Author: The Style Cake

Casual Friday: The Jeans & Tank Look

Posted on by The Style Cake

Sometimes one of the best outfits can occur by accident or due to uninhibited laziness. Just saying. This look surely was one of those days. To be frank, I didn’t feel like dressing up. I was in the mood to hit some farmers markets for flowers. Wanting to be comfy and cute, I decided on the simple jeans and tank. The simplicity is understated sexy and yet, still modest. I added my safari green “utility” jacket, a boho style necklace  and leopard print high heel for a kick of “wild” lol. It’s Friday so I’ve listed the information below for you to check out. Let’s all get out of here and enjoy the weekend!! Heyyyyy!!!

Enjoy Cupcakes! 💋

Jeans: Fashion Nova. Jacket: Fashion Nova. Tee: Target. Shoes: UrbanOg. Necklace: eBay. 

    

   

  

  

   

Lady n Red (Jingling Baby)

Posted on by The Style Cake

I’m sorry for not being able to post as much guys. I’ve been super busy and I don’t want to make a half hearted post. That being said, today’s post will be rather short but I promise I will be back here Friday and then back to three posts per week next week! So on to the look! 

I know that red typically isn’t considered a spring color but hey! The thing about style is that it’s all based on how YOU feel and the things that make you feel most fabulous (while complimenting your body). I bought a red dress from Fashion Nova on a whim because I threw out one I had for years (and it started) to look like it lol. I know, it’s a fast fashion piece and it won’t last long in my closet. Good thing I didn’t spend much on it. I am purging again so I’ll probably be releasing it from my closet soon. I’ve been purchasing more high end brand, quality pieces lately that will last longer. In the meantime, I grabbed this because I was feeling adventurous. 

With the dress I paired a safari green jacket that I eventually took off because it was rather warm outside. My accents are silver toned charm bracelets and hoop earrings for a simple and chic touch. My air is up in a curly top pony. I accessorized my bun with a vibrantly colored scarf from Target. My gray clutch balances the warmth of my dress since my heels are a warm toned neutral. Everything ties together nicely for a modern but chic & simple look! Let me know what you think! 

Til Friday Cupcakes! 💋 

Dress: Fashion Nova. Jacket & Clutch: F21. Shoes: Nasty Gal. Charm Bracelets: Gifted & Jewelmint. Scarf: Target. 

   

  

  

  

  

 

@Influenster: #TreatVoxBox Review (#yogiteamom) (#YumVs) (#CozyCapp) (#LoveWeleda) (#MakeItYours)

Posted on by The Style Cake

So I am FINALLY doing my review of the Treat Vox Box from Influenster. Let’s jump right into it!

My favorite of the teas that I got was the Cinnamon Vanilla Healthy Skin. The taste! Omg!! It tasted sooooo good!! I am a real fan of Yogi teas so of course I was too excited to try more flavors that boast the ability to help solve a beauty problem like flawed skin. Because I only had one packet, I can’t say for sure that this did much for my skin but I am definitely willing to try more an entire pack because I loved the flavor! 

Next, while on the subject of beverages, I’ll let you know about Hills Bros. Cappuccino I received. I loved the cappuccino pods! They were so good and a nice substitute for grabbing a latte or capp out at your local coffee shop! I also received the packets which I didn’t like as much. I shared one of my pods with my hubby (who frequents the coffee shop) and he really liked it! Definitely something I would grab on my future grocery trips. All of the flavors were yummy! 

Next, I got the Weleda products which I liked. I love trying new products. There wasn’t much product to try but I would buy a a larger amount to try again. These products smell amazing! 

On to one of my favorite things in this box: Yum•Vs!! Yum•Vs are so chocolaty and yummy!!! My children (and I) loved them and let me tell you, they did what they were supposed to do. Just the sample made a difference with my tummy! I couldn’t recommend these products more! You guys HAVE to try them! I will be grabbing them for my children, my hubby AND myself. They don’t have a medicine taste. So worth a buy!! 

Lastly, I was able to try Country Crock by way of a coupon sent to me. I must say I was very hesitant to try this product because I am a organic butter consumer. For review, I decided to give it a try. My honest opinion is “eh”. While I admit that the Country Crock product was creamy, I will gladly stick with my love for butter lol. 

Styling How To: Perspex Heels (Pantone Colors Look #1)

Posted on by The Style Cake

One of my style lusts is again coming to life in this post. Earlier this month I shared that clear, lucite heel booties were among a few of the things I’m slightly obsessed with. Since it’s kind of spring, (weather wise lol) I’m breaking these puppies out. These booties are the epitome of sexy. All of the foot is showing but the foot, with the exception of the toe area. The lucite heel is the perfect height. Although only a four inch heel, the arch of the instep gives the illusion of a higher heel. The subtle details and the semi-concealed zip closure add to the permissive sex appeal of this shoe. 

I will be getting a lot of wear from this particular shoe so you will see this shoe a lot. Since this shoe is so revealing, I decided to balance the look with an outfit that is casual but modest. Modest does not mean any less fashionable nor does it not mean boring. I want to do a sexy but modest series to share with others that anyone can be sexy without letting it all hang out. Anyhoo, I’m wearing a pinky nude graphic tank. I love this tank. The tank works well with my denim button up shirt tied at the waist. My skirt which you’ve seen before, is heather gray scuba knit. Comfy for those rainy days. I opted for no tights, just dry oil on the legs. My bag is a simple oversized cognac bag that also helps with balancing the look. The bag warms up the look of the semi-cool Pantone base. The look is so simple but intricate because my outfit largely expresses the “sentiments” of my booties. How would you style these booties? No, don’t tell me lol. I’m going to do a few looks with these booties first. In the meantime, what is your favorite go to look during early spring?

(waving) Later Cupcakes!

Booties: Jennie Ellen. Graphic Tank: Target. Skirt: (old). Denim Shirt: Thrifted. Clear Glasses: eBay. 

   

    

    
  

   

  

April 2016 Favorites & Fails 

Posted on by The Style Cake

I know I haven’t done this in a while but it’s the very end of the month so I’m excited to share this month’s best and not-so-best things in my closet and beauty drawers. Let’s just jump into it!
…………..

1. Maybelline Fit Me (Stick Foundation)

This has been my go-to for the last approximately 6 months. Needless to say, I’ve not only worn it down but it’s been a favorite. I’ve heard many say that they didn’t like this particular foundation. While I understand the gripes (I totally get the reasons) the thing is, you’ve got to know how to work” some of these beauty products. Especially if you only paid seven or eight bucks for them. Now, I wouldn’t agree to working with higher priced items because I would assume the accompany ease of use would accompany the price. I worked the heck out of this foundation and it was worth exactly what I paid for it! It needed light powder on MY oily skin for setting. But besides that, not really any complaints. 
Rating: 7/10

Repurchase: Not likely.

Reason: While I liked this foundation, I’d much rather spend my coins testing out another brand/kind. Deets on this coming soon!

  
Me wearing the Maybelline Fit Me Stick. 

2. L’Oreal Million Lashes Mascara 

I am simply in love with a poppin, plump lash. That being said I’ve been faithfully wearing lash extensions on my top lash line. On the bottom however, I have consistently reached for L’Oreal’s Million Lashes mascara. It makes my bottom lashes pop so they’re not overcome by the glamour of my lash extensions. 

Rating: 8.5/10

Repurchase: Yes!

Reason: Cost effective quality! 

Me with a light coating on my bottom lashes.  

 

3. Bobbi Color Corrector (Deep Peach)

I think I may have talked about this in another favorites post but needless to say, it’s still my favorite corrector. It covers and brightens beautifully! I’ve even used it in the absence of concealer. It’s creamy and blends perfectly! 

Rating: 10/10

Repurchase: Definitely! 

Reason: Quality purchase. Easy creamy blending and great coverage. 

  

4. Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Buttercream (Forbidden Nude)

This is by far one of my favorite glosses. In my opinion, it’s a perfect pinky-nude for just about any skin tone. The color translates a bit translucent but is definitely buildable . The formula isn’t sticky and glides onto the lips with ease. I use mine quite often and I’ve gotten great use out of it! 

Rating: 9/10

Repurchase: More than likely!

Reason: Only if I find this exact color, consistency and longevity in a less expensive gloss, would I probably NOT buy this again. 


5. Julep Cuticle Cream: “Your Cuticles Look Thirsty” 

This is by far one of my favorite items by Julep. Traditional cuticle oil doesn’t do much for my cuticles. This keeps my skin moisturized and supple! It’s not greasy and it rubs into the skin very well. 

Rating: 10/10

Repurchase: Definitely!

Reason: Worth every cent! 

  

6. MAC Prep & Prime: Fix+

This is the last time I’ll be listing this as a favorite until further notice. I love this so much, it will always be a fave!!! This sprays allows my makeup to look natural without looking greasy. My makeup and skin become “one” with this product. Since my skin can be a bit sensitive, I’m always concerned about how my skin will react to beauty products but this has yet to treat my skin wrong. Thanks MAC! 

Rating: 10/10

Repurchase: Definitely!!

Reason: I love this stuff! Worth every penny! 

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7. Revlon Beyond Natural Concealer (and Highlight)

This product is a staple in my makeup regime. I highlight underneath my brows with the concealer. It’s creamy and blends beautifully. I don’t use the highlight but I continue to purchase just for the concealer. The concealer also works well for the under eye area. It’s not too thick and covers well. 

Rating: 9/10

Repurchase: Yes! 

Reason: Great deal for the price! Great blending properties!

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8. Red/Burgundy Lip Colors (Various Brands) 

A classic lip will always and forever be a red lip. For a more sultry look, I tend to grab for burgundy lip colors. Still classy, with added sex appeal. These reds can have various tones and base colors and depending on the under tone of one’s skin and the intended look, a wide variety is available. I’ve listed the top 10 of my favorite reds. 

Reds: Sephora “Always Red”, NYX “Monte Carlo”, MAC “Riri Woo”,  Anastasia Beverly Hills “Heathers”. 

Burgundies: The Lip Bar “Sweet Shiraz”, MAC “Sin”, Tarte “Frenemy”, NYX “Copenhagen”, Colourpop “Dalia” & “Creature”, and MAC “Vino” lip liner.

Rating: All are at least an 8/10

Repurchase: Yes to all!

Reason: I would be able to purchase Riri Woo again but Ruby Woo is the exact alternative that I already own. All the other colors provide the look in going for! 

  

9. Nude Lip Colors (Various Brands)

Lately when I haven’t been in the mood for reds, I’ve been going to nude colors as my only alternative. Nudes can also be sultry but at the same time not overpowering of any makeup look. Nudes make any lips appear more plump. This is the only color family for lip color that I love to be glossy at times. Below I listed some of my favorite colors. 

Nudes: Maybelline Define A Line “Chestnut Brown” used as a lip liner, NYX “London”, MAC “Blankety” & “Spite”. 

Rating: All are 10/10

Repurchase: Definitely!

Reason: Maybelline Define a Line is indeed an eye liner but it is VERY east to apply, blends well and is perfect for my skin tone. The others also compliment my tone and are great in quality. 

  
 

“Mourning” the Spring 

Posted on by The Style Cake

Well guys, it’s officially winter…again. Well not really but we seriously just can’t shake this cold weather. If you can’t beat it, dress for it!! Kinda. I’m not really in the mood for spring colors right now because I’ve simply given up. I feel like I’m in mourning for spring. My poor little flowers in my flower garden had already started to appear and then pow! Cold. At least we didn’t get smacked with sleet and snow. eye roll  I know, pretty frustrating right? Well from what I’m seeing almost everyone is experiencing a lapse in spring like weather. I’ll mourn the spring for them too lol. 

It’s the oddest thing that winter, the most agonizing season is the longest. The season of rebirth is the shortest. (Eye roll). Anyhoo, let’s be positive because I didn’t come here to depress you. Let’s talk this all black look lol. I pretty much wanted all black but with a slight bit of texture. This keeps the outfit from appearing “monotone”. My pants are faux leather leggings. I paired the pants with a black (jersey knit) cut out top. Since I wanted the look to be sleek, I decided on minimal amount of accessories although my glasses make a grand statement. I tied a knot in my shirt for a bit of “edge” and cage chunky heels for added “texture”. My goal of allowing each piece of black to stand out is accomplished. Check out my pictures to see what I mean…

Later Cupcakes 💋

Chunky Heels: New Look. Pants: American Apparel. Top: Meijer. Bracelet: Layered Chains & Aldo. Bag: American Apparel. 

  

    
  

  

  

 

Smelling the Flowers (Blog Life Update)

Posted on by The Style Cake

Life is always sending us humans through unpredicted twists and turns and this can either make us happy or make us feel a host of negative emotions. I’ve had my own twists and turns lately that have limited the amount of posting that I have been able to offer on here. I thought it would be nice to offer you all that are apart of my blogging family a tiny explanation of what is new and going on.

So, if you haven’t noticed I am now in a new space on the internet (www.thestylecake.com). I have been doing so much to get this site up and running and it has not been easy. It has been almost a year in the making of research and reading so that I could build my website myself without the help of a professional. I’ve been quite frustrated with this site, with false starts and hopes and thinking that I would never be able to get it up. I am very proud of myself because after much trial, error and anguish, I have been able to get my site up and functioning. I still have some tweaking to do but overall, I am very proud of this blog’s new home. This allows me to work better with companies and have freedoms that I did not have before. That being said, lets talk the aspect of blogging…

I have been doing this blogging thing (other platforms included) for over 7 years. I’ve been on Blogspot and Blogger as well as WordPress. I’ve been on WordPress the longest and I absolutely love it! It’s definitely more complex than the other two platforms but it works better for me. 

While blogging, I’ve had the opportunity to “meet” other bloggers online as well as meeting some in my geographic area. While I have met some bloggers that are absolutely encouraging and positive, I have noticed that some are not so friendly. I must admit that it CAN totally be discouraging and disheartening. The reality of it for me is that I have real life going on while for some, their biggest problems are comparing their own “successes” to others. I once read that comparison is the thief of joy and that statement could not be more true! If you spend time worried about what any other blogger (or person for that matter) is doing then you miss the pleasures of blogging and the pleasures of life. I’ve also seen the lack of support from some of the other bloggers. Not just to me, but to other bloggers that I follow. It seems if a blogger seems more successful, some may get envious and refuse to offer the support they once had. Trying to dim the light of others will never make your light shine brighter. It’s nothing wrong with encouraging, uplifting and supporting others. 

This alone made me give a side eye and with real life going on at my house and I needed a minute from looking at the faces of some negative and envious people. I’ve noticed the buying of followers of some bloggers (or the copying of other blogger’s styles and looks) who in turn are angry about the success of those that work hard to move forward in their blogging careers, even accusing others of doing what they themselves have done. Smh. I just don’t have time for this nonsense. Throwing a tantrum because you view others as beneath you (and discounting THEIR hard work) despite their successes won’t change the fact that they work hard! Side note: People are drawn to VALUABLE content. 

I am a mom and wife before I am a blogger so I have lately had some twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting in life. If you guys only knew, smh. My husband (and photographer) has been my wonderful through all of life’s hiccups. I was taught, to never broadcast all of your family’s business as news. It’s never a good idea. So I tend to keep my Instagram and blog site all about business. I’ve set my blog a certain way. It is all about style (fashion) and lifestyle so I want to share with others how to do certain things, style concepts as well as sharing the things that I like and not wild shifts in emotions. Companies are definitely more drawn to practicality over personal feelings (that have nothing to do with fashion and style) if you catch my drift. 

I’ve worked hard to get my blog here, which I hardly view myself as a blogger with a vast audience or “following”. I have my own path and blogging style, I also work every single day. Blogging can’t be done in a casual way and get the results  of someone who works every day. Knowing this, I’ve been busting my rump in hopes of moving my train forward. I’m smelling the flowers sort to speak, going with the flow and accepting this process no matter how “slow”. 

The weather has infringed on my creativity because I’m not in the cooler weather mind frame. I’m ready for spring! I’ll be doing spring looks as soon as it feels spring but transitional looks in the meantime. If there’s something you’d like to see, let me know! I have more exciting news to share in the future, I hope that you all stick around to read it! 

Now back to blogging 💋….

   

  

  

   

 

…Cause Coachella 

Posted on by The Style Cake

Every time around this time of year, the festival of music known as Coachella is highlighted. In instances where those of us from other areas can’t attend, the music and vibes are still shares via social media and air waves. Of course, I’m likely not able to attend this year as I wasn’t able to attend last year due to current circumstances and priorities. However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t wear a Coachella inspired look.

I think we all (who are acquainted with Coachella) know the “typical” attire that seems to be worn to the festival. Well I guess my look today can be Coachella-wear derived. I’m a style chameleon, not allowing people to label me nor try to identify my style. I like what I like, that’s my style. Sometimes a boho look tickles my fancy.

So shopping online, actually on eBay, I happened upon one of my favorite jewelry and accessories seller’s page. That’s where I fell in love with a beautiful necklace (which I’m wearing in this look). My cardigan is also from eBay, and I love it! The color compliments my skin tones and offers that boho pop of color against the nude of my dress. The crochet lace gives softness to the cardigan, offering a feminine touch to the entire look. My glasses are meant to pop against the nude just like my necklace and cooling down the warmth of this outfit. I initially thought about wearing my fringe bag but thought the fringe would detract from the floral design of my cardigan. Instead, I opted for my simple black clutch to sort of ground the look in an underwhelming manner and also bridge the “gap” of my sandals to the rest of my outfit. Needless to say, I was inspired to do this look cause Coachella…

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Cardigan, Glasses & Necklace: eBay. Dress: H&M. Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell. Bag: American Apparel. 

   

  
  

The “Power” of Thrifting & Vintage (How to Mix Prints)

Posted on by The Style Cake

I am a girl who loves a deal…but I don’t like to look cheap. So you can guess that I’m not willing to pay a bunch of money for something just to look cheap. That being said, there aren’t a lot of places to find inexpensively priced pieces of clothing that are of great quality and in style. I find myself on a serious hunt sometimes to find what I’m looking for. It more than often seems that clothing manufacturers are jilting us consumers out of quality fabric but still pricing items at moderately expensive prices. What can a girl or guy on a budget do?

Thrifting! This is one of several solutions to the problem previously stated. By thrifting, you can grab quality pieces that trend over and over and over again that are of amazing quality for pennies on the dollar! To demonstrate this, I am wearing a thrifted piece with a brand new outfit. The skirt, and shoes are brand new while the leopard blouse was purchased new but I’ve worn a few times. The thrifted item? My denim jacket. The denim jacket is back on trend in the fashion world and you don’t have to spend more than 7 bucks for one of awesome quality. I bought mine from a local thrift store and guess what?! It was half off!!! This jacket is by and is constructed very well. The fact that it’s vintage and is still in awesome shape shows the value in the fabric of this piece. The trick is to find items that are staples to your wardrobe and you can buy the rest brand new and rotate if you like. Thrift for coats, jackets, blazers and some jeans. Need a little inspiration? Check out my pics below!!

Later Cupcakes!! 💋

Shoes: Steve Madden. Jacket: Thrifted. Shirt: H&M (old similar here). Skirt: ASOS.


  
  
  

@Spiegel1865

Posted on by The Style Cake

I used to love getting catalogues filled with the upcoming season’s best fashion. I could sit all day dog earring and check marking the items that I wanted out of each catalog. It seems the age of the catalog has almost expired. Well, good things die hard…right? 

I have been purging things from my closet and I came across a button up free that I’ve had for about 13 or 14 years. I remember it like it was yesterday when I purchased this piece. As soon as I saw it, I tore the page out of the catalog because I knew I was going to purchase it immediately. And I did. The safari dress. Button down. Fit and flare detail. Modern green. And 100% silk. For a fabulous sale price. Find a deal like that today without thrifting and I’ll high five you over the internet lol. 

As much as I love this dress, I decided to wear it as a midi length cardigan. Keeping the spotlight on this “cardigan”, I kept the look simple. White tank, distressed mid rise jeans and chunky heeled gladiator sandals in nude. My glasses are…mmmmm. Yup, that’s the best way I can describe them. Lol. Kinda aviator style. They work this outfit fabulously. Check the pictures and let me know what you think of the everlasting quality of this Spiegel dress! This post is not sponsored, it’s just when I know a good company I share the info!

Til Friday, 

Later Cupcakes 💋 

Dress (worn as a cardigan): Spiegel [old]. Tank: Target. Jeans: JC Penney. Shoes: Shoedazzle. Glasses: eBay. Bag: Justfab.