Author: Brandy Saldana

Christmas Inspired Cupcakes

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Just a little Christmas baking inspiration inspired by cupcakes made last year.
My sister and I made the wreaths together for our family. The white chocolate leaves were melted and painted on the back of a clean lemon leaf. We peeled off the dry chocolate and placed on top of devils food cake with homemade peppermint frosting. We added the red M&M’s and bows for garnish. The smaller wreath has a lot more detail than the larger one.
The Christmas tree was made for a holiday party I hosted at my apartment 2 years ago. It is actually very simple and can be pulled off as long as you have a cupcake stand that holds 12-24 cupcakes. Green Wilton Chocolate Chips are melted and drizzled onto wax paper in zig-zags and refrigerated. Add green frosting to cupcakes along with red M&M’s and white sprinkles and you have a centerpiece-worthy dessert! The topper was made free-hand with melted red chocolate chips.
The white Christmas wreath comes from the Hello, Cupcake! book, and the Christmas tree comes from the sequel What’s New, Cupcake? 
Hope this gives you some inspiration to bake something wonderful for a upcoming party or family gathering. 
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Company Holiday Party

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Green Leopard Print Judy Wrap Dress Diane Von Furstenberg, Black Scarf Marc Jacobs (Neiman Marcus for Target Collection) |  Silver Boyfriend Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs | Jaguar Double Ring Forever 21 | Glitter Peep-Toe Baxen Wedges Jimmy ChooThe office I work at held its annual holiday party, also known as the End of the Year Staff Appreciation Lunch. Holiday party rolls off the tongue a little easier though.
I love to wear wrap dresses, so I chose a green one and decided to wear the Marc Jacobs scarf I purchased over the weekend at Target. I am in love with it and see it paired with more than half of the items in my closet. My Jimmy Choo wedges were also essential because of the glitter. These are my new favorite wedges, especially because of the mirror-wedge detail. When it comes to the holidays, it’s not a festive outfit unless something sparkles! I know people typically wear red sweaters, but I brought red to the party through my cupcakes. I made chocolate fudge cupcakes with peppermint frosting and red sprinkles.
We celebrated the event at Jupiter’s on Shattuck and were entertained with a White Elephant Gift Exchange. This “It is what it is.” plaque is actually a very popular item and everyone that has won it in previous years signs the back with the year they’ve won. It defines where I am in life right now, specifically at this office. I try not to let negative thoughts overwhelm me and tend to laugh at situations I get myself into, but not knowing whether I will have a job after the holiday break can be slightly stressful and takes me out of my usual cheerful mood. 
This plaque may be bringing me luck as it is an item I have to bring to the next white elephant gift exchange since it cannot leave our office environment- and might mean me staying on longer! Despite being worried, it can be a comical situation, and I am sure I will look back and laugh whenever I glance at this plaque displayed in my cubical. This situation is not something I can control, and it really is what it is. All I can do is be prepared to wear great shoes so I can end up in a great place. 
Now that I am done venting and going from a holiday party to a pity party, what will you be wearing to your company holiday party? Or any holiday party? Let me know!
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Holiday Trunk Show

Posted on by Brandy Saldana

Navy Blouse Diane Von Furstenberg, Pants, Beanie, Rings, and Peacock Necklace Forever 21, Peacock Blue Satin Flats Fairy Tales Come True

I feel like I’ve overloaded you with photos, but there were so many to choose, it was hard to narrow to just these!
I was invited to a Holiday Trunk Show showcasing handcrafted items from Fox Parlor.The Fox Parlor is located in Sierra City, California, and you can see some of their items on their Facebook page here. A lot of the items were very cute and had a whimsical feel to them. There were many unique gift options, and I was able to find a few. It took a lot of willpower to not buy a bunch of things just because they were so cute!
For the event, I dressed in items that would give a sort of indie/bohemian look. I wore my favorite peacock feather flats and a matching necklace. I felt those pieces gave off the impression that I am a crafty person, despite that not being 100% true.
I was really happy to be joined by my friend Allison and, of course, Armando. We were able to shop for some Christmas gifts, eat sweets, drink champagne, and take photos with handmade props at a booth Elise of WT Fab! designed. I admire her creativity here, and want to use this idea possibly for an event next year!
I had a great time hanging out, meeting the owner of the Fox Parlor, and spending time with Elise! She is such a sweet, genuine person and I am very lucky to have met someone as nice as her. I have found it very refreshing to have met like-minded people who enjoy blogging about fashion and other topics that inspire them. I am sure she will be writing a post about the event as well, so make sure to stop by her blog as well!
What would you wear to a trunk show? Leave your suggestions or link to a post below. Thanks for reading! 

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Anorak Jacket

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Anorak Jacket Damselle | White T-Shirt, Destroyed Skinny Jeans, Ring, and Teddy Bear Charm Necklace Forever 21 | Tan Suede Hoops Boots Steve Madden
Hello! Here’s a late post of my weekend outfit!
This jacket is not my typical choice. I tend to be drawn to darker clothing, like black. Even though it isn’t something I would normally pick, this neutral color works with a lot of items in my wardrobe, like my Steve Madden booties. This jacket has a military feel to it too and I think it could work with olive green pants. It is also pretty warm, so I am looking forward to layering and adding a thick scarf with it as the weather gets colder.
What would you wear with an anorak jacket? Leave your link to a post or your suggestion in the comments below.

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The Color Purple

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Purple Cardigan Kenar | Floral Silk Josie Cami Diane Von Furstenberg | Jeans and Belt Forever 21 | Flower Ring Wet Seal |  Purple Boots Lower East SideAnother nice relaxing weekend at home! It was actually kind of windy (and cold), but I removed my pea coat to take the photo for the sake of fashion!I am starting to get into the Christmas spirit now with the cold weather. 
The cardigan and boots are borrowed from my mom’s closet. My love of clothes comes from her, so it is fitting that I borrow her clothes. I have worn this floral silk tank in a previous post here, but I like how the colors pop more with this purple cardigan. 
I ate homemade food and watched Rise of the Guardians with my niece and nephew. I feel long cardigans give a more sophisticated, casual vibe which worked for my day of shopping and a night at the movies. I would highly recommend the movie as it was well-written and animated beautifully. Oh, and the kids enjoyed it too!
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Bad-A%# Spiked Heels

Posted on by Brandy Saldana

Velvet Blazer Erin Fetherston for Target | Tank and Watch Marc by Marc Jacobs | Jewelry Forever 21 | Black Pants Anchor Blue | Messenger Bag and Scarf Coach | Black Suede Lorissa Heels Sam Edelman (here)There is a lot of detail to this outfit, so attention must be paid!
I find it interesting that I mixed this sweet Marc by Marc Jacobs Top with stripes, ruffles, and miniature bows with something edgy and dangerous like my Sam Edelman Heels. I love the studs and extra height. These shoes that have their own attitude and read “don’t mess with me!” With the heels and my bun, I might have been 5′ 7″! (I am 5′ 2″, this is incredibly tall for me!)
This look felt appropriate for work, but I am sure it could work for a date or even a holiday office party. I am proud of everything I mixed in and it finally feels like the right balance of accessories. I piled on quite a few for that stacked arm candy effect, and I think the accessories worked well because of all the black I was wearing.
The top was actually a dress that had another tier that I did not think looked as flattering on me. I can always reattach it, but when it comes to thrifting, and any clothes you buy, there is only one rule. You should be wearing the clothes, not letting them wear you. Don’t be afraid to be creative and put your own spin on things. I received many compliments on this top at work, and it might not have happened if I hadn’t modified the dress to suit me! (The shoes received a lot of attention too!)
What do you think? Could you rock these heels? What would you wear with them? Leave your suggestion or link in a comment so I can see your answer!
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