How do you all keep up with current trends? I want to stay on top of what is popular so I can offer it. Things like cake styles and shapes, what colors are in, etc. TIA!

Well, I subscribed to American Cake Decorating magazine, or whatever the proper name is, but haven't seen my first issue yet.... also pastry art and design, haven't seen that one either.

So I guess the short answer is that I have yet to stay ahead of trends. But I figure those might be good sources, if I ever get my magazines. Has anybody else gotten theirs?

The last one I received a few weeks ago (Aug/Sept), was the one w/ the Texas A&M hat on the cover (Aggie Pride). They come out every other month.

I actually called them today, and asked about my subscription. The lady was flippant and fairly rude. "Well it takes 8-10 weeks".

She coulnd't tell me if I was even in the system, told me she couldn't tell me anything, and said I should call back in 4 weeks.

It's a good thing she wasn't standing in front of me. I wanted to knock her on her a$@. Freaking witch.

Sorry, she really made my blood boil. Deep cleansing breath, straighten out attitude before karate class.....

Karateka,

Maybe you should have Karate chopped her!!! HA!HA! joke aside...I too sent a Moneyorder about 3 weeks ago for a 1 yr subscription to both ACD and MBN.I was thinking of calling to ask if they even received it yet and when to expect my first issue..Hmmm maybe I'll wait a bit!!

Back to the original question, I've been thinking about the same thing.

My best guesses so far are to keep up with clothing and home fashion trends by finding inspiration in those up-to-the minute magazines like Vogue or even Lucky and Shop. I've noticed LOTS of things on recent cakes that I saw a few months ago in linen patterns, china patterns and other home decor items.

Other than that, I would like more information too...

I also get my inspiration from sources other than cake mags. I get inspired by wallpapers, interior design mags, textiles, furnitures, handbags, wedding mags, Martha Stewart magazines, etc. I love looking at patterns and say I can incorporate this in a cake! And for colour combos, I sometimes check out the paint section at the home improvement stores and check out what colours are hot right now.

I subscribe to the Brides mags, and also go on the knot, I also try and catch the NY trends since they seem to be ahead of our rural area.

you can always pop in your local cake shops see if there anything new in there.

Girl, the BEST way I have found to stay on TOP of the trends is to go to theknot.com and search pictures of cakes. You can search by CITY there, and if you search cake pictures in New York and LA, you will definately know the top trends. (Don't look at my cakes for examples, though!