March 13th, 2009

J.Crew Headband, Vintage Blazer and Glasses, Mossimo Shirt, Express Belt, Forever 21 Watch, Vintage Skirt, Seychelles Shoes, Marc by Marc Jacobs Bag
After I posted these three blazers last week, I’ve been on a search to find my own lightweight version of this menswear classic. After no such luck at the Fairfax flea market, I headed over to American Vintage where I spotted this boy’s blazer that had all the right proportions. The overall shape is almost identical to that of the Elizabeth & James and I love how I can scrunch up the sleeves for a more laid back feel.


Also, have you ever wondered where to get the best sushi in L.A.? How about a good boutique hotel near the beach that’s not too pricey? Head on over to Joanna’s fantastic blog, Smitten, where I talk about what I love most about Los Angeles.

I hope you all have wonderful weekends and if you haven’t already, please leave a comment here for a chance to win a handmade tulle necklace!
March 12th, 2009

This Saturday, March 14th, will mark the one year anniversary of Cupcakes and Cashmere. As a token of gratitude for my incredible readers, I’m giving away this guava-colored tulle necklace (like the one featured here). As I’ve mentioned before, I’m preparing to open up my own Etsy shop, where these little handmade confectionery-esque necklaces will be some of the first items for sale. Whether or not you have a blog, simply leave a comment below and the winner will be selected at random on Monday. Thank you again for helping make my first year so special!

xo
Emily
March 11th, 2009

I attribute the time change to the fact that it’s just been one.of.those.weeks. To celebrate the fact that it’s now half-way done, I’ve rounded up some current accessory obsessions that need to make their way into my closet.

My eyesight is close to perfect, but that’s not stopping me from crushing hardcore on these retro spectacles.

I was blown away when I spotted this genuine leather cross-body bag (for less than $15) that’s perfect for holding my wallet, keys and a lip gloss.

I would wear this sleek watch with an armful of gold bracelets to make it stand out even more.

A chain necklace that’s a little bit rock and roll with a Grecian Goddess twist. I’d pair it with a white v-neck and a blazer.

Wouldn’t these persimmon-colored sandals be perfect for walking around outside on a balmy night?
What are your thoughts? Are any of these items calling to you?
image via Turk + Taylor
March 10th, 2009

On a lazy Sunday, there’s nothing better than lounging around in pajamas and baking homemade muffins for breakfast. These pumpkin chocolate chip ones are my favorite since they’re full of flavor and their dense, moist consistency make them ideal for a hearty meal. Of course there are plenty of ways to make them even healthier (by substituting wheat flower and adding in some chopped nuts) but for me, the pairing of chocolate with pumpkin is simply too good to pass up.
Pumpkin Muffins
Letters, Gourmet, November 2006
Adapted from the American club, in Kohler, Wisconsin
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pumpkin-pie spice
1¼ cups (plus 1 tablespoon) sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°
Put liners in muffin cups.
Whisk together pumpkin, oil, eggs, pumpkin-pie spice, 1¼ cups sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl until smooth, then whisk in flour and baking powder until just combined.
Stir together cinnamon and remaining 1 tablespoon sugar in another bowl.
Divide batter among muffin cups (each should be about three-fourths full), then sprinkle tops with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake until puffed and golden brown and wooden pick or skewer inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
Cool in pan on a rack 5 minutes, then transfer muffins from pan to rack and cool to warm or room temperature.
