
Gift Guide for The Bride Part I
CATEGORIES Products We Love
October 3, 2016
Words by
Photos courtesy of
Most people find themselves reaching for the computer when it comes to shopping these days, especially when it comes to weddings. With so many couples opting to celebrate with a destination wedding, online registries are even more popular. But finding quality products and trustworthy sites isn’t always easy. We’ve been able to try a number of products to make sure they are worth the money and will be just what you’re after.
FOR THE SCENT-LOVING BRIDE
Antica Farmacista
These are some of the best smelling room fragrances, candles and reed diffusers on the market. Our favorite scents were Prosecco and Cucumber & Lotus Flower. I’m not usually a huge fan of reed diffusers, as with my experience, the scent fades rather quickly, but not with Antica Farmacista’s product. It put off a lovely and consistent fragrance from start-to-finish. The candles and room sprays were equally as high quality, luxurious and worth the splurge. They also look as beautiful as they smell. This is one for our “dearly beloved” list. Room fragrances starting at $28, candles starting at $44 and reed diffusers starting at $26.
Beachscape Jennifer Aniston
She’s hitting headlines for obvious reasons right now, but here I’m not talking about karma, I’m talking about how great her new fragrance, Beachscape, smells. Not only is the bottle beautiful and the cerulean color make a statement, but it smells light, refreshing and with a hint of sexy – just like her. This would be a bride’s perfect “something blue.” $39
FOR THE BEACH BUM BRIDE
Empress Brasil Swimwear
One-piece swimwear is not always the most fashionable. It takes quite a bit of digging to find something beautiful with a bit of edge. Empress Brasil offers just that. The “Jackie O” in white was my favorite. The quality was outstanding and the fit was a crowd pleaser. No matter what your “assets” are, most bodies would look stunning in this. One thing to consider – the brand runs small, so ensure you use their sizing guide when purchasing. $149
Bonita Beach Towels
Pretty much the coolest thing to hit the beach this summer is the Bonita Beach towel. Use it as a beach towel or picnic blanket on your next outing and enjoy its soft and stylish design. It’s a perfect size at 60 inches in diameter. This may be one of my favorite products and one that will be gifted again and again! $50
Maho Shades
Reasonably priced sunglasses are hard to find, especially ones with quality and style. Maho Shades offer all three and are one of my favorite products on the market. They sent DID a pair of Reykjavik in Charcoal and, not only was the look classic and stylish, they were comfortable and felt very high quality. The matte frames and shatterproof, polarized lenses have a lifetime warranty. For under $100, that’s a pretty great deal. This pair $95.
FOR THE SPA SNOB
Hotel Collection Ultimate Micro Cotton Bath Towels Exclusively for Macy’s
These plush, luxurious towels are a must. As a towel/spa snob myself, I fell in love with the Hotel Collection Ultimate Micro Cotton towels immediately. I gave it some time as I notice many towels feel great before the first few washes, but these have maintained their thickness, softness and absorbency for months. I opted for white and they have also kept their brightness after multiple washes. $14 to $57.
Frownies Eye Gels
For a quick pick-me-up or even for the person who struggles with the under-eye area, Frownies Eye Gels are a go-to. Thirty minutes of easy application (just peel off and stick under your eyes) will give you a refreshed look. They don’t permanently diminish fine-lines or wrinkles, but hydrate the eye area and help illuminate discolored skin giving the appearance of soft, supple skin. Eye Gels starting at $29.95.
FOR THE BRIDE WITH HAIR ISSUES
Mastey Color Protection Hair Care
I color my hair every six weeks and after the summer months of being outdoors, in the sun and in the pool, it needed a little love. Mastey’s Color Protecting Shampoo and Restorative Mask did exactly that. My dull, dry blonde bounced back with shine and a bit more elasticity. The smell is delightful and the Oil Treatment and Therapy Spray round out the styling and kept my locks looking their best. $7 (2 oz.) to $110 (1 gallon).
Renpure Black Label Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner
Coconut oil has been all the rage for a while now, and why shouldn’t it be? It’s moisturizing, has an amazing scent and comes from nature. Offering this beauty trifecta should be expensive, but not Renpure. The shampoo and conditioner retail for less than $15 each and can be found at most drug stores. Starting at $7.99 each.
Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Antica Farmacista (1st & 2nd), Elizabeth Arden (3rd), Express Brasil (4th), Bonita Beach (5th), Maho Shades (6th), Micro Cotton (7th), Frownies (8th), Mastey (9th) & Renpure (10th).