Tuesday, May 25, 2010

thank you to rice & beans vintage -- our latest sponsor


We just wanted to take minute to thank our latest cupcakeMAG sponsor....

Rice and Beans Vintage

Affordable Luxury:

Vintage & Authentic Designer Clothing, Shoes, Handbags & Accessories

Stay tuned for our chat with the owner herself! In the meantime you should take a browse around the shop here.

Monday, May 24, 2010

cupcakeMAG loves Too Faced Lip Insurance



Everyone’s talking about the NEW Lip Insurance lip primer from Too Faced! This unique, creamy formulation locks down lip color and prevents fading, bleeding and creasing.

Here’s what WE are saying:


“I put it on before my lipstick in the morning. Then I went about my day and didn't have to retouch my lips whatsoever. LOVE IT!”


“I've used several lip primers and they all glided on like concrete. This stuff is incredible - it's a silky, pale, white cream that glides on invisibly and feels super moisturizing.”


“I don't usually believe that lip primers work - but this one really does! My lipstick stayed on so well that I had to remove what was left on my lips at night when I took off all of my makeup.


“I just tried it out yesterday and I can tell you it's my new ‘holy grail’ product. My lip colors pop, and they actually look like the color in the tube on my lips. Lip Insurance keeps it in place for hours. I love this product and will repurchase!


Too Faced Cosmetics are available at Toofaced.com, Sephora, Sephora.com, Ulta and prestige boutiques nationwide.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

we all helped layla grace now we need to help susana! please help spread the word.....

Baby Gassy Gooma is organizing an ebay auction for Susana Whittaker, a precious 4-year-old girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma on April 21, 2010, which is an aggressive cancer that has already spread to her bones, liver, chest and spine.
We just got word on the auction which is already taking place and will continue until the 30th and we need your help! We welcome your participation!

Open involvement is extended to any business owner, creative artist, book author, clothing designer, jewelry maker, photographer, musician, anyone with a loving heart who can "donate" anything, whether it be a product, photoshoot, books, clothing, painting, a gift certificate, etc., etc.

100% proceeds will go directly to The Whittakers to help with Susana's medical costs.

If interested in participating, please contact Gretchen, her email is babygassygooma@charter.net and send along with a description of what you would be interested in donating. Then all you have to do is ship your merchandise before the 30th. Please HELP it is SO easy!

Thanks for caring! And please SPREAD THE WORD! Anything is possible if you care enough to make it happen and The Whittakers need our support!

And check out the auctions here!

You can read more here about Susana & how she will battle this monster. Keep the family your prayers and PLEASE spread the word.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Stacy Kaiser tells us just how to GROW UP! (plus, win a SIGNED copy of her book!)



You may know Stacy Kaiser as the psychotherapist from Celebrity Fit Club & Lifetime's Diet Tribe - along with her 100 television appearances in the last year on major networks including CNN, NBC, CBS, MSNBC and Fox.....well, along with relationship expert, you can add author to her list - her first book entitled How To Be A Grown Up (HarperONE) just came out yesterday!

Lucky for us, we were able to read the book before it hit the shelves and chat with Stacy right before she takes off on her press tour. In this witty and wise guide to life as an adult, you begin by taking the "ARE YOU REALLY A GROWN UP?" quiz designed to help you decide where you should concentrate your efforts for growth and change.

Stacy then walks you through the ten secret skills everyone needs to know for becoming a fully-loaded grown-up (yes, this isn't high-school anymore) from making peace with your body to mastering your time to facing your anxieties instead of trying to escape them -- she identifies the ten critical areas that truly help you develop the life skills we all need to become a successful, happy, well-rounded adult.

As Stacy says, "If something in your life is missing, or not working the way you want it to - be it your career, your weight, or your love life - HOW TO BE A GROWN UP will empower you with the necessary tools to take control for a better way of life." And it does just that.

| OUR CHAT WITH STACY |

CupcakeMAG: You make so many valid points through out the book that are just dead on -- it must feel great to know your helping so many create the life they want and to know that change is possible. How did the idea of this book come about?

Stacy: In twenty years of my private practice and my work in the media, despite the fact that peoples stories were different, I began to hear the same questions over and over. People facing challenges with love, body image, work, family, finances. I've proven both personally and professionally that its completely possible to tackle and improve any issue that anyone is dealing with. This book was created to teach people how to do just that.

CupcakeMAG: What is one of the hardest challenges you think people face? Why are so many so defensive when it comes to the word change - it is such a little world but makes a big difference!

Stacy: One of the hardest challenges people face is to stay motivated when it comes to making lasting changes. That's why I teach the concept of taking positive action. Positive action is about taking responsibility for your life, empowering yourself through making grown up choices and keeping on changing in a positive direction.

CupcakeMAG: In your book you let us in on the ten secret skills you need to really be a grown-up, do you think some are easier to control then others?

Stacy: Everyone is different and so everyones challenges are different. Some people will find that they struggle in one area, others that they struggle in all ten. That said, if I had to chose the most difficult areas for people, it would be appearance and relationships. Feeling good about how we look and keeping our relationships running smoothly can make all of the difference in our happiness. When they're not working, it can impact us in every other area.

CupcakeMAG: One of my favortie quotes from the book is "Baggage: Is yours small enough to fit in the overhead bin?" This is something so many can relate too. How do you tell those who are "almost comfortable to carry" it around to just let go of that extra weight?

Stacy: If a person finds themselves repeating the same bad patterns over and over, chosing the same wrong relationships, jumping to conclusions based on old experiences or constantly reliving the past even though it's long gone, that person is carrying around too much baggage. Once someone begins to let go of some of their baggage they begin to make healthier and more grown up choices which ultimately creates a happy and more fully loaded life!

CupcakeMAG: What's next for you? Can we expect a second book? :)

Stacy: I am hoping to teach people through this book that your success and happiness are about making good choices and that it's never too late to improve and fix whatever in your life doesn't seem quite right. Now that I have had the opportunity to teach people how to do that, yes! I'll be coming out with a second book!

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Stay up-to-date with Stacy on Facebook & Twitter! And make sure you watch her tomorrow morning on the Today Show during the 9 & 10am hours! You don't want to miss her so make sure your TiVo is set!

*GIVEAWAY DETAILS*

Stacy is nice enough to giveaway a SIGNED copy of her book! Just tell us why you think this book would help you or why you MUST have it for your book shelf! This comment is mandatory. Along with being a follower of CupcakeMAG & Sprinkles.

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry letting us know!
1. Follow CupcakeMAG on Twitter
2. Follow Stacy Kaiser on Twitter
3. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag - you MUST tweet, not just follow.
4. Tweet about this giveaway and include @thestacykaiser
5. Make sure you "like" CupcakeMAG & Sprinkles on Facebook
5. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.



Please comment below with your email address and we will select a random winner on Friday May 28th at midnight EST.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

New Sponsor --- miss RUBY sue




THANK YOU to our newest CupcakeMAG sponsor!

miss RUBY sue is the leading premier original couture-accessories line of womens' silk statement necklaces, bracelets and hairpieces.

The Alexandra Couture Empressions bib necklace in orange and pomegranate was featured on ABCs "The View" and gifted to Joy Behar. It is the perfect vintage trim and crystal chandelier drop necklace for women with exquisite taste.


Stay tuned for our upcoming feature on miss RUBY sue!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Mara Hoffman Summer Sample Sale

Mara Hoffman will be having her Spring/Summer sample sale Friday May 21- Sunday May 23. We couldn't wait to share this very exciting news to help you get through the week. Details below.
Friday, May 21- 10 am to 7pm
Saturday, May 22- 10am to 7pm
Sunday, May 23- 11am to 6pm
60 Mercer Street
Soho
All resort and spring dresses tops and bottoms up to 80% off retail.
All resort swim wear up to 75% of retail!!!
Tons of dresses and bathing suits all current.
This is the perfect chance to snag the Guatemala ruched sweetheart dress that retails for $374 for the sample sale price - only $150. Along with the Twist front galaxy swin suit, now 60% off at $76! Both pictured below. Happy Shopping!

Friday, May 14, 2010

SPOTTED!! --- Katy Perry shows Mara Hoffman some LOVE




We have always been long-time fans of Mara Hoffman and now we can add yet another celeb follower to the list. Katy Perry was spotted leaving Trousdale night club with her beau, Russel Brand in West Hollywood last Friday.


Dress of choice? The New Back Cowl dress from Mara Hoffman's
Spring 2010 collection in guatemala violet print.


About Mara Hoffman:

Mara Hoffman, a New York City based fashion designer, graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York City and studied at Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design in London before launching her eponymous ready-to-wear collection in 2000. Born in Buffalo, New York, the former dancer got her big break when Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field stopped her on the street of New York City to complement her outfit. Field picked up Hoffman’s samples and sold them in her shop, House of Field. Not long after, a loyal client base was formed.


The Mara Hoffman line has evolved from hand-dyed silhouettes to her current collection, which concentrates heavily on original silk prints and encompasses everything from dresses, leggings and blouses to coats, knit sweaters and scarves. Hoffman continuously draws inspiration from nature and fantasy, often finding creativity from her own travels around the world. Hoffman’s colorful designs have garnered recognition among celebrities such as; Katy Perry, Halle Berry, Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore, Lauren Conrad, Eva Longoria Parker, Whitney Port and Ginnifer Goodwin. Mara Hoffman is currently available through top retailers worldwide.

Photo Credit: Just Jared Blog (http://justjared.buzznet.com/)

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, ksubi returned to the stage where it all began, the closing show of Australian Fashion Week on Friday, May 7th, presenting their new collection "One Via Zero," styled by Australia's international fashion icon, Brana Wolf.

This May, ksubi returns to Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. ksubi’s first show in
three years will be offsite at the Royal Hall of Industries in Moore Park and celebrates its
10th birthday with their new collection titled “One Via Zero”.
For ten years, ideas, individuality and authenticity have built the Australian brand into an
underground subculture, a lifestyle—an international presence with a cult following. Dan
Single and George Gorrow, co-founders and directors of the brand, created ksubi as a
culture of fashion, music and art, and are now thrilled to celebrate ten years of the
collective with the finale show at RAFW, to be styled by Australia’s international fashion
icon, Brana Wolf.
Brana has lent a strong and defining vision to the fashion industry for over 20 years. A
top-tier freelance stylist and design consultant, she was named one of Forbes Magazines’
eight most powerful fashion editors in America, sitting alongside the likes of Vogue’s
Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington. Her repertoire features an impressive selection of
titles, such as Editor at Large at Harper’s Bazaar USA and contributing editor to Italian
Vogue— regularly collaborating with photographers including Craig McDean, Steven
Meisel and Patrick Demarchelier. Also acting as Chief Fashion Consultant to the
Versace Women’s Collection and most recently, styling Brazilian fashion prodigy Pedro
Lourenco’s debut catwalk show at Paris Fashion Week, where her contribution led to
rave reviews for the young designer.
George Gorrow and Dan Single first met Brana in New York three years ago, and as
Australians with mutual admiration, they discussed working together. Three years later,
the relationship has finally come to fruition as Brana mentors a collaboration with ksubi’s
design team. Both feel her years of experience will bring a confidence and creative
direction, celebrating ksubi’s signature aesthetic, along with new designs.
“The opportunity to work with Brana is an honour, as she has been an idol of ours for
many years. As a person she is humble and grounded, and as one of the most powerful
women in fashion, her aesthetic is unsurpassed. We are really pushing ourselves to a new
level to impress her, and relishing the challenges this brings. We have certainly faced
some hardships recently—it has been an emotional and physical roller coaster of late—
but with all of the set backs, we have been able to regroup and are excited to celebrate
our 10
th
anniversary back on the stage where it all started, the closing show of Australian
Fashion Week.”— George Gorro

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

editors pick -- eco-chic spring sandals from Naya Shoes



naya shoes: tried, tested & true

Note: This post differs from others - as you know, here at Cupcake Mag "WE" (my cupcake team & I) always review items before spreading the love. But for this post, it gets a little personal from yours truly; a serious shoe addict.


On Easter Sunday it is a family tradition to go to the Basilica National Shrine in Washington, DC - a place that is beyond beautiful but on a large campus with a lot of steps -- definitely not the best place for heels.

Needless to say, this was the perfect day to road test a pair of Naya heels sent to us. I am catholic and if you know or are familiar with their church service it is a lot of up and down (stand&sit) kneel and stand, etc - so comfy yet cute shoes are a must (and hard to come by) so you aren't the antsy one bouncy around on your heels as they give you blisters. One of the many reasons we adore this eco-friendly line of shoes.

With 3 kids in tow easter morning, well, 4 if you count the mister, I was up (7:30am) and dressed shoes and all before anyone. Kids showered and dressed and out the door while we sat in the car waiting for the mister, but that's beside the point.

For 12 plus hours I toted tots, hiked up shrine steps, walked maybe about a mile to the bathroom during church service (gotta love excercise and five flights of steps in heels) hunted for easter eggs, ran to the grocery store for the last minute easter dinner items and then got it all on the table for a family gathering - all while wearing my Naya "Atwood" sandals and not even thinking "I must get out of these heels" - yes, they were that comfortable.

Around 8pm, when I first sat down besides when praying at church and the 20 minute dinner - I finally took off my shoes. So my mistake, 12.5 hours and no blisters, crying soles, and smooshed toes. As a shoe addict, I was amazed. I'm used to telling myself beauty is pain but today was the first time I wore heels for that long and didn't have to recite it all day long (or change into flip flops stat).

From running errands in jeans to a meeting in the office the line is perfectly eco-chic so you can enrich your style with natural beauty -- chrome-free leather upper, biodegradable latex, nickel-free, cork and rubber wrapped, natural weaves, recycled cork, sustainable bamboo -- you name it, they use it in the most natural way possible.


We love all the collections from the line but, the McCloud Natural Wedges ($125) and the Atwood ($120) from the Botanical Chic collection have the heart of our sole. Believe me, your feet will thank you.

ABOUT NAYA

Naya is a collection of beautiful eco-friendly shoes that look good, feel good and simply are good for you and for the earth. Blending feminine style, premium comfort and eco-friendly design, Naya shoes are beautiful on your feet, soft on your step and gentle on the earth. This sophisticated collection of eco-friendly sandals and shoes integrates natural, recycled and sustainable materials whenever possible to lessen our global footprint.

Stay up-to-date with Naya Shoes on Twitter and visit their website to shop online or find a store near you.

Seduce and Romance in the Agent Provocateur 2010 Bridal Collection






Deeply romantic, sensuous and seductive, the Agent Provocateur Bridal Collection presents the perfect lingerie for your wedding day and night.


"Fifi" is a bestselling style previously available in black/pink in the Classics lingerie collection, but it is now to re-launch in cream due to the frilly feminine detail. Its pleated sheer style with French Chantilly lace is both flirty and delicate. Fifi Bra $170, Fifi Suspender $130

Lace-lovers will also be charmed by the pretty floral embroidery in the "Belinda" set. This stunning sheer white and silver range is finished with exquisite silver lurex trim and fine satin bows. Belinda Bra $170 Be linda Suspender $150 Belinda Basque $490

"Imelda" is elegant in slinky satin with corded lace. The strapless bra, offering fantastic support and power mesh wings, is an essential for brides wearing a classic strapless gown. Bra $190

When it is time to slip out of your gown, the "Marzia" is an ivory silk satin set lorned with pale blue taffeta bows and pearl charms. The briefs feature luxurious ribbon tie-sides and pretty French lace frills covering the derriere. A silk satin ruched garter, also with a blue bow, completes the set. Marzia offers a cheeky 'something blue' for girls who wish to observe the traditional rhyme. Marzia Bra $130 Marzia Garter $70 Marzia Tie Sides $130

The "Thelma" strapless body delivers a waist-cinching Hollywood pin-up style. Soothing the torso into a sweetheart silhouette with its power mesh structure, this strapless, ivory silk satin body is complemented by the Thelma skirt made with multiple layers of luxurious French lace. Themla with skirt $390.

In addition to the new styles for the 2010 Bridal Collection- select Agent Provocateur boutiques will have two hour private fittings available for brides to be.

A private bridal appointment at an Agent Provocateur boutique has a minimum spend of $750. To book, contactbrides@agentprovocateur.com

The service is available at the following boutique locations:

133 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10012
7691 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
54 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
123 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 0211
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