Angela's Christmas Wish List plus a GIVEAWAY!

I get so excited to share gifts I love with others! These are actual items on my Wish List this year. I am known for my practical picks (as you will see by desire for gym clothes).  However, I've also been known to request a couple of "splurge" items.  Let me know what your favorite item is on my list and I will personally select a random reader to receive an Essie Sweet Mini 4 Pack (pictured below):

Nordstrom
Essie Sweet Mini 4 Pack
Colors:
Lollipop, Rock Candy and Mint Candy Apple nail & 3-Way Glaze nail treatment

Apple

iPad Keyboard Dock

$69.99 (Apple is offering free shipping on this item)

I adore my iPad, and this little accessory will be such a great addition to my Apple family!

Saks

Graphic Image - Personalized Sleeve for iPad (I chose pink!)

Sale Price $ 82.50

This is perfect for those who do not want to deal with the "fixed" Apple iPad case, which has to be removed when using the Apple Dock station.

Lucy

Perfect Core Pants

$98.00

Perfect Core Knee Pant

$88.00

Boyfriend Gym Tee

$28.00

Burberry

Check Stole

$450.00

So chic and versatile. This was the "splurge gift" on my list this year!

Layla Grace

Clairebella Cell Phone Case

$ 52.00

This is an amazing product! You design your own case to your taste. With three different font options and countless colors to choose from, you can't go wrong. This is an exceptional gift for the Preppy person in your life! Did I mention you can order cases for the following products: iPhone 3G & 4G, iPod Touch, Blackberry Bold and Curve!

Sephora

Nars

Orgasm Lust Lip and Cheek Set

$30.00

I have yet to meet a Fashionista who can't wear this shade!

Bobbi Brown

Modern Classic Lip and Eye Pallet

$75.00

I'm a loyal Bobbi Brown user. I rarely stray from her products. This little pallet is perfect for girls on the go!

Bath and Body Works

Slatkin & Co. 3 Wick Candle

$19.50

My ALL-time favorite scent is Creamy Nutmeg. I stock up when they run their promotion,  2 for $20. These also make terrific Hostess gifts!

Michael Kors

Hamilton Quilted Satchel in Gunmetal

$ 318.00

This bag looks chic, but doesn't carry the hefty price tag. By the appearance, I imagine the inspiration for this handbag came from the Hermès Birkin and the quilting of Chanel.

Saving the Best for Last:

Neiman Marcus

David Yurman Waverly Cable Bracelet

$1,450

We have so many people to buy for (and to be honest, I would rather give, than receive) so the Yurman bracelet is most defintely a wish...wishful thinking!

Happy Holidays!!!

Angela

CupcakeMag Team Holiday Wish Lists

I have a fabulous team that works hard on bringing you front-line information on beauty and fashion. Wondering what is on their wish lists this year? You are in luck! Our writers have comprised a list of fabulous items they are coveting! Take notes, these items might be great finds for your friends and loved ones too!

currently obsessing over.....

the latest poster hanging in the cupcakeMAG office!

One of the most recent Etsy purchases from a sweet little shop we came across -- 

Jen Ramos of Made by Girl! 

Words to live by!

Happy Monday! 

Oh, and make sure you check out her shop for other amazingly-cute pieces to frame! 

{Made by Girl on Etsy} 

Support HANDmade: cupcakes & pretty things!

Here at cupcakeMAG you all know we love to support HANDmade designers and especially Etsy designers. In honor of Small Biz Saturday we wanted to show off a few fab cupcakes! Check out our treasury of sweet little things!

Check out all of our etsy | love here along with our featured designers!

cupcakeMAG: Home Edition with Anders Ruff Custom Designs! (something free is included!)

Thanksgiving is now behind us and everyone around has their mind on the fabulous holiday season! Since the entertaining season is in full-swing we were eager to share with you Anders Ruff Custom Designs -- they are all about custom printable invitations and coordinating graphic party accessories! 

We just had to share the latest "Winter Wonderland" Design Collection with you. Everything in their printable Winter Wonderland Collection was used to personalize and accessorize this dessert table that is well, simply fabulous! 

This printable collection could appeal to anyone celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah.  A focus on silvers, blues and whites makes this table feel both elegant, festive and light.  With silver being a very popular tone at this time of year, this collection is both versatile and something that will be in style for years to come.

Here is all the info on everything about their latest collection from Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff, founders and designers for Anders Ruff Custom Designs! 

Accessories/Decor:

- Our backdrop is a white on white striped fabric with silver woven threads which we adorned with mica glittered snowflake ornaments.  We used silver stripe wrapping paper to cover the walls to the left and right of the table to add interest.

- The focal point of the table is a glittered pine cone tree, to give off the look of a fresh snowfall.

- We used various silver wrapped gifts to height to the desserts at the back of the table.  

- Smaller gift boxes that were layered with patterned paper and silver sparkly ribbon sat in front of each of the “height” boxes.  We wanted the table to feel like it was full of gifts, while displaying the desserts in a clean and classy manner.

- Silver serving platters with rhinestone edge detail were lined with our patterned papers to bring in the blue tones from the collection.

- The back row of the dessert table held square dishes with “ric rac” edging.

- Wine bottles bottles wrapped with our printed favor tag/label were embellished with silver cording and logos from our collection. 

- Miniature chocolate bars were wrapped in our printable mini candy bar wrappers.

- Modern glass VOSS bottled waters were decorated with festive printable wraps.  (We loved the silver lid to those bottles!)

- We printed a “Let It Snow” banner and wove through silver ribbon and pale blue ric rac.

- We also show a photograph of the table with a unique favor or gift item from Persona Gift Pail.

Food & Desserts

- Snowflake Sugar cookies from Allyson Jane and Scrumptious Swirls were placed on silver and rhinestone serving platters lined with printed patterned papers.

- Sugar Crystal frosted donuts from Dough A Deer were stacked and printed flags were placed in the center of each stack.

- Cream Cheese Cupcakes were adorned with beautiful Sugar and Wafer Paper Snowflakes from Sweet Petal Bakery.

- We make white chocolate covered pretzel wreaths and then drizzled them with white chocolate going zig zag to give more of the “snow” affect. (This is a DIY project)

- We made light blue white chocolate snowflakes to place on top of cupcakes as well. (This is a DIY Project)

- Non Perils, Snowflake Lollipops, Wrapped Mini Chocolate Bars and Lindt (light blue/silver wrapped) truffles were served.

About The Graphic Design Collection

This is a printable design collection that will offer any host or baker the ability to personalize items used and presented at a winter or holiday party.  Several light blue tones are incorporated throughout the collection, making it easy to coordinate with any blue, white or silver party ware that a hostess might be using.

All the Sources! 

- Table Styling and Printable Graphic Design Package by Anders Ruff Custom Designs

- Sugar and Wafer Paper Snowflake Cupcake toppers from Sweet Petal Bakery 

- Snowflake Sugar Cookies by Allyson Jane Designer Desserts

- Snowflake/Bell/Polkadot Cookies from Scrumptious Swirls

- Cupcake Liners from The Cupcake Social

- Gift pail from Persona Gift Pail  

Anders Ruff is offering 50% off the printable DIY collection until December 15th! ($10 instead of $20!)

The Printable Winter Wonderland Design Collection can be purchased at their etsy shop! They are also offering a FREE printable set of designs that coordinate with this collection.  Included are party logos, recipe cards and food tags. Check them out here. 

All things Anders Ruff

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We just LOVE pretty things! 

Shasta's Beauty Product of The Week! Bring Back That Brilliance!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

Cold weather and forced air heat will take a toll on our hair, usually making it dry and lackluster.  I have the perfect item this week to bring some brilliance back to your locks, L'Oreal Perfect Shimmer Shine Illuminating Mist!  Simply spray over dry, styled hair to bring back some shine!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope everyone has a wonderful long holiday weekend!
I might be committed to cooking two whole turkeys this year... we shall see (bad vegan me, bad!).
Here are a few photos from our recent business trip to California...

Look at all those skulls!

My $4.99 jacket. :) :)

We visited all the tourist-y places. :P

Tree lighting at Kodak Theatre

When I'm being a bad vegan, I like eating toppings with yogurt on the side... haha!

Obsessed with Pink Lining

Pink Lining is our latest obsession! Founded by British designer, Charlotte Pearl, the whimisical diaper bags feature prints that are designed by her and reflect her Notting Hill fabulous fashion sensibilty. Already hot in the UK, the bags have just arrived on US Shores with Spring/Summer collections shipping in April and select styles already available on the website. 

We LOVE the signature cupcake on their accessories as well as the "Yummy Mummy" diaper bag. Each bag sports a signature bright pink lining which makes it quick and easy to find all your items inside! The bags have many pockets designed to make life easier for the woman who carries it. These include two insulated pockets, a blackberry/cell pocket, zippered compartments and a clip for keys. They also come with a wipes container and changing pad. One of the unique features of Pink Lining Bags is that they all contain a small mirror that is perfect for checking your lipstick and eyeliner. No reason why mom shouldn't look fabulous.

Another reason we are obsessed with Pink Lining bags - they combine form with function. The bags are easy to wipe clean and maintain. They are made from a coated canvas. Celebrities and their stylists love Pink Lining. These bags are a hot baby gift in Hollywood. Celeb Stylist Jenn Falik recently tweeted her love of Pink Lining on Twitter and Kelly Rutherford said "The Pink Lining baby bag is honestly the cutest baby/ toddler bag I have ever seen!!!"

Pink Lining is all about making diaper changing easy and has gone beyond the bag, bringing to life a mobile application that helps parents locate the best, closest places to change their baby.

Do us a favor! Take a quick survey now. It enters you to win a Pink Lining bag from the new, Autumn/Winter Collection. We are just dying over it! 

WIN IT! 

Holiday Gift Guide

By: Candace Cabrera Moore Contributing Writer/Fashion Week Correspondent

For the trendy mother, sister or friend who loves to be cozy, we bring you a super chunky, cable draped cardigan. It comes in versatile neutrals with a huge warmth factor. Wear with layered over jeans and a tissue tee as pictured. You can't go wrong with this gift!

Feather charm necklaces up in the new Twigs Etc. Etsy shop

I just got back from the business trip in California and am getting back into the swing of things... albeit, a bit slowly today. We left the house as a complete disaster before we left so I've been trying to clean up a bit and unpack so I don't go totally nuts.

After some popular request during and after Little Winter, I've opened up a new etsy shop for all the new jewelry and accessory pieces. Matt's been wanting to help out more so I thought this shop would be a good start. The Etsy shop name is Twigs Etc.

Basically, everything is by Twigs & Honey but it's all the "other" pretty things that needed their own special place. :) There will be lots of new designs filling up this little, new etsy shop soon... just in time for the holidays! Lots of great stocking stuffers and treats for yourself. I'll also be revamping the main Twigs & Honey and Twigscent websites shortly to create a more streamlined web experience. Lots of new developments around the corner. I think the next couple months are going to be some of the busiest yet, but I am so excited for 2011! I cannot wait to share everything new with you!
For now, be sure to visit the new Twigs Etc. Etsy shop for those feather charm necklaces...

Buy now at Twigs Etc. HERE.

Snuggle Up in a Sweater Coat

Bundle up this season with the ultimate sweater coat. Check out our favorites! It is one of the closet essentials for the winter season.

{1} Marc by Marc Jacobs Orion Oversized Cardi - Coat
{2} Vince Sweater Coat
{3}White + Warren Sweater Coat 
{4} Sweet Romeo Double Breasted Sweater Coat

Audrina Patridge Wears Nicole Miller!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

Actress Audrina Patridge wore Nicole Miller Signature to the host the People’s Choice Awards Nominee Luncheon in LA last week.

 

Nicole Miller is a celebrated American runway designer. Her creative signature has a strong appeal to modern women around the world. Her celebrity clientele incorporating film, music and television talent include Angelina Jolie, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Blake Lively and Eva Longoria. Nicole Miller Signature is the most luxurious expression of the Nicole Miller aesthetic. Through custom designs, construction, fabrics and finishes often at the level of couture, it offers many of the most unique and modern looks worn on the red carpet today.

Need some Nicole Miller designs in your life?  Visit her website!  Need all the latest updates on everything Nicole Miller?  Follow her on Twitter and Facebook!

Etsy Featured Designer: Home Edition

With the holidays around the corner we wanted to share one of your not-so-average Etsy shops we love. Dress up your home with AZ Creative Studio! Have a friend who loves to decotate? This would be the perfect place to grab a gift too. Check out the shop here and read all about the fabulous designer below! 

How did you get started on Etsy?

I have always had a passion for art and loved to paint and draw. After we bought our new house, I wanted to decorate my art studio and I was not able to find an inspiration board which was affordable and chic at the same time. With my husband’s help I created my own inspiration board and all my friends were impressed with it. One of them told me about Etsy and recommended me opening my own shop. Starting my own shop on Etsy was one of the best decisions I've ever made. What is your favorite "thing" to design?

I like to design items which not only look pretty but have a purpose. That is why I like to hand paint wood jewelry boxes, boards and incorporate my art in the stationery line. What are some of your other hobbies?

I enjoy reading and when I have some free time I usually sit outside in my garden with a good book and a cup of tea. Also, I love collecting art. I recently added three Marcel Dyf prints to my collection and I hope that one day I will be able to purchase a piece by Thomas Pradzynski. He had a unique way of painting the Parisian streets and captured the sense of nostalgia in all his paintings.Do you have a best seller in the shop?

The chalk and cork boards are the best sellers.


What is up next for the shop?

I will be adding more vintage items and expanding my stationery line.

We absolute adore the simple yet chic chalkboards. 

They aren't your average gift you received yet the perfect little thought! 

We LOVE this one ($10.50) & throw on the perfect little gift tag too. 

A set of 8 gift tags are only $5! 

Can we say serious bargins in this shop?! 

Support HANDmade designers & gift a not-so-ordinary gift! 

Etsy Featured Designer: Fashion Edition, Dainty Button

We are constantly asked what is one accessory everyone should have in their closet. Well, here is your answer: SHOE CLIPS. They are an instant way to spruce up your stilettos and make them look new again! Which is why we were thrilled when we came across Dainty Button - the perfect HANDmade shop for all your shoe clips needs! Check out how the designers became Dainty Button. 




What inspired the name of your shop, Dainty Button?


I originally was going to name my shop after my first niece, who was a month shy of coming into the world when I opened the shop. My sister felt funny her name being all over etsy, so we brainstormed. I wanted something feminine, but trendy. I'm super girly and I wanted a name to fit my personality. I loved the name "dainty" for whatever reason and my sister came up with "button". And that's how my shop was named, although button's have nothing to do with any of my accessories. 
What inspires your creations?


I love the vintage, old school look. Most of my creations were inspired by a scene in "The Notebook". Jackie O', Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, etc. Shoes are my fetish. I have over 200 pairs of shoes and I got the brilliant idea one day to jazz a couple pairs up. That's where my shoe clip inspiration came from. I'll see a picture with certain colors that stand out to me and I'll have a "lightbulb" moment, go home and start piecing things together. Anything girly, soft, feminine with a little edge is my "take off" point.
What made you decide to start the business?


My business was accidental. I was teaching elementary school and a friend and I had a brilliant idea to go to Europe. I realized I would need a little extra cash flow, if I was going anytime soon. I made a couple headbands, a friend liked them, her friends, their friends, etc. Someone introduced me to etsy and I opened up a shop. I never intended on making this a career. A boutique in San Francisco noticed my designs, several others followed and at the end of the school year, I made a huge leap of faith and quit my teaching job. I found something that I love doing. You're only young once. Just a lil' adventure I'm on. We'll see where it takes me.

The Dottie

Black Tie Affair 

Not only are these the perfect all time accessory for every fashionista but they are great for the upcoming Holidays! Also, they make a great gift for a gal pal that loves fashion as much as you do! Head over to Dainty Button now!