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!! 

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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. 

  

    
  

  

  

 

…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. 

   

  
  

The “Power” of Thrifting & Vintage (How to Mix Prints)

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.


  
  
  

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.