MY #naturalhair Inspired Outfit

I have been in a mood for about a month now where all I want to be is comfortable. Hair and outfits. Well my hair is definitely the inspiration behind my look today. Generally, I’m strategic with what I wear but this time I’m bent on going with the flow, just being the best me and accepting what comes naturally. 

I’ve shared in the past that I have an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s. This disease has ravaged my hair, causing extreme amounts of shedding and thinning. Adding to that, my medication has caused my texture to change. I thought it was my imagination but nope, I checked some forums where others have expressed the same concerns. Anyhoo, all that being said I had chosen to wear my own hair out less to avoid seeing all of the shedding. My endocrinologist is amazing and has worked with me in finding a medical plan that works best for my health. I’m on new medication and some of my shedding has been reduced. So I’ve decided to wear my hair out…without being straightened. I’ve worn my hair out before while flat ironed. You can see where I wore it here

I feel so free, free like when I used to wear my hair in all kinds of styles. I’m ready to enjoy my hair again. It’s so freeing to not feel like I have to keep my hair covered. To signify my comfort, confidence and freedom I’m wearing this flowy, wide legged H&M jumpsuit from several years back. This is my first time wearing it. It suits my skin perfectly, almost a reflection of being able to see me for me. My shoes are faux wood & leather platform sandals. My bag you’ve seen before and I think it fits perfectly. My jewelry is simple and chic, tell me what you think! I’ll be styling my hair more so stay tuned for that! 

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Jumpsuit: H&M (old but maybe similar here). Shoes: Target. Bracelet: H&M (similar here). Handbag: Justfab (similar here). 

   
   

     

        

  
 

Friday Comfort: (Style How To)

Sometimes we have a lot going on in life and we just need a breather. Knowing that, we are drawn to more comfortable clothes to be in more of a relaxed state during stressful periods. Even beyond stress, in warmer weather it might be essential to chase comfort over strict style. But who says you can’t be stylish AND comfortable? 

One thing that is comfortable is a dress. Now of course most people don’t think of a dress being comfortable. The idea of dress sort of links with dressing up. Not so much. If you have a flowy, rather loose fitting or a fit n flare style, it can be pulled off. Maxi dresses can also be cozy. The idea is to wear the dress that doesn’t need constant readjustments and allows you to move freely without restrictions. I opted for a fit n flare dress since I’m a bit bottom heavy. This type of dress doesn’t restrict my body nor show too much if you know what I mean. I feel the comfort of the dress around my waist so I’m not bothered by friction from the fabric. 

When you’re looking for a good fit n flare dress, I suggest looking for one with seams that accentuate your shape or give the illusion of. My shoes are skin tone bit are comfy, although they are heels. I have a pair of flats with the same design if chose to get even more comfy. I added a different toned orange with my clutch to grab the essence of warmth and relaxation. Anyhoo, it’s Friday and I gotta get outta here but check out my pics and let me know what you think! 

Happy Friday!!! 💋

Dress: Old Navy. Shoes: UrbanOg. Clutch: Forever21. Headdress: Purple Love. Arm Candy: Aldo & Layered Chains. Necklace: Aldo Accessories. 

   

   

    
    
    
 
 

Silver Lining: Chloe + Isabel #candiforacause 

I love positivity!! So when I was contacted by Emily (an absolute sweetheart and blogger) to review a jewelry piece from Chloe + Isabel I was truly excited. I decided to grab the “Love” charm necklace because love is THE most positive message wrapped into one word. These necklaces are so gorgeous, I am thinking strongly about buying the “Brave” necklace. Anyhoo, buying one of these #candi for a cause necklaces means “helping girls turn self-doubt into self-empowerment” by way of the I AM THAT GIRL. Exactly 20% of the #candi for a cause purchase you make goes straight to the benefit of this cause. 

In a world that can be so difficult to live in, it’s a must to always build up our little girls and encourage them. Love is one of the most powerful tools to do this which is what helped me decide on my necklace. The “Love” necklace is of great quality and is designed with simplicity in mind. The semi-precious rose quartz stone makes a true bold statement although small. It is a charm attached to a delicate silver looking (rhodium-plated) chain. It boasts nickel-free plating so that there is no skin irritation while wearing this necklace. It’s easy to put on because there aren’t any clumsy clasps or tons of loops so even the youngest of little beauties can wear it! Just put it on and style! 

I paired the necklace with a gray pencil dress so the charm “pops” since it’s a smaller piece. The look is sort of monochromatic since I am wearing a silver pair of simplistic sandals and a silver buckled belt. Check out the look!  My pictures tend to focus more on my necklace than the look. Take a peek and head over to support a cause!! 

Love, 

Candy ❤️
      

   

  

  

 

It’s Not All Black & White 

I’ve been (style) blogging for a little over a year now and I must say that I’ve experienced a lot of the unexpected. But then there are plenty everyday life situations that impact blogging more than you think. Before doing outfit of the day looks, I reviewed products I loved (and hated) as well as shared my thoughts on various other things. Because of that, my autoimmune disease never affected my ability to blog, at least not as much as it does now. 

I’m a fighter and survivor because life just refused to allow me to give up. That being said, I’ve been suffering with Hashimoto’s disease. An autoimmune disease where my body attacks my thyroid. Recently, this has wreaked havoc on my body. I’ve been on a long weight loss journey where I HAVE to work harder than the average person to lose weight (fat) because my body has a propensity to keep the weight on. This means a rigorous fitness routine and eating healthy at least 90% of the time. Currently I’m suffering from a severe case of edema. You probably can see my swollen feet lol. Well I’m not complaining, I’m merely sharing why I’ve not been able to post as often as I would like which is daily. Blogging isn’t “black and white”. You can’t throw up a look and think that’s all there is to it. That’s a message to myself. I am very serious about this blogging thing so ill or not, on with the show! Can’t wait to share some looks this week and weeks to come!!! Stay tuned!! 

By the way, if you are looking for some fabulous jewelry and accessories check out the link below and use “stylecake” for 10% off your purchase!! 

SHOP HERE FOR FAB JEWELRY! ❤️

👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽
Top: Urban Outfitters. Skirt: Forever 21. Handbag: H&M. Shoes: Chinese Laundry. Necklace: Aldo.

   

  

  

  

 

A Pop of Gold

I apologize in advance for this post being so late and short. It’s Friday and I know you guys are ready to get out to enjoy your weekend like I certainly am. Don’t worry, next week I’m totally going to make up for it lol. So I wanted to be casual but still at the boast of a dress. 

Originally, this dress was maxi length but true my stylist nature I believe in making pieces work for me. I love a good contrast so my cardigan is a maxi cardigan to contrast the shortness of my dress. Believe me, I can’t have two maxi pieces on at this point. I’ll explain why in a totally different post. Since we’re finally experiencing my cardigan is sheer and doesn’t add any warmth (temperature wise) but it warms up my look with the undertone. My shoes add glamorous features to my look. My choker is actually a headband that I got from Purple Love. Again, I did what I needed to turn this look into a “pop of gold”! 

Til Monday Cupcakes! 💋

Cardigan: Naked Wardrobe. Dress: Thrifted. Shoes: Steve Madden. Belt: Thrifted. Bracelets: Jewelmint & Aldo. Choker: Purple Love. Head scarf: Forever 21. 

   

  

  

  

 

The Concept of Color Block

So with the back and forth of warm and cool weather, dressing and planning a look is like playing the guessing game. I like to keep a good coat in my wardrobe in case of style emergencies so I grabbed a trench I had to round out the concept of this look. 

One of the hardest concepts to pull off successfully is color blocking. Why? Well, it’s definitely easy to pile on too many colors and to appear too matcha-matchy. The key to color blocking (for beginners) is building around a color that you want to “pop” or stand out with neutral colors. I would suggest grabbing a color that is your favorite bold color and allow that to take “center stage” while blocking with colors that are absolutely neutral. I say absolutely because nude is neutral however it has “tones” that can be hard to figure out which goes well with your own skin tone. Try starting with black, white, or another primary color. If you are unsure about color blocking, you can also contrast colors for ease of manipulation of color. If you have a question, please ask me! (smile)  I’ll explain more in my pictures….

Later Cupcakes 💋

   

    

    
 

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

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. 

   

    

    
  

   

  

“Mourning” the Spring 

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)

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 

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.