He’s been there with you from the first wedding blog you found, through the countless guest list revisions, though every detail.  Don’t you think he deserves a little something special on his wedding day?

My top 5 for November uncovers some great gifts, big and small, for your better half.

1.  TAG Heuer Watch

The penultimate in upscale watches, TAG Heuer crafts many models perfect for the modern man.  What guy wouldn’t love this lasting luxury accessory?

2. Zi8 Camcorder

Handy, pocket-able, and oh-so portable.  I don’t know a groom, man, boy, dad, well…anyone that wouldn’t love one of these little camcorders.

3. Money Clip Pocket Knife

Utilitarian, slender, functional.  This gift is a steal at under $40. It’s low profile easily slips onto a bill fold and comes in handy at every turn.  Just  leave it at home when you fly.

4. Season Tickets

Which team and when will be up to you, but this is a gift for which your groom will be repeatedly grateful.  You can join him at games, or have him bring along friend.  Consider ski packages, too.

5. Nikon Camera with Projector

The first of it’s kind, this compact digital camera boasts a built-in projector, as well as all of the other above-standard features he would want.  A great way to share your images and video.

Need more ideas? There were several ideas we LOVED, but had to make some cuts.  Email us for more details.

In honor of the new CoCo Chanel movie hitting theaters this fall, my Top 5 this month centers around 5 fashion designers I feel vastly inspired fashion, both in their day and currently.

1. CoCo Chanel

2. Karl Lagerfeld – My personal favorite at the helm of Chanel.

3. Cristobal Balenciaga – Timeless quality

4. Christian Dior – Revolutionized skirts

5. Oscar De La Renta – Iconic, American style

Five stylish handbags to help organize your big day.

Gold Stuart Weitzman clutch

Silk clutch from Grace.  Conveniently available at Alta MODA.

Draped bow from Felix Rey

A total splurge from Judith Leiber

A total steal from J. Crew

Travel is my passion.  So, this month I let the top five reflect this by discovering (and hopefully one day exploring) elusive and exclusive honeymoon destinations.  Less frequented by newlyweds and a little less common, explore these possibilities:

1. Eco – Alandaluz, Ecuador

Off the grid and off the beaten path, you’ll find environmental luxury and exotic beaches.  Whale watching, quiet nights, and untouched beauty.

2. Big City – Barcelona, Spain

With this metropolis, you’ll get both a vibrant city and sweeping Mediterranean beaches.  The Catalan capital boasts old-world landmarks and modern achievements.

3. Luxe – Maldives

An atoll nation in the amazingly turquoise Indian Ocean, the Maldives will seclude and seduce you. Quick sea plane hops can whisk you away to several islands during your stay.

4. Adventure – Interlaken, Switzerland

High in the Swiss Alps, this quaint city is nestled in a deep glacial valley that produces unlimited outdoor adventures.  Justin HIGHLY suggests the paragliding.

5. Road Trip – HWY 1

At your leisure, you’ll be able to see one of our country’s most beautiful regions.  Set a languorous pace, or view the sunset in a new town each night.  I recommend Chinese take out on an unpopulated beach.

My top five this month centers on shoes.  Colorful wedding shoes have been the hot trend for a while now.  So, I figured I’d focus on unique shoes, but all in the white or neutral color palette, all with a beaded or accessorized punch.

Not all of these fabulous creations were designed with the bride in mind, but oh how fantastic they would be walking down the aisle.

First up:  Jean-Michel Cazabat

New favorite:  Brain Atwood (OK, a little color here)

Next Up:  Rene Caovilla

Ah, Valentino

Side Note:  If you haven’t seen the Valentino movie, go now!

Finally:  Cole-Haan

Who doesn’t love a chance to get away, especially when it is for one of the best reasons of all; a wedding.  Here are our top 5 tips to help get your plans started:

1:  Research the local requirements for marriage licences and permits.  Every country has specific legal requirements based on residency, type of ceremony, and health regulations.  The UK, for example, requires at least one week of residency before any marriage licence is valid.

2:  Find a friend or acquaintance local to your destination who can guide you through customs, proximity of events, and provide insider information to you and your party.  Also, consider hiring a wedding planner that can professionally take you through all the steps at your destination.

3:  Bring a photographer with you.  Hiring a photographer at home can save you a lot of money and stress.  Since you’ll be able to use the same artist for engagement and bridal photos,  as well as working on your album after the wedding, this will be a big time saver, too.  Don’t forget, other local vendors might be worth bringing along as well.

4:  Tariffs.  Many countries will tax you on goods carried or shipped into the country.  Check with local departments of commerce and tourist sites to see what might be expected.  As another tip, carrying your gown on the plane with you often bypasses any tariff on the item.

5:  Prepare yourself and your party with travelers insurance.  With numerous guests joining you, it is inevitable that at least one of them will experience delays, cancelled flights, lost luggage, and other such inconveniences.  A one-time travelers policy will make this easier to handle and provide a wonderful service for your guests and yourself.

Happy travels!