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.

Style Lusts #2

Posted on by The Style Cake

I hope you enjoyed the first installment of this new blog series. I am back with more things that I am loving to add to style lusts. So here goes it:

1. Khaki Trench Coats: 

All the rave usually during the summer and spring months, trench coats are a fabulous addition to any wardrobe. If you love a polished look and want to add any flair to an otherwise ordinary outfit, grab a safari khaki colored trench coat for the finishing touch. I had a trench coat years ago but I got rid of it because it wasn’t flattering on my post baby body. I am currently looking for a new trench and will share once I find THE one! I prefer Safari green or khaki for that classic look but but don’t be afraid to explore color such as navy, pink, peach, black and/or red. 

  

2. Gladiator Knee High Heeled Sandals:

I am a gladiator sandal lover but I prefer my sandal with a heel. I found a few pair online, one which I purchased from Topshop. I couldn’t pass them up! They were almost $100 off the regular retail price. This is a great time to grab them if you love them. This time of the year is when most people travel to warmer climates so they are looking for resort wear. Gladiator heeled sandals are perfect for vacation styling. A basic kimono and these sandals are an instant outfit! When my heels arrive, I will be sure to share! 

  

Photo credit: Topshop


3. Dainty Necklace Sets:

I love a great piece of jewelry. In my previous Style Lusts post I talked about loving statement necklaces. Welp, on those days when you don’t feel like being decked out in full on jewelry, a simple dainty necklace set works best. They are so chic and the sets are a no brainer that don’t require trying to pair the perfect necklaces together for a nice balance. I would get three metal colors, rose gold, gold and silver toned. You can mix metals for a little extra flair! Check out Layered Chains for beautiful dainty pieces and use the code “thestylecake” for 10% off! Who doesn’t love a discount? 

 
Photo credit: www.layeredchains.com 

4. Choker “Necklaces”:

I am true fan of 90s style because it is so effortless while at the same time grungy and chic. I’m old enough to have worn the styles when they were hot. The Spice Girls, Brandi, Xscape, TLC, and more have all inspired 90s style. At one time or another, we’ve seen chokers on the runways, in magazines and major fashion figures. I am simply in love with chokers. Nowadays, the styles of chokers have evolved. I am lusting over a peach colored choker that I saw on a particular website. I guess I could make it myself but I strongly believe in supporting small businesses. Photo credit coming soon…

  

5. Finger/Knuckle Rings & Arm Cuffs: 

I honestly love knuckle rings but I have the hardest time keeping them on. Most times, I end up taking them off halfway through the day. I don’t know why. I am desperately trying to get used to keeping them on. I also love hand cuffs and arm cuffs but I tend to do the same with them as well. They add a bit of sex appeal to any outfit but they are accessories and don’t sacrifice the modesty of any look. I have some and I am in LOVE!!! Photo credit coming soon…

  

6. Crochet Tops & Skirts: 

So a few years back I started crocheting and I was actually getting good at it. Life happened and got in the way and I couldn’t finish what I started. I regret that. Well, not regret but I wish I hadn’t quit. I’ve found that crocheting interests me again and I am looking forward to making some pieces that I have been imagining in my head. My first project may actually be a clutch handbag (because I am obsessed with crochet at the moment) and I will be sure to share what I make. Just remember, crocheting is sexy!! 

7. Pink & Nude Nail Polishes: 

Oh how much may I express my love for nudes and pinks when it pertains to nail lacquers?! In the winter, everyone is looking for their next vacation to escape the cold. To celebrate the tropical climate I am planning to travel to, I would wear bright pink or nude colors. I will discuss some of my fave brands (updated) very soon. Now I know most people are into dark colors for the fall and winter seasons but in the winter I become a pink loving “girl”. I actually head to the salon this Thursday for a fill and guess what color I will be choosing? Yup! A bright pink! I know I’m going against the grain but that’s what style is all about, stand out! 

8. Blonde Hair:

I’ve worn my hair out for the past couple of months and I am itching to wear a different color: blonde! I think softer colors in the winter are just glorious and feminine. As I have discussed before, I make a bit of a transition to what I consider winter colors for styling of all kind. I will be showing you guys my new style soon, a wig of course. Stay tuned…..

9. Bold Statement Clutch:

Need I say more? The simplest outfit can be made to pop with a banging bold clutch. I recently spotted one on Instagram that I need to grab. I will show you a picture but I will share where I made my purchase in a later post as I will do a review. Don’t be afraid to experiment with sequins, prints, sizes or even styles. To be continued…

  

10. Basic Heel Pumps: 
Last thing that I am loving is a basic pump. A basic pump can take a rather plain outfit from “eh” to “wow”!! Every girl needs a nude pair and black pair in her closet. I recommend pumps that are not patent leather for a first pair. You can wear pumps with jeans and a tee, joggers, dresses, rompers and jumpsuits and an array of other styling options. I wouldn’t skimp on quality. For a lower end priced shoe with quality, try Steve Madden. They have the basic pump in a bunch of colors. 

  


Now that you know what I am loving right now, tell me what you are loving right now. See you back here next week for more Style Lusts!

Bye Cupcakes!! 💋

La Fourrure

Posted on by The Style Cake

Despite what my calendar says, the weather says it’s officially winter. It’s about 45 degrees and to me, that’s fur weather. Well, almost. I decided to go against the grain a bit and wear a fur shawl instead of a full on fur. Furs are extremely warm for bitterly cold climates and you won’t need much more outerwear coverage than that.

I bought this fur a couple years back while thrifting. The only thing I don’t like about it is the bit of shedding it does. I need to get the fur conditioned (treated) and it’ll be fine. To have that 1930’s bit of flair, I thought the fur would look awesome with a big floppy hat, a clutch bag, fur booties and simple basic outfit. Turtlenecks are my “thing” this season so this navy blue one is perfect against my “lace down the leg” leggings. Pretty simple right? That’s the point. I’ve been trying to show that you don’t need much to put together a haute look. I promise I’ll complicate my looks starting with the next look!!  *wink* My hat color is intentional to give some nudeness to an otherwise dark look. The brightness of the shawl gives the perfect tinge of elegance on an otherwise casual look. I didn’t want to take away or add anymore to the look so wearing my favorite black American Apparel clutch. Let me know what you think!! I’d love to hear from you!!!

Until tomorrow for another “Style Lusts” post….

Bye Cupcakes!!! 💋

Shirt: JCP. Pants: Karmaloop (old).  Booties: Shoedazzle (old). Hat: Gadzooks (old). Shawl: Thrifted. Earring Studs: H&M. 

Wildly Simple

Posted on by The Style Cake

This look was supposed to be up yesterday but with everyone a bit more distracted because of black Friday, I thought that Saturday would be a better time. Actually, today wasn’t exactly a bad time to post for me either lol. This outfit is fairly simple because I love simplicity when it comes to putting pieces together. You don’t need a lot in your wardrobe in order to put together a nice fit. In fact, my mother used to tell me that super models dress “simply” so I should never feel bad if I didn’t have a lot to put together a look. In other words, play up your “lack of” a wardrobe. I have enough things in my wardrobe to construct a many of outfits but sometimes less is more (and best). I decided against jewelry beyond my charm coin bracelet and hoop earrings. The wild parts of my outfit are the shoes and glasses. These pops of leopard print ignite the sassiness of the look!! Let me know what you think and I will see you back here Monday for another outfit look…

Bye Cupcakes!! 💋

Shoes: Zara. Bag: Justfab. Cost: Loehmann’s. Glasses: eBay. Turtleneck: Forever 21. Jeans: Fashion Nova.