Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Alexander McQueen


The first time I ever walked into an actual Alexander McQueen store: August 4, 2009.  I was shopping in Las Vegas and was so inspired that I actually ran out of the store into the casino, sat down, started sketching designs and tweeted THIS.



I was so inspired by every single piece - I wanted to buy them all, make them all, and sketch them all! This is probably the only time I've felt so inspired just by walking around and looking at clothes! (By the way, the "lala, fashion consultant" person I refer to in the tweet is my good friend Laura. I knew she would understand my extreme moment of fashion clarity!!)

Almost 2 years later, I am thrilled to hopefully be attending The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibit this summer!


Many of you have probably seen me tweeting about this exhibit, and I'm getting so excited to go that I thought I should do some research for you guys in case you wanted to go too!

The Details:
  • General admission tickets are $20 and include admission to this and all exhibits.  You can purchase online here
  • The Met recommends coming in the morning or on weekdays to avoid longer lines.  (Note: The attendance for this exhibit has been record breaking - the wait sometimes is very long.)
  • This exhibit closes July 31, so you may want to book your flight soon!

Can't make the exhibit but dying to see what it's all about?  This book  chronicles the most "iconic and radical" designs of Alexander McQueen's career.  

If anyone goes, please let me know! I can't wait to hear what you think!

Photo Credits: Gallery photography by The Photograph Studio, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Friday, May 27, 2011

Catching Up with Alexis Bellino!

Alexis Bellino isn't just a star from Bravo TV's hit series, The Real Housewives of Orange County. Alexis is one of the most down-to-earth and humble people we have ever met. And well, just simply FABulous. {And did we mention super sweet too?} We were so excited to catch-up with all things Alexis and most of all to share it with all of our Alexis fans out there! Read on to see whats new, her thoughts on the drama-filled season and - the do we dare ask {oh yes, we do!} question!

{Alexis Casual, The Black Maxi Dress}
{Buy it NOW!}
{1} Since we spoke last season, what is new?



Wow, so much is new!! Where to begin? I just celebrated my 6th wedding anniversary April 16! My husband is the light of my life, and my best friend! My son's 5th birthday was May 4th, so I am so thankful every day he came into my life 5 years ago! He has grown into such a wise, amazing young boy! I hate to say he is a boy now, and not a baby. I still call my girls "babies" though since they are only 31/2. {laughs} I honestly think my husband is going to go crazy because I am ready for another baby now that the kids are older!  

Business wise, I have launched my maxi line, which is an entirely new endeavor aside from Alexis Couture and Alexis Casual that I decided to take on! The first "Braid" maxi has done extremely well! We are offering it in summer colors in the next two weeks, and we are offering it up to size 16! 

We also just launched Alexis Couture on Sunday, May 8th, with many dresses available! I also have my hat line with the "Bling" trucker hat as the first hat, and the "Conviction" trucker hat comes out next week. And hold tight, because I have a few other secret items in the works! So it's an exciting time right now!  You can go to www.everythingalexis.com to order any of my hats or dresses now! 

{2} This season has been drama-filled! Would you say more so then last season? 

I definitely have to say this season is more drama-filled than last season. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I am more vocal and more comfortable with the cameras, and also the fact that some of the people I thought were friends have shown their true colors. 



{3} Do we dare ask, what is your relationship like now with the other housewives

{laughs} Yes, you can ask! Gretchen is one of my closest friends. We are a lot alike, we don't expect too much from each other, and we only want loyalty and respect in return. With Tamra I am saddened by the fact that I found out in episode 3 that she really wasn't my friend, and I thought she was up until that point. Vicki and I tried to make amends this year, and we are still working towards that. We have had a couple hiccups along the way, but I'm hopeful that things will work out. Peggy was my friend of 4 years, and unfortunately I never wanted her on the show because I was afraid that it would wreck our friendship, and it did just that. She is not the same person I knew a year ago. So there you have it in a nutshell! 

{4.} Since starting the show, would you say your life has changed? If so, in what ways?  

I think it's impossible for reality TV NOT to change someones life. I feel this show has mostly been a positive thing in my life. Just as with any career, it has it's ups and downs, however, it has made my family stronger, my husband and I are closer and have learned a lot about each other and ourselves. I love the ability to express my faith and show that Christians are not perfect, and entertain people along the way. I am also very thankful for the opportunities it has brought my way. And best of all, I have a two-year documentary with my kids! 



{5.} How is the Alexis Couture fashion line going? What tips do you have for other MOMpreneurs managing it all

Alexis Couture is going so well! We launched May 8, and you can purchase any of the styles on www.everythingalexis.com. It has been rough, don't get me wrong! I probably have some gray hairs underneath this blonde after this baby launched, but it has been such a growing experience for me, and so much fun along the way!  My biggest advice to any MOMpreneur (I love this term by the way ever since I saw it on Twitter!)  is that YOU CAN DO IT! I know it seems there are never enough hours in a day, and look I'm doing this interview at midnight!  I do my best work between 10pm and 2am since I began working! But it's important to believe in yourself and your passion the entire step of the way. My second tip to MOMpreneurs is to learn to say no to certain things. I have to admit that my social life is about 1/10th of what it use to be. I have a very small window of free time after my kids, my husband and my career, so I have to select very carefully what (and who) I fill that time with. And my kids are the FIRST thing to fill my time. 

{6.} You always are so perfectly together when it comes to your wardrobe! As a Mom of 3, how do you time for yourself? 

Thank you for that compliment. Geez, I don't feel that way! Honestly, that has been such a struggle for me. I use to be able to work out 4-5 days a week, (and working out is my stress reliever) now I'm lucky if I get to work out two days. I just feel like I will eventually get that "me" time back again, but right now it's "game time" as I like to call it. Everyone's life has seasons, and I am in a family season, combined with a work season, so "me" time has to take a back burner for the time being.

{7.} What is your go-to outfit? How would you describe your style? 

My go-to outfit depends...is this a stay home day, an errand day or a press day? {laughs} For stay home it's sweats all the way baby (and no makeup) ! For errand day it's a long maxi dress. For a press day, it's a cute dress with YSL or Louboutin stilettos! (I love dresses---as we all know!)



{8.} Besides The Real Housewives of Orange County - what other reality TV do you watch?  

I LOVE Dancing With the Stars! And I want to be on it---competing against my husband!! {laughs} He is an amazing salsa dancer, but I think with a ton of training I have the desire and ambition to kick his butt! Oh, and The Bachelor/Bachelorette...I'm a hopeless romantic! Oh, and any other HW show...although I am naming all of these shows and I can't remember the last time I had a free hour to watch any of them! HA!

{9.} What is up next for you? Any new or upcoming projects? 

I have a few new projects in the works, and my husband just bought a new exciting business that I will be very involved with, but you have to stay tuned, and keep checking my facebook Alexis Bellino Verified Profile and twitter @alexisbellino or my website www.everythingalexis.com for updates! 

{Make sure you all stay tuned to the Season 6 Finale of The Real Housewives of Orange County this Sunday on Bravo!}

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The One & Only Kim of The TomKat Studio plus a giveaway!

Oh Kim. How we love you? Let us count the ways. Yes, we absolutely adore Kim of The TomKat Studio. Let's be serious here....how could you not?


Kim Stoegbauer doesn't need an introduction. But, for those who aren't familiar with the name - Kim is the amazing & talented Designer and Editor of  The TomKat Studio. Kim is also one of the sweetest ladies we have worked with and we are truly thrilled to share our chat with you + thanks to Kim - giveaway a $50 shop credit! If you have never browsed The TomKat Studio - it is sure to be a favorite now. We guarantee it! 

{Read all about Kim here.}

{1} Tell us about how you started The TomKat Studio and where the name came from. 

In December of 2008, I made the decision to leave my real estate career to stay home with my two little ones. Staying home allowed me more time to focus on creative projects and crafts. We decided to turn an empty room in our home into a craft studio for me to play in. Shortly thereafter, I decided to start a blog to share decorating, crafts, baking and party projects I was creating. I called the blog "The TomKat Studio", named after my kids Tommy & Kate. It quickly gained a loyal following and before I knew it, my readers were asking me to sell the party items that I was making for my own kids' parties! I opened up the Etsy shop in March 2009 and it has continued to grow and grow. I couldn't be happier working from home, doing what I love and also being there for my family. 


{Kate's Fairy Garden Party}
{Vicki Lynn Photography}
{2} Your blog is filled with amazing ideas, parties, designs. It is just so pretty to look at - great eye candy! Do you have a favorite party you have worked on so far? Favorite collection?

Oh...it's so hard to choose! I have been so lucky to work on over-the-top parties for my own children, as well as styled photos shoots for designers, magazines and HGTV. I would have to say my favorite party would be my daughter's 3rd birthday, which was a Fairy Garden theme. The colors were so vibrant and fun. It was first fully styled dessert table and the response from our readers was incredible! 


{A beautiful theme inspired by Barbie}
{Vicki Lynn Photography}
{3} Could you share with us a few must-know party tips? 

1. Choosing a Theme :: When planning your child's birthday party, always take a cue from what he/she loves. Choose a color scheme or theme based on your child's favorites. If your child is old enough to have an opinion on what type of party he/she wants, decide on the theme together. You can create a beautiful elements for any theme, even if your child prefers a certain character. For example, my daughter wanted a Barbie party this year. She chose between a fashion theme {inspired by Fashion Fairytale} and a mermaid theme {inspired by A Mermaid Tale}. She picked the fashion theme and so we went with a pink, black & white French theme. The only actual Barbie elements were the cake and the music!  

2. Make Lists :: While you don't need to write down every little detail {the party should be fun for you, too!}, keeping lists of tasks that need to be completed, shopping that needs to be done is very helpful during the planning process. Don't wait until the day before to prepare everything for the party. Do as much as you can in advance! 

3. Create a Timeline :: Have a general plan of the order of events, to keep things moving along during the party. Be sure to come up with a couple fun activities to keep the kids busy in addition to serving cake and opening gifts. 


{LOVE these Free Printables Kim designed for Kate Lander's post over at Layla Grayce}
{See the post + download them now}

{4} As a mom, how do you balance work & family? 

I believe that balance is an ongoing process. I do my best to give my attention to my family when they need it, and to my business when it needs it. Both seem to be constant! I have come to realize that I can't do all by myself. I have help with my business {three amazing assistants} and plan on adding help with my household duties soon. On a sidenote, one thing that can go the wayside is adding "me time" to that balance. Allocating time for myself to relax and enjoy is one of my priorities right now. As working mommies, we need to take some time out to rejuvenate and refresh. 


{DIY Party Project: Mini Cake Bunting Tutorial & Free Printable Alphabet Pages}
{Image by Laura Winslow Photography}

{5} What party trends do you see for 2011? 

1. The Full Package :: Most of customers are inspired by the parties they see on our website. They want to recreate the party they have seen showcased and therefore want the entire party package along with resources for everything from the desserts to clothing. The TomKat Studio aims to provide all of the vendors so that our readers can easily access the amazing vendors we use. 

2. Cake Pops :: Everyone loves cake pops, so I think they will continue to gain popularity and become a staple at birthday parties! Thanks to Bakerella for creating such a yummy, festive treat! Isn't it amazing that they are even sold at Starbucks now?

3. Birthday Cakes with Mini Cake Bunting :: This trend is popping up everywhere these days. We created a free printable files with lettered flags in a variety of colors last year and it has been an incredibly popular download!


{The SO Sweet Lollipop Collection}
{Image by Laura Winslow Photography}

{6} Currently, in your Etsy shop, what are you favorite items?


My favorite collection will always probably be our Lollipop Collection. I originally designed the invitation, party circles & favor tags for Kate's 2nd Birthday. It was one of the first collections that I offered in the shop and it was published on many fabulous party inspiration websites including Hostess with the Mostess and Amy Atlas Events. It continues to be our best selling theme.

I also LOVE the our Alice in Wonderland inspired collection. The photos of the collection are from an incredible photo shoot by Laura Winslow, that I styled and featured the party collection in. It was our first of many collaborations and will always be a favorite!

{Pretty cakes from The TomKat Studio's Pretty on Pinterest series}
{7} When you have the time what magazines do you love to read & blogs do you love to browse?

I love to snuggle up with great magazines. I always browse my Martha Stewart Living from cover to cover the moment it arrives. Martha is such an inspiration to me, as both a creative genius as well as a savvy business woman. I adore Celebrate magazine by Phyllis Hoffman. Not only because I was just featured in it {yippee!} but because it is filled with amazing entertaining ideas and gorgeous photography. I recently received a copy of Summer with Matthew Mead and nearly fell over in my chair with the turn of each page. The styling and photography in every feature is absolutely beautiful. 

As far as blogs, I following tons of entertaining blogs, including great inspiration sites like Hostess with the Mostess and Amy Atlas. I also love home decorating blogs like Decor8, HGTV and HomeGoods Open House. To get my crafty fix, I love House of Smiths and Tatertots & Jello. 


{Kim was recently showed off in Celebrate Magazine. Check it out here}


{8} What is up next for your FAB empire :) 


Let's see....what's next? More styling, more party designs and more fun! I have little dreams and I have big dreams. I will just continue doing what I love and I know things will fall into place!

1. I love sweets.
2. But, I've been eating way too many.
3. I love margaritas. 
4. But, I've learned not to tweet after cocktails.
5. I love taking pictures.
6. But, I don't know how to use Photoshop.
7. I love to inspire.
8. But, I hate being copied.
9. I love my work.
10. But, I love my family even more! 




{READ ON!}
Enter to win a $50 shop credit to The TomKat Studio
{Giveaway has ended! Winner was #52 and was announced on Twitter}

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

NEWS FLASH! Head over to Sugar Loco NOW...



You know how much we LOVE Sugar Loco so you know we LOVE this giveaway! 
We had to bring it to our readers attention STAT! 



The lovely Jenny has a signed copy of......drum roll please.......
the Sandra Lee Bake Sale Cookbook up for grabs on Sugar Loco.
We know! FABulous right? 


It is SO easy to enter the Giveaway - just "Like" Sugar Loco on Facebook and leave a comment here. Doesn't get much easier! You can even do it with a cupcake in hand.

How much do we love Sugar Loco? See here.

Monday, May 16, 2011

We LOVE LaunchHER! Enter to win ONE amazing giveaway!

If you have always been a reader of cupcakeMAG - you are sure to know our love for LaunchHER.

Lucky for you, this Friday will mark LaunchHER's 100th {freshly launched} feature, and they are already celebrating! 


So how are they celebrating? ONE lucky winner will receive an entire {swag} bag with over $700 in products from amazing women owned brands. All you have to do is leave a comment over on LaunchHER.

Pretty awesome right? Happy Monday and lots of love to our ladies at LaunchHER for showing off some of our favorite brands! 

Go ENTER now! 

AND.....

Like LaunchHER on Facebook.
Follow on Twitter.
Check out their blog.

SHOW THEM SOME LOVE! 

Friday, May 13, 2011

cupcakeMAG HOME Featured Etsy Designer -- It's Written on the Wall plus a giveaway!

When we first meet LaNae of It's Written on the Wall we were thrilled to find her Etsy shop full of our favorite Audrey Hepburn & Marilyn Monroe vinyl wall quotes. And we mean, thrilled! It's Written on the Wall is your go-to place when wanting to re-vamp a wall in your home or even put them on a canvas so you always have them with you! We just adore LaNae and her Etsy shop & think you will too which is why we are giving you a chance to win a $75 shop credit to get your shop on! 



Read on to get to know more about LaNae & her FABulous biz! 
Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway too!

{Marilyn Monroe Wall Quote, $24}
{What made you start It's Written on the Wall?}

Starting this business was something that I would never have imagined doing. Not that I'm not creative, I've been creating things most of my life but this was a surprise.  My daughters were interested in selling vinyl lettering/wall quotes and needed someone to design and make them and I thought, "I can do that" and so I bought my first Gerber and taught myself all about the world of vinyl and design and have been doing it for the past five years.  I had been selling on eBay for 8 years prior to that so I already knew everything about the business end. Designing wall quotes is such a wonderful creative outlet for me and I love doing it.

{One of our FAVEorite Audrey Hepburn quotes, $14.99}
{How did you come up with your shop name?}

It was easy to come up with the busines name "It's Written on the wall" mainly because that's what it looks like....to quote my brother "It looks like you've been writing on your walls"  He's right except it actually looks like someone hand painted the walls. You can change the mood of a room with a wall quote, whether it is an inspirational quote or something funny or profound.

{Coco Chanel Wall Quote, $19.99}
{Tell us about some of the quotes you  have in your shop.}

We have over 400 designs in our Etsy shop with categories ranging from quotes for girls, boys and home and family to celebrity quotes. If you like Marilyn MonroeAudrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel then we have something you'd like. We also have Vince LombardiNick Saban and Lou Holtz to name a few. There's 
something for everyone in our shop.

{Because everyone needs a little Carrie Bradshaw on their wall! $18.99}
{What are you are not designing the items in your shop what can we find you doing?}

If I'm not designing then you'll find me in the kitchen. I love to bake. I've just recently put together a family cookbook that was a lot of fun. I have three granddaughters ages 9, 5 and 2 that love to bake too so they are in the kitchen with me whenever they come over and, of course, sweet treats are our favorite recipes.
{We are in LOVE with this Scalloped Circle Monogram, $23.88}
{What is up next for the shop?}

There's always a new design in my head waiting to be put into play. I never worry about running out of ideas for my designs. A simple ride in the car, a magazine or photograph can inspire a new design. So I guess what I'm saying is that I am here to stay, I love doing it too much to stop.


{All Things It's Written on the Wall}

Read on to enter the $75 shop credit to It's Written on the Wall! 
Stay tuned for when we launch our new re-vamp'd site -- 
we have a few more of our It's Written on the Wall projects to show-off on cupcakeMAG Home! 


Thursday, May 12, 2011

May Flowers {Part 2: Home Edition}


I'm all for decorating your house by the season AND for one stop shopping! And while it's hard to imagine being able to afford a houseful of new furniture (if only I had the coin to do this!) but a few accent pieces scattered about can add spring sunshine and May Flowers inspired zest to your home sweet abode! So when I started my research for this post at Anthropologie I was all flowery smiles and flowery jumping for joy because I found SO MUCH flowery goodness!
 

All of these pieces are available now. Bonus: Bring the garden inside but keep the bees out! Go! Buy! Sound advice, no? Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

May Flowers {Part 1: Mama Edition}

How in the world is it May already!? May! Gah!

In the spirit of May and all things sunny and smelling sweet, here are some favorite May Flowers inspired pieces for mama...



All of these pieces are available now at the shops shown. With any one of these you'd be sure to brighten up even the brightest of May days! All worn together, magnifique! A floral feast!

Spotted! Chelsea Kane in Nicole Miller!

Actress and Dancing With The Stars competitor Chelsea Kane is spotted in Nicole Miller at the premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.


Kane posed with current boyfriend Stephen Colletti, wearing a purple and orange tie-dye cocktail dress from Nicole Miller's Pre Fall Collection.


How much do you LOVE this dress?!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

A Little Luck



By: Kim Solimini
A little luck is always nice, right? SO why not wear some luck on your wrist? Check out this Etsy Shop, The Lucky Elephant. These super cute little elephants, with beautiful colored beads, in the ever-growing popular leather wrap bracelet style! Everyone should have one of these in their jewelry rotation. These go great for casual days, or even could be really cute for a bridesmaids gift, as they do have custom Wedding Collection!!

Here are my top three from their current shop!
Turquoise Good Elephant Leather Wrap Bracelet



Coral Jade Good Elephant Leather Wrap Bracelet


Burnt Sierra Jasper in Gold Good Elephant Leather Wrap Bracelet

Definitely go check out this shop and grab yourself a Lucky Elephant!!

Monday, May 9, 2011

SPONSORS!

Have you checked out the sponsor page lately? If not, this is one list you must see!

We just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of our
FABulous cupcakeMAG sponsors! 
BIG THANKS to making cupcakeMAG possible!
We value your sponsorship & can't thank you enough for your support!




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


Friday, May 6, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!

We want to wish all of our Mommaistas a FABulous Mother's Day!

We raise our glasses & say CHEERS to all of YOU!

{Enjoy your weekend!}


Need some last minute inspiration? Head over to Pizzazzerie.com!
Grab your FREE PRINTABLES while you are there too!
Related Posts with Thumbnails