bride

Luxist Giveaway: Philosophy Beauty Box

Philosophy has teamed up with The Knot to create an ultimate bridal beauty box set called tying the Knot (above). The box, worth $100, is a lovely gift for a bride to be -- but we can't think of a woman who wouldn't love to receive this any day.

The set includes:

amazing grace firming body emulsion, bath gel and spray fragrance
purity one-step facial cleanser
hope in a jar moisturizer (Oprah's fave)
micro-delivery peel pads
kiss me clear lip balm, spf 20
kiss me exfoliating lip scrub
eye hope deluxe sample

Who needs a wedding when you have all that fun loot? Brides aren't the only ladies who want to be beautiful. This would even make a nice thank you gift to send to a holiday party hostess or your boyfriend's mother. No need to tell her it was free.
To enter to win the tying the Knot bag, leave a comment on this post sharing why you'd like it. The giveaway ends on Monday, December 21, 5 p.m. EST. See additional rules below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before Monday, December 21, 2009 at 5 p.m. EST.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive one tying the Knot beauty bag by Philosophy, valued at $100.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

***This Giveaway is now closed. The winner will be notified 12/22.***

See full giveaway rules here.

Tags: bride, cleanser, giveaway, philosophy, skin care, SkinCare, the knot, TheKnot

Bride and Groom Mojuba Kits to the Rescue

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Services, Men's Style

Wedding season has arrived, and for the bride and groom, that means the fear of any little thing going wrong on the special day is imminent. And by little (that could turn into big), I mean a headache, or the need for a pen and paper or a bandage or a pair of scissors or lip balm, or a sudden need for deodorant or toothpaste, or the panicked realization that you never did get that shoe shine ... and so on.

Finally, someone has thought of putting a collection of moment-savings items for the bride or the groom into a take-along kit in an attractive bag. Mojuba's Bride Wedding Emergency Kit and Groom Wedding Emergency Kit each cost $165 and come in two styles each.

See the gallery for the style choices and a look at what's inside. Or, see the content lists here: bride and groom.

I think these would make thoughtful shower gifts. BTW, according to the site, in some African cultures, "Mojuba" refers to a bag of magical items that bring joy and happiness, and a prayer of praise and tribute.

Gallery: Bride and Groom Mojuba Kits

Tags: bride, emergency, gift, gifts, groom, kits, Mojuba, rescue, wedding

New Bridal Jewelry Collection from Anne Bowen

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

While debuting her new bridal gown collection at The Plaza on April 5, during Bridal Fashion Week, designer Anne Bowen (of evening wear fame), revealed a non-traditional, glamorous bridal jewelry collection to complement the elegantly simple aesthetic of her structured gowns.

I was there for the gowns' and jewels' debut, and I agree with Bowen's feeling that it's a nice change to see some drama and color in bridal jewelry. Not all brides wish to wear diamonds or pearls, and with a simple dress, as many of Bowen's are, a pop of color in a dramatic piece of jewelry can be all a bride needs to complete her look and make it her own.

The handmade, 18-karat collection of gemstone and diamond necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and commitment rings are made from bold cuts of rich colored semiprecious and precious stones including peridot, amethyst, blue topaz, citrine, and lemon topaz.

"I think it's time to add a bit of drama to bridal jewelry. The dresses in my collection are structured and modern, and the jewelry is meant to add a special flash of sparkle and color," Bowen says. "My jewelry collection offers brides the opportunity to personalize their look on their wedding day and add a bit of personal style. Because the pieces are so non-traditional, there is no need to put them in storage after the day is done. My hope is for brides to wear the jewelry on their honeymoon, anniversaries and other occasions while reminiscing about that special day."

See the gallery for several pieces from the collection.

Gallery: Anne Bowen Bridal Jewelry

Tags: amethyst, bridal, bridal jewelry, BridalJewelry, bride, citrine, diamonds, jewelry, jewels, necklace, peridot, topaz

Anne Bowen Debuts Bridal Gown Collection

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Designer Anne Bowen, known for her stylized evening wear, premiered her bridal collection on April 5 at The Plaza Hotel during New York's Bridal Fashion Week. Each of the pieces in the 12-gown collection is named after a famous New York building (e.g., The Bloomberg Tower, Citigroup Center) and designed to represent the aesthetic of each.

I was lucky enough to see the collection unveiled in person. Twelve models, all wearing Vanessa Noel shoes and with sleek hairstyles by Warren-Tricomi, debuted the gowns. The styles are simple but dramatic, with silk taffeta, tulle and organza hand-sewn into structured pieces embellished with Swarovski crystals -- both large and small -- defined by clean lines, detachable trains, and shortened hemlines.

Bowen adorned some of the models with pieces from her first collection of fine jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, earrings and commitment rings featuring tourmaline, amethyst, and peridot. The jewelry was stunning and added a spot of color to the gowns, which were white or ivory.

As an aside, not only were the gowns and jewelry beautiful, but the room smelled great -- it was scented with Clive Christian's "The Most Expensive Fragrance." I have not worn fragrance since 1986 (really), but this smelled so delicately wonderful I wanted to take a bottle with me and scent my home and office.

Bowen's bridal collection is available in select retailers across the country. See the gallery for selected styles and more detail on each. Prices start at $2,500.

Gallery: Anne Bowen Bridal Collection

Tags: Anne Bowen, AnneBowen, Bowen, bridal, bridal dress, bridal gown, BridalDress, BridalGown, bride

Monique Lhuillier does Barbie

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Celebrated designer Monique Lhuillier, who has recently become the dress designer of choice for celebrity weddings, is doing a special-edition wedding Barbie for Mattel. This puts Lhuillier among the ranks of other famous designers who have dressed the doll, including Bob Mackie, Cynthia Rowley, Byron Lars, Nolan Miller, Calvin Klein, Versace, Christian Dior and Vera Wang. The brunette Barbie's gown has an off-white bodice, sable-colored sash and a full skirt. She comes with faux diamond studs and diamond ring and even a doll-sized garter belt. Price: $120.

FAO Schwarz has a blond version of the doll, with a blue sash to match her blue eyes for $140, as well as a Caroline Herrera designed Barbie bride.

Too bad Barbie doesn't actually have any wedding plans in the near future.

Source

Tags: barbie, bride, doll, dress, Lhuillier, monique lhuillier, toy, wedding

MAC Bridal Collection

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

MAC has just introduced their Bridal collection. While they do offer suggestions for individual looks, the easiest way to go is with the full Bridal Trousseau. Packed in this Carry-All tote, the collection includes just about all the products and colors that you could need to make your wedding day perfect and your honeymoon memorable. It's the perfect set if you like to do your own makeup and, not only is it less expensive than going to an upscale salon, but you can use it again and again. Eye shadows, lipsticks, blushes and liners tend to be heavily weighted towards pick hues and those with subtle shimmer, making them idea for catching the light and having a "blushing bride" look her best. Along with the makeup, there is a set of brushes designed to result in the most professional application possible. Price: $514.

Source

Tags: bridal, bride, cosmetics, mac, makeup, wedding

Bridesmaid Gift: Pink Flask

by Dakota Smith (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

'Tis the season for brides--and bridesmaids' gifts. Having been a bridesmaid on numerous occasions, I've received some lovely gifts, mostly in the form of jewelry or wraps. I love the gifts, but I do pity my bride friends who have to hunt for a gift to please sometimes 10 bridesmaids. Here's one alternative: go unconventional and pick out something like this pink flask. Even if some of your bridesmaids aren't the kind of girls to be knocking back shots, at least it's original. And with the monogram, personal. At TheKnot.com; $19.95 (add $4.75 for monogram).