Category: Uncategorized

Style Lusts #3

Posted on by The Style Cake

Sidenote: This series had to briefly be interrupted pending personal obligations. It is now being resumed for regular weekly posts. Thank you all for being patient!! 

I’m totally ready for spring at this point even though it isn’t really cold here in Michigan. That being said, excuse me on this particular post because I have my mind in the gutters of spring lol.

1. Block High Heeled Sandals:

I have been so drawn to these kind of heels lately and I have no idea why. They are so sexy!!! I bought a new pair and I can’t wait to share!! Block heels generally compliment all leg shapes and sizes and a bit more stable to walk in than skinny heels. If you aren’t sure how to chose block heels, gravitate towards open toe shoes first. Other block heels can look old fashioned if you’re not careful so grab a modern design of a sandal with a block heel. You should be good to go!!

2. White Eyeliner:

It may be a beauty faux pas but I am slightly obsessed with white liner. For some reason, I have been loving the way white liner makes the eyes pop and brighten up the face. I’ve worn white liner in the past but we all know the makeup world has advanced leaps and bounds in the past few years lol. I’m going to go ahead and do a makeup look with white liner and post it on my IG. Just a tip: if you try it, draw a really thin line on your upper lash line or dab a light wash of it in the inner corner of the eyes.

3. Colorful Printed/Sequin Jackets & Blazers:

Lately I’ve been seeing an influx of something on the fashion scene that I’ve had in my closet for years: a sequin blazer/jacket. You can actually dress down a sequin jacket. Yes!! Who knew, right?!! I absolutely love the way sequin jackets look. You don’t even have to wear it to a formal event. Throw it on with a graphic tee, jeans and barely there heels for a poppin look!! My advice: hit the thrift stores and eBay for a great vintage sequin jacket!!

4. Large Buckle Belts/Wide Belts:

Who doesn’t want a cinched waist? I know I love a cinched waist!! I think wide belts and particularly ones with large buckles will make a comeback. Technically by my standards, they’ve never gone out of style. With the perfect fit and flare dress, this type of belt adds all the extra sass. I like simple yet statement belts. Sometimes it can be the single source of the wow factor in a look!!

5. Trench Coats/Denim Jacket:

Yup!! I’m obsessed!!! I love denim dresses and trench coats nowadays. I don’t know what it is but I’ve got to get my hands on both!! Both of these will transition nicely from (warm) winter right into the fall. You can take away the boots, add open  toe heels and voila!!! Instantly a hot look!! I personally love a princess cut of a trench coat and denim dress. It adds femininity to something deemed so masculine.

The Cape Takes the Cake

Posted on by The Style Cake

(This post is word heavy and picture light)

By now, you all know that I am a lover of vintage and thrifting. I honestly love it because with everything seemingly being made in the same colors and style of clothing and shoes, it’s nice to be able to still find clothing items that exhibit glamour and distinction. In fact, if you are looking for the best quality and you are a person on a tight budget, thrifting is always the way to go. When you do go thrifting, don’t limit yourself to just one or two places. Be sure to check out Etsy as well as eBay and other sites that offer online options for second chance clothing. I will be sure to do a thrifting post to help the novice thrifter and vintage lover get the best out of not only their shopping trip but also their newly thrifted wardrobe.

That being said, let’s move on to my outfit. I purchased this cape that I’m wearing from eBay. There are tons of sellers on eBay that are getting rid of great quality items at a phenomenal bidding price. I won this for about 10 bucks and I saw the exact same cape on another listing for about $200!! Well, I knew that the $200 price tag is just not my thing so I was more than excited to grab this puppy for $10!! My look is otherwise rather casual but thats okay because the point is to show that one piece can jazz up an entire look. The fact that this is a vintage thrifted item makes the look even better (in my mind at least lol)!!! My shirt was thrifted from a local thrift shop and everything else you’ve seen before as it has been recycled in my wardrobe. Check past blog posts for information please. (Insert red heart emoji here). Let me know what you think, I will be posting another outfit look this Wednesday.

Also, I know that I was supposed to update the look of the blog, I am still currently working on that as we speak. It should be updated and running in January. Thank you to all my new followers and to those that have stuck around and been patient with me through this learning and growing process as a blogger. I truly appreciate you all!! I plan to do Youtube videos in the very near future so stay tuned for that! Lastly, I have a few style lookbooks, an updated skin care routine, a few projects that I am working on, updated nutrition and fitness progress and a few more surprises coming up soon!! I’m so excited!! Tomorrow the weekly series “Style Lusts” will resume so please be on the look out for that if you enjoy that series.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this post,

Love Candace. (Bye Cupcakes!)

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Casual Fridays: Lumber Jack Style Hack

Posted on by The Style Cake

As a girl, I was a tom boy. I ran, jumped in mud, wrestled, jumped off of bikes, boxed and skinned my knees so many times my mother thought I would have permanent scars. I progressed through childhood and eventually my interests changed and I focused more on “girly” interests. I’ve always loved fashion, I used to draw my own fashion magazines and sketch outfits as if I were a designer in my notebooks. I learned to draw inspiration from everything, all the way down to food. Yup, food. Crazy huh? Lol. My latest inspiration has been plaid but I didn’t want to wear a traditional plaid shirt. That’s too easy, er um….simple. That’s a better word. Now don’t get me wrong, I love simplicity but sometimes I love to complicate things (style) just a bit. Actually, this look is simple but I’ve added a little twist.

I saw this plaid shirt at JC Penny and couldn’t stop thinking about it. I passed on grabbing it the first time but I’m happy that I did because it was on sale, plus I was able to use a coupon to get it for more than half off. I love the colorful atypical plaid it boasts and knew immediately what I’d wear it with. I decided on accenting with black. Black is so defining. It’s like trim on a seam, sort of pulls everything together. Of course since this is Casual Friday, what would this look be without denim? I happen to love JC Penny’s jeans for ladies and the wash I grabbed fits the look so well. It adds a bit of contrast and at the same time flows seamlessly with the plaid. My black accents include my patent leather pumps, crystal statement necklace and clutch. Simple but poppin! (Wink). Take a peek at the photos and share your opinion! I’d love to hear it! Drop by here tomorrow for my review on the Essence Beauty Box if you’re interested.

Til The Next Outfit Post….

Bye Cupcakes! 💋

Blouse & Jeans: JC Penney. Necklace: eBay. Handbag: The Good Danger. Shoes: Radutken. Earrings: H&M. 

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Fall 2015 Beauty Favorites (Pass or Purchase)

Posted on by The Style Cake

*Pictures are cellphone captures*

It has been quite some time since I’ve done my beauty/life favorites but I promise to remain consistent from here on out. That being said, I will do favorites of beauty (and other categories) seasonally. At the end of each season I will discuss and review products and share my purchase regrets as well. I decided the end of the season would be best considering that I will have tried and tested the products for a decent amount of time. I want each option to be well informed and honest. Now that the formalities” are out of the way, let’s get into what I’ve been loving this past fall. 

1. Maybelline Push Up Drama Mascara:

As soon as I saw this mascara, I knew that I wanted to try it. It actually is a really decent mascara. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this a 7. It does add volume to the lashes but the claim of pushing up the lashes is definitely a gimmick and it worked to get me to try lol. Verdict: pass on this.   

  

2. Makeup Revolution Bronzers: 

I heard about these on Youtube. I am far from being a product junkie because I’ve already come and gone through that phase. However, when I see a good product for a reasonable non over inflated price, I have to check it out at least. This brand has one of those products. Makeup Revolution’s Bronzers are the bomb diggity. They show up great, pally evenly, are not glittery and best of all they only cost 6 bucks! They stand up against higher end priced brands without effort. You can purchase from Ulta online. Verdict: Purchase. 

  

3. Makeup Revolution Lipstick: 

So we just talked about this brand’s bronzers, let’s discuss quickly their lipsticks. I bought their lipstick in Vamp and I have to say it is one of my favorite lip colors of all. The shade of the lip color fits the name so perfectly. It’s a hybrid of burgundy and plum with the perfect “neutral” undertones so that it looks good on against skin tone. The formula of the lipstick is rather slippery although it is supposed to be matte. While the lipstick is a little slippery (or satin), it is pretty long lasting. Since the piece point is low, I think it’s more than worth it. Verdict: Purchase.

    

4. Dr. Brandt’s Pore Eraser: 

I received this as a gift from a beauty purchase a couple of months ago. It smooths the skin wonderfully and allows foundation and powder to be applied to the face evenly and flawlessly. It didn’t leave my face greasy and I have tried this product with and without moisturizer. Would I recommend this? Verdict: Purchase. 

  
5. Bobbi Brown Peach Color Corrector: 

Definitely one of my favorite products for the entire year. It’s not too thick, or thin. It applies evenly and covers a multitude of darks marks and under eye half circles. I don’t use concealer in my makeup routin to highlight my under eye area. I use this color corrector. I get brightened highlighted areas and I love the natural look of  using the color correction instead of the popular layers of concealer (that is sometimes way too light). If you’re looking for a good color corrector, I recommend this one. Be prepared to spend money but…Verdict: Purchase.

6. Cucumber Face Mask: 

I am a lover of the spa. Although I rarely get the opportunity to get to go to one. That being said, I like to create the spa experience at home. This mask is the loveliest most inexpensive spa style product ever! It digs deep in those pores and I personally felt refreshed after using it. My skin is a bit sensitive and this did not break me out so for a little over a dollar per packet this is a great deal! Verdict: Purchase.

7. MAC Cosmetics Vino Lip Liner: 

This has been my favorite lip liner for all reds and darker vampy lip colors this fall. The pictures will show the gorgeous addition to a look this lip liner brings. Verdict: Purchase.

8. Mariah Carey “Butterfly” Perfume: 

Normally in the summer, my favorite fragrance is Aquolina’s Pink Sugar. I decided to switch things up for the fall and Mariah Carey’s Butterfly perfume became that fragrance that I reached for most often. It reminds me of toasted marshmallows and a fire pit on a brisk fall day. It’s a very warm scent and is a bit mature despite the fun marshmallow base notes. This perfume is not pricey at all but after its finished I’ll be ready to move on to the next fragrance. Verdict: Pass. 

Winter White

Posted on by The Style Cake

Around this time of the year, I start thinking of good vacation spots because I am usually ready to get out of the cold. I can’t say that it is necessarily the weather being the reason that I want to vacation (it’s been kind of warm) as much as I can say that I need a change of scenery. The dark looks are not doing it for me lately. I want to spend some time on the beach, see some sun and wear neon colors. Seeing as that probably won’t be happening anytime soon, I will dress in a more upbeat colors in this outfit of the day. I’ve been saying that I love to wear nudes in the winter. I think that it brightens up one’s mood instantly and breaks the monotony of dark colors. Don’t get me wrong, I love dark colors. In fact, the outfit for Friday shows some dark colors…but it’ll be color nonetheless. I wanted to showcase my winter white coat so thats pretty much what this outfit revolves around.

My coat is from SheIn online and I have a love/hate relationship with this coat. Ugh, if you want me to let you know more in a personal review I can. Anyhoo, the coat boasts a large collar that is feather light and pretty much flops around in the wind. Trust me when I say this is not great if you are wearing lipstick. (Insert side eye here). It also has only a belt to close it. I would think that this is a better fit to be called a cardigan than anything else. The color is the perfect winter white and can add a nice accent to an otherwise toned look. I wore the coat over a pair of boyfriend jeans (husband jeans for me cause I’s married lol) and a semi-matte looking silk shirt from H&M. My shoes added the bad girl effect to the look with gunmetal colored studs atop a blush colored platform shoe. These shoes are so comfy! The peep toe of the shoe further balances the femininity of the look. My earrings are my favorite from Layered Chains you can find them here >>>> (barred-earrings). Use my discount of: thestylecake for 10% off your purchases. Of course if there is a current sale, use the bigger discount. (wink). My necklace is an old one. This is my first time wearing it but I didn’t keep the tag so I suggest searching for tribal statement necklaces to find it or something similar. I liked the contrast of the teal in the necklace. If you like my look (or hate it because that’s okay too), let me know below and be back here tomorrow for another outfit post!! I know, Im cranking these puppies out to make up for my semi-hiatus…not hiatus. Life just got hectic. Until tomorrow…

Bye Cupcakes!!

Coat: SheIn.com. Shoes: Wild Pair. Blouse: H&M. Pants: JC Penney. Earrings: Layered Chains. Necklace: old. 

Impromptu Post…

Posted on by The Style Cake

I’ve had a lot of inspiration lately. Any and everything inspires me. Life has run a muck sort-to-speak in my world. I’ve been swamped and haven’t had the chance to post so quite frankly, this is an impromptu post. I wasn’t going to post this until tomorrow but since I’ve been too swamped to post in a while, I thought posting today is only fair. There will still be another post tomorrow as well, all posts will get moved up. I wish I had more to say this time but honestly I’m exhausted. I have a few reviews posting this week and three more outfit posts this week. Things in life are not back to normal and they never will be but I learned a lot this year. I’ve formed closer bonds with loving friends, closed chapters and been forced to become stronger than I thought I ever could be. This post is a bit more emotional than normal but I will back to my style explaining self tomorrow.

I love the darkness in this look. It offers so much depth and mystery but is till feminine. It’s a bit cool but my adrenaline allowed for me to wear this sheer  trench coat style cardigan over my outfit. I’m sporting a crop top from Forever 21. This is weird fitting top. I’m hoping to find this color in a turtleneck shirt. Anyhoo, my shorts are black and white plaid, vintage and thrifted. I love the contrast against my crop top. Now I know you must be thinking, “why didn’t she show skin” but I have two good reasons. One, I wanted a layered look. Two, I was just not loving the look of this fit without something underneath. Regardless, I think that the look came together. What do you think? Check the blog for another outfit post tomorrow….

Bye Cupcakes!

Shorts: Thrifted. Crop Top: Forever 21. Hat: Gadzooks (Or Forever 21). Boots: Shiekh Shoes (I think). Cardigan: Naked Wardrobe. 

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.

That Gray Area…

Posted on by The Style Cake

Lately, I’ve been drawn to certain colors naturally. I end up picking up wardrobe pieces that are the same color. Ugh, the dilemma right? Well, I am happy about this particular outfit because I picked up a few pieces in my color of the moment, gray. I picked these pieces up all at different times but all the pieces compliment one another for a calm and cozy look. I felt so relaxed in this look. I bought this turtleneck poncho a little more than a month ago. It kept me warm and kept me from needing outerwear. My only gripe is that it get wrinkled very easily and by the time I get to my destination, it never looks like it was ironed at all.

There’s always that gray area of times when you may not need outerwear. When wearing capes, things get tricky. Not every cape is a good fit for outerwear. If the cape is too thin and you live in a colder area, you may not want to wear a cape without a coat. The idea of a coat over a cape sounds crazy but it’s worse to be freezing, that’s not cute! It was about 50 degrees when I wore my cape so I didn’t need to wear anything else. Of course, I did wear a tank under my cape for good measure but I was comfortable. You have to decide if weather permits a cape alone along with making sure the fabric fits the weather as well as the style fitting the occasion. I could have worn this cape as outerwear but it isn’t warm enough for less than 50 degrees in my opinion. In colder weather, you’d want something warmer.

I paired this cape with some high waisted jeans and a tank from H&M. My boots are old and fur cuffed. I honestly don’t remember where I purchased them because it’s been longer than a decade that I’ve purchased them. My earrings are simple but make a delicate fashion statement. I chose a large statement necklace that is quite glamorous to fancy up the look. The gold stands out against the gray. I grabbed one of my fave handbags from Justfab and again the tan color contrasts the outfit but also warms up the look. Let me know what you think of this look. I will be back here on Wednesday of course for another outfit post.

Bye Cupcakes! 💋

Poncho & Jeans: Forever 21. Necklace: eBay. Earrings: Layered Chains. Handbag: Justfab. 


Sun, Snow & Shade

Posted on by The Style Cake

I’ve lately been trying to figure this weather thing out. Now, I know I said it was about 45 to 55 degrees lately but just a couple of days ago it snowed. Ugh. I am simply never ready for snow. It has been cloudy much with peeks of sunshine here and there. I decided to make my own sunshine, hence the luxurious, golden velvet top. I adore this top because it can be worn to both classy and casual events. I wanted to take my look more to the casual side so I opted to layer and add the typical aspects of a casual outfit.

My boots are a velvet type material, meant to substitute for suede. They can be worn as knee high or unfolded for the thigh high look. I love the sleekness of this boot, it screams an understated sexy. I admit I was feeling a bit trendy so I decided on grabbing my denim button down shirt and tying it around my waist. At the same time of adding a casual flair, it works to accent my waist and silhouette. The skirt you may remember from an outfit post from earlier this year, (I keep pieces that add versatility to my wardrobe).  This skirt hugs curves and compliments the shape. I love it! My jewelry is fairly simple and streamlined. I am wearing a gold knot bagel from Layered Chains and an arrow choker necklace from Neon Wild. I added a black scarf from my accessories stash for a measure of extra layering. If you wear something like this you can add a leather jacket or wear the denim as a jacket instead of around the waist. I wouldn’t wear this out normally without a coat but I am for demonstrative purposes. Sun and snow (and rain) inspired this outfit. The shade…well, that was due to impending snow showers. Wahh!!! After all, it is November/December so I’m not complaining lol. Let me know what you think!

Until tomorrow for a review of my most recent beauty favorites….

Bye Cupcakes!!! 💋

Velvet Top: ASOS. Skirt: Love 21. Denim Top: Walmart. Choker: Neon Wild. Bangle: Layered Chains. Boots: CiciHot. Scarf: Goodwill (new).

 

“In Living Color”

Posted on by The Style Cake

*As promised, here is more of a complicated look.* (wink)

So lately I’ve been in a mood for simple looks with calming colors. However, I have to insert looks here and there that make the eyes dance! I enjoy colors so much!! I mean, there are so many colors in life so why not explore and live in color? (Insert colorful heart emojis here). I found the main event sort to speak, of this outfit while out thrifting. There is absolutely nothing like finding a great piece that stands out. The piece I found is actually a short dress but it is way too short for my taste to wear as such. Therefore, I am wearing it as a tunic.

The colors are so bold and bright that I wanted to highlight them even more by grabbing a contrast print. I chose a black and white chevron clutch bag by Turquoise Soul Bags. The black and white really forces the bold colors of the tunic to pop. You can’t help but to notice both and in an unexpected way, they compliment each other. Since the weather is between 45 and 55 degrees lately, wearing a leather jacket is opportunistic without the threat of freezing. I opted for one of my fave black ones. I decided on some knee high open toe lace up boots on top of black leggings to complete the ensemble for an illusion of wearing just a short dress and tights. Modesty. For a funky kick, I am wearing a hat I bought earlier this year from Boohoo. The hat adds more of an eclectic yet structured touch. The gold cuff choker keeps the look in a glamorous balance. My jewelry is minimal so as so not take away from the stylist-ic (made that up lol) look of the outfit. Let me know what you think!! I welcome comments!! If you are not, follow me on Instagram, I always post my looks there plus some things I don’t post to my blog. Thank you in advance for your feedback and don’t forget to join me back here Friday for another outfit post!

Bye Cupcakes!! 🍭

Colorful top: (Vintage) Goodwill. Jacket: Thirifted. Hat: Boohoo. Bag: Turquoise Soul Bags. Boots: UrbanOg (old). Choker: Aldo. Leggings & Tank: H&M.