Philosophy has teamed up with The Knot to create an ultimate bridal beauty box set called tying the Knot (above). The box, worth $100, is a lovely gift for a bride to be -- but we can't think of a woman who wouldn't love to receive this any day.

The set includes:

• amazing grace firming body emulsion, bath gel and spray fragrance
• purity one-step facial cleanser
• hope in a jar moisturizer (Oprah's fave)
• micro-delivery peel pads
• kiss me clear lip balm, spf 20
• kiss me exfoliating lip scrub
• eye hope deluxe sample

Who needs a wedding when you have all that fun loot? Brides aren't the only ladies who want to be beautiful. This would even make a nice thank you gift to send to a holiday party hostess or your boyfriend's mother. No need to tell her it was free.
To enter to win the tying the Knot bag, leave a comment on this post sharing why you'd like it. The giveaway ends on Monday, December 21, 5 p.m. EST. See additional rules below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before Monday, December 21, 2009 at 5 p.m. EST.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive one tying the Knot beauty bag by Philosophy, valued at $100.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, who are 18 and older.

See full giveaway rules here.

Chef Tracy Griffith (right -- and yes, she's the half sister of Melanie Grifftith) has created a whole new kind of sushi, Americana style. Think BLT and Cowboy rolls, and a vegetarian option served with fresh Green Goddess dressing.

Griffith, who has the distinction of being the first female graduate of the California Sushi Academy and one of the few female certified sushi chefs in the world, has compiled her creative new sushi recipes into a book called Sushi American Style. The delicious, raw fish-free fare is also available (as of Monday) in NYC Dean & Deluca stores, and is coming to the rest of the country in 2010.

So, what's it all about? We had a quick chat with Tracy at the New York Times building store and sampled all the sushi in the gallery below.

Luxist: So, Tracy, you developed all these rolls yourself, right?

Tracy Griffith: Yes, for my cookbook, Sushi American Style.

L: What was your inspiration?

TG: My inspiration was sushi customers in LA. I worked in a sushi bar and they always ordered California rolls, and I was like "Why?"

L: Why indeed!

TG: They said "I don't like raw fish." So many people are afraid of, or don't like, raw fish. So, being a chef, I had to start making something else besides California rolls. I started thinking, "What's good with white rice?" It's a very neutral base, like pasta or bread, so [I made the] BLT roll after my favorite sandwich, and Green Goddess, because it's so great with asparagus. Chicken Run has chili-garlic peanuts on it because I was in Bali, and in Bali they put chili-garlic peanuts on everything, and I thought, "Wouldn't that be good?" So, that's how it all started; it was for customers who don't eat raw fish.

L: What are people saying so far?

TG: Oh, they love it! Actually, it's kind of funny, because they walk in and look at me like "What?" and then they taste it and go "Oh, wow! That's great!"

Click through the gallery to see our tasting notes on all the new American sushi that you'll find at Dean & Deluca.

The Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote is a whole new kind of handbag.

At first we weren't sure what to make of this style, the like of which we've never seen, but as we examined the details (and felt the ruffles), we ultimately decided that this is a brilliantly innovative new design.

While it's not always appropriate to wear a tuxedo (especially if attending an event with a man who's wearing a tuxedo -- that's a matchy-matchy disaster of hilarious proportions), the prospect of carrying a tuxedo is irreverent and delightful. It's also been a long time since we've seen a truly dressy, gala-worthy bag this large. You can actually fit things in this bag.

The Flower Tux Tote features black sequins, bright crystals, creamy rosettes and a black napa leather bow (a black tie, if you will). There's a lot going on, but it forms a cohesive whole we find creative and attractive.

The Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote is available for pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $4,495.00 and is expected to ship no later than January 22, 2010.

The Judith Leiber Beehive Minaudiere is a stunning addition to any minaudiere collection.

This pretty, golden bag is just 4 3/4"H x 4 1/4"L x 4 1/4"D, and as you can see, it looks glamorous and fanciful at the wrist. The bag's beautiful pattern is meticulously created with gold, jet, and other multicolored Austrian crystals, giving it a sparkling texture reminiscent of honeycombs.

As if the suggestion of honeycombs isn't enough, there's also a matching Honeycomb Pillbox for $695.00, which would be a shame to pass up. Place it inside, and you have the makings of a Faberge Egg-style surprise -- a truly exceptional holiday gift.

The Judith Leiber Beehive Minaudiere is available from Neiman Marcus for $5,295.00, or $5,990 with the matching pill box.

The Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth Tote is a fresh new take on the traditional tote bag, and one that will serve you well into the new year.

This bag won't arrive in time for the holiday parties, but it's just as well -- this bright white tote with rainbow stitching should be saved for 2010, when white (as well as beige, brown, and silver) will be everywhere and the splash of color will be much needed. We love the candy colors, the structured shape, and especially the eyelet details (but we'd leave that shoulder strap at home).

This bag would make a smashing holiday gift for someone who has everything; it's colorful and cheery, and there's something inherently luxurious about this much white leather.

The Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth Tote is available for pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $725.00, and expected to ship no later than December 17 (just in time for Christmas).

If Jared Paul Stern's $2 Million Scotch Whisky Gift Experience (with Glenfiddich) was a little too rich for your blood, an $85,000 experience with The Dalmore might be just right for you.

We've covered various Dalmore bottles with prices as high as $58,000 over the years, as well as a tasting led by the colorful third generation Master Distiller Richard Paterson (above). With the once-in-a-lifetime Dalmore Experience package, you can combine all that -- taste the best bottles, spend a day with Richard and even get your hands on a custom-blended bottle of The Whisky Dalmore.

The $85,000 price tag gets you first class transportation (including airfare) to the Scottish Highlands, a city and country tour, four nights in a five-star hotel, a private barrel tasting of resting casks, a day of falconry with Richard Paterson, and a bespoke bottle of scotch whisky hand-created for you by Richard himself -- after he gets to know you, you personality and your preferences. The bottle will arrive in a handmade case a few weeks after you return to real life.

This extravagant package is so exclusive, it's only available for those in-the-know. Comment below and indicate your interest if would like to be contacted by a representative (or contact Annie.Scott-at-weblogsinc.com), and the Luxist team will pass along your information. You're welcome.

When you think of Abercrombie & Kent, you may think of tours and safaris. Did you know that they also have villas?

Well, they do. A&K owns and operates villas all over the world, including in France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy. The villas vary in size and style, but all bring that old world A&K glamor to the table, as well as the A&K expertise -- they can arrange excursions for you like balloon rides, wine tastings, cooking classes and more.

Two new properties have recently opened in Italy, La Fornace (Tuscany, above) and La Castellina (Chianti).

La Fornace, scenically located near Arezzo and Cortona, has a heated swimming pool with a view of the countryside, a pizza oven, a gym and spa, grand stone fireplaces, bikes, a volleyball court and a soccer field. Does that just about cover your whole family? There are 5 en-suite bedrooms (sleeps 10) with satellite TVs, two kitchens, a game room, a cinema, a piano and central heating and air conditioning. Get a few friends together and rent it for $11,744 to $16,224 per week (high season).

Alternatively, La Castellina has six bedrooms (sleeps 10 +1) and lies in the heart of a small wine-producing estate. There's a large swimming pool, table tennis, badminton, WiFi, a bread oven and the sitting room is a rustic-chic converted hay barn. It's available for $9,744 to $14,432 per week (high season) -- and you can have A&K arrange a personal chef for you, transportation to nearby vineyards, whatever you'd like.

Visit akvillas.com to see galleries and floorplans of their villas worldwide (and to book -- be sure to invite us if you have an extra bed!).

The Dior Cannage Shoulder Bag is a terrific holiday purse for merry days of shopping and candlelight dinners alike.

This Italian patent lambskin bag is ravishingly quilted in Dior's Cannage pattern, and not over-designed -- the shiny red is enough. While this would look great with black, we'd love to see this on the arm of a lady bundled up in a pretty white coat.

The bag features bright silvery chain links and a push-lock closure, and will be available in ecru with goldtone hardware in 2010. We love the leather detail at the top of the strap to protect your shoulders, hands and clothes from having to touch the hard metal -- how very considerate.

The Dior Cannage Shoulder Bag is available from Neiman Marcus for $1,750.00.

The Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch is a perfect holiday party purse. We challenge you to find something this season that it wouldn't match.

If you've recently discovered you have no good purses for this year's holiday parties, this is the ultimate solution. Its pouch-like, gathered shape in head-turning metallic golden-and-them-some leather and simple chain shoulder strap make it easy to wear and quite fetching.

The bag is 5"H x 9 1/2"W; just large enough for your necessities, and its scrunchy-soft texture makes it easy to carry, even without the chain.

The Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch is available from Neiman Marcus for $195.00.

The Dior Ruffled Flap Shoulder Bag is an unmistakably luxe choice for your spring wardrobe.

This fresh new design in a bright poppy rouge features generous silver chain links, oversized diamond stitching and dainty, only-from-a-French-design-house ruffle trim. The bag and logo hangtag are crafted from the finest lambskin, and the flap-top closes with an engraved silver push lock.

This spring, expect to see lots of silver, khaki, white and pale neutrals ... and this, as it will surely stand out if you see it coming down the street.

The Dior Ruffled Flap Shoulder Bag is available for pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $2,050.00 and is expected to ship no later than January 6.