Winter – The Style Cake

5 Survival Tips for Winter 2020

Posted on January 24, 2020January 26, 2020 by The Style Cake

I’ve done one of these posts a couple of years back and I really think the tips could help get anyone through the perils of winter! This year, winter came out of nowhere, well, not really but it had been pretty mild considering I live in Michigan and then BAM! Snow, wind, cold, cloudy days and looooonnnnngggg nights! I usually have an easy time until the end of January hits and then I’m struggling to get through winter lol.

1. Let’s start with recreation. It can be human nature to simply stay in the bed, stay on the couch and binge watch tv or read, eat and become immobile. In reality, we were meant to discover, explore and venture out. To encourage mental health, getting out of the house is very important! Isolation is not healthy! Not even for introverts! Go grab a coffee at the local coffee spot, visit the library or art gallery or hit a winter festival. Grab a bite to eat at a local inexpensive restaurant nearby your home. Take a cooking class, go to your local hardware store and complete a project for the home. There are a plethora of options to choose of things to do besides sitting in the house the entire season of winter and this is coming from someone who hates winter!

2. Besides just getting out of the house, getting completely away from your environment and going on a weekend vacation is enough to revitalize your mind and body for a couple of months! Maybe visit a quaint town in your state and unplug from social media and technology. Take in the sights and feed your senses without any interference!

3. Body care is so important during this harsh time of the year. It’s easy to slack on skin care in particular because the sun isn’t shining through the cloud but sunscreen is still needed. As is moisture! Continue to drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin. Likely, the winter has plenty of dry moments so water will feed the body moisture from the inside to prevent cracking from dryness. Beyond that, below I’ve linked a few things I love to use for body care during winter months. One is a lip product, body and hair products and facial care products. Check them out below!

A. Chapstick Total Hydration 100% Natural (Eucalyptus Mint)

B. Koils By Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter

C. DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew (Spf 15)

D. Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2

E. Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight (Water to Foam Shampoo) [My new ABSOLUTE FAVORITE HAIR PRODUCT AND I WILL DO A DETAILED REVIEW SHORTLY! ;-)]

4. Let’s talk ducking and dodging colds, flu and other healthy efforts. One thing leads to another, right? Well, you NEED hand and body cream in the winter especially because hand washing is still important! How else can you avoid getting sick and stay in good health?! Starts with handwashing first! Since I already gave you a suggestion for dry cracked hands, I wanted to share what I like to keep on hand for immunity and health below!

A. Zarbee’s Naturals Elderberry Immune Support

5. Lastly, reorganize your life! This could include examining your personality, organizing closets and storage spaces, refreshing or learning new skills and/or working on your body and health more in depth. Have a person that you’ve been allowing in your life but they are dragging you down or isn’t supportive? Maybe it’s time to rethink your association. I’ve been doing a lot of rearranging myself, it takes work but it’s worth it! Decide to save money, go back to school, fix your credit or purge things while keeping only what you need! Taking the time to invest in yourself will take up a ton of your time and help you survive a possible tough couple of months in the cold!

2019 Favorites!!!

Posted on January 1, 2020January 27, 2020 by The Style Cake

Can’t believe it’s the year 2020! Time truly waits for no one and has flown by! This past year, I took a much needed break. I needed to focus on me.

In doing that, I had to really make some repairs to myself. I started taking full advantage of chiropractic care and really communicating with my doctor about how I wanted my healthcare to go. I was unwilling to be unheard as my health largely depended upon ME! It can be scary to not only speak up but also disagree with your doctor about the care that is being received. I had long conquered that fear because in the end, I pay for a service and refused to just go along with care that I didn’t agree with since I would be the one living with the end results.

Some things I refused to go to the doctor for. I was suffering terribly from skin issues. It seemed that no matter what I did, my skin condition worsened. I began to get frustrated as I was not even eating certain things that were known to aggravate my acne. The acne I was experiencing was cystic in nature. I sat in pain for days sometimes. My frustration increased when that wonderful time of the month rolled around, que eye rolls, I was also suffer from hormonal acne. Needless to say, I did heavy reading and research to figure some things out.

My hair was having shedding issues. Now I do have Hashimoto’s disease so the shedding can be a problem from time to time but my shedding became coupled with massive tangling and some breakage. Again, I did research and found what I needed to help.

I didn’t play in makeup much this year, I only wore makeup about 8 times this past entire year. I did make a purchase for some faves that I had run out of…I was a hostess in my big sister’s wedding so, you know how that goes…I HAD to look good! Otherwise, I made sure to focus on healing my skin. I will still share what I bought to replace my long used favorites!

I’m on a weight loss journey so I’ve been avoiding sugar and carbohydrates like my life depended on it, partly because it started to. I had gained weight due to medication and became insulin resistant. That insulin resistance made it incredibly difficult to lose ANY weight!!! When I tell you I cried (and I’m not a crier) but I swear I could have jumped out my window without opening it. I was so done. The only thing i could think of was trying the Keto ‘way of eating’ again. Honestly, Keto is not a diet to me. I’m not indulging in anything that can contribute to insulin resistance or diabetes. If you’re unsure, be sure to do your research. One thing is sure, the SAD diet (standard american diet) has the appropriate acronym. I’m not by any means telling anyone to do keto or low carb, do what works for you but please take care of your health and eat for nourishment! That being said, below I will list all of the faves I have for this past year.

I hope you have a great day, week, month and year! I’m back to go through it all with you! 💪🏾

Favorites of 2019

Health

Hair

Skin

Sports Research Vitamin K + D3 with Coconut Oil
Tumeric Powder (used to make a mask with milk, yogurt and honey)
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Problem Skin Toner
Philosophy the Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash
Tetyana Dark Spot Corrector Brightening Serum [LOVE this stuff!]

Keto/Eating

Makeup

The Graphic Tee Revisited (Plus Bad Hair Day Fix)

Posted on March 4, 2016 by The Style Cake

In the beginning of my outfit of the day blogging days, I blogged a look that I called “Rockstar Chic”. This post focused on the grungy look of one of my favorite thrift purchases, a graphic tee. Simply put, I love this tee!! It is what’s being sold in stores at a more expensive price. The best part is my tee was really inexpensive!

I’m having a bad hair day today because….well it’s a long and sorted story lol. Anyhoo, the very simple solution for a bad hair day is a long scarf tied to imitate the long flow of hair and off to the side for a bit of “femininity”. This way, you still feel girly and not like you’re wearing the scarf out of necessity (even though you are). As I’ve previously said in my first “Style Lusts” for this month, you can use leopard print as a neutral. That’s exactly what I did with my scarf. At the same time, I’ve in effect added another layer of flavor to my look.

Since it’s Friday and we all want to get out and enjoy this weekly holiday lol, I’ll wrap up this post. I wanted to show a real life display of incorporating my style lusts. I have on boyfriend (husband for me lol) jeans that are lower on the waist and bun area. This allows for relaxed look. This look is a bit grungy but more polished than the first version with this tee. Let me know if you like the look!!

Happy Friday Cupcakes!! 💋

Jeans: JCP. Graphic Tee: Thrifted. Booties: Shoemint. Scarf: (old). Jacket: F21. Bracelet: H&M.

The First Look w/this tee:

The look this time around:

Winter Blues & Plaids

Posted on March 2, 2016 by The Style Cake

So I think the past few months I have talked about winter so much we’re all tired of winter right? Lol. Well, I’m officially sick (no literally) of winter. Currently, I have an ear ache, sinus infection and a cold but I’m pushing through it. The light at the end of the tunnel is SPRING!!! In the meantime, I’ve become slightly uninspired due to not just the weather and the lingering on of winter but the current state of my health. This swinging weather of 60 degrees one day and 18 degrees with snow the next is very hard to plan by. Guys, I have so many looks lined up for warmer weather, I’m quite uninterested in dressing up to be cold. Regardless, tis life and I must dress for it.

I decided on this bold and colorful plaid poncho to be the “center” of my look. In true stylist fashion, I “thinga-ma-jigged” my poncho into a scarf instead. It’s still a poncho but it is much more cozy and beneficial as a scarf. My coat is of a faux wool/felt material. It honestly is a decently warm coat. It boasts an extra large collar that pretty much envelopes my upper half. I’m wearing fleece leggings. They are sooooo cozy and warm!!! My boots, you all have seen a number of times. They’re from Justfab’s Luxe line (now no longer) but there are similar styles on the market. Mine are genuine suede which I love. Since this look is cozy, I have a large handbag I purchased from H&M to store everything I need while out and about to make me comfortable in this cold. I opted for sunglasses because of the brightness of the snow. My accessories are minimal. Let me know what you think! How do you stay inspired in the long months of winter and when it’s cold?

Later Cupcakes!! ❤️💙

Boots: Justfab (similar here). Leggings: Gifted (similar here). Poncho/Scarf: Thrifted (similar here). Denim Blouse: Thrifted (similar here). Jewelry: Neon Wild & Layered Chains. Sunglasses: eBay. Bag: H&M (similar here).

Casual Friday: Sassy Jones Boutique

Posted on February 26, 2016 by The Style Cake

I am a bit of a fashion jewelry and accessories fan but that being said, I am also very particular about the things that I pick up to include in my wardrobe. So when I was contacted by a company by the name of Sassy Jones Boutique to try out a few of their items. I must say that it is easily any stylenista’s day dream to be able to pick out fashionable pieces to add to their closet! I was ecstatic to say the least. I’ve showcased two of the items in a couple of my most recent looks but this look is my favorite! The necklace inspired my entire look. It’s colorful and bold and has a bit of a tribal undertones. It sort of reminds me of a breast plate. It’s called the Islander Statement Necklace. Anyhoo, you know how Friday looks go, I’ll be brief so you can enjoy this glorious day of the week.

The owner of Sassy Jones Boutique is truly a sweetheart and the customer service and shipping times are awesome!! The pieces in this online shop are absolutely beautiful!! The best part? None of the items are over priced! All of the pieces are affordable and practical for the everyday wardrobe even the pieces stand out and make their own statements with any look. I will personally be making a purchase because there are a few other pieces on the site I’ve got to get my hands on lol.

I paired my necklace with a black oversized top on top of classic blue denim jeans and high heeled pumps. I completed the look with my burnt orange suede trench coat and favorite clutch bag from Turquoise Soul Bags. Pretty simple right? The necklace makes the look seem less simple. I love that! Let me know what you think. If you like the necklace, grab it before it’s gone because it’s only $15!!

Later Cupcakes!

Coat: (Old) & Gifted (similar here). Shoes: Justfab. Denim Pants: Fashion Nova. Shirt: Meijer. Necklace: Sassy Jones Boutique (now on sale). Earrings: Neon Wild. Clutch: Turquoise Soul Bags.

Casual Friday: Sophisticated Denim

Posted on February 19, 2016 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.

(Edited) Candy Paint Color…

Posted on February 1, 2016 by The Style Cake

I am a true lover of color. Color adds so much personality, life and depth to….well, life! How boring would everything be in black and white? Remember those black and white televisions? Whew, so very glad that we’ve moved on to better technology lol.

It seems nowadays so many folks are dressing almost the same, unidentifiable in their own style and totally mimicking what seems to get attention. I miss the colorful world of fashion, one that allows plenty of color and the silent description of every clothing piece through it (color). The (public) world of fashion seems to applaud the look of only blacks, nudes, grays and whites. Not that those aren’t colors, it’s just that as of recent, these are the ONLY colors some look to for outfit options. In an age where the Kardashians rule the looks in plenty of “wardrobes”, it’s awfully nice to see color.

Well, I tend to wear the things that make my eyes and soul happy. I feel like I have to incorporate color (bright color at that) in almost everything every look! Spring is around the corner (gosh it feels marvelous to say that) and it causes me to dress up in spring/summer attire. But, it is still winter. That being said, color is the best way to dress for spring and summer during the winter! Grab a vivid color for a pop of fun with any outfit!

I decided on a bold vintage bucket bag and a mustard tunic as the pops of color (to motion for spring and promote the liberties of wearing color freely). I love the thickness of the tunic, I was so warm. Despite the weather being warm that day I felt cozy. My denim trench coat was purchased from Off Thrift (of Thrift On the Ave) in Detroit, MI. You can totally check them out online and on their Instagram page. It is truly a one of a kind coat and adds an urban flair to any look. It’s quite amazing how this one piece adds so much personality. My boots are new and have appeared in a recent post. The fringe and gray adds another layer of style but is muted at the same time. I don’t have on a ton of pieces and the abundance of color makes up for that. How do you wear color? I’ll be back here ~~tomorrow~~ Wednesday for style lusts…

Later Cupcakes!

Denim Trench: Thrift On The Ave (similar here). Tunic: Fashion Nova. Leggings: H&M. Boots: Shoedazzle. Glasses: eBay (similar here).

Boho Street Style

Posted on January 27, 2016 by The Style Cake

I have seriously not been in the mood for dressing up. I want to wear some jogging pants. I’ll tell you one thing, I will be on the hunt for a new pair of kicks, possibly Addidas of Nike Air Max. I just need stylish kicks because I’ve not been in the mood for heels lately. Today I wore my broken in and long loved wedges from Justfab. I love these because they are so comfortable and I can run and jump all while looking stylish. My hair is all wrapped up so I put a scarf on because the wind has been so unforgiving this past week and I couldn’t get a flattering picture with my hair disrespectfully blowing every where. Anyhoo, I’ve been wanting to rock this vintage Jordache jeans sweatshirt for months but I planned on wearing a skirt. Since this look happened before the warm up, wearing a skirt (with this look) and then another skirt a few a days later is a “no go” for me in this kind of weather.

I decided on a pair of denim pants from Top Shop. These are the Joni jeans. They are super comfy for those days when you would like to wear jogging pants but want to look a bit more polished than just wearing leggings. I wore a striped dress underneath my sweatshirt as a tunic for layering and dualing duties of combating the cold as well. To jazz up my look a bit, I am wearing a statement necklace. I threw on a black leather jacket for warmth, edge and good measure. This look is quite boho chic with and edge and I’m ready for spring so this is also a lazy day outfit. Share your thoughts below!

Later Cupcakes!

To be Updated:

Jacket: Forever 21. Sweatshirt: vintage. Denim pants: Topshop. Dress/Tunic: Zulily. Wedges: Justfab.

90s Look: Fringe Benefits

Posted on January 20, 2016 by The Style Cake

Friday’s are days that I love! My children are off for the weekend, my hubby is too (even though I’m always working) and I get to enjoy my family! Now this weekend things will be a lil bit different. We have some work to do but we are still going to spend quality time together. Very simply put, I wanted a fun and stylish look! Fringe is always easy way to make an otherwise boring outfit fun!

The fringe I chose are fringe boots. They truly add a little bit of funk to my look. I didn’t feel like doing too much with my look because this seems like the perfect day to watch a movie and munch on a good crock pot meal lol. Honestly, I hadn’t noticed until my hubby pointed it out that I look like I belong in a Lil Kim video lol. Well, that goes to show that the simplest looks can say the most right?! Ha!

Welp, I gathered a few things that I had in my closet, some new, some old and put them together in this look. So there really is no concept in my looks during the winter beyond warmth and comfort honestly (which I know I’ve said before). For warmth, I really do love a fur jacket, coat, cardigan, etc., so that’s what I reached for in this look. I have a few furs, a couple which are jackets. Since this look is intended to be casual, I didn’t want to wear a fur coat which seems to be worn in a more formal fashion historically. Now of course you can break the mode and wear a maxi length coat if you like but I declined to do so.

My jacket was purchased years ago from Burlington Coat Factory on the clearance rack for under 20 bucks! Yes!! 20 bucks!!! It was extremely cheap because there was a genuine suede belt that accompanied the jacket in two loops but one of the loops was “broken”. I decided to cut both loops off and not wear the belt at all. I think it gives the coat a more luxurious look (beyond the black color). I grabbed a turtleneck dress that I bought on clearance from American Apparel last year. I saw this dress on Adrienne Bailon and fell in love with this dress. I bought the exact same color which is a sort of sea foam green. It balances the black of the jacket out pretty well. I’m exhausted with wearing dark colors in the winter and quite frankly I’m just ready for winter to be over lol. The turtleneck dress is a fitted one and really accentuates anyone’s curves that would wear it. My accessories are minimal. Since my dress comes a bit above the knees, I found the opportunity to wear thigh high boots (again for warmth) and even though they are open toe, I was warm because my thighs are covered. I wanted a sleek look so I opted for a bag I grabbed from H&M. The clean lines and contemporary look of the bag is exactly what I needed to balance the modern simplicity of this outfit. Let me know what you think of this outfit and also, let me know how you wear your furs!

Til next time,

Later Cupcakes!

Fur jacket: Burlington (similar here). Dress: American Apparel (similar here). Denim shirt: Walmart (similar here). Boots: Shoedazzle (similar here). Bag: H&M.

Casual Friday: Office Appropriate

Posted on January 15, 2016 by The Style Cake

This is dedicated to all of my style friends out there that work in the office environment. When I worked in an office (I do still work in my own office), I couldn’t wait for casual Friday because I hated business wear. The thing is, even though as a staff we got to wear more casual attire, we still had guidelines to follow. The point of this outfit look is to actually show how you can be casual and stylish while still dressed appropriately for the office environment.

Since long line jackets are among my favorite pieces to keep in a wardrobe, I think incorporating such a thing in an outfit can automatically keep your look business-like without looking boring. Naturally, anything can rock a fresh pair of jeans I will so I opted for a pair from Forever 21. They cost about 10 bucks and are a basic wash denim. A basic wash doesn’t look to “decorated” that they detract from the business aspect of your look. I paired the jeans with a mock turtleneck top, white in color for a clean, fresh detail of the look. I added a scarf for esthetic and and comfort, another layer as well as an extra bit of (depth of) color. My boots are the rugged yet chic detail of my look. They boast an overt stitched, thick sole and fur at the outer inside area of the shoe as well as the tongue. I love this design of boot because it’s wet and snowy out. I won’t risk breaking my neck in heels with these! Let me know if you likey! I will see you guys back here tomorrow for a special (not really lol) post!

Later Cupcakes!

Jacket: Thrifted (similar here). Turtleneck: Thrifted (similar here). Scarf: (New) Goodwill (similar here). Jeans: Forever 21 (almost similar here). Boots: Target. Bag: H&M.