Casual Monday: Grandpa Cardigan & Denim 

Here it is, one third of the year has almost passed and it’s still less than 50 degrees outside. I know, you haven’t heard me talk about the weather in a while. Lol. Well, I can’t help it this time! It’s the first day of April and it no longer feels like spring. In fact, we actually have snow in the forecast for next week! I guess you’ll be able to see how I feel about that in my look for today lol. 

You guys probably know by now that on Fridays I don’t like to keep you here reading. We’ve got to get out and enjoy our weekends!!! Well, I’m sure you’d like to relax this Monday. So let’s discuss the look for today. Today I’m wearing what I call a “grandpa cardigan”. I love this this thing. It’s warm and it reminds of a sweater that  Grady from the sitcom Sanford & Son would wear. To sass up the look, I decided to wear my Detroit Is The New Black V-neck tee off the shoulder style along with skinny jeans and Steve Madden wedge shoes. I’m wearing a black choker for a simple bit of sexiness above the cardigan. Honestly, the way I’m wearing the DITNB tee, the jeans and the Steve Madden wedge shoes all add sexiness to balance the mature look of the “grandpa cardigan”. Let me know what you think! Deets below… 

Happy Monday Cupcakes 💋

Shoes: Steve Madden. Tee: Detroit Is The New Black. Cardigan: Boohoo. Jeans: Fashion Nova. Choker: Neon Wild. 

   

    
    

    
  

    
  

  

 

March Style Lusts #2 

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It’s that time again…

Let’s get into this month’s second set of style lusts. I have to admit that I totally hit the ground running and shared a ton of style lusts. That being said, I am now going to share beauty lusts as well. Let’s get started!

1. Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Marine Boosting Mist

This spray is new and limited edition. Ever since I saw this I’ve been wanting to purchase it. I’m a sucker for a great facial spray because I love the way it blends and “smooths” my makeup. I hate (strong word I know but I mean it) an overly matte face, set with too much setting powder. I prefer a glowy, breezy looking face. Anyhoo, I’m itching to try this product out. Of course when I do, I will be sure to review it!!



Photo Credit: Tarte Cosmetics

2. Clean Perfume (Warm Cotton & Skin)

I am helplessly in LOVE with these two fragrances. Beyond Jo Malone fragrances, these are two of the only other fragrances I buy. One (Warm Cotton) reminds me so much of fresh clean white laundry while the other (Skin) smells slightly sweet but very calming. Both smell uncomplicated and wear nicely on the skin.


Photo Credit: Pintrest

3. Shoulder Handbags

I love a large to but as the spring starts to love in, I find myself not wanting to carry a bag as much. I mean this is the time that we love to hop around, go to events around the city and try new restaurants to name a few. Shoulder bags can be slung over the opposite shoulder for more convenience. I like the saddle bag style but I love a chic style better. Pair it with an off the shoulder ruffle top and a pair of distressed shorts for a simple but very stylish look!

Photo Credit: (coming soon)

4. Off the Shoulder Top

The shoulder and décolletage are two the most sexy areas of the body to showcase. You can be sexy, yet modest by showing off this area. Off the shoulder blouses and tops (preferably cropped) can truly show your feminine side and are effortless ways to create an outfit. I prefer a white top. Pair with a flowy maxi skirt and flat sandals for a cozy soft look!


Photo Credit: Styles Weekly

5. Gucci Horsebit Designed Heels 

I’ve been wanting to buy these for about a year now I swear. These heels are self explanatory. Pair them with a skater trench dress and oversized sunglasses.


Photo Credit: www.gucci.com

After sharing these style lusts, I’m quite sure that I will be getting a couple of things on my list. I also will be getting more Clean perfume. What are your style lusts? Anything in particular you’re eager to purchase? Please share. Tomorrow, check out another outfit post!

Later Cupcakes! 💋

When East Meets West

My inspiration has been running wild lately. I haven’t been inspired by one particular thing and I’ve been creating ideas from all over the place until I’ve had to write down my jumbled thoughts. In a spur of the moment thought, my focus was diverted to contrasting but complimentary fabrics, specifically denim and crochet. I frequently love to shop my closet being that I’ve accumulated a wardrobe over the last almost 20 years.

Being that denim and crochet were my inspiration, I grabbed my vintage Levi’s denim button up. I intended to wear a nude midi skirt but that’s basic enough. I have a crochet scarf that felt looked perfect. To my delight though, grabbing my shoes from my shoe closet I noticed a crochet skirt I’d bought years ago. I hadn’t worn it before because I couldn’t fit it. I can fit into it now and it’s perfect for the look in going for! My look is pretty east meets western and is sort of the non-overt western look for the modern city girl. Honestly there’s nothing more to it. Let me know if you like this look!

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Shirt: Vintage Levi’s. Skirt: Jaide Clothing. Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (old) Necklace: eBay. Bracelet: Jewelmint. 

  

  

  

  

thredUp March Wardrobe Capsule  (Lookbook) 

My first Lookbook!

I’m so freaking excited!! When I was contacted by thredUp, I didn’t know everything they had to offer but I will briefly share my experience of getting to know thredUp. I searched the large selection of thrift heaven lol. There are a lot of name brand items as well as lower priced brands such as Forever 21 and H&M. The perk? You can afford Burberry and brands normally purchased from Revolve and Free People at a much more appealing price tag for budgetnistas. I got 4 items for $53 which isn’t too bad because the items I got are much more expensive retail on their own.

For the capsule wardrobe I grabbed pieces that I felt would be versatile and then I chose them based on appeal of style. I wasn’t shopping for name brands, name brands don’t always equate style. I knew I wanted a shirt, skirt, dress and pants. These four items can single handedly make a wardrobe (capsule). Here’s a tip: a bodycon dresses can easily double as another shirt. That makes two potential outfits with one piece! Also, grab colors that contrast and be sure to snag a basic essential for any wardrobe such a pair of jeans. You can dress jeans up or down which gives your wardrobe so much versatility. If you need to down size your closet, creating a capsule wardrobe is the best way to do it. Always get rid of things you can no longer fit first! This will create tons of room in your wardrobe. Now that you know what you can do prepare your closet for a capsule wardrobe, check out what I got. Here’s a simple breakdown of my items with prices:

Levi’s Jeans: $13.99

Spring & Clifton Sweater Dress: $15.49

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Skirt: $7.99

Velvet Long Sleeve Top: $21.49

*I also used a 20% off promotion code*

  

Creating this March #capsulewardrobe was really fun. Check out all the pics below and then head to Instagram type in #capsulewardrobe or #thredup to see more from thredUp!

Package upon arrival:


  

*All clothing items are from thredUp

 

 

 Later Cupcakes! 💋

Five Online Shopping Tips 

Frequently, I love to shop online. I mean honestly, how could I not? Let’s discuss the pros: you can shop in pajamas, hold a glass a wine while you shop, comparison shop and best of all, you can find the best coupons and deals. Who doesn’t love relaxation, wine and good deals? Lol! I’d like to offer you a few tips to make your online shopping experience not only more fun but more fruitful. 


1. Always Have a Goal

Sometimes this can be a fairly difficult task if you are emotional shopping. Let’s admit it, we’ve all done some shopping when we were in an emotional state of mind. I’ll be brave enough to admit first then lol. Nevertheless, shopping without a goal can promote over spending leading to buyers remorse and regret later. Who wants to feel bad about shopping? Know what you are looking for also eliminates the frustration of missing out on items that end being out of stock. That’s not fun nor productive is it?

  

2. Always Use Discount Codes

No ifs, ands or buts about it, we all love to get a great deal!! Well, shopping online offers exposure to more deals than in store a lot of times. There are tons of websites that offer promotional codes to save money. Also, signing up for email promotion usually offers the benefit of being the first to know of sales as well as getting “secret” promo codes for a percentage or dollar amount off. Shopping is definitely more fun when you can save! If you can’t find a code to reduce the original price, try searching for codes on social media sites. You’ll be surprised how you can find more ways to save by being social with the company. 

  

3. Cross Reference 

Sometimes it can be difficult finding a particular item. Companies that are resellers may change the “name” of an item on their site to try and create a non-generic “feel” to their site and items for sale. This can make it hard to search for the same item on a different site or a search engine. Look for tag information or the item description that may have the manufactured item name so you can use that information for cross referencing. You will be surprised how this technique can lead you to find an otherwise out-of-stock item! 

  

4. Know Your Measurements 

This is something enough of us are not even aware of but this helps when looking to purchase clothing and shoes. It’s easy to want to avoid this aspect of shopping but it’s vital to having a successful online shopping trip. If you know your measurements, you are less likely to have to make exchanges/returns, you can easily cross reference sizing information across international retailers’ sizing charts. I’ll use myself as an example. I wear a U.S. size 8, 29 (or sometimes 30 because of my hips/thighs/butt) and a medium shirt. Because I know my sizes I can find my measurements and also I know what sizes I wear in european sizing. I also know what size to pick when I have to size up or down depending on the manufacturers admonition. The same goes for shoes in which I wear a 7.5 or 8 (U.S.). 

  
5. Create a Wish List 

Like online window shopping or on a tight budget? Create a wish list! Wish lists help you see exactly what you want in the near future in correlation to availability. Wish lists can even be created on the websites in which you are shopping on for your convenience. You can easily add items from your wish list to your shopping cart! Creating a wish list helps with creating a budget, keeping in mind what you’re looking for as well as maximizes time management. If possible, use old fashioned pen and paper  to be sure you always have your wish list at your convenience. 

  

These five tips should help your shopping trip be productive and fun without any regrets! Do you have any tips? Which of these tips do you think would be most helpful to you?

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Being Vested…

O.M.G. 

Time has flown by. It’s been more than a year since I decided to incorporate outfit looks with my commentary here on my blog. I’ve changed my hair a few times. Many times, I had become discontented with my so-called progress with this blog. When I first started, I was a new mother and felt the need to do something that helped me define me. Now, both of my children are in school, social and I have invested tons of time to my family. My supportive husband (the man BEHIND the camera) has encouraged me to pursue this journey as a blogger and I’m proud to announce my new website will be up in less than 48 hours!!! (Yay!!) 

Blogging isn’t so black and white nor is it simple all the time. As a matter of fact, blogging is RARELY simple…unless simple involves your look lol. It requires so much time, effort, and commitment…even during life’s worst moments. Blogging is like a relationship. You need to love blogging. Even more, in love. You have to remain optimistic, be realistic, put forth serious effort and be committed. Just to name a few things. (wink) I’ve been committed to my blog but as of a few months ago, I’m totally vested. This is MY thing. I’m welcoming large companies to work with me, I’m looking forward to collaborations with other bloggers and perhaps some travel. 

I decided to tie my outfit in with my sentiments. I’m wearing a thrifted vest, fresh from the 90s and all black underneath. Initially, I wanted my shoulders out in a cut shoulder bodysuit. Instead, I’m wearing thigh high lace up boots under a black bodycon dress because it’s not all the way spring yet lol. I have on a load of bracelets, sort of boho-chic(esque). Share your thoughts! Are you a blogger? Would you like to collaborate? Are there any companies you would like to work with? Are you a company that wants to work with me? (Please send an email to: thestylecake@yahoo.com)

Later Cupcakes! 

Dress: Boohoo. Boots: ZooShoo. Vest: Thrifted. Bangles: Aldo. 

      

   

Trendy But Not?

One of the biggest trends right now is denim. Although I’m not one to jump on the trendy bandwagon, this trend is really something I’m grabbing a hold of. If you haven’t checked out my “Style Lusts”, please do. I discussed the different options that are out there for those that want to explore this very popular trend. 

Well, here I am displaying how I wear this trend. *Disclaimer: I realize that this coat has gotten way to big on me. In a short period of time, my body has changed. Although the scale hasn’t moved much, my body says different, I’m shrinking but building muscle. I will have a fitness update coming soon.* I grabbed my denim trench coat purchased from a popular and stylish spot in Detroit on Cass Avenue called Thrift On The Ave. I paused it very simply with a warm bodycon dress from United Front, also a company based in Detroit. I added bold accessories and open to knee high boots for a sassy look. I’m hoping for warmer weather soon to crank out more looks! 

Want this denim trench? Send me an email to: thestylecake@yahoo.com. Please type Purchase Denim Trench in the subject line. 

Til Wednesday Cupcakes! 💋

  

Selfie Moment:

    

        

March Style Lusts #2

Style lusts the second time around this month will be pretty short. I only have a few. Since it’s still rather cold here, I’m saving some of my style lusts for further exploration in a couple of weeks. Let’s get started:

1. Denim 

I have been so drawn to denim lately (as you can probably tell from my posts) and it isn’t limited to jeans (denim pants) but also jackets, skirts, shirts and heels. The thing about denim is that you don’t have to always dress casual to wear it. A dark colored denim dress with a pair of closed toe heels and a blazer easily changes the look from casual to semi-business. I’ve been slightly obsessing over denim jackets and coats. A couple of months ago I purchased a denim jacket from the thrift store. I can’t wait to show my look. It’s already put together. I’m just waiting on the weather to allow me to wear it. You can wear denim with just about anything. It’s a very easy piece to style. I’m loving denim jackets with various artistic and fun broach coverings. I’m also loving denim heels. If you love this trend but aren’t trendy, the heel option is a great way to incorporate denim into your wardrobe.

  

 

   
2. Button Bodycon Dress/Skirt

I love a good bodycon dress but the latest style that boasts a button down detail is really captured my attention. It’s a sexy detail that offers so many options to whatever other pieces you pair it with. Recently, I purchased a dress for this summer from The Line by K. My only gripe, the price is pretty steep at $105 per dress but I’m helplessly in love with this dress!!! She just released the dress again in one of my favorite colors: pink. What’s a girl to do? Anyhoo, you can pair this dress with a pair of minimalist heels for a sensual look or platform sandals for a more overt sexy look. I’m seeing more of this style in bodycon skirts and dresses becoming available at cheaper prices so keep on the lookout!!

  

3. Overalls 

I’ve worn overalls in the past but along with my recent lust for denim, I’ve been wanting a good pair of overalls. It doesn’t matter if the overalls are non-denim, I’ve just been drawn to them. I’d wear mine cuffed at the leg with perhaps a tank or crop top for a bit of an edge. I think a minimalist heeled sandal would work best with this look. 

  

4. White Clothing

Sounds simple enough right? Well, I have not worn much white. The reason has been my weight. I had been uncomfortable wearing white all of this time but I no longer have a hang up with the color white. While I’ve lost a nice amount of weight, I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be. That being said, I’m no longer allowing myself to be held back by my weight. White is easily becoming one of my favorite colors to wear. It’s bold, bright and is the perfect palette for colorful add ons. I have a couple looks planned already with white as the highlight color. One way to pair white is with a colorful statement piece, perhaps a colorful jacket or pants. 

  

Well, I told you this Style Lust “episode” would be short. Let me know if you’d like me to include beauty and fragrances into these Style Lusts. What are your style lusts this month?

Easy Does It…

On Fridays I usually try to incorporate a casual look because most of us are either relax, go grab drinks or can better dress emotionally since we feel so relieved. That being said, I am not relieved that it’s Friday but I’m ready to grab drinks AND relax lol. The downside is that it’s quite cold here (not even 50 degrees) and I’m ready to burst out into color like song lol. I have looks planned out for at least 3 weeks in advance at all times because I’m always creating ideas in my head but I was starting a transition of winter to spring wardrobe. What’s a girl to do? 

Well when life happens, we make the best of it. So I mixed spring and fall wardrobe to create an easy look. I know we’re all ready to hang so I’ll be brief. I needed that “pop of color” so I decided on an all black ensemble with a bright turquoise flare tank. Under the tank I’m wearing an off the shoulder body suit. I know, you couldn’t really see the bodysuit. No worries, you’ll be seeing it in a couple of weeks, (insert winking emoji). My pants are ankle pants. Although considered more of a fall or winter color, the ankle length aspect nibbles at the appeal of spring. I opted for my leopard print Zara booties. They accent my tank AND the black quite nicely, creating balance and cohesion. Being that leopard can be used as a neutral, it doesn’t take away from the boldness of the tank. It actually helps the color to pop. My choker and earrings are easy and simple. That’s the essence of the entire look. How do you dress when you’re trying to be simple but still stylish? 

Happy Friday Cupcakes!!! 

Pants: H&M. Shoes: Zara. Shirt: Urban Outfitters. Tank and Jacket: F21. Necklace: Neon Wild. 

    

   

     

Color Pop!

If you’ve been following me for a little while then you know I am a true fan of color in my wardrobe. In today’s fashion however, for some reason it seems that color is avoided. A lot of people are wearing black only or only muted tones colors. Now don’t get me wrong, I love black. In fact, I wear a lot of black. I’m wearing black with this look today. The thing is, it’s not the only color that makes up my wardrobe. Color truly is your friend when styling. You can find a colorful statement piece that you can build your look around. For a styling newbie, this makes styling a lot easier. Statement pieces can include but are not limited to: necklaces, bracelets, shoes, bags, shirts, pants, skirts and the list can go on and on.

Don’t ever be afraid to grab a bold statement piece for your wardrobe and style around it. In my opinion, searching for those statement pieces helps a person individually define his or hers style. You begin to figure out what colors you’re more drawn to. You also see what patterns you like and if you like patterns at all! These statement pieces allow muted colors to be accents instead of the colors that looks are built around. I will talk more about this in a “how to” coming up but for now, let’s talk my look. 

I decided on this vintage and thrifted collarless blazer. It totally steals the show of this look. The bold colors and abstract print reminded me of an abstract painting in an art gallery. The print is defined by the color black and I wanted to help further define the other colors and print so did so with black pieces. My tank is a simple black one from H&M coupled with my black platform sandals from Fashion Nova. I didn’t want this look to be “dressy” so I opted for jeans. Since the  blazer is so bold, there was no real need for accessories. I didn’t want the look to be junky. Try statement colorful pieces for yourself!! Let me know what you think!! 

Blazer: Thrifted (similar type here). Pants & Shoes: Fashion Nova & (here). Tank: H&M