Fun for October

H.BLOOM is launching an online bridal registry, which allows brides to register for a subscription of weekly, bi-weekly or monthly flower deliveries for their new home. A great gift that keeps on giving.  H.BLOOM delivers in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island City, Forrest Hills, Hoboken, and Jersey City and starting in December 2010, H.BLOOM will also deliver in Washington, D.C.

Have you tried these “group sales/group buys” services?  I was thinking these might be a great way for you to save some money and perhaps create an inexpensive treat for your bridal party.  You can do spa parties with your bridesmaids, you can take a workout series, learn to cook or even go sailing. I’m sure these are available in cities nationwide, so why not give them a try.  I will say that getting these offers daily can be a lot, but if you find just one that you like it can really save you some bucks and in some cased up to 75% off the actual price.  While I’m sure there are more, this list will get you started: Ideeli, LifeBookerLoot, IdealDay, Tippr, BuyWithMe and LivingSocial Deals. I'm sure there are a tons more and perhaps some that are just regional, so check them out and $ave.

While not totally bridal (well, unless you’re getting married on Halloween) I think these are super fun.
Kiss has 4 different nail designs and called “One Night Nails” that means they are easy on and, easy off. Since you don’t use glue, just soak in warm water from 10-15 min to loosen press-on tab.  This is actually great because there will be NO damage to your natural nail.  24 nails in 12 sizes so it will fit any nail shape/size. At $3.99 you can try all four of the new Halloween collection.

I'm going to the market-Bridal Market, want to come?

OMG, there is so much going already.  Actually, last night I attended 3 bridal pre-events and if truth be told, I have 35 fashion shows and events to attend in the next 3 days.  While I do have a few that will happen through next week, this will be a world-wind kind of weekend.  So what am I grateful for?
1 - It's not raining anymore YIPPIE!!

2 - I have a few backstage meetings with designers that I know you will love.  I can't wait to write them up and share them with you.

3 - This years collection will in many ways reflect the tone and colors of fashion week.  I can tell you that Alfred Angelo will be using yummy colors like Coral, Rasberry, Navy, Latte in his bridesmaids collections.

4 - You are reading my entries.

I know you have your choice of columns (sounds like an airline speech huh?!), but I want you to know that I honestly, truly appreciate you reading mine.  THANK YOU!!!

So...I've got to get read, but check out my tweets @bridalease for up to the moment shows and events.  Just like Fashion Week, I want you to feel like you are right in the front row with me.

Wine Wednesday: EFFEN Vodka

I know it seems like I’ve been talking about New York Fashion Week for a while now, but there was just so much going on!!  There’s still a bit more to share, but I really wanted to share today the Mercedes Benz Signature Cocktails.

They were created by EFFEN^® Vodka (yes, saying it the first time you we did chuckle - ef^•fen \ e-‘fen \ adj. Dutch) and they were a complete hit!

EFFEN^® Vodka is a smooth and balanced super-premium vodka named after the Dutch word for “smooth.” As the only vodka created by the industry, for the industry, EFFEN Vodka not only offers a world-class liquid but a sleek, form-meets-function design. Made from premium wheat and using a patented distillation process, the EFFEN product line includes EFFEN Vodka, EFFEN^® Black Cherry Vodka and EFFEN^® Raspberry Vodka.

Based on a 125-year old Dutch recipe, the flavors in EFFEN Black Cherry and EFFEN Raspberry are all natural, with no artificial flavors or preservatives.  I don’t think any other vodka has this claim.  Ok, so as you are walking down your own runway or just hanging out with your friends, have a Effen cocktail.  Bet it makes you smile.

EFFEN HAUTINI

2 PARTS EFFEN VODKA^®

5 RASPBERRIES

¼ PART GINGER SPICE (GROUND GINGER)

1 PART FRESH LIME JUICE

1 PART SIMPLE SYRUP

¼ PART CRANBERRY JUICE  

MUDDLE RASPBERRIES WITH GINGER AND LIME JUICE. ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS AND SHAKE WELL WITH ICE. STRAIN INTO CHILLED COCKTAIL GLASS. GARNISH WITH FRESH RASPBERRY, SKEWERED. 

EFFEN PICTURE PERFECT

2 PARTS EFFEN BLACK CHERRY^® VODKA

8 MINT LEAVES

1 PART SIMPLE SYRUP

1 PART FRESH LIME JUICE

½ PART CHAMPAGNE FLOAT 

MUDDLE MINT WITH SIMPLE SYRUP AND FRESH LIME JUICE IN MIXING GLASS. ADD EFFEN BLACK CHERRY VODKA AND ICE. SHAKE WELL AND STRAIN INTO CHILLED COCKTAIL GLASS. FLOAT CHAMPAGNE AND GARNISH WITH A MINT LEAF. 

Jenny Packham Rocks NY Fashion week with hints of bridal

“An age of debutante balls and magical moonlight parties for exquisite youth.  Translucent beauties like precious pearls in shell pink chiffon and marbled satin.  Shining like super nova they traverse the floor under crystal stars in the arms of their aristocratic beau. England’s select, ablaze in the moment, intoxicated with desire and naïve expectations of eternal youth. This is the time of their lives. Unforgettable.” Jenny Packham

What a welcome early morning surprise.  Jenny Packham launched her first NYC collection in a big way – the new home of fashion week, Lincoln Center.  What makes this really special is that she swapped London for us here.  For those of us lucky enough to view her first NYC runway, what a joy it was.

Jenny Packham isn’t new in the fashion industry but even with five stores across Europe, a celebrity clientele (including Keira Knightley, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopes, Cameron Diaz and others), this is her first time in the tents.  Well, if we all could make such a splash our ‘first time out’.  She brought modern elements to classic shapes with a big WOW factor.

The overall consensus – Jenny Rocked New York Fashion Week!!  It was so refreshingly wonderful to see a line that had something for everyone.  There wasn’t a single dress that was so avant-garde that you thought “just the designers vision” or so bland, that you wondered what the designer was actually thinking.  The color palette as well as cut simply flattered women.   Sexy and Sensual – Check; Beading – check; Total Diva worthy – Check. Jenny Packham – Double Check!
Jenny, welcome to America.

Color Trends: Pink, Blush, Tan, Silver, Steel, Blue, Cloud and Ivory
Style Trends: Beaded Jumpsuit, Beaded Underdress, Silk Shorts, High Waisted Pants, Shoulder Bow, Cowl Back Neckline (Stunning!!) Beaded Bodice And Tassels, Asymmetrical Short Dress, Star Burst Beading And Twisted Sleeves.
Fabric Trends: Beaded Tulle, Silk Crepe, Silk, French Chiffon, Silk Twill, Italian Jersey, Italian Silk Crepe, Hand Painted Silk Organza, Silk Lac, and Degournay Hand Painted Silk And Silk Crepe Satin

Alberta Ferretti Trunk Show Sale at Mark Ingram Atelier