The Style Cake – Page 24 – Lifestyle and health blog

Fur, Velvet, Snow & Such….

Posted on February 22, 2015 by The Style Cake

I’ve been apprehensive since I started this blog about posting fashion looks. So, I’m being very transparent in this post when I say that I have a fear of failure and not being able to measure up to myself and what I expect to become. Welp, I’ve decided this year that I need to be adventurous and willing to take risks! So….here I go! The weather is not necessarily permitting but this snow is not going anywhere anytime soon. I decided to incorporate a little velvet (velour), fur, leather AND of course, snow! Please let me know what you think of my first fashion post/ootd! Peace!

P.S. I was an event for The Lip Bar.
(Blog post on the event will be up Monday).

Stylewatch: Minimalist Jewelry

Posted on February 20, 2015April 22, 2016 by The Style Cake

For most of the country, we could care less about showing off any form of jewelry. It is so frigid outside, the only accessories we care about wearing consist of scarves, hats, gloves/mittens and any other piece that can keep us warm. Welp, there is nothing wrong with preparing for warmer months when we can actually see one accessory in particular: jewelry.

Knuckle Rings, toe rings, slave bracelets, anklets, chokers and such are of some of my fave pieces of jewelry. The most growing popular trend is the minimalist trend. With all the various fashion trends that are emerging this year in the spring and summer season, most involve plenty of detail that beg for only simplistic style of jewelry. Never over-power an already decorated outfit with excessive jewelry, accessories nor shoes. Doing so takes away from the look. No need to paint the peacock right? In fact, even the most basic outfit looks a bit classier with dainty jewelry. Remember, minimalist can mean both the style of jewelry (less gaudy) and the amount of jewelry worn.

Celebs are rocking the minimalist jewelry trend as I have noticed in recently red carpet events and runways are putting less gaudy jewelry and accessories on display. Check out the pics of my teeny tiny haul of minimalist jewelry below and let me know what you think. Ciao!

Fashion Trends for Spring/Summer 2015

Posted on February 15, 2015 by The Style Cake

….Well I don’t know about you but it has been a long and drawn out winter. The snow seems relentless and the temperature, even worse. I’m ready for spring and summer as of last month so let’s talk trends for the two upcoming seasons.

Currently, everyone that is someone in the fashion world is at NYFW…and I am at home trying to stay warm lol. At fashion week, Fall 2015 fashions are being previewed to most that are still in threads that exhibit fashions of 2014…of the Autumn season of course. I sit at home reeling over the fantastic trends that are emerging for the two season ahead of us. I am going to note some of the trends that are becoming increasingly popular as well as share what my favorites are.

1. Lace– everyone will be rocking some kind of lace this upcoming season. I found a lace duster that I absolutely love (but I will share all the details later). Lace is a bit of a refreshing style of fabric…simple yet complicated, with a drastically feminine flair. My go to color for lace will be white.

2. Floral Prints– Vintage style, tropical, abstract, monochromatic, faded…all of these have a unique look although we have seen floral print so many times so many different ways.

3. 70s Fashion– I just bought a duster that I love! It reminds me of the 70s but isn’t the drab brown, mustard and burnt orange colors that usually come with fashions of this era. Now modernized, fashions could include fringe, suede trench coats/jackets, gladiator sandals etc. I will discuss these as other trends later on.

4. Jumpsuits, Wide Leg Pants/Jeans & Maxi Dresses- Skinny jeans will take a back seat in fashion along with two piece sets and mini dresses. Flowing wide leg pants as well as 70s style inspired jeans, will make a serious comeback. I am partial to flowy wide leg pants. When wearing these, be sure to also wear a fitted tank or top (perhaps crop) to continue a nice balance in the outfit. Jumpsuits are great for those that are not great in piecing separates together. They compliment the silhouette and are a complete outfit in one piece. Jumpsuits are one of my faves of all trends. Maxi dresses offer the same benefits of jumpsuits with a free flowing feel. Try a wide leg jumpsuit to combine two trends in one!

5. Fringe– This trend has been around for a while as a “new” trend but combined with a duster…fabulous!

6. Gladiator Sandals– I honestly did not think that I would see this trend back so soon but it seems gladiator sandals will be wildly popular this summer. The new thing with this trend: skin tone colors. Avoid black or white. Flat gladiator sandals will be worn the most.

7. Cleated Sole Chunky Platform Mules/Clogs– I am excited about this trend. I love platform heels, when done correctly. Single soles are of my favorite when it comes to heels. Well, the chunky soles of the 70s and 90s are making a comeback baby!

8. Wrap Skirts– Anybody call the 90s back? It seems that this upcoming pattern of trends include a lot of influence from the 70s and 90s. The wrap skirt was extremely popular in both eras. This season, the wrap skirt will boast being partially open to show a little thigh. The best I’ve seen had buckles, suede and a longer length to boast its style. Pair one of these lovelies with a bodysuit to emphasize this trend.

9. Denim Shirt Dress (or denim anything)- What is there not to like about this trend? Casual or dressy, dress this trend up to the occasion. (I saw a fab one that I intend to go back and purchase. Nothing bugs you more than the item of clothing that you didn’t purchase). Welp, I will be going back to get that denim shirt dress and it will be featured in a future blog post! For denim ad ons, try a denim vest, duster or jacket.

10. Waterfall Skirts– Chiffon fabric for a waterfall skirt makes a rather bold fashion statement. Make it casual by pairing with a denim vest or chambray button up. Perhaps a black lace tank will make the outfit fancy and a bit more formal than the latter.

Of the trends I’ve listed, gladiator sandals are probably my least favorite. The rest I am equally excited about. There are more trends that are going be popular among the fashion world. What trends are you noting to make a comeback. Which ones are you most excited about?

Fitness, Food and Future Body Goals

Posted on January 30, 2015 by The Style Cake

Warning: Long Post!

2015. January 1. A significant date for so many people because it marks the first day of a new beginning and that includes new fitness and body resolutions. I don’t believe in new year resolutions. I try to resolve that I will improve on me every day of my life. That being said, last year hubby and I decided that it was time to really invest in ourselves. We took our butts to LA Fitness and got ourselves memberships. I think I was most excited because we previously had memberships at Planet Fitness and I hated it!! I won’t even honor them by giving details of my experience, let’s just say THEY couldn’t pay ME to go to their gym. Anyhoo, we also had a very short experience with Fitness19 (I won’t even call it a membership…long story). Anyhoo, on to my experience with my membership at LA Fitness. I am truly enjoying myself. I love that the environment is nice and bright, there are various different equipments for each body group, personal trainers, saunas, a swimming pool as well as a kids center. I find all the amenities make it easier to WANT to go and work out. That being said, on to what I’ve been doing.

Working Out….

I typically go to the gym AT LEAST four days a week. I love to “confuse” my muscles because I want the max results from the workout that I do when I strength train. Each visit, I change up my routine, the exercises as well as weight amounts, reps, sets and so forth. I spend two days working on one body area and two days for the two others and then I switch up each week which body area I will work out for two days. For instance, I may do my arms and shoulders on Monday and Tuesday then I will work on my abs one day and legs the other day. The next week, legs will get two days and the others one day and so on and so forth. I always like to push myself past what I think I can do. Every few days, I incorporate some cardio and HIIT (high intensity interval training). I intend to start attending spinning classes, I heard they are very intense and that is what I love.

Moving on to my nutrition….

I happen to love “healthy foods” by nature so it is not very hard for me to eat clean. I tend to stay away from fried foods as well as sweets and a lot of salt. I drink tons of water (which happens to be my favorite beverage) and as a treat, I have sparkling water of different flavors. I don’t buy sweets, chips and other tempting foods that can sidetrack me from my goals. My fave snacks are non-sugar dried fruits and nuts, steamed shrimp, soft boiled eggs and popcorn. If I can’t purchase fresh vegetables, I buy frozen because they contain less salt content. I drink tea and not as much coffee as I used to. I am then able to avoid cream and sugar.

Words of advice: LEAVE THE SCALE ALONE! The scale is not the only way to measure progress. Measure your fat percentage as well as inches and “before and after” photos. Find an item of clothing that can help you gauge your progress. DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS! All of us are different and our paths will be different as well. Compare yourself to your old self, bad habits and all and you will feel encouraged.

My goals: I plan to be at my ideal body by April 2015. I started in November. That gives me six generous months to get to my goal. I see progress and I will keep going. I hope to once again have my 25 inch waist!

Lime Crime Haul and Review

Posted on January 24, 2015 by The Style Cake

Happy weekend lovely people!!

I am so happy that I am able to do this blog post because I have been wanting the products that I will be talking about for a very long time. I am talking about my two lip items from Lime Crime makeup. I have been in LOVE with neutral colors lately. That being said, I bought a lipstick in the color “Coquette” and a Velvetine in the color “Cashmere”. Both of the colors are beyond gorgeous and beyond my expectation. “Coquette” is very creamy and has a pale orangey neutral base with a slight pinkish taupe pop of color. It glides on to the skin and on top of my brown skin is so complimentary! I’m obsessed!!

Cashmere is an absolute favorite of mine now. First off, for those that are not aware what Velvetines are, Lime Crime describes them as “ground-breaking…goes on liquid and dries completely matte. Touch proof, transfer proof, long-wearing and utterly addictive”. I would venture to say that I agree with every word of these two statements. The formula is excellent and the color is magnificent to say the least. I was shocked because I thought “Cashmere” would look too cool on my skin but it actually translates to a wonderfully neutral based color. I am now on the site looking to see what other colors of both Velvetines and lipsticks I want to purchase next. I can’t wait for “Riot” (Velvetine) to be released. Hopefully, it is released around the time “Wicked” is restocked.

My only but big complaint about Lime Crime? The shipping is awful (in my opinion). I ordered on the 8th of January and I just received it on the 23rd of January. That can be a problem if you have an upcoming event and need these products. My advice: order a month in advance. Anyhoo, please share your review and experience with Lime a Crime makeup below, what do you think of the swatches?

. Top: “Coquette” Bottom: “Cashmere” (not yet dried)

My Winter Skin Care Routine

Posted on January 16, 2015 by The Style Cake

So….it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Life has a way of intervening but I am now truly getting back into this thing I love: blogging. Anyhoo, on to the main feature of this post: my winter skin care routine. For those of you that don’t know, I live in the state of Michigan and in the winter my skin needs tlc because the air is so very cold and dry. It took me a little while to get a good routine going because I had to find products that truly satisfied my skin. First, let me say that I wear makeup occasionally. More often than not, I wear a little clear gloss, neaten my brows and hustle out of the door. However, there are moments in time that I will wear makeup several days in a row. When I do, I must detox my skin after. One of my fav products to do this happens to be GlamGlow’s SuperMud. This product leaves my skin refreshed and clean without feeling stripped. The smell of it reminds me of mint and black licorice but I will deal with that for the benefits. Impurities are pulled from my skin and I can truly rid my skin of the leftover makeup residue that even washing leaves behind. After I use the SuperMud, I follow right behind with the ThirstyMud. This hydrates my skin without making my skin look oily. I tend to do this detox routine at least once a month. Occasionally, I use the YouthMud on my face after that feminine time of the month (because my skin stretches out due to some water weight gain) to reduce the appearance of darkness after the water weight recedes. Don’t judge me lol. This is my routine straight, no chaser. The YouthMud can feel a little….umm…volatile, if I may use that word, on the skin. It burns quite a bit. However, I do see a change in my skin. Hyper pigmentation has been reduced over time and my skin feels smoother.

*Side note, sometimes I use the SuperMud and the ThirstyMud BEFORE I do my makeup and my skin looks luminous! I love that!

Next, I will talk about my everyday skin routine. I typically don’t do much or use a ton of products because I don’t want to “confuse” my skin. In this dry air, moisture is top priority. I use to think that because my face has an oily t-zone, that meant my face could not get dry. Wrong! Dry skin can happen to anyone. My fav thing to use this season as a cleanser is Julep’s Bare Face Cleansing Oil. I rub the cleanser on my face, let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off. My face has no residue left behind and my skin is left moisturized and “bright”. After cleansing, I follow up with my Vitamin C Skin Boost by the Body Shop in my “highlight” facial areas. I also use REN Hydra-Calm a Day Cream on the rest of my face. I do this in the morning and before bed. Lastly, I take Hair, Skin & Nail vitamins daily.

*Side note: To take makeup off I use Witch Hazel and for acne pimples, I use Oxy Spot Treatment.

On my lips, I use a very popular baby product: A+D Ointment. It doesn’t have the best ingredients but I love it to “seal” out the cold dry air. Other lip balms seem to dissipate from my lips during cold months still leaving my lips dry so this ointment does the trick for me.

So that’s my complicated yet simple skin routine. Along with this routine, I eat a healthy diet to compliment my outer efforts to maintain healthy skin in these cold winter months. How do you take care of your skin in these cold brutal months?

Fall Makeup Shopping & Trends

Posted on August 29, 2014 by The Style Cake

Autumn happens to be my absolute favorite season and when I see the red, berry and plum lips colors I get excited! One trend that is sexier than ever for the fall are nude lips and nude eyes. I still am quite obsessed with berries, plums and red for lip color. I’ve done some shopping and posted pics below of my haulage. Some old goodies and some new finds of newly released collections are all mixed in. Have you played in makeup lately? Have you made any good beauty purchases? If so, share what you got…I may be inclined to purchase based on your suggestions! Lol.

Fall Fashion: Altuzarra for Target

Posted on August 15, 2014 by The Style Cake

I’m sorry I have been away for so long. Life has a way of throwing curve balls. I’m excited to be back in enough time from my hiatus to share my excitement about fall fashion and a new collection soon to be released. Are you guys as excited as I am about the Joseph Altuzarra for Target collection? I am setting aside my funds and have already chosen what I can’t wait to purchase. What are you eager to buy? My picks are below.

Photo credit: Target & Vogue

Review: Lush "The Greeench" Deodorant

Posted on March 18, 2014April 22, 2016 by The Style Cake

So, I’ve been on the hunt for a great deodorant to replace the normal aluminum based deoderant I’ve been using. The oh so popular aluminum based deoderants are really bad for us but they work so well. They’ve been known to cause cancer and other health issues. Somehow, I was lead to Lush Cosmetics and decided to go in to give their powder deodorant a try. It’s called Greeench. I’ve tried it for a solid week and I have to say that I love it! The tea tree oil extract in this powder deoderant kills the bacteria that can cause the awful armpit smell we all hate. I’ve officially converted to the Greeench for my permanent deoderant. If you’d like to try it, head to a Lush in your area and ask for a sample. The sample can last for about a week depending on how much you use.

Review: Lush "The Greeench" Deodorant

Posted on March 18, 2014April 22, 2016 by The Style Cake