Mystic Angel Creations~ Custom Bridal Bling!

Monday Vendor Love

Do you know what jewelry to wear on your wedding day? Are you trying to find the PERFECT jewelry to go with your dress? Have you chosen gifts for your wedding party? If not, we are here to help you! Since everything is custom, Mystic Angel can design and create jewelry to match your dress and overall wedding vision. As a mother-daughter team, all pieces are created from the heart, daughter Jennifer Craft, shared a bit about these gorgeous pieces for your wedding day!

 "Just to tell you a little bit about us, we are a mother, daughter team and have been making jewelry for about 10+ years. We launched our Bridal Collection June 2013. We have made jewelry and accessories in the past, but recently wanted to create a collection. Everything is designed and made by us. We can create similar designs, but ultimately everything is one of a kind. Our prices are very reasonable and we work within your budget.

 Bridal Collection Designs: We create a variety of jewelry from bling and extravagant to simple and elegant. Since everything is custom, we create the piece to be tailored the individual. Our favorite materials are Austrian crystals, fresh water pearls and glass beads. We do not use plastic in our work. The pieces from the Bridal Collection are great for brides and their wedding party, such as bridesmaids, flower girls, mothers and grandmothers.

We provide 3 FREE CONSULTATIONS to better suite your jewelry needs.

1. Initial Consultation: establishes general idea and design.

2. Designing Consultation: finalizes the detailed design and is held no later than 2 months prior to your event.

3. Presentation of Final Design: final products are presented no later than 1 month prior to your event.

 If you are interested, we can go over designs and then I can draw up an estimate for you. We require half of the cost down at signing in order to purchase the supplies. The other half is due when your jewelry is ready for pick up. The jewelry ordered is custom-designed and created to best suite your event.

We specialize in custom-jewelry, from domino-art pendants, crocheted necklaces/bracelets, wire and beaded earrings, rings and much more! 

Our work has been featured in a special holiday episode of HGTV's "That's Clever" in November, 2006. Articles about our Domino Art-to-Wear pieces have been published in ENVY Magazine, the Houston Chronicle, The Galveston Daily News, MySA.com and KMOL's San Antonio Living in September, 2007 and featured as the "Artist of the Week" for Fox 26/Houston in March, 2006. Recently, we were featured on San Antonio Living promoting Fashion Friday.

We are inspired to create art to wear pieces for real women that are unique and who love jewelry.  Our inspirations come from the art community, fashion trends and the changes of the season. All of our pieces are one of a kind, so you will never see your jewelry on someone else!

 We love to make our customers happy, and we do so be creating custom orders. We work with our clients to create truly one of a kind pieces. If you have something in mind, let us know and we can turn your jewelry vision into a reality. Custom orders can range from “Everyday Wears” to “Bridal.” If this interests you, please ask for a custom order form and we will take care of you! "

Tell them Luxe sent you! 

Luxe Luv, 

XOXO

Love and Beauty on Valentine's Day

It's just one week until Valentine's Day, and as connoisseurs of all things love-related, we're excited. Valentine's Day is the one day of the year that truly - above all else - celebrates love. We know (and love!) that there are opportunities to share and celebrate love every single day, but this is the big one, the day when you can express love anywhere, any way, and to anyone. And we will - trust us!

We believe that Valentine's Day is meant to be spent with the one you love, no matter what you do together. That might mean laying on the couch in your pajamas, watching your favorite movie for the 1,000th time. But if you or your partner are planning a big to-do for V-day, you're going to have to do a little better than fuzzy slippers and a pony tail.

Never fear, Luxe friends. We've put together a whole collection of practical inspiration for you, including some of our favorite beauty "How To's" straight from Pinterest to get you glammed up for the big night. And if you need an extra hand, just give us a call - our stylists and makeup artists can give you the flawless look you want for a perfect Valentine's Day date!

First, we'll start with the lashes. The Beauty Department put together a great introductory graphic, showing you just how to put those tricky falsies on for maximum lash impact (and trust us, he'll never know). Gorgeous.

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Once you have your lashes down, we can talk about eyeliner. Winged liner gives a timeless, sexy look that seems to be universally flattering on all women. To try it for your big Valentine's Day date, check out the graphic below from KoutureKiss.com. All you'll need is black liner, black shadow, and an angled brush.

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Or maybe a smokey eye is more your thing. How about this gorgeous green and brown version from , well, we're not really sure? But it's truly stunning, and if your eyes are green, brown, or hazel, they'll pop with these shades! If not, choose a color scheme that works for your tones, and use the same techniques.

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Once your eyes are done, you just have to create the perfect pout to go along with it. Pick a color that goes with your skin tone, your eye makeup, your dress, and your mood, and follow these instructions from heartistry.com for luscious, kissable lips he won't resist.

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Now about that hair...you're not going to wear it like that, are you? I looks great, of course, but wouldn't you rather have a romantic and soft braided up-do like this one from hairromance.com? Yeah, we thought so.

For a cute and easy manicure, just use a shaped hole punch and some masking tape to create an easy nail stencil, like this tiny heart from, well, another unknown source. Ingenious!

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Um, hello. You look amazing. And only a small part of that what you've done - you were beautiful way before you got started with us. We're pretty sure that your partner will think so too. And that glow? That's called love, honey. Not even our makeup artists can recreate that.

So happy Valentine's Day to our Luxe Ladies and Gents. We LUV each and every one of you!

XOXO,

Luxe Luv

Upcoming Events for Spring & Summer 2013!

The Luxe Group Mobile Salon & Spa is gearing up for a busy, busy, BUSY spring and summer!

Want to know what we're up to? Here's a brief list with the wheres, whens, and whys - make sure you check us out if you're in the area!

January 26 - Austin, TX: Commercial Shoot

We are shooting our first-ever commercial for Charity Kases Cosmetics, our sister company! Charity Kases is makeup for the "do -gooder- fashionista."​ It's primping with a purpose, so you don't just look good, you feel good about why you look so good! 

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We are on a mission, to help make the world a better place through giving to causes that are close to all of our hearts, and looking while doing it. 



A portion of every lipstick, mascara, eye shadow , and foundation are donated to one  of these wonderful causes: Nothing But Nets, Alzheimer's Society, American Heart Association, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and The American Cancer Society.

February 1 & 2 - Austin, TX: Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Wedding Gown Sale

Proceeds from this sale provide education, information, and outreach to people impacted by cancer. Brides will have hundreds of gowns to choose from, many of them brand-new, designer, and couture to choose from, all at incredible discount prices. Our very own LeKisha Moore is the Austin coordinator for this event, and we'll be participating in big ways!

First, we'll have a vendor booth. You can come out and talk with our team, plus enter to win a trip for two to Las Vegas! Plus, we'll be providing hair and makeup services for the models in the wedding gown fashion show.

Tickets for brides are just $5.00, and you can bring your bridesmaids, friends, and family as guest for free. Plus, for $30.00 you and a guest can attend the "Unveiling of the Gowns VIP event on Friday night, where you'll enjoy drinks and hors d'eouvres while getting a sneak peek at the gowns. Pick up your tickets and get the details online: Brides Against Breast Cancer Charity Wedding Gown Sale

Not shopping but want to help? We need volunteers! Email LeKisha at lekisha@theluxegroupbride.com or call 877-721-HOPE.

February 3 - Houston, TX: Super Bride Sunday

Plan your wedding and catch the big game at Super Bride Sunday in Houston. With hundreds of vendors, plus a room set aside for your man to watch the Super Bowl at his leisure, it's the perfect bridal expo for both you and him! The event is free to the public. Get the details on Facebook: Super Bride Sunday

February 10 - Round Rock, TX: Once Upon a Wedding Expo

The Once Upon A Wedding Expo and Bridal Show, held at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, will help to connect future brides with greater Williamson County wedding industry businesses. “Williamson County is an wonderful place with the best of everything a bride needs to plan her dream wedding. We are thrilled to provide the opportunity for a thriving industry and future brides looking for their Happily Ever After” All future brides attend for free!

We'll be doing hair and makeup for the lovely models of the bridal fashion show. Come out and see us! Details on Facebook: Once Upon a Wedding Expo

March 9 - Austin, TX: Charity Kases Cosmetics Sip & Sample

Join us for a sampling of wine and products with this event featuring Charity Kases Cosmetics! Held at 2:00 at Water2Wine on Anderson Lane, $10.00 gets you in the door for this fun event. As always, a portion of the proceeds from our Charity Kases sales benefits the charity of your choice: Nothing But Nets, Alzheimer's Society, American Heart Association, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, or The American Cancer Society.

Other Upcoming Events:

We can't give you all the details on these events just yet, but stay tuned and we'll let you know more as the time approaches!

May 30 - Hoboken, NY: Hoboken International Film Festival

We're going international at the Hoboken International Film Festival in New York!

June 15 - Houston, TX: Charity Kases Launch Party

Sure, you've been hearing about it for months, but in June we'll hold the official launch party for Charity Kases Cosmetics! We're working with Erica Gordon of Gordon Elite Events, and this party will be off the charts!

We can't wait to see you, in Houston, Austin, and around the world!

Luxe Luv,

XOXO

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