Showing posts with label handbags. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handbags. Show all posts

Sunday, August 15, 2010

the real gretchen rossi

By Shasta Moczulski, Contributing Writer 


We were all captivated  when Gretchen Rossi became a cast member of Bravo's  The Real Housewives of Orange County in season 4.  Her positive attitude, sense of humor and brilliant smile quickly won the hearts of so many  Gretchen,  has created  an incredible life outside of reality TV.  A quote from Gretchen's  blog, sums up who this amazing woman is, "I believe in encouraging and lifting people up."   Two of her current and might I add, very successful projects include,  Gretchen Christine Beaute  and  her new new handbag line for shopnbc.com that launched July 30, 2010.   

We here at cupcakeMAG were thrilled that Gretchen took  the time to talk to us about her latest projects, her favorite beauty products and share so much more.  Her openness and gracious heart won us over! 

Your line debuts on July 30, 2010 on www.shopnbc.com.  What is your favorite item that will be presented that day?

The debut of the Gretchen Christine Collection on July 30th was a huge success! We sold out of many of the handbags right away! It really is so hard to pick a favorite because I use all of them and they all have such unique and different looks, but if I had to pick a favorite it would be the “Newport Satchel” in Coral!  
When you were creating the "Gretchen Christine Collection", what did you draw upon for inspiration?  Does your Southern California lifestyle influence the design process? 

Yes my Southern California lifestyle definitely influenced the design process! I love being a California gal and all the beauty and glamour that goes along with that.  My inspiration was two- fold, my own personal style combined with my travels and influence around the world. My passion for design and fashion have always been a part of my life but it was even more ignited when my fans wanted to know more about my personal style and the handbags in particular I was carrying on the show!  Once I told them that most of the bags were designer bags that cost thousands of dollars they would get disappointed and say “I could never afford one of those bags”.   It made me realize that every woman deserves to look like a million bucks without having to spend it. I knew that I could bring high fashion and quality to my handbags without it leaving your bank account empty.

I believe every woman wants to have access to high fashion and good quality handbags, clothes and accessories, but not all of us can afford the designer names especially in today’s economy, thus the creation of the “Gretchen Christine Collection”.

You seem to be a positive, happy person.  How do you stay so upbeat? 
 

Thank you for that compliment! I would have to say is my upbringing (my family) and my faith that keeps me going strong no matter what life throws at me. I struggle with things just as much as the next person but to soak in sadness does nothing but make me feel worse, so I CHOOSE, and it is a choice, to be happy and upbeat much more often than not.


Life is way too short and I have learned that lesson many times over. I have one life to live here and I am going to live it to its fullest!  Even when I am in my darkest hour I believe God will never give me more than I can handle and he will always be faithful. He hasn’t let me down yet and that makes me HAPPY!

Your makeup line, that was actually featured on Real Housewives of Orange County, "Gretchen Christine Beaute", seems to be really taking off!  What is your favorite product in your line that you can't live without? 


I absolutely cannot choose a favorite in the line! I use all of it every single day to do my make-up!  I made it with the “everyday” woman in mind. I wanted a woman to look and feel her best everyday! So everything from the foundations to the powders, blushes and bronzers, to the eye shadows and eye products to the lip liners, lip glosses, and Pout Poppers,  to the eye and lip primer I have not missed a thing that a woman would want in her make-up bag, and at very affordable prices to boot! What girl could want anything more! High quality make-up that makes you look and feel like a million bucks without the high price tag!

Music is also one of your many talents, do you plan to release an entire album now that your song "Nothing Without You" had such success? 
 

Wow thank you again for such a nice compliment! I love, love, love music it has always been a part of my soul. My family is very musically inclined and I have been fortunate to be surrounded by that my whole life. I have been writing since a little girl and that was the most nerve racking yet exhilarating thing in my life to be able to take my very private lyrics and get behind a mic and sing them. I am so blessed to be able to have a support system around me that encourages me to express myself through these different avenues. I do plan to release another song here hopefully soon, but a much different type of song, one that you would hear in the clubs! I hope everyone loves it as much as I do!

Have you started filming the new Season of RHOC?  If so, are there are any hints that you can give viewers about what to expect in the upcoming season?  
 

Unfortunately I am not at liberty to confirm season six yet, but I can tell everyone that I personally have a lot going on in my life and I am excited about the possibility to share all those things with our viewers and my wonderful and loyal fans if we return!




What items can always be found in your makeup bag? 
 

Well obviously my Gretchen Christine Beaute” products, but I love to have a little brozner, mascara, and lip gloss on hand at all times!





What is the most valuable lesson that you have learned about yourself while being on hugely popular reality show?  

Wow, I have learned so many things! First, not to take myself too seriously or the show for that matter, and second not to be affected by what people say about you. When you sign up for a show like this people want to tear you apart in the press and blogs. I have learned to stay away from reading those sites and stay focused on my goal with this show…which is building a lasting brand that stands for something that I can be proud of.  “Gretchen Christine” stands for empowering people. GCC and GCB ‘s foundation was built from the philosophy “How to look and feel like a million bucks without having to spend it” My goal is to empower people to live with their best foot forward, whether it be through fashion, beauty or internally. 



Whether or not there is a Season 6 of The Real Housewives of Orange County, we are confident that Gretchen will continue to pursue her dreams and do so with a grateful heart. Stay-up-to date with Gretchen at her website  , on Twitter , Facebook  and of course, get your shop on at shopnbc

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

THE BAG EVERYONE WANTS



If you have seen Meryl Streep's new movie, "It's Complicated" then you know the must - have bag everyone is talking about. Throughout the entire movie, Meryl's character carries the Roberta Freymann "Cab Bag".


With a price tag of only $175 - it is a piece you don't have to splurge on unlike other big name designer bags. However, there is a wait list but don't worry - you can stop by the store in New York or call now to order the bag to be shipped in late February. You better get yours now!


Roberta Freymann 212.585.3767
153 East 70th Street New York, NY


Wednesday, December 16, 2009

WISH LIST -- Last Minute Gift Giving

For last minute gift giving we thought we would
share a few suggestions
that we have on our WISH LIST.



Arm Candy with Jamin Puech

Embrace the drama and feast eyes on the most coveted arm candy of the season with Parisian Accessories Brand, Jamin Puech. We love the Metallic leather day bag and Metallic evening bag with plastic feathers and transparent sequins.



Luck Be a Lady

For high stakes fashion or if you want to give a winning holiday gift, you'll get lucky with Jamin Puech's Vegas inspired collection and Sydney Evan Lucky Charms. Our pick from Jamin Puech's Casino collection: "Black Jack" Ornamented Velvet Clutch. And we just adore anything Sydney Evans.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Still Holiday Shopping? Grab a Nahui Ollin Bag!

While one (of our many) resolutions this year is to be a little more eco-chic, we found the perfect line to start us off with a “green” alternative.

Nahui Ollin is a collection of fashionable and uber unique handbags and accessories made from recycled materials.

WE LOVE: The Rosy Cheeks Wristlet & Envelope Clutch

Due to the unique size of the Envelope Clutch ($96) it is perfect to fit just a little more than your average clutch – as for the Rosy Cheeks ($54), it is perfect for inside your Overturned bag (we love the details) or to just grab and go on the run. Nahui Ollin has a ton of great styles and colors to suit all your fashionista needs.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Nahui Ollin

Everything in the collection is entirely handmade by folding and weaving individual soda bottle labels, gum wrappers and candy wrappers (factory rejects from independent manufactures and have never been used) – put them all together to create the various beautiful shapes and sizes of the Nahui Ollin collection. These same materials were to be sent to the garbage dump and land fill only to pollute the earth more! Not only does the process sustain the environmentally-friendly practice of recycling, it also yields creatively-fresh, long lasting and innovative products. Made from up to 4000 individual candy wrappers, each piece is passionately and patiently hand made by craftsmen and follows the same process of folding, weaving, and sewing, which can take up to 4 days to complete. And while the bags are indeed made from candy wrappers, gum wrappers and soda bottle labels, they stand the test of time and weather for tear-free, long term durability. What you once would have discarded without hesitation has been transformed.

To stay up-to-date with everything Nahui Ollin, follow them on twitter and make sure to sign up here for their newsletter!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

This Holiday Season we are wishing for......Felix Rey! (Plus a Giveaway!)

Felix Rey has established itself as an ultra-feminine luxury brand that is sophisticated and chic. What's not to love about Felix Rey? From the handbags to the clutches to the ever so feminine trinkets -- it is hard to pick our faves from this line -- we want Santa Baby to bring them all.

However, we are obsessed with a package we got from Felix Rey, just a few weeks ago. We were sent the large Emma cosmetic case that has now become our BFF in the beauty world - it is perfect to carry all of your travel necessities in style too! Not only that but it can totally double as a clutch. We just die over the fuchsia water-resistant nylon lining and the bow that functions as an outside pocket with magnetic closure. The gold studs fit right in this season! Made from laminated cotton it is high quality and will take to all your travel and beauty needs. You would never know it was only $120 with all that fab detail.

The large measures 12"W x 8½"H x 3½"D - but there is also a small and medium available - we feel the large is just right and are giving YOU one!

*Giveaway* Leave a comment below telling us why you just have to have the Emma Cosmetic Case. Also, make sure to sign up for the Felix Rey newsletter for sales and special offers!

But, that isn't the only thing we are currently obsessed with from Felix Rey.

To coordinate with your Emma Cosmetic case you must grab an Emma Weekend Bag. Made of nylon with patent trim and of course the Felix Rey signature bow and studs - the Emma Weekend Bag is perfect for those easy living getaways. It is the perfect size for your weekend excursions and it is very lightweight and durable! Grab it up now - it's on sale for only $200!

And if you remember back during the presentation of the Spring 2010 collections we knew it was going to be all about sequins this season. Felix Rey has got them. The Marilyn clutch ($200) is the perfect way to fit the trend into your wardrobe and be an attention grabber just like Ms.Monroe. It is a perfect super sparkly sequined clutch for the holiday season!



Felix Ray has offered an exclusive offer code for Cupcake Mag readers to get these items and more on www.felixrey.com! Now until December 31, 2009 use code FRCUPCAKE20 to take 20% of your entire purchase. Tis the season!

*All comments must be received by Friday, December 4th, at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly. Open to U.S. residents only.*