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An interview with Katie of Katiecupcake

09.20.11

Today we have a lovely interview with Katie of Katiecupcake! Katie is a sweet momma of two, and spends her days caring for her littles, creating pretty crafts, blogging, and dressing up in some of the cutest outfits I’ve ever seen!

Meet Katie:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

-My name is Katie. I’m a 23 year old stay at home mom to two littles, Paisley Jane and Riley Jack. I enjoy blogging, shopping, crafting, playing with plastic cameras, and dressing up. I am obsessed with shoes, decorating my house, vintage furniture, stripes, and pockets in dresses, and my geeky husband, Steven.

2. What got you interested in blogging, and how long have you been blogging for?

-I think I started blogging around Christmas 2007, just after my daughter was born, as cliche as that is. I first started blogging because my older sister’s friend had a blog and it made me laugh a lot. It also made sense to document our life, since I didn’t get around to scrapbooking everything right away. [And especially now that I haven’t scrapbooked anything in almost 2 years.]

3. Can you tell us about your style?

-I have a difficult time pin pointing my personal style but the majority of the time I lean towards rocker chic, I suppose. I definitely like black, spikes and studs, pops of color, and a bold or strong shoe. However, there are some days where I’m more hippie and feminine. And some days I mix and match. Those are my favorite. I also have a tendency to get flat out obsessed with certain things, and will think about nothing else for weeks. I also love completely impractical garments, like feather skirts. So I just admire those from afar.

4. You’re a very crafty lady at heart. What are some of your favorite crafts to do?

-I love felt crafts, like making faux polaroid Christmas ornaments or pretend food for Paisley to play with. I also love crocheting, and scrapbooking. I enjoy embroidery immensely, and love to surprise my husband with different embroidered love notes.

5. What are your favorite trends for fall?

-I love the 60s mod trend, bright colors, leather, ascot blouses, and bordeaux. Being a native Arizonian turned Marylander, I’m also really crazy about the glam faux fur trend for fall! I’m currently dying over a pair of Prada boots that are covered in fur [which my husband refuses to buy me, haha!] and a ridiculous pink shaggy faux fur coat from TopShop. I am also super excited about the “borrowed from the boys” trend, like schoolboy blazers and oxfords. I love oxfords.

6. When you’re not busy blogging, what can you be found doing?

-Playing or reading to my littles. Honestly, I sit on the floor more than anywhere else. On the days when their naps line up, I am usually cleaning up our fun messes, or working on a craft project. When my husband gets home from work, he usually is fine letting me have “me” time to listen to an audiobook while I work on something fun.

7. With regards to fashion, what do you draw inspiration from?

-Oh goodness! I can get inspiration from anything, from an color combination seen in a house tour to pictures I find while googling inspiration for Paisley and Riley’s upcoming birthday party. I really love reading other personal style blogs, although I do have to be careful that I stick to my own style. I have a bunch of clothes that I liked on other people, that aren’t “me” but made it in my shopping bag somehow. But luckily that hasn’t happened in a long time. I also love watching fashion shows on YouTube and their respective websites, especially Alexander McQueen shows before he died. He knew how to put on a show! My favorite designers are Alexander McQueen, Betsey Johnson, Vivienne Westwood, Miu Miu [mostly for shoes], Marc by Marc Jacobs, Burberry, See by Chloe, Alice and Olivia, and Orla Kiely.

8. If you had to pick one outfit to wear the rest of your life, what would it look like?

-This is the hardest question ever! I think I’d wear a pair of skinny jeans, some sort of super comfy band shirt [black], a statement jacket [I’m always freezing, except in Arizona summers], chunky necklace, a cuff for my arm, and a pair of sky high heels. Okay! I’m going with that answer before I change my mind. [I asked my husband what I should answer and he said “Alexander McQueen.”]

9. You’re a momma of two sweet littles! How do you think becoming a mom has changed your style, if so?

-Oh my. My style changed sooo much while I was pregnant with Paisley, and especially afterward. Before I was pregnant, I was wearing rock concert shirts, like TOOL and Marilyn Manson, with skinny jeans, lots of black eyeliner, and Chuck converse. While I was pregnant, I became so worried with the world I was going to be raising a child in that I switched to pastels and baby doll tops [mostly out of practicality]. I went on a nesting craze, and threw out all of my old rock shirts, much to my regret now. After Paisley, I was completely about ruffles and “sweet” clothes. I wanted her to be raised in a world without anything bad. It was weird. After a while, I started wearing black again, and felt like myself. Then came the skull necklaces and Betsey Johnson shirts, only to become pregnant again. With Riley, I definitely stuck more to my style, which made it faster to return back to “normal” after having him. I think my “rocker chic” style is here to stay. I felt so strange wearing the pastels and baby doll tops, like I was getting dressed from someone else’s closet for 3 years.

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring lifestyle and fashion bloggers? What about for someone searching for inspiration for fall crafts?

-I would have to say my best advice, is just keep posting. It doesn’t matter if some people judge you for what you wear or how you live you life. Heaven knows I’ve had a lot of people hate on me for the way I parent and the fact that I sometimes come off as “goth” to them. But being worried about who you are shows through, and mean people will see that. You should be confident in who you are, even if you’re still trying to find your style. If you like something, blog it! Other people will see your confidence and enjoy coming back. Also, it’s not a competition with other lifestyle and fashion bloggers. There is no reason to compare yourself to other blogs. It’s hard sometimes, trust me, but every blog is different and that’s what makes blogging and reading other blogs fun.

Thank you so much for doing this interview, Katie! Don’t forget to check out Katie’s blog for peeks into her daily life and pretty outfits!

-Chelsea XO

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Studious

09.19.11
With all this talk of Grad School work lately I’ve been feeling very studious. So when I threw on this outfit I immediately thought I looked like a prim and proper student, going off to some fancy university where they are already in the full fall swing of things. Leaves changing, library study sessions, and hot coffees all around!

I recently received this pretty dress from Modcloth. I’m obsessed with the silky like fabric, the pretty pattern, and the ruffles (oh the ruffles!). I felt so feminine and put together in it, and that is exactly how I want to feel!
There is one accessory missing that I just wished I had. I think a Cambridge Satchel would look perfect with this outfit, and would definitely be the finishing touch. I’ve been wanting one for ages now, and I really think it’s time to just take the plunge and purchase one. They are seriously SO darling!


The dress is sleeveless, but I thought for a more fall look I would pair it with a cardigan. Even it’s still in the 90’s here, I’m all about fall. I have no problem suffering through the heat for a cute fall outfit!


This week I’m looking forward to a coffee date/meeting with Courtney and a few friends to chat about something exciting we are working on! I can’t really give away details yet, but it’s going to be awesome (plus I love any excuse to hang out with sweet people). I’m also ready to head back to yoga for another week. Last week’s experience wasn’t the best, but we did get a lot of good stretching in (and the class was free). I’m also excited to share something VERY exciting on Sunday! It’s really going to be a great week!

Outfit details:
Cardigan: Target
Booties: Seychelles Hawkeyes
This weekend Scott and I saw Drive with Ryan Gosling. Have any of you gone and seen it? If so, what did you think? I kind of loved the music and Gosling’s stern stairs (swoon). What do you have going on this week?
-Chelsea XO
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September Weekend

09.18.11

This weekend has treated me well. After taking Friday to myself, I felt refreshed and prepared to focus on the things I needed to get done for Grad School (along with any emails + errands I haven’t been able to get to). Yesterday I met Scott for iced coffees, and then had most of the morning/early afternoon to myself to work on homework. It felt so good to get things done. I feel like this should be called the weekend of accomplishments, because I’m feeling good about myself and getting so much done.

In between the homework there has definitely been a fun few moments. The above photo was taken on a quick trip to downtown Mesa. I’m pretty sure I will always love their old brick walls and buildings.

Friday morning I had yoga + girl time with Courtney at Solo Cafe. I grabbed a quick shot of our pastries and coffee to remember the moment. By the way, that was the best cranberry scone I have ever had!
Oh, and remember when I talked about how darling Mates of State are and how I had to have their new cd, well it’s finally in my possession (three record stores later!) and I’m loving it! So far Sway is my favorite track.
How is your weekend going so far? Have you done anything fun, or are you getting a lot of things accomplished? What CD are you most digging right now?
-Chelsea XO
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Mesa Groves

09.17.11
It’s true, sometimes you just need a day off. Lately I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed with school work, especially this weekend with having two tests to complete and also an outline of a twenty page theoretical essay to do, so yesterday I took a “Mental Health Day.”
The weather was gorgeous (although, it has been warming back up), and I wanted nothing more to do just relax do a few things that would make me happy and be good for my soul. So I started the morning with some girl time with Courtney (yoga and coffee), and running around to a few fun places in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Phoenix with Scott.
Lately I’ve been realizing how important it is to find time for myself and not worry about all that I have going on. Also, with not going to an in-peron class very often anymore, it’s still so important to get ready for the day in my best duds. Sometimes it’s so easy to fall into a routine of plan t-shirts and jeans every day, but I feel it’s still so important to “dress for success” (that is, the success of finishing all of my homework and feeling great about it). Oh, and I have to say that I felt totally like myself in this outfit. Cardigans and cute booties make all outfits that much more sweeter.


On another note, Scott and I took these photos a few days ago after having lunch at Sprouts in East Mesa. The orange and lemon orchards that are so frequent in East Mesa will always have a place in my heart, and I will always take the chance to go on a nice walk through them given the opportunity.


Today I’m feeling very much refreshed and ready to take on my stacks of homework. I keep telling myself, one thing at a time. I’ve already got my iced coffee and I’m ready to take on the day.

Outfit details:
Cardigan: Target
Top: Quicksilver
Bracelets: vintage, Kate Spade, and c/o Taylor Kenney Jewelry
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
What are you up to today? Do you have a lot of errands/homework to do?
-Chelsea XO

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A New Routine: Weekly Yoga

09.15.11

Last Saturday Courtney and I took a “Slow Flow” yoga class in downtown Phoenix. During my time as an undergraduate I always thought doing yoga would help out a lot with my daily stress, and although I did attempt it and took a few classes through my college and local YMCA, I never felt like any of them did anything for me or were really a good fit for me.
So last month before I started Grad School I declared on Twitter that I really want to start doing yoga regularly (as a way to relieve stress, and get a bit of a workout in). Soon after Courtney says that we should do the classes together, and then our hunt for a great yoga studio began. After a few weeks of searching around trying to get our schedules in synch, we ended up going to Urban Yoga in downtown Phoenix. While the studio is a bit of a drive for the both of us, the city atmosphere, chic building/studio space, and amazing class made it totally worth it.
After getting into the class a little late, we scooted our way into to floor spots next to one another. The class itself was for beginners and was absolutely full that morning (which made for an extra hot room). There was lots of stretching, poses that worked every muscle in my body (I swear), and also a little bit of resting. The hour and fifteen minute classes ended with a relaxation time in which the instructor (who was extra spunky) banged a gong for ten minutes. I think the gong was a little unnerving for Courtney and I (the room sounded like it was going to explode!), but it was nice to rest the last few minutes of class.
We came out of this experience extra sweaty, but feeling really good about the experience. This week we are going to continue our yoga routine by trying out a new studio in Mesa. I already can’t wait!
Do you practice yoga? If so, do you attend classes, or do it at home? What do you love about it the most?
-Chelsea XO
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DownEast Basics Blogger Event

09.14.11

Last month I attended a lovely blogger event at my local DownEast Basics store. They invited myself, and some other sweet, local blogger ladies to check out the store, mingle, and pick out something pretty to take home.

The store was filled with tons of cute, new styles, and I had a lot of fun picking out a few pieces to try on. I’ve only previously shopped/check out this store a few times, so it was nice to go in and check it out again in a fun atmosphere.
Scott attended the event with me and was my trusty photographer through the event (he’s such a sweet guy). He was really good about telling me what he liked, and what he thought would look flattering on me. In the end, I went with his pick of this grey, ruffle skirt, which I wore in Monday’s posts.
At the event I got to meet the ladies that run the sweet blog, Fancy House Road. Camberley, Keighley, and Kiersten and I actually all went to the same high school, but didn’t realize it until after we had met. We graduate about a year or two a part, but it was so neat to meet some fellow Toros (our school’s mascot).
Overall I had a really great time at the DownEast Basics event and will definitely be stopping back in again to check out all of the sweet designs they have for fall! Thanks for having me, DownEast Basics!
Have you ever shopped at DownEast Basics before?
-Chelsea XO
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The Music Wall

09.14.11
With the fall finally settling in (hello cloudy skies and rainy weather), I have been obsessing over finding the perfect fall album/music. I go through these spurts of absolutely having to find new music to listen to, to going back to my old favorite records and listening to them over, and over again.

At the Tempe Arts Center they have this amazing wall that has music pages inside these orange, see-through knobs. They’re kind of really awesome, and I love how they tie into the whole music scene that the Arts Center encourages so much.



So far this “fall” I’m really loving The Weakerthans, States, Ben Kweller (his self-titled cd will always remind me of this time of year) and The Bedroom Demos by Stars. Yesterday the new Mates of State album came out and I won’t stopping obsessing over it until I have it in my hands. I’ve been listening to them on and off since high school, and absolutely love that they are a husband and wife team! Not to mention they are both totally adorable!

Today I plan on having a breakfast date with my love, working on some school work, picking up that amazing cd I’ve been coveting over, and attending my in-person class. I’m hoping the amazing weather sticks around awhile longer, because I’m sure loving this fall-esque weather.

Outfit details:
Cardigan: Target
Shirt: American Apparel
Bracelets: Jcrew, Kate Spade, & vintage
Black jeans: Levi’s
Korkease sandals: won via Calivintage
What are you up to today? What music are you listening to this fall?
-Chelsea XO
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Agritopia Orchard

09.13.11
Last Friday Scott and I headed down to the Agritopia Community to meet-up with Brandi at The Coffee Shop. Since we got there a little early Scott and I decided to go venture around the community and ended up in their orchard (ya know, because it’s just too pretty).


It was a beautiful afternoon and the dark clouds were coming in and out, scattering rain around every couple of minutes. The wonderful smell of dirt and rain that I always love was in the air, and the orchards were taking my breathe away.


The area was just too pretty to not take photos in. Growing up I was always surrounded by beautiful orange groves, but since I don’t spend much time in East Mesa anymore I don’t really get to see them much. I’ve always loved how pretty they were, though. To have something so green and beautiful survive in our heat and harsh suns is a miracle in itself.

The amazing weather has decided to stick around for a bit, and I’ve been taking it in as much as I can. All of my favorite coffee shops have been packed, and I’ve been breaking out the cardigans (even though it’s still fairly hot outside). Fall is almost here! I can feel it!

Today I have more schoolwork to attend to, and a meeting later in the afternoon. It seems all I do lately is homework, but at this point in my life I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have been mixing it up with, with sweet friend/blogger meet-ups and scouring some of my favorite record stores lately. Today the new Mates of State album comes out and I’m SO excited to give it a good listen!
This sweet guy has been so patient and great with me lately. I’m so happy that he understands how important school is, and always knows how to balance me out when I’m getting burned out on my work (hello froyo dates and Taking Back Sunday singalongs!).
Outfit details:
Blouse: Element
Jeans: Levi’s
Bag: Fossil
Shoes: Wanted
How do you de-stress?
-Chelsea XO
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Tempe Bridge

09.12.11

Yesterday was a beautiful day. The weather was gorgeous, and the feeling of love, understanding, and remembrance was in the air. After a full morning of homework and work, Scott and I decided to take a walk around Tempe Town Lake to see the new bridge, and to enjoy some time in the amazing weather.

The new bridge featured in these photos was built within the last year and still has not been opened to the public. It was built after our dam broke and let all of our lake water rushing out. The bridge is meant to help shade and protect the dam, so that in the coming years we won’t have a busted lake again. Did you hear that they let in alligator into the lake to eat the fish but he didn’t want to eat them? Sweet guy!
This weekend was full of homework study sessions, coffee dates, and spending time with my love. A storm rolled in on Friday and just never left, making for a very beautiful weekend! I was so happy to be able to sit outside and not sweat to death, and to drink a few extra iced coffees and teas just because.
To celebrate the weekend Scott and I also may have stopped in at Zia Records to pick up two records that had been on my mind. One being a live Weakerthans album (vinyl), and the other being the most recent Taking Back Sunday (cd). The Weakerthans album was on super sale and I just couldn’t pass it up any longer, and the TBS album was just for old time sake (the original line-up is back and I just had to hear John Nolan again!).
Outfit details:
She //
Skirt: c/o DownEast Basics
Sandals: Sofft
He //
Button-up: Quicksilver
Jeans: Levi’s
Shoes: New Balance
What did you do this weekend? How has the weather been in your area?
-Chelsea XO
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Orange Leaf

09.11.11
This weekend has been busy, busy, but on Friday night Scott and I took a break from our homework to go get froyo with some of his family. I suggested that we go try out Orange Leaf because it was fairly close, and I’ve been wanting to go there for quite a few months now. So off we went!

Orange Leaf was full of different flavors and toppings than our usual froyo spot, Yogurtland. I loved being able to sample all of the new flavors, and picking a few different toppings.


When it comes to froyo, I kind of like to mix things up. I’m not really one for making sure flavors blend together well (it kind of drives Scott nuts), so I ended up getting pomegranate, wedding cake, and mint chocolate froyo, along with mochi, popping bobas, and peanut butter cups for toppings.

Overall, everyone was pretty impressed with their delicious froyo, and we will definitely be going back for more.
What’s your favorite froyo place? What flavors/toppings do you usually get?
-Chelsea XO