Friday, December 24, 2010

May Your Holiday Sparkle and Shine!

 As the Holiday Season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and on those who have helped to shape our business in a most significant way.  We value our relationship with you and look forward to working with you in the year to come.   

Wishing you a holiday filled with peace, love, joy and lasting happiness.

We'll return to the office on Tuesday, January 4, 2011!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Haute Holidays - Our Final Fashionable Gift Idea of 2010 ● Celebrating Artistic Interpretation

Can't decide what to buy for a friend who has everything?
Haute Artist and New York Fashion Institute of Technology graduate Brooke Hagel, creates the most trendy chic illustrations that are carefully crafted with acute attention to detail.  Photographs of special occasions and events are great, but wouldn't it be amazing to turn a photograph into a custom piece of artwork?!

 
 In our opinion, Brooke is one of the most talented fashion illustrators we have encountered and she breathes fashion!  Check out this amazing bridal illustration she carefully customized for a Savvy Bryde, capturing her most memorable look on her wedding day. 

Whether framed, presented on fashion note cards, used as gift tags or adorned on a pocket mirror, these trendy illustrations are suitable for the highly creative who will appreciate a one-of-a-kind gift that guarantees a dramatic presentation.

Season's Greetings and Happy Kwanzaa!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Holiday Gift Idea #14 ● Gifting Fashion Influenced Flicks

 Worried what to gift a movie lover?  As certified movie junkies and lovers of all things stylish, we have an extensive list of fashion inspired flicks to recommend, but our four favorite are featured!

Our Fav Featured Movies:


Have you ever watched a movie and couldn't help but comment on something amazingly fabulous that one of the characters wore?  If yes, no worries, we are guilty of the same and it's very natural when you have a deep appreciation for fashion.

For example, in The Changeling, Angelina Jolie's 1920's vintage glam look was timeless, The Mad Hatter wore the most vibrant/unforgettable makeup, bold silk scarf and over the top hat in Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland, Ellen Burstyn's effortlessly chic style which included wool peacoats, shift dresses, tailored wide leg trousers, cashmere scarves, platforms and our favorite, OVERSIZED SUNGLASSES, minimized the "fear factor" while watching The Exorcist {she was such a stylish mother}.  Oh, how can we forget Pam Grier's fierce fitting polyester suits, plunging sexy dresses and knee boots in Foxy Brown and lastly, Richard Gere introduced Armani to the massive while rocking his hand tailored suits in American Gigolo.  Shall we go on?

Over this holiday season, we hope that you too are able to relax and catch up on some of your fav flicks with friends and family. 

What are some of your favorite fashion flicks, perhaps we can plan a movie swap?

Friday, December 17, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Holiday Gift Idea{s} # 13 ● The Frugalistas Delightful Finds

Cheers to all my fellow frugalistas . . .

Are you looking for a holiday gift under $50? Well here are four of our favorite!  As you know, many believe that only expensive gifts are memorable and that’s far from the truth.  Remember, with a pinch of patience, an ounce of style and 3 cups of originality, that's the perfect recipe to ensure that you do not exhaust your coin purse this holiday season.

Want more frugual holiday suggestions?  Feel free to e-mail us and we'll be happy to assist you further!


To purchase the featured goods, visit:
Want to carry your Signature Scent daily? - Sleek + Chic Perfume Roller
Computing In Style? - Chic Laptop Tote

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Fashionable Holiday Gift Idea{s} #12 ● Celebrating Practical Travel and Adventure

For the professional gentlemen who frequently dashes through busy airport terminals or celebrates travel and adventure on the open roads - we've selected a few practical gifts that define convenience, uniqueness and style!  Which is your favorite?

(1) Inflight Comfort Kit  (2) The Art Of Shaving - Travel Kit and 7 Piece Manicure Set
(3) Scosche Auto Adapter  (4) Mens Ugg Ascot Slippers
(5) Travel Laundry Bag (6) World Time Alarm Clock with 18 Cities/Time Zone
(7) Travel Scale (8) Wireless Charging Pad
 

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Gift Idea #10 ● Celebrating A Simple Luxury


Whether a refreshing blend or simply luxurious, Sweet Petula's petite soaps convey the true definition of exquisite.  Each bar is beautifully hand-wrapped making them the perfect ready to give holiday gift.  Subtle scented and amazingly dainty, these soaps have excellent nutritional values and leave the skin feeling smooth and invigorated.

A scented bar nestled in a gift basket for a college student or placed in your guest bath is a simple, yet thoughtful way to say "I appreciate you and the small details."


Monday, December 13, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Holiday Hostess Gift Idea{s} # 9 ● Viva La Vino!

'Tis The Season!  

Hostess with the Mostess gifts are by no means mandatory, but a wonderful way to show your gratitude.  Don't show up empty-handed to your festive dinners or parties this holiday season.  Here are a few of our favorite modern gift ideas for your vino lovin' hostess. 


 
(1) Opus Vino by DK Publishing (2) Recycled Wine Bottle Platters   (3) Oster 4208 Inspire Electric Wine Opener with Wine Chiller   (4)  Wine Knot Rack
































































































Friday, December 10, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Gift{s} Idea #8 ● Holiday Essentials For Him


Whether your sweetie loves holiday gifts that show his sense of style or deep appreciation for cool gadgets, we've compiled a list of our exclusive holiday essentials that will make a profound impression for years to come. 

The Essential Links:
Have a fabulous weekend! xoxo

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Gift Idea #7 ● Coffee Table FashBooks

Looking for a visually-oriented gift for a fashion enthusiast who appreciates the history of high fashion with a vintage flair?  If your answer is "YES," we recommend purchasing fashion inspired coffee table books which serves as eye candy on any table, contains in-depth information and are highly illustrated making them a stylish read.

Since the majority of our favorite girls are certified fashion mavens, they'll each be receiving one of the featured books on today's post for the holidays.  Some of these books are vintage, a few are new and several are classic fashion references which we've grown to appreciate.


Here are a few of our favs!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Gift Idea #6 ● Stylish Greetings

Ultra-Cute . . . Modern . . . Strikingly Feminine. . .

French fashion designer Christian LaCroix's sketches are highlighted on these amazing Haute Couture Fashion Sketch Notecards which are vibrant and irresistibly elegant.  Designed with an avant-garde twist, each unique card is laser cut in LaCroix’s infamous lace design and contains four different fashionable looks {2 of each}.

Do not be afraid to express your personality and sense of style this holiday season by gifting these stylish note cards to your BFF or a member of your Glam Squad.

Effortless Style Gift Tip:
Add a gorgeous fountain pen!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Gift Idea{s} #5 ● The Stylish & Pampered Pooch

There is nothing more adorably chic than dressing your beloved trend setting pooch up in different outfits and accessories regularly.  Here are a few of our favorite unique and desirable gifts for your pampered companion. 

(1) Fancy Dog Dress Little Princess Red Velvet (2) Designer Pet Food /Water Bowl (3) Designer Pet Jewelry Simple 3 Rows Red Australian Crystals Jet Plate
(4) Christian Loubarkin Squeaky Dog Toy Shoe

(1) English Rugby Sweater with Plaid Scarf  (2) Keado Brown + Beige Collar
(3) I-Bone Dog Toy (4) Red Large Dog Bowl  (5) Bon Ton Bag Dispenser Black

The ultimate stylish gifts for the discerning pooch that has everything!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Holiday Gift Idea{s} # 4 ● Tots With Style

We are excited to share with you a few of our trendy and unique holiday gift ideas for your hip baby girl or boy.  Yes, they may be small, but our kids bring so much joy into our lives, so give them a present this holiday season that will bring them a little happiness, fashion inspiration and creativity!

 This wool fedora featured on Baby Rock Apparel is so dapper and we love the chocolate and red ribbon trim.  Fit for a little dude with style and unique charm.


Trumpette's Bling Piggy Bank is a stylish way to save extra cash - your little princess will be able to purchase that tiara she deserves in no time.


Ms. Food Face Plates promote endless ways to play "dress up" during mealtime by encouraging creative ways to use everyday foods as eyes, lips, hair, earrings or any imaginative add-on your little diva can think of and design.  String beans and sea salt studded chandelier earrings, anyone?


T-me coloring kits for creative kids include everything that your baby boy needs to design his own wearable artwork.  The kit contains a pack of mini markers, cool coloring pages and blank paper.  Once they create their masterpiece, simply select their favorite t-shirt style (available in both short and long sleeve) from the enclosed catalog, mail the drawing back in the pre-paid envelope and your budding artist will receive his unique t-shirt within a week.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Gift Idea #3 ● Appreciating Your Fashion Scents

 The ideal balance between personal and appropriate . . . Your colleague will have a reason to celebrate this smell good gift! 
Helen Julia New York candles are the perfect accent gift for both men and women of all ages.  These luxurious scented candles are available in two sizes and adorned in individual velvet pouches. 

We incorporate candles throughout our office and a few of our favorite Helen Julia candles are Cashmere Cloud {hint of amber, jasmine & musk}, Sexy Suede {hint of vanilla/sandalwood} and I Do {hint of rose bouquet and very popular with our Savvy Brydes}.  Indulge your fashion scents and bring a touch of sophistication to any space with these aromatic candles.
P.S.  Also, to maximize the life of the candle, don't forget to purchase a candle warmer lamp.

Happy Holidays + Have a great weekend!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Gift Idea #2 ● Promoting Creative Expression

Dress Forms {whether fabric or metal} are the perfect holiday gift for fashion conscious teens or sewing enthusiasts {or both}.  Adorn your dress form with earrings, scarves, necklaces, concert stubs, family photos, buttons, vintage memorabilia and stunning brooches.  This timeless gift serves not only as a perfect sewing accessory piece in your home or office, but a functional accessory holder.

 
Fashion Challenge:  Continue to spark your fashion creativity monthly by displaying how versatile your clothing/accessories can be by including layered colors, unique baubles and vintage fabrics.  For the budding designer teen, encourage them to take photos to showcase their creative designs and assist them with creating an online portfolio to share with friends and family.  It is all about promoting creative expression this holiday season!

 
The possibilities are endless and have fun styling/accessorizing your dress form.  

{photos compliments of Flickr + Such Pretty Things}

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Haute Holidays - Fashionable Holiday Gift Idea # 1 ● Statement Gloves

 Glam . . Classic . .  Edgy . . 
  

A major fashion investment and our most treasured luxe companion this season. Statement gloves are a classic holiday gift that can be paired with last year’s winter coat to create an overall fresh look.  Appropriate for the trendy girl next door who throws caution to the wind and appreciates her individual style while making a statement.

Dress them up or down, it really depends on the occasion, just don't lose them.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Haute Holiday - Highlighting 15 Days of Fashionable Holiday Gift Ideas

 Need Holiday Gift Ideas/Inspiration?  

Starting Wednesday, we will begin highlighting our 15 favorite holiday gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.  Daily holiday gift inspiration for women, men, colleagues, children and your adorable pets, which have been personally selected by our creative event planning staff and wardrobe consultant professionals.

Our goal is to inspire and show our Savvy friends that you do not have to spend a fortune in an attempt to leave a lasting impression.

Happy Holidays!
 {photo compliments of Couture Christmas}

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Snow Chic ● Bridal Ski Boots



If snow is in the forecast on your wedding day {especially if you are hosting a winter destination wedding in a snow-prone area}, consider packing a pair of statement snow boots, along with your bridal stilettos.  Our stylists love these Evi Après Ski Boots by Aruna Seth which are ideal for the "bling" lovin Bride who prefers an element of comfort.  While you're at it, don't forget to pack a warm cashmere cardigan or faux-fur shrug should your dream gown be strapless and/or sleeveless.

The Brownie Point Factor:
Greet your guests with warm coffee, hot chocolate or mulled cider as soon as they enter the cocktail hour.

Stay warm and frolick in the snow in style!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Halloween Inspired Candy Apples

When I think of candy apples, I immediately reflect on Autumn flair, amusement parks, hot cider and Halloween.  For the last two days, I've researched candy apple recipes and when I saw the beauty and details of these pumpkin inspired apples, I knew this recipe was for me.  I'm a huge fan of fine chocolate, colorful sprinkles and yummy hard candies - but I may tweak the recipe just a bit to add a hint of caramel and peanuts {since those two elements were a MUST when feasting on candy apples as a young princess}. 

What an amazing reason to connect with the family in the kitchen and I'll be sure to post photos of our finished product on next week's blog.  So in honor of the upcoming ghoulish holiday - here is our favorite mouth-watering candy apple recipe.


Ingredients:
Halloween sprinkles
Small candies for decoration
8 craft sticks, twigs or cinnamon sticks
8 crisp apples
1 1/3 cups candy melts in orange and green
1 1/3 cups chocolate candy melts

Preparation:
Line a large cookie sheet with waxed paper.
Pour sprinkles and candy into small bowls.
Insert stick into stem ends of each apple.
Make sure sticks are tightly secured.
Place each color of candy melts in a separate microwave-safe, 2-cup measuring cup or bowl.
To melt, work with one cup of candy at a time and microwave on medium for 1 minute. Stir and then microwave in 15-second intervals until totally melted.
Holding apple by stick, dip it into melted candy, swirling until apple is fully coated.
While coating is still wet, dip apple into sprinkles or sprinkle small candies all over apple.
Place finished apple on prepared cookie sheet to set for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day before serving.
Repeat with remaining apples and candy.

Enjoy and take a few photos with your family while making your favorite halloween inspired treats and feel free to share your recipe with us. We would love to try it! xoxo
  
(recipe compliments of Myrecipes.com}

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Tempt Me Tuesday ● Shoes We Heart {Under $300}


As I continue to rotate 600 + bridal photos from New York Bridal Market, I took a quick pause and began to drool over these haute shoes my assistant forwarded to me for an upcoming holiday event.  Since unique shoes are my weakness and I'm tempted to purchase both {but I'm in retail therapy - sigh} I just had to share them with you girls so that you can see how gorgeous they are.  
Bourne 'Mena' Jeweled Fringe Sandal
The color/details make these my favorite {Love the blinged out fringy-tiered look}.
$265
Betsey Johnson 'Walford' Pump 
I love these jeweled encrusted open-toe pumps which are aorned with pleated chiffon and rich suede trim.
$199
 Both are extremely pratical and can be worn perfectly with a short skirt or pants.  Which are your favorite, how would you wear them, and where would you wear them? 

Ok, now back to editing photos . .

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Components of a Feel Good Closet ● What's In Yours?


I just finished reading What To Wear For The Rest of Your Life - Ageless Secrets of Style by Kim Johnson Gross and it was a great "self-confidence" booster. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book in the evenings and was able to jot down a few key points that I plan to incorporate into my personal fashion chronicles.  For example, I admired how Ms. Johnson-Gross provided insight on how to navigate everyday fashion trials and tribulations by just staying true to yourself.  Further, she created a space within her closet where she could find solace for her special garments (i.e., comfy clothes, accessories and shoes) which enabled her to feel amazing at any given moment.  After reading this book, I've learned how to organize my closet more efficiently by having a mixture of comfort clothes, power clothes and clothes that make me feel pretty.   Getting dressed daily will become more inviting and easier as you begin to group your feel-good clothes together.  You will start wearing them more frequently - but in different ways. {Like remixing vintage with contemporary, or sporty with formal}.

You still may be wondering what's a "Feel Good Closet," - so we've outlined the key elements and discovered that you do not need a lot of stuff in your closet, just the right stuff.

Components Of A Feel Good Closet:

Your feel good closet is within your budget because you already own what you choose to put in it.
• Your feel good closet is flexible and assists with recognizing the common fashion elements which are color, style and the texture of the clothes that you enjoy wearing.
• Redefines your self-image and teaches you how to dress from the inside out.
• Your feel good closet is a sanctuary where you can turn a deaf-ear to the fashion police, your mother, children, husband or anyone else with an opinion - even if you value it.
• Your feel good closet is a source of confidence!

"When you are clothes-confident, you will feel more body-confident, which will help you feel more life-confident" - Kim Johnson Gross

Tell us - what's in your feel good closet?

Monday, October 11, 2010

Ask SavvyBrydeGuru ● Monday's Bridal Styling Question

Dear SavvyBrydeGuru,

I am getting married on January 8, 2011, and I am currently experiencing Bacne {"Back Acne"} which really bothers me considering my wedding dress is strapless and my reception dinner dress plunges very low in the back.  I still have a few months to resolve this issue, but what do you think I should do to ensure that I feel comfortable on my wedding day?  I've tried so many over-the-counter products and nothing has worked yet.  Any information that you can provide, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jamilah - Queens, New York

Hi Jamilah,

Congratulations on your impending nuptials and I'm sure both dresses are amazing!   Bacne or acne on the back is common for many and it is caused by producing excess oil or an underlying allergy condition (i.e., genetics, laundry detergent, body wash/soaps, irritation from clothing and etc). 

Pimples will compromise the integrity of any strapless or plunging number - so it is imperative to keep the pimply area thoroughly clean by changing your towels and bed linens twice a week.  Exfoliation is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells that tend to build up on the back, buttocks and back of the arms.  Use a sugar scrub (milder than salt scrubs) in the shower on a weekly basis.  We would recommend Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub Stress Relief - Tranquil Mint.  

Since your back is a difficult area to reach yourself, you may need to invest in a salon treatment such as Guinot Back Cathiodermie which improves skin texture or a benzoyl peroxide treatment which will revitalize and hopefully provide healthier skin in anticipation of your special day and going forward.

In the colder months, we typically use tea tree oil which is an amazing antibacterial agent.   In the case of bacne, you could add a few drops to a warm bath while relaxing and allow the water to cascade your back.  Or, you could apply the tea tree oil directly to the acne prone area when occasional flare-ups occur and let it dry completely.  We would advise to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, continue to eat well and please do NOT pick the pimples as it will leave dark marks and/or scarring. 


We hope that we have provided insight and please note that our commentary should not be considered medical advice, but our expressed opinion.  Please keep us posted and send photos of you rocking both dresses on your special day! 

P.S.  Invest in a quality loofah or pouf!

Photo compliments of Delphine Manivet