Casual Friday: In Real Time OOTD/N

So…I know this outfit of the day is a little later than I normally do but I have a good reason. I planned this outfit a week ago for today (10/23/15) but I didn’t want to record it until today…in real time. I’m a mommy so most of my free time is dedicated to my family. However, after great planning, I am finally having date night with my hubby. I couldn’t be more thrilled!!!

Let’s talk fashion and style, shall we?

My outfit, although casual, is sexy yet modest. Side note: Can modesty please come back in style? Anyway, for the sake of the night out I chose a sequin tank that I’ve had in my closet for years. It is made of ribbed material for a more casual effect. My jeans are American Apparel easy jeans. These are high waisted and completely comfortable. They feel like leggings. I searched high and low for the faux leather biker jacket I’m wearing. Honestly, the prices of faux (or vegan, whichever the fashion world chooses to call it) leather anything is quite alarming. I was on the hunt for a nice decent quality jacket and found myself staring at $100 price tags in sheer amazement!! Over 40 bucks for a faux leather jacket is outrageous to me! Fortunately I found mine at Forever 21 for only 23 bucks. That is an awesome price point!! The jacket is rocker chic with an edge but the asymmetrical design of the zipper adds a feminine touch.

The accessories are really simple for this look. My boots are genuine suede boots I purchased about 3 years ago from Justfab. They were apart of the genuine leather and suede line (that is no longer on the site). I wish they were over the knee boots but I’m not complaining and I love them anyway! I chose to wear metal jewelry in silver and gunmetal. My necklace adds a masculine touch to balance the femininity of the sequin tank. I’m wearing knuckle rings and my earrings are a stud/ear cuff set. My hair is a messy ponytail for a sassy bad girl edge and I decided on neutral makeup. All in all, I love how everything in my fit came together. What do think? I’m headed out for drinks so I’ll see you all back here Monday!!

Bye Cupcakes!! 💋

*Update: I changed my shirt. I decided to wear a slit-arm long sleeve black top. It’s more comfortable and fits my style more than the sequin shirt. That’s why I wanted to do a “real time” blog post. I wanted you to see that you can love something and it can “balance” a look but you also need to love the look. It needs to be your style. I think I look much better with the black shirt. That is my style. Nothing wrong with making changes to your look, that’s what styling is truly about: tweaking a look to fit you honestly and perfectly!!! 

 

Not the Average Tulle Skirt…

This past weekend I attended a very special event. Months before I was on the hunt for the perfect pieces to complete a look I’d crafted in my mind. I wanted to have a classic look yet still have that little extra flair.

I saw a skirt online that I instantly fell in love with! This skirt can be classified as a tulle skirt as it is made from tulle material but it has netting material as well. The netting material lays as the outermost layer of the skirt and looks just like fishnet (material). The skirt is detailed and accented with a bold red embroidery of flowers to add a feminine touch. Despite all of the detail, the skirt maintains a classic look and  is in no way overwhelming. Since the skirt is still modest, I paired it with a belt that is also simple yet stands out to create another “layer” to this look.

My shirt added a tricky “issue” to this outfit. Initially, I happened to be looking for a turtleneck in the stripe pattern that I am actually wearing with this look but I couldn’t find one. Meanwhile, I had a particular tee in my arsenal for a while. The only issue: I’ve been losing weight and this shirt used to fit snug on me and is now loose. The solution: I had to wear the tee anyway because I could not find the turtleneck that I was looking for and there was no sense in buying another shirt in the same pattern when I have this tee that fits the bill. When styling, the whole point is sometimes you have to improvise and use what you have. Always maximize the use of your closet. This “issue” is the main reason that I say having staple pieces in your closet can solve styling issues down the road.

To accessorize my outfit, I chose to wear black fishnet tights, they further complimented the detail of the tulle skirt. My shoes are patent leather to add a “layer” of shine to the look. My clutch is muted so as not to take attention from the rest of the outfit. I chose a gaudy yet elegant all black statement necklace and a quaint pair of black stud earrings. The necklace sort of balances out the top with the bottom half of my look. I chose no further jewelry because the look has enough detail. I love how every piece came together and made the classic look that I was going for. Now that you know the concept behind my look, let me know what you think!

…Til Friday Cupcakes!

Skirt: SheIn, Shirt: Thrifted, Shoes: Shiekh Shoes, Necklace: eBay.

Casual Friday: Denim, Studs & Scarves

The fringe craze is seriously upon the fashion world. I initially wanted to wear a pair of boots that I just had to have. They boast fringe decoration along the back of the and the boot (which is faux suede) is thigh high with an open toe. Instead, I changed my mind and decided to wear studded block gladiator heels from Shoedazzle for this look. It gives the look a bit more edge.

Sidenote: The shoes were only $12!!

I’m a lover of contrast so my outfit although almost completely denim, had to have not only different washes of denim but differing colors. My shirt is dark blue vintage washed and the pants are washed gray denim. The jeans are skinny, reminiscent of American Apparel but they are from Forever 21. Way cheaper in price and maybe a little better in quality.  I decided on no jewelry and instead wore this scarf that I bought a little while ago. (I plan my outfits almost a month in advance most times). It kept me warm without the need of a jacket or coat. I love the dual sidedness of the scarf and it sasses up the outfit. My clutch is American Apparel (which yo probably know by now lol).  My fall lip is MAC Riri “Talk That Talk”.

Oh, and lastly, I finally straightened my hair. I had to cut a few bad inches off but it’s okay. Anyhoo, share your thoughts below and I will see you back here Monday for another ootd!

Bye Cupcakes! 💋

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Casual Friday: Early Fall Boots

Salut! It’s Friday!!

I am so happy to be able to pop on a sweater, especially in brisk & windy weather. I really wanted to wear a skirt although I opted against that idea. There is plenty enough time for that considering the weather is still feeling like summer some days. (Who am I kidding? I still will wear skirts when it’s cold.) No complaints here since winter will be upon us but it’s just is nice to wear some fall apparel for a change.

I chose faux leather leggings to be instantly stylish but comfy.  I paired my faux leather leggings with a nice balance of a (thrifted) basic sweater. I tied a denim shirt around my waist for a little bit of “trend”.  The sweater is not bulky (although being a bit big on me) and is perfect for 60 degree weather and no coat.  Still incorporating some summer fun into my fall wardrobe, I’m wearing thigh high open toe wedge boots. These Jeffrey Campbell “boots” I purchased years ago….please don’t hate me because I don’t remember where.  The sunnies I bought from eBay. My clutch, (which you will be seeing a lot of) I love and it was on sale from American Apparel. I paid 21 bucks including shipping! Please let me know what you think. If you are not already, follow me on Instagram: @thestylecake. If you loved this post, keep a lookout for the new post on Monday!

Happy Weekend Cupcakes!! 💋

 

Casual Friday

Warning: short post!

Brisk air, wind strong enough to mock Chicago’s windy days and not much sun called for the appropriate: a blazer. I bought this blazer a couple years back at a thrift store. It’s so great for the trends this fall and the color screams fall! My jeans are from H&M ($9.99) and my statement necklace & shoes, eBay. The shoes aren’t my favorite, the quality is well…I paid only $14.99 for them so they look and feel like the price. Ugh. Lesson learned. My crop tee is a Forever 21 purchase and the clutch, American Apparel. Let me know what you think! Pics to follow, talk to you Monday cupcakes!!

 

 

 

"Modestly Modifed Maxi"

This is probably the last summer post I will be doing this year. Temperatures are now in the 60s and the wind has picked up with an occasional all day rain fall. For my last summer post, I decided to take a chance and wear a skirt that I had not worn yet. I bought this skirt years ago but because the style had become way too popular, I never wore it. Nothing much behind my idea. I wanted this look to still remain modest while maintaining the sexiness of the look. I decided to modestly modify the skirt by wearing a pair of biker shorts so my whole thigh and crotch area don’t get exposed. The skirt is from Urban Outfitters and the tank is from H&M. The clutch is from the clearance section of American Apparel and the shoes are Jeffrey Campbell. I only spent 40 bucks on them but they are so fab I would have paid more for them. They boast genuine suede, multiple straps up the leg and a zipper up the back for the ease of putting them on. For accessories I decided on a gold slave bracelet, hoop earrings and a vintage inspired gold toned watch. My headband was one dollar at the beauty supply store. It adds a rockstar touch for some edge to this look. Now that you know about the pieces in this look, let me know what you think! Til Friday for another post cupcakes!! 💋

 

"Modestly Modifed Maxi"

This is probably the last summer post I will be doing this year. Temperatures are now in the 60s and the wind has picked up with an occasional all day rain fall. For my last summer post, I decided to take a chance and wear a skirt that I had not worn yet. I bought this skirt years ago but because the style had become way too popular, I never wore it. Nothing much behind my idea. I wanted this look to still remain modest while maintaining the sexiness of the look. I decided to modestly modify the skirt by wearing a pair of biker shorts so my whole thigh and crotch area don’t get exposed. The skirt is from Urban Outfitters and the tank is from H&M. The clutch is from the clearance section of American Apparel and the shoes are Jeffrey Campbell. I only spent 40 bucks on them but they are so fab I would have paid more for them. They boast genuine suede, multiple straps up the leg and a zipper up the back for the ease of putting them on. For accessories I decided on a gold slave bracelet, hoop earrings and a vintage inspired gold toned watch. My headband was one dollar at the beauty supply store. It adds a rockstar touch for some edge to this look. Now that you know about the pieces in this look, let me know what you think! Til Friday for another post cupcakes!! 💋

 

Not-a-DIY: A "Tutu Train" 

No Instructions below….lol.
I like to pride myself on creativity so often times I write down ideas that I have and yet I just have not been brave enough to share. Shoot, sometimes I just flat out don’t have the time to see if the idea will pan out. Welp, I’ve decided that from now on, I will start doing my projects. First up, is this belt designed to have a similar look to a tutu but is actually a train.  I absolutely LOVE the results. If you do not have a sewing machine, you can still make this belt using a tutorial by clicking here. I did this for fun…Results of my DIY below!

Happy Sewing!

Materials Needed:

1. A bolt of fabric

2. Scissors

3. Sewing Machine (and needle & thread)

4. Elastic Band (preferably 2 inches wide)

5. Hooks or Fastener (to close the belt)

6. Patience & Belief in Thyself!

Not-a-DIY: A "Tutu Train" 

No Instructions below….lol.
I like to pride myself on creativity so often times I write down ideas that I have and yet I just have not been brave enough to share. Shoot, sometimes I just flat out don’t have the time to see if the idea will pan out. Welp, I’ve decided that from now on, I will start doing my projects. First up, is this belt designed to have a similar look to a tutu but is actually a train.  I absolutely LOVE the results. If you do not have a sewing machine, you can still make this belt using a tutorial by clicking here. I did this for fun…Results of my DIY below!

Happy Sewing!

Materials Needed:

1. A bolt of fabric

2. Scissors

3. Sewing Machine (and needle & thread)

4. Elastic Band (preferably 2 inches wide)

5. Hooks or Fastener (to close the belt)

6. Patience & Belief in Thyself!

Fur, Velvet, Snow & Such….

I’ve been apprehensive since I started this blog about posting fashion looks. So, I’m being very transparent in this post when I say that I have a fear of failure and not being able to measure up to myself and what I expect to become. Welp, I’ve decided this year that I need to be adventurous and willing to take risks! So….here I go! The weather is not necessarily permitting but this snow is not going anywhere anytime soon. I decided to incorporate a little velvet (velour), fur, leather AND of course, snow! Please let me know what you think of my first fashion post/ootd! Peace!

P.S. I was an event for The Lip Bar.
(Blog post on the event will be up Monday).

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