Featured Etsy Designer -- Hailey of Shop Brydferth plus a giveaway!

Hailey of Shop Brydferth (welsh for beautiful) is one of the sweetest gals we have worked with at cupcakeMAG. Hailey's passion for her shop shines through and we are thrilled to share our chat with all of you! Her shop is filled with plenty of beautifil one-of-a-kind creations we are just lusting after. You will instantly fall in love with the sweetness. 

 {1} What made you begin your shop?

I have always loved fabric.  I get this feeling of excitement when I walk in a fabric store and my mind races with ideas.  I decided I had to find something to make using fabric.  My middle name is Rose, after my Grandmother and like my Grandmother, I've always loved roses.  So I put the two together and started Shop Brydferth. 

th designer {Hailey}  photo credit: NHS Photo Company

{2} What are some of your other favorite Etsy shops?  

There are so many wonderful shops on Etsy with such amazing sellers and crafters behind them.  Some of my favorites are:

TimelessPaper: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TimelessPaper 
{A dear friend whom I have met on Etsy, I love her product and she has a great blog}

NatalieFrench: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NatalieFrench  
{I admire her photography and her blog}

TaylorHouse: http://www.etsy.com/shop/taylorhouse  
{I have one of her cowls and it is lovely!}

k9knits: http://www.etsy.com/shop/k9knits 
{My little toy poodle loves her Alpaca sweater}

WaterRose: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Waterrose  
{Her embroidery work amazes me}

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

I really like my wedding pieces and my couture statement bib necklaces like this one. I love the idea of having the secret pocket on the back to stash that secret money for "just in case" or for those nights out when you don't want to carry a purse.  

{4} What is up next for you?  

I have so many ideas that I dream up constantly.  Right now I am feeling that I need to do more for bridal pieces.  Best thing is to just keep checking back as my designs are always improving and the inspirations are endless.  I like to work as the inspiration moves me at that time and on that day.  

Hailey's {work} space

All Things Shop Brydferth

{Shop}

{Facebook} 

Read on to enter to win $40 to Hailey's oh-so-pretty shop! 

We are simply dying over this Chic Silk Rosette Headband! 

Etsy Featured Designer: Fashion Edition, Dainty Button

We are constantly asked what is one accessory everyone should have in their closet. Well, here is your answer: SHOE CLIPS. They are an instant way to spruce up your stilettos and make them look new again! Which is why we were thrilled when we came across Dainty Button - the perfect HANDmade shop for all your shoe clips needs! Check out how the designers became Dainty Button. 




What inspired the name of your shop, Dainty Button?


I originally was going to name my shop after my first niece, who was a month shy of coming into the world when I opened the shop. My sister felt funny her name being all over etsy, so we brainstormed. I wanted something feminine, but trendy. I'm super girly and I wanted a name to fit my personality. I loved the name "dainty" for whatever reason and my sister came up with "button". And that's how my shop was named, although button's have nothing to do with any of my accessories. 
What inspires your creations?


I love the vintage, old school look. Most of my creations were inspired by a scene in "The Notebook". Jackie O', Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, etc. Shoes are my fetish. I have over 200 pairs of shoes and I got the brilliant idea one day to jazz a couple pairs up. That's where my shoe clip inspiration came from. I'll see a picture with certain colors that stand out to me and I'll have a "lightbulb" moment, go home and start piecing things together. Anything girly, soft, feminine with a little edge is my "take off" point.
What made you decide to start the business?


My business was accidental. I was teaching elementary school and a friend and I had a brilliant idea to go to Europe. I realized I would need a little extra cash flow, if I was going anytime soon. I made a couple headbands, a friend liked them, her friends, their friends, etc. Someone introduced me to etsy and I opened up a shop. I never intended on making this a career. A boutique in San Francisco noticed my designs, several others followed and at the end of the school year, I made a huge leap of faith and quit my teaching job. I found something that I love doing. You're only young once. Just a lil' adventure I'm on. We'll see where it takes me.

The Dottie

Black Tie Affair 

Not only are these the perfect all time accessory for every fashionista but they are great for the upcoming Holidays! Also, they make a great gift for a gal pal that loves fashion as much as you do! Head over to Dainty Button now! 

BIG, BOLD, ACCESSORIES at the Emmy's!

The stars really stacked up at the Emmys with plenty of bold choices. 

   

STACK UP on ETTIKA

It was just a few months ago our love affair began with Ettika. Wear them, stack them, give them, love them. That is just one of the mottos behind Ettika's collection.

Inspired by their surroundings, designers Ettie Rafaeli and Joey Rafaeil built the collection by incorporating every color in the rainbow - bringing the inner Guru out of all fashionistas who wear Ettika. It is a must to stack up with Ettika so start you 2010 off right with the perfect accessory to every outfit.

STACK UP PICKS

Five Pyramid Stud Braided Leather Bracelet ($54)

Ettika Medium Paisley Ring ($38)

Single Donut Stud Silk Cord Bracelet ($22)

Braided Solid Color Satin Cord Bracelet with Faceted Beads Accent ($28)

Silk Cord Braided with Chain Headband with 2 Real Feather Ends ($70)

ALL ABOUT ETTIKA:

Handcrafted with Love in the USA, Ettika uses only the finest materials but that’s not the only thing patrons will receive with each piece. The line was created to be an extension of an individual’s character and also to generate good energy around them. Each piece empowers the wearer to stand for solidarity and the global understanding. Ettika represents a free spirited lifestyle and creates a hip and peaceful way of living for each wearer by using amazing and luminous colors and developing the most innovative of designs with lots of devotion.

Ettika was created for the spiritually enlightened and freedom loving woman and with all the love and dedication that is put into every piece, the line has created quite a following. Hollywood A-listers have been seen all over sprinkled in Ettika pieces. Major fans include Eva Longoria-Parker, Bar Refaeli, Tyra Banks, Niki Hilton, Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani, Joely Richardson, Chris Judd, Melanie Griffith and many more.

Spread the Love with Ettika .

Give them, Wear them, Love them, Stack them.

Perfect Picks for HOLIDAY GIVING! PLUS a few GIVEAWAYS for YOU!

For those who love their jewels and accessories we have handpicked (and tested) many tiny treasures but we have only a few that made the cut.

Just dying to know what topped our list? Skinny, Pink Sanguaro, Big Girl Workshop & Stiruppz.
SKINNY: Chic, Simple & Modern (oh, and VERY budget friendly!)
From the pages of Lucky and Instyle to Rihanna - Skinny pieces are floating around everywhere. From simple to statement we just can't get enough of Skinny. Skinny will surely make heads turn. With a funky array of rings, bangles, earrings and necklaces, Skinny has a piece fit for every fashion sense. The collection's versatility and playful sense of chic makes it a must for day or night. Skinny is made with the same attention to detail and premium materials found in high quality jewels, however, the price points speak to all budgets. Swarovski crystals, rainbows of colorful glass beads and enamel are glittered throughout the collection. Jessica Elliot continues to deliver innovative styles coupled with luxe materials, making Skinny the finishing touch for a look that is both fun and polished.
*GIVEAWAY* Just in time for the holiday season we want to give you a little gift! Skinny wants you to have the Large Domed Ring (below) to wear for your holiday party! Just leave us a comment below telling us why you LOVE Skinny! In the meantime we will tell you our faves.

Nickel Square Solitaire Ring: White Opal $22

Simple, classic, and is perfect for anyone on your list.

"Candied" Enamaled bangles $30

Snatch them up in all colors so you can mix and match making a fun & colorful statement. They look ever so chic stacked and we def recommended stocking up!

PINK SANGUARO: Modern Twist to Vintage Jewelry and totally unique finds

We LOVE handmade & can't get enough of Etsy so we wanted to feature a designer who made oh so pretty things. We just can't stop wearing Pink Sanguaro's Big Love rings ($10.50) in winter colors.

They are a perfect gift and they come wrapped ever so sweet ready to give. Another great pick is the bangles. We adore the Ocean Bangle for only $12! It is a perfect little shop to find whatever you are looking for at super great prices.

BIG GIRL WORKSHOP: Delicate, Feminine, Whimsical, yet says something....

The ever most perfect silver sterling designs come from this creative little shop. Currently we are obsessed with the "Believe" Bracelet ($32) – an exclusive Big Girl Workshop design. Both sleek and sophisticated it reminds you everyday to "Believe in Your Dreams." The gleaming script is cut and polished to perfection, and centered on a delicate chain.

Another adoring piece is the darling Peace Sign Cluster Necklace ($32) with green accents. We love the moss green fresh water pearl, green teardrop quartz and sterling silver charms clustered together on a 16" chain. Another perfect gift for the jewelry lover on your list.

STIRUPPZ: Keep Your Style Secure! Perfect for your favorite fashionista!

Stiruppz help you achieve a chic look at a perfect price that doesn't take a lot of time. NO Time, Chic, Perfect Price – three MAJOR things we love in a product! Stiruppz are a great stocking stuffer and perfect for any fashionista. We suggest picking up a pair for yourself too! Made of elastic webbing, nylon and alligator clips – we had no damage to our clothing and were comfortable enough to wear all day long! We couldn't believe the difference with Stiruppz. We had no bulging jeans at the top of our boots. They are a serious MUST and perfect gift for only $25!

Personal Tip: Roll your jeans up much higher than your ankle to achieve the right tension. Doing this will help keep your jeans really smooth in your boots! You won't be disappointed and will achieve the perfect trendy look this season.
*GIVEAWAY* Since we have decided this is a BIG must have item for every fashionista we want YOU to have your own pair. Post a comment below telling us why you just can't live without Stiruppz!

*All comments must be received by Friday, December 4th, at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly and emailed the following day. Open to U.S. residents only. Skinny ring is size 6 and has a retail value of $70. Stiruppz are one size fits all and has a retail value of $25.*

Obsession is VERY Addicting -- Our Obsession -- MOGO!

Addicted and Obsessed doesn't even

cover how fixated we feel about MOGO.

Just a few days ago we received the uber cute magnetic charm bracelets from MOGO & well, we haven't taken them off since we put them on; it is currently our deepest most prized possession. MOGO is anything but your grandmother's charm bracelet - it's truly a modern and original concept.

MOGO is a modern, artistic, & playful line of accessories that combines interchangeable charms, linkable Charmbands,and reusable packaging for a completely new take on the charm bracelet concept. We LOVE how you can link multiple Charmbands together to make necklaces, headbands, anklebands, wristbands, belts and even special occasion jewelry for your fabulous, furry friends. The possibilities are endless (so let your creative side run wild) with MOGO’s fully adjustable, high quality (and strong!) silver hook that latches onto any of the charmbands rivets. MOGO Charmbands come in five fashion forward colors - perfect for the accessory obsessed fashionista.

It doesn’t stop there! As for the charms - the fresh, fun, magnetic charms connect securely to the charmband rivets with a powerful "click", providing one-of-a-kind personal style. MOGO Charms come in funky & hip designs such as 'Groovy Love', 'Heart to Heart', 'Peace Time', 'Pet Pals', and 'Free Bird'. You can get packaged sets of 3 in a reusable tin that accommodates a Charmband at the bottom making it perfect for gift giving! We recommend stocking up because you will quickly fall in love with this line - we have no doubts!

The Charmband can also be personalized with fun, vibrant letter charms (sold individually) for endless opportunities in spelling words like LOL, BFF, - which is just OMG so perfect for ‘tweens’.

The tweens we know are so hard to shop for, but the fashionable, high quality and affordable (yes, very budget-friendly) MOGO Charmband and Charm set with tin make the perfect oh so chic holiday gift for under $30. We promise you'll want to snag one for yourself too!

The "must have" accessory for tween and chic moms is debuting in December (just in time for the Holiday season!) exclusively at Fred Segal, select Neiman Marcus stores and additional retailers nationwide after the first of the year.

Sidenote: One of our six year old product testers loved her MOGO Charmband and Charms so much she slept in it (and the charms didn’t budge)- definitely the perfect gift for any fashionista in your life.

The website, www.getMOGO.com will be launching soon so keep checking back often!

*Disclaimer: MOGO is Cupcake Mag tested and fashionista approved. We do not get paid to review products. Just like all the products we feature, this is just our opinion (and review) on the brilliant MOGO products mentioned above.

POP this Holiday Season!

As we gear up for the Holiday season we are ready to party hop with Pop Beauty. The UK based brand is one we have come to know and love. Not only are they perfect gifts for the beauty addicts in your life (or yourself) but they are great to POP in your bag and go.

Smokey Eye Goddess Clutch $32

Twelve smoky lid finishers are all together in this chic sequin clutch this is a must for a girl on the go. You can create endless POP looks with a wide variety of vibrant colors to get the perfect smoky lids.

Beauty Cabinet Cassie $38

Obsessed with anything and everything PINK this is the best of the best. Make a fresh start with up-to-date pinks that are take you from pale to pretty in just a few easy sweeps. With 2 lips creams, 4 lip glosses, 3 silky cheek colors, 1 face glow, 1 black liner, 1 brow & line color and ten fresh eye shadows all organized in super cute drawers to keep it nice and neat.

Day to Play Goddess Clutch $36

From day to night you will look stunning with this essential POP color kit. From the lightest to the darkest of hues the uber fun zebra pattern clutch is a knockout item for every girl who likes to transform their look.

Visit Pop Beauty for more FAB beauty products and the kits mentioned above. All perfect gifts for under $40!

Addicted to Hazel & Harlow (Plus a Giveaway!)

We were introduced to Hazel & Harlow and have become obsessed with the fine sterling silver and 24K gold vermeil. We crave the delicate design. All pieces are hand carved, hand etched and enhanced with beautifully set topaz stones. Each piece has a very fine attention for detail. They are a true treasure for your jewelry box. Retail prices range from $50 to $500. The new accessory collection is exclusively available online at www.hazelandharlow.com.

Giveaway Details: We all know you are just dying for you own treasure from Hazel & Harlow. Well, your in LUCK! One lucky winner will soon be wearing the "Imagine Peace" Medium Pendant with a retail value of $125!

If you'd like to enter for a chance to win the pendant, just leave us a comment on this post (email included) letting us know why it is a MUST in your jewelry box! As always, please make sure you are a follower of Cupcake Mag. Good luck!

*All comments must be received by Monday November 30th, at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly and emailed the following day. Open to U.S. residents only.*

we HEART fiona paxton

PHOTO OF HALLE BERRY: NBC / CHRIS HASTON/

Halle Berry looks stunning wearing her FIONA PAXTON necklace during an interview with Natalie Morales on NBC’s Nightly News,November 12th. Halle gave the interview to talk about the work she has done at the Jenesse Center – a shelter for domestic violence victims. The "Sylvie" in oxidized is available at Bloomingdales for $300.

Halle isn't the only one who is fan of Fiona's jewels. Hillary Duff, Drew Barrymore and Isla Fisher have also been SPOTTED in the statement pieces.

The Leslie Greene Collection

All About Leslie

Over the past 18 years, fine jewelry design Leslie Greene has continued to satisfy every woman’s desire for fine jewelry that flaunts chic style, luxurious quality and a timeless classic appeal. Her talent for combining treasured classic with modern trends has truly brought her to the forefront of the world of jewelry design.

In addition to her Couture collection of fine jewelry that flaunts the opulence of 18k gold,diamonds and gemstones, Leslie Greene has now introduced Sterling, a collection that includes sterling silver, as well as sterling silver with gold accents, both embellished with the luxury of diamonds. Leslie’s philosophy is that jewelry should make a signature personal statement and she aspires to create pieces that become a reflection of who a woman is, not what she wears.

A graduate of Manhattan’s prestigious FIT, Leslie has been the recipient of many honors throughout her career. Awards include the 2006 Retail Choice JQ Designer of the Year, 2004 JA Golden Apple Award, Town & Country’s Diamond Designer’s Excellence Award and the Women’s Jewelers Association Award for Excellence in Design.

SPOTTED: Cheryl Hines, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Brittany Snow, Debra Messing, Reese Witherspoon, Brittany Murphy, Teri Hatcher and Madeline Zima (plus some) have been seen wearing Leslie Greene from the city streets to the Emmy's.

For more info and detail on each piece from Leslie Greene please visit her website.

ERIN FETHERSTON SHOWS HER SPRING 2010 COLLECTION AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK AT MILK STUDIOS

Image of Erin, Getty Images, Astrid Stawiarz Runway Photo Credits: Thomas Kletecka

When: Sunday, September 13th
Where: Milk Studios

Erin Fetherston debuted her Spring/Summer 2010 collection during New York City Fashion Week on Sunday, September 13th at 6 p.m. at Milk Studios. Fetherston’s decidedly womanly aesthetic and flair for the dramatic was on full display with plunging v-necks, defined shoulders and attention-grabbing hemlines, softened by delicate accents of ruffles and lace.

Fetherston drew inspiration from memories of a childhood visit to Nara, Japan. The designer recalls the scene as a pink forest snowing cherry blossoms over herds of free roaming deer. The ode to Nara was captured in the piles of white rose petals that flanked the runway and long stem pink carnations which were placed on every seat, courtesy of floral designer Jeff Leatham. This imagery manifested in Fetherston's fabric and color direction as well, with watercolor cherry blossom prints in blush and midnight and an abstract fawn print on sequins. The palette of tans, blush and ivory, paired with black and navy further demonstrated the strong/soft dichotomy present in the design.

Hair and make-up were designed to reflect and compliment the feminine and romantics tones set in the collection. Hairstylist Lyndell Mansfield for Bumble & Bumble took the hair up with a classic chignon but gave twists, rolls and tucks for a younger, cooler feel. Lucia Pica for MAC Cosmetics showed dark eyes with clean skin, flushed cheeks and bare lips.

This season featured two accessories collaborations, a first for Fetherston. The Lulu Frost for Erin Fetherston collection, designed by Lisa Salzer was inspired by the opulence of the late 70’s and early 80’s: bold, heavily embellished rhinestone and chain bracelets drip down the wrist, draping like lavish shackles, while long dangling rhinestone earrings add a touch of sleek sophistication, glamour and high drama. The most prominent pieces of the collection are the rhinestone and crystal hand pieces. Designed to be worn over soft leather gloves or to adorn bare hands, these tough yet delicate garnishes complete a strong, feminine look, the leitmotif of the collection as a whole.

Cole Haan, for their end of the collaboration, provided belts and shoes – or more specifically, chic heels featuring Nike Air technology. Cinched belts adorned with gold-plated heart buckles echoed Fetherston’s blue, blush and black color palette while adding a whimsical, feminine flair.

And we loved the playlist - check it out below!

Where did all the love go? -Kasabian

Breaking Into Cars --The Raveonettes

I Can Thrill and Delight --In Flagranti

Nothing to Worry About --Peter Bjorn and John The Muzik --Ebony Bones Do You Want It All?

Little Secrets -Passion Pit