Category: Styling

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

Posted on by The Style Cake

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.

It’s Not All Black & White 

Posted on by The Style Cake

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!! 

By the way, if you are looking for some fabulous jewelry and accessories check out the link below and use “stylecake” for 10% off your purchase!! 

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Top: Urban Outfitters. Skirt: Forever 21. Handbag: H&M. Shoes: Chinese Laundry. Necklace: Aldo.

   

  

  

  

 

A Pop of Gold

Posted on by The Style Cake

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

Posted on by The Style Cake

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 💋

   

    

    
 

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.


  
  
  

March Style Lusts #2 

Posted on by The Style Cake

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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

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! 💋

Trendy But Not?

Posted on by The Style Cake

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:

    

        

March Style Lusts #2

Posted on by The Style Cake

Style lusts the second time around this month will be pretty short. I only have a few. Since it’s still rather cold here, I’m saving some of my style lusts for further exploration in a couple of weeks. Let’s get started:

1. Denim 

I have been so drawn to denim lately (as you can probably tell from my posts) and it isn’t limited to jeans (denim pants) but also jackets, skirts, shirts and heels. The thing about denim is that you don’t have to always dress casual to wear it. A dark colored denim dress with a pair of closed toe heels and a blazer easily changes the look from casual to semi-business. I’ve been slightly obsessing over denim jackets and coats. A couple of months ago I purchased a denim jacket from the thrift store. I can’t wait to show my look. It’s already put together. I’m just waiting on the weather to allow me to wear it. You can wear denim with just about anything. It’s a very easy piece to style. I’m loving denim jackets with various artistic and fun broach coverings. I’m also loving denim heels. If you love this trend but aren’t trendy, the heel option is a great way to incorporate denim into your wardrobe.

  

 

   
2. Button Bodycon Dress/Skirt

I love a good bodycon dress but the latest style that boasts a button down detail is really captured my attention. It’s a sexy detail that offers so many options to whatever other pieces you pair it with. Recently, I purchased a dress for this summer from The Line by K. My only gripe, the price is pretty steep at $105 per dress but I’m helplessly in love with this dress!!! She just released the dress again in one of my favorite colors: pink. What’s a girl to do? Anyhoo, you can pair this dress with a pair of minimalist heels for a sensual look or platform sandals for a more overt sexy look. I’m seeing more of this style in bodycon skirts and dresses becoming available at cheaper prices so keep on the lookout!!

  

3. Overalls 

I’ve worn overalls in the past but along with my recent lust for denim, I’ve been wanting a good pair of overalls. It doesn’t matter if the overalls are non-denim, I’ve just been drawn to them. I’d wear mine cuffed at the leg with perhaps a tank or crop top for a bit of an edge. I think a minimalist heeled sandal would work best with this look. 

  

4. White Clothing

Sounds simple enough right? Well, I have not worn much white. The reason has been my weight. I had been uncomfortable wearing white all of this time but I no longer have a hang up with the color white. While I’ve lost a nice amount of weight, I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be. That being said, I’m no longer allowing myself to be held back by my weight. White is easily becoming one of my favorite colors to wear. It’s bold, bright and is the perfect palette for colorful add ons. I have a couple looks planned already with white as the highlight color. One way to pair white is with a colorful statement piece, perhaps a colorful jacket or pants. 

  

Well, I told you this Style Lust “episode” would be short. Let me know if you’d like me to include beauty and fragrances into these Style Lusts. What are your style lusts this month?