Category: Style Inspiration

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.


  
  
  

When East Meets West

Posted on by The Style Cake

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) 

Posted on by The Style Cake

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! 💋

Being Vested…

Posted on by The Style Cake

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. 

      

   

SJB Series Part 1: Royal Pains of Winter

Posted on by The Style Cake

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. 

     

   

Black, White & Colored Sophistication 

Posted on by The Style Cake

Disclaimer: A huge part of style is fit. This coat is WAY too big for me but I wore this for demonstration purposes. 

I love mixing color with black and white prints. The two compliment one another so very well, sometimes even allowing two different “styles” to coexist in one outfit. In this look today, I’m actually showing the most subtle (if it can be called that) way to mix colors amongst strong colored prints. I opted for a houndstooth scarf balanced against a colorful plaid coat. Both work for style and comfort as they not only keep me warm but they also stand out and grab attention. For a chic look (to this vintage coat), I tried to wear the coat simply hanging onto my shoulders. It was too cold for that!! Lol. I didn’t wear jewelry because my look is definitely decorated enough (due to the prints), overdone is never attractive…at least in my opinion. I’ve mixed black and white with colored prints in the past and I LOVE the way that it looks. I feel that it’s easy a signature look for me! Anyhoo, I’ve put info on my look below and something new I’m doing is adding alternatives to items no longer available, vintage or thrifted. Let me know what you think!

Later Cupcakes!

Wool Coat: Vintage (similar coat HERE, similar shirt HERE). Scarf: eBay. Turtleneck: H&M. Denim: (similar) JC Penney. Boots: old (similar pair HERE ) 

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Impromptu Post…

Posted on by The Style Cake

I’ve had a lot of inspiration lately. Any and everything inspires me. Life has run a muck sort-to-speak in my world. I’ve been swamped and haven’t had the chance to post so quite frankly, this is an impromptu post. I wasn’t going to post this until tomorrow but since I’ve been too swamped to post in a while, I thought posting today is only fair. There will still be another post tomorrow as well, all posts will get moved up. I wish I had more to say this time but honestly I’m exhausted. I have a few reviews posting this week and three more outfit posts this week. Things in life are not back to normal and they never will be but I learned a lot this year. I’ve formed closer bonds with loving friends, closed chapters and been forced to become stronger than I thought I ever could be. This post is a bit more emotional than normal but I will back to my style explaining self tomorrow.

I love the darkness in this look. It offers so much depth and mystery but is till feminine. It’s a bit cool but my adrenaline allowed for me to wear this sheer  trench coat style cardigan over my outfit. I’m sporting a crop top from Forever 21. This is weird fitting top. I’m hoping to find this color in a turtleneck shirt. Anyhoo, my shorts are black and white plaid, vintage and thrifted. I love the contrast against my crop top. Now I know you must be thinking, “why didn’t she show skin” but I have two good reasons. One, I wanted a layered look. Two, I was just not loving the look of this fit without something underneath. Regardless, I think that the look came together. What do you think? Check the blog for another outfit post tomorrow….

Bye Cupcakes!

Shorts: Thrifted. Crop Top: Forever 21. Hat: Gadzooks (Or Forever 21). Boots: Shiekh Shoes (I think). Cardigan: Naked Wardrobe. 

Walk Fashion Show (11/2015)

Posted on by The Style Cake

I had the opportunity of being invited to the hottest fashion show in the Detroit Area, the Walk Fashion Show. This is the second time that I have been able to attend although not the first time I’ve been invited. This happens to be my favorite fashion show because it showcases some of the most faaaabbbbulous designers in the metro area. This show shares the talents of designers, models and the styling abilities of boutiques alike. I didn’t get to see all of the designers and boutiques presenting but I got some good highlights. I wish I had gotten to see Thrift on The Ave present their fashions but 

check out the @walkfashionshow on Instagram like I did to see some of the items presented by them. I have a little load of pictures below that are some of my favorite designs. Let me know which outfit or piece shown is your favorite….
See you guys back here tomorrow @ 3:30 pm est sharp for another outfit post!! 

Bye Cupcakes!!

   
    
    
    
    
    
 

Black Friday

Posted on by The Style Cake

So I apologize for the false alarm upload earlier, it was certainly a faux pas on my part. This post, like most posts on Fridays will be a very short post so that you can get off the internet and get the weekend started…*wink*

I have been enjoying the fall season because I love to wear dark colors. (In the winter I love pinks, whites, nudes, etc., but I digress.) Dark colors tend to be very seductive and mysterious for some reason. I wanted to wear all black but was going to go against that thought initially because I will be wearing all black again Saturday under a different setting. Who says that you can’t wear a lot of black two days in a row? Since it is causal Friday, I thought my very own “Black Friday” would be perfect.

I’ve been itching to wear my spiked Litas by Jeffrey Campbell for a couple of years now and I am finally pulling them out to play!! I love these booties, they’re so comfy and stylish. My mother calls them “Herman the Monster” shoes lol but I still think they are a perfect statement piece for a hot look. Very simply put, I wanted to be in all black so grabbed a basic tank from H&M and my ashy black cuffed shorts from Forever 21 over some decorative tights. I put them both together with my cardigan from Naked Wardrobe and a statement necklace from Aliexpress. I threw on an oversized cashmere houndstooth scarf to balance the look so it didn’t appear to be a grunge fit (although I do love a grungy look). Let me know what you think!! I guess Black Friday is a great name for this look seeing as that I want to go shopping so bad and all the sales have already started lol. Anyhoo, I have a special post on Monday, so be sure to be back here and I will talk to you guys then!!

By Cupcakes!

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Effortless Looks: Casual Friday 

Posted on by The Style Cake

This week has been all about effortless looks. We all know we have moments in time where we want to look fabulous but lack the energy to put together a look because it seems like too much work. I’ve shared a couple ways to wear fashionable but complicated free outfits.

In my Aaliyah voice: “it’s Friday!!! Hey!! And I’m ready to hang.” Okay so since this is Friday and we’re all ready to enjoy the weekend, I’ll make this post a quick one. There’s nothing more effortless than a pair of jeans and a tee or tank. Literally you can throw both on and have an automatic outfit!! I decided on a tank to pair with my jeans by PZI. What’s a tank and jeans without a statement necklace? I grabbed the one I’m wearing from Purple Love and I LOVE this necklace!!! I popped on a cropped faux leather jacket I bought on clearance years ago (this was my first time wearing it). Lastly, my shoes are from Missguided and I love them so!! They soften my entire look and add a feminine touch. I opted for arm candy by Layered Chains, a dainty gold bracelet and a knotted gold bangle for some class. My glasses were a gift from a seller on eBay. As always, please share what you think…I enjoy conversation. Until tomorrow…

Bye Cupcakes!! 💋

Tank: Target. Jacket: Dots Fashions. Jeans: PZI Jeans. Shoes: Missguided. Statement Necklace: Purple Love. Arm Candy: Layered Chains.