How To Style: Casual Menswear 2021

As a child, my mother dressed me in plenty masculine clothes. Did I love it? Absolutely not! Ugh! I hated those baggy, brown plaid, squarely designed and patterned clothing. It was not me and I spent time trying to wear as many clingy pieces that I could when I got old enough. 

As an adult, I somehow always find the appeal in menswear. I style my husband and son quite often because I love the intricacies of suits and accessories, matching and contrasting colors, plaids and stripes. Once when my son had school pictures, I dressed him in a hoodie and jeans. I couldn’t be “normal” though so I had to add a blazer on the outside and a button up shirt underneath the hoodie. He felt so cool and I think I almost loved the outfit more than he did!

I was a bit inspired this time around to wear something inspired by what my son wears these days. He’s almost a teen which I can’t believe but I enjoy watching him put things together. It gives me inspiration to get put together on days where I feel like being frumpy. Since I still feel frumpy most days, I wanted to put an outfit together that not only reflects that but something of a outfit that I can go out for drinks in and still feel cozy. Maybe it’s just me, quarantine can really damper the desire to get all dressed up!

I grabbed what I had in my closet but with tags still on and created the look I was going for: casual menswear. One of the most comfortable things I wear are my husbands shirts and joggers. This time I wore my clothes even though I felt like I was wearing his…but in style!

Hat: Pretty Little Thing.

Boots: SOLD OUT.

Shirt: Calvin Klein.

Joggers (Green SOLD OUT): J Lux Label.

Blazer: Boohoo.

 

Painting the Peacock…

Yep! I’m in an ever changing style mood and I’m into color and bold colors at that! Maybe it’s the potential of the upcoming season but regardless I’m finding myself drawn to color. So you guys know I’ve been shopping my closet but I snuck in a recent trip to the thrift store. I know, I said I wouldn’t shop but I was coerced by my hubby lol. Yep, I blaming him for supporting my love of thrifting. 

Anyhoo, while thrifting I saw this wrap dress with a gorgeous bold print of peacock feathers. For most, this dress may remind them of spring but the colors make this dress versatile for year round. This dress is absolutely a fabulous cut and is a true wrap so it grabs the figure perfectly without the ruching that most faux wrap dresses need. 

So before I started my “no-buy” I made a purchase for the shoes I’m wearing. A pair of velvet fuchsia colored heels that are gorgeous with the buckle detailing and round toe. Surprisingly, these shoes are quite comfy, even for a girl with joint discomforts like me. I am not wearing much accessories, just my fave black leather clutch and a bangle I got at an African festival one year. Yea so basically I painted the peacock by adding more color to my already colorful wardrobe with this dress! What was your last splurge? Let’s chat! 

Ttyl Cupcakes 💋 

Dress: Thrifted. Bangle: Old. Shoes: GoJane. Handbag: American Apparel (Old). 


Living for the Weekend! 

This week has been a trying week with me working to get my business back on track and even better than before. I’ve cried real tears because I am a fully hands on person. I built my own blog site and I am now re-building my vintage/thrifting boutique. I love the word boutique because thrifting and vintage are a specialized and unique sector of fashion. I regret that I have been so encompassed with growth, I haven’t stopped to enjoy the process. 

I miss being able to blog as regular as I used to at 3 times per week (at least) but I’m slowly but surely making my way back. I feel truly refreshed! The kiddos are on their way back to school, leaving me a bit more time to focus during my normal work hours. And drink my carb-free coffee lol without interruption lol. I’ve got plans this weekend to just enjoy myself after this trying week. I’m looking forward to the comradery between my sisters and I besides just enjoying the moment. It feels like I’ve been living for this “freedom” this whole week! 

I wanted my look to reflect my sheer happiness that I can relax and unwind. Good wholesome fun and carefree feelings led my inspiration. I simply paired my white high waist jeans and a peach crop tank. Adding a few pops of color are my shoes and my belt. I didn’t want to look juvenile so I opted for an old large cognac handbag I purchased years ago from Justfab. Y’all know how I do on Fridays, I like to make my posts short so you can get out and enjoy today so let me know what you think!! I’m getting out of here and will be back Monday for sure! 

I have a little series is like to do. I’ll give you more info in a couple of weeks, in the meantime…

Later Cupcakes 💋

All of the items I am wearing are from my closet and old since I’m still shopping my closet until further notice. Jeans: click here


Fast Fashion, Hot Stuff! 

Digging in my closet, I’ve been finding clothes that I’ve purchased over the past year that I haven’t worn. Most of the clothes are what the fashion world calls “fast fashion”. Fast fashion are clothing pieces that are made to be worn for only a moment in time and not meant to last for years. Various online retailers are known for selling clothes of the sort. Back in the day, stores like Dots, Rainbow Fashions were all known for fast fashion. You can find clothes like these at other places now too but I found mine in my closet lol. 

It’s quite hot out and I’m not in a mood to be uncomfortable in any way so I grabbed this midi pencil skirt and a simple tank. I layered a polka dot cropped blouse over my shoulders to prep up the outfit. I’ve seen looks with a skirt and tank all over IG however, these looks are meant to mimic the Kardashians and that is definitely not my intention with this outfit. Adding the blouse detail around my shoulders gives the look definition. 

My shoes are strappy wedge sandals which are extremely comfortable. This was a bad hair day so I slipped on my gray  hat which actually coordinates well with my semi prep look. I wasn’t really feeling a handbag since I had been reading, this shoppers bag from the Detroit District works perfectly! 

Later Cupcakes 💋

Skirt: Fashion Nova. Tank: H&M, similar. Shoes: Aldo (sold out). Necklace: I made it. Hat: Boohoo. Blouse: Shopping Bare (old). 




“Hot As July”

It’s 100 degrees outside, my body is 98.6 (abnormal for me lol) but let’s talk about how to make your style “hot as July”! (Insert silly faces emojis here). Anyhoo, I can tell you that I am in the mood to celebrate nothing for no good reason. Nothing wrong with that right? Well, getting dressed up was extremely exciting for me because I’ve been working my tail of to get my body together. Yea I know, summer is already here. You know what? There’s always time to get yourself together, no matter how late it may seem. I may not have a summer body but my autumn body will be everything! 

In spite of not reaching my summer body goals I am wearing a bodycon dress. I told you guys I’m celebrating nothing for no reason lol. Typically, a bodycon dress is worn for a night out but I wore mine for the day. Instead of wearing a dramatic statement necklace with it, I chose to wear a tribal inspired necklace with bright colors. It being so bright and sunny outside, the yellow sort of celebrates that. I threw on an old pair of Justfab heeled sandals to coordinate my dress, American Apparel clutch and necklace. Pretty simple right? It’s way too hot for a ton of pieces and jewelry. A simple dress and a couple of poppin accessories make for a look hot as July! Let me know what you think! What are some staples you love when it’s the middle of summer?

Later Cupcakes 💋

Shoes: Justfab (old). Dress: (gifted). Necklace: eBay. Clutch: American Apparel, similar

Hair Info: Model Model – Alpine Meadow #1




Hot Days & Cooler Nights

Note: Very short post.

After a long break from social media to enjoy my 13th anniversary with hubby ( and to maintain my mental health) I am back to share this look I’m wearing. Now although the days are super hot, the nights can drop down in the 50s. With no sun, that can be pretty cool. The solution? I added a light to medium weight cargo jacket to my outfit. It also adds a “polished” layer of look to the entire outfit. I am wearing a tank and some denim shorts because lately I’ve been bent on comfort and simplicity. The chicest part of my look would be my sunnies. It pulls the entire look together. Let me know what you guys think! I’m getting out of here to go find some shade lol. I’ve got a few fun posts coming up but until then…

Later Cupcakes 💋

Jacket: Fashion Nova. Tank & Shorts (sold out): Target. Necklace: Aldo, similar. Shoes: Ross (sold out). Sunglasses: eBay. Clutch: A.A (sold out). 

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(How To) Midweek Casual + Slight Glam

When the kiddies are out of school, I am always planning ways to enjoy adulthood outside of being a mom. No school means no endless amounts of homework so I can get out after five during the week. Let me tell you, I certainly advise having a life lol. Anyhoo, going to grab drinks with the girls is always a good idea. No one wants to go out in full dressed gear on a weekday after a full day of juvenile activities and work. Well, some people want to still be a bit casual but have that after five appeal. 

Lately, (because I think my style is again evolving) I’ve been less into boho and more into a polished, glam and classic look. It was a cooler day so I grabbed a white pair of jeans and paired it with a simple nude tank. Now, the colors are pretty muted but are a nice base to add some glam. So here’s the tip: the quickest way to glam up any look is to add black, sequins, or heels. All of these things are quite inexpensive. Always have a staple pair of simple heels that can be paired with any skirt, pants, shirts or dress. I chose my black feather heeled sandals and a sequin clutch bag for that easy and quick touch of glitz. This look is easy peezy, simple and quick. I’ll be doing more of these looks and morphing again style wise lol. 

Later Cupcakes 💋

Jeans: Fashion Nova. Tank: Target (similar). Hat: Boohoo. Shoes: Missguided (similar). Bag: Julep (similar). Bangle: Layered Chains (sold out). 

Pics:


Mixed Prints, Colors & Moods

Warning: short post…

One fashion trend that seems to never go out of style is mixing prints, patterns and colors. We see mixing all the time. Actually, not only are prints often mixed but so are fabrics. 

I bought a micro-pleated skirt from Etsy a few months back and it’s a silk skirt that is bold with undefined color. It pretty much projects a rainbow of pinks, purples and other colors that of a reddish hue. There are turquoise and yellow that pop against the pinks. I LOVE multi colored prints that offer versatility in styling. 

I grabbed my taupe and black striped bodysuit to pair with my multi-colored skirt. The black and taupe acts as a base against the color. My bodysuit is a bit off the shoulder and I just wore it with one shoulder out for a bit of sass. My heels are gladiator style to balance the look as well as the color and my handbag solidifies the look with a modern, sophisticated touch. I didn’t want the look to project as vintage so the bag detracts from that style. I have minimal accessories so as to not overwhelm the outfit with too many details. Check out the pics!

Happy Monday Cupcakes! 🎈

Skirt: Etsy (one of a kind). Bodysuit: F21 (similar). Shoes: Topshop (similar). Handbag: H&M (similar). 

   

    

  

 

www.Birthofafashionblogger.com Collab: (How To) Summer Dresses 

It’s unofficially summer time and I was graced with an invitation to join Chanda from over at www.birthofafashionblogger.com to join her in a collaboration. Of course, I accepted! I love her blogging style and her blog is amazing, not to mention, have you seen her style?! So fabulous darling! My favorite look has to be the one where she wore a green floral print dress and no, I never forget a great outfit. If you have a chance to check out her blog, please do. She’s also a mommy and wife like I am, (she lives in Michigan too) and a Youtuber who does great styling videos…I LOVE her haul look books!! I’m joining her in sharing how to style a maxi dress. You can check out her post HERE. In the meantime, get a peek of her look below.



I love her look because it’s so effortlessly chic. I promise we didn’t plan to wear the same color but hey, you know what they say about great minds lol. This beautiful lady always wears fabulous looks and this time is no different. My FAVORITE part of her look is the actually two things lol, (because I couldn’t pick just one) is her dress paired with her handbag. Both are are so modern and classy. The black in the bag works perfectly making the normally neutral safari green pop! By the way, I don’t know about you but I’m going to go ahead and grab the same handbag in that black color!


Her outfit details:

Dress: (similar). Handbag: Francois by Justfab. Shoes: Charlotte Russe. Necklace: old. 



Initially, I was going to style another dress but due to real life and mishaps lol, I opted for this dress as a great alternative and it worked out even better! I grabbed a nude tank dress and layered underneath a safari green crochet maxi. Now, I like this look because it offers an immediate day-to-night outfit in one. If you are out for the day (and then onto get drinks after five), you can easily just take the crochet dress right off. The nude dress acts not only as a base for the crochet dress but also for an additional look! No dramatic changing needed. The nude gives off an illusion and the crochet offers a laid back beachy detail that can be worn around town as well.

I paired the dress with a large straw bag that boasts colorful accents and enough room to carry essentials to freshen up and also can hold the clutch to be worn for the going to grab drinks. My shoes are snakeskin printed high heels. They add that bit of “wild factor”. My jewelry is slightly glam, my necklace is a statement necklace. My bangles are glam and boho to allow a smooth transition into an after five look. I didn’t show the dress underneath simply to focus on the daytime look but offering a benefit of the layering in this look could be a big help for those on vacation this summer.

I’m wearing stud gold earrings, shaped like diamonds. Again, offering day to night benefits. My hair is an easy breezy bun for that same reason. Anyhoo, let me know if you liked my look. Don’t forget to check out Chanda’s look!

Happy Friday loves! 💋

Crochet Dress: Windsor. Tank Dress: H&M (similar). Statement Necklace: Forever 21: (similar). Bracelets: Aldo (no longer available). Heels: (similar). Handbag: Target.

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.