Piercing Parties
Anna Harman and Lisa Bubbers, co-founders of Studs — a celeb-adored ear-piercing studio and earrings brand — opened a new boutique on Magazine Street across from Whole Foods, marking the 17th store location. Studs offers professional piercings using needles (never piercing guns), plus a wide assortment of high-quality jewelry at a range of prices. Celebrity fans include Dixie D’Amelio, Kaia Gerber, Maude Apatow, Emma Watson, Selena Gomez and Justine Skye. The company also offers bachelorette ear piercing parties (for 12 or more people) that include full private use of the space, a personalized playlist, plus earrings and goodie bags available for purchase. 5705 Magazine St., studs.com
Feeling Fit
While New Orleans is known for its amazing food and nightlife, brides- and grooms-to-be (and their bridal parties) can still strike a balance between fun and health thanks to a number of offerings from Footprints to Fitness. The company offers events — such as Brunch & Burn (a workout followed by brunch), Adult Field Day (with activities like kickball and relay races) and Move & Mingle (dance parties) — that are open to bachelorette or bachelor parties. Specialized offerings include Sweatin’ For the Wedding, which includes experiences like yoga, Pilates, historic runs and puppy yoga (with a portion of the proceeds going to the partnering rescue organization), and Bridal Party Wellness, which can include experiences like massages, facials and fashion styling. Try the Let the Good Times Roll Bachelorette Package (a 60-minute fitness class, a wellness experience, a custom playlist, complimentary water, a champagne or mimosa toast, and a light and healthy breakfast). Footprints to Fitness also can create custom health and wellness events before the Big Day. footprintstofitness.com
Big Day Prep
With mile-long to-do lists, nonstop meetings with vendors and trying to keep everyone happy, it’s no wonder brides are under a lot of pressure. Bridal fitness coach and author Stephanie Thomas has written a new book called “The Little Book of Rest” ($15, Adams Media) that’s a perfect gift for brides (and their bridal parties) as they prepare for the Big Day. The book includes more than 100 simple and enjoyable ways to introduce physical, emotional and spiritual rest into daily life. Examples include overcoming stressful situations by cuddling with a pet or spending 10 minutes daydreaming about something pleasant; and taking a mental break by doing a 10-minute meditation or turning off devices for 30 minutes. Available for order at local independent bookstores.
Blushing Bride
A new, upscale skincare line founded in New Orleans, Naderma, combines NAD+ (a coenzyme that naturally occurs within human cells but diminishes as we age) with snail mucin for redness reduction and added moisturizing benefits. As a result, Naderma products help reduce visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and sagging. Before the big day, try the NAD+ Daily Moisturizing Cream with its NAD+, snail mucin, antioxidants and probiotics. It also contains neutral pH vitamin C to balance uneven skin tone and plump the skin for enhanced radiance. The Naderma line also includes NAD+ Power Serum, NAD+ Recovery Serum, and a Vitamin C Resurfacing Scrub and Vitamin C Resurfacing Activator. naderma.com
Bridal Gems
Kendra Scott released a new Wedding Collection that includes engagement rings, wedding bands for the bride and groom, bridal jewelry, demi-fine and fine jewelry for the bride and bridesmaids, honeymoon pieces and groomsmen gifts. For example, the Signature Engagement Ring can be customized in 14K yellow, white or rose gold with center-cut, lab-grown diamonds in weights starting at one-half carat and extending up to two carats. Pavé carat weights extend up to one carat, and ring sizes are available in 4 through 10 (with one-quarter sizes available). 5757 Magazine St., Ste. C, kendrascott.com
