As most fashionistas do, I have a passion for make up and all things beauty {major product junkie!} but don’t always have the time to go make up crazy! So, I’ve learned what works. I always start with Roc Multi Correction 4-Zone Daily Moisturizer. I have never had a perfect skin tone & every day I feel like my complexion gets better with this moisturizer — love it! 

After moisturizer, I move on to my eyes just in case I mess them up I don’t want to have to wipe my foundation off too. I have found after numerous experiments that Bare Minerals has GREAT eye products. They last the longest, after hours of wear my make-up still looks fresh. Bare Minerals Around the Clock waterproof eyeliner and Flawless Definition mascara the my go to must-haves. For brows, I use Bare Minerals Brow Color applied lightly then topped with Bare Minerals Brow Finishing Gel. (Bare Minerals even offers a brow kit for first timers!).

To top it all off — I use Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place foundation. This foundation doesn’t even feel like I’m wearing it, which any active girl loves! Give a little dusting of Estée Lauder Double Wear Mineral Rich Loose Powder, lightly apply Bare Mineral Celebration Blush and I am ready to go! 

It only takes a few minutes — any girl can feel fresh-faced with these simple steps! 

Images: Pink Orange Ikat Invites | Annette Tatum Ikat Bedding | Lucky Brand Enamel Bracelet | Annette Tatum Paint | Pink Ikat Chairs via Pinterest | Mixing Prints via Pinterest | Rug | Ikat Print Dress from Express |Chevron Notebook from The Spotted Olive

Don’t be afraid to mix and match!

Drawstring Studio | Facebook | Pinterest | Etsy Shop

We were just introduced to Drawstring Studio and can we say love? Specializing in Modern Custom Curtains and other Home Decor items – they are all about making a house YOUR home. Love fabric like us? They sell it by the yard. Head over now to check them out! You won’t be disappointed!

Make a pretty wall with Hop Skip Jump Paper. We just adore their travel art prints and nursery decor for your Littles room. Browse their shop now!

Future Oxygen | Facebook | Twitter 

Oh Rebecca Minkoff. I remember when I first discovered you and excitedly told my friends they needed a MAB ASAP.  Fast forward to the second day of NY Fashion Week at her Fall 2012 Collection and you can imagine my excitement.

I follow Rebecca on twitter, and unbeknownst to her, it always makes me feel like we’re BFF.  (Are we not?) So it sort of felt like I was attending my friend’s show, and I was so excited for her!

Needless to say, I loved the collection and am considering changing my direct deposit straight to RM. Aren’t you?

I really love the way she combines yellow and black without looking bumble bee-ish.  And I’m obsessed with the red shoes. The bags are going to be the hottest item this fall!

To me, Rebecca Minkoff clothes and accessories just scream confident, cool, independent woman.  Tough girl, but still appearing feminine is hard to accomplish, but that’s exactly what Rebecca Minkoff is best at in my opinion.

To RESERVE the pieces you want for fall, click HERE!

(I know I’m going to be needing the black and white printed pants!!!)

Want to watch the whole show yourself to make your shopping list?

I thought so…

Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2012 Runway Show

Here is the description that was given in the show program:

“For her Fall 2012 collection, Rebecca Minkoff re-imagined the protagonist of Ewan McGregor’s 2004 documentary Long Way Round as a girl with a moxie — fearless and unfettered.  Minkoff celebrates women of the moment, those empowered by both their drive for independence and their hard-won freedom of self expression.  Bold jewel tones and primary hues are paired with ancestral prints and brocade touches; combinations that echo the courageous choices of those who have carved their own path.  Menswear-inspired pieces give way to the feminine, opposing details that explore the journey of a woman coming of age, self confident in the choices she makes bot in life and in her wardrobe.”

Other helpful info:

Styling: Kathryn Neale, Hair: Tresseme, Make-up: Mark, Nails: Haven for Essie

Happy Tuesday cupcakes!!

Hello Neon! I’ve been seeing the neon trend everywhere I go and let’s face it –  I am obsessed. My husband hates black and loves bright colors and ever since I’ve known him I’m usually in black because lets face it – black is slimming.

Well this spring I’m changing my ways. Yep, I am all about the neon accessories I’ve spotted — especially the bracelets and shoes! I have already bought a few things to add into my wardrobe.

And the best part? Anyone can try the neon trend, even Target has jumped on board which makes it an affordable trend. I have found things for every budget so you don’t have to hunt around. I have seen neon pants and tops as well but if you are afraid of color like I was I think its best to start small like a purse or bracelet. The color puts me in a good mood and it is so much fun! I think it is a perfect trend for spring and summer.

Shop the trend now!

Neon & Chair Bracelet on Etsy | Neon Orange flats from Gap | Cross body Neon green bag  | neon colored swimwear  | Bright colored canvas shoes | Tobi, Super Fun Sunglasses | Noir jewelery Neon Knot Bracelet  | Skinny Belt Marc by Marc Jacobs | TEXTILE Elizabeth and James  Sid Jacket | Rag and Bone The Skinny Jean 

For Littles: Color pop skinnies for toddler girls  | Highlighter Kids Baby Rib Skater Tank Dress | Neon toddler leggings

What are your thoughts on this bright color trend? 

 Tadashi Shoji was the first collection I saw this year at New York Fashion week, and it was also one of the best. Wow.

I landed in NY and headed straight backstage.

Here are some of the photos I took behind the scenes.

Last minute touch ups!

Tadashi with Angela Simmons!

Here is my quick interview with Tadashi Shoji.

Me: {Introduction, etc.} I just wanted to hear a little bit about your inspiration for the collection.

Tadashi: This inspiration came from Shanghai, 1920’s & 30’s Shanghai. ….When I walk on the street of shanghai its quite different from that period but the imagination is coming out in that period….you know,  French, American, British, Japanese… all the people living in the same city…it’s intriguing .. I wanted to capture that kind of feeling, that moody feeling.  That’s what I wanted to capture.

Me: I have to ask, a couple of weeks ago at the Golden Globes, Octavia Spencer wore your dress, and she looked amazing…. How do you design for certain body types? Do you just do overall flattering? Because I feel like your pieces can be worn on anyone.

Tadashi: Exactly!! Exactly!! Anyone can wear my dresses! She is a very nice lady. Her beauty was just coming out – I try to help. When she wears my dresses she feels so happy and that makes me feel so good!  The teamwork! She appreciates, and I appreciate and you share that mutual admiration, and I think that’s the best way of dressing up.

Don’t you love him?

Without further ado, here are some photos of his Fall/Winter 2012 Collection!

This last dress NEEDS to be worn at the Oscars, don’t you think??

To me, this collection is just so romantic in a mysterious way. I love the mixture of lace and chiffon. And the simple, beautiful makeup and hair with the classic red lip ties the whole romantic look together. What a beautiful collection!!

Here is the description of the collection given in the show program:

“The Fall/Winter 2012 Collection hearkens back to the Golden Age of Shanghai, a glamorous world of modernity, transformation, and prosperity that preluded a darker time. Opulent fabrics of lace, chiffon, silk, and velvet craft the silhouettes of drop waist dresses, column gowns, and extended hemlines.  Brilliant colors of marina and seagrass are exemplified by the neutral hues of ginseng and hazel. A mecca of wealth and sophistication, the “Paris of the Orient” will forever be a fixture of Shanghai’s identity. “

This was a quote listed in the program that made me smile.

“I dress for the image.  Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men.” – Marlene Dietrich

Other helpful info:

Styling: Tina Chai

Hair: Rodney Cutler for Cutler/Redkin

Makeup: Luc Bouchard and the Mac Pro Team

Manicures: China Glaze

Shoes: Joan & David

Accessories: Melinda Maria

Tights: Hue

 Thank you to the PR crew and Kelly for letting me get my interview last minute with Tadashi and being so hospitable backstage!

I was recently browsing the new Spring 2012 catalog just a few weeks ago and wanted to mention some new colors that were released. Have you seen them yet? If not, check them out!

Colors released on January 19^th

CamelliaIsland Blooms

Ellie Blue

Rosy Posie

How cute are all of these?!

I am really torn because I love them all! But I think Camellia is different and super pretty! I can see it going with a ton of bright colors this spring, I am thinking yellow would be fab!.

Another design I am excited about is From A to Vera! Just arriving last week on February 9^th!

The newest addition to their collections.  It’s a bold style that can be used everyday, and while it’s different from their classic patterns, it is very true to the Vera Bradley brand. The material is a softer laminate to make for easy cleaning and wear and the retro styled is so fun!

Because our blank canvas was so small – a 10 x 8 room, we had to do some renovation. One of things we lost, was the closet as we turned the very small space into a reading nook with shelves and a sweet seat. So, we made a closet out of a smaller wall {right behind the door} which will showcase lots of pretties! 

Have a little Etsy shop or a fabulous girls line to share? Think you have a sweet little find to contribute? Email us! We would love to show you off in this FABulous room.

With 4 Littles, I have done a lot of pushing over the years – and still do. And now, I can do it with ultimate style thanks to phil&teds new premium urban stroller, the oh-so-pretty Promenade. Oh yes, it is one stylish girl. {and yes, I am still talking about a stroller}

Forget sporty, phil&teds is first in class with these wheels. It is by far, our favorite stroller ever. Yes, ever. And believe me when I saw we have had quite a few strollers the last ten years. I never thought I would say this about a stroller but — it is the perfect accessories to any stylish momma and is just, a beauty.

• The four-wheel design and so very sleek aluminum frame – well, its perfection. Not to mention the amazing canopy and super-easy reclining seat.
• Your Little can face you or the world. The seat options are endless with a rear or forwarding facing seat.
• Designed with comfort in mind! Adjustable footrest adjusts to the needs of your child depending on their height and comfort.
• The double kit! {$149} This is a must — especially with 2 under 2. We love that it only takes one hand to adjust – from recline main seat and double kit to upright to sleep-ideal layback. Yep, you read correctly. ONE hand. One buggy, loads of years as phil&teds says! 
• Move your Little in an out in a second with no hassle. The removable flexible bumper bar is so easy to use.
• Need a travel system? You got it. It is compatible with a car seat.
• Convertible flat bed seats – turn your seat and/or double kit into a flat bed for newborn and back again.
• Pushing down a cobblestone street? No worries! The airless tires with front wheel suspension give a smooth ride, all the time.

{Details: $849. Double kit sold separately. Newborn to four years, maximum seat load 18kg / 40lbs, maximum lie flat bed load9kg / 20lbs} Oh, and did we mention, it is Globally safety certified. Safety first!

Can we say über-stylish? We are the promenade’s number one fan club.

Now you can join the club because we are giving one lucky reader a chance to win it!

Giveaway: Promendae Stroller & Double Kit, just shy of $1,000 value. {$999.98 to be exact!}

How to win: Tell us why you need it! This comment is mandatory. You also must be an email subscriber to cupcakeMAG. And yes, we check! The more you comment, the better chance you have to win! Become an email subscriber here. Make sure you verify it too!

We will select a winner via random.org on Monday, Feb. 20th after 11pm, EST. Please make sure you enter the mandatory comment first before doing the extra entries.