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Beauty Beat & Fashion Finds Hey girls, it’s Naima (right) and Maureen (left), here to dish out the latest and greatest in fashion and beauty. Whether it’s what to wear (or in some cases, what NOT to wear), how to get flawless skin or simply spreading the word about fabulous new products that we can’t live without, we’re here to give you the inside scoop on what’s stylish and trendy!

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July 1, 2009

Lela Rose Sample Sale

We love bridal sample sales, where else can you get a designer dress on a dime? And we LOVE Lela Rose's dresses! Her gowns have a modern feminine allure with beautiful detailing and design.

The Lela Rose sample sale is not to be missed! You'll find savings of 50% to 80% off retail! How can you resist that? Here are the details:

When:
July 15–17, 10am–5pm

Where:
Lela Rose
224 West 30th Street (between 7th & 8th Avenues)
13th Floor

Read More >>

Posted by Naima at 5:06 p.m. | Comments (0)

June 23, 2009

Location, Location, Location!

Before the official start of summer, the BG fashion and beauty team was fortunate enough to experience a trip to Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Meyers, Florida. With scenic views and the ocean at our footsteps, we just couldn’t pass up this amazing opportunity to shoot some fashion stories for our upcoming issues. While the location was absolutely perfect, strategic planning and long hours of preparation on our part were necessary to make the fashion shoots a total success. Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek at our weekend work getaway…

Planning ahead of time is a MUST before heading on a location shoot. Here, we sort out some of the accessories before we head down to Florida:

Dollar Rent A Car generously donated some of their rides for our shoot. Check out our Nov/Dec 09 issue, on stands September 15, to view the final pics!

Read More >>

Posted by Maureen at 4:00 p.m. | Comments (0)

June 19, 2009

Trunk Show Mania!

Bridal Reflections, a luxury bridal salon in New York, is hosting trunk shows for renowned wedding dress designers Marina K., Ines Di Santo and Ysa Makino. Brides-to-be will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to shop for their dream wedding dress with these designers and receive special pricing on their gowns.

Here's the info for each show:

Marina K. Trunk Show
Bridal Reflections, Manhattan
286 Fifth Avenue (between 30th & 31st)
Saturday, June 20, 2009, 10a.m.–5 p.m.

Ysa Makino Trunk Show
Bridal Reflections, Manhattan
286 Fifth Avenue (between 30th & 31st)
Thursday, July 9, & Friday, July 10, 11a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Ines Di Santo Trunk Show
Bridal Reflections, Carle Place
80 Westbury Avenue
Friday, July 10, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday, July 11 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday, July 12 noon–5 p.m.

Posted by Naima at 2:54 p.m. | Comments (0)

June 15, 2009

Shoe-topia!

Now we can all be shoe designers!

With wedding pictures, it's all about getting the perfect color palette on your bridal party. This week we found the perfect accessory to help complete a fully realized color theme. Nina Shoes now has a "design your own collection" shoe series. You can design the look of your heels, including heel height, style and color. (Now for closet designers like myself, this is a dream come true.) For instance, you can choose a baby pink kitten or4-inch heel with a mint luster satin bow, or maybe you prefer a wine-colored heel with a navy bow. The options are unlimited! Check it out at ninashoes.com and start creating your own collection.

Posted by Naima at 11:59 a.m. | Comments (0)

June 11, 2009

Guest Blogger: Ashley-Lynn Goldstein, bridalguide.com Intern

Little Works of Art

Are you looking for a gift for your bridesmaids that’s both fashionable and economical? The Phenominoes Pendant by Art of Possibility Studios most definitely fits these criteria. These pendants are actually dominoes that feature one-of-a-kind works of art by a masterful blind painter. Each one comes with a color-coordinated ribbon necklace and a special clasp that allows the pendants to move from one necklace to another. They’re perfect for spicing up a fancy dress or accessorizing a casual outfit for a low-key night on the town. There are so many different designs—you’re sure to find one that each of your bridesmaids will love!

What makes these gifts really special is sales of these pendants will support all the artists represented by Art of Possibility Studios, an organization dedicated to helping disabled artists earn an independent living through their craft. What better way to thank your favorite gals than with a heartfelt gift that gives back?

For more information, visit aopstudios.com.

Posted by Ashley-Lynn at 5:21 p.m. | Comments (0)

June 8, 2009

Bride on a Buck

For all you New York–area brides planning a wedding on a budget, here's an exclusive shopping event for you! Housing Works Thrift Shops is throwing an event called Bride on a Buck that gives you a chance to buy new bridal gowns by big designers like Vera Wang, Marchesa, Monique Lhullier, Gucci and more for 75% off. What more could a fashionista in a recession ask for?

One of the Giovanni Ravello wedding dresses you'll find at Bride on a Buck.

Vintage wedding dresses and formal dresses are also available as well as brand new shoes from Yoriko Powell (also 75% off retail) and vintage veils and accessories. Get everything you could possibly need for your bridal look in one place! The best part is that all profits go to Housing Works' lifesaving services for homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS.

Here are the event details:

When: Late-night shopping and party, June 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; sale continues June 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 157 East 23rd St. between 3rd and Lexington Avenues
Cost: FREE!

Read More >>

Posted by Lori Francisco, bridalguide.com Managing Editor, at 12:45 p.m. | Comments (0)

June 3, 2009

Attention Atlanta Brides!

If you're a bride on a budget and you happen to be in the Atlanta area, then stop by the Anne Barge Summer Sample Sale this Saturday. For one day only you'll find hundreds of bridal sample gowns starting at $99—up to 90% off. What an awesome deal for a designer gown! You can also save on mother-of-the-bride and flower-girl dresses.

Here's what you need to know:

Saturday, June 6, 2009
8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Anne Barge Bridal Atelier
79 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30305

Doors open promptly at 8:30 a.m. and it's first come, first served, so get there early for the best selection.

For more information, call 404-873-8076 or visit annebarge.com.

Posted by Lori Francisco, bridalguide.com Managing Editor, at 4:00 p.m. | Comments (0)

May 27, 2009

Virtual Bridal Makeover

Put your best face forward on your wedding day by going to the pros. Visit Marykay.com where you can choose a bridal look that complements your skin tone, hair color and eyes. Find out what products you'll need, and download step-by-step instructions on how to apply them. You can even decide whether you would look better in a veil, tiara, hair clip or all three. You get to choose different hairstyles, makeup colors, etc. I spent hours playing with it. Even better, call up one of the Mary Kay Consultants and plan a free makeup party with your bridesmaids. This is an easy, fun way to find the perfect "bridal look" for your big day!

Posted by Naima at 1:38 p.m.

Comments (0)

May 11, 2009

The Proof Is in the Pointe Shoes

I know I’ve already blogged about loving Lavilin’s Underarm Deodorant Cream, but I feel compelled to spread the word about their amazing Foot Deodorant too! To refresh your memory, my dancer boyfriend gave the Underarm Deodorant his seal of approval, so I figured I’d put the Foot Deodorant to the test by handing samples out to his co-dancers at work.

Well, the reviews are in, and they’re overwhelmingly positive. As dancers for one of the most prestigious ballet companies in New York, they’re constantly shoving their feet in sweaty ballet shoes and pointe shoes all day long. Stinky foot odor no more! After just one application of Lavilin’s Foot Deodorant Cream, feet were odor-free for up to seven days. With such rave reviews, I decided to give the Foot Deodorant a try myself. After applying it according to its directions, my feet were odor-free—even after three days of New York Bridal Market appointments (i.e. running around the city from 9am–9pm)! With this little tub of user-friendly, non-scented cream, your feet—and life—can be a whole lot fresher!

Available at lavilin.com.

Posted by Maureen at 4:46 p.m. | Comments (0)

April 27, 2009

Diana Warner Studio Sample Sale

A while back I introduced you to a jewelry designer, Diana Warner, and her bridal collection. (Read the post here.) Well, if you're looking for some great wedding jewelry and you're in NYC, stop by her studio for some unique, fantastic finds for yourself or your bridesmaids. Here's the info:

Diana Warner Studio
120 West 28th Street, 3F
New York, NY 10001
Wednesday, April 29 & Thursday, April 30
10 a.m.–7 p.m.

The Ocean Necklace

I purchased a beautiful Obligato Bracelet at one of her previous sample sales, and I love it! I still get compliments and questions every time I wear it. To see some of her gorgeous creations, which have been featured on Gossip Girl and The Hills, check out dianawarnerstudio.com.

Posted by Lori Francisco, bridalguide.com Managing Editor, at 1:16 p.m. | Comments (0)