Sponsor LOVE! Plus a Summer Giveaway!

We love our sponsors. ALL of them. But, we have to say -- we are pretty obsessed with this one. Have you noticed The Monogram Merchant on our side bar? Well, if you haven't you are missing out on some serious goods. They are the go-to place for all of your must-have personalized goods...oh, let's not mention, gifts galore! The Monogram Merchant is the perfect place for gifting - you just can't go wrong. 

The cupcakeMAG Editors' pick for this month is their Fabulous Flower Tote ($89) that comes in an array of gorgeous colors - just perfect for your summer vacay. Lucky for our readers we are giving away one to YOUR in your color of choice! We are sure you will LOVE it.

Enter to win below! Can't wait? Head over to The Monogram Merchant now to get your shop on! Don't forget to like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter too! 

Want to be a cupcakeMAG sponsor? 

It isn't just ad space. 

Sponsor dedicated post, weekly Facebook & Twitter mentions too! 

We have a few spots left at our super-FABulous discounted price! 

Email us for all the details: cupcakemag@gmail.com

Retro Swimwear - We Love Norma Kamali!

By: Tiffany Olson

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim has just wrapped up in Miami, and I have to say, I'm kind of loving the retro swimwear.

Norma Kamali had a fabulous collection of 50's inspired swimsuits that I think Marilyn Monroe would definitely approve of. Don't you agree?

Halter + sequins + retro sunglasses. This is a swimsuit look I'd wear possibly at a sexy resort or maybe on the beaches of St. Tropez! (Let's daydream a moment.)

How fun would this high-waisted number be with a floppy hat and fruity drink in hand? This would no doubt be a pool scene attention grabber!

PS - Did you know that Norma Kamali is the designer of the famous Farrah Fawcett red swimsuit? She knows her suits!!

I love the blast from the past swimwear! Definitely a great excuse to glam it up on the beach!!!

Would you wear a retro suit?

Yep, I LOVE my Aerosoles!

By: Lauren Gonzalez

I can not live without my Aerosoles wedges. There. I said it.

I’m in my 20s are I wear Aerosoles???? Trust me, I didn’t even see this coming. You’d think my J. Crew, Gianni Bini and Jack Roger shoes and sandals would all turn their heels and laugh at me. But I am obsessed.

Lately they’ve come out with these amazing “Guava Plush” wedges. I love mine. And this is coming from the girl who walks 16 city blocks to work and back everyday from the train station.

So, where was I? Right, LOVE. I can’t suggest these shoes enough. They’re stylish, go with jeans, cute shorts and just about ANY dress! I will live in these comfy fab shoes all summer long and I will feel no pain...at least not in my feet! Of course, I have 2 pairs now. And one pair in a different style. They’re the perfect little cushiony cloud my feet while I literally pound the New York City pavement.

Have you tried these yet? Any shocking shoes finds that have left you speechless lately?

Who doesn't love Mara?

Whitney Port wore Mara Hoffman's Bustier Swimsuit while enjoying the sun and surf at the beach in Miami, Florida this week. Just another celeb to add to the list of them Mara Hoffman is known for dressing.

Whitney wore Mara's Embroidered Bustier Bikini, which is part of Mara Hoffman's 2011 Swim Collection and is currently available for purchase at http://www.revolveclothing.com/. It currently retails for $272.

{More About Mara!}

Mara Hoffman, a New York based fashion designer, launched her eponymous collection in 2000. Hoffman graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York City and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. The Mara Hoffman line, which encompasses everything from swimwear to cashmere coats, has evolved from hand-dyed couture pieces to her current collection, which concentrates heavily on original silk prints. Hoffman draws her inspiration from nature, world travel and fantasy. Her work is shown on the runway during NY Fashion Week.

Hoffman's clothing has garnered recognition among celebrities such as Halle Berry, Jessica Simpson, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Drew Barrymore. Mara Hoffman is currently available through top retailers worldwide, including La Eclaireur in Paris, Henri Bendel in New York City, and Holt Renfrew in Canada.

Kardashian Kolors

Kardashian Kolors from Nicole by OPI launched on Monday July 11 in NYC! Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, who helped launch the collection, along with Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director are pictured below showing off their oh so pretty nails. The two Kardashian ladies each wore a shade inspired by them from the collection:

Kourt is Red-y for a Pedi

And this captivating coral looks “fab” on everyone!

Khloé Had a Little Lam-Lam

A deep dark emerald worth falling for.

Kardashian Kolors from Nicole by OPI features 14 new Nail Lacquers inspired by these six trendsetting women. Kris Jenner and her five daughters – Kourtney, Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Kendall and Kylie Jenner – inspired the collection’s hues with their known head-to-toe unique style. The collection is available holiday 2011.

{Side Note: For those KUWTK fans, do you remember that meeting that Khloe & Kourtney missed when joking with Kris? That meeting was for this! Look like everything worked out perfectly in the end!}

Get Your Shop On!

By Tiffany Olson 

It is about a million degrees where I live right now, so I’m thinking about our next lovely season: Fall!!

I know it’s hard to think ahead to when it will actually be chilly but here’s a great reason to try:  pre-fall sales.

That’s right, brand new items will be hitting stores this weekend, and in some cases, will be on major sale for a limited time!!

Nordstrom is doing a big pre-fall sale and Piperlime is doing pre-fall sales on shoes only.  Think, brand new Tory Burch boots, $200 off what they will be for the rest of the fall.  (Ahem, but don't buy these in an 8.5; if my size sells out I will cry.)

Besides, last year I spent the majority of fall looking for that "perfect flat boot" and that "perfect trench coat" in the right price range.  I'm getting a head start this year so when the first chilly day finally arrives I don't look at my closet and moan. 

Here are some other summer sales I think are really worth looking into.  These aren't fall items, but you can find some superb steals.

My Top Summer Sale Blowouts

Kate Spade Get an extra 25% off all Sale Items.

Last Call by Neiman Marcus extra 50% off Clearance items this weekend only.

Bergdorf Goodman Final Reductions on Shoes! If you can find your size, you can get a fabulous deal!

Shopbop  70% Off.  Yes, 70%! End of summer ridiculous blowout. 

Are there any sales I'm missing? 

Have you gotten any amazing summer blowout deals?  

Please share! Happy shopping!!

Spotted -- Michelle Obama in Talbots!

The First Lady is wearing Talbots’ CHALET BOUQUET DRESS ($189.00) on the cover of Better Homes & Gardens. This is the 15^th time Talbots has dressed The First Lady! 

What are your thoughts on her style?

We LOVE it. 

Nicole by OPI Announces Kardashian Partnership, Featuring 14 “Kaptivating” Nail Lacquers

Nicole by OPI joins the Kardashian/Jenner family in announcing the launch of Kardashian Kolors, 14 new nail lacquer shades inspired by these six trendsetting women. Kris Jenner and her five daughters – Kourtney, Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Kylie and Kendall Jenner – are known for their head-to-toe unique style, which now includes nails! 

“We are so excited to work with everyone’s favorite TV family – the Kardashians – to share a diverse collection of fashion-forward shades,” declares Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “With lacquers ranging from high-shine and sparkly hues to neutral taupe and pinkish coral, Kardashian Kolors offers the perfect accessory for every woman – from teens to moms and everyone in between.”

            Kardashian Kolors includes:

It's All About the Glam

Shimmering-white glitz for the glamorous gal!

Kim-pletely in Love

Finally! The pink of her dreams has arrived.

All Kendall-ed Up

Powder your nose and get some pink on those toes!

Wear Something Spar-Kylie

Glitter-ly the prettiest pink ever!

Sealed with a Kris

Handle with care: This klassy red is top-of-the-line!

Rainbow in the S-Kylie

Girls just wanna have…glitter in every color!

Disco Dolls

Glittery gold glam gone wild!

Kendall on the Katwalk

A head-turning blue-green with a “sparkling” personality!

Listen to your Momager!

If you don’t, you’ll never see this fabulous blue again!

Follow Me on Glitter

A glittery deep gray that always has something to say!

My Empire...My Rules

This take-charge taupe is always on-trend.

Khloé Had a Little Lam-Lam

A deep dark emerald worth falling for.

Hard Kourt Fashionista

This delicious deep brown is the chicest hue in town!

Kourt is Red-y for a Pedi

And this captivating coral looks “fab” on everyone!

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde.  Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality, with products featuring the Perfect Stroke brush for streak-free, even coverage. Kardashian Kolors will be available Holiday 2011 for $7.99 each ($11.00 CAD).

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

Current Obsession: It's from Tori Spelling!

Yes. Can you believe it? Tori Spelling has done it again. We are obsessing over her latest addition to her HSN line. The Tori Spelling Stretch Ring & Nail Polish set will retail on HSN.com for $45.95 but get it now at the event price for $39.95. This is a serious summer essential and a must-have on our list! We are obsessing over the FABulous pops of color  -- coral, gold, pearl and turquoise -- grab them all up now.

On July 21st Tori will debut the new nail polish line and tell us "The cool thing about them is we've coordinated the color with a matching cocktail ring that will be attached to the neck of the polish. We are the first to do this concept." 

We are thrilled that Tori combined two of our favorite things -- fashion and beauty! 
Seriously, what's not to love? She is genius.

Blog Love: OverIt, it's on our radar!

You may have heard the name before. Lizzie. Lizzie Sorensen. Once featured as our cupcakeMAG Mom of the Month is back to blogging and we are thrilled. 

OverIt is our latest must-have-it-in-our-inbox daily read and we are totally and utterly swoonin' over it. 

See why here: OverIt Blog

Make sure you leave Lizzie some love & follow along on her latest venture. 

Featured Etsy Designer, Magnolia Creative Co. and HUGE giveaway!

Emily Welch is the one of the sweetest gals in the HANDmade community. Just one of the reasons we are thrilled to share her with our readers. The second reason? Because her biz, Magnolia Creative Co., is one of our go to places when having a party! We absolutely adore her custom work and her passion. Get to know Emily in our chat with her below. You don't want to miss the amazing giveaway either with not just ONE but 5 different vendors retailed at $345! 

1.) Tell us a little about yourself & your Etsy shop.

I'm a wife, mother of two and lover of parties, planning and color! I've always loved to create and make art and my shop shows that. I offer a variety of products including printed and DIY party collateral as well as a full line of ceramic and melamine gifts. I love custom jobs and unique themes for parties!

2.) When did you realize you wanted to open a shop an Etsy?

After my sister-in-law told me about it. It's a fabulous website where you can find so many unique products, who wouldn't want to be a part of that. Last May when I was in New York I was able to visit the Etsy Studio Labs on craft night, it was incredible!

3.) Do you have any personal party planning tips?

I love parties, growing up in the South we have a party for everything. I think the most important thing is to have fun and stay focused on the guest of honor because that is what the party is all about! I find it's always helpful to have a pantry full of supplies to make quick hor d'ourves and drinks as well as cute paper plates and napkins or classic clear glass plates so you can always put on a party in a flash no matter what the occasion. I learned that from my mother.

4.) What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

Way to many to list, I'm sure. I love all the jewelry you can find on Etsy. I've ordered several pieces for myself. I also love all the handmade clothes and bags you can find. I found one of my favorite designers from my daughter on etsy, CourtneyCourtney. Every time I log on I find something new!

5.) What is up next for your shop?

The most important thing are all the new print collections. The holiday ones will be coming out soon along with coordinating ceramic and melamine items. All these new products will be available in the etsy shop and the newly designed website.

shop now: magnoliacreativeco.com

facebook

visit the blog: magnoliacreative.blogspot.com

Read on to get all the details on the giveaway hosted by Magnolia Creative Co. -- it is worth $345!! Enter now - details below!

Every new store opening is usually celebrated with flags and pennants so in honor of their new website design created by Coffee, Crafts and Cupcakes Magnolia Creative Co. is hosting a Pennant filled giveaway worth over $345 from several vendors including Two Sugar Babies, The Bakers Confection, Mimosa by Me, Lori Savage Custom Designs and Magpie and Cake 

The winner will receive: 

A  PERSONALIZED Pennant Collection Party Pack and a PERSONALIZED Pennant Ceramic OR Melamine Plate from Magnolia Creative Co:

The Party Pack includes:

24 printed invitations with white envelopes and matching address labels
1 "Happy Birthday" banner with name
12 cupcake toppers
3 − 4 inch party circle
12 paper cups with labels
12 plastic ware settings rolled with napkin rings
10 table tent cards
10 goodie bags
(topper and plastic bag to fill)
10 favor tags 

Fondant Cake Bunting from TWO SUGAR BABIES 

Perfect for a Birthday, Baby Shower, or many other events, these cake decorations are the perfect accessories to dress up your store bought or homemade cake and take it to the next level!

OR 

12 Pennant Initial Fondant Cupcake Toppers 

{Two Sugar Babies}

Rainbow Cupcake Liners and Paper Straws from THE BAKERS CONFECTION 

Your package will contain: 

Girls Rainbow Assorted Cupcake liners - 60 count

10 solid pink

10 orange dot

10 solid yellow

10 lime dot

10 jade green solid

10 purple dot 

AND 

Pastel Rainbow Paper Straw Five Color Combo - 30 count 6 raspberry pink stripe

6 orange stripe

6 yellow stripe

6 kiwi green stripe

6 aqua stripe 

Bunting Flag Necklace by MIMOSA BY ME

Wear your springtime celebration this season with this pastel bunting flag necklace! Each "flag" is hand cut ceramic, hand painted and kiln fired. They are linked together and attached to antiqued silver plated steel. 

Personalized Pennant Banner or a $30 shop gift certificate by LORI SAVAGE CUSTOM DESIGNS 

You pick the colors and your name. Pennants are 8 inches by 8 inches.

Oilcloth Banner from MAGPIE AND CAKE

These oilcloth banners are perfect for your outdoor party. Use them to brighten up an old barn, patio, balcony, stair railing, a sun-room, or porch. Each one is double-sided so they'll look good from any angle. Because they are water resistant, they are great for outdoor entertaining and can withstand a little water, wind, and sunshine. So add a little fun to your summer! Length is approx 10 ft and number of flags/pennants is 11. Flags are cut 8 1/2" long and 7 inches wide. Buy multiple banners for longer distances. 

Here's how to enter:

1. Like Magnolia Creative Co. on Facebook and follow their blog. Leave a comment on this blog telling us you did. Feel free to say hi and  introduce yourself on their Facebook page too! 

AND FOR UP TO FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES 

Like CupcakeMAG , The Bakers Confection, Mimosa By Me, Two Sugar Babies, and Lori Savage Custom Designs on Facebook. Leave a comment on this blog telling us you did! 

The giveaway is open to people ages 18 years and older. Giveaway ends on Friday, July 15th at 11:59pm CST. A winner will be selected at random and announced by cupcakeMAG on Monday, July 18^th so stay tuned!  

Good luck!