cupcakeMAG LOVES Gussy plus a GIVEAWAY!

When we first connected with Maggie the super talented brain behind the beauties of Gussy Sews - it was love at first sight! She whipped us up a custom laptop bag (also used as a diaper bag, tote, and well, for anything we can!) ruffle and all along with the sweetest little clutch that we can't stop wearing. We were immediately smitten with Gussy Sews. It was pure handmade perfection and we couldn't stop swoonin' over our little collection. We are beyond thrilled to share Gussy Sews with you and know you will LOVE them just as much as we do! Read our chat with the lovely owner and designer behind the pretty bags and accessories. And guess what? Thanks to Gussy you are getting a chance to win $100 to start you own Gussy collection! Oh and did we mention - we LOVE her blog. It is seriously a daily read so bookmark it now!

{1} Who is Gussy?

Gussy is a girl that has learned SO MUCH in so little. Two years ago, in January of 2009, my husband and I both lost our jobs. We were living in Michigan at the time and were married just 7 months prior. In a {wonderful} whirlwind we moved 12 hours from our home state to Minneapolis, MN, and somewhere in between moving to Minnesota I quit the job we moved here for to sew full time on Gussy Sews. But there's more to me than just sewing and sharing my journey on my blog. I love to have a good chat. I love to hug, I love to be around people. I love to cuddle our pup, Bauer, and I love to drink Coca-Cola!

{The girl behind the ruffles, Maggie Whitley otherwise known as Gussy & her work space}

{2} What inspired Gussy Sews?

In November of 2008, Zack and I were newly married and also living in a new city in Michigan. Zack was working a job that often meant late-nights or weekend work (TV commercial production). I couldn't stand the thought of watching TV when he was still working, and I had recently found Etsy... so I decided I was going to each myself how to sew. I went to the public library and (honestly) checked out 30 books. I soon became BFFs with YouTube (hello! it is hard to learn how to thread a sewing machine when you're looking at a black & white photo). From there I was sewing things that I would want to use (totes, zipped pouches) and over the last 2 years I'm seeing that sharing & encouraging are two things I love. These two things are what really inspire me :)

{Gussy's Favorite Item! The Yellow Woodgrain Tote Bag, $78}

{3} What is your favorite item currently in your shop?

This is easy! The yellow woodgrain tote bag. LOVE IT!

{we LOVE headbands especially the pink/red floral headband, $14.50}

{4} How do you choose your fabric?

I'm really drawn to colorful, fun, sassy prints :)

{ruffles & houndstooth, it doesn't get much better then that!, Medium Zipped Pouch, $18.50}

{5} When did your love affair with sewing begin?

I threaded my very first sewing machine in November of 2008. The affair officially started in March of 2009 when I branded my products as Gussy.

{6} What is up next for you?

Actually, I'd like someone to fill ME in. I never, ever thought I'd live out-of-state from family, let alone be the owner/designer of a business. For years I was a gal of security -- I always wanted to know what was going on, but so much changed once we lost our jobs. I realized fast that I'm really not in control, God is. And honestly, it's all been amazing. All the tough stuff has made me so much more wise, and all the uncertainty was never uncertain to Him. I'm very thankful.

{WHAT YOU DON'T ABOUT GUSSY!}

1. I like a lot of creamer in my coffee (hello, hazelnut)

2. I will never skydive.

3. I have a tattoo on my right wrist -- it's a Japanese symbol for joy. I got it when I was 18 ;)

4. I don't like shell fish.

5. I don't like to get up early.

6. I love to be cozy on the couch with tea and good friends/family.

7. When I was younger, I loved to read so much I'd often read 3-4 books at a time ;)

8. My mom gave me the nickname Gussy after Gussy the Goose from Charlotte's Web. (Something about the goose having a lot to say, and so do I...?)

9. I have a dual-major in Journalism (editorial) & Art (photography) and am so thankful to use this DAILY.

10. I have a fear of not being prepared, of forgetting things. I think this is why I over think so much :)

{All Things Gussy}

{Twitter}

{Facebook}

{Blog}

{Shop}

Well thanks to Gussy you can win $100 to get your shop on with Gussy Sews! Read on the enter now!

Featured Etsy Designer -- Milk and Honey Handbags

Milk and Honey Handbags is one shop we were thrilled to come across. We set out to find the cutest HANDmade clutches and found them! When we saw them in person we were amazed with the construction and quality - simply amazing and the clutches were just adorable and super-stylish! Check out our cupcakeMAG picks from the shop & get to know the FABulous designer herself - don't forget to comment and show her some LOVE! 

cupcakeMAG picks! 

Black & White Clutch is perfect to match Spring brights! 

We just LOVE this Brown & White Clutch. It is oh-so-chic!

Who doesn't LOVE ruffles in a super soft yellow. 

1.) How did Milk & Honey Handbags become reality?

When I was in high school, I decided I wanted to learn how to sew. I asked for a sewing machine for my birthday, bought some books, and taught myself. I loved it! The first thing I made was a pair of pants and I still can’t believe that they were wearable! After really getting the hang of the craft, I started to focus on designing and creating bags. I really hit my stride. I knew that I wanted to make and sell handbags and accessories, I just did not know how I could turn this dream into a reality.

Fast forward a few years later, I was working at a small organic bath and body company. The girl I was working with was talking about Etsy and I couldn’t believe I had not heard of the site before. When I got home, I found Etsy and knew immediately that I wanted to open a shop. I started doing a lot of research, planning, sketching designs and a couple of months later Milk & Honey was born.

Designer of Milk and Honey Handbags, Amanda 

2.) What is your favorite item in your shop?

Right now I love the star print pouch. The idea had been floating around my head for a while and I love the way it turned out! Plus hand printing fabric has been new and fun. I can’t wait to design some new prints!

3.) Do you have any favorite Etsy shops you love to browse?

There are so many shops on Etsy I love! Some shops of the moment are Pine & Main, Lanyapi, and Isla New York. 

4.) Tell us a little bit about yourself - the brain behind the beauty!

When I am not behind my sewing machine, you can find me reading a good book or spending time with family and friends. In the winter I love to snowboard. I also love the change of season, strawberry lemonade, sailing, andgood TV shows [like Dexter and Lost]. 

5.) What is up next for Milk & Honey?

I have a lot of new styles that I am working on for the new year, a clutch, a tote, and a messenger bag. I would also love to see some of my designs in leather and suede. I hope to start working with these new materials soon!

All Things Milk & Honey 

{Etsy Shop}

{Facebook}

{Twitter}

{Blog}

Alexander Berardi Spring 2011

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion/Beauty Director

Alexander Berardi walks the runway.

This clutch was the talk of the show. Alexander Berardi handbags are right on point for S/S 2011, as the clutch is to be THE bag to carry for the season.

Oh Alexander! You have won our hearts here at CupcakeMag! What an amazing collection filled with cargo, sequins, chiffon and jersey to name a few of the details. Alexander Berardi was almost channeling Halston, in our eyes anyway, when creating these glamorous gowns. It is rare to see a collection filled with such wearable pieces for daytime and evening. The models all had lovely, flawless seeming skin in minimal makeup with the perfect nude lip.

Now to place our orders for that clutch...

Getty Images

Still Holiday Shopping? Grab a Nahui Ollin Bag!

While one (of our many) resolutions this year is to be a little more eco-chic, we found the perfect line to start us off with a “green” alternative.

Nahui Ollin is a collection of fashionable and uber unique handbags and accessories made from recycled materials.

WE LOVE: The Rosy Cheeks Wristlet & Envelope Clutch

Due to the unique size of the Envelope Clutch ($96) it is perfect to fit just a little more than your average clutch – as for the Rosy Cheeks ($54), it is perfect for inside your Overturned bag (we love the details) or to just grab and go on the run. Nahui Ollin has a ton of great styles and colors to suit all your fashionista needs.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Nahui Ollin

Everything in the collection is entirely handmade by folding and weaving individual soda bottle labels, gum wrappers and candy wrappers (factory rejects from independent manufactures and have never been used) – put them all together to create the various beautiful shapes and sizes of the Nahui Ollin collection. These same materials were to be sent to the garbage dump and land fill only to pollute the earth more! Not only does the process sustain the environmentally-friendly practice of recycling, it also yields creatively-fresh, long lasting and innovative products. Made from up to 4000 individual candy wrappers, each piece is passionately and patiently hand made by craftsmen and follows the same process of folding, weaving, and sewing, which can take up to 4 days to complete. And while the bags are indeed made from candy wrappers, gum wrappers and soda bottle labels, they stand the test of time and weather for tear-free, long term durability. What you once would have discarded without hesitation has been transformed.

To stay up-to-date with everything Nahui Ollin, follow them on twitter and make sure to sign up here for their newsletter!

This Holiday Season we are wishing for......Felix Rey! (Plus a Giveaway!)

Felix Rey has established itself as an ultra-feminine luxury brand that is sophisticated and chic. What's not to love about Felix Rey? From the handbags to the clutches to the ever so feminine trinkets -- it is hard to pick our faves from this line -- we want Santa Baby to bring them all.

However, we are obsessed with a package we got from Felix Rey, just a few weeks ago. We were sent the large Emma cosmetic case that has now become our BFF in the beauty world - it is perfect to carry all of your travel necessities in style too! Not only that but it can totally double as a clutch. We just die over the fuchsia water-resistant nylon lining and the bow that functions as an outside pocket with magnetic closure. The gold studs fit right in this season! Made from laminated cotton it is high quality and will take to all your travel and beauty needs. You would never know it was only $120 with all that fab detail.

The large measures 12"W x 8½"H x 3½"D - but there is also a small and medium available - we feel the large is just right and are giving YOU one!

*Giveaway* Leave a comment below telling us why you just have to have the Emma Cosmetic Case. Also, make sure to sign up for the Felix Rey newsletter for sales and special offers!

But, that isn't the only thing we are currently obsessed with from Felix Rey.

To coordinate with your Emma Cosmetic case you must grab an Emma Weekend Bag. Made of nylon with patent trim and of course the Felix Rey signature bow and studs - the Emma Weekend Bag is perfect for those easy living getaways. It is the perfect size for your weekend excursions and it is very lightweight and durable! Grab it up now - it's on sale for only $200!

And if you remember back during the presentation of the Spring 2010 collections we knew it was going to be all about sequins this season. Felix Rey has got them. The Marilyn clutch ($200) is the perfect way to fit the trend into your wardrobe and be an attention grabber just like Ms.Monroe. It is a perfect super sparkly sequined clutch for the holiday season!

Felix Ray has offered an exclusive offer code for Cupcake Mag readers to get these items and more on www.felixrey.com! Now until December 31, 2009 use code FRCUPCAKE20 to take 20% of your entire purchase. Tis the season!

*All comments must be received by Friday, December 4th, at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly. Open to U.S. residents only.*