J. CREW, You Have Won Us Over....

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

The November 2010 J. Crew catalog arrived in our CupcakeMAG mailbox yesterday and all 136 pages took our breath away.  Three things that we love:  Sequins, Bling and GLAMOUR; all of this can be found within this catalog; fabulous pieces to bring sparkle to everyday dressing.  J. Crew has a fantastic discount code right now too, 25% OFF all orders of $150 or more when you use code FALLSALE.  

Images from J. CREW.COM

Alexander Berardi Spring 2011

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion/Beauty Director

Alexander Berardi walks the runway.

This clutch was the talk of the show. Alexander Berardi handbags are right on point for S/S 2011, as the clutch is to be THE bag to carry for the season.

Oh Alexander! You have won our hearts here at CupcakeMag! What an amazing collection filled with cargo, sequins, chiffon and jersey to name a few of the details. Alexander Berardi was almost channeling Halston, in our eyes anyway, when creating these glamorous gowns. It is rare to see a collection filled with such wearable pieces for daytime and evening. The models all had lovely, flawless seeming skin in minimal makeup with the perfect nude lip.

Now to place our orders for that clutch...

Getty Images

Couture Item of the Week for Not a Couture Price!

By Angela Parks, Contributing Writer

First, let me express how delighted I am to be part of the cupcakeMAG team! Part of my commitment is to provide readers with fabulous couture finds,  at a less demanding cost!  

As a Military Spouse, I have the great pleasure of attending countless balls with my husband.  You have NO IDEA the passion I have for evening gowns! While watching the 2008 Academy Awards, I was inspired by Katherine Heigel's dress. The moment I laid eyes on the vermilion colored Escada gown, I knew it would be my choice for our next formal event. The curve hugging gown was a fabulous throw-back to old Hollywood glamor. 

Naturally, obtaining the Escada gown was not even a remote possibility. I scoured numerous dress sites searching for a comparable gown, but came up emtpy handed. I did happen upon many horrible "looks for less", which paled in comparison.

Photo Credit: Getty Images
Katherine Heigel Escada Gown at the 2008 Academy Awards

After countless days of searching for my coveted gown, I had almost given up hope. Finally, I found a website that would guarantee a quality dress made to my measurements and specifications. I was hesitant to invest a great deal of money to a business out of Hong Kong. However,  when I was quoted the price of $ 100.00 (yes, you read that correctly, ONE hundred), I figured it was worth a shot.  In less than two weeks my dress arrived. I was terribly skeptical.  I opened the box (and much to my surprise) it was stunning! Nearly a mirror replica of Katherine's Academy Awards gown. I tried it on and the dress fit to perfection. I could not have been more pleased with the results (I think I might of even cried!). Especially at the bargain price of (did I mention) $100.  

 

Photo of moi wearing my bargain "couture" gown at Hubby's Navy Ball

Since my fabulous find, I have had many friends commission dresses for themselves. After all -  why buy "off the rack", when you can feel like the Belle of the Ball in a dress tailored just for you!

If you are feeling sassy and would like to commission a dress for yourself, you can do so at the following website: www.eDressit.com  

Side note: Be sure to provide accurate measurements, as eDressit does not allow refunds on commissioned dresses. When in doubt, add a couple of inches to your bust, waist, and hips - then have the dress altered by your local seamstress to guarantee a perfect fit!