How To Style: Casual Menswear 2021

As a child, my mother dressed me in plenty masculine clothes. Did I love it? Absolutely not! Ugh! I hated those baggy, brown plaid, squarely designed and patterned clothing. It was not me and I spent time trying to wear as many clingy pieces that I could when I got old enough. 

As an adult, I somehow always find the appeal in menswear. I style my husband and son quite often because I love the intricacies of suits and accessories, matching and contrasting colors, plaids and stripes. Once when my son had school pictures, I dressed him in a hoodie and jeans. I couldn’t be “normal” though so I had to add a blazer on the outside and a button up shirt underneath the hoodie. He felt so cool and I think I almost loved the outfit more than he did!

I was a bit inspired this time around to wear something inspired by what my son wears these days. He’s almost a teen which I can’t believe but I enjoy watching him put things together. It gives me inspiration to get put together on days where I feel like being frumpy. Since I still feel frumpy most days, I wanted to put an outfit together that not only reflects that but something of a outfit that I can go out for drinks in and still feel cozy. Maybe it’s just me, quarantine can really damper the desire to get all dressed up!

I grabbed what I had in my closet but with tags still on and created the look I was going for: casual menswear. One of the most comfortable things I wear are my husbands shirts and joggers. This time I wore my clothes even though I felt like I was wearing his…but in style!

Hat: Pretty Little Thing.

Boots: SOLD OUT.

Shirt: Calvin Klein.

Joggers (Green SOLD OUT): J Lux Label.

Blazer: Boohoo.

 

How To Style: The Comfort of Sophistication

“…go ahead and switch the style up…” -50 (shrugs).

Not the most sophisticated quote huh? That’s what I remembered when I decided that I would start blogging again. Things have changed for me though. Before, blogging was sheer experimentation with fashion. I’ve enjoyed playing with trends and toying around with colors, patterns, fabrics and eras that these fit into. I’ve always had a “style” but I figured I was boring. I needed to find some fun venturing into the broad lanes of fashion. I enjoyed the ride and am ready to be comfortable in my own style again. While venturing into fashion, I could’ve cared less about being polished or “put together”. Sometimes, my outfit just turned out polished. Being polished wasn’t my goal, experience was.

I now know what I love. Even more, I know what fabrics fall best on my body. I remember from my initial discovery of my style what colors I love to see against skin as well as patterns. I decided to only wear styles of skirts, dresses, pants, tops, etc that compliment my body no matter how gorgeous it looks on screen, mannequin or hangers. This is my style. When you find your style, you’re most comfortable. There’s something very sophisticated about being comfortable in your own style. Wearing things properly fitted in patterns that compliment the skin tone you have and accentuating certain parts of the body is sophistication. No NEED for “labels” or monograms, spending tons and draining the account. The comfort of sophistication costs nothing! I switched my style up…back to the original me and I’m comfortable with that!

Coat: Old, Pants: OhPolly (sold out), Bodysuit (similar): Pretty Little Thing, Handbag: H&M (sold out), similar: Rainbow, Belt: Vintage, Hat (Alternate Color): Pretty Little Thing, Sunglasses: Forever 21 (sold out).

How To Style: Not Quite Winter White

Eh! Where has the time gone?! These last few years have been crazy for me. Even more so, everyone has been in a time warp of this new decade we’ve started a year ago. Things have been beyond crazy. Most of us are tired of holding on to the edge of our seats because we want to be out and about. Understood. As crazy as everything has been, I’ve been trying to carve out some time to get back into blogging.

I will update you all on everything that has transpired (as much as I can). In the meantime I’ve been doing some working. I have some projects that I’ve been working on a for years and this year, I am trying to get them off the runway.

I’m trying to take care of myself and be safe. That in itself is a LONG story. I’m hoping that all of my readers are doing well and your families are safe. Thank you so much for sticking around and supporting! I look forward to sharing more of me on this blog!

This is my first styling post for this year and I wanted to make sure it went up on the first day of February. Partly because it should have gone up before January was up. February means it’s snow on the ground here in Michigan. This post was done before last week’s snowfall. I wanted to be comfy and chic because this weather makes you want to be cozy. I created this outfit for comfort first and style second.

My boots although high heel are comfy and easy to walk in. The cardigan feels like a blanket and my dress is soothing on the skin. Anyhoo, I hope you like what I put together. More to come. IG posts coming back soon! To everyone that has left me well wishes and have been concerned about me, I appreciate you and love you guys…thank you so much for even caring!!! Stay safe, enjoy some comedy and the outdoors to preserve or encourage mental health.❤️

Cardigan: Pretty Little Thing, Dress: H&M, Carole Heeled Boots: Shoedazzle (for alternate search Mattison), Handbag: Aldo (sold out). Belt: vintage.

Rebranding… 

*So let me just first apologize to you all for the uploads that shouldn’t be uploaded. I’ve been having issues with my blogging app and I’ve had a recent update so hopefully that fixes the issue. (Update: it hasn’t. I will be alerting my blogging platform.) 

*Secondly, I am planning to have set blogging schedule that will include only two outfit looks per week. This will allow for me to release only the most quality posts with crisp, clear photos. 

(Back to the purpose of this post). 

I have been juggling a lot lately and it’s been making rethink the direction of my blog. I want The Style Cake to be connected to greatness. This means that I have some new commitments and am currently changing, overhauling and rebranding. I want you all to LOVE coming over to the blog and always feel that it was totally worth your time. 

My look is all about expressing this change on my blog as well as the rebranding that I am going through. This look is very defined and contemporary but is modern, stylish and doesn’t rob the pockets even though it looks of quality. I feel true to my style and most comfortable when I am true to my style. 

The menswear look of the coat that I’m wearing denotes my ownership of this blog as well as my plans and actions to move forward with this brand. Hopefully you all stick around and grow with me. Change is good and this change will be recognizable but beneficial. I promise you all will love what you see! On that note, please feel free to chat and I’ll reply. Stay tuned and leave feedback! 

Talk to you all very soon, 
The Style Cake 💋

Jeans: Fashion Nova. Coat: Forever 21 (same here) & (similar here and here). Top: H&M. Hat: Boohoo (similar here). Shoes: Thrifted. 


Pops! 

Lately I’ve been shopping for fall findings and in the process finding items that are now too big so I’m getting rid of them. We’re in that point of summer that some of us are ready to wear fall clothes but it’s flaming hot outside lol. Needless to say, getting rid of things and feeling between seasons can pose an issue when the quantity of your wardrobe goes down. How to do you retain versatility in your wardrobe with little options? 

Pops of color and patterns! When I first started blogging I had tons of clothes and shoes because I had accumulated them over a decade (at least). Not everyone has that “luxury”, blogger or not so being able to have versatility to give different looks with little means is an important part of styling. I recommend gathering accessories, (purses, belts, jewelry) in various colors against neutrals (and leopard print of course) to have more option with your looks. Check out how I mixed and matched and let me know what you think! 

Later Cupcakes 💙

Shoes: Aldo (sold out). Pants: Forever 21, similar. Tank: Target. Necklace: Sassy Jones Boutique, similar. Bracelets: F 21 (sold out). Sunglasses: eBay. Earrings: H&M, similar





Hot Days & Cooler Nights

Note: Very short post.

After a long break from social media to enjoy my 13th anniversary with hubby ( and to maintain my mental health) I am back to share this look I’m wearing. Now although the days are super hot, the nights can drop down in the 50s. With no sun, that can be pretty cool. The solution? I added a light to medium weight cargo jacket to my outfit. It also adds a “polished” layer of look to the entire outfit. I am wearing a tank and some denim shorts because lately I’ve been bent on comfort and simplicity. The chicest part of my look would be my sunnies. It pulls the entire look together. Let me know what you guys think! I’m getting out of here to go find some shade lol. I’ve got a few fun posts coming up but until then…

Later Cupcakes 💋

Jacket: Fashion Nova. Tank & Shorts (sold out): Target. Necklace: Aldo, similar. Shoes: Ross (sold out). Sunglasses: eBay. Clutch: A.A (sold out). 

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Autumn in the Summer Time

We’re smack dab in the middle of summer and what am I thinking of? You guessed it, fall! I can’t help it! My husband always says that I have the mind of a designer. I think about fashion and seasons one season or two ahead of the current season. The advantage? I can properly purge and rebuild my wardrobe so that I am not scrambling when the next season rolls around. I am starting my seasonal transition into fall right now. 

First way to transition from one season to the next is with color. As much as I love spring and summer colors, I love fall colors just as much. The colors are so deep and passionate. As I’m shopping, im grabbing more plums, greens (hunter and kelly), navy blues, grays and blacks. In this current outfit I’m wearing a transition color of green. I paired a green tee dress (tied to be used as a shirt) with my black tribal print shorts that I thrifted. The color coordination is literally a no brainer. I deepened the color palette of this look by adding a black statement necklace and black platform heels which help to elongate my otherwise short legs. I grabbed a simple black clutch and my Aztec print clipboard (since I’m officially a stylist) to complete the look. Are you doing a slow transition into fall? Let me know if you’ve been shopping….

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Shorts: Thrifted. Shirt (Dress): F21. Necklace: eBay. Shoes: Fashion Nova, similar. Clutch: American Apparel (sold out). 

 

…Cause Coachella 

Every time around this time of year, the festival of music known as Coachella is highlighted. In instances where those of us from other areas can’t attend, the music and vibes are still shares via social media and air waves. Of course, I’m likely not able to attend this year as I wasn’t able to attend last year due to current circumstances and priorities. However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t wear a Coachella inspired look.

I think we all (who are acquainted with Coachella) know the “typical” attire that seems to be worn to the festival. Well I guess my look today can be Coachella-wear derived. I’m a style chameleon, not allowing people to label me nor try to identify my style. I like what I like, that’s my style. Sometimes a boho look tickles my fancy.

So shopping online, actually on eBay, I happened upon one of my favorite jewelry and accessories seller’s page. That’s where I fell in love with a beautiful necklace (which I’m wearing in this look). My cardigan is also from eBay, and I love it! The color compliments my skin tones and offers that boho pop of color against the nude of my dress. The crochet lace gives softness to the cardigan, offering a feminine touch to the entire look. My glasses are meant to pop against the nude just like my necklace and cooling down the warmth of this outfit. I initially thought about wearing my fringe bag but thought the fringe would detract from the floral design of my cardigan. Instead, I opted for my simple black clutch to sort of ground the look in an underwhelming manner and also bridge the “gap” of my sandals to the rest of my outfit. Needless to say, I was inspired to do this look cause Coachella…

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Cardigan, Glasses & Necklace: eBay. Dress: H&M. Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell. Bag: American Apparel. 

   

  
  

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.


  
  
  

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.