Casual Friday: The Jeans & Tank Look

Sometimes one of the best outfits can occur by accident or due to uninhibited laziness. Just saying. This look surely was one of those days. To be frank, I didn’t feel like dressing up. I was in the mood to hit some farmers markets for flowers. Wanting to be comfy and cute, I decided on the simple jeans and tank. The simplicity is understated sexy and yet, still modest. I added my safari green “utility” jacket, a boho style necklace  and leopard print high heel for a kick of “wild” lol. It’s Friday so I’ve listed the information below for you to check out. Let’s all get out of here and enjoy the weekend!! Heyyyyy!!!

Enjoy Cupcakes! 💋

Jeans: Fashion Nova. Jacket: Fashion Nova. Tee: Target. Shoes: UrbanOg. Necklace: eBay. 

    

   

  

  

   

Lady n Red (Jingling Baby)

I’m sorry for not being able to post as much guys. I’ve been super busy and I don’t want to make a half hearted post. That being said, today’s post will be rather short but I promise I will be back here Friday and then back to three posts per week next week! So on to the look! 

I know that red typically isn’t considered a spring color but hey! The thing about style is that it’s all based on how YOU feel and the things that make you feel most fabulous (while complimenting your body). I bought a red dress from Fashion Nova on a whim because I threw out one I had for years (and it started) to look like it lol. I know, it’s a fast fashion piece and it won’t last long in my closet. Good thing I didn’t spend much on it. I am purging again so I’ll probably be releasing it from my closet soon. I’ve been purchasing more high end brand, quality pieces lately that will last longer. In the meantime, I grabbed this because I was feeling adventurous. 

With the dress I paired a safari green jacket that I eventually took off because it was rather warm outside. My accents are silver toned charm bracelets and hoop earrings for a simple and chic touch. My air is up in a curly top pony. I accessorized my bun with a vibrantly colored scarf from Target. My gray clutch balances the warmth of my dress since my heels are a warm toned neutral. Everything ties together nicely for a modern but chic & simple look! Let me know what you think! 

Til Friday Cupcakes! 💋 

Dress: Fashion Nova. Jacket & Clutch: F21. Shoes: Nasty Gal. Charm Bracelets: Gifted & Jewelmint. Scarf: Target. 

   

  

  

  

  

 

April 2016 Favorites & Fails 

I know I haven’t done this in a while but it’s the very end of the month so I’m excited to share this month’s best and not-so-best things in my closet and beauty drawers. Let’s just jump into it!
…………..

1. Maybelline Fit Me (Stick Foundation)

This has been my go-to for the last approximately 6 months. Needless to say, I’ve not only worn it down but it’s been a favorite. I’ve heard many say that they didn’t like this particular foundation. While I understand the gripes (I totally get the reasons) the thing is, you’ve got to know how to work” some of these beauty products. Especially if you only paid seven or eight bucks for them. Now, I wouldn’t agree to working with higher priced items because I would assume the accompany ease of use would accompany the price. I worked the heck out of this foundation and it was worth exactly what I paid for it! It needed light powder on MY oily skin for setting. But besides that, not really any complaints. 
Rating: 7/10

Repurchase: Not likely.

Reason: While I liked this foundation, I’d much rather spend my coins testing out another brand/kind. Deets on this coming soon!

  
Me wearing the Maybelline Fit Me Stick. 

2. L’Oreal Million Lashes Mascara
 

I am simply in love with a poppin, plump lash. That being said I’ve been faithfully wearing lash extensions on my top lash line. On the bottom however, I have consistently reached for L’Oreal’s Million Lashes mascara. It makes my bottom lashes pop so they’re not overcome by the glamour of my lash extensions. 

Rating: 8.5/10

Repurchase: Yes!

Reason: Cost effective quality! 

Me with a light coating on my bottom lashes.  

 

3. Bobbi Color Corrector (Deep Peach)

I think I may have talked about this in another favorites post but needless to say, it’s still my favorite corrector. It covers and brightens beautifully! I’ve even used it in the absence of concealer. It’s creamy and blends perfectly! 

Rating: 10/10

Repurchase: Definitely! 

Reason: Quality purchase. Easy creamy blending and great coverage. 

  

4. Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Buttercream (Forbidden Nude)

This is by far one of my favorite glosses. In my opinion, it’s a perfect pinky-nude for just about any skin tone. The color translates a bit translucent but is definitely buildable . The formula isn’t sticky and glides onto the lips with ease. I use mine quite often and I’ve gotten great use out of it! 

Rating: 9/10

Repurchase: More than likely!

Reason: Only if I find this exact color, consistency and longevity in a less expensive gloss, would I probably NOT buy this again. 


5. Julep Cuticle Cream: “Your Cuticles Look Thirsty” 

This is by far one of my favorite items by Julep. Traditional cuticle oil doesn’t do much for my cuticles. This keeps my skin moisturized and supple! It’s not greasy and it rubs into the skin very well. 

Rating: 10/10

Repurchase: Definitely!

Reason: Worth every cent! 

  

6. MAC Prep & Prime: Fix+

This is the last time I’ll be listing this as a favorite until further notice. I love this so much, it will always be a fave!!! This sprays allows my makeup to look natural without looking greasy. My makeup and skin become “one” with this product. Since my skin can be a bit sensitive, I’m always concerned about how my skin will react to beauty products but this has yet to treat my skin wrong. Thanks MAC! 

Rating: 10/10

Repurchase: Definitely!!

Reason: I love this stuff! Worth every penny! 

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7. Revlon Beyond Natural Concealer (and Highlight)

This product is a staple in my makeup regime. I highlight underneath my brows with the concealer. It’s creamy and blends beautifully. I don’t use the highlight but I continue to purchase just for the concealer. The concealer also works well for the under eye area. It’s not too thick and covers well. 

Rating: 9/10

Repurchase: Yes! 

Reason: Great deal for the price! Great blending properties!

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8. Red/Burgundy Lip Colors (Various Brands) 

A classic lip will always and forever be a red lip. For a more sultry look, I tend to grab for burgundy lip colors. Still classy, with added sex appeal. These reds can have various tones and base colors and depending on the under tone of one’s skin and the intended look, a wide variety is available. I’ve listed the top 10 of my favorite reds. 

Reds: Sephora “Always Red”, NYX “Monte Carlo”, MAC “Riri Woo”,  Anastasia Beverly Hills “Heathers”. 

Burgundies: The Lip Bar “Sweet Shiraz”, MAC “Sin”, Tarte “Frenemy”, NYX “Copenhagen”, Colourpop “Dalia” & “Creature”, and MAC “Vino” lip liner.

Rating: All are at least an 8/10

Repurchase: Yes to all!

Reason: I would be able to purchase Riri Woo again but Ruby Woo is the exact alternative that I already own. All the other colors provide the look in going for! 

  

9. Nude Lip Colors (Various Brands)

Lately when I haven’t been in the mood for reds, I’ve been going to nude colors as my only alternative. Nudes can also be sultry but at the same time not overpowering of any makeup look. Nudes make any lips appear more plump. This is the only color family for lip color that I love to be glossy at times. Below I listed some of my favorite colors. 

Nudes: Maybelline Define A Line “Chestnut Brown” used as a lip liner, NYX “London”, MAC “Blankety” & “Spite”. 

Rating: All are 10/10

Repurchase: Definitely!

Reason: Maybelline Define a Line is indeed an eye liner but it is VERY east to apply, blends well and is perfect for my skin tone. The others also compliment my tone and are great in quality. 

  
 

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.


  
  
  

@Spiegel1865

I used to love getting catalogues filled with the upcoming season’s best fashion. I could sit all day dog earring and check marking the items that I wanted out of each catalog. It seems the age of the catalog has almost expired. Well, good things die hard…right? 

I have been purging things from my closet and I came across a button up free that I’ve had for about 13 or 14 years. I remember it like it was yesterday when I purchased this piece. As soon as I saw it, I tore the page out of the catalog because I knew I was going to purchase it immediately. And I did. The safari dress. Button down. Fit and flare detail. Modern green. And 100% silk. For a fabulous sale price. Find a deal like that today without thrifting and I’ll high five you over the internet lol. 

As much as I love this dress, I decided to wear it as a midi length cardigan. Keeping the spotlight on this “cardigan”, I kept the look simple. White tank, distressed mid rise jeans and chunky heeled gladiator sandals in nude. My glasses are…mmmmm. Yup, that’s the best way I can describe them. Lol. Kinda aviator style. They work this outfit fabulously. Check the pictures and let me know what you think of the everlasting quality of this Spiegel dress! This post is not sponsored, it’s just when I know a good company I share the info!

Til Friday, 

Later Cupcakes 💋 

Dress (worn as a cardigan): Spiegel [old]. Tank: Target. Jeans: JC Penney. Shoes: Shoedazzle. Glasses: eBay. Bag: Justfab. 

  

  
  
  

  
  

  


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. 

  

  

  

  

thredUp March Wardrobe Capsule  (Lookbook) 

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! 💋

Five Online Shopping Tips 

Frequently, I love to shop online. I mean honestly, how could I not? Let’s discuss the pros: you can shop in pajamas, hold a glass a wine while you shop, comparison shop and best of all, you can find the best coupons and deals. Who doesn’t love relaxation, wine and good deals? Lol! I’d like to offer you a few tips to make your online shopping experience not only more fun but more fruitful. 


1. Always Have a Goal

Sometimes this can be a fairly difficult task if you are emotional shopping. Let’s admit it, we’ve all done some shopping when we were in an emotional state of mind. I’ll be brave enough to admit first then lol. Nevertheless, shopping without a goal can promote over spending leading to buyers remorse and regret later. Who wants to feel bad about shopping? Know what you are looking for also eliminates the frustration of missing out on items that end being out of stock. That’s not fun nor productive is it?

  

2. Always Use Discount Codes

No ifs, ands or buts about it, we all love to get a great deal!! Well, shopping online offers exposure to more deals than in store a lot of times. There are tons of websites that offer promotional codes to save money. Also, signing up for email promotion usually offers the benefit of being the first to know of sales as well as getting “secret” promo codes for a percentage or dollar amount off. Shopping is definitely more fun when you can save! If you can’t find a code to reduce the original price, try searching for codes on social media sites. You’ll be surprised how you can find more ways to save by being social with the company. 

  

3. Cross Reference 

Sometimes it can be difficult finding a particular item. Companies that are resellers may change the “name” of an item on their site to try and create a non-generic “feel” to their site and items for sale. This can make it hard to search for the same item on a different site or a search engine. Look for tag information or the item description that may have the manufactured item name so you can use that information for cross referencing. You will be surprised how this technique can lead you to find an otherwise out-of-stock item! 

  

4. Know Your Measurements 

This is something enough of us are not even aware of but this helps when looking to purchase clothing and shoes. It’s easy to want to avoid this aspect of shopping but it’s vital to having a successful online shopping trip. If you know your measurements, you are less likely to have to make exchanges/returns, you can easily cross reference sizing information across international retailers’ sizing charts. I’ll use myself as an example. I wear a U.S. size 8, 29 (or sometimes 30 because of my hips/thighs/butt) and a medium shirt. Because I know my sizes I can find my measurements and also I know what sizes I wear in european sizing. I also know what size to pick when I have to size up or down depending on the manufacturers admonition. The same goes for shoes in which I wear a 7.5 or 8 (U.S.). 

  
5. Create a Wish List 

Like online window shopping or on a tight budget? Create a wish list! Wish lists help you see exactly what you want in the near future in correlation to availability. Wish lists can even be created on the websites in which you are shopping on for your convenience. You can easily add items from your wish list to your shopping cart! Creating a wish list helps with creating a budget, keeping in mind what you’re looking for as well as maximizes time management. If possible, use old fashioned pen and paper  to be sure you always have your wish list at your convenience. 

  

These five tips should help your shopping trip be productive and fun without any regrets! Do you have any tips? Which of these tips do you think would be most helpful to you?

Later Cupcakes! 💋