Fall 2015 cupcakeMAG by cupcakeMAG

FAll 2015

cupcakemag.com

candace cameron bure ON HER NEW BOOK, FAITH AND

FULLER HOUSE

INSIDE!

Fall Shopping Guide see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on our radar #smallbiz spotlight insta - shop hottest brands on social

behind closed doors

chatting with little adi & Co designer adrianne Betz

exclusive:

ONE ON ONE WITH MELISSA JOAN HART

beauty brands to watch

NOW

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Casi Densmore-Koon Founder and Editor in Chief Jessica Peterson Graphic Design PAGE 35

Skye McLain Director of Advertising Katlyn Dziegrenuk fashion & beauty director

PAGE 66

Courtney Boone Editorial Assistant Kylie Bean content manager Peter Svenson Cover photography

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contents on the cover

candace cameron bure

fuller house | 20

adrianne betz

little adi & co designer | 42

melissa joan heart

one on one | 52

beauty brands

to watch this season | 16

shopping guide shop our must-haves| 60

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fall 2015 cupcakemag.com

6 | Editor’s Note happy fall

13 | Small Biz Spotlight a look at the hottest new brands

30 | Currently Covetting perfect fall style

7 | Editor’s Picks casi’s favorites

14 | Ask Kate beauty bests

35 | The Lust List must-have essentials

9 | SCOOP! mama must-haves

16 | Beauty Brands to Watch in your beauty cabinet

36 | On Our Radar loved by hannah and eli

10 | Currently Obsessing Over box of chic

28 | Fall Accessories the must have list

79 | Insta-Shop browse our favorite finds

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editor’snote

Happy Fall cupcakes! You guys -- this is our 8th issue!!! I can not even believe that in just a few months it’s been two years since we launched our first issue of cupcakeMAG digitally. Skye, Courtney, Kate, Jessica, Ahndea, and all of YOU -- thank you for making us what we are today. With that said, I’m excited to welcome our newest member of cupcakeMAG -- please give our Content Manager Kylie Bean a warm welcome! Please go check out her Instagram feed (@ky.bean) and let me tell you, it’s some kind of dreamy! You definitely want to go follow her like yesterday.

PS: 13 WEEKS until Christmas! It’s never too early to share your shopping.

Now down to biz -- did you see happen to notice who is on our cover? The absolutely amazing Candace Cameron Bure! Candace -- thank you for taking time out of your beyond busy schedule and for being part of the cupcakeMAG family. Coming from someone that still watches Full House like it’s circa 1995 -it was a dream to have you on the cover not because you are ‘D.J Tanner’ but because you are an inspiring woman to all! I never imagined I’d be interviewing someone I loved so much from my days of watching TGIF. We are so thrilled to have you! If you haven’t grabbed Candace’s books yet, get on it, please.

Lots of love, cupcake!

And hello Melissa Joan Hart! Melissa is absolutely wonderful. Currently running the household as a wife and a mother she now has added designer & entrepreneur to her to-do list as she recently welcomed her newest baby, King of Harts - the cutest new line around! I felt like we really took this issue back to our favorite ladies of the nineties television and I couldn’t be more excited to share them with you! Don’t forget to check out our Fall Shopping Guide filled with all of our must-have finds, plus what’s on our radar and more. We’ve done the shopping for you with the best of the best shops on the net while featuring our favorite small business shops around! And 6

As always -- I just want to thank you. Yes, you beautiful! Thank you for reading! Thank you for letting us be part of your day. Thank you for the support and love. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We wouldn’t be here without you. Here’s to Pumpkin Spice Lattes!

Casi

Casi Densmore-Koon Founder & Editor in Chief

Say Hello!

Your ongoing support and emails always make me smile. Have a comment, suggestion, or just want to say hi?

Email me! casi@cupcakemag.com cupcakeMAG.com

editor’sPICKS RUBYCLAIRE

BOUTIQUE, $36 Not only is Ruby Claire Boutique my go-to online boutique but their boots are the cutest around. I just can’t get enough of The Harley Bootie which looks great with leggings or jeans! Under $40 bucks too?Sold!

WRENN JEWELRY ELEGANT

DRUZY CAVE NECKLACE, $75 Because every girl needs some really elegant duzy right? Wrenn Jewelry pieces can take you from day to night and from soccer games to PTA meetings. The best part? You’ll never go out of style.

JESSICA N DESIGNS STACKING RINGS, $31 AND UP

BE STILL CLOTHING

COMPANY TEE, $30 This shirt defines me to a tee. Stressed, Blessed and Coffee Obsessed!

ALLISA JACOBS AZTEC CLUTCH, $44 Handmade pretties get me everytime! It’s safe to say, you can never get tired of a good Aztec print clutch. Alissa Jacobs’ work is just devine!

OSEA ADVANCED

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PROTECTION CREAM, $98 This is literally heaven in a bottle. During the cool months your skin starts to get dry but not with this amazing moisturizer. Honestly, I don’t know if my skin could survive without it because I know I can’t! 7 Better yet it’s vegan, organic and gluten free!

TEES INSPIRED BY KIDS

FOR

KIDS

SEE MORE ONLINE AT

tbeapparel.com

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Scoop

THE LATEST BUZZ ON THE MUSTHAVES OF THE SEASON FOR EVERY MAMA

Mrs. Jones’ Soapbox

Cutting back the number of toxic chemicals in your home is a must. Adding handmade eco-friendly cleaning products under your sink? Also a must. You will not be able to get enough of this line of safe, natural products. Packaged in beautiful jars and the cutest bottles, you’ll constantly be eager to clean. And yes, you might have spotted them in Anthropologie and HomeGoods!

MustHave: Chewable Charm, $75 Chewable Charm Teething Jewelry is made for the stylish mom that is always on trend yet needs functional jewelry for everyday life with baby. The plus? It’s supercute, BPA Free and safe for baby to chew on yet cute enough to wear, sans baby. Fun fact: All of their necklace and bracelet designs are named after their son, Austin’s best friends.

Lily Jade Rose

Designer Diaper Bag

MustHave:

Parlo Cosmetics sweet Lips All

Natural Tinted Lip Balm, $5.25

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Oh, hello beautiful. Yes, we are talking about the new Rosie Diaper Bag to join the Lily Jade family. The camel hue is perfect to match your everyday mom wardrobe while keeping you oh- so-chic. Promise, you’ll never want to let her go.

BOX OF CHIC While we love StitchFix for our closets move over, there is a new subscription box in town. Box of Chic is a brand new home decor subscription box offered for only $49 and is the must-have of the season. Founded by an interior decorator, each box will include pieces for your kitchen, coffee table, bar, dining room and much more! We love that each box can instantly transform your home and even includes styling tips so you can re-create the look at home! Delivered right to your door, Box of Chic arrives in one beautiful and gift worthy package! 10

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currently obsessing over

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Briar Handmade The cutest little accessory around! Briar Handmade bonnets are a timeless classic for every season where style, quality, and function define the modern-baby baby bonnet. Proudly made in the USA, they are effortlessly chic and a must-have right now in every littles ones wardrobe.

#smallbiz #SMALLBIZ SPOTLIGHT

a look at the hottest brands to hit the net

Wrenn Jewelry If you aren’t already addicted to druzy this is your warning: you will be after browsing Wrenn Jewelry. From endless earrings to exclusive designs you’ll never take off. This online storefront is a real gem you surely should bookmark right now.

Free Babes Because how can you not love pretty, little bows?

charlotte+asher

charlotte+asher’s Gabrielle designer diaper bag won’t give away the binkies, diapers, and wipes you have inside. From handbag to diaper bag; you can still use it, with or without baby. Bonus: You’ll feel great because your purchase helps a child in need receive life-saving vaccinations.

Tulip + Olive

Can we say swoon-worthy? Inspired by twin girls, they are the inspiration behind everything created in this beautiful online space. From floral crowns to headbands it is full of oh-so-pretties over on Tulip + Olive.

Wire and Honey

Known for endorsing and promoting love, tolerance, and global health awareness this husband and wife team is killin’ it with their rad designs for urban littles. Inspired by the heart and soul of their beloved Baltimore city they have created hip, urban clothing that is perfect for you and your trendy tot.

The Blue Envelope

Designed and crafted for kids and the ones who love them, The Blue Envelope is a line of must-have graphic tees. And they aren’t just for their trendy babies but even-trendier parents too! 13

beauty BOTANICS TRUE & BRIGHT TONER drugstore find!

VOLUMINOUS MILLION LASHES BEST drugstore mascara around! No clumps; just long, separated & full lashes.

KEN PAVES DETANGLING THERMAL SPRAY

budget friendly!

I hate using conditioner because it weighs my hair down. This protects, detangles and makes my hair shine after a blow dry. Beauty plus: It’s paraben free!

Fashion and Beauty director, Katlyn shares her beauty essentials and what you need to buy now. OSEA ESSENTIAL CORRECTIVE COMPLEX Ever since I started using all Osea products, I rarely get a bad breakout but when I do, not to worry this stuff knocks it out! Truly a miracle worker.

JAY MANUEL LIPSTICK Jay’s ‘Nudist’ hue is the perfect neutral.

ARGAN OIL OF MOROCCO ELEVATED FINISH SPRAY If you need volume, well don’t worry it holds it all day.

CLINIQUE ACNE SOLUTIONS LIQUID FOUNDATION Weightless! It just doesn’t feel like you are wearing makeup. PLUS it’s medicated to fight breakouts and protect your skin from them coming back!

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ALL ABOUT

THE BEAUTY what you need in your beauty cabinet this second

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h c t a W o t s d n a r B

OLIVINA’S

LILLIAN EVE

OSEA

Made in Napa Valley’s worldclass vineyards and olive orchards, Olivina has some of the pretties scents around. We are crushing on Honeysuckle Rose, Lavender and Orange & Clove and love the benefits of being always crueltyfree and no parabens. From candles to purse sized lotions and beautiful soaps; they have something for everyone.

We can’t get enough of the pretty hues that make up the collection. What else? It’s made in the USA. Being vegan and toxicfree is always a plus too!

It’s hard to define our love for OSEA is one paragraph. Gluten free, vegan, organic, lifechanging and just heavenly pretty much describes the line in a nutshell. OSEA is the absolutely best and is sure to guarantee a gorgeous glow and an effortless look.

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Emilee Rose Photography

BeMoShe.Storenvy.com @shopbemoshe

NBTTHREADS

www.nbtthreads.com + @NBTTHREADS + MADE IN CALI cupcakeMAG.com

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Chatting with Candace Cameron Bure I n t e r v i e w by C a s i D e n s m o r e - Ko o n P h oto g r a p h e r : P e t e r S v e n s o n Candace Cameron Bure isn’t just D.J.Tanner - she’s a producer, New York Times Best-Selling Author, inspirational speaker and a wife and mother of 3 with a Full House of her own. Candace is a role model, encourager and inspiration to women of all ages. Candace truly does it all with grace. As a woman of many talents, Candace is currently filming the lead in Netflix’s highly anticipated new original comedy series “Fuller House,” where she reprises her role as ‘D.J. Tanner’ and you can catch her as the new co-host of “The View”. On August 1st of this year, she recently released her third book, Dancing Through Life: Steps of Courage and Conviction. When you read through this interview, you can feel Candace’s philanthropic spirit shining through as she is truly a passionate person you’ll soon fall in love with all over again. Read on as we sat down with Candace to talk Fuller House, her new book, a typical-day and how she looks so good while doing it all.

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You’re an amazing actress, producer, New York Times’ best-selling author, inspirational speaker and the list goes on. As a huge fan of yours since your Full House role as “D.J. Tanner” catch us up to speed on how you’ve been! In a single word, BUSY!! I’ve got 3 teenagers (I can’t believe it myself), a rock-star husband because he does it all when I’m not home, my new Netflix series “Fuller House” which I’m currently filming, I’m a new co-host for “The View,” and squeezing in my Hallmark mystery movies series “Aurora Teagarden” on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel. Our family still watches “Full House” almost daily. It’s such a great show! How is being back on the set with your old cast members as you film “Fuller House”? The word “fun” doesn’t do our feelings justice, but that’s exactly what it’s been. We’ve been such close friends for so long, that we have to pinch ourselves and giggle at the fact that we get to do it all over again. Our chemistry is spot-on and it’s pure joy to go to work every day. You are outspoken and very passionate about your family and faith and are such a role model to women of all ages. How to find such amazing balance with work and your life as a Mom? It’s important to know that I took 10 years off work to be a fulltime stay at home mom when my kids were young. I couldn’t have balanced the things I do now when they were babies or toddlers and been the kind of mom I wanted to be. I’m grateful for the ability to take those years off work and pour them into my children. Now, because they are older, I’m certainly not needed any less as a mom, but their needs are different. There’s much more of an emotional need and guidance in my parenting as opposed to taking care of daily necessities. Also as I mentioned, my husband is an amazing father and supporter of my career, and I couldn’t do it if we weren’t lovingly co-laboring through it together. We are loving your new book, Dancing Through Life. Tell us... in a nutshell what will readers find inside? I use my journey on “Dancing With The Stars” as the framework for the book. But the real story for the reader is about navigating through life, having the courage to take a leap of faith and stay in the game when the going gets tough and having the strength to stay true to your convictions and to know what those are before you head out the door. I share the good, the bad, the ugly and the

nerve-wracking. It’s definitely my most vulnerable book yet. Let’s talk style. How has your style changed since having kids? What about your beauty routine? You always look so gorgeous! Tell us your secrets. I was born and raised in Southern California and I’m a cut-off jean shorts, tank top, flip flop wearing kind of gal through and through. I’ve always loved fashion but have stayed true to my L.A. beach casual roots before and after kids. I love to dress up (shoes are my thing) and kids never stopped me from doing that. The only thing that changed since having kids is making sure I have a pair of comfortable but cute stylish shoes on more often that stilettos. But honestly, a pair of ripped jeans with stilettos is my perfect mix. As for beauty, I put in a lot of effort in taking care of my skin. Skincare not only helps me stay young looking, but it’s an investment in my career. I use quality products (which are often expensive- that’s the investment part), use sunscreen and sunblock daily and drink a lot of water. Give us a rundown of a typical day in your heels! Wake up: 4:40am. (Yup! It’s the only way to get it all done!) Gym: 5-6am. Breakfast with kids before school 6:30-7:00. Work on “Fuller House” 8:45am- 6pm Mon & Tuesday. Until 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday. Monday nights- a walk with my dog and daughter, then my small group comes over where I lead bible study. Tuesday nights- Family night! No hockey practice for my boys or activities for my daughter. Friday- meetings during school hours. Saturday-Family Day. Sunday- breakfast at Farmer’s Market, church and hockey games (my boys play AAA) That schedule happens 3 weeks each month. On the 4th week, I fly to New York on Sunday to co-host “The View” live Monday-Friday, and arrive back in L.A. Friday evening after the show. Of course, there’s always more work in between what you read above, which includes photos shoots, interviews like this one as well as working on my Hallmark movies where I’m Executive Producer with my production company for all of them. :) My husband and I are sure to squeeze in a date lunch or dinner at least a few times a month.

what are 5 things most readers won’t know about you? 1. I’m a goofball 2. I love EDM (electronic dance music) Dub-step… YAAAAS! 3. We own a boutique wine label, Bure Family Wines 4. My pinky fingers are so crooked they look broken 5. I’m a Bible loving Jesus girl (but you probably already knew that!) 22

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“Don’t worry about failure. Failure means you’re trying! Don’t give up. Love God with all your heart and pray big! “

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What piece of advice would you offer to your younger self? You can do it!! I don’t believe a piece of advice stuck out to me as a kid as much as encouragement from a few close friends and family did. Encouragement is everything. When someone believes in you, and tells you that you’re able… that to me was everything! I would tell my younger self to dream even bigger than I did and to keep working hard because it pays off! Don’t worry about failure. Failure means you’re trying! Don’t give up. Love God with all your heart and pray big! Finding time to exercise I’m sure is hard but you always look so amazing! What are some of your best fitness tips that you stick with when you have such a busy schedule? There’s ALWAYS time (unless you have infants or very young children.) My go-to work out when I’m traveling (no equipment needed) is simple and very effective. Do these five exercises for 1 minutes each, doing the routine 5 times for 25 minute workout: -Walking lunges -Hold a plank -Jumping squats (gets heart rate up) -Push ups -Ab twists When I’m home and go to the gym in the morning, my main routine consists of lifting heavy weights followed by 30 min of cardio. Don’t be scared! You won’t bulk up and muscles are SEXY!!

Candace

g et t i n g to know

1. Favorite drink at Starbucks? Americano with splash of Almond milk 2. Most over used emoji? - By me? This! 3. Quote you live by? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 4. Favorite Full House episode? Hawaii 5. Bag you are currently coveting? Stella McCartney Baby Bella Shaggy Deer Mini-Tote 6. If you had more hours in the day what would you do? Sleep cupcakeMAG.com

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Personalized Embroidered Decor cupcakeMAG.com

CarolineRandallMade.Etsy.com Instagram @shop.crmade Facebook.com/CarolineRandallMade

FASHion

Joe Penagos The Eve Bag, $56

ALL ABOUT THE BAGS

The Little Market Rebozo Cross Body-Sunset, $120

Baby Mama Sew Shop Plaid Fold Over Clutch, $40

Fly Chicks Handmade, Tribal Print Clutch Crossbody $80

FALL ACCESSORIES

The Must-Have List

As much as I cringe at the thought of cold weather in the coming months, the thought of dressing for the cold weather makes me feel all the warm and fuzzy feelings. I live in over-sized sweaters, comfy boots, and skinny jeans--mostly in muted and neutral colors. This gives me the freedom to pair my go-to pieces with statement accessories to brighten up my look. Because although winter may be drab, your outfit doesn’t have to be! I’ve rounded up my current favorite statement pieces, which are all handcrafted by some of my favorite small business, and bonus!--are all under $120. — cupcakeMAG Content Manager, Kylie Bean

SCARVES

Buttercream Clothing Blue Triangles Scarf, $44

Baby Mama Sew Shop, Infinity Scarf in Blue Magenta Floral, $14

Nickel & Suede Leopard Sweater Scarf, $33

Gentry’s Closet Blanket Scarf, $18

NECKLACES

Metal Marvels Glam Floral Statement Necklace, $20 28

Show Me Your Mumu Full Moon Fringe Necklace, $32

The Jones Market Beaded Infinity Scarf in Almond + Buffalo Check, $34

Clovers & Pearls Blair Statement Necklace, $24 cupcakeMAG.com

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charlotte+asher Gabrielle Diaper Bag, $195 cupcakeMAG.com

currently coveting Mindy Maeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Baseball Dress, $34.99 Bip & Bop Crystal & Gold Chandelier Earrings, $36.50

Peggy Li Mini Tusk Necklace, $65

THE PERFECT FALL STYLE

Six Essentials You Need Right NOW

Abby Maddy Skinny Jeans Clutch, $49

1108 Boutique The Best Life Mom Life Raglan, $35 cupcakeMAG.com

Converse Shoreline, $50

his story...

Warrior Poet

Providing handcrafted garments with inspiring stories and weekly focus points to help intentionally shape your sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story When his story is written well, he will be ready to rewrite history.

W W W. WA R R I O R P O E T . C L O T H I N G

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gentryscloset.com @gentryscloset

AshleyGabby Designs Creating a space for imagination Ashleygabbydesigns.com

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lust List Flychick Floral and Stripes Clutch $55

Wrenn Jewelry Merlot Druzy Heart Stud Earrings, $35

Bip and Bop Erin layered necklace, $99+

The Baby Burp Nevaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Tied Turban, $8

Sara Moore Signature Gingham Smartphone Case, $39.95 Nickel & Suede Slit Cuff, $33

The Lust List must-have essentials we love

The Silver Loft Diamond and Dangle Earrings, $22 Busy Bicycle October is my favorite color tee, $18

#mother tee, $32

E and J Boutique Best You Ever tank, $44 cupcakeMAG.com

on our radar

Get the Look: Mama Bear Racer Back Tank, $35 Lulroe by Renee Wood Leggings, $25 Daylin Skye Clutch, prices vary Clover & Pearls Necklace,

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CRUSHIN’ ON

LOVED BY HANNAH AND ELI #SHOPSMALL

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Must-Have: Mama Bear Star Sleeve Raglan ($40)

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INTRODUCING THE REAL MAMA BEAR

Sarah Duncan is one of the most genuine and amazing mamas you will ever meet. Not only has she been hustlin’ in her home building an empire but -- she’s a mama bear to Hannah and Eli who inspired the brand. Known for their sell-out “Mama Bear” and “Man Cub” tees which are a celeb fave, Loved by Hannah and Eli has been spotted in numerous magazines and celebrity Instagram feeds such as Kourtney Kardashian and Tori Spelling. Sarah is a powerhouse making her hit brand quite the online sensation. Sarah’s dream is to impact people through genuine kindness, bring families together, and to do so fashionably. Well, Sarah - you do just that and so much more.

Connect with LBHAE Shop online at Lovedbyhannahandeli.com. Connect with them on Instagram @lovedbyhannahandeli as well as Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter!

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Fa s h i o n D e s i g n e r A d r i a n n e B e t z ta k e s o n h e r b i g g e s t p r oj e c t y e t — L i t t l e A d i & Co . If you were texting with Adrianne you’d be laughing in about .2 seconds. Her comical manner is contagious and you could most likely speak in emoijis throughout half of the conversation. And let’s not forget hashtags. #loveit I’ve been lucky enough to work with this gem of a lady for over a year now and I’m thrilled to introduce her to all of you. Adrianne is a kick ass boss mama and this little thing she calls Little Adi & Co - it’s an empire everyone needs to know about.

Photography by E Bea Photography We love Little Adi & Co! Can you talk to us a little bit about what piqued your interest in this small biz world? Introduce us to the girl boss behind the brand too! It always means so much to hear that, thank you! I have wanted to own my own fashion business since I was young. I never knew how or what, but my dream was to be able to be with my kids and have this wing on my house where I ran my company. I don’t have the wing, but I’ve got everything else. cupcakeMAG.com

I never imagined it would be a children’s company, but as any mom can relate, you almost start life again after you have kids. My whole world grew ten fold the moment I had Aden and then again with Hudson. My kids are my main motivation in life and they were the absolute biggest inspiration for Little Adi + Co. The company name is even in reference to them. I’m a mom of 2 boys, a wife to my high school sweetheart, and a fashion girl by all other means. I grew up in a small sea-side 43

town in New Jersey until the moment I turned 18 and moved on my own to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology. I spent 4 years working backstage at Fashion Week each season, holding down internships and maintaining my insane workload. My sewing machine and I were basically best friends. I started working full-time as an assistant denim designer for a large women’s corporation during my junior year, so I held both full-time credits and what I refer to as a full-time ‘big girl’ work schedule. I then went on to become a head designer for multiple corporate brands in New York City, but with it came extensive travel and strenuous hours. I was starting to feel burnt out at 25 and I knew something was going to have to change soon since my health and creativity was starting to suffer. A few years later, my husband was presented with a job opportunity we couldn’t pass up that inevitably moved us from New York to Charleston, SC. We bought our first home, and being that there was no real fashion industry here, (I knew I needed a break anyhow) we couldn’t wait to start a family. A few weeks after having my first son, Aden, Little Adi + Co. was born. When did you have your “aha” moment to make it happen? 6 weeks after my son, Aden was born. I remember being up in the middle of the night with him and looking for unique and trendy clothes for infant boys on my iPhone. After not finding anything close to what I had in mind, I remember looking down at him and realizing, if not now, then when? The opportunity was presenting itself to me and I would be a fool not to pursue it. I had been in the industry for almost 10 years designing for other brands, I knew the niche I needed to fill, so I took to my sewing machine and started the next day. One thing lead to another, we went from Etsy, then to our own domain, and within a year I was having 44

to turn to a manufacturer because I couldn’t keep up. It’s been surreal. You are a mom of 2 adorable boys. Of course we have to ask the burning balance question. What essentials can you thank for your success and managing it all? My alarm clock and the people I surround myself with. I always say, it takes a village (or “I am not an island”). I’ve realized I can’t do it all, so I have help. It can be as simple as my husband taking the kids for a weekend afternoon or my VA, Kylie keeping my blog and social media ticking, things just operate smoother and I’m a happier and smarter business woman when I allow people to help me. Tell us about the design process. When planning a new collection, I always reference my previous year to what worked and what didn’t. I use that information to build out on the new season. I research new styles and start with getting them prototyped. I’ll throw them on my kids or friends’ kids to see if they fit my vision or something we need to continue tweaking. At the same time, I develop a loose color palette to work from and begin sourcing fabrics, trim and designing patterns. I’ll swatch everything and start playing ‘style jenga’ to see what works in what bodies. For our graphic tees, I’m usually collaborating with an artist, so there’s a lot of emails, phone calls, and doodles being thrown around for a few weeks until we approve a design and move forward with the screens for printing. It’s a long arduous process that runs simultaneously alongside the final release of the current season - which involves website redesign, product photos, photoshoots, hounding manufacturers and printers, etc - so it’s definitely important that I keep everything cupcakeMAG.com

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straight. Working between multiple seasons, is always a juggle. Where do you find your inspiration for your next collection? First and foremost, I always go with my gut. Being a fashion designer formally, I always tend to have my finger on the pulse when it comes to trends, styling, and inspiration, whether I’m designing or not. When I was first starting out, I never trusted myself. Over the years, I’ve become more comfortable with my creative eye enough to know that I not only can interpret the trends, but can also forge my own (ie. Bummies™). I also really believe in the natural progression of a collection, so I let my influences lead the way and what results is always something that is organically cohesive. What is something you wish you could have told yourself before you started your own business? You have no idea! No, but really, I don’t know if any entrepreneur has any idea of what they’re getting into when they first start out and I think a lot of that just comes from being so ambitious. Let’s talk about your gorgeous home. Where do you love to shop? Thank you! One of my favorite things to do is home design. I love finding pieces that are different and that immediately catch my eye. I tend to find home decor in almost any store (you’d be surprised!), but my favorites are West Elm, H&M, and of course, HomeGoods & Target. What advice would you give other mompreneurs who are just starting to build their business? 46

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ou can do it! It’s tough, there’s no doubt about it, but passion Y and determination can take you far. Learn to let things go and focus on the bigger picture. With kids around, you’ll never be able to do it all, so don’t try to. Once you can afford it, outsource what you feel comfortable getting help with and free up time to continue to building your brand. What are you currently working on? I’m finalizing our line for SS16, promoting FW15 - which is so much work in itself, and in the premature design stages for FW16. In between all of that, I’m shipping your orders and answering your customer service emails - There’s always something to be done, that’s for sure! If you weren’t running this biz, you’d be? Well, wouldn’t it be nice to be sitting pretty on a beach somewhere! But on a serious note, I’d probably be back working in corporate America as a Fashion Designer. I enjoyed every bit of it, but was lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to live out my dream of being a mom and owning my own brand. I guess I can thank my husband’s job relocation for that! Most played song on your iPhone? nerd status: Sam Hunt, Ed Sheeran and Macklemore’s new albums in their entirety.... on repeat. Biggest pet peeve? Oh dear....My biggest pet peeve is definitely chewing food or gum with your mouth open. cupcakeMAG.com

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One on One with

Melissa Joan Hart photos courtesy of King of Harts From Clarissa Explains It All to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Melissa Joan Hart has won the hearts of America. Fast forward and now she’s a Mom of 3 and designer behind the super-cool clothing King of Harts. Melissa sat down with cupcakeMAG to talk balance, being a Mom and her newest baby - King of Harts.

You are just such an inspiration! From an amazing actress of two of the best shows of all time, Clarissa Explains It All and Sabrina the Teenage Witch - now we can add entrepreneur as you have your own clothing line, King of Harts. As a Mom of 3, you have to be busy with all that you have under your belt. How do you balance it all? It’s quite impressive! What tricks are up your sleeve? It’s a juggling act everyday to accomplish all the things I put on my plate. I try to focus on the boys as much as possible when they are home from school but I also make sure they know that work is important and a priority. I am a working mom so I really need time to get my work done and then I can focus more on playing. But I try to plan fun family trips a few times a year so cupcakeMAG.com

we can escape and turn off our devices and recharge together. Once in a while I manage to bake a homemade birthday cake or organize the toy bins but that stuff gets pushed to the back of line when there are sports to play, workouts to tackle, homework to do and meetings to make. Let’s chat more about the clothing line you and your husband Mark started. What inspired King of Harts? Tell us why you decided to make it happen. Mark and I were frustrated with the lack of cool options for boys in the 2-12 range so we created our own. It’s not easy building a brand from the ground up but it sure is exciting. When I see kids on Instagram or when Fergie’s little stud is at the park in our 53

melissa

getting to know

clothes, it makes it all worthwhile. The design process as we know is hard work. Where do you find your inspiration when it comes to putting together a new collection. Tell us a little about the process. We find inspiration in a different US city for each season which makes it exciting and fun. Our first line was Montauk NY so it was a little preppy and a beach theme with lobster and sharks. This fall is Tahoe which is our favorite family vacation spot so the graphics are bears and mountain bikers with some lovely blues and greens on our plaids and flannels. Next will be Detroit Motor City line which is a brighter collection with car graphics and music theme. We have a great creative team that helps us define a color palette and we all work together to figure out what the line needs and what we think makes the most sense to grow the brand. Plus we have my 3 boys and all my friends boys to weigh in on their favorite styles to make sure we have something for every taste.

Last book you read? The E-myth by Michael E. Gerber Most over used word? Actually Life motto? Be fearless

Moving on to style for you! What’s your go-to essentials in your closet? I love to live in denim jeans. But in the winter it’s my leather pants that I can’t seem to part with. If I have a red carpet or event to attend I lean towards dresses because that takes the guess work out of what pairs together well. My 34 years in the business, I’ve always had other people decide what I should wear so I’ve always had a laid back style. But as I’m getting older I find myself more drawn to quality labels. Give us a sneak peek into a typical day as Melissa Joan Hart. Every day is different from the one before, so I really rely on my calendar to keep everything straight. When we are in Connecticut, a typical day starts with my husband Mark making breakfast, then getting the kids on the bus and off to school. When they’re at school, I try to get in a workout, run errands, take meetings or conference calls and do interviews. When the kids get home, it’s time for homework, activities, dinner, and bedtime. I remember vividly trying to dress just like Clarissa on Clarissa Explains It All. It was such a great show! Tell us about being on the show. I loved working on the show. I was in high school and it was lot of work trying to balance school while living in New York and traveling to Orlando shoot 4 months out of the year. But I look back on that time in my life fondly. You just recently wrapped your ABC Family show, Melissa & Joey. Playing the many characters you have over the years which one do you feel you relate the most to? Playing Mel on Melissa and Joey was so much fun because she is an exaggerated version of myself that I don’t get to be in real life. How fun was it working with Joey Lawrence? We had a blast together on set! Our objective was to make people laugh, so we had fun with that mission in mind. What are you currently working on? I’m excited that King of Harts will have a Holiday t-shirt beginning in November with 100% of the proceeds going to the Youth Villages non-profit. Other than King of Harts, my next film God’s Not Dead 2 is coming out next year around Easter. I’m also gearing up to direct my second feature. I have a few other projects that I can’t talk about just yet- stay tuned! 54

Breakfast this morning? My husband Mark made me 2 poached eggs on an english muffin and a Nutrisystem shake Describe your style in a few words: Casual, comfortable, classic, understated, effortless, and based on my mood.

7 Things We Don’t Know

about melissa

1. I have two tattoos. 2. I have eight piercings. I had my belly button pierced for 10 years. 3. I prefer to be a redhead than a blonde. 4. I don’t live in Hollywood- I chose to raise my family out East where I’m from. 5. I’m a big Alabama football fan. 6. I love WWE Monday night raw. 7. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and was inspired to try my hand at creating a business from the ground up by launching King of Harts.

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cupcakeMAG’s

FALL SHOPPING GUIDE all of our must haves for the season

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photo credit: Whimsie Photo

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littles style FOR YOUR MAIN MAN

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