By: Cori Sue
Do you remember when whoopie pies were a thing? Back in 2010, I Bitched about a heated debate with my then-boyfriend of the merits of cupcakes vs. whoopie pies. Well, much like our relationship, whoopie pies are so last year—and I’m so over it.
Judging by the 15 to 20 cupcakeries in Washington, cupcakes are a permanent fixture on the foodie scene.
But, if you’re looking for the newest and hottest baked good trends—a fun, flirtatious new lover, if you will—look no further than the cake pop.
The ladies over at Alexandria Cake Pops stole my cake pop virginity on Valentine’s Day (romantic, I know). And, I have to say, I’m hooked.
Photo credit: Alexandria Cake Pop
Cake pops—a circular globe of baked goodness on a stick—are approximately three bites of heaven. Richer than a cupcake, the cake is extremely moist and the outside is a hard shell that’s both candy and frosting at the same time.
Alexandria Cake Pop was founded by Tamara Wilson and Emily Baird, friends who tired of their job working at a regional magazine and decided to strike out on their own.
Wilson had been baking cake pops for fun. Her first large batch was whipped up for a change of command ceremony for her husband, who is a commander in the National Guard at Walter Reed Battle Company. They were such a hit at the ceremony, it was not long after that Wilson decided to make the bakery a full-time gig—and convinced Emily to join.
Now, six months in to their new endeavor, I met Tamara and Emily when they were kind enough to donate 200 cake pops to my Valentine’s Day trip to Walter Reed. As a military wife, Tamara valued our cause of helping wounded soldiers and was happy to assist.
Photo credit: Alexandria Cake Pop
Between munching on delicious chocolate truffle and red velvet cake pops, I asked the girls why cakepops beat out the cupcake as the best dessert around. Here’s what they said:
(1) For starters, they last a lot longer—because of the way they’re baked and they’re wrapped in cellophane. Cakepops last 7-10 days at room temperature and taste just as fresh as the day you bake them.
(2) They’re less messy. They stay on the stick and don’t crumble off. (Truth)
(3) They’re great party favors—you can eat them now or later.
(4) They’re smaller than a cupcake (and less calories), but equally as rich so you’re just as satisfied.
(5) You can get more creative when decorating a cake pop. Tamara’s favorite design is a moustache, which you can take pictures with at events. Meanwhile, Emily loves the sushi cakepops—which look exactly like sushi but happen to be dessert.
Photo credit: Alexandria Cake Pop
While the girls don’t yet have a brick and mortar location, they’ve been very busy whipping up their treats for parties and events. You can order cakepops by the dozen on their website for $29.99 with a $10 delivery charge. They also ship anywhere in the country. Come spring, you can find them in the Old Town Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
By: Cori Sue
I fell in love with Charleston years ago, on my first visit while in college. A mere four-hour drive from Chapel Hill, Charleston was the perfect place for a quick weekend getaway– lovely southern charm, beaches, fun bars, delicious seafood restaurants, and, most importantly, great shopping. So, when I was there this weekend I decided to put together a shopping guide for you, lovely readers, should you choose to head South to the land of croakies, boat shoes, palmettos, and Lily Pulitzer.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Downtown Charleston centers around King and Market Streets. King Street has all your typical shopping– Banana Republic, Urban Outfitters, Anne Taylor, Victoria’s Secret, BCBG Max Azria, JCrew– along with a few high end options– Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton and BCBG Max Azria. But, in the days of free-overnight-shipping -is-a-mouse-click-away, I seek not a mall brand but instead a unique boutique where I can pick up something special.
Jewelry
Hand Picked, Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
In the way of boutiques, Charleston, a true southern belle, does shoes and jewelry best. There are a variety of boutiques that sell all, or mostly, costume jewelry at afforable prices. Granted, some of it can be kitchy and tacky, but there are plenty of very cute, very affordable baubles to complement, or accent any outfit in your closet. And, of course, we are in Charleston, so each store has a section dedicated solely to pearls.
Hand Picked, Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
My three favorites are: Hand Picked, 333 King Street; Vanity Accessory Boutique, 370 King Street; and Willy Jay’s, 300 King Street. (Willy Jay’s also sells clothing but I strongly suggest you avoidit. But! Their statement earring selection is wonderful!)
Vanity. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
All three stores have dozens-nay-hundreds of jewels– statement necklaces, bracelets, earrings of all shapes, colors, sizes, and forms. They also offer great gifts and stocking stuffers that Southern boutiques do so well– hostess napkins, purse hooks, sunglass cases, and such.
Shoes
Bob Ellis Shoes. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
In the way of shoes, Bob Ellis Shoes is a Charleston shopping institution (in business for more than 55 years) and a shoe lover’s dream. The boutique, located at 332 King Street, carries men’s and women’s shoes as well as handbags and has a serious selection of the big three— Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, and Jimmy Choo. Their selection is vast– with all types of heel heights, sizes, styles, and widths (for those with narrow or fat feet)– and they have plenty of cute shoes that we writers/”normal people” can afford.
Shooz. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Down the road, Shooz, 317 King Street, caters more to the twenty-something, trendier shoe shopper. The precious boutique’s carries predominantly cute heels and flats by Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Sam Edelman, Butter– along with a wide selection of Jack Rogers and cowboy boots (necessities for the Southern collegiate). Their selection is well thought-out, well laid-out and well-priced.
Clothing
As far as clothing boutiques, Luna is my happy place. A great boutique with a few locations on the Southeast — Charleston, Charlotte, Atlanta, and (yay!) Bethesda– the store is the perfect place to pick up a cocktail dress, sundress, great pair of designer jeans or a new set of gold statement earrings. Brands include– Trina Turk, Milly, Hype, Hudson, William Raste, Paige, and much, much more. Down the road, Biton, at 275 King Street, is a little daunting with its hard-core metro mannequins in Ed Hardy-esque “going out” attire. Despite this intimidation, upon entering, I was suprised to find a great selection of designer jeans, Missoni dresses, Marc Jacobs bags, and Bond No. 9 perfume. However, everything else in the store was ghastly.
Palm Avenue. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Lastly, no shopping trip would be complete without a trip to Palm Avenue, a Lily Pulitzer signature boutique. Yes, Lily Pulitzer. (When in Rome…) While most of their prints (such as this one) make many fashionista turn and run in horror (see below), I find a select few of their sundresses, such as this pink shift with gold embroidery, to be great “brunch dresses.”
Palm Avenue. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
However, I head to Palm Avenue not for the Lily but for the selection of Trina Turk, Calypso, Matty M, and occassionally Milly dresses located near the back of the store. (I lusted after many). The store is also great for gifts– a dress for my new baby niece or a pair of brightly colored reading glasses for my aunt in South Florida.
Gifts and Decor
Christophe Chocolatier. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Also in the way of gifts, it’s not a bad idea to bring some chocolates from Christophe Chocolatier, , located at 363 1/2 King Street, home with you to those you left behind. Owned by a French chocolatier and his wife, Christophe’s artisan chocolates are as lovely as they are delicious.
Christophe Chocolatier. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Chocolate high heels, Eiffel towers and bunnies give way to truffles and a wide selection of hand-painted chocolates whose bold flavors include Earl Grey Tea, Strawberry Marshmellow, Mango Rum, and many more.We sampled were caramel-sea salt, 72% dark chocolate, coffee, and praline (divine).
Pierre Deux. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
The loveliest interior decor shop is Pierre Deux, located at 279 King Street. The store is decidedly “French country” with lots and lots of toile. I loved the vanities, arm chairs and footed, striped couches. Even if toile couches aren’t your cup of tea, Pierre Deux is a great store just for browsing.
Pierre Deux. Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
By: Cori Sue
When you’re exhausted from shopping and sightseeing in Charleston, S.C., (a must-visit on the East coast), head straight to Cupcake, 433 King Street, for a delicious confection.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Founded early on in the cupcake craze (in 2006), Cupcake is a treasure. The decor is delightful– pink and light brown argyle walls, adorable cafe-style seating, and the cupcakes are displayed in what appears to be a cupcake cart.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
The cupcakes are fresh, moist, delectable– and made with all-natural ingredients. At $2.75 a piece, they’re a whole quarter cheaper than most D.C. cupcakes! The flavors are absolutely crazy– lemon blueberry, mint chocolate chip, cotton candy, peanut butter banana fluff– even french toast! Below, see mandarin orange chocolate. I didn’t know you could create such flavors in a cupcake!
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
We had mocha (chocolate espresso cake with coffee frosting and an espresso bean on top) and banana butterscotch, which was deliciously unique.
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
Although Cupcake isn’t competing with D.C. cupcakeries due to geography, it is so lovely I thought it should be mentioned!
