Category: Style How To’s:

Casual Friday: Sophisticated Denim

Posted on by The Style Cake

Friday!! It’s my favorite only and repeat holiday of the year lol. I love Fridays because they’re not only the beginning of the weekend but usually everyone is in a good mood because they have the next couple of days to themselves. The world just seems happier on Fridays! I love to do casual looks that can be worn in the office to show how you can be stylishly casual in a work environment. Since we all want to go enjoy our weekend, I’ll be brief.

My hair style inspired my entire look. I’m wearing a simple side bun and I decided to wear my black glasses. The shoes I’m wearing are from Justfab’s Luxe line (when they had it) and it’s my first time wearing them. They’re real suede and the color is so bold and pops against all the black and white pattern in the look. My jeans and jacket add edge and my maxi cardigan contributes a sleek, diva like effect. I’m wearing a black and white print bodysuit with a black tank underneath (for modesty). What do you guys think? I’ll be back here Monday, until then enjoy your weekend!!

Later Cupcakes!

Jacket: Forever 21 (but thrifted). Cardigan: Naked Wardrobe. Tank: H&M. Bodysuit: American Apparel. Sold Out, similar here. Shoes: Justfab (Luxe) sold out but a better pump here. Clutch: Turquoise Soul Bags upon request. Jeans: JC Penney similar here.

L-A-Y-E-R-S-!

Posted on by The Style Cake

Preface: I was supposed to upload this post yesterday but the post somehow got erased. I’m sorry guys. Trust me, I was beyond frustrated for the lack of a better word. Regardless, I still will be uploading Friday’s post. 

There is no doubt in my mind that winter’s cold somehow forces the unintentional organic act of layering clothes and outerwear. The thing with layering is that it can be stylish regardless of the intentions of keeping warm. The beauty of being stylishly comfortable is that can evoke a major sense of creativity. You can truly find your sense of style in the process of layer clothing. Now, personally my sense of style has been evolving lately by each month but that is to be expected and moods of what you may like to wear for months, maybe even years at a time does indeed occur. My advice when layering is to be willing to experiment. For instance, don’t be afraid to mix not only prints but colors and even “styles”. I will discuss the generalized types of styles that exist in fashion in a (very near future) later post. Perhaps then, I will do my very first look book!!! Layering can involve more than one piece of outerwear, more than one shirt, more than one kind of bottoms and even only layering accessories. I chose to layer with outerwear and a blazer.

The weather has indeed been frightful, in fact it decided to snow on the day I wore this look. That being said, I knew that I wanted to wear my fur vest. This vest is so incredibly warm and allows for the rest of my look to still shine through. My blazer is an old one from Forever 21 and it also very warm. I didn’t feel the need of a coat seeing as that the vest and blazer provides so much warmth from the brisk air. I am wearing thermal leggings…tis the season for cozy (and publicly accepted) pants lol! I wore a ruffled front ribbed tunic to further block the cold air. I opted against jewelry because the focus is truly on my layering and the comfort of this look. I chose my fave clutch, very simple and doesn’t detract from the look at all. My boots add another layer to the look in that it seems to add “weight” to the bottom of the outfit by the look of the wedge. I hope you guys get where I’m going with this. Anyhoo, even the suede of the boots offers a layer sort to speak against the look of the fur. My goal was to create a balance throughout the look and still be cozy. This look is intentionally slightly masculine because I am in the woods (and I wanted to portray a lumber jack effect {insert wink smiley face emoji}) but you can make this look a bit more feminine by simply changing the hat and the color of the plaid shirt or blazer. So let me know what you think of this look!! How do you layer? What is your favorite way to keep warm? I will see you back here tomorrow…yep, I am still uploading Friday’s look!

 

Later Cupcakes!!

 

Black Ribbed Tunic: DOTS, (similar here). Vest & Blazer: Forever 21 (similar blazer here). Boots: Justfab (similar here). Leggings: . Hat: Boohoo (similar here). Earrings: H&M (similar here). Clutch: American Apparel. 

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 ) 

IMG_0203

IMG_0231

IMG_0239

IMG_0209

IMG_0207

IMG_0223

IMG_0228

IMG_0244

IMG_0230


 

 

 

Concrete Jungle/Early “Winter” Safari

Posted on by The Style Cake

It’s almost winter!! Can you guys believe it?!!

Fall seriously came and went rather quickly. I truly made an effort to enjoy autumn this year. I went to the cider mill, ran through a corn maze, sat by a bon fire, played in the leaves and indulged in cider and donuts just to name a few. I must say, the fall is one of my favorite seasons. We are literally less than two weeks away from the winter time. Normally, I would be dreading it but I’m actually welcoming the season this year. As a blogger, it’s always nice to make use of the opportunity to dress for the current season. Here in Michigan, it’s been quite warm lately. Our temperatures have been in the 50s generally. I am aware that this is due to El Niño and normally I’d probably be bundled up in about ten layers of clothing and outerwear lol.

Since it’s warmer, I don’t always reach for a jacket. One occasion that I don’t was just discussed in my last post. Check that out if you haven’t already. (Insert cheesing smile emoji). One of the other occasions would include wearing a fur vest. I’ve had this vest for over a year. In fact, I’ve worn it in another outfit. Fur vests are extremely cozy and warm. They also provide a nice cover for those that might not want to bare  their body’s silhouette but want to be fashionable. They give an extra layer to any outfit without taking over the look. Don’t be afraid to layer over jackets, maxi vests, rompers, etc.

I opted to wear mine with an off the shoulder bodysuit, high waisted pants, and high heeled mules. My vest has pockets which I love! I can leave my handbag at home if I like and carry my essentials on me. The belt was thrifted and looks to be Gucci inspired but I picked it up because it goes perfectly with this look. It adds a perfect pop of color. Let me know if this look is something you’d wear! I’d love to hear!! Until tomorrow for a couple of reviews…

Bye Cupcakes!!! 💋

Vest: Forever 21. Top: Urban Outfitters. Pants & Belt: thrifted. Shoes: Justfab. Earrings: Layered Chains. Necklace: Forever 21.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Casual Friday: In Real Time OOTD/N

Posted on by The Style Cake

So…I know this outfit of the day is a little later than I normally do but I have a good reason. I planned this outfit a week ago for today (10/23/15) but I didn’t want to record it until today…in real time. I’m a mommy so most of my free time is dedicated to my family. However, after great planning, I am finally having date night with my hubby. I couldn’t be more thrilled!!!

Let’s talk fashion and style, shall we?

My outfit, although casual, is sexy yet modest. Side note: Can modesty please come back in style? Anyway, for the sake of the night out I chose a sequin tank that I’ve had in my closet for years. It is made of ribbed material for a more casual effect. My jeans are American Apparel easy jeans. These are high waisted and completely comfortable. They feel like leggings. I searched high and low for the faux leather biker jacket I’m wearing. Honestly, the prices of faux (or vegan, whichever the fashion world chooses to call it) leather anything is quite alarming. I was on the hunt for a nice decent quality jacket and found myself staring at $100 price tags in sheer amazement!! Over 40 bucks for a faux leather jacket is outrageous to me! Fortunately I found mine at Forever 21 for only 23 bucks. That is an awesome price point!! The jacket is rocker chic with an edge but the asymmetrical design of the zipper adds a feminine touch.

The accessories are really simple for this look. My boots are genuine suede boots I purchased about 3 years ago from Justfab. They were apart of the genuine leather and suede line (that is no longer on the site). I wish they were over the knee boots but I’m not complaining and I love them anyway! I chose to wear metal jewelry in silver and gunmetal. My necklace adds a masculine touch to balance the femininity of the sequin tank. I’m wearing knuckle rings and my earrings are a stud/ear cuff set. My hair is a messy ponytail for a sassy bad girl edge and I decided on neutral makeup. All in all, I love how everything in my fit came together. What do think? I’m headed out for drinks so I’ll see you all back here Monday!!

Bye Cupcakes!! 💋

*Update: I changed my shirt. I decided to wear a slit-arm long sleeve black top. It’s more comfortable and fits my style more than the sequin shirt. That’s why I wanted to do a “real time” blog post. I wanted you to see that you can love something and it can “balance” a look but you also need to love the look. It needs to be your style. I think I look much better with the black shirt. That is my style. Nothing wrong with making changes to your look, that’s what styling is truly about: tweaking a look to fit you honestly and perfectly!!! 

 

Not the Average Tulle Skirt…

Posted on by The Style Cake

This past weekend I attended a very special event. Months before I was on the hunt for the perfect pieces to complete a look I’d crafted in my mind. I wanted to have a classic look yet still have that little extra flair.

I saw a skirt online that I instantly fell in love with! This skirt can be classified as a tulle skirt as it is made from tulle material but it has netting material as well. The netting material lays as the outermost layer of the skirt and looks just like fishnet (material). The skirt is detailed and accented with a bold red embroidery of flowers to add a feminine touch. Despite all of the detail, the skirt maintains a classic look and  is in no way overwhelming. Since the skirt is still modest, I paired it with a belt that is also simple yet stands out to create another “layer” to this look.

My shirt added a tricky “issue” to this outfit. Initially, I happened to be looking for a turtleneck in the stripe pattern that I am actually wearing with this look but I couldn’t find one. Meanwhile, I had a particular tee in my arsenal for a while. The only issue: I’ve been losing weight and this shirt used to fit snug on me and is now loose. The solution: I had to wear the tee anyway because I could not find the turtleneck that I was looking for and there was no sense in buying another shirt in the same pattern when I have this tee that fits the bill. When styling, the whole point is sometimes you have to improvise and use what you have. Always maximize the use of your closet. This “issue” is the main reason that I say having staple pieces in your closet can solve styling issues down the road.

To accessorize my outfit, I chose to wear black fishnet tights, they further complimented the detail of the tulle skirt. My shoes are patent leather to add a “layer” of shine to the look. My clutch is muted so as not to take attention from the rest of the outfit. I chose a gaudy yet elegant all black statement necklace and a quaint pair of black stud earrings. The necklace sort of balances out the top with the bottom half of my look. I chose no further jewelry because the look has enough detail. I love how every piece came together and made the classic look that I was going for. Now that you know the concept behind my look, let me know what you think!

…Til Friday Cupcakes!

Skirt: SheIn, Shirt: Thrifted, Shoes: Shiekh Shoes, Necklace: eBay.

How to Tuesdays: Mix Trends into YOUR Style

Posted on by The Style Cake

With Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner being such style icons to so many these days, it’s hard to see what differentiates style from trends and fashion from style. Let me explain. Kim has obviously made a statement regarding her style. I remember the days that she would dress with much of her wardrobe based from stores such as Bebe and Aldo. Now it seems that she dresses in an array of basics in neutral colors. The basics could include (most spandex) midi and maxi skirts/dresses, tanks, tees, cardigans, high waist pants and minimalist jewelry. It seems that everyone has followed in her fashion footsteps (as it were). Most styles that are appreciated are those that incorporate her style which has now become an all out trend. So the question remains, how does one incorporate a trend into his/her own style without losing individuality? How can you avoid being just like everyone else that is following the “style” of one person?

MY DEFINITION OF STYLE: “YOUR personality expressed in what you wear”.

Wardrobe Foundation Basics:

Everyone needs items in their wardrobe that can easily make the basis for a fabulous outfit. These items would include (but are not limited to) tanks, tees (loose and fitted), graphic tees, camisoles, turtlenecks, jeans, pencil skirts and slacks and a pair of leggings.

What Is Your Favorite Color?

We all have that color that we are slightly obsessed with and that we love so much. How many of those colors d you have? What is that color? Decide what that color is and make sure that it is complimentary to your skin tone and that is “your” color. The color will do the job of making sure that your outfit pops and give it that edge in any type of setting or season. For instance, if you love orange, there are various different shades of orange. Bright orange, neon orange, pale orange, etc. Exactly which color shows up best on YOUR skin? you will have to do some comparing. I recommend going to the paint section of your closest big box retailer home improvement store and getting paint color cards for accurate comparison.

Accent Pieces:

Every outfit needs an accent. It’s like the finishing touch that we all need to sort of “top off” a look. You don’t need a lot but having variety is always the spice of life lol. I recommend an infinity scarf, a statement and an understated necklace, pearls, hoop earrings, stud earrings, statement earrings, a hat that you love and some great leg wear (stockings tights). There are other great things that can be used but it’s totally up to you. You can use variances. These are not the only pieces, of course you would possibly need a handbag but sometimes you may not…its totally up to you how you want to present your self.

Trend Shopping:

So these trends come and go and end up back around again decades (or just a few years) later. Do I think that it is not okay to choose an item that is trendy to wear? No, not at all. You will have to shop your trends. Just as you would go in the store and be very picky about what it is to buy, be just as picky on what items you would like to incorporate in your wardrobe. Don’t pick something that you really don’t like just because it is on trend. Make sure that it flatters your body size, shape and height. Fringe skirts may make someone that is under five feet look frumpy (this is just an example not an actual observation) so if this is the case, skip the fringe trend or maybe get a fringe handbag instead. Get it? Hopefully this all makes sense. Lastly, don’t buy anything that you are not DEFINITE about. Some things we see we think “I kinda like that” or “eh, maybe it will look better at home”. Don’t buy it! Don’t buy it just because you saw it on IG or Youtube. It may not flatter your tone, shape and make make you look stumpy.

Midi skirts are not for everyBODY. Some people should stick with maxi or mini while others should stick to midi length clothing or mini lengths. It all depends upon YOU. This means that you will have to do some research. Spend some real time figuring what works for you and play in your closet. I will give some ideas in Part 2. Really basic, but you get the point!

Till next time…bye cupcakes!