Fit for A Hayride…

This fall I had every intent on going to the cider mill, the apple orchard or to a pumpkin patch but things have not worked out. Something always seems to come up and get in the way. That’s life right? Well, the weather has gotten increasingly colder and the wind is full on brisk. I love to dress for the weather getting colder. I get to put together layers and play with different and contrasting textures and prints.

Anyhow, I was gong to be exposed to the elements so I wanted to be warm and comfy. I chose a sweatshirt, perfect for a brisk day and leggings for a 90s feel. My leggings, although warm, were not warm enough to combat the brisk air so I opted for my thigh thigh high flat boots from JustFab for more warmth. I tied a hoodie around my waist. It’s a deconstructed hoodie that adds a bit of ruggedness to the outfit. The sweater is the highlight of the entire outfit. I purchased this sweatshirt from H&M this past summer for only 10 bucks!! I bought mine larger than normal so that it fit oversized. Lastly, I had no bag (as I wouldn’t on a real hayride) and I wore some simple hoop earrings to complete this look.

You don’t have to be “glam” all the time in order to be stylish. Picking pieces and putting them together, even if casual can stylish as long as you are expressing YOUR personal input on fashion. So, share your feedback below and don’t forget to check out my Instagram where I may post looks that I don’t blog about and also where I may show things that I pick up from a shopping trip. Til Wednesday for another ootd…

Ciao Cupcakes!

Casual Friday: Denim, Studs & Scarves

The fringe craze is seriously upon the fashion world. I initially wanted to wear a pair of boots that I just had to have. They boast fringe decoration along the back of the and the boot (which is faux suede) is thigh high with an open toe. Instead, I changed my mind and decided to wear studded block gladiator heels from Shoedazzle for this look. It gives the look a bit more edge.

Sidenote: The shoes were only $12!!

I’m a lover of contrast so my outfit although almost completely denim, had to have not only different washes of denim but differing colors. My shirt is dark blue vintage washed and the pants are washed gray denim. The jeans are skinny, reminiscent of American Apparel but they are from Forever 21. Way cheaper in price and maybe a little better in quality.  I decided on no jewelry and instead wore this scarf that I bought a little while ago. (I plan my outfits almost a month in advance most times). It kept me warm without the need of a jacket or coat. I love the dual sidedness of the scarf and it sasses up the outfit. My clutch is American Apparel (which yo probably know by now lol).  My fall lip is MAC Riri “Talk That Talk”.

Oh, and lastly, I finally straightened my hair. I had to cut a few bad inches off but it’s okay. Anyhoo, share your thoughts below and I will see you back here Monday for another ootd!

Bye Cupcakes! 💋

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"Green With"…Grace

Literally it was summer yesterday and it is certainly feeling a lot more brisk these days. Despite that, I still was in the mood to rock a simple sandal. I don’t really have a “simple” sandal, (although I have my eye on a particular pair that I will discuss in another post) so I opted for a pair of Justfab sandals that I purchased last year.

The style is simple enough.  I love the lady like detail of the bow. There is one major detail that I must include in this post. The comfort of this shoe is absolutely awful. I walked around in these for about 30 minutes before I was ready to throw on some flats. The toe strap is very narrow. It makes the sandal extremely uncomfortable to wear. The absence of a platform is never a problem for me so I do not mind the single sole of a shoe. I wouldn’t advise making a purchase on this shoe. Buy at your own risk.

My dress is a Forever 21 purchase. It was the last dress on the rack but because I loved the color (Kelly Green) I grabbed it anyway. It is a bit too big (even though you can’t tell under my coat) which is okay because the dress was comfortable. The material is rather thin so I would not wear this without a coat in this brisk weather. The next time I wear this dress more than likely would be in the spring or summer. We are officially saying “farewell” to this dress for now. My trench coat is one that I purchased from Loehmann’s year ago but I love it because it is classic and stylish no matter the trends going on at that moment.

My accessories only consist of a clutch that I received as a gift from Julep. My “arrow” design choker necklace is from a chic company online by the name of Neon Wild. I love this choker, very simple and chic. The belt that I am wearing hails from Forever 21. This is an oldie that I purchased (it’s safe to say) about a decade ago. I didn’t wear any earrings as usually my hair covers my ears. This time, my ears are a bit exposed because I pulled my hair behind them due to the excessive wind blowing. Go figure! Lol.

I titled this post “Green With”…Grace because envy is not a word that I fancy. It does not reach for the positive in anyone’s heart and is the thief of joy. I chose the word grace because grace is “simple elegance..” according to Oxford’s Dictionary. My look is simple but is meant to exude some everyday elegance instead of the common trend of always showing every part of the body. You can be “green” and be a lady instead of being envious. Right? Anyhoo, tell me what you think of my look!! I will see you all you lovely people  right back here on Friday for another ootd!

Ciao Cupcakes!!

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"Green With"…Grace

Literally it was summer yesterday and it is certainly feeling a lot more brisk these days. Despite that, I still was in the mood to rock a simple sandal. I don’t really have a “simple” sandal, (although I have my eye on a particular pair that I will discuss in another post) so I opted for a pair of Justfab sandals that I purchased last year.

The style is simple enough.  I love the lady like detail of the bow. There is one major detail that I must include in this post. The comfort of this shoe is absolutely awful. I walked around in these for about 30 minutes before I was ready to throw on some flats. The toe strap is very narrow. It makes the sandal extremely uncomfortable to wear. The absence of a platform is never a problem for me so I do not mind the single sole of a shoe. I wouldn’t advise making a purchase on this shoe. Buy at your own risk.

My dress is a Forever 21 purchase. It was the last dress on the rack but because I loved the color (Kelly Green) I grabbed it anyway. It is a bit too big (even though you can’t tell under my coat) which is okay because the dress was comfortable. The material is rather thin so I would not wear this without a coat in this brisk weather. The next time I wear this dress more than likely would be in the spring or summer. We are officially saying “farewell” to this dress for now. My trench coat is one that I purchased from Loehmann’s year ago but I love it because it is classic and stylish no matter the trends going on at that moment.

My accessories only consist of a clutch that I received as a gift from Julep. My “arrow” design choker necklace is from a chic company online by the name of Neon Wild. I love this choker, very simple and chic. The belt that I am wearing hails from Forever 21. This is an oldie that I purchased (it’s safe to say) about a decade ago. I didn’t wear any earrings as usually my hair covers my ears. This time, my ears are a bit exposed because I pulled my hair behind them due to the excessive wind blowing. Go figure! Lol.

I titled this post “Green With”…Grace because envy is not a word that I fancy. It does not reach for the positive in anyone’s heart and is the thief of joy. I chose the word grace because grace is “simple elegance..” according to Oxford’s Dictionary. My look is simple but is meant to exude some everyday elegance instead of the common trend of always showing every part of the body. You can be “green” and be a lady instead of being envious. Right? Anyhoo, tell me what you think of my look!! I will see you all you lovely people  right back here on Friday for another ootd!

Ciao Cupcakes!!

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Peace and Tranquility (OOTD)

This world can truly get the best of us if we allow it. The traffic, tall buildings, large crowds and daily pressures can all be too much. We can all find ourselves needing to unplug and get away. Sometimes I take a few days from social media to unwind and to find my calm. Being a mom and a wife are not easy and sometimes, the world seems to loom over my shoulders. As a blogger, I know how dedicated one has to be to be growing and successful. You can’t just throw things together because others can detect that. I am very thoughtful when it comes to my blog and I am sincere in every post.

Some may view bloggers, vloggers and Youtube personality as above human but this is hardly the case. In fact, I think as a blogger, being exposed to much criticism can hurt sometimes. We have to be creative and always present original and personalized content. Our goal is to always capture and grab the audience. With all that being said, I needed a moment to refocus and get motivated again. I had been feeling so drab and drowned by other things that I had lost joy…and a some of my determination to keep going on my blog. I took a few days and got inspired by the things around me and to just take in nature. I captured my outfit one of those days and decided to put it into this OOTD with no makeup. Please share how you unwind and what keeps you motivated (besides money and notoriety). Also, let me know what you think about my outfit. A girl still has to be fashionable while relaxing right?! Lol. 

Until tomorrow for a beauty post and Wednesday for a fab ootd

Bye Cupcakes,

Candy.

 

Casual Friday

Warning: short post!

Brisk air, wind strong enough to mock Chicago’s windy days and not much sun called for the appropriate: a blazer. I bought this blazer a couple years back at a thrift store. It’s so great for the trends this fall and the color screams fall! My jeans are from H&M ($9.99) and my statement necklace & shoes, eBay. The shoes aren’t my favorite, the quality is well…I paid only $14.99 for them so they look and feel like the price. Ugh. Lesson learned. My crop tee is a Forever 21 purchase and the clutch, American Apparel. Let me know what you think! Pics to follow, talk to you Monday cupcakes!!

 

 

 

Beauty Mondays: 90's Makeup (Fall 2015)

Warning: Long Post and plenty of pictures.

Is it obvious yet that I am ready for fall? Lol. Well, I just love the vampy fall colors in makeup and clothing that go with the season. I hate that winter follows, so that’s the only part I don’t like about Autumn. I was actually wearing makeup in the 90’s so I know first hand what he makeup looked like. There were browns, muted oranges, brick and burnt reds, dark lip liners, thick natural non-uniformed brows, and natural blush colors. I made some recent purchases that I would like to share as well as some oldies that I already had in my arsenal that go with the fall 90’s theme.

First up is nail polish. Essie’s new Leggy Collection has two colors that I swooned over at first sight. “With the Band” is a burnt but cool toned, sort of brick red that looks great against any skin tone and color in my opinion. It is the epitome of the 90’s. The other color by Essie I love is “In the Lobby”. This color is dark, vampy and bold. It boasts the look of a red based plum that reminds me of nail colors worn all the time two decades ago. The formula goes on really smooth and pigmented which I appreciate because even if you’re not professional, you can get that spa treatment look on your nails. Check out the pics below!

With The Band
With The Band
In the Lobby
In the Lobby

Still talking nail polishes, I have three polishes by Julep, two lacquers by Floss Gloss and one more by Revlon that fit right into my faves for the upcoming season. The Julep colors are: Sharna, Lindsay and Coco. All three are lovely and some of my fave colors. Sharna shines as a shabby golden bronze. The Floss Gloss colors are: “Gangsta Boo” (red) and “Blood Suede & Tears” (reddish burnt brown). These colors go on rather thin and can appear streaky if you are not great at polishing nails. Just sayin. The colors are absolutely 90’s and gorg!! THE perfect red! Lastly, Revlon has a color “Velvet Rope” that screams old school. I don’t know why but this color reminds me of Halle Berry circa 1994. These polishes are some some of my oldies but goodies. Check out all the pic below!

Sharna
Sharna
Lindsay
Lindsay
Coco
(left) Gangsta Boo & Blood, Suede and Tears
(left) Gangsta Boo & Blood, Suede and Tears
Velvet Rope
Velvet Rope

Next is makeup! My favorite part! I have some lipsticks, a blush, a bronzing highlighter and a lip cream that I am showcasing. I absolutely can’t wait til Autumn so I can start rocking these beauties. Before I get into color, I actually grabbed MAC’s Fix + spray as I LOVE it so much! I’ve tried other sprays low and higher end and I always go back to my Fix +. It blends my makeup so well and will be another staple this upcoming season. The blush I’m loving for the upcoming season is MAC’s Ambering Rose. The bronzing highlighter in Glistening Sun  (by Maybelline Dream Mousse) has a similar effect. It offers a natural highlight without the intensity and extreme glitters of other highlighters. It totally reminds of a glorious sunset in the container and the glow of one when applied to the face. It’s warm orangey tone and small flacks of shimmer brighter the face naturally as it adds a sheen. The lip cream is obviously by Nyx and the color is London. I think that it is the perfect nude for fall. It’s warm and has a pink and peach undertone that won’t wash out the skin. For lipsticks, I chose all MAC lipsticks (not on purpose) but they all remind me of colors I wore in the 90s. All except two colors are limited edition but you can find dupes for the limited edition colors. Check out the pics below and let me know what beauty products you are planning to use this fall!

 

 

Ambering Rose
Ambering Rose

 

Glistening Sun
Glistening Sun
London

 

Fresh Moroccan
Fresh Moroccan
Smoked Purple
Smoked Purple
Deepest Wish
Deepest Wish
Talk that Talk
Talk that Talk
Fixed On Drama
Fixed On Drama

 

Designer Indulgences: Balmain Pre-Fall 2015 (Review)

Dare I say that I am already looking at fall clothing?! Ugh! I LOVE the summer and spring but in true fashionista form, I can’t help but to see what design are getting cranked out for cooler seasons. Now, rarely do I see clothing that makes me want to get out of my seat and dance but I just got back in my chair from shaking my tail feather! If you are not familiar with Balmain, please do yourself a favor and check out his designs. I, (eager to see what I could) looked through pictures from NYFW (posted online in March of this year) and was pleasantly floored by what I saw. Check out my favorite pics below and afterwards, read my review and take away….

   
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  


 Review

One word description: BOLD

I am in pure love with this collection. The colors and the demonstrative fabrics make for shows topping fashion. I enjoyed seeing wide leg pants, flowy and popping with color. The belts are very unique and are diverting inspiration for copy cat designers to make wide belts with large buckles. The floral prints are overwhelming and yet work correctly for the fabrics they cover. This collection will definitely be my inspiration for styling this fall/winter.  

Take Away: 

If could buy everything, I would!! I can’t, so inspiration is the key.  This fall will be all about texture. Print “textures”, fabric textures and mixing textures. Satin paired with velvet, prints complimenting a solid color piece and PLAID!! Let’s not forget the floral and all of its glory. It has nicely been paired with stripes that have otherwise not been considered flattering, that of black and red. These stripes however help make the floral print stand out, I sincerely love mixing prints. I will be wearing stains, velvety, stripes, floral prints as well as bold but deep colors this fall. I plan to incorporate belts and wide leg pants in my fall wardrobe. So, what do you think of this collection? Is there anything in particular that caught your eye? Share!