Featured Blogger -- Jen Ramos of Made By Girl

Jen Ramos isn't just a designer. She is the writer of a FABulous blog that we just LOVE! You could spend hours, scratch that, days on her site. We first found Jen on Etsy. You remember this post? Everyone just adores her prints on Made By Girl. 
Well now you can get to know the girl behind it all. 

{What made you decide to begin Made by Girl?}


The idea of being my own boss has always enticed me. Starting Made By Girl was an opportunity to feel that sense a freedom that comes with owning your own business. I'm a leader at heart & don't care much for working a 9-5 corporate desk job. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a desk job, its just not for me.

The Made By Girl Office 

{You have a very eye-catching blog that most could browse for hours. We have to say - you have a beautiful home & office. What home decorating tips can you share with us? What inspires you when it comes to decorating?}

Thanks! Well, I'm inspired by colors, textiles, wallpapers, pieces of furniture, magazines & more. I believe inspiration is everywhere if you stop to take notice.  I believe one's home should reflect one's personal style. TIP: Adding large scale colorful art is a great way to brighten up a home. 

{inside Jen's home}

{What are you favorite sites or blogs you browse online? And what magazines do you read?} 

My favorite magazines are Living Etc, Real Living Australia, Elle Decor and more! Favorite online blogs? Hmmm,  I have too many to name..

{When you aren't designing your next card or print, what can we find you doing?}

During the weekends, I'll be hanging out at a local Starbucks or bookstore, or snuggling with my guy on the sofa watching a few old flicks....on Sundays you'll find me at church and meeting friends for lunch. 

{Do you have a favorite item in your shop?}

My favorite item is the Hello Languages print.  I would love to see it as a wallpaper someday.

{What is up next for you & Made By Girl?}

I feel like I should take a short break, but we'll see.  On the work front, I'd love to add more interesting artists to my shop, more calling cards, as well as a few new kids designs. The rest I'll leave it up to God. 

Web: MadeByGirl.com

Twitter: Tweet Jen

Blog: MadeByGirl Blog

cupcakeMAG -- Home Edition! -- Featured Etsy Designer!

Click the {banner} to visit the shop

.....they are so much more then pillow covers. they are the latest home accessory......

Kenilworth Place is something we have been fond about for quite some time. We just LOVE the shabby chic style and cottage comfort of Kenilworth Place. The designer, Sandra, gives us the perfect accessory for our home - something special to brighten up a chair, couch or your little one's room. The choices are endless with pages of to-die-for shabby chic pillow covers. They instantly re-vamp your space and make it look inviting and cozy - and oh my gosh, the quality - it is beyond amazing. Read on the WIN your very own Keniworth Place Pillow Cover and get to know the lovely designer herself. 

Reversible Cottage Chic Pillow Cover. $30

Spruce up your space with a little pink, $25 

{What made you begin your shop?}

I am entrepreneur by nature. I owned my own boutique for many years before I had children. After they began school, I wanted to start another business. I discovered Etsy and was able to create a business around my family time. I work out of the studio I designed and built behind my home and love not having to deal with retail space and landlords.

The designer, Sandra

{What inspired the name Kenilworth Place?}

Our first house was an English Tudor in a designated historic district. The avatar for my shop is a picture of this home which was located on Kenilworth Place. Built in 1905, we became the home’s first owner occupants. It had been a rental property for over 80 years and needed significant work. With so much money being invested repairing the “bones” of the house, this is where I started designing and sewing home décor – draperies, slip covers, table cloths, pillow covers, napkins and of course draft snakes (which I sell at my other Etsy shop Shakerville).

The Studio.....dreamy right? 

{How long have you been sewing?}

Basically my whole life. I still remember my first customer. Her name was “Barbie” and I made her a towel to wrap around her red swim suit. I believe I was eight years old. My mother Ripple and grandmother Ada Mae were and still are my inspirations. My mother had an eye for prints and my grandmother never needed a pattern, just an idea.

Inside the studio....ah, fabric galore! 

{When you aren't sewing, what can we find you doing?}

Spending time with my three kids and my husband. We are an active family and love what Oregon has to offer, from hiking around Mt. Hood to relaxing at the coast, nothing is more than an hour away from Portland. When we are at home, you can find me in the garden with my dogs.

{What are some of your other favorite Etsy sites?}

There are so many wonderful and talented Etsy shop owners it is hard to choose only a few, but I really like Retrofide, abushelandapeck, Afra, DrikaB, sohomode.

The perfect playroom pillow or for your Littles special place, $28

{What is up next for you?}

Short-term is launching a new collection of pillow covers. This will be a unique and different style from my current offerings, yet complementary. You will be able to mix these pillows with anything currently on my site and create a great look.

Longer-term I will be moving my operations to the farm. We are looking for the right property with a large barn to house my studio and enough land to create my English Garden and allow my English Mastiffs more room to roam.

Are you LOVE yet? We are. So why not win one! Read on below to enter your choice -- any pillow cover in the shop! You can thank Sandra for it. 

on our radar -- royal bitch couture

We are just loving this line - Royal Bitch Couture - and not just because it is super cute but because it gives back. A cause-based company that encourages women to do their part in helping save the millions of dogs in America that are euthanized each year. Yes, fashion for a cause - we LOVE. 

Royal Bitch has pledged to donate 50% of the process from their uber-fashionable clothing line to neuter and spay organizations all across the county. Oh, did we mention to-die for comfy too? Yes, the line is beyond perfect. 

Royal Bitch Couture features extra soft formfitting cotton tee's, French loop hoodies, short shorts, low-rise sweat pants and dresses, making the collection touchable and a staple in every woman's wardrobe. What's not to love? 

Daily {LOVE}

Obsessed. Addicted. Love. 

Those are just a few words that define our love affair with Velvet Angels. The line of luxury footwear for any fashionista wanting to update her fashion-forward style. We want every single pair in our closets. 

Velvet Angels is creating a sensation with high-end, luxury boutiques, department stores, and with some of the most style conscious celebrities including Fergie, Katy Pery, Carrie Underwood, Kim Kardashian, Brooke Burke, Keri Hilson, Rhianna, and Ashlee Simpson.

cupcakeMAG picks! 

{what we are dying for} 

The Optima, $295

Pili Pili, $165

La Balajo, $295


Get shopping now and make sure you follow them on Twitter. 

Daily {LOVE}

There isn't much to say besides, we die. We are so obsessed and beyond in love with these simple and classic Vintage Sunglasses. Guess what? They are only $30!
Ahhh, we just fell in love all over again.

current obsession: oh yes, it is the bieber

We can't believe we are saying this but, we are obsessed with Justin Bieber. Okay - maybe not the bieb himself but with Give Me the 1st Dance nail polish inspired by his very own hits. The FABulous season to season metallic silver from his nail polish line, "The One Less Lonely Girl" collection from Nicole by OPI. It is currently what we are rockin'. 


Our first thought was really? Nail polish from a 16 year-old pop star? But shockingly we are lovin' this color. Check out the other full collection of new Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer shades in The One Less Lonely Girl Collection:

The One Less Lonely Girl Collection is also helping Justin raise awareness and funds for a nonprofit organization close to Justin’s heart, called Pencils of Promise (PoP). PoP helps to build schools and increase educational opportunities in the developing world. Justin has joined together with PoP to build 100 schools for children around the world with the help of young people everywhere.

Rachel Zoe Rocks Her Baby Bump. I DIY!

By Lindsey Muth, Contributing Writer 

 

My fave fashionista, the fabulous Ms. Rachel Zoe, announced in November that she and her scarf-loving husband Rodger are happily expecting a lil bundle of joy. Followers of The Rachel Zoe Project everywhere let out a collective, "yippee!" and started holding their breath to see if/when/how the tiny Ms. Zoe would make maternity clothes look chic (or would she wear her husband's sweats like the rest of us? Yeah right). She's making fashion waves already. My fave baby bump ensemble from the past month is this edgy/casual daywear look she wore in December while filming her reality show (though my eyes popped out of my head at the height on those heels!)

 

 

Of course we can't all afford the clothes in Ms. Zoe's closet. But fashionable preggers everywhere can rock this trendsetting look for less!

 

A. Free People Sunday Brunch Dress ($68)

B. Target Liz Lange Maternity Legging ($13)

C. Target Mossimo Kanyiah Over-the-Knee Boots ($35)

D. Forever 21 Faux Leather Jacket ($38)

E. Sunlight Glass (an Etsy shop) White Iris Pendant ($25)

 

Finish the look with those oversized shades I know you already have at home and your favorite black bag. You'll turn heads making that midnight run for mint chocolate chip icecream, mama!

Golden Globes -- Get the Look!

Stars took a romantic approach to their hairstyles and kept their looks soft, polished and effortlessly beautiful. These styles were polished and sexy yet surprisingly easy to re-create at home. Check out these easy classic hair trends to follow, below:

Bangs: Stars like Sandra Bullock, Olivia Wilde and Sarah Hyland all sported bangs on the red carpet and kept them blunt and the focal point of their overall hairstyle. If you want to try bangs but not ready to make the cut, then try Hairdo Clip-In Bangs ($29: QVC.com) which offer a non-committal way to wear bangs – no matter the style or event. Bangs are the new BOTOX! 

Glamorous Waves: Long wavy locks are a classic Hollywood hairstyle that has worked on the red carpet for years and continued to do so on the evening of the Globes for Megan Fox, Anne Hathaway and Sofia Vergara. What’s the secret to achieving this effortless, classic hair style? Extensions! They are the answer to adding length and volume to achieve this look. To create this glamorous look, try Hairdo’s 20 inch Styleable Clip-In Extensions ($99: QVC.com) or the Dancing with the Stars Hair Extensions in Go! Go! Girl ($49: HSN.com) in that easily clip-in to create a transformation worthy of the red carpet!

French Twist: The French Twist is an ode to a classic look that you wouldn’t normally expect to see on such young beauties. However, it was the 30 and under ladies who were sporting this super coiffed updo – and made it work. To try this look at home, add volume to the crown with the help of the Hairdo Bump Up The Volume ($99: QVC.com) that will give you the height you need to achieve this dramatic look.

Tell us! 

Which look do you LOVE? 

SPRING TREND REPORT: MARA HOFFMAN

For her Spring/Summer 2011 collection, designer Mara Hoffman took a more casual approach in the overall look and feel of the line. Inspired in part by her own personal style of dressing, Hoffman introduced what she calls a "military gone native" theme. 

The collection features vibrant prints with mystical and ethnic influences, in keeping with Hoffman's signature aesthetic yet adding new detailing and techniques, such as solids with embroidered pockets or waistbands, braiding and fringe. 

Loose summer knits are styled with cool, casual and very wearable pieces that will become great summer staples. The Spring collection will be sold at retail stores including Intermix, Nordstrom, Revolve Clothing, ShopBop.com, Dash, Planet Blue, Bleu, Atrium, Stanley Korshak, Anthropologie and many more. 

Designer/Socialite Nicky Hilton recently wore one of Mara's new Spring dresses to an event in Tampa, FL and we are just dying over it. 

Hoffman hits on several trends of the moment:

Ethnic/African: Vibrant Prints, Colorful Embroidery, Braided Detailing

Army/Military: Army Gre en Canvas and Khaki Silk, Rompers and Separates

Animal Prints: Khaki Cheetah 

Colorful Printed Cropped Pants

Stay tuned for Mara Hoffman Fall 2011 -- we will be bringing you all the NYFW coverage next month and Mara Hoffman is always a cucpakeMAG favorite!

Daily {LOVE}

By Angela Parks

If you follow me on Twitter, then you will know there is one item in particular that I obsess over. One item that makes me go weak in the knees. One accessory that I simply cannot live without.  Forget the handbags and the shoes...this girl loves her SUNGLASSES!

So imagine my delight when I happened upon these little gems while shopping online:

These Tod's 2-tone Butterfly Sunglasses ($350)are to die for! I personally prefer the two-toned Antique Rose with the Brown Lense, but you can also purchase them in Black with a Grey Lense. These will be absolutely perfect for my upcoming trip to The Middle East! So chic and divine!

Winter Sweater for Winter Weather!

By Candace Cabrera Moore 


Still mesmerized by the Golden Globes and jealous of their 80+ degree weather, I am bundled up in my thickest, most cozy winter sweater as the snow storm currently dumping on my state turns to an ice storm. Le sigh. It is still January, and contrary to what Californians may have us think, it is still, unfortunately, winter. With that being said, I am super grateful for designs by labels like Mason by Michelle Mason, who have created the most genius of sweaters called the Blanket Cardigan. Think of it as a more stylish, much warmer, backwards snuggie, if you will. It will keep you warm and toasty turning these last few months of January while you stare at the Golden Globes photos, lusting not only after the gorgeous duds, but the gorgeous weather. 

Chatting with the LEGENDary Steven Tyler

After listening to Steven Tyler talk for thirty minutes we were smitten by his down-to-earth and just amazing personality. Starting the chat with "Darling how are you?" in his rock star voice we knew this was going to be a great little talk. He seriously puts the legend in legendary. As the iconic songwriter, composer and voice of Aerosmith – America’s greatest rock-and-roll band – Steven is considered one of rock’s most recognizable and dynamic front men. Rolling Stone even named him as one of the greatest singers of all time and well, he is just that. 

Steven Tyler doesn't stop. With American Idol premiering tomorrow he is nearly booked up with getting ready for his tour with Aerosmith, starting in November & beginning song writing next week. But he warned us not to believe the tabloids -- "Aerosmith doesn't get in the way" of American Idol like they are claiming it does and he is ready for everything.

Steven has "no regrets"as he is a "grateful recovering drug addict and alcoholic" and is "always ready to take it up a notch" confessing he is "addicted to adrenaline."

On Judging: "Taking what I've grown up with - being a very harsh judge of myself, my own vocals, my own brand & kind of laid that across." He just wants to be honest and open this season and hopes to find the next American Idol. So, will he be bringing more rock and less pop? "I've got a good ear for all music, it's not just a one phase process." He is looking for "rock star quality" and claims one of the contestants will be bringing it - "His voice is ridiculous." Steven couldn't say much but he did confirm that he has more then a one year contract. He promised us he was going to take it up a notch this season on American Idol.

Thoughts on J.Lo? "She's a fox with a big heart and she's also street. I feel in love with her in The Backup Plan.

Favorite idols? Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson

Most sung Aerosmith song during auditions? He heard about 15-16 "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and on a few he was able to get into it but some were hard for him to judge. He felt they were doing it just to impress him as a judge.

"If anyone has anything to say bad about me this season, it will get better next year."

Oh, Steven. You had us at "DARLINGGGG HOW ARE YOU?!!!" 

HEIDI KLUM LOOKS GLAM AT THE 2011 GOLDEN GLOBE

 WHO: ASTOR Brand Ambassador and Artistic Advisor, Heidi Klum

WHAT: Heidi Klum attended the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

WHEN: Sunday, January 16, 2011

THE LOOK: Heidi Klum rocked the red carpet with glamorous 70’s inspired makeup at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. Klum emphasized her eyes with a playful combination of plum and chocolate hues, while her extra long lashes added a hint of drama to this sophisticated look. The soft and subtle peach cheek and lip kept Klum looking radiant and fresh faced, providing an all over glow, perfect for the red carpet.

To capture her glamorous look, Heidi wears the following products:

FACE:

ASTOR Mattitude HD Anti Shine High Definition Foundation: Mattitude HD provides an even matt natural looking finish with 16 hours of shine control.  The oil free and light gel formula leaves skin feeling soft and supple and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

EYES:

ASTOR Colour Vision Eyeshadow Palette – Tropical Velvet (shade 010): This easy to apply eye shadow with a crease resistant formula provides a long lasting, flawless look.

ASTOR Big and Beautiful False Lash Look Mascara: The unique, extra-soft brush plumps and fans lashes to look 5 times thicker while the customized formula enriched with Natural Cotton, Silk powders and Keratin moisturizes and pampers eyelashes.

LIPS:

Perfect Stay Lip Tint – (shade 400): The new 2-step Perfect Stay Lip Tint & Balm offers weightless colour that won’t rub off or smear. Lips are tinted with transfer proof colour so light you’ll forget you’re wearing it – but your lips won’t.

cupcakeMAG Golden Globes Glam -- best dressed list!

Emma Stone looking simply chic in Calvin Klein 

Eva Longoria looking beyond elegant in Zac Posen

Julie Bowen in Tadashi Shoji

Olivia Wilde in to-die-for Marchesa

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

Angelina Jolie in Versace

Anne Hathaway wore Armani Prive- styled by the amazing Rachel Zoe

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang 

Tell us! 

Who made your list?