Editors Pick -- Pop of Chic!

Since the moment I laid eyes on this bracelet {via Facebook} I completely fell in love. 

I know! Is that possible? I mean, it's a bracelet. 

But yes, I just can't get enough of the {Denisse} bracelet in coral. 

Now, don't get me wrong -- I love all the colors but the coral was the perfect Summer to Fall accessory!

Reason #1: 

The similar style sells on QVC for $137. Yes, almost $140! 

Pop of Chic brings it to us for only $25. 

Reason #2: 

I just love it. Oh, the sparkle! 

Reason #3:

It goes from season to season! Stack em' up or wear it alone. A bangle is a classic accessory. 

Reason #4: 

I just love it. Did I mention that already?

My suggestion? Head over to Pop of Chic on Facebook. 

We can promise, you will soon be addicted to their jewels. Oh, and the prices! 

lia sophia love!

By: Tiffany Olson

During New York Fashion Week, I had the pleasure of meeting up with the fabulous lia sophia team and OMG was I dying over all the fabulous new jewelry!

Not familiar with lia sophia? It is a family owned, fashion jewelry company whose products are sold directly to customers through an international network of independent sales women. lia sophia empowers women to become their own CEOs and start their own businesses. Sounds empowering to me!!

Everyone from Kourtney Kardashian, to Ashlee Simpson, to Giuliana Rancic have been seen sporting lia sophia!

I went home with a ring and necklace that I've practically been wearing since I first put them on. They are both from the brand new "boudika" Red Carpet Collection, which debuted at fashion week. Here's Solange Knowles sporting MY arrow ring that I'm obsessed with! (Picture from front row of Vera Wang show last week!)

And an up close shot of the ring...

And here is the fabulous Giuliana Rancic in the pearl short bib necklace! I died over this necklace!

I got it in a longer version in gold! Very tribal meets preppy pearls in my opinion.

I chatted with lia sophia Creative Director Elena Kiam, and she was absolutely the sweetest most sincere and stylish woman! She shared her thoughts with me about how so many things are done electronically now, it's nice to have face to face time with friends while shopping for jewelry! I agree.

Here's what she said on her blog about the event:

"Each season, we set up a special lia sophia fashion suite adjacent to the runways that's exclusively for magazine editors and style influencers to view the collection. The vibe is amazing. From morning until late afternoon, the room is buzzing with tastemakers trying on the different styles, sharing their favorite trends and styles with us and each other, and generally having a lot of fun with jewelry."

Thank you so much to lia sophia for our fabulous jewels and having us in your suite during New York Fashion Week!

Follow lia sophia on twitter here - @lia_sophia

Visit their website here - www. liasophia.com

Add them on facebook here - http://www.facebook.com/liasophia

Note: The lia sophia boudika Red Carpet Collection is sold exclusively through lia sophia sales Advisors, who can be located through the company's website, www. liasophia.com - Prices range from $50-$600.

Featured Etsy Designer -- Frosted Willow -- plus a giveaway!

We are so excited to share with you one of our favorite Etsy shops, Frosted Willow. And even better - we chatted with the designer herself to learn more about her beautiful handmade jewels. We are just dying over them! And not to mention the price - mix and match the one of a kind pieces - you are sure to get compliments on your newest accessory!

"From sleek silver & gold plated jewelry to intricate, wire-wrapped pendants & earrings.

A different style for any outfit or mood. Every piece a creation of love, designed and handmade as limited editions, or as one of a kind pieces by Frosted Willow."

1.) What inspired the name, Frosted Willow?

Yes, everyone asks that question first! What happened was that, during the time that I was contemplating a name, I came across a beautiful photograph of a willow tree covered in pure white snow. It looked so peaceful and serene as if it was sprinkled on. It also reminded me so much of frosting that I thought it looked like a Frosted Willow. I just loved that combination! Now every time I hear Frosted Willow, I see that photograph in front of my inner eye.

2.) Tell us about yourself -- the artist behind the to die for jewels?

I was born in Germany and first came to the US as an AuPair for a year to perfect my English. Instead, or in addition, I met my future husband and never left. Now, we live just around the corner from Boston with our little girl – love the summer, beach and outings. I always been busy with my hands and actually amazed quite a library of materials and tools of crafts that I just have to try out. But I always came back to jewelry making since it just combines everything to me. So after getting my Degree of Fine Arts in Interior Design and working as an Interior Designer for a few years, I started to concentrated on creating jewelry and turned it into Frosted Willow.

3.) Do you have a favorite item in your shop?

I am constantly on the lookout for new findings that work well for my bangles. So I add several new items a month and with that jump from one favorite to the next. However, at the moment the silver Butterfly Wing Bangle is the one I am wearing all the time.

4.) What is up next for Frosted Willow?

After this busy holiday season, I will be working on expanding my line in the coming year. I also would like to be represented in more store throughout the US and Europe. I know how important it is to be able to see these pieces in person and be able to try them on and mix and match them right on your arm.

Frosted Willow comes boxed up & ready to give. 

Ready to win one? That is right! The sweet designer is giving you a chance to start your collection by choosing any bangle of choice! Read on to enter!

Etsy Featured Designer: Elegance for You! Plus a giveaway!

A few weeks ago we came across a super unique jewelry shop on Etsy that we immediately fell in love with - Elegance for You. The pieces are ones you won't see at your local retail store - that is the best part! They are handcrafted with style by Anna and we just adore all of her pieces - it is hard to just pick one! Read on to get to know the designer a little bit more and to WIN her favorite pair of earrings. 

We love the pink! The Fuchsia Jade & Pink Crystal Necklace ($25)  is perfect for any season! 

1.) How did you begin Elegance for You?

A little over four years ago I took a jewelry class with a friend as a hobby. I enjoyed making jewelry so much that I  made a few pieces that night and decided to bring them to work to show my coworkers. They loved them so much that they purchased them from me! I was so excited!

After that I decided to do some craft shows, at local churches and High School's, I was getting lot's of compliments and sales.  Six months later I had my jewelry at  a couple of shops, and still do.

Then in February of 2009 I heard on the radio about Etsy and decided to check it out. Few weeks later in March I opened my Etsy shop.  

Anna in her work space! 

2.) Do you have a favorite item in your shop? At the moment I'm loving the Isabella earrings.

3.) What inspires your creations? Mostly nature, colors and different textures.

4.) Besides your shop - do you have any other favorite Etsy shops? 

I have a few. I love Emilygrayjewels , Kotibeth & Lunaessence.

5.) What is up next for Elegance for You? 

I'm working on a few shows and getting ready for Christmas, making lot's of new items.

Give your ears a little shimmer with the Shimmer & Metallic Earrings ($10) 

This perfect little shop full of inexpensive but great quality items is the place to go for yourself or for those last minute holiday gifts! The prices are to great to pass up. We just adore Elegance for You! 

All About Elegance for You

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Read on to WIN Anna's favorite earrings! The Isabella Earring -- one of our faves too! 

Black is the new White

By Jenny Ford, Contributing Writer

Confession:  I *heart* jewelry.  Really, what girl doesn't?  My jewels du jour vary by mood.  Sometimes I am a minimalist, with a tiny silver chain and studs or hoops, and sometimes I like to go a little more bold, with larger pendants and chunky cuffs.  Some of my all time fave jewelry comes from my step mom's jewelry biz -Ridgeline Artisans.

Julie and my Dad started out on an amazing adventure a few years ago, to Bali, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka breathing in the many flavors of the culture and collecting amazing works of jewelry art from little artisans around the globe.  I was completely jealous of their trip and selflessly offered to become a "buyer" and if I had to travel to exotic locations I would definitely take one for the team...I am a good daughter.

These are my two FAVE necklaces (though I could spend hours sifting through their collection and finding a million more faves).

I'm completely infatuated with black pearls (if you can't tell).  There's something so "sassy Jackie O" about these little gems of the sea.  Which describes me to a tee - "sassy" and if Jackie O ever donned a wife beater, I'd be sure she was my long lost twin.

Go to Ridgeline Artisans today and show my step-mama, Julie, some love.  Like what you see here? Email Julie for the 5-Strand Black Pearls from Thailand byemailing Juliedirect.  Or get the Chandelier Necklace here.

The best part? Use the code: cupcakemag at checkout and you'll get 20% off your purchase.  YIPPEE!

I'd love to know two things... 

1) What's your favorite jewelry find?  (And you can't just say "Etsy", give me a link below! 

2) What adjective describes your personality? 

(disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this review, I am family, AND I love their fabulous exotic finds.  My review is my opinion.  I was given these necklaces for my birthday as gifts. WOOT! WOOT! LUCKY ME!)

So get linking & tell us where you go for jewels! 

Etsy Find --- juliethefish designs -- giveaway too!

cupcakeMAG's featured etsy designer: juliethefish designs

We review many items on a daily basis......and we have never gotten so many compliments from a piece of jewelry before until juliethefish designs and the personalized necklace above (and below!) - almost everyday the question, "Where did you get that necklace?" is asked - it grabs quite a bit of attention. It also helps that the super sweet designer quickly personalizes and gets them to you with ease. The simple yet super chic designs fill the pages of her Etsy shop with so many different items to choose from it is hard to just pick one!


But, we do love our I love you to the moon and triple layer necklace. Whatever you are looking for, whether it be a gift for that someone special or something for yourself - you can find a little jewel for everyone and what is better then having it customized and HANDmade....well, nothing - because it doesn't get better than that!

When did you begin making jewelry?
I’ve been making beaded jewelry since I was a little girl. My passion for hand stamped jewelry started about two years ago. One of my friends had a simple hand stamped necklace and I thought, “I wonder if I could make that.” That’s how my etsy shop began.




What is your favorite piece to create?
I love creating new designs. Coming up with an idea and then bringing it to life is very exciting. I really like making my square name necklace. With this piece I start with a slab of sterling silver and hand cut and file it. I like all the work that goes into it. I always feel happy with the result.


What is the most popular or bestseller in the shop?
My sterling silver “I love you to the moon and back” is a huge hit. It can be personalized with a little name charm and birthstone as well. I think this phrase means something special to a lot of people and so the necklace speaks to them.

When do you get inspired to design jewelry? I am always inspired by my customers and their stories. I love creating new designs as special orders for customers. Also, at home when I have short, quiet (precious) moments to think I really enjoy sketching new designs.

Lucky for our cupcakeMAG readers juliethefish designs is giving one lucky reader their Classic Name Birthstone Necklace to personalize with anything up to 12 letters along with a birthstone or pearl. All you have to do is head over to their Etsy shop and tell us what else your eye just craves! This comment is mandatory. You also MUST be a follower of cupcakeMAG and Sprinkles.

For extra entries please do the follow and leave us a separate comment for each letting us know. The more you comment the better chance you have to win!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Make sure you "Like" us on our Facebook page

3. Make sure you "Like" juliethefish designs on Facebook

4. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

5. Vote for us on Top Mommy Blogs here -- just select "click to vote" -- you don't have to register -- just a simple click!

6. Become a follower of juliethefish designs blog here.

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow.

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

The winner will be chosen on July 1st at or sometime after 11pm, est. by Random.org. Good luck! US residents only please.

support HANDmade with Sophi PIP -- plus a giveaway!

Sophia PIP is the perfect shop for those that appreciate the little yet beautiful things. We adore the casual elegance theme of handcrafted jewelry that is simple enough to be worn everyday - not to mention the quality craftsmanship and delicate designs. When we received our goods the detail & quality was beyond better then retail. The shop is filled with and is a great way to support handcrafted goods. And we love the designers motto -- "Make the world a better place by buying jewelry" -- as giving back is important to her (and us!) so a potion of her profits from Etsy are donated to various charities.

The Mirror Mirror on the Wall pendent ($36) is très chic. The delicate pale yellow flowere adorns a handcrafter Sterling Silver oval frame. It catches everyones eye and really stands out in its simplicity. The blossom adds a feminie touch is a translucent lucite - the perfect amount of detail. The necklace was oxidized & brushed to create a antique look.

Another customer fave we love our the Poppy Earrings ($26) - besides the fact that they are just adorable - they are perfect to dress up or wear caz. Made of copper and brass each individual poppy is hand-cut & shaped. The simple topping, a single Sterling Silver drop accents the center of each blossom. The matching bangle bracelets to go along create the perfect pair.

When did your love affair with jewels begin?

It's a pretty funny thing. I didn't wear jewelry for the longest time because I grew up with the original fashionista and that can be very intimidating. My mom has always been very stylish and I'm a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl. She had all these big sparkly jewels that I loved when I was little (and of course, often tried on when she wasn't looking!). When I got older though, they just didn't translate into what I'd actually wear. To make a long story short, I had a hard time finding simple but distinct jewelry that can be worn casually so I started making a few things for myself and some as gifts for friends.


What is your favorite material or stone to work with?
I love working with Beach Glass. Finding them is such a joy to begin with, but being able to work with something with such organic forms keeps things fresh. Every piece has a new shape that I can make a new design around.

What inspires your pieces?
There are too many to list! I read a lot and have studied the classic forms. I love watching old movies and try to imagine what the characters would wear nowadays. I love cooking, the ocean, and meeting new people. Everyday is an adventure and everything contributes to the person that I am and what comes out of my head. I always have a sketch pad with me and at the end of the day I look though all the sketches and see if there is anything I can use design wise.
What's up next for Sophia Pip?
I really like the "industrial" look that putting different metals together creates, so I'll definitely be exploring that further. I also like the "rustic" look of copper a whole lot; I've been experimenting with various natural oxidation techniques and I can't wait to integrate some of that into new designs. On the opposite side of the spectrum, I love everything nature, from twigs to flowers to snails, so I want to see how that would fit into what I make. These tend to turn into the more "delicate" designs". Maybe the "industrial" and the "delicate" will meet somewhere down the road. I can't wait to see.

How would you like to add some S.Pip to your jewelry collection? Well now you can because we are giving away Your Favorite Necklace. All you have to do is tell us why you LOVE it. Because who doesn't? This comment is mandatory! You also must be a follower of both cupcakeMAG and Sprinkles.

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry letting us know! The more you comment the better chance you have to WIN!

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Make sure you "LIKE" us on our NEW Facebook page.

3. Make sure you "LIKE" Sophia PIP on Facebook- leave a comment if you can!

4. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) -- just sign up with your email!

5. VOTE for us on Top Mommy Blogs here - just select "click to vote" -- you don't have to register - just a simple click!

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakeMAG - you must tweet, not just follow.

7. Write a blog post about this giveaway and send us the link!

We will choose a random winner on June 16th around 11pm or after, est. US residents only.

go ahead indulge your feminine side -- Miss C. Alexandria by CIRE' ALEXANDRIA

We just can't get enough of the feminine treasures from this one-of-a-kind Etsy shop. We came across Cire' Rosenbaum and her shop, Miss C. Alexandria a few months ago. It is the perfect place for accessory-aholics and basically anyone who loves oh so pretty things.

here are a few of our favorite things.......

welcome spring with the bold colors of the bee charm bracelet, $29

powder blue highly textured glass caabochon golden drop earrings

are sure to make any outfit pop, $24

the flower that could vintage stamped necklace is delicate yet bold, $26

sweet, delicate, and just simply pretty -

the cherry quartz earrings are perfect for easter brunch, $24

But these are only a sprinkling of great finds from the shop -

the possibilities are endless.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

ALL ABOUT CIRE'ALEXANDRIA

Collecting vintage jewelry was how my passion for beautiful things started! Now I make fun romantic vintage inspired jewelry and accessories that every girl needs! I use a combination of gold, sterling, semi-precious stones, pearls and charms! When ever possible I like to use recycled beads and findings as well! I find the jewelry and things I make really reflect my mood, so there are a lot of different styles in my shop. Something for everyone I'd say! You will even find I may part with a few of my vintage pieces! I cant wear them all, So I will share :)

We are so thankful she has shared her romantic, fun, & feminine accessories that showcase that fabulous vintage touch -- our jewelry boxes wouldn't be the same without them.

Stay up to date on all things CIRE'by following her on twitter and reading her AMAZING blog - we just can't get enough of her workspace where her creativity comes to life along with her recently made over to die for living room - it makes for great inspiration.

This is one designer you will never forget.