Raise Your Glass to 2013!

Tonight at midnight, the word "Fin." will be scrawled across a chapter of your life - the 2012 chapter. The year will end, and a new one will begin: 2013. We don't yet know what this new year will hold, but that's the magic of it; it's fresh, open, full of possibilities.

For Luxe, 2013 will be an exciting year. This spring, we'll be launching our first-ever "Look Book" featuring real brides. In June, our makeup line, which you've already seen peeks of, will make its grand debut. There's more, but we can't tell  you yet - just know that it'll be big, and we're thrilled.

What will 2013 be for you?

Every year, millions of Americans make New Year's Resolutions - to eat better, to pay off debt, to be happier, to spend more time with family. Most don't make it; but some do. It takes hard work, focus, and dedication, but New Year's Resolutions can be much, much more than something to regret and repeat at this time next year.

We believe in you.

Forbes Magazine has a terrific list of strategies for making your resolutions stick. Check it out if you want, and then take a tip directly from us: when you look good, you feel confident enough to do anything.

Make this the year that you don't settle for so-so. Change your hair, change your clothes, change your makeup. Sometimes even the tiniest tweak can make for amazing results. We know; that's why we're in this business. From the runway to the living room couch, we believe that looking good and feeling good are essential to doing good in life.

You're beautiful. Embrace it.

So go, our Luxe darlings. Start tonight, on the night of glamour, celebration, and possibility.

There's still time. Stop reading, get out there, and make it happen. This night only comes around once a year!

To you and to the new year, we raise our glasses! Happy New Year!!


XOXO,

Luxe

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

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In a lot of ways, weddings are like holidays: there's the gifts, the family, the celebrating. There's the good food, the fantastic desserts, the music, and the love. Lots and lots of love.

When you're planning a winter wedding, you have the chance to celebrate both at once, for double the fun, double the celebration, and double the festivities. Plus, there are benefits to planning a holiday wedding that you just can't get any other time of year:

1) Lower cost. No matter where you live, winter is considered the off season for the wedding industry. As a result, you may be able to book your caterers, your venues, and your photographers for much less than, say, a June event. The likelihood is also that you'll have your pick of vendors - making sure that you have exactly the wedding you want!

2) Built-in decorations. The number one way to save money on your decór budget is to have a holiday wedding! Churches, hotels, banquet halls, and city streets all prepare for the holidays by putting on their finest, and on your wedding day, the lights and the garlands are just for you. Plus, if you're lucky enough to live in a winter wonderland, you have the most perfect of all photo backgrounds - snow.

3) Combined travel plans. By holding your wedding during the holidays, you have the opportunity to build on your family's current travel plans, helping to reduce your guests' expenses to attend. Plus, if you already have time off for the holidays, you may not have take as much time off for preparations or for your honeymoon - allowing you to utilize your vacation time throughout the year.

4) Unique details. Tiny tree favors, hot cocoa and doughnuts, mistletoe, evergreens boughs, and fur capes are just a few of the fun and unique details perfect for a winter wedding - and oddly out of place the rest of the year. If pine trees and red bulbs are your cup of tea, a holiday wedding is right up your alley.

5) Cooler weather. Those seventeen layers of tulle, satin, and lace you're planning to wear don't come with a fan, but the plunging mercury is perfect for wedding dresses. Pile on all the layers you want, and add tights or boots or anything else you want underneath!

As you get ready for the biggest, most festive, most wonderful holiday celebration of your life, here are a few photos found on Pinterest to inspire you!

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XOXO,

Luxe

Staying on Track to Fabulous During the Holidays

There's something about the moment when the clock strikes midnight on Halloween; the costumes are put away, the pumpkins are tossed into the dumpster, and a certain cheer cuts through the dark and ghoulish atmosphere.

That cheer, my friends, is called the holidays. With Thanksgiving now less than two weeks away, the holiday season is in full swing, with all the blow-up Pilgrims, waving Santas, twinkling lights, and sweet confections you can dream of.

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 Oh. My. Word. Doesn't that spread look amazing?

The problem is, when you're counting down to a wedding or even just trying to get into shape, just looking at a delicious display like the one above seems to add inches to your waistline or, at best, stall your progress indefinitely. Even more, schedules packed with dinners, holiday parties, and parades leave little time for a trip to the gym.

So just how do you enjoy the holidays - and all the "fixins" - without derailing your diet & fitness efforts?

Here are a few tips we've compiled from across the web to help you stay on track:

1) Keep your eye on the prize. You know what your goals are, and only you are responsible for keeping to them. When you eye the dessert table at your next party, think about your goal, and whether you're willing or able to work that much harder the next day to atone for your dietary sins. Ultimately, your success is in your hands; don't let yourself get distracted by the shiny icing.

2) Be realistic. Holiday plans have a way of demolishing normal schedules. As you plan out your week, be honest with yourself. Will you have time for the leisurely 2-hour cardio workout you're used to? Probably not. And you may have to eat on the road as you jet between work and an event. Think about how to handle those bumps in light of your goals. Find a healthy fast food place on the way or pack a quick dinner to grab on the go, and find ways to maximize your training efficiency.

3) Switch to high-impact cardio workouts you can do in a shorter amount of time. With just 10 minutes at the start of every day, you can do a quick, effective exercise routine using equipment that's easy to keep around: a jump rope, a bike, your running shoes, or even just your own body. Push yourself throughout the full 10 minutes; you don't have time to slack off! For a few get-fit-fast routines to fit your schedule, check out this list from Fitness Magazine: 10-Minute Workouts.

4) Plan active time with family and friends. Rather than sitting down and eating cookies together, get out and get your hearts pumping! Build up your appetite for turkey with a pre-Thanksgiving dinner football game. Take a walk through the woods to enjoy the brisk air and the fall colors. Bundle up and head outside for some kid-like fun in the snow: build a snowman, sled down a hill, or have a snow-ball fight with the neighbors.

5) Drink a LOT of water. Many people eat when they're dehydrated, and you may find yourself nibbling on whatever is available, including those decadent desserts, if you're not getting enough water. Plus, if you drink a glass of water before a meal or party, you're less likely to overeat. Keep a tally of your water consumption, aiming for eight 8-oz glasses every day, using an online tracker like www.sparkpeople.com.

6) Load up on the good stuff. At holiday parties and meals, fill your plate with fruits, veggies, and low-calorie meats and eat them first. When you fill up on the good stuff, you leave less room for the high-calorie, low-value delights. You'll still be able to enjoy a bite or two, but you'll make ensure that you've gotten what you need in the meantime.

6) Enjoy - in moderation. One of the best things about being in love is the ability to share food (you know it's true). So if you must have dessert, split it with your honey - or just sneak a couple of bites from him (trust us, it's okay). Aim for lower-calorie cocktails like a Vodka Soda or a Hot Toddy, rather than a Cosmo or a Kahlua-Infused Hot Chocolate. Allow yourself a couple of bites of calorie-rich delights, but stop there, enjoying what you have without going overboard.

If you follow these suggestions, you'll breeze through the holidays and arrive on January 1st with one resolution already marked off your list for the new year.

Stay happy, stay healthy, and stay LUXE!

Luxe Luv,

XOXO


Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Pretty in Pink

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake got married a couple of weeks ago, and the biggest buzz about their wedding hasn't been the flowers, the location, or the even guests, but the bride's dress.

The stunning brunette walked down the aisle to her husband in a pink and white watercolored dress custom designed by Giambattista Valli and and a long traditional veil. The pictures are being published exclusively by People Magazine, but a few sneak peeks are floating across the internet, showing off the blushing bride in her particular shade of pink:

Mrs. Timberlake isn't the first celebrity bride to don the girlish, nontraditional hue. Singer Gwen Stefani rocked it with a dip-dyed dress ten years ago, Reese Witherspoon channeled Elle Woods in a blush-colored gown for her second wedding, and basketball wife Jennifer Williams donned not one, but two pale pink dresses to marry her sporty husband.

Via: Gwen, Reese, & Jennifer

Clearly, there's a trend here. So we weren't entirely surprised when we spotted a bride in a bubble-gum pink dress posing for photos on the lawn of the Texas capital building this weekend.

Okay, we were a little surprised. Because a bubble-gum pink ballgown is a far cry from the subtle blush number Reese is wearing.

The truth is, we're not sold on this trend. And we like pink. A lot.

Mostly, we're just not sold on Mrs. Timberlake's dress. There's just something about it that we don't love, but that's where we'll leave it, because you may have your own ideas.

And really, on your wedding day, your opinion is the one that matters. Because it's your wedding day. So if you do decide to step out in pink, here are a few dresses that we do love to start you seeing the world in shades of rose:

Jasmine Couture

Kitty Chen Couture

Ivy & Aster

Lazaro

Maggie Sottero

Wtoo

Claire Pettibone

Lux Luv,
XOXO

Wonder Woman does it. So should you.

Some women are superheroes.

You know who I'm talking about. Maybe you are who I'm talking about.

Either way, you know her - the woman who gets up before the sun every morning, and spends her days running meetings, running a business, running after a two-year-old. By night, she throws a dinner party, a fundraiser, a tea party for her little girl. She cooks, she cleans, she wipe away tears and sniffles and spilled drinks. Her calendar is filled from end to end, but she always has time for friends, for family, for last-minute deadlines. And on top of it all, she looks like she stepped from the pages of Vogue: fierce, fashion-forward, and just plain FABULOUS - every single day.

Every superhero has a weakness, though, and for many women, breast cancer is the kryptonite to their superhuman powers. Each year, thousands of women, each of them extraordinary in their own right, are stopped by the cruel reality of this disease.

That's why this breast cancer awareness campaign is so captivating:

Produced by an ad agency in Mozambique for the organizationAssociação da Luta Contra o Cancer (Association for the Fight Against Cancer), each ad's text reads:

When we talk about breast cancer, there's no women or superwomen. Everybody has to do the self-examination monthly. Fight with us against the enemy and, when in doubt, talk with your doctor.

The message is clear: if Catwoman, She-Hulk, Storm, and Wonder Woman are vulnerable to breast cancer, so are you. And if they can take a few minutes from fighting their nemesis each month to do a breast examination, so can you.

Self-examinations are key to early detection, and the earlier you can begin fighting breast cancer, the better your chances are for survival.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. provides a great how-to guide for a thorough self-examination. If you've never done it, start now. Put it in your calendar for every month, and don't miss a single date.

Trust us, this appointment is more important than anything at the salon. It's more important even than that big meeting with your boss (and you can tell her we said so). This is your life we're talking about, and we want to see you live a long, happy, healthy one.

After all, nobody likes to see a superhero lose. So fight, even before the battle begins.

Luxe Luv,

XOXO

Finding Your Best Look with Color Theory

Color. Designers love it. We love it. We all have a favorite. And while we'd love to wear every color under the rainbow, there are certain hues better suited for some individuals than others. Color, whether in the clothes you wear or the eye shadow you carefully apply, has a remarkable affect on your look.

The right colors can enhance your natural beauty, minimize imperfections, and give you that radiant glow we're all looking for. Choosing the wrong colors leaves us sickly, washed out, with every imperfection on full display. Gross.

The question is, how do you choose? There are thousands - even millions - of colors available, with all their subtle nuances and shades; how do you pick the hues that best suit your complexion?

Bring in Reachel Bagley, fashion consultant and author of the blog Cardigan Empire. Realizing that this is a problem for a LOT of women, Reachel created a basic chart to get you started:

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To choose your look-good color palette, you have to first take a good, hard look at the colors you look best in. This isn't about what colors you like. It's about the colors that make your eyes pop, that make your skin glow, and that make your face look bright and fresh.

Starting with her four basic colors, stand in front of a mirror and compare what effects each shade has on your look (you might need a few honest friends and a glass of champagne to help*). Does brown make you light up while gray actually diminishes your beauty? Follow the track on the right. Does blue pull out the color in your eyes and make them dance like an Irish jig? Follow the track on the left. 

After you get over that first challenge. Reachel's chart shows that you'll fall into one of four color complexion categories: Cool & Delicate, Cool & Brilliant, Warm & Fresh, and Warm & Rich. You've probably heard about these before, but named by the seasons: Summer, Winter, Spring, and Autumn, respectively.

Luckily for us, Reachel also put together these charts, which explain each of the color families in more detail. So if you couldn't figure out your category using the chart, you may find it here.

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Finding your colors isn't easy. And every change to your appearance - whether a visit to the salon or a weekend outdoors, can affect it.

But once you've nailed it down (or at least become adept at identifying it) - you'll have a veritable palette of look-good colors to enhance the natural beauty we already know you are. Now you can walk into a store or up to a makeup counter with confidence, not feeling overwhelmed by the selection, but knowing exactly who you are on the color wheel, and knowing exactly what will make those gorgeous eyes of yours pop and twinkle.

For more on Reachel's color theory, check out her blog at www.cardiganempire.com!


*We're not really sure how champagne helps the process. But it sounds wonderful. And what's better than a girly night, deciphering colors with your besties and sharing a bottle of bubbly? Case closed.

Runway to Aisle - Spring 2012

We'll admit it, we love fashion. I'm sure it wasn't much of a secret to begin with, but at least we're clear. So we fell in love with about a thousand of the styles shown last week on the runways in New York. The problem is, not many of us on the Luxe team (okay, none of us) actually have the budget for a $10,000 sheath dress - even if it is hand sewn by Jason Wu himself.

The great thing about getting married is that you get to splurge - really really splurge on an amazing dress. So for all you brides and brides-to-be out there, here are a few of our favorite looks and trends from the Spring 2013 showings of New York Fashion week - plus some of the gorgeous bridal looks they inspire.

Go Soft

Iconic designer Calvin Klein's models sauntered down the runway in sultry, soft silhouettes cut from barely-there shades.

Calvin Klein

Trade the nude tones for soft whites and ivories, and bring CK's easy style and sensual elegance to your aisle in one of these delicate gowns from Once Wed:

Once Wed

Make a Statement

Nobody does gowns like Oscar de la Renta, and this dramatic lace and taffeta number makes a bold statement. Classic wedding dress designer Monique Lhuillier matches his vision in a beautiful white ballgown to ensure that all eyes are riveted to you on your wedding day.

Oscar de la Renta & Monique Lhuillier

Evoke the Golden Age

The 20s were raging on the New York runways, with Gatsby style in full swing. From easily draped cuts to surprisingly sexy fringes, these gowns are perfect for a glamorous party out on West Egg, or wherever you may find yourself.

Ralph Lauren & Marchesa

Luckily, wedding dress designers have gotten the memo, and they're fully on board. Check out these swinging styles from Amsale and Jenny Packham:

Amsale & Jenny Packham (x5)

Get Back to Basics

Designers proved that less is more - much, much more - on the runways, showing off sleek, understated styles that required no additional details to be beautiful.

Temperley London & Derek Lam & Oscar de la Renta

 Create your own understated glamour on your wedding day with one of these beautiful gowns from J.Crew, Amsale, and David's Bridal:

J.Crew (x2) & Amsale & David's Bridal

Visions of White

Okay, we'll admit it - we couldn't find a bridal gown that even came close to this gorgeous piece. So we're just going to post it, and hope that some day it shows up in white. Or ivory. Or champagne. Or, well, pretty much anything in our budget.

Naeem Khan

XOXO,

Luxe

...and they all lived happily ever after!

Around here, we're in the beauty business. Every weekend, we apply makeup, tease hair, and paint nails. We make already-lovely women feel like princesses. And we love what we do.

We know that when people look good, they feel good. They feel like they can take on the world, that nothing can stop them. That confidence overflows into every aspect of their lives - relationships, work, even just walking down the street (work it, girl!) - and it's the same whether they're 60 or 16!

That's why we're sponsoring the 2012 Austin Fairy Godmother's Royal Black & White Ball this Sunday evening. The ball is a fundraiser for Austin Fairy Godmother, a nonprofit organization that gives girls a chance to create their own Cinderella story and attend formal events in full style, without the expense.

The AFG boutique is stocked full of gently-used formal gowns of every style and color, plus all the accessories a girl needs to put together a complete look for the homecoming dance, prom, quinceaneras and other formal events.

Women of all ages can visit the shop (no appointment necessary!) and rent a head-to-toe formal look for the evening at just a fraction of the cost of buying the pieces new. 

The Black & White Ball is an event that invites supporters of Austin Fairy Godmother to come out for a night of fashion, glamour, dancing, dining, and music. Guests will be invited to participate in a silent auction while they enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a seated dinner.

Then, in our favorite part of the evening, the Dell Children's Hospital Hungry Bunch Teens will model fashions from the AFG boutique, with hair and makeup styled by our team! The Hungry Bunch is a group of teens who are on or off treatment for cancer, blood disorders, and dialysis. Through the group, they have the opportunity to build friendships with other teens dealing with similar issues, and to enjoy normal teen experiences together.

Tickets for the Austin Fairy Godmother's Royal Black & White Ball are available for just a couple more days - sales close at noon on Thursday, September 20. We hope that you will come out and join our team in celebrating and supporting this worthy cause!

Austin Fairy Godmother's Royal Black & White Ball

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Kindred Oaks

2100 County Road 176

Georgetown, TX 78628

http://vcevents.ticketbud.com/afgroyalball

P.S. Can't make it to the ball, but want to help? You can support AFG by donating gently-used formal gowns and accessories, volunteering in the shop, or donating to support their annual budget. Visit their website at www.austinfairygodmother.org to learn more!

Things to Come!

Good evening Ladies & Gents! 

I can hardly believe it's already September - and a week in, no less. At Luxe, we've had a whirlwind of a summer, with the Austin Fashion Week event last month, making already-gorgeous breathtaking for a walk down the aisle, and continuing preparations for a launch of our cosmetic line later this year.

We couldn't be more thrilled about everything that's happening here. To stay on top of what we're doing, make sure you're following us on Twitter and Facebook, and check back in here for more regular posts. We're so excited about everything that is to come - I hope you'll come along with us!

Luxe Luv,
XOXO

"Fashion Fights Against Breast Cancer"

Our first-ever Fashion Against Breast Cancer event was a huge success! More than 50 people joined the Luxe Group Mobile Spa & Salon this past Tuesday night at Tiffany & Co. in The Domain of Austin, raised money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

If anyone knows about luxury, it's Tiffany and Co., and in a rare Austin Fashion Week appearance, they opened their doors to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It was the perfect setting for a glamorous, high-fashion charity benefit; the late afternoon sun poured through the store's windows, sparkling off of the diamonds, pearls, and Tiffany-blue aquamarines on display and setting the tone for luxury.

Seven models, with hair and makeup beautifully styled by our own Luxe team, stepped out in stunning new pieces from the Fall Collection of local award-winning designer, Linda Asaf. Striking a pose as live mannequins, they displayed Linda's gorgeous designs paired with earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings from Tiffany and Co., signature collections, carefully selected to compliment the clothing.

Guests milled around the store, sipping champagne, admiring the dresses, hair and makeup creations, and were had the opportunity to try on exquisite jewelry - including that ring that sparkles so nicely on your hand.

Linda Asaf was herself among the attendees, and graciously offered comments about her designs, an occasional autograph, and invitations to visit her shop in downtown Austin.

As guests left the party, they were presented with a bag of even more delights, including one of our newest items, Charity Kases lip balm, and a Vanilla Champagne cupcake from CupKate's Cupcakes -which is even more delicious than you imagine.

It was a great evening, and we are pleased to be able to support breast cancer research in such a glamorous way! We want to thank everyone who made the event a possibility: the coordinators of Austin Fashion Week, the lovely and gracious management team at Tiffany & Co., featured designer Linda Asaf, Kate of CupKate's, our exquisite models, and everyone who came out to support the cause!

We have to say thank you to Andrew of Sterling Images Online, for the great video above!

Luxe Luv,

XOXO

We are super excited to be participating in Austin’s Brides Against Breast Cancer event this weekend! There will be tons of gowns and it’s just really a great program to be a part of… Buy your tickets for VIP Hour on Friday and enjoy a fun girls night out… or come out Saturday/Sunday to check out all the amazing dresses and gowns. Reserve your tickets soon – hope to see you there!

“FIND THE GOWN OF YOUR DREAMS AND BRING EDUCATION, INFORMATION, AND OUTREACH TO SOMEONE AFFECTED BY CANCER”

Brides Against Breast Cancer allows brides-to-be a chance to find the gown of their dreams at a remarkable price. Most gown prices range from $99 to $799*, including hundreds of beautiful new name brand and designer gowns valued up to $8,000. Exclusive designer and couture gowns valued up to $20,000 are also available at an incredible 25% to 75% savings.

Luxe Luv,
XOXO

Make Your Diamonds Blush from a Sparkling Smile!

Your smile is super important for everyday, but especially today of all days, which will be the most photographed day of your life! (no pressure, lol)

So how do you achieve those pearly whites? There are three ways to get the teeth that make your diamonds blush!


The first is the most obvious, visit your dentist and discuss options for professional teeth whitening. This can take several visits, depending on the affect that you are looking to achieve. And although this most definitely works, it is the most expensive option, ranging from $650 and up, per visit. Your dentist also has at home teeth whitening kits from $100 - $400 available.

For those of you that are budget-nistas, your second option is trying the Crest 3D Whitening System. Yes the entire system, not just the strips, but the toothpaste, and wash as well, to get best results! This has been rated the best over the counter teeth whitening system by dentist and users all over the country. Available at your local drugstore from $30 and up.

Third, is an old- y but a goody! Peroxide and Baking Soda, which have been used for years to not only clean teeth, but overtime can whiten as well. Simply take one teaspoon of baking soda, and add a couple of your drops of peroxide to make a paste, and brush normally. Do not ingest and rinse well. Available for $2!

Before you embark on any of these or any other options, ask your dentist for a realistic idea of the results you are likely to achieve and how long it should take to achieve them. Expectations play a major role not only in love but in teeth whitening as well!

Luxe Luv,
XOXO

We are not dentists are doctors, so please consult with a medical professional before utilizing the above advice.