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! 💋

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:

    

        

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.

[True Upload] Essence Beauty Box: Fab or Fail? (Review)

Like many of the monthly boxes of marketing’s past, I was interested in a new box that hit the scene that promised to give subscribers a taste of hot and poppin items currently and to-come on the market. That being said, when I heard that Essence would be releasing a monthly subscription for those interested in testing out products seemingly catered to ethnic groups of color and curlier hair. That piqued my interest. I signed up for the service. Here I sit 2 months later (well three really) as a canceled subscriber. Why, you may ask? Short and sweet, three reasons:

  1. (Non-unique items) In all of the two boxes that I received, most of what was in those boxes had nothing that was unique or beyond what I had already seen on the market for years. I wasn’t even remotely interested in some of the things that were sent to me. In fact, most of the things that I received I’ve tried to avoid buying for years. Honestly, I felt like I had spent my money to buy things that I promised myself I would’t spend dime on anyway. (Side eye). I guess thats the way the world works huh? One of the only thing out of both boxes that I actually liked was the sample of Smashbox Full Exposure mascara…which brings me to my next point.
  2. (Tiny Sample Sizes) I realize the box was only $15 but you CAN get this very sample (Smashbox) for free right on the website with purchase. That is a temporary offer, however, some have gotten it free with a Sephora purchase as well. See how this point ties into the first? Well, the items are so non-unique that you can literally get them anywhere…and not pay a dime for it. I guess you are getting a deal if you would really buy the travel size at Macy’s for $9. (Insert wide eyed emoji). I mean, even the Black Radiance Lipstick was not full sized and that’s normally not more than 4 bucks! Anyhoo…
  3. (There are “Better” Boxes) So I am not here to bash Essence at all. I don’t want to be fussed at via the internet because I am not supporting a “black owned business” because it is not black owned anyway. (Which is also beside the point). I am not supporting because I feel that there are other boxes that offer much more for a better price. My advice, try it. Everyone is different. One person’s glass may be another person’s diamond, I don’t know. I personally like the Target box better. It was half the price and I got two full sized products that retailed for more than the $15 that I paid for the Essence Beauty Box. The only problem with the Target Beauty Box is that you have to chase the releases every month. It isn’t a subscription. No problem to me because I don’t like to be tied down anyway.

 

Let me know if you’ve tried the box and if you have, what did you think of it? What other boxes have you tried? 

(Pictures to follow…)

   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Walk Fashion Show (11/2015)

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!!

   
    
    
    
    
    
 

The "Purple Love" Experience 

I had the pleasure of being invited to an event in Detroit that showcases Detroit’s own fabulous designers and business owners. The event, held at the Eastern Market, drew in folks from all over the metropolitan area to see what Detroit’s own had to offer. My invitation was extended by Brittany, owner and operator of Purple Love, a jewelry boutique.

The event displayed fancy, classic, as well as boho statement pieces. I was very impressed with not only the jewelry but the business as a whole. The owner is very sweet and fashionable herself. (I loved her boots btw, I have a similar pair lol).  The event offered mimosas, and other beverages among an array of yummy treats. There were gift bags for everyone invited that was in attendance filled with goodies. I thought the event ended at a later time (and arrived at the very end) but the owner was more than willing to still show me around and share what Purple Love had to offer. I got a few pieces after I tried on and fell in love with them. The pieces definitely catch the eye and are true statement pieces. Most necklaces come with earrings to match. If you like, check out Purple Love on Instagram and support Detroit! She included a 15% off coupon for all of my followers to get a discount to shop for great, stylish pieces. I’ve included the coupon code and pictures below! Until tomorrow…

Ciao cupcakes!

Coupon code: thestylecake15

Yay!! You read the entire post and looked at all the pictures. Thank you, I also want to share a code for Lauren Mari Cosmetics. You can get 15% off your first order online with the code: FALL2015 until December 31, 2015. Just in time to buy a bold color for fall…Enjoy!

The "Purple Love" Experience 

I had the pleasure of being invited to an event in Detroit that showcases Detroit’s own fabulous designers and business owners. The event, held at the Eastern Market, drew in folks from all over the metropolitan area to see what Detroit’s own had to offer. My invitation was extended by Brittany, owner and operator of Purple Love, a jewelry boutique.

The event displayed fancy, classic, as well as boho statement pieces. I was very impressed with not only the jewelry but the business as a whole. The owner is very sweet and fashionable herself. (I loved her boots btw, I have a similar pair lol).  The event offered mimosas, and other beverages among an array of yummy treats. There were gift bags for everyone invited that was in attendance filled with goodies. I thought the event ended at a later time (and arrived at the very end) but the owner was more than willing to still show me around and share what Purple Love had to offer. I got a few pieces after I tried on and fell in love with them. The pieces definitely catch the eye and are true statement pieces. Most necklaces come with earrings to match. If you like, check out Purple Love on Instagram and support Detroit! She included a 15% off coupon for all of my followers to get a discount to shop for great, stylish pieces. I’ve included the coupon code and pictures below! Until tomorrow…

Ciao cupcakes!

Coupon code: thestylecake15

Yay!! You read the entire post and looked at all the pictures. Thank you, I also want to share a code for Lauren Mari Cosmetics. You can get 15% off your first order online with the code: FALL2015 until December 31, 2015. Just in time to buy a bold color for fall…Enjoy!

Review: "Layered Chains" (Updated)

Disclaimer: I purchased the items mentioned in this review with my own money.

I am a person that loves to try new things so when I came across a company on Instagram, I was eager to check them out. The thing about the company that I loved was that it boasted lovely and semi-dainty jewelry for very reasonable prices. The items that I saw did not look like “every other” jewelry company on Instagram. The company has not only trendy pieces, but they have timeless style pieces that are versatile to go with any outfit. I love that they have sales on a certain piece on Fridays and the sales are phenomenal. Usually the sale price is about $5!! That is definitely within anyone’s budget, especially those trying to save money and not spend a lot on staple pieces.

I ordered my jewelry on a Friday as I couldn’t refuse the sale on the gorgeous studs I spotted on Instagram. Honestly going on the site specifically purchase the earrings, I got sucked in by all the beautiful pieces that I saw. I ended up buying a gold bangle along with my earrings. Believe me when I say it’s truly hard to choose just one item lol. After placing my order, I immediately received an email confirming my purchase with the order detail. The following Monday was a ‘holiday’ so the package took about 4 business days to get to me. Since the shipping is inexpensive, I was very pleased with the shipping time. The owner is really sweet and promptly answers any questions or concerns you may have.

When I received my items, they were carefully packaged and wrapped along with a handwritten thank you card. Each piece comes in its own satchel that has gold “writing” of the company’s name. I opened both satchels to be pleasantly surprised because the pieces I ordered looked even better in person than online. The gold bangle is absolutely stunning with diamond cuts that allow light to dance off of it to make a beautiful sparkle. The knot adds perfect detail to ‘beef up’ the daintiness of the piece. I can’t wait to wear it! The earrings are a GREAT deal for just 5 bucks! Seriously! I’ve been looking for a nice pair of studs that can be worn for both casual and classy occasions and these definitely fit the bill. The quality is excellent!

All in all, I am very happy with my experience & purchase and would urge you to check out Layered Chains if you haven’t already. The price point is great. I’m a girl on a budget so I love a place where I can purchase an item that looks more expensive than the actual price. The customer service is great and the shipping is prompt. If you don’t know what to purchase, follow them on Instagram and check out the sales they have on Fridays. If you would like to purchase, I have a personal coupon code below. You can use it until December 31, 2015. I promise you will LOVE what you get! Check out the pics and let me know what you think!

Until tomorrow…

Ciao Cupcakes!

Coupon Code: thestylecake

Review: "Layered Chains" (Updated)

Disclaimer: I purchased the items mentioned in this review with my own money.

I am a person that loves to try new things so when I came across a company on Instagram, I was eager to check them out. The thing about the company that I loved was that it boasted lovely and semi-dainty jewelry for very reasonable prices. The items that I saw did not look like “every other” jewelry company on Instagram. The company has not only trendy pieces, but they have timeless style pieces that are versatile to go with any outfit. I love that they have sales on a certain piece on Fridays and the sales are phenomenal. Usually the sale price is about $5!! That is definitely within anyone’s budget, especially those trying to save money and not spend a lot on staple pieces.

I ordered my jewelry on a Friday as I couldn’t refuse the sale on the gorgeous studs I spotted on Instagram. Honestly going on the site specifically purchase the earrings, I got sucked in by all the beautiful pieces that I saw. I ended up buying a gold bangle along with my earrings. Believe me when I say it’s truly hard to choose just one item lol. After placing my order, I immediately received an email confirming my purchase with the order detail. The following Monday was a ‘holiday’ so the package took about 4 business days to get to me. Since the shipping is inexpensive, I was very pleased with the shipping time. The owner is really sweet and promptly answers any questions or concerns you may have.

When I received my items, they were carefully packaged and wrapped along with a handwritten thank you card. Each piece comes in its own satchel that has gold “writing” of the company’s name. I opened both satchels to be pleasantly surprised because the pieces I ordered looked even better in person than online. The gold bangle is absolutely stunning with diamond cuts that allow light to dance off of it to make a beautiful sparkle. The knot adds perfect detail to ‘beef up’ the daintiness of the piece. I can’t wait to wear it! The earrings are a GREAT deal for just 5 bucks! Seriously! I’ve been looking for a nice pair of studs that can be worn for both casual and classy occasions and these definitely fit the bill. The quality is excellent!

All in all, I am very happy with my experience & purchase and would urge you to check out Layered Chains if you haven’t already. The price point is great. I’m a girl on a budget so I love a place where I can purchase an item that looks more expensive than the actual price. The customer service is great and the shipping is prompt. If you don’t know what to purchase, follow them on Instagram and check out the sales they have on Fridays. If you would like to purchase, I have a personal coupon code below. You can use it until December 31, 2015. I promise you will LOVE what you get! Check out the pics and let me know what you think!

Until tomorrow…

Ciao Cupcakes!

Coupon Code: thestylecake

Beauty Mondays: 90's Makeup (Fall 2015)

Warning: Long Post and plenty of pictures.

Is it obvious yet that I am ready for fall? Lol. Well, I just love the vampy fall colors in makeup and clothing that go with the season. I hate that winter follows, so that’s the only part I don’t like about Autumn. I was actually wearing makeup in the 90’s so I know first hand what he makeup looked like. There were browns, muted oranges, brick and burnt reds, dark lip liners, thick natural non-uniformed brows, and natural blush colors. I made some recent purchases that I would like to share as well as some oldies that I already had in my arsenal that go with the fall 90’s theme.

First up is nail polish. Essie’s new Leggy Collection has two colors that I swooned over at first sight. “With the Band” is a burnt but cool toned, sort of brick red that looks great against any skin tone and color in my opinion. It is the epitome of the 90’s. The other color by Essie I love is “In the Lobby”. This color is dark, vampy and bold. It boasts the look of a red based plum that reminds me of nail colors worn all the time two decades ago. The formula goes on really smooth and pigmented which I appreciate because even if you’re not professional, you can get that spa treatment look on your nails. Check out the pics below!

With The Band
With The Band
In the Lobby
In the Lobby

Still talking nail polishes, I have three polishes by Julep, two lacquers by Floss Gloss and one more by Revlon that fit right into my faves for the upcoming season. The Julep colors are: Sharna, Lindsay and Coco. All three are lovely and some of my fave colors. Sharna shines as a shabby golden bronze. The Floss Gloss colors are: “Gangsta Boo” (red) and “Blood Suede & Tears” (reddish burnt brown). These colors go on rather thin and can appear streaky if you are not great at polishing nails. Just sayin. The colors are absolutely 90’s and gorg!! THE perfect red! Lastly, Revlon has a color “Velvet Rope” that screams old school. I don’t know why but this color reminds me of Halle Berry circa 1994. These polishes are some some of my oldies but goodies. Check out all the pic below!

Sharna
Sharna
Lindsay
Lindsay
Coco
(left) Gangsta Boo & Blood, Suede and Tears
(left) Gangsta Boo & Blood, Suede and Tears
Velvet Rope
Velvet Rope

Next is makeup! My favorite part! I have some lipsticks, a blush, a bronzing highlighter and a lip cream that I am showcasing. I absolutely can’t wait til Autumn so I can start rocking these beauties. Before I get into color, I actually grabbed MAC’s Fix + spray as I LOVE it so much! I’ve tried other sprays low and higher end and I always go back to my Fix +. It blends my makeup so well and will be another staple this upcoming season. The blush I’m loving for the upcoming season is MAC’s Ambering Rose. The bronzing highlighter in Glistening Sun  (by Maybelline Dream Mousse) has a similar effect. It offers a natural highlight without the intensity and extreme glitters of other highlighters. It totally reminds of a glorious sunset in the container and the glow of one when applied to the face. It’s warm orangey tone and small flacks of shimmer brighter the face naturally as it adds a sheen. The lip cream is obviously by Nyx and the color is London. I think that it is the perfect nude for fall. It’s warm and has a pink and peach undertone that won’t wash out the skin. For lipsticks, I chose all MAC lipsticks (not on purpose) but they all remind me of colors I wore in the 90s. All except two colors are limited edition but you can find dupes for the limited edition colors. Check out the pics below and let me know what beauty products you are planning to use this fall!

 

 

Ambering Rose
Ambering Rose

 

Glistening Sun
Glistening Sun
London

 

Fresh Moroccan
Fresh Moroccan
Smoked Purple
Smoked Purple
Deepest Wish
Deepest Wish
Talk that Talk
Talk that Talk
Fixed On Drama
Fixed On Drama