Featured Etsy Designer -- Lisa of Embellish Kids! Plus a giveaway!

Lisa Blackmon isn't just an amazing Etsy designer - she has her own boutique too! Embellish Kids Boutique is one of our favorite Etsy shops filled with sweet dresses that twirl and oh-so-cute fabrics. The HANDmade with love quality is just perfection. There isn't one thing in her shop we don't love - everything is just FABulous! We were so thrilled to chat with the designer AND you should thank her because......she is giving you a chance to win $30 to her shop. Read on to see why Embellish Kids Boutique is our favorite and get to know Lisa! 


{1} What made you begin your shop? 


A couple of years ago, my neighbor approached me about making some dresses for her girls. I was blessed with boys, so at the time I knew nothing about girl’s fashion. It turned out that the dresses she wanted were pillowcase dresses. I made them and received so many compliments, I decided to make more. I took them to a local trade days market and sold them all! My entrepreneurial spirit took over and Embellish Kids Boutique was born.

{2}What inspired the name? 


The name came so easy to me. Embellish means to beautify by ornamentation and that is exactly what I am trying to do with my clothes. I grew up in Louisiana so I have a strong Southern influence on my designs which include lots of ruffles and lace. I want little girls to feel beautiful when they wear my designs.

{3} When you aren’t sewing what can we find you doing? 


I am a total family person. All of my spare time is spent with my husband, Clark and 3-year old son Eric. Even if it’s just hanging around the house, we are all happier when we are together.

The Twirl Top & Ruffle Pant Sets are a cupcakeMAG favorite! 

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


I love shopping for new patterns. I am always looking for new designs to create. My favorite shop is Whimsy Couture (whimsycouture.etsy.com). She sells patterns in pdf format that includes all sizes in one pattern which makes it easy to create multiple sizes for my boutique.

{4} What is up next for you? 


More growth, I hope. This last year has been amazing, including my first Embellish Kids Boutique Fall Fashion show. But I am working diligently to grow both my retail location (Salado, TX) as well as my online store. Nothing makes me happier than to see little children wearing my clothes, so I want more people to learn about my designs and hopefully love them.

READ ON to enter the GIVEAWAY! 

Just A Little Bit Retro Peasant Dress ($30) is perfect over jeans or leggings too! 

Spotted: 

Our favorite pair of Monkey-Toes Shoes & Banner Boutique Headband! 

It totally completes the look!

Shop Embellish Kids

{Website}

{Etsy}

Chic.Sweet.Unique -- Missie Moosie PLUS a giveaway!

Thanks to Twitter we were able to connect with one the nicest boutique owners to come by – thank you social networking! Alana Smith is the dedicated owner/designer of Missie Moosie – one of the cutest online boutiques around - even the website makes you get excited over shopping.

Missie Moosie is a children’s boutique specializing in stylish clothes (not to mention, the cutest!) that are unique & as fun as your little fashionista. The one-of-a-kind fashions are made from quality, designer fabrics that will totally stand out against average retail clothing. The superb selection for girls ranges in size 12 months to size 7/8. We love letting our littles express their creativity by wearing unique designs and supporting momprenuer companies. And we love that all Missie Moosie clothing is proudly handmade with care in the USA.

Don’t have girls of your own to dress in these whimsical designs? They make the perfect gift for any special girl in your life. They are the perfect every day, holiday, or just because – whatever the occasion – they will stand out with perfection.

The FLOURISH collection consist of great pieces to mix and match in fun designs and fabulous vibrant colors. We LOVE the bubble dress ($52) & matching ruffle leggings ($26).

The URBAN ANGEL collection is funky yet sweet & girly – it appeals to every little girl. The pieces coordinate together so well so you have more than one look – because who doesn’t love versatility in a little girls wardrobe. And of course we adore the matching headbands ($10) to go along with any great ensemble from either collection.

About Alana

Behind the name: It really is very simple; my oldest daughter gave my youngest daughter the nickname after she was born. I want my business to be a reflection of who I am so it just fit.

Making a statement: I began designing, creating and sewing outfits after the birth of my first daughter. I wanted her to wear clothing that was different, unique, and would make a statement. I truly believe in the philosophy, they are only young once, and so I loved having the ability to dress her in one of a kind boutique style outfits.

And it all began: Although, the business really began 4 years ago, I have always loved the creative aspect of design; whether it was drawing up new outfits for Barbie when I was a child, to gluing fabric swatches inside a homemade doll house for curtains or slipcovers, to playing fabric store as a kid; my instinct to create has always been there. I love fabric and the creative process of putting fabrics together to make something unique.

On a personal note: I whole heartedly love my family. My husband is my biggest fan, and the best supporter, and my 3 children continue to inspire me every day! I am a HUGE sports fanatic, and prefer to watch Sports Center over most shows (aside from American Idol), and will always love the Denver Broncos; I played tennis on a scholarship in college, and still try to be as active as I can. I recently finished my first marathon in 2009, and am looking forward to a few more.

Passion for Fashion: I am thrilled, and honored to be able to create and design unique outfits for your children. I truly LOVE what I do. I take great pride in and believe wholeheartedly in outstanding customer service; and Know that all of Missie Moosie's clothing is handmade with care, right here in the United States! Thank you for shopping with us, and for sharing Missie Moosie with your children.

*Giveaway Details*

We love GIVEAWAYS especially adorable clothes like Missie Moosie! Alana is letting one of our lucky readers pick one dress of choice from the Flourish or Urban Angel collection. Take a look at the Missie Moosie website and tell us which dress you would love to dress your mini-fashionista in - this comment is mandatory to be entered! And please, make sure you are a follower of Cupcake Mag & Sprinkles.

For extra entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry letting us know!

1. Follow Missie Moosie on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook & follow the Missie Moosie blog.

2. Follow Cupcake Mag on Twitter

3. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag

4. Tweet about this giveaway and include @missiemoosie

5. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog!

Please comment below with your email address. We will select a random winner on Monday March 1st! Start commenting now and good luck! For those who just can’t wait to win head over to Missie Moosie now and shop around for spring.

Handmade Elegance -- Wearable Art by Rosebud Lips

Rosebud Lips is as sweet as it sounds. The unique shop, which we first came across on Etsy, features beautiful, handmade, truly one-of-a-kind elegant headbands (children’s too!), necklaces, hats and brooches. Small treasures you will not find anywhere else. We promise. Not to mention a gorgeous Bridal Suite collection. This shop becomes an addiction as you browse through the silk embellished pieces full of color and texture. The delicate headwear is something like we’ve never seen – it is beyond a work of art.

Vintage Diva Rosebud pink silk wrapped headband with silk embellished rosebuds $26

Sweet N Sassy Rosebud Headband perfect for you or your little fashionista! $24

Vintage Garden Beanie Hat 'Cotton Candy Surprise' $32

We want you to adore Lauren, the designer just as much as we do so here is a little bit about her & the story behind Rosebud Lips – be prepared to fall in love with Rosebud Lips & the passion Lauren gives - you can just feel the energy!

Q. Tell us about the meaning behind the name.

Rosebud Lips. That's the nickname that my mom gave me when I was a little girl, and then my daughter (her grand-daughter). All three generations shared the Rosebud Lips. I have always been creative, and learned to sew at a young age. I was taught by my grandmother (Nana) and my mom (Tama). I have always loved fashion, and at a young age moved to New York City. I had the opportunity to intern for designer Cynthia Rowley, which was an amazing experience. To tell you why I became a designer would have to be because of my sweet memories of being a little girl (about 4) and dancing around in my Nana's silk bed sheets (my cape), adorned with her costume jewelry. I felt like a princess. My Nana has collected jewelry from my family generations back, and I felt like each piece had a story.

This inspired me to use antiques in my pieces. I love textures, antiques, fabric and jewelry. Together, these form my concepts for my collection-- Making every woman feel beautiful I started the company in 2009, shortly after my mom passed away from Cancer. She was my best friend, and my biggest supporter. She was an artist herself, and she told me to follow my dreams and be creative. This motivated me to leave the marketing/PR world that I worked in for over 5 years. She has changed the course of my life, and I'm so excited for what the future holds.

Q. Tell us about Set Hope Free.

Set Hope Free. This is a project that I'm so passionate about. It's about redeeming women who have been held captive and have been sold into slavery. Human trafficking doesn't just happen in other countries, but in our cities. Every item that is sold through Rosebud Lips contributes to a care package that is being sent to help these women reclaim their dignity. To make them feel beautiful again. My heart desires to set hope free among these women and children. To bring awareness of trafficking, so that we may protect our loved ones, and rescue those that have been enslaved. To learn more, go towww.iamchange.org and see what we are doing.

Stay tuned…Lauren is in the process of creating a children’s line of clothing that we are just dying to see! In the meantime, stay up to date with everything Rosebud Lips on Twitter, Facebook & their blog! As for shopping - go here - your wardrobe will thank you when you spruce it up with Rosebud Lips.

C R A V I N G of the M O N T H

Etsy is the perfect place for finding unique items paired with great customer service and quality – a perfect match. If you are a frequent reader of this blog - you know just how found we are of the designers we feature.

So, when we came across Babycakes & Decor and a super bubbly little owner - we couldn't wait to share the sprinkling of goodies we received from her Etsy Shop. From sweet little cupcakes and yummy lollipops to onesies that make a statement - you are sure to find something to just awe over. Not to mention - the packaging it arrives in is so cute - you may have to stare at it before opening - it is just that adorable!

A Note from the Designer:

I love cupcakes...and I love babies! So I put the two ideas together and came up with a sweet little gift! I try to put myself into each and every piece that I send out with all of the fine details that make opening a package from my little shop a lot of fun! I started making gifts for friends and family and it spiraled into a full time business! I love my job and wouldn't want to do anything else! Hopefully you might find a little treat in my shop too! Come and peek inside my window at www.babycakesanddecor.etsy.com!

xoxo,

Heather

Ps. Thanks so much Casi and Cupcake Mag for loving my lil' cupcakes too! I appreciate the feature!

Don't leave home without BABY SPARE WEAR (GIVEAWAY!)

babysparewear is defined in one word: genius. It is now one of our favorite modern solutions for those pint-sized “fashion emergencies” in our lives; you know we all have many. It is the essential spare outfit for your baby and toddler and is tucked away in the perfect sized ready-to-go travel case that can easily been thrown in your purse or diaper bag. The super cozy cotton separates come in many styles and sizes and you can even build your own spare for your guy or gal.

If we had to pick a fave it would be babysparewear’s most popular fix kit yet – the fashion fix ($52). For those oh so chic moms and their babes - the newly adorned sweet yet modern graphics make the perfect three-piece spare outfit. The kit includes three super-soft, solid dyed heather essentials: a short sleeve tee and pants with the matching heather gray long-sleeve tee that is all packed into a screen printed cordura® nylon travel case with back pocket for spare wipes or diapers. Could it get any better? You might not even want to wait until you have a “fashion emergency” – it is that cute!

babysparewear philosophy (from babysparewear website)

babysparewear® is a line for baby that is all about mom: easy-care fabrics, versatile yet stylish designs, and compact portability for the mom on the go (is there any other kind?) babysparewear® takes an innovative look at modern parenting to create clothing essentials that simplify life and streamline travel with baby. So mom can finally leave the house with at least a few minutes to spare.

*GIVEAWAY* and *DISCOUNT CODE*

Veronica, the creative mind behind babysparewear is giving you a chance to have your very own kit by giving our readers a chance to win a babysparewear gift card for $15! Please visit the website here and pick out which kit you would buy. Become a follower of Cupcake Mag & Sprinkles (which you should be anyway) and post a comment telling us your favorite set. We will select the winner by 6pm (est) on Monday January 18th! Start commenting now and good luck!

For those who can't wait to win you can get shopping now with an exclusive discount code. Use code chicmom to get 15% off your order! Happy Shopping!

Sweet Little Shop -- My Princess Closet

A few weeks ago when doing some online shopping we came across what is now one of our favorite online stores for our little princesses. My Princess Closet is a fabulous collection of clothing, accessories, unique gift items and everything your special princess needs in her life.

We just can't brag enough about the swell customer service, budget friendly shipping and fast delivery. The owner, Dawn, sent us a few things for review, and we fell in LOVE with them.

First on the list is the exclusive award winning Hada the Hippo Zoobie! Not only is it a plush toy ($30) but it is a comfy blanket and soft pillow - all in one! Hada makes the perfect traveling companion for your princess! It is so super soft and cuddly and great at her keeping her entertained when she is awake but perfect for keeping her very comfortable while she gets her beauty sleep! Have a little one? BABY ZOOBIES ($25) are the perfect companion for the tiniest of princesses. Very similar to a full-size Zoobie, these little babies open to a pillow and then a blanket - a perfect place for your princess to nap. And just for babies, this blanket has a comfort corner for grabbing and teething.

For those little ones who love to tote things - the Fancy Prancy Princess Goody Bags ($10) are the perfect stylish totes with tricot handles and velcro closure. Pick one out to match your princess' hair color and she will love carrying it around town.

The perfect additions to your little fashionistas wardrobe are the Pinky Tessa by Morgan& Milo. The most popular Mary Jane in beautiful brushed twill has a delicate grosgrain bow, cushioned insole and protective rubber toe bumper - she won't want to take them off! And for a great price - on sale now at 40% off! - they are a little under $23! To go along with the shoes you may want to check out the oh so chic dresses, tops, skirts and pants - all on sale! We love the Ava Dress by Chase 'n Sky but hurry, limited sizes and styles are available. Get shopping NOW! We are sure The Princess Closet is a place you will surely LOVE to shop.

Disclaimer: All items were Cupcake Mag tested and PRINCESS approved. We received items as samples for review so we could give you our opinion.

WHY WE LOVE ALL THINGS TORI

Tori Spelling isn’t just a versatile actress with a career span over film, television and theater but most recently has been seen on her hit reality TV show that follows her life, “Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood”. Just a few months ago, the season premiere was the most watch season debut and highest rated Oxygen original series ever, as it pulled in over half a million viewers. As many of you may know Spelling is best known for her roll as Donna Martin on “Beverly Hills 90210” – Spelling is now reprising her role as Donna in the CW spinoff series 90201 which started last September. In April 2009, Spelling published her second memoir Mommywood, a follow up to her New York Times bestseller sTori Telling. But Tori Spelling isn’t just an actress, writer and mom – she is also an accomplished jewelry designer and clothing designer. Her latest designs from “The Tori Spelling Collection” can be viewed exclusively on HSN and HSN.com. Little Maven, her new children’s line, inspired by her own little ones, just debuted this fall and is already selling out.

GET TO KNOW TORI SPELLING

After many thanks for the amazing compliments, and congratulating me on my newest belly, CUPCAKE MAG'S one on one with Tori Spelling reminded us that celebrities are just regular human beings too! From being a mommy that manages it all to her new clothing line Little Maven - Tori answered all our questions with great pleasure.

Cupcake Mag: As a mother of 2 girls under the age of 6 and a third little one on the way, I was able to really relate to "Mommywood". You have a very busy life. How do you balance all of your responsibilities, both professional and personal?

Tori Spelling: It’s easy to juggle it all cause I know that my family comes first. With them as my focus and my rock I'm able to multi task. Everything I do is for my children and their future. But every endeavor I take on is time consuming yet a labor of passion. It’s all organic to me or my family.

CM: What brought you to designing your own children's line, Little Maven? What was important to you when designing?

T: Little Maven was 100% inspired by Liam and Stella. I love being a mom and I love fashion so the two together was an organic fit. As a style conscious mom I wanted to create clothes for my babes that were fun and stylish yet comfortable. Then it was important to me to make the line affordable for my mommy friends everywhere.

CM: What is behind the line's name?

T: I knew I always wanted to design and to be a part of the fashion world. I thought of the name Maven years ago and thought it encompassed the essence of a brand I wanted to create. Maven is all knowing about a certain subject. A STYLE maven is all knowing about the fashionista's lifestyle they want to encompass. So, a LITTLE MAVEN is a mini fashionista!

CM: What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a fashion line?

T: As with any business you venture into, it’s all about passion. I say fashion is my passion! You have to believe in your point of view a 100% yet you have to be able to know your customer! It’s a fun world and creating pieces you'd personally wear or in this case that I'd personally dress my own children in is really what it’s about. Always dream big and never compromise!

CM: Little Maven is by far budget friendly and affordable for many moms - was that a goal of yours?

T: I grew up in a very luxe lifestyle yet I knew from an early age that fashion doesn't have to cost a fortune to look good! I love people and especially moms and I love that thru my reality show and my books I now have mom fans/friends everywhere that can relate to me. So, it was VERY important to me to develop a line that was stylish without compromising comfortability or quality and that was also affordable to moms everywhere.

CM: Liam has such a cute rocker style and Stella is definitely a true fashionista already - If they aren't wearing Little Maven, what are some of your fave kid’s labels?

T: First of all I love that you GET my kids style! Made me smile. I also am a fan of Splendid, Ella Moss, Kingsley, Lucky, Gap, Paul Frank, C & C, Cynthia Vincent, and Target!

CM: You are already a superhero mom - with two NY times bestselling memoirs (we hope for another soon!), reprising your role as Donna Martin, an accomplished jewelry designer, reality show with millions of viewers, and now a kid's clothing line, what could possibly be up next for you?

T: I recently completed my 1st children's book. It'll be released Fall 2010. Very excited for that! That's one of my favorite times is story time with the kids! I also hope to create a women's fashion line soon as well!

CM: And lastly, what are your fashion obsessions of the moment?

T: As a style conscious mommy of 2 it’s all about affordable, quick, yet chic fashion! I love pops of color to complete an outfit. I'm into boots, belts, scarves, headbands, and metallic or jeweled toned flats.

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT LITTLE MAVEN:

In the Fall, Tori’s new children clothing line, Little Maven, hit stores this September, but she gave us a sneak peak at some items in the collection so stay tuned for Cupcake Mag's feature and photo shoot on trendy childrens clothing lines that we just can't get enough of!


And if you just can't get of TORI SPELLING make sure you check out the links below:


http://www.tori-spelling.com/
http://www.littlemaven.com/
http://twitter.com/torianddean
http://jewelry.hsn.com/tori-spelling_c-j_a-4551_xc.aspx?rid=1121&prev=hp
http://www.hsn.com/summer-is-here-blogs_g-250_xg.aspx