rice & beans -- vintage love!

Sarah, owner of Rice & Beans Vintage has always had a love for vintage clothes & fashion so starting a spot for just that made perfect sense. Rice & Beans Vintage is one of the best online shops for affordable luxury. From Authentic Designer Vintage (Hermes to Chanel) to Modern Clothing at affordable prices - Rice & Beans Vintage has it all! But before you get shopping get to know more about the Rice & Beans! 

Q: What inspired Rice & Beans Vintage - is there a story behind the name? 

The name Rice and Beans Vintage comes from a my nickname Ms. Rice and Beans.   Rice and Beans are a staple but can also be spicy and delicious just like fashion.  

Q: What is your favorite vintage era? Why did you decide on vintage clothes? 

 I love the 20's, 40's, and 70's especially, but I am just a lover of all things fashion so it it is really hard to chose!  I have been collecting vintage and wearing vintage clothing since I was in 5th grade so it was not a difficult decision to start Rice and Beans Vintage! 

Q: How would you describe your own personal style? 

My personal style changes fairly often because I like to play around and have fun with fashion.  My wardrobe consists of inexpensive basics, vintage pieces, and high end classic designer clothing.  My shoes are the most wild component to my outfit, they are always about having fun.  

Q: Do you have an all time favorite piece that was featured in your shop?

Wow....that is a really hard question.  One of my favorites was one of the first pieces I ever sold.  It was a Vintage 70's DIOR Numbered Wool coat w/Black Mink fur collar.  It was such a find and so special.    

Q: How do you make the decisions on what to buy? 

  

I buy what I love.  Every single piece that is at Rice and Beans Vintage I am honestly in love with.  Otherwise it wouldn't be there.  I also pay close attention to current styles and trends.   

Q: What is up next for Rice & Beans -- could we ever see a boutique store in the future? 

A Rice and Beans Vintage boutique store is always a possibility for the future but not the near future.  For the time being we are just going to continue to offer the best vintage, vintage designer, and modern designer fashions we can find to our fantastic clients! 

We just can't get enough of the vintage Chanel handbags and Christian Louboutin shoes -- well really, we just can't get enough of it all! 

While you shop make sure you also follow Rice & Beans Vintage on Twitter for all updates! 

Couture Item of the Week for Not a Couture Price -- Iconic Trench

By Angela Parks, Contributing Writer 

You will find overtime that I gravitate toward simplistic and classic fashion. I adore Chanel, Ralph Lauren and Valentino. I believe clothing should be worn to bring out a woman's best attributes and that a woman should always portray herself as a lady. I also feel it necessary to invest in timeless wardrobe staples. Your "go-to" items in your closet,  that will never let you down. Over the next several weeks, I will be writing about the items you shouldn't be living without and how to obtain them without paying retail.  

One item in my wardrobe that I consistently wear in the Spring and Fall is my Burberry Trench. An enduring classic that has been an icon for over 100 years. I can be a wreck under my trench - but no one would ever know. Much like sunglasses disguise a face without makeup - my trench allows me to appear put-together at a moments notice. 

The trench coat was officially introduced during World War I (though, Burberry designed their first coat in 1895), it was considered  an item of dress for officers in the British Army. In 1914,  the War Office commissioned Burberry to make the coat and by 1918 Harper's Bazaar was already recognizing the item as fashionable. Lest we not forget that Harper's considers itself to be the style resource for “women who are the first to buy the best, from casual to couture.”

credit: National Photo Group

I routinely shop on Bluefly.com. They carry designer brands from Chloe to Hermes. This week I was able to find a Burberry Trench at 20% off retail.  Combined with a first-time shopper discount, no sales tax and free shipping - you can get this coat retailed at  $ 1,095.00 for $ 856.00 (free shipping and first-time shopper discount can be found on retailmenot.com). 

photo: bluefly.com 

While I understand that cost is relative to one's budget, rest assured you can purchase a similar trench to the Burberry without draining your savings or maxing out your credit card. Bluefly.com not only carriers couture designer items, but also contemporary designers as well.  You can purchase this Elie Tahari trench retailing at $275.00 for $ 192.00 (a discount of 30%).

                                                                    

Whether you're out shopping with the girls, dinning with a loved one or sitting in carpool,  rest assured you will always look magnificent while wearing your iconic trench. 

Side Note: When shopping for discounted designer goods -  you will find that the those items sell out VERY quickly. My suggestion is that if you are in the market for a particular item - do NOT hesitate on a purchase. Doing so will guarantee that your deal will turn into a steal for another bargain fashionista. First one to checkout wins! 

Chatting with The Queen of Fashion -- Nina Garcia

Nina Garcia tells us all about her fourth style book, designers we should have on our radar and just how to find that fashion balance.

Believe me--there's pressure when you're deciding what to wear to a meeting with an iconic fashion designer or a member of the press. It can be terrifying. But instead of panicking, I stop, take a deep breath, and remember that I speak "fashion." And by the time you have read this book, you'll be able to speak the language of fashion too, at all the key moments of your life.
--from Nina Garcia's Look Book

We all must take some time to listen to Nina Garcia. Not only is she the queen of  fashion in our eyes but her fourth (soon-to-be bestselling) style book just hit shelves last week and her advice can make you or break you! Nina, who has three bestselling books on style under her belt also is fashion director of Marie Claire and star judge on Project Runway the hit reality series on Lifetime.  

When we received the style bible, as we call it - immediately we were hooked, turning pages as quickly as possible and just couldn't put it down. You will never have to ask yourself, "What should I wear?" because Nina answers all of your questions for you! From the many fashion do's to the don'ts to meeting the parents and landing that perfect job -- with Nina on your side, Nina Garcia's Look Book gives you everything you need to get the perfect can-do outfit and have confidence when you step out the door. 

As if her plate isn't full enough, she is expecting her second child in December and serves as Target's 2010 Style Expert but we were lucky to catch up with her to say congrats on her latest great read! 



In your new book, Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every
 Occasion, you give us many options! Do you have a favorite look? 
I had so much fun working on what to wear at night--to cocktail parties, gallery openings, the opera, etc.  The excitement of getting "all dressed up" is what fashion is all about, and every woman-no matter what she tells you-loves to feel glamorous and beautiful.
 


Out of all your don't and do throughout the book, do you have a #1 don't? 
I’m asked this question a lot so I feel a bit like a broken record, but it’s definitely wearing clothes that don’t fit properly.  I can’t stress enough the importance of paying attention to proportion and shape when putting together an outfit.  An impeccably tailored garment can instantly take 10 pounds off.  It’s truly the world’s easiest diet, and will instantly make a high-street buy look so much more expensive.  



What is your everyday 'go-to' outfit for yourself? 
At the moment, I’m pregnant and can’t leave home without Alexander Wang’s drapey tees and a pair of comfortable, easy cargo pants. Current/Elliott makes great ones that fit well and don’t look too overly casual. 


Do you have any advice for women that are trying to balance work and family? 
I know how much of a challenge this can be!  Invest in timeless, classic pieces like a great trench, perfectly tailored black trousers, and beautifully-made shoes.  Once you have a solid foundation wardrobe, it’s so easy to change it up with accessories and flesh it out with less-expensive basics.  Keep your base garments fairly neutral and add a splash of color with an bold printed scarf or a chunky statement necklace.  And of course, read my Look Book for even more fabulous advice.
 


Have you considered doing your own style show? We need more Nina in
 our lives! 
Well thank you!  For now I have my hands full with my books, Marie Claire, Project Runway, and a baby on the way, but you never know what the future holds.
 

What, in your opinion, was the best season of Project Runway to date? 
They’re all so different that it’s tough to compare.  The first season was the most exciting because it was so new to everyone—that season’s close to my heart.
 


Fashion week is soon approaching! Do you have any designers we 
should really look out for while we are there? 
I am always exciting to check out the work of up-and-coming young designers. There are so many talented ones coming out of London in particular--I love Louise Goldin, Erdem, and Preen.
 


What is up next for you?
With the release of my Look Book, the next two weeks are going to be jam-packed. Once that’s finished, my son is due in December—so I’ll certainly have my hands full! 


If you don't have Nina Garcia's Look Book yet you need to immediately next day ship it to yourself from Amazon or head to the book store now. Until then, make sure you follow Nina Garcia on Twitter, Facebook and her website.

"True style is not about having a closet full of expensive and beautiful things--it is instead about knowing when, where, and how to utilize your collection." -- Nina Garcia 

hello la

We got the best news today - Los Angles Fashion Week is BACK! This is by far one of our favorite places to attend fashion week and we were thrilled to hear the news. Take a look at our past LAFW coverage here. But, in the mean time we had to tell you that it will be back in full swing for S/S 2011. 

One week, One Place, Pure Fashion 

This season will mark a huge change for the LA fashion market. Los Angeles has struggled to secure an official fashion week since the unraveling of the last location, the west coast fashion industry has yearned for a place to call home again and we will finally see the first official LA Fashion Week this season. Los Angeles Fashion Week will be held at the LA Production Studios. This State of the art facility is an all-in-one fashion, television, film, music and dance production center. located a half mile from LA Live in Downtown. Fashion week will begin on Oct 20th with a opening Gala and continue to Oct 25th with runway shows scheduled from 11am to 9pm daily. And we can't wait to be there! 


WCM and LA Production Studios have come together to bring fashion week back to Los Angeles. As plans solidify for runway shows at LA Production Studios for the Spring 2011 Collections this October, which also includes the twice annually Fashion Week for Los Angeles, both events produced by World Coast Management (WCM).

LAFW, will present the Spring/Summer 2011 runway collections from the most distinguished designers as well as new comers and emerging designers and  feature long-established European style runway shows, brand presentations, and sponsor lounges packed with the most influential trendsetters and most powerful members in the industry. 


The LA fashion market reaches an upward of 80 million consumers annually. The caliber of media attention that LA Fashion Week can draw is unparalleled. Los Angeles needed a well organized fashion week to showcase some of the world most amazing designers, with Hollywood beckoning for fashion and the West Coastneeding a place to show it was only logical for WCM to step up and form a new Fashion week for LA.WCM is a full service event production, public relations and marketing company located in Los Angeles. With over fifteen years of experience in the fashion industry, WCM, has successfully launched events across the United States, Brazil and Italy generating international recognition. WCM has produced fashion Week shows, in Los Angeles, New York, Italy, Paris and Brazil, that have captured the attention of the worlds fashion elite. LA Production Studios is the top tier of event locations in downtown Los Angeles and has plans to renovate a new 70,000 square foot location made specifically for LA Fashion Week. With hopes to have it ready for the March shows. 


We are already counting down the days and will make sure to bring you on the latest LA fashion!

the real gretchen rossi

By Shasta Moczulski, Contributing Writer 

We were all captivated  when Gretchen Rossi became a cast member of Bravo's  The Real Housewives of Orange County in season 4.  Her positive attitude, sense of humor and brilliant smile quickly won the hearts of so many.   Gretchen,  has created  an incredible life outside of reality TV.  A quote from Gretchen's  blog, sums up who this amazing woman is, "I believe in encouraging and lifting people up."   Two of her current and might I add, very successful projects include,  Gretchen Christine Beaute  and  her new new handbag line for shopnbc.com that launched July 30, 2010.   

We here at cupcakeMAG were thrilled that Gretchen took  the time to talk to us about her latest projects, her favorite beauty products and share so much more.  Her openness and gracious heart won us over! 

Your line debuts on July 30, 2010 on www.shopnbc.com.  What is your favorite item that will be presented that day?

The debut of the Gretchen Christine Collection on July 30^th was a huge success! We sold out of many of the handbags right away! It really is so hard to pick a favorite because I use all of them and they all have such unique and different looks, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be the “Newport Satchel” in Coral!  

When you were creating the "Gretchen Christine Collection", what did you draw upon for inspiration?  Does your Southern California lifestyle influence the design process? 

Yes my Southern California lifestyle definitely influenced the design process! I love being a California gal and all the beauty and glamour that goes along with that.  My inspiration was two- fold, my own personal style combined with my travels and influence around the world. My passion for design and fashion have always been a part of my life but it was even more ignited when my fans wanted to know more about my personal style and the handbags in particular I was carrying on the show!  Once I told them that most of the bags were designer bags that cost thousands of dollars they would get disappointed and say “I could never afford one of those bags”.   It made me realize that every woman deserves to look like a million bucks without having to spend it. I knew that I could bring high fashion and quality to my handbags without it leaving your bank account empty.

I believe every woman wants to have access to high fashion and good quality handbags, clothes and accessories, but not all of us can afford the designer names especially in today’s economy, thus the creation of the “Gretchen Christine Collection”.

You seem to be a positive, happy person.  How do you stay so upbeat?  

Thank you for that compliment! I would have to say is my upbringing (my family) and my faith that keeps me going strong no matter what life throws at me. I struggle with things just as much as the next person but to soak in sadness does nothing but make me feel worse, so I CHOOSE, and it is a choice, to be happy and upbeat much more often than not.


Life is way too short and I have learned that lesson many times over. I have one life to live here and I am going to live it to its fullest!  Even when I am in my darkest hour I believe God will never give me more than I can handle and he will always be faithful. He hasn’t let me down yet and that makes me HAPPY!

Your makeup line, that was actually featured on Real Housewives of Orange County, "Gretchen Christine Beaute", seems to be really taking off!  What is your favorite product in your line that you can't live without? 

I absolutely cannot choose a favorite in the line! I use all of it every single day to do my make-up!  I made it with the “everyday” woman in mind. I wanted a woman to look and feel her best everyday! So everything from the foundations to the powders, blushes and bronzers, to the eye shadows and eye products to the lip liners, lip glosses, and Pout Poppers,  to the eye and lip primer I have not missed a thing that a woman would want in her make-up bag, and at very affordable prices to boot! What girl could want anything more! High quality make-up that makes you look and feel like a million bucks without the high price tag!

Music is also one of your many talents, do you plan to release an entire album now that your song "Nothing Without You" had such success?  

Wow thank you again for such a nice compliment! I love, love, love music it has always been a part of my soul. My family is very musically inclined and I have been fortunate to be surrounded by that my whole life. I have been writing since a little girl and that was the most nerve racking yet exhilarating thing in my life to be able to take my very private lyrics and get behind a mic and sing them. I am so blessed to be able to have a support system around me that encourages me to express myself through these different avenues. I do plan to release another song here hopefully soon, but a much different type of song, one that you would hear in the clubs! I hope everyone loves it as much as I do!

Have you started filming the new Season of RHOC?  If so, are there are any hints that you can give viewers about what to expect in the upcoming season?   

Unfortunately I am not at liberty to confirm season six yet, but I can tell everyone that I personally have a lot going on in my life and I am excited about the possibility to share all those things with our viewers and my wonderful and loyal fans if we return!




What items can always be found in your makeup bag?  

Well obviously my Gretchen Christine Beaute” products, but I love to have a little brozner, mascara, and lip gloss on hand at all times!





What is the most valuable lesson that you have learned about yourself while being on hugely popular reality show?  

Wow, I have learned so many things! First, not to take myself too seriously or the show for that matter, and second not to be affected by what people say about you. When you sign up for a show like this people want to tear you apart in the press and blogs. I have learned to stay away from reading those sites and stay focused on my goal with this show…which is building a lasting brand that stands for something that I can be proud of.  “Gretchen Christine” stands for empowering people. GCC and GCB ‘s foundation was built from the philosophy “How to look and feel like a million bucks without having to spend it” My goal is to empower people to live with their best foot forward, whether it be through fashion, beauty or internally. 

Whether or not there is a Season 6 of The Real Housewives of Orange County, we are confident that Gretchen will continue to pursue her dreams and do so with a grateful heart. Stay-up-to date with Gretchen at her website  , on Twitter , Facebook  and of course, get your shop on at shopnbc! 

Posh Shasta gets a HAIR make-over and puts the CHIC in BOB!

By Shasta Moczulski, Contributing Writer 

Last February, my hair stylist, Monica, from Fringe Salon and Boutique (become a fan of the salon here) put So.Cap hair "Extensivies" in my very short hair.  "Extensives" are a type of hair extension that was formulated by So.cap.  This type of application is so much faster than other methods and I can honestly say DID NOT damage my hair at all. 

Why did I even get extensions?  My hair had been cut into a stacked bob style and was very short in the back, growing that crazy mess out made me insane.  I loved having the Extensives, they were a great product, easy to take care of and style, but it was time to have them removed, the crazy layers had grown out and I was ready! 

Yesterday was the big day and Monica, as always, did an amazing job.  I love my chic new cut and being able to run my fingers through my hair and you know, not get my fingers stuck in my 'stensions!  If you are trying to grow out your hair or just want to add volume or length, go to So.Cap to find a stylist in your area that does the "Extensive" application.    

I am ready to take this new look to New York Fashion Week in September!

Couture Item of the Week for Not a Couture Price!

By Angela Parks, Contributing Writer

First, let me express how delighted I am to be part of the cupcakeMAG team! Part of my commitment is to provide readers with fabulous couture finds,  at a less demanding cost!  

As a Military Spouse, I have the great pleasure of attending countless balls with my husband.  You have NO IDEA the passion I have for evening gowns! While watching the 2008 Academy Awards, I was inspired by Katherine Heigel's dress. The moment I laid eyes on the vermilion colored Escada gown, I knew it would be my choice for our next formal event. The curve hugging gown was a fabulous throw-back to old Hollywood glamor. 

Naturally, obtaining the Escada gown was not even a remote possibility. I scoured numerous dress sites searching for a comparable gown, but came up emtpy handed. I did happen upon many horrible "looks for less", which paled in comparison.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Katherine Heigel Escada Gown at the 2008 Academy Awards

After countless days of searching for my coveted gown, I had almost given up hope. Finally, I found a website that would guarantee a quality dress made to my measurements and specifications. I was hesitant to invest a great deal of money to a business out of Hong Kong. However,  when I was quoted the price of $ 100.00 (yes, you read that correctly, ONE hundred), I figured it was worth a shot.  In less than two weeks my dress arrived. I was terribly skeptical.  I opened the box (and much to my surprise) it was stunning! Nearly a mirror replica of Katherine's Academy Awards gown. I tried it on and the dress fit to perfection. I could not have been more pleased with the results (I think I might of even cried!). Especially at the bargain price of (did I mention) $100.  

 

Photo of moi wearing my bargain "couture" gown at Hubby's Navy Ball

Since my fabulous find, I have had many friends commission dresses for themselves. After all -  why buy "off the rack", when you can feel like the Belle of the Ball in a dress tailored just for you!

If you are feeling sassy and would like to commission a dress for yourself, you can do so at the following website: www.eDressit.com  

Side note: Be sure to provide accurate measurements, as eDressit does not allow refunds on commissioned dresses. When in doubt, add a couple of inches to your bust, waist, and hips - then have the dress altered by your local seamstress to guarantee a perfect fit!

meet the cupcakeMAG team! Contributing Writer, Angela!

Angela Parks our newest member of cupcakeMAG is all about being a Bargain Fashionista. She wasn't born with a silver spoon, but certainly had taste as if she were. Because of this revelation, Angela had to find creative and Innovative ways to bare the baubles, clothes & accessories she craved.

Self professed "Internet Shopping Queen", Angela always scores the items she covets at a fraction of retail cost. Better yet, she wants to share these finds with you and also teach you how to find these delightful items on your budget.

Angela is married to a Navy Pilot and is also a Mother to two beautiful girls. In addition, she works as a stylist for a contemporary Christian music label and owns an online personalized children's boutique as well; which keeps her very busy - BUT never too busy to get her shop-on. 

Stay tuned -- Angela will bringing us the couture item of the week, every week! 

help a momma out!

Jennifer Zankan is not just a super-momma - she is President of Jeneration PR and has been featured in The New York Times, PR Weekly, Los Angeles Daily News and Entrepreneur Magazine which is why she totally deserves to win the MOMpreneur Award. 


Well, she needs your help! Show your support by clicking the link HERE and voting once a day until August 15th! We need Jen to be in the top 4 to be honored at the Los Angeles Women in Business Conference! So from one MOMpreneur to another let's help this momma out! And please, feel free to pass this on! Thanks for all your support in advance! Now get to voting and help Jen get honored! 

Make sure you take a peak at her Apple profile to get to know more about Jeneration PR!