Testing, Testing 

Today is a tricky day for me. I’m still sick, I have no voice but I the weather has flipped literally like someone flipped on a light switch. Sunday it was 32 degrees with tons of snow on the ground and then less than 24 hours later, it was 65 degrees and not a speck of snow. That particular “situation” creates the perfect opportunity to be sick for weeks. I although being sick wanted to test out the current air and heat situation so I can gauge how I now need to shift my current wardrobe. This is really an impromptu post, done to share what I do in real life when the weather seems to have made a seasonal change. 

It’s important to know what’s really in your closet at all times. Having a proper inventory each season helps when making decisions when it comes down to choosing a look. As seasons go on, we naturally make purchases and build our wardrobe through the season. When that season is over, a sifting process through the closet has to take place in order for accurate styling ability to be executed easily for the upcoming season. I need to feel what I can stand to wear in the current “climate”. In the spring, you can over or under-dress very easily. Trying to “find something to wear” is very counter-productive and can be frustrate a person right of his/her potential for a great outfit look. Knowing what you have increases your options and you’re less likely to buy duplicates and eliminate colors of pieces you already have and you also can take the opportunity to purge if need be. 

My look is extremely simple but purposeful down to my hairstyle. If you’d still like the information although unlinked, it’s immediately above the pictures. I will go into more detail at a later date about wardrobe sifting but in the meantime, check out the photos! 

Later Cupcakes! 

Shoes: Shoedazzle (old). Tee & Ankle Pants: H&M. Cardigan/Open Trench: SheIn. Clutch: Forever 21. 

  

  

  

  
  

The Graphic Tee Revisited (Plus Bad Hair Day Fix)

In the beginning of my outfit of the day blogging days, I blogged a look that I called “Rockstar Chic”. This post focused on the grungy look of one of my favorite thrift purchases, a graphic tee. Simply put, I love this tee!! It is what’s being sold in stores at a more expensive price.  The best part is my tee was really inexpensive!

I’m having a bad hair day today because….well it’s a long and sorted story lol. Anyhoo, the very simple solution for a bad hair day is a long scarf tied to imitate the long flow of hair and off to the side for a bit of “femininity”. This way, you still feel girly and not like you’re wearing the scarf out of necessity (even though you are). As I’ve previously said in my first “Style Lusts” for this month, you can use leopard print as a neutral. That’s exactly what I did with my scarf. At the same time, I’ve in effect added another layer of flavor to my look.

Since it’s Friday and we all want to get out and enjoy this weekly holiday lol, I’ll wrap up this post. I wanted to show a real life display of incorporating my style lusts. I have on boyfriend (husband for me lol) jeans that are lower on the waist and bun area. This allows for relaxed look. This look is a bit grungy but more polished than the first version with this tee. Let me know if you like the look!!

Happy Friday Cupcakes!! 💋

Jeans: JCP. Graphic Tee: Thrifted. Booties: Shoemint. Scarf: (old). Jacket: F21. Bracelet: H&M.

 

The First Look w/this tee:

The look this time around:

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 2016 Style Lusts #1

I again apologize for the brief hiatus and “false starts” from this series. I’ve decided to make a huge decision, Style Lusts will no longer be weekly. The schedule for this series is pretty demanding and to be fair, I’ve decided that bi-weekly Style Lusts would not only suffice but would be much better. Better quality and no rush. Onward and upward!

This month so far, I am lusting after bright colors and tribal prints and animal prints, in particular, leopard print. Yes, I am a leopard print junkie and I have been into using leopard print as a neutral color to my looks. You really can pair this print with just about everything. Don’t be afraid to replace your blacks with a leopard print. I promise you’ll love the look!! Stuart Weitzman Nudist comes in leopard print but currently sold out. (Wink, wink). You can definitely find a less expensive pair, I’m sure!! 

  #leopardprintheels

Next, I’ve been slightly obsessed over red platform sandals. I have no idea why but I’m loving the platform lace up cage sandals in particular. They scream sexy!! I saw an awesome pair on both Fashion Nova as well as Lola’s Shoetique but I’m sad because my size is sold out and the shoe is not available anywhere. I have plans for my shoes when I finally get my hands on them lol. You don’t have to grab a platform sandal if that’s not your thing, there are tons of red single sole shoes and  red pumps to sex up a simple look!

(Photo cred: Fashion Nova) #redchunkyheels

Third thing that I’m loving are clear chunky heels!! Ugh!! This love affair began a few years back but I grabbed a pair that are COMPLETELY clear and lucite!!! They are open toe booties. I can’t share where I bought them just yet, I’ll be styling them in an outfit in the very near future. I also am fawning over a pair on the site Public Desire. There are a pair of booties that I’m lusting over…. I won’t even just list the direct link to them, you have to see them first!! I would wear these with a skirt and a sweatshirt. Well that’s just one way, yup! I’d be dressing these puppies all the way down! 

Photo Cred: Public Desire 
 

#lucitechunkyheels 

The fourth thing I’ve been lusting over is faux leather skirts in softer colors. For instance, nudes, light pinks, and mauves have been drawing my absolute attention. I think you can pair a faux leather skirt with anything but I don’t want to give away my secrets just yet! I will though very soon in an outfit post. In the meantime, check them out here and here. I can’t wait to show you how I put together a look with a faux leather skirt! Now if faux leather isn’t your thing, try a slinky or ponte knit skirt instead. Both fabrics allows movement while maintaining the intended fit of the skirt and a bit of casual “structure”. Both can mimic the intent of faux leather. 

Photo cred: Missguided   #fauxleatherskirts

So lastly, I’ve been swooning over choker tops!! First of all, these tops are extremely sexy without showing everything. That’s the thing, sexy doesn’t mean show all parts that should be private and saved for intimate moments…it means tempering your look to reveal femininity and sensuality with a bit of mystery and wonder. Having part of the décolletage revealed and a teeny bit of stomach showing is just enough sex appeal. The choker aspect adds to the uber sensuality of this skirt. Want to know how I will style this top? Stay tuned for an outfit featuring this shirt very soon! In the meantime, shop for your own here and here
 Photo cred: American Apparel #chokertop

So now that I’ve shared what I’ve been wanting and grabbing, what are your favorite picks from this list? Better yet, what are some things you’re currently loving? 

Winter Blues & Plaids

So I think the past few months I have talked about winter so much we’re all tired of winter right? Lol. Well, I’m officially sick (no literally) of winter. Currently, I have an ear ache, sinus infection and a cold but I’m pushing through it. The light at the end of the tunnel is SPRING!!! In the meantime, I’ve become slightly uninspired due to not just the weather and the lingering on of winter but the current state of my health. This swinging weather of 60 degrees one day and 18 degrees with snow the next is very hard to plan by. Guys, I have so many looks lined up for warmer weather, I’m quite uninterested in dressing up to be cold. Regardless, tis life and I must dress for it.

I decided on this bold and colorful plaid poncho to be the “center” of my look. In true stylist fashion, I “thinga-ma-jigged”  my poncho into a scarf instead. It’s still a poncho but it is much more cozy and beneficial as a scarf. My coat is of a faux wool/felt material. It honestly is a decently warm coat. It boasts an extra large collar that pretty much envelopes my upper half. I’m wearing fleece leggings. They are sooooo cozy and warm!!! My boots, you all have seen a number of times. They’re from Justfab’s Luxe line (now no longer) but there are similar styles on the market. Mine are genuine suede which I love. Since this look is cozy, I have a large handbag I purchased from H&M to store everything I need while out and about to make me comfortable in this cold. I opted for sunglasses because of the brightness of the snow. My accessories are minimal. Let me know what you think! How do you stay inspired in the long months of winter and when it’s cold?

Later Cupcakes!! ❤️💙

Boots: Justfab (similar here). Leggings: Gifted (similar here). Poncho/Scarf: Thrifted (similar here). Denim Blouse: Thrifted (similar here). Jewelry: Neon Wild & Layered Chains. Sunglasses: eBay. Bag: H&M (similar here).

Casual Friday: Sassy Jones Boutique

I am a bit of a fashion jewelry and accessories fan but that being said, I am also very particular about the things that I pick up to include in my wardrobe. So when I was contacted by a company by the name of Sassy Jones Boutique to try out a few of their items. I must say that it is easily any stylenista’s day dream to be able to pick out fashionable pieces to add to their closet! I was ecstatic to say the least. I’ve showcased two of the items in a couple of my most recent looks but this look is my favorite! The necklace inspired my entire look. It’s colorful and bold and has a bit of a tribal undertones. It sort of reminds me of a breast plate. It’s called the Islander Statement Necklace.  Anyhoo, you know how Friday looks go, I’ll be brief so you can enjoy this glorious day of the week. 

The owner of Sassy Jones Boutique is truly a sweetheart and the customer service and shipping times are awesome!! The pieces in this online shop are absolutely beautiful!! The best part? None of the items are over priced! All of the pieces are affordable and practical for the everyday wardrobe even the pieces stand out and make their own statements with any look. I will personally be making a purchase because there are a few other pieces on the site I’ve got to get my hands on lol. 

I paired my necklace with a black oversized top on top of classic blue denim jeans and high heeled pumps. I completed the look with my burnt orange suede trench coat and favorite clutch bag from Turquoise Soul Bags. Pretty simple right? The necklace makes the look seem less simple. I love that! Let me know what you think. If you like the necklace, grab it before it’s gone because it’s only $15!! 

 Later Cupcakes!


Coat: (Old) & Gifted (similar here). Shoes: Justfab. Denim Pants: Fashion Nova. Shirt: Meijer. Necklace: Sassy Jones Boutique (now on sale). Earrings: Neon Wild. Clutch: Turquoise Soul Bags.

The Windy City

So I would have loved to tell you that I traveled to Chicago this past weekend but nope, that didn’t happen. I did enjoy warm weather and high winds. With the glorious sun and high winds, it felt like spring was here! I didn’t wear much of a jacket although I wore a turtleneck, hat and boots because the reality is that it’s still winter. The brief moment of warmth was just what I needed to get me through the rest of the cold season. The family and I enjoyed the weekend with a few activities and I really like this outfit because I was able to be stylish and comfortable. Being with the kiddos are always busy times for me and I am always with them so I like functionally stylish digs. Later, I did take my hat off and traded my heeled booties for knee high boots. That kept me from worrying about my hat flying off and kept my legs from getting cold as the sun went down. I listed all info below. 

Later Cupcakes…

Boots: Shoemint (Sold Out). Denim Pants, Turtleneck and Cargo Jacket: Forever 21. Hat: Boohoo. 

  
  
  
  
  

Casual Friday: Sophisticated Denim

Friday!! It’s my favorite only and repeat holiday of the year lol. I love Fridays because they’re not only the beginning of the weekend but usually everyone is in a good mood because they have the next couple of days to themselves. The world just seems happier on Fridays! I love to do casual looks that can be worn in the office to show how you can be stylishly casual in a work environment. Since we all want to go enjoy our weekend, I’ll be brief.

My hair style inspired my entire look. I’m wearing a simple side bun and I decided to wear my black glasses. The shoes I’m wearing are from Justfab’s Luxe line (when they had it) and it’s my first time wearing them. They’re real suede and the color is so bold and pops against all the black and white pattern in the look. My jeans and jacket add edge and my maxi cardigan contributes a sleek, diva like effect. I’m wearing a black and white print bodysuit with a black tank underneath (for modesty). What do you guys think? I’ll be back here Monday, until then enjoy your weekend!!

Later Cupcakes!

Jacket: Forever 21 (but thrifted). Cardigan: Naked Wardrobe. Tank: H&M. Bodysuit: American Apparel. Sold Out, similar here. Shoes: Justfab (Luxe) sold out but a better pump here. Clutch: Turquoise Soul Bags upon request. Jeans: JC Penney similar here.

(How To): #Pantone2016 Denim + Denim Look

So denim is highly anticipated to be a very popular trend this spring, carrying on from the winter season. I loved the trend and I think it’s a look that can be worn timelessly. I’ve worn this look before during the autumn season. I opted to give the look more of a layered look so I mismatched denims sort of speak and wore black denim pants and a dark blue denim shirt. The darker colors were certainly fitting for the season and boasted more of a bold appeal.

This time around doing the denim on denim trend, I wanted a more seamless look. I didn’t want to exaggerate the layered look but rather appeal a bit more polished and soft. The colors I chose grasp at the idea of the thoughts of spring approaching. The pastels and nudes speak loudly but softly in the air of femininity. I grabbed my wool pea coat, by Marc Jacobs for warmth, comfort and extreme style. I threw on a chunky infinity scarf for added warmth. To balance the look, I am wearing my nude patent pumps. My gray Forever 21 clutch contributes to the overall sleekness. Both denim pieces I’m wearing match almost completely for that seamless look.

 

Shirt: Thrifted (Similar here). Denim Pants: Asos. Scarf: SheIn.com. Pea Coat: Marc Jacobs (similar here). Shoes: eBay (same pair here). 

S.J.B & the Thrifted Camel Coat/Blazer

I’m not typically a trendy girl. I tend to march to the beat of my own drum and that certainly includes fashion wise. One thing that I have to admit I’ve been drawn to lately is outerwear. A popular piece of outerwear is the famous camel coat. I’ve looked high and low for the perfect camel coat, one that is not too expensive, just the right color and compliments my shape the best. I’m still on the hunt but in the meantime, I found this awesome camel colored blazer at the thrift store. This blazer fits me perfectly and allows me to wear it layered as if it were outerwear. I love everything about, down to the buttons! The fit is comfy but compliments my shape. The best part? It only cost me $2.50!!

That’s the beauty of thrifting. You can find so many things that you need without breaking the bank. You can improvise and buy pieces and wear them as you want because in thrifting, you can afford to experiment. I wanted to showcase my new statement necklace from Sassy Jones Boutique. It’s called the Eboni Rope Necklace. I love this necklace because the quality is out of this world! I love how structured and neat this necklace looks. It’s still very feminine. I wore it with this look for an instant glam effect. It certainly puts the statement in “statement necklace”.  I can’t wait to show the third necklace, it’s my absolute favorite!!! If like this necklace, you can grab it HERE. The customer service is phenomenal so you’ll be happy! I wore a simple black ribbed dress and a denim blouse (open) for a layering effect. Let me know what you think….

 Later Cupcakes,

 

Jacket: Thrifted. Dress: Local Boutique. Denim Blouse: Thrifted. Arm Candy: H&M and Neon Wild. Boots: (old) similar here

SJB Series Part 1: Royal Pains of Winter

I know I have thoroughly complained and expressed my frustration with this season of winter. As a blogger, the colder months can so uninspiring. Quite frankly, I don’t love what the cold does to my skin. Somehow I always neglect to put enough moisturizer on my hands and other 2000 parts (insert eye roll) lol. I personally prefer my hair curly but in the winter I wear it straight. My hair is tailbone length and is quite time consuming to straighten. When I straighten, it’s poofy probably in the first 24 hours. I don’t re-straighten so I end up “bunning” or doing the ponytail thing which isn’t the most glamorous style. I honestly am simply not a fan of boots, I prefer open toe because they offer more detail in design but I digress.  I know what you’re saying “girl those are personal choices that you’re complaining about”. You’re so right but hey, I’m explaining the royal pains right? 

I completely inspired by my beautiful necklace from Sassy Jones Boutique. When I received this necklace I was definitely impressed at how beautiful it was and also the great quality. I LOVE this necklace. Had it been summer, I probably would have styled this look much differently…much more to my personal style but this look is to showcase the royal beauty of this statement necklace. I paired it with a free flowing vertically striped top and a black fur jacket to exaggerate the regal bold “centerpiece”. To bring the look to a casual balance, I wore a pair of jeans and thigh high boots. 

Had it been warmer weather, I would have worn a skirt instead. Not to take away from the necklace, I decided against a belt. I added a headpiece to further emphasize the “regalness” (I made that up lol) of this look. This is a bit out of my personal style but I am showing a style of how to wear this necklace. MY personal style with this necklace will be shown in a lookbook next week! For now, let me know what you think. Link to this gorgeous necklace, click here: (direct link). 

Shirt: Thrifted. Headpiece: Neon Wild. Jacket: Burlington (similar here). Jeans: Fashion Nova