Over-The-Knee Fabulosity

By: Candace Cabrera Moore Contributing Writer/Fashion Week Correspondent

These Stuart Weitzman boots leave my heart skipping beats. As a vertically challenged person, it's been hard for me to find the highly sought after OTK boot that's been so hot this season. Because I'm so short, I find that most of the OTK's go wayyy too high. This boot looks just right for me, and for any petite girl, as it hits just above the knee cap, keeping the look simple and clean. I love the platform and the sky high heel. I'd wear them over jeggings and a long tunic sweater. Instant warmth and style!

Comeback Kid- Full Skirts

By: Laura Perez - CupcakeMag Intern


Full skirts are making a comeback! I’m so happy to see the 50’s lady like mid-calf-length skirts once again! They remind me so much of Grace Kelly, my fashion icon. I have always been in love with this style! You can find these full skirts in lace, leather, prints, plaids, florals and in so many other designs. So many designers are embracing this trend such as Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Prada and Alexa Chung to name a few. The full skirt is simply classic and chic it’s a must have!

Saks Fifth Avenue, Lotusgrace Plaid Full-Skirt Dress, $320.00 

Neiman Marcus, Prada Full Skirt Dress, $850.00

Bergdorf Goodman, Jason Wu Printed Faille Full Skirt, $1,595.00

Bergdorf Goodman, Jason Wu Seersucker Full Skirt, $795.00

Etsy Featured Designer: Jeni Peragine’s Designs!

By: Elizabeth Seever

When we at Cupcake Mag were asked to review Jeni Peragine’s designs we couldn’t say no.  Jeni is a full time freelance Graphic and Web Designer. She has been married for two years and has seven fur-babies.

Jeni’s jewelry is inspired by everything around her. “I love anything that is modern vintage, baroque, real vintage or gothic.  I was raised with Native American EVERYTHING in my house because I am part Cherokee Indian. I honestly believe this may be where my feather fascination began.”  She designs gorgeous headbands, earrings and necklaces with feathers. We at Cupcake Mag loved the feather earrings accented with bird charms.  We also die over our vintage cameo necklace in navy blue. “Other than my feather items, I love to create my own twisted versions of modern vintage… Sometimes you find the most amazing vintage pieces at trade shows and flea markets.”

Don't you just LOVE these?!

Cupcake Mag: Is your first love graphic design? When did you think up "hey, I should start an etsy shop and make gorgeous things"?

Jeni Peragine: Well my mom is really crafty and makes beads and jewelry. Her style is COMPLETELY different than mine, but she was one inspiration.. The other is that I’m just obsessed with fashion, so I would always make my own jewelry. I would get tons of compliments, so eventually I just opened an etsy.

CM: Is your style reflected in your etsy shop? How do you describe your style?

JP: Oh definitely. I am feminine with a vintage/rocker edge. I love anything true vintage as well as modern vintage and I LOVE rock music and the whole skull and grunge look. Saying this... I still am feminine so I just try to mix those two very dominant types of design to come up with the perfect twist.

CM: Feathers are the center of your shop, how did you come up with feathers to be the main focal point of most of the shop?

JP: Feathers.... I absolutely LOVE them. I love birds too.. Outside, I couldn’t have one for a pet.. But they are fabulous. I’m just intrigued by them. Also, I am part Cherokee Indian and a lot of our home décor growing up was Native American EVERYTHING.. So a lot of it probably came from that.

Just clip and go! Makes a great statement piece!

CM: Do you have a favorite piece in your shop?

JP: I like a few of the items in my shop a little more than others, but if I don’t really LOVE something it doesn’t go in my store. I really love to make the feather clips though; they are different and NEW still to me. I have been making earrings and necklaces for some time so these sort of interest me a little more at the moment.

CM: When do you find time to make your pieces in your busy lifestyle?

JP: Whenever I feel creative and want to design jewelry, I just make time for it. I have tried to design on days that I was just not feeling it, and nothing gets accomplished. I just decided to design when I feel like it, it works out a lot better that way!!

This necklace was just enough flair to add to her OOTD.

CM: Fifty percent of all profits go to your cause BREATHE-AND-RELEASE, has it always been a dream to create an organization to help people directly (or indirectly..)

JP: YES!! I feel like it’s what I am supposed to do. I have been through a lot in my life and I feel that it is a necessity to use it to help others. The memories are not happy ones but they make me happy when I can share them with someone else to make them feel like they aren’t alone.

CM: What is next for your designs? For your cause BREATHE-AND-RELEASE?

JP: Next for my designs: Well I recently started working for myself as a Graphic/Web Designer doing freelance. I’m hoping that picks up really fast and also, due to this situation, I will have a ton more time to design items for my store. I have a new line of items coming out this year, so make sure to check out my store. I would share, but I do not want to ruin the surprise.

Her gorgeous work area

BREATHE-AND-RELEASE:  BREATHE-AND-RELEASE is officially incorporated, we are just working on getting things ready to apply for the 501c3. I travel around the country to conventions and events to share information about BREATHE-AND-RELEASE and I am currently working on putting together an event that helps reach out to people who have been abused and raped. This IS NOT all BREATHE-AND-RELEASE focuses on; it’s just for the type of event it’s for. Please check back to the fan page linked in this review for more details.

You can check out Jeni’s personal websites for more details:

Personal Blog

RockinMommi
FB FanPage RockinMommi 

Twitter

Website

Etsy

FB FanPage

 Twitter

Tumblr

Breathe and Release:

Website

FB FanPage

Twitter

Tumblr

Pretty Panchos

By:  Candace Cabrera Moore

 

Besides the gorgeous foliage and the impending Halloween candy consumption, another reason I look forward to fall is outwear. A big trend this season is the poncho. Easy to wear, and goes with everything, the poncho is a great go-to piece to throw on before you walk out the door. Choose a subtle black or grey if you're not too sure of the trend, or go big and bold with a bright print if you're ready to embrace it with open arms! The options out there are endless. 

Fashion Tip: If you are petite like me, and are scared of being swallowed up by the poncho, belt it to give yourself definition at the waist, and keep the rest of the outfit simple (think skinnies or leggings and knee high boots). This is a great staple to any fall wardrobe!

James Perse Poncho: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3125618?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=366

American Eagle Poncho: http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat90048&productId=1454_7064&cid=AEO_CSE_k22350&mr:trackingCode=461BCC9C-C3AB-DF11-98FF-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

NYFW: Luca Luca S/S 2011 Collection

By Candace Cabrera Moore, Fashion Correspondent 

Designer Raul Melgoza

The Luca Luca s/s11 runway collection was all about the ethereal, soft look. With SILK maxi dresses in soft patterned yellow, flowy cape jackets in neutrals, and draped, chiffon salmon day dresses that moved with the models, the collection literally took our breath away and gave us an element of goddess. Make up was by James Kaliardos for MAC, and the look was sheer and soft. Hair was by Teddy Charles with Cutler Salon and the look was pulled back and twisted on each side and rolled into an intricate bun at the base of the neck. This show was uber-feminine and simply stunning.

Kristin Cavallari, model Petra Nemcova, and actress Beth Ostrosky attend the Luca Luca Spring 2011

Meet the newest contributor, amazing Candace!

Candace Cabrera Moore is honored to join the cupcakeMAG team to help cover New York fashion week.

Born and raised in New England, Candace has always loved New York City and its 'anything goes' attitude when it comes to fashion.

Candace has always been interested in fashion. She loves clothing that is versatile and takes her from day to night with the addition of a few bold accessories. She is a self- proclaimed 'frugalista' and likes to keep an eye on sales and hunt for coupon codes to score the best deals.  Her mom owned a consignment boutique for over ten years which helped influence her frugal approach to shopping and an appreciation for  inding hidden gems in thrift stores.

Other interests including working out, healthy eating, reading and writing.  She lives with her husband and their two dogs.

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.*