker of said sick bag is now offering Jubilee sick bags and Jubilee jelly moulds of the Queen’s head. Talk about industrious.)

Also industrious: The one local e-tailer who responded to a shout-out back in January, when Bag Lady and Shopping Siren rolled out new 2012 plans to virtually visit more home-based stores and asked — nay, gently pleaded — to hear from you. (It being very hard to secret shop in your dining room/operations center.)

We heard back from October Rose Weddings in Auburn

And . . .

Only from October Rose Weddings, which lists among its popular sellers replicas of Kate Middelton’s wedding day halo tiara.

Amazing when shopping comes full circle like that.

The online-only store caters to the “vintage inspired bride,” according to its owner. Think lots of feathers, veils swept dashingly over the face, pearls and olden-day sauciness. (Bag Lady would define that as a bit more come hither/channeling inner glow rather than sashaying topless down Lisbon Street, which is modern-day sauciness.)

Also according to the store owner: Blinged bodices, ruffled skirts, belted waists and the color purple are all big on wedding gowns this spring and summer.

So, let’s bride up.

* Royal Princess Kate Middleton Inspired Halo Tiara, $162.99

Bag Lady is on the fence here. On the one hand, why invite comparisons on your big day? On the other, if it brings out your inner princess, there can be no harm.

* Gold/Ivory Pearl Bridal Tiara, $129.99

Aww. Gold-plated, white rhinestones, almost tree-branch inspired. Like something Snow White would wear.

* Vintage Rhinestone Bridal Sash, $99.99

If Bag Lady has learned anything from “Say Yes To The Dress Atlanta,” it’s that a sash at the waist cures all bling deficits.

* Feather Fascinator Comb with Birdcage Veil, $68.99

Feathers, mesh, rhinestones. Girly to the hilt.

Best find: Pearl hair twist-ins, 12-pack, $27.99

Sort of like barrettes, except they twirl in, one stone at a time, to accent an up ‘do. Bedazzle parts of your head you thought gravity prevented you from bedazzling. Pshaw, gravity.

Think twice: White Matte Satin Bridal Evening Bag, $44.99

Three words: Giant. Beaded. Bow.

Bonus: Found in or featuring Western Maine on Etsy.com:

* Maine medium crystal point, Mainely Quartz, $3.50

A conical wisp of rock, pendant-sized. From the product description: “I love to add at least one crystal to my house plants, they love the energy! They perk right up!”

And here I had been wondering what I was doing wrong.

* Recycled Burlap and Fabric Bucket Bag, One Woman Studio, $65

The slightly faded burlap sack is printed with “Carter Milling, Lewiston, Maine.” All kinds of cool.

* Brunswick Lewiston Maine Vintage Map turned Domed Glass Cabochon Pendant, Art In The Round, $8.50

The vintage map, outlined in plated silver, has Lewiston at its middle. Funky, and perfect for someone who really takes the area to heart.

* Luiggi’s Mix and Match Photo Art Print, The Stapelia Co., $20

A photo of the restaurant sign at night in pink and red neon glory. Except the Lu is cut off in the photo, so it it looks like IGGI’S. Which is probably artsy. Or something.

Your Name Here

Have a local home-based business? We can’t shop you if we don’t know you, so please, drop us a line and a link.

Bag Lady’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who won’t stop barking in glee at the weather) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at baglady@sunjournal.com.

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