Give me once, give me twice, just give me VIVABOX

phot with permissin from Vivabox

Bridesmaids and groomsmen are some of the most significant parts of a wedding, on this we can all agree. However because they are so different, it can be difficult to find one gift suitable for the entire party. Vivabox is the perfect choice for groups of people with different interests and inclinations sharing one thing in common – you, the bride and groom’s eternal gratitude.

Vivabox combines the freedom of choice with the personal touch of a real gift. The bridal party enjoys an initial gift when the box is opened and then can redeem an enclosed gift card for a larger experience of their choosing. Vivabox isn’t just a gift; it creates an unforgettable experience one as unique as they are to you.

Need a gift suitable for all of bridesmaids? Perhaps they all like perfume, but you’re unsure which scent is the best fit. Give the Fragrance Experience vivabox to each bridesmaid, which includes a sample of 10 designer fragrances. After they try and enjoy the various scents, they can use the enclosed Sephora to purchase a full bottle of designer perfume at Sephora. The gift card even includes tax – everything is taken care of- and with a price of $55 each, you won’t break the wedding budget.

For the groomsmen, vivabox has a selection of great themes such as wine, BBQ, gourmet food, coffee and more. The BBQ Experience vivabox includes three full size bottles of grilling spices from Urban Accents to immediately tickle the taste buds. Also included is a gift card to be redeemed from the BBQ Gift Menu. The menu includes premium meat selections from Omaha Steaks like Filet Mignon, Rib Eye, and Boneless Strip – a unique way to give the gift of “grilling”- to be enjoyed now, and later. The BBQ Experience vivabox retails for $90 each- still a steal for the important men in your party.

Vivabox is also the perfect gifting solution for other gift giving needs during the wedding process, with a theme to suit everyone. If you are attending a wedding, you should consider giving one of these as a gift to the happy couple. I’m sure they would love it as well. Currently vivabox has eight sets including Wine, Gourmet Food, Coffee, Tea, BBQ, Fragrance, and two Spa sets. New themes to be unveiled this fall include two Tech experiences (with Apple as their product partner), a Museum experience box (The Met is among their partners), a NYC Tapas experience (with some of the best known tapas hot spots throughout the city as partners), a Magazine box, two Photography boxes, and a Cinema experience.

This is a company that tells me they have no limits on orders, so order for your entire bridal party or just you and your future partner. With a quick turn-around and shipping you can get last minute gifts if you have to. If you are looking for the gift that keeps on giving, and will truly be appreciated, then look no further. For more information please visit www.vivaboxusa.com.

ReOrient yourself Grooms and the only knot you tie won't be on your neck

Photos with permission from Shanghai Tang

"It’s my wedding too and I don’t want a regular tux”. This is what I’ve been hearing a lot from grooms I’ve met at events. "It’s always the girl that gets the dress and I just get ‘rent-a-tux’". Today’s man is looking for something to make this day just as special for him. What if you’re not a traditional tux or suit kind of guy? What if you’re looking for something a bit more unique? What if you just hate ties, but still want a formal look? I think the designers at Shanghai Tang may have an option for you.

They create made-to-measure suits that ‘emancipate’ your need to wear a tie. You can choose from an array of fabrics, including a lush cut-velvet, hand-woven silk jacquards, linen, cotton or silk. Once you have chosen your style, there will be anywhere from ten to twenty measurements from which a ‘toile’ or mock-up of the piece is taken and the construction of your jacket or suit begins. At the first fitting, any changes or adjustments are made and then it’s cut out in your chosen fabric (choose velvet – it feels so luxurious!). A few weeks later – your custom made jacket or suit is ready to be worn.

While having a Mandarin collar may be a new idea to some, there is a growing trend to getting rid of the necktie all together. Raphael Le Masne de Chermont, Executive Chairman of Shanghai Tang, recently created the Mandarin Collar Society. This timely, compelling and slightly cheeky initiative unites men who are shaping the world in diverse fields, such as sports, business, politics and the arts. To spearhead the effort, Shanghai Tang has appointed MCS Ambassadors around the world, including British sprint champion Linford Christie, Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire and world renowned pianist Lang Lang.

Ok, so there still may be a bit more fuss when your bride walks down the isle in her dress, but I guarantee you will get just as many oooh-ahhs in a custom tailored Shanghai Tang outfit. If there was ever a time to have something made for you, on your special day, this is it.

For more info: Take a look at their wonderful website, www.shanghaitang.com and if you decide that you too want a unique grooms-look, visit their New York boutique at: 600 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 - Tel: 1 212 888 0111

Sales, events and other things around town for brides and grooms

Beginning tomorrow, November 6th, I’m starting “First Fridays for Grooms”. What’s that? It’s just for the men in our lives, because they need to feel the love as much as you do. It is completely dedicated to their grooming, wedding fashion (and beyond), gadgets that they will absolutely love, Q&A about the wedding process and how to make it all flow with…ease. So have your groom check out it out tomorrow and you do too.

On to…Steals, deals and events – November 5-14th
Everyone loves a good sale and here are some great sales and events for the first two weeks in November….two start TODAY!

Junko Yoshioka is showing from her latest collection and you will have an opportunity to purchase a beautiful creation at her trunk show
When: November 5 through November 7
Time: call for appt. 212.940.2269
Where: Saks Fifth Avenue - NYC

A. Jaffe and Michael C. Fina are rewarding those of you who do your holiday shopping a bit early this year! For a limited time only, leading jewelry and wedding ring designer A. Jaffe will be opening their vaults and offering up to 70% off on over 200 designer pieces! Specially selected engagement rings, wedding bands, and pieces of fine jewelry are available only at Michael C. Fina.
When: November 5th and 6th
Time: 11:00am-8:00pm
Where: Michael C. Fina - 545 Fifth Avenue - NYC

Do you feel that chill in the air? Are you thinking of proposing?? How about someplace unique? Bryant Park Skating Rink will once again open and they are having their grand opening festivities tomorrow – FREE. Actually, it’s free admission for the entire season – there is a skate rental fee ($12) if you don’t have your own. So grab your partner, and if you happen to feel wobbly as you are asking “Will you marry me?” just blame it on the ice – well, unless you’re a pro-skater, then no excuse. Already engaged and looking for a fun place to host your engagement party – why not in their “Pond Party Room” or my personal favorite place - the Celsius.
When: Opens November 6th at 1:00pm until January 24, 2010
Time: Sunday – Thursday 8:00am until 10:00pm / Friday & Saturday 8:00am until 12:00midnight.
Where: Bryant Park 6th avenue at 42nd street – behind the NYC Public Library
For more information: www.thepondatbryantpark.com - or call 212.661.6640

Temperely London has done it again and you're invited. This is a bridal trunk show you can’t afford NOT to attend. This sale is going to be massive! While you're there, register to win the “Bridal Bliss Kit”. It has with so many amazing goodies, I almost wish I was getting married. Make sure you RSVP with Virginia Ritchie 212.219.2929 or Virginia@temperelylondon.com
When: Saturday, November 7th and 8th
Time: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Where: Temperly London Boutique – 453 Broome Street, 2nd fl. - NYC

The Amsale Design Group will be holding a two-day sample sale by appointment only. Bridal gowns from the 2010 Amsale, Kenneth Pool and Christos bridal collections, as well as dresses from the Amsale bridesmaid and party collections will be for sale. The salon will offer a large selection of dresses and gowns at up to 70% off retail, normally ranging from $3,400 to $10,000. Selection of sizes available.
When: November 7th and 8th
Time: by appointment only 212.583.1700
Where: Amsale Flagship Salon, 625 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor (between 58th & 59th Streets), NYC

Hey Grooms or women who love them. This is for you!
Lab Series Skincare For Men is opening their first-ever New York pop-up store to preview their new men’s anti-aging skincare product as well as celebrate the re-launch of the brand’s new website, www.labseries.com. Go and meet the skin care experts, learn about their skin type and solutions to skin problems, get a sneak preview of the newest innovation in anti-aging for men and navigate the re-designed website. Be a part of the exciting event where there will be grooming services, nail buffing and shoe-shines. Stop by early to start your morning right or swing by after work to freshen up before your night out on the town!
When: Thursday, November 12th through Saturday, November 14th
Time: 7:00am-7:00pm daily
Where: 43 East 42nd Street, between Vanderbilt and Madison Avenues (adjacent to Grand Central Station)

The Martha Stewart Weddings Luxury Wedding Expo on November 14th and 15th gives you an amazing opportunity to chat with top bridal experts! Sign up now for one-on-one advice, access to top designers and vendors, and insider tips from their editors and a chance to win great prizes throughout the live event.
When: November 14th and 15th
Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Where: http://ow.ly/x41p

In the age of "Mad Men" chic purses by Nikita Lynn Designs

Nikita Lynn Designs

Nikita developed an addiction for vintage handbags at the age of 21 in Gainesville, Florida, from the moment she laid eyes on that tiny piece of handbag history it was love at first site.

While enjoying a cocktail with a friend, she decided to stop dreaming and turn her passion for purses into a reality. She quit her job in corporate America, went to India, and plunged head first into the world of handbag havoc. It was then that Nikita Lynn Designs was created and concepts were turned into clutches, totes, and hobos.

The line provides women affordable bags for every occasion, never skimping on quality and style. Their original signature prints and attention to detail ensure each piece is one-of-a-kind and one you won’t want to part with.

You’ll have a tough time deciding if you want the adorable clutch; perfect for a night on the town or the floral design which is hand-embroidered onto silk satin and with suede details. Why choose get them both. I love that they feature a detachable suede wrist strap and interior zipper pocket for all your valuables.

These are bags that everyone in your bridal party will be proud to use again and again. Why not consider getting special ones for both your mom and future mother-in-law?

Nikita has a large selection of clutches, hobo bags and others that will fit every bridal personality. Nikita Lynn Designs - http://www.nikitalynn.com/

2010 Couture bridal collection by Farah Angsana

Photo's with permission from Farah Angsana

I was lucky to catch a glimpse of the 2010 bridal collection from designer Farah Angsana during fashion week in September. Her RTW collection displayed her enormous talent and gave a tease of what her bridal collection would look like. Thinking you know and seeing the final pieces are two very different things. Her show, which took place at the Asia Society and Museum in NYC, simply, blew me away.

This 2010 collection is a tribute to Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. This Indian princess and later three term member of India's Parliament, was once listed by Vogue magazine as 'one of the most beautiful women in the world'. Her sense of style was often compared to former US first lady and style icon Jacqueline Kennedy. Using her as the inspiration for this collection you can see the beauty and quiet strength reflected in these dresses.

Made of various forms of silk, including silk duchess satin, they were hand embroidered in India and in some cases accented with sequins, lace embellishments or mirrored beading. Lightweight flowing silk chiffon and georgette allowed the dresses to flow as the bride walks down the isle while the silhouettes emulates the unique style of the woman who inspired this collection.

The top three words, besides 'stunning', that will come to mind: confidence, regalness and grace . Farah is truly a designer to watch and I can hardly wait to see what she designs next.

For more info: Farah’s bridal collection is sold at Kleinfeld and feel free to view her site: http://www.farahangsana.com/