Bridalease' Valentine's Day gift guide part 1

Yes they are from Sugar Flower Cake Shop

One of my favorite designers Claire Pettibone has released her new collection of “Butterflies” fashion lingerie just in time for Valentines Day. With most of the east coast still in a deep freeze why not look toward all the promise spring holds. Give the gift of Butterflies by Claire Pettibone, collectible fashion lingerie in gossamer-light silhouettes of thongs and hipsters, tanks, camisoles, babydolls, and chemises. Coveted by celebs such as Paris Hilton, Demi Moore, Katherine Heigl, and Camilla Belle, Butterflies are the lingerie of choice. So go a head and www.GetYourButterflyOn.com

Sugar Flower Cake Shop

Send a sweet declaration of your undying love to your Valentine this year with one dozen roses handmade from sugar that will last as long as your love. Sugar Flower Cake Shop creates floral masterpieces that contain such detail you might not believe they are made of sugar. They use all local and sustainable ingredients and if your sweetheart has a favorite flower, I’m sure they can help you create something memorable. I’ve seen and tasted their cakes (to die for!!), and hope you consider them, not only for Valentines Day but also for any and every special occasion.

The Brandy Library

One of my favorite ‘libraries’ is having a Valentine's Day culinary program: So you thought brown liquor wouldn't require more than tasty cheeses and decadent pastries...Valentine's Day will be celebrated on Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th, 2010, all night long. Ladies this is a wonderful surprise for the men in your lives. They will LOVE it. Book your table as soon as possible.

Martin Katz Jewelry

Valentines day is usually about chocolates but, if you truly want to go the extra mile express your love try in rubies and diamonds. Martin Katz Jewelry offers you a shiny and luxe type of gift, sure to please your girlfriend, sister or wife!

Get married by Rev. Run DMC

Don’t forget you still have a few days to enter Borgata’s Ultimate Rock N’ Roll Romance give-a-way. Couples must enter their submissions online at www.borgatanightlife.com. Complete details on the Ultimate Rock n' Roll Wedding contest, including the prize package components, can be found at http://tinyurl.com/yax3mga.

You know what, not matter how you spend your day, remember it's all about your love for each other. Enjoy.

Getting your Valentine cocktail ready with these

Be Pretty in Pink with Moet Champagne

Can you believe that it’s almost Valentines Day? With love in the air, it’s the perfect day for anyone, single or taken, to get a little fun and flirty. Whether you’re taking the town by storm with your single gal pals, finally going to ask out that girl (or guy) who twists your stomach into knots and gets you all tongue tied, or staying in for a evening filled with romance, make sure your cocktails are as memorable as the chocolates, roses and love letters.

I’ve written about several cocktails and I hope you have enjoyed them. Feel free to use them as your signature cocktail for your engagement party, rehearsal dinner or wedding. After all, nothing says this is a reflection of who we are as a couple than a special little something-something. Until that day, cuddled with your honey on Valentines Day, or make everyday Valentines Day and toast your love and your future.

Check this linkand this link for other “love in the air” type cocktails. Enjoy!

The SKYY Violet - Created by Jon Gasparini of Rye on the Road

1.5 oz. SKYY Vodka
.75 oz. Creme de Violette
3 oz. Dry Sparkling Wine (such as Drusian Prosecco)
3 dashes Fee Brothers or Angostura Orange Bitters

Stir SKYY Vodka, Orange Bitters and Creme de Violette with ice. Strain into Champagne coup or flute and top with Prosecco. Top with zest of an orange and garnish with orange twist.

Love Letter - Created by Adam Wilson of Beretta

1 oz Campari
1 oz Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
0.75 oz Cointreau
0.25 oz Maple Syrup (should be 1:1 with water)
0.25 oz Small Hand Grenadine
3 dashes of Peychaud's Bitters

Shake. Add Soda. Pour over ice in highball. Garnish with a lime zest.

Transform an ordinary moment into a romantic occasion on Valentine's Day with the pop of cork. A distinctive and lively champagne, Moët & Chandon reintroduced Rosé to the U.S. several years ago, reigniting a trend that has inspired others to embrace the nontraditional pink champagne ever since. Proudly recognized as the world's most loved Rosé champagne, Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial is the perfect way to seduce your one and only.

For Valentine's Day, Moët Rosé Impérial comes specially packed in a pink aluminum chiller box - a beautiful way to present the champagne and keep your Moët Rosé at the perfect temperature for up to 2 hours.

Have a great day and here’s wishing you lots of love.

Get your groom on for Valentines Day

Craig the Barber photo with his permission

Hey Grooms,

I know it's Superbowl weekend, but Valentines Day is just around the corner. What I've heard from several of you is, you want to know the 'right' way to get a close shave. Well, I've turned to my Celebrity Stylist Craig (AKA Craig the Barber) and he has given me some pointers that are guarenteed to teach you how to get the right shave be it Valentine's or your Wedding day.

There are many men that cannot shave with a razor for a variety of reasons (skin irritation, contact cuts and nicks, etc.) and choose to shave with an electric shaver. However, I often hear complaints that they just cannot get a shave that lasts. Here's how to do it!

(1) Start dry- for electric shavers, you need your beard to be dry to the touch in order to maximize the cutting capability of your shaver. Never wash you face before you shave with an electric razor.

(2) Consider a pre-shave solution- no not a pre-shave oil, more like the modern version on Lectric Shave. This works just like a pre-shave oil, it creates a protective barrier on your skin and lifts your hair to allow for a closer shave. These solutions work well with trimmers as well (Brands- Jack Black , Anthony Logistics, Lab Series).

(3) Sensitive areas 1st- many electric shavers can generate heat quickly during the course of a shave. Heat generally irritates your skin more (if it is sensitive). So shave the sensitive areas (i.e. neck) first, while the shaver is still cool.

(4) Know your shaver-to get the best out of your shaver, Rotary - shave in small circular motions; Foil - shave with the grain and against on a case by case basis.

(5) Avoid Rubbing Alcohol- rubbing alcohol dries and hardens the skin, (ex. - novice hikers use rubbing alcohol to harden the soles of their feet, while guitarists use it to harden their fingertips). Instead rinse your face, then apply an after shave balm that is designed to soothe, heal and moisturize your skin.

(6) Clean- shavers must be maintained to maximize their cutting ability. So, clean after every shave or wait no longer than after every 3 uses. Replace the screen and blades once year, in foil shavers.

Give it a try and let me know how it works out! For more great tips check out his website or fan him on Facebook.

Early Feb sales and events

Today at 12 noon, one of the hottest and nicest designers I’ve had the pleasure to hang out with is practically giving away cashmere shawls. What do I mean, they are up to 80% OFF, Vanessa Noel cashmere shawls on Gilt Groupe. Perfect colors for the winter bride or great bridesmaids gifts. In a few weeks, I’ll be bringing you Vanessa’s bridal shoe collection…to die for!! Want a sneak peak check out her designs here.

Mark Ingram Atelier will have the following trunk shows during the month of February. I would recommend that you call for an appointment and to make sure that dates have not changed. Mark is one of the best in the business with an eye for detail and what truly looks best on a the body of a bride.
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Angel Sanchez Trunk Show
February 4 - 6
Rivini Trunk Show
February 11 - 13
Rose Taft Evening Trunk Show
February 14 - 15
Oscar de la Renta Trunk Show
February 18 – 20
Vera Wang Selling Days
February 23 - 24

February 7 - Get your sneakers, your team and your game face on. It’s the world famous Running of the Brides event at Filenes Basement. I warn you, this is not for the faint of heart. These brides mean business and are willing to 'bridal-dive' into 1500 designer and name brand wedding gowns for a fraction of the retail price. So get on line early and come with your game-face. Doors open at 8AM
Filene’s Basement – 4 Union Square South. Good luck!!

If you are looking for a reason to register at Crate & Barrel, how about $100,000 reasons? That’s right if you enter “The Ultimate Wedding Contest" between Feb. 1 – Mar.31 you will be entered to win. All you have to do is share your love story in 100 words or less. Hey, that can absolutely and completely furnish your new home.

On a different front, every Sunday during the month of Feb., Crate & Barrel allows couples the run of the store – ok, so it’s really early in the morning, but you will have tasting, lots of coffee, and sales associates who are on hand to answer any of your registry questions. So go and experience their wedding party event and tell your future hubby that you’ll leave him alone for the rest of the day so he can watch the game. This is happening nationwide so check their site for a city/location near you.

If you were ever told to “Walk this way”….you can get married this way. Truly this is one of the best contests I’ve heard about so far this year. ENTER IMMEDIATLEY!!!

Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City is doing an “Ultimate Rock and Roll Wedding” contest – one lucky couple will win a wedding officiated by Rev Run of Run DMC. Couples have to share their love story, and the “best” story wins. The prize package will include a bachelor and bachelorette party; pampering at The Salon and The Barbershop; pre-wedding access to Kid Rock’s performance at the Borgata Event Center for the dynamic duo and up to 12 of their guests; a personal photographer; custom cake by Executive Chef Thaddeus Dubois; and a ceremony presided over by Rev Run. Before heading off to the honeymoon suite, the happy couple will enjoy a post-ceremony celebration at MIXX nightclub for the official KID ROCK concert after-party with musical performances by Rev Run and DJ Ruckus.

Couples must enter their submissions online at www.borgatanightlife.com. What are you waiting for?

Matthew Christopher 2010 bridal collection

Photos with thanks from Matthew Christopher 2010

Here in NYC we have lots of amazing designers and I'm so lucky to introduce you to them. While this may be his 8th year in, Matthew Christopher still considers himself new to the bridal industry. His feminine gowns showcased are a mix of layered silk organza, satin, taffeta and charmuese, always fresh and always classic.

Matthew Christopher chooses to believe ‘it’s all about love’ and he infuses this belief into his creations. There is a joy and airy-ness that surrounds his dresses and his larger than life personality. Don’t let the “Clark Kent cool” good looks fool you. Matthew is a designer whose interest in the bridal industry began at an early age and is being recognized with a nomination for “Distinctive Excellence in the Bridal Industry (DEBI) award. After working at several big bridal houses like Demetrios, Galina, and Watters he began Matthew Christopher in 2002.

Like many good designers, Matthew listens to the brides who buy his dresses. “I get my inspiration from the brides I meet at trunk shows. It’s really important that I attend trunk shows and let the brides know that I do care about them. It’s really personal to me, to insure they are wearing a dress that compliments them and their personality. For me, seeing their eyes light upwhen they see themselves in the dress of their dreams, makes my dream come true all over again.”

Matthew’s 2010 collection was a true bouquet of bridal beauty. For more information visit his site.