Day Three- True Religion

On Saturday, July 17, 2010, guests gathered at The Raleigh Hotel – Cabana Grande at 9:00 p.m. for the debut of True Religion Swimwear Collection Spring 2011. True Religion Swimwear brought an American vintage vibe to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2011 with its eye-catching men and women’s swimwear and accessories. 

True Religion Swimwear Collection Spring 2011 offered vintage-Americana, hippie-esqe style to women’s swimwear in a wide variety of colors and prints.

“This season was all about incorporating playful takes to the signature collection, said Fawn Arthur, Creative Director of Sea & Sun Swimwear. “We added touches of fun animal prints and plaids as well as unique fabric washes to maintain the vintage appeal.”

Day Three- Poko Pono

Founder and creator of Poko Pano, Paola Robba, invited guests to preview her love for Brazil – a celebration of the country’s pure and exotic environment. 

On Saturday, July 17, 2010 an eclectic mix of fashion elite including American pop-singer, Ana Cristina; shoe designers Donald J. and Lisa Pliner; luxury handbag designer  Laura Buccellati and  Miami Beach City Commissioner, Michael Gongora observed the preview of  “Amo o Brasil,” the Portuguese translation for “I love Brazil.” The dynamic Summer 2011 collection of swimwear and beachwear was inspired by the country’s intense aromas, attractions and landscapes. The vibrant color palette included variations of yellows, reds, and greens, turquoise, black and white. Signature designs included heart-shaped patterns that represented Paola’s passion for Brazil, toucan birds and banana flowers to signify the vibrant scenery, rose and coconut trees to denote the aromatic atmosphere. 

Day Three-Ed Hardy Swimwear

On Saturday, July 16, 2010, guests gathered at The Raleigh Hotel – Cabana Grande at 9:00 p.m. for the debut of Ed Hardy Swimwear Spring 2011 Men’s and Women’s Contemporary Swim Collection.

The edgy apparel and lifestyle brand Ed Hardy joined the lineup of designers at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2011, bringing an eclectic mix to Miami Beach with its eye-catching swim collections. Celebrity and VIP attendees included model/actress and accessory designer Phoebe Price, shoe designer Lisa Pliner, N*SYNC former band mate Lance Bass, America’s Next Top Model season 7 contestant Anchal Joseph, BRAVO’s Miami Social ’s Ariel Stein and luxury handbag designer Laura Buccellati.

Maintaining the tattoo edge that Ed Hardy is infamous for, designer Christian Audigier incorporated a feminine flare by mixing bright, bold colors and saturated neons.

New embellishments included zipper accents, lurex straps, chainlink details and custom hardware and textures, taking the authentic Ed Hardy art and giving the brand a fresh, new upgrade. New tie-dye combinations of lime paired with gold, shades of mango, vivid blues and aqua’s, added a tropical twist to the runway.

Chris Brown’s model girlfriend Jasmine Sanders walked in the show as well as Corde Broadus, son of rapper Snoop Dogg and Chrissy Teigen, model girlfriend of John Legend also sauntered on the runway.

Day Two- Beach Bunny Swimwear

California based Beach Bunny Swimwear stomped down the runway at the Cabana Grande this Friday night. Spotted in the front row were Selena Gomez and the Kardashian sisters.

Beach Bunny wowed the crowd with sexy satin cover-ups, metallic cutout one-pieces and lace embellished two-pieces.

The Newport Beach line was tantalizing with an array of turquoises, crèmes, blacks and silvers.

The feminine and flirty silhouette was emphasized with bangle bracelets, chunky necklaces, lace headbands and cutout gloves.

The line was balanced with a few rock-glam pieces highlighting the studded bikini tops and one-pieces.

Day Two- White Sands Australia

White Sands Australia was held on Friday afternoon in the Penthouse Suite in the Raleigh Hotel. The Australian based swimwear was a breathtaking view of fun prints, simple colors and classic cuts.

The prints were appealing and sexy, one to fit any body type. Prints ranging from peacock feathers to Hawaiian, the prints are sure to please any fashionista.

The simple colors and classic cuts were reminiscent to the high-waist swimsuits from the 1940s.

Paired with messy beach waves and giant vintage like sunglasses, White Sands was a delight to view for the press and Swimistas alike.

Extended Trina Turk coverage

TRINA TURK KICKED OFF MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK SWIM 2011

Los Angeles-Based Designer Brought “Acapulco Gold” to Miami Beach with her Swim Spa 2011 Collection

The ultimate fiesta, hosted by Los Angeles-based designer Trina Turk invited guests to celebrate her first appearance at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2011 with a celebration of glitz and glamour to introduce her Swim & Spa 2011 collection.  On Thursday, July 15, 2010 a global mix of fashion elite observed the preview of Trina Turk’s fresh approach to swimwear and beachwear.

Trina Turk set the stage with a dynamic collection inspired by the opulence of the Mexican world-class resort. The Swim & Spa 2011 collection, “Acapulco Gold,” included a strong variation of looks that included a range of exotic influences, vibrant colors and hypnotic prints. Acapulco’s pure exotica and tropical motif was featured throughout the collection of swimwear, beach apparel and accessories. 

The collection’s color palette introduced citron, fuchsia and ultraviolet. Additional highlights included gold hardware inspired by handpicked vintage jewelry in brushed links, circular-textured rings and filigree X’s. The collection’s feminine silhouettes featured one-piece keyhole bandeaus, halters with intricately-woven fabrics through gold hardware, sash hipsters and bikinis with border prints.

Matching accessories such as light-weight cover-ups ranged from chiffon caftans and modal jersey keyhole halter dresses to border-printed silk tunics and super-fine knit jersey rompers.  The collection also unveiled  Mr. Turk menswear, classic American resort wear styling reworked with Trina Turk’s signature prints and bold colors adorning khaki-textured cotton shirts, polos, Bermudas and tweed shorts. 

Clinique and Femme Coiffure Hair Spa teamed up with Trina Turk to complement the bold and flirty “Acapulco Gold” look with sun-kissed skin and flowing beach waves. Aside from the array of bikinis, one-pieces and cover-ups, several models pulled off an ultimate accessory - oversized straw hats. 

Beach Bunny Swimwear Sneak Peek!

Since we haven't seen a Beach Bunny show since LA Fashion Week quite a few seasons ago this is def a highlight of the week!

Beach Bunny Swimwear takes the spotlight on the largest stage, Cabana Grande, presenting next season’s collection, which includes the latest “Kardashians for Beach Bunny Swimwear” line.  The brand’s newest design trio: Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian-Odom are confirmed to be front and center...

In addition to the Kardashian’s confirmed attendance, Beach Bunny Swimwear is flying in top supermodels to walk their runway show. Including Sports Illustrated’s Jessica White, Chrissy Teigen, Lisalla Montenegro, Dominique Piek and many others.  Making her Beach Bunny Swimwear debut is Jessica Rafalowski, the brand’s first annual Model Search Winner.  Jessica beat out over 10,000 contestants for the chance to shoot with world renowned Beach Bunny Swimwear photographer Yu Tsai on their next campaign.

CEO and Designer, Angela Chittenden created collections themed as “Old Hollywood,” “Safari Glam,” and “Sailor Chic” and draws her inspiration from upscale lingerie and her travels around the world.

Stay tuned for more details after the show........

MBFW -- Miami Swim -- Day One--Trina Turk

On Thursday, July 15, 2010 to kick off Swim Week 2011, Los Angeles-based designer Trina Turk set the runway with west coast glamour at in the Cabaña Grande tent.

Marking the designer’s first appearance at the annual swimwear event, the Trina Turk Swim Spa 2011, making a splash with colorful and intricately-crafted swimwear, beach essentials and accessories. The alluring showcase of laid-back, Palm Springs lifestyle, including color palettes of orange, turquoise, pink and deep violet, is incorporated into feminine silhouettes and sultry cuts, accented with hardware inspired by vintage jewelry.

The collection also includes Mr. Turk menswear, classic American resort wear styling reworked with Trina Turk’s signature prints and bold colors.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim to Debut Exclusive New Style Event

ZYNC from American Express presents 'Swim & Style' a unique and distinctive style experience for Miami Fashionistas MIAMI BEACH.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim kicks off today, July 15th in Miami Beach for its sixth sizzling season. This year, ZYNC from American Express and Nic Del Maron July 18, 2010 at The Raleigh.  have teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind style and shopping destination called 'Swim & Style'

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim is rolling out the red carpet to the fashionable crowd of Miami for an experience that provides special access to the collections they love. ZYNC from American Express will host an exclusive pool party with special performances by the synchronized swimming group, Aqualillies, who fuse music and style for a unique performance set to a hot mix from a celebrity DJ. Guests will also enjoy personal style sessions from Miami’s own fashion boutique and Daily Candy’s “Sweetest Thing” winner Nic del Mar, helping them find their most fashionable and flattering swimwear fit.

MAKE UP FOR EVER, TRESemmé and Clarisonic Sonic Skin Care will also be on site, providing attendees with goodies that fit their personal style including MAKE UP FOR EVER touch ups with the new Aqua  Cream Collection, TRESemmé’s TRES Two hairspray and even a little pampering with mini-facials from Clarisonic’s sonic beauty technology.

You will find guests stopping by the Mercedes-Benz poolside driving simulator featuring the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG super car to get a taste of the fast life.

Sounds like a great start to this exciting week!

Fashion Alert! Miami Fashion Week

By: Elizabeth Seever,  Contributing Writer

Miami Fashion Week is quickly approaching! (Thursday July 15-Monday July 19) and some of the trends that we are looking forward to seeing this summer are fun, flirty yet classic.

A trend that we are very excited for is the cutout swimsuit. Designers like Lisa Maree are trying the trend out on 2011 Swim Collection. The only thing on my mind is cut out tan lines and how to get around them.

Yet again watch out for Metallics! Red Carter, Crystal Jin and Tyler Rose are each designing swimwear that glitters in the sun.

One last trend that we hope to see a lot of is high waist bikinis circa 1940’s and 1950’s. For those who loves a good thrift store, high waist bikinis are always a find for the Marilyn Monroe esque. We love that the classic look is back on runways everywhere.

As for our favorites be on the look out for Maryisa Swim and Tyler Rose. So everyone get their tanning lotion and shades on and look out for Miami Fashion Week! Coverage to come........

cupcakeMAG is TEAM ERIN all.the.way

You all know Erin Kaplan from MTV's The City and if you don't well, your missing out. She is the ELLE "It" girl we all have come to know & love. Erin, has done amazing things at 26 - making her the youngest Director of Public Relations ever at Elle Magazine. And she hasn't let her beyond famous face on The City get to her. She is seriously great at what she does all while being super down-to-earth. We LOVED getting to know Erin and couldn't wait to share our chat with you.

Photo Courtesy of MTV

How did you get started at Elle?

I started at ELLE about 4 ½ yrs ago as a Marketing assistant and worked my way up.

What advice can you give about working in the fashion industry?

My best piece of advice would be to find a job that you’re passionate about. In any industry, really loving what you do will keep you motivated and inspired to do the best job you can.

What is your go-to outfit?

Anything black. When I moved to NY from CA I didn't own a single piece of black clothing…now; it’s almost all I wear! While I’m pretty basic when it comes to clothes I have a weakness for incredible shoes. I have definitely spent far more than I should on a great pair, but consider them all excellent investments!

What is it like walking a day in Erin's stilettos?

Ever-changing. The great thing about doing PR for a magazine, and especially for ELLE, is that every day is completely different than the one before. One day I’m focusing on the celebrity covergirl, the next fashion, beauty or features--sometimes everything at once. I also work closely with the editors on segments and interviews or events we’re throwing. Each day is never the same and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

How has your life changed now that you’re on The City? (especially knowing that everyone is TEAM ERIN!)

Is everyone Team Erin?! That’s so nice but I always feel as though it changes week to week…I definitely appreciate and am very grateful for the support! My life really hasn’t changed too drastically. My number one priority is and always will be doing the best job I can at ELLE. Everything else is secondary, so as long as I stay focused on my work I don’t think my life will change too much!

What is up next for you? Can we hope for another season of The City?

I’m not sure…I never in a million years thought that I would be on a television show so as much of a control freak as I am, I’ve really tried to embrace whatever comes next and expect the unexpected. As for another season of The City?...I hope so!

1.) I have three brothers who never let me get away with much (anything!)—I definitely developed a thick skin early on.

2.) I interned at Saturday Night Live for two semesters in college—and still remember Jimmy Fallon’s coffee order.

3.) I knew that I wanted to live in New York City since I was in the 6^th grade. Once I moved here for college, I never looked back.

4.) Contrary to what you see on the show, I am a pretty non-confrontational person.

5.) I read seven newspapers every single morning before work. Always in print, never online (NY Times, WSJ, NY Post, Daily News, USA Today, Newsday, WWD)

Love Erin's style? Check out Elle.com on just how to get her uber-chic yet effortless look. Shop The City: Erin Kaplan Style on ELLE here. And don't forget to stay up-to-date with Erin by following her on Twitter.

sizzlin' scents

By Emily Purdue, Contributing Writer

Summer is here and it's that time to replace your heavy winter scents with a light sheer summer scent. Summer aromas are sweet and fruity! They are also rich floral scents such as jasmine! Needless to say they are VERY gratifying and leave taking a wift all day.

Here are some of our favorites….

• Bath & Body Works----The Summer Vanillas line contains- fragrance in Berry Vanilla, Apricot Vanilla, Lemon Vanilla, and Coconut Vanilla. Oh so perfect!-12.50

• Soap and Paper Factory Solid Perfume -Jasmine- Hand poured and portable perfume for the perfect personal touch!-18.00

• Sprig Blue Hydrangea Candle- Blue Hydrangea and Casablanca Lily- combined with the bold essence of Persian melon and fresh aquatic notes-20.00

• Flirt Rock N Rebel - a floral-fruity fragrance which celebrates independent spirit. Key notes of this edition are apple nectar, blackberry and pink grape fruit mixed with gentle notes of lotus giving an impression of fun, girly rhythm

• Sula Love Bird fresh by Ulta -infuses a pleasing combination of freshly cut grass, juicy citrus fruits, sugar and lime blossom to create a light, airy fragrance. If they cute packaging doesn’t entice you the fragrance definitely will.

• CO Bigelow Lemon&Pomegrtanate No 1817 Fragance Spray- Similar to our bright, zesty Lemon fragrance but with a hint of fruity sweetness. This sheer mist leaves skin lightly scented. Layer over our Lemon & Pomegranate Body Cream for long-lasting fragrance.

Celeb Scents of the Summer:

Halle Berry Pure Orchid – Pure Orchid is a Floral Woody fragrance expressing a woman’s mysterious sexiness and intriguing sensuality that leaves a memorable impression throughout the day and night

Top Notes: Jungle Cactus Flower, Italian Lemon, Papaya Nectar Fizz Middle Notes: Blackberry Crème Concentré, Star Anise, Masdevallia Orchid
Base Notes: Giant Sequoia, Patchouli Leaf, Sustainable Tonka Bea

Baby Phat DARE ME -The luminous floriental fragrance opens

with an intriguingly smooth coconut top note that blends into a heart of velvety blackberry crème and vanilla orchid with a sophisticated warm drydown of crème de musk and sandalwood ! We think it is perfect for summer!

Top Notes: Daring Magnolia & Island Coconut
Mid Notes: Audacious Southern Honeysuckle & African White Milkwood
Bottom notes: Confident Crème de Musk and Sandalwood

essentials to a YUMMIE TUMMIE --- plus a giveaway!

Move over Spanx. Yes, we said it. Make room for Yummie Tummie.

We are so glad we have found this amazing little helper for looking fabulous. Not only does Yummie Tummie look great but it also makes you feel great. We would say that every single item in the line is "essential" but we know everyone can't splurge that much (they have so many great pieces!) so we have decided to share with your the sprinkling of goodies Yummie Tummie sent over which we just can't be without.

Tanks: How much do you hate the whole "smooshed boob" look under a cami? We know for us, its a major fail. That is why we can't live without the many tanks. The Undercover Yummie and Original Tank perfectly smooths away all of the little lady lumps you don't want to see. It is all about smoothing the middle.

Bottoms: We adore the Briefe and the NEW! Shaping Leggings. For the Briefie it is all about the timeless beauty and classic needs & let's not forget channeling Marilyn Monroe.The Briefie gives you that hour glass shapre you can show off and slims the bulge. As for the leggings - well, they are just a fashion staple and a must-have basic. They come in two great fabrics - tricot and knit and are perfect to shimmy on in so many ways - over a dress, pair with a long Yummie Tummie tank - however you wear them you won't want to take them off.

Intimates: As for Yummie Tummie Intimates we can't wear a dress without the Slippie. The high waisted slip will slim and smooth all those trouble spots - tummie, hips, and thighs yet you can wear your own bra too which is great for any look. Just through it on and go, no uncomfy closure. And we love the sweet stretch lace trim. Going from office to bedroom? Opt for the Teddie - Yummie Tummie's sexiest piece yet. It is super comfortable yet you feel glam.

No matter what Shapewear you need, Yummie Tummie offers it all and in SO many ways. Make sure you check out the super-chic & fun fashion apparel pieces as well - its not just undercover shape wear; your going to want to show it off!

Also, make sure you stay tuned for our chat with Heather Thomson the genius creator behind Yummie Tummie - but, until then Yummie Tummie is giving one of you a $100 Gift Certificate!

Ready for a shopping spree? Head over to Yummie Tummie and tell us just what you would get with $100. This comment is mandatory. You also must be a follower of cupcakeMAG & Sprinnkles.

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. Follow Yummie Tummie on Twitter

3. Make sure you "LIKE" us on our NEW Facebok page.

4. Make sure you "LIKE" Yummie Tummie on Facebook.

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

however make sure you verify - we do check!

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

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

The winner will be selected on Friday July 23rd around or after 11pm, EST. Open to US residents only.

cupcakemMAG -- home edition

Obsessed with: OUR CHIC HOME IRON! 

In June, CHI Home sent us this amazing Ceramic Clothing Iron and guess what? -- we haven't stopped ironing since! This is by far the newest standard in home appliances as it incorporates the latest Advanced American Technology including ceramic, ionic and far infrared to release wrinkles in the most delicate of fabrics in record time. We couldn't believe how fast it heats up! 

Thoughtfully designed, the flash heating red and gray iron has a smooth nonstick ceramic sole plate. Why Ceramic? Just as hair, clothes are also made up of fibers. Traditional metal plates can burn, snag and eventually deform the fibers. The ceramic sole plate of the CHI Home Ceramic Clothing iron glides easily across different materials without snagging and burning. When set to the appropriate temperature, one glide will eliminate wrinkles—even on the most delicate of fabrics such as satin, silk and nylon. A ceramic surface means less wear and tear on fabric for prolonged longevity of your favorite clothing. As it releases wrinkles, the CHI Iron collects dust directly to the sole plate. White and gray specs of dust will be visible upon use. To clean, simply let the iron cool and wipe with a soft cloth to remove any residue.

Why else we LOVE it: 

- Precision tip maneuvers into hard reach areas like those pleats in dresses, pockets and collars

- You can adjust the heat for different fabrics with the very accurate temperature dial. 

- The many functions include: spraying, a spray on water directly on cloth; steam ironing, continuous steam for higher temperature ironing; and burst of steam, an extra boost of steam to treat stubborn wrinkles. 

- The self cleaning option loosens minerals for top steam performance each and every time. Built-in stand provides vertical stability. A better engineered iron equals better performance, faster results and less time ironing.

For more information, visit www.chihome.com, $89.99 -- go buy-it now, you won't regret it! 

About CHI Home, LLC: 

Established in 2009 by President Shauky Gulamani, CHI HOME, LLC has integrated Innovative Technologies including Ceramic, Far Infrared, Nano Silver and UV-C into daily household items for a more efficient and healthier lifestyle. Gulamani, an instrumental party in the development of the original CHI iron, propagated the technologies he applied to the professional hair care for “An Environmental Lifestyle offering today’s smart consumer unique superior products at an everyday affordable price.” CHI Home currently has lines in home care, hair care, personal care and kitchenware.

cupcakeMAG ETSY home edition

                      
(1&8) The Home Centric gives us an array of beautiful pillow case covers - fit for every style. We love the high quality fabric and detailed design. The Enchanted Rose & Vintage Ruffles throw pillow covers are our favorites, even though the shop is filled with over 200 - making it hard to choose.

(2&9) OH how we adore ItzFitz - this shop is perfect for that not so average wreath we set out to find. The Dash of Spring gives your front door just the right amount of color. The simplicity of the lemon wreath is also the perfect touch for summer.

(3) At Spotted Leopard we found a little bit of country chic. The moss covered initials look great hung over a mirror or just by themselves. We love that you can pick any color ribbon to match!

(4 & 6) Love to entertain? Have a cocktail party coming up? We have the sweetest accessory for your wine glass. These Hibiscus Slipon Coasters go on before guest arrive so you aren’t running around worrying over them putting their glass on your best piece of furniture all while looking uber-chic. Mix & match - they come in a variety of shapes and colors.

(5) 4 all seasons is your place for unique home decor that fits all your needs. It isn’t your average place to “hang your britches” - the metal wood plaques are even better in person - you won’t believe the HANDmade quality & everyone will be dying to know where you got it. The Laundry & Bath plaque give off the shabby chic yet elegant vibe.

(7) You can’t tell from the picture but this topiary is made from clay -- yes, clay. The look great bunched in with other items for a pop of color on your mantel.

(10&13) oh.my.word --- Word Garden is known for their Chalkboard Pillow which we adore for any room. Another favorite? The French Canceled Postage Pillow in Burlap is just something you won’t see at you neighbors house - one of the reasons we love this shop.

(11) Funkie Finds is a place to find just that -- funkie things that give personality. These Shabby Vintage Children’s Books are the perfect touch placed for “looks” on your little ones bookshelf.

(12) You will always find a sweet vintage find at The Pretty Nest. We love these Vintage White Compote Dish that reminds of us of something we would find in our grandparents hope. Add a touch of color to make it a stand out piece.

(14) Janey Mac Press vinyl wall art is our favorite place to spruce up your wall. We love the O is for Owl -- which is perfect for a bedroom or playroom and comes in almost any color you can think of!

(15) Stay organized with Bits N Pieces Etc. Not only is this one oh so chic organizer -- it looks super cute on your desk.  

(16) For the perfect added flair to your fridge, magnet board or office -- these Pink Beaded Cluster Vintage Magnets are real charmers. Grab a few sets from Frolocking Leaves.

To view our cupcakeMAG home edition treasury on Etsy go here!