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.

www.Birthofafashionblogger.com Collab: (How To) Summer Dresses 

It’s unofficially summer time and I was graced with an invitation to join Chanda from over at www.birthofafashionblogger.com to join her in a collaboration. Of course, I accepted! I love her blogging style and her blog is amazing, not to mention, have you seen her style?! So fabulous darling! My favorite look has to be the one where she wore a green floral print dress and no, I never forget a great outfit. If you have a chance to check out her blog, please do. She’s also a mommy and wife like I am, (she lives in Michigan too) and a Youtuber who does great styling videos…I LOVE her haul look books!! I’m joining her in sharing how to style a maxi dress. You can check out her post HERE. In the meantime, get a peek of her look below.



I love her look because it’s so effortlessly chic. I promise we didn’t plan to wear the same color but hey, you know what they say about great minds lol. This beautiful lady always wears fabulous looks and this time is no different. My FAVORITE part of her look is the actually two things lol, (because I couldn’t pick just one) is her dress paired with her handbag. Both are are so modern and classy. The black in the bag works perfectly making the normally neutral safari green pop! By the way, I don’t know about you but I’m going to go ahead and grab the same handbag in that black color!


Her outfit details:

Dress: (similar). Handbag: Francois by Justfab. Shoes: Charlotte Russe. Necklace: old. 



Initially, I was going to style another dress but due to real life and mishaps lol, I opted for this dress as a great alternative and it worked out even better! I grabbed a nude tank dress and layered underneath a safari green crochet maxi. Now, I like this look because it offers an immediate day-to-night outfit in one. If you are out for the day (and then onto get drinks after five), you can easily just take the crochet dress right off. The nude dress acts not only as a base for the crochet dress but also for an additional look! No dramatic changing needed. The nude gives off an illusion and the crochet offers a laid back beachy detail that can be worn around town as well.

I paired the dress with a large straw bag that boasts colorful accents and enough room to carry essentials to freshen up and also can hold the clutch to be worn for the going to grab drinks. My shoes are snakeskin printed high heels. They add that bit of “wild factor”. My jewelry is slightly glam, my necklace is a statement necklace. My bangles are glam and boho to allow a smooth transition into an after five look. I didn’t show the dress underneath simply to focus on the daytime look but offering a benefit of the layering in this look could be a big help for those on vacation this summer.

I’m wearing stud gold earrings, shaped like diamonds. Again, offering day to night benefits. My hair is an easy breezy bun for that same reason. Anyhoo, let me know if you liked my look. Don’t forget to check out Chanda’s look!

Happy Friday loves! 💋

Crochet Dress: Windsor. Tank Dress: H&M (similar). Statement Necklace: Forever 21: (similar). Bracelets: Aldo (no longer available). Heels: (similar). Handbag: Target.

MY #naturalhair Inspired Outfit

I have been in a mood for about a month now where all I want to be is comfortable. Hair and outfits. Well my hair is definitely the inspiration behind my look today. Generally, I’m strategic with what I wear but this time I’m bent on going with the flow, just being the best me and accepting what comes naturally. 

I’ve shared in the past that I have an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s. This disease has ravaged my hair, causing extreme amounts of shedding and thinning. Adding to that, my medication has caused my texture to change. I thought it was my imagination but nope, I checked some forums where others have expressed the same concerns. Anyhoo, all that being said I had chosen to wear my own hair out less to avoid seeing all of the shedding. My endocrinologist is amazing and has worked with me in finding a medical plan that works best for my health. I’m on new medication and some of my shedding has been reduced. So I’ve decided to wear my hair out…without being straightened. I’ve worn my hair out before while flat ironed. You can see where I wore it here

I feel so free, free like when I used to wear my hair in all kinds of styles. I’m ready to enjoy my hair again. It’s so freeing to not feel like I have to keep my hair covered. To signify my comfort, confidence and freedom I’m wearing this flowy, wide legged H&M jumpsuit from several years back. This is my first time wearing it. It suits my skin perfectly, almost a reflection of being able to see me for me. My shoes are faux wood & leather platform sandals. My bag you’ve seen before and I think it fits perfectly. My jewelry is simple and chic, tell me what you think! I’ll be styling my hair more so stay tuned for that! 

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Jumpsuit: H&M (old but maybe similar here). Shoes: Target. Bracelet: H&M (similar here). Handbag: Justfab (similar here). 

   
   

     

        

  
 

“Mourning” the Spring 

Well guys, it’s officially winter…again. Well not really but we seriously just can’t shake this cold weather. If you can’t beat it, dress for it!! Kinda. I’m not really in the mood for spring colors right now because I’ve simply given up. I feel like I’m in mourning for spring. My poor little flowers in my flower garden had already started to appear and then pow! Cold. At least we didn’t get smacked with sleet and snow. eye roll  I know, pretty frustrating right? Well from what I’m seeing almost everyone is experiencing a lapse in spring like weather. I’ll mourn the spring for them too lol. 

It’s the oddest thing that winter, the most agonizing season is the longest. The season of rebirth is the shortest. (Eye roll). Anyhoo, let’s be positive because I didn’t come here to depress you. Let’s talk this all black look lol. I pretty much wanted all black but with a slight bit of texture. This keeps the outfit from appearing “monotone”. My pants are faux leather leggings. I paired the pants with a black (jersey knit) cut out top. Since I wanted the look to be sleek, I decided on minimal amount of accessories although my glasses make a grand statement. I tied a knot in my shirt for a bit of “edge” and cage chunky heels for added “texture”. My goal of allowing each piece of black to stand out is accomplished. Check out my pictures to see what I mean…

Later Cupcakes 💋

Chunky Heels: New Look. Pants: American Apparel. Top: Meijer. Bracelet: Layered Chains & Aldo. Bag: American Apparel. 

  

    
  

  

  

 

…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.


  
  
  

Easy Does It…

On Fridays I usually try to incorporate a casual look because most of us are either relax, go grab drinks or can better dress emotionally since we feel so relieved. That being said, I am not relieved that it’s Friday but I’m ready to grab drinks AND relax lol. The downside is that it’s quite cold here (not even 50 degrees) and I’m ready to burst out into color like song lol. I have looks planned out for at least 3 weeks in advance at all times because I’m always creating ideas in my head but I was starting a transition of winter to spring wardrobe. What’s a girl to do? 

Well when life happens, we make the best of it. So I mixed spring and fall wardrobe to create an easy look. I know we’re all ready to hang so I’ll be brief. I needed that “pop of color” so I decided on an all black ensemble with a bright turquoise flare tank. Under the tank I’m wearing an off the shoulder body suit. I know, you couldn’t really see the bodysuit. No worries, you’ll be seeing it in a couple of weeks, (insert winking emoji). My pants are ankle pants. Although considered more of a fall or winter color, the ankle length aspect nibbles at the appeal of spring. I opted for my leopard print Zara booties. They accent my tank AND the black quite nicely, creating balance and cohesion. Being that leopard can be used as a neutral, it doesn’t take away from the boldness of the tank. It actually helps the color to pop. My choker and earrings are easy and simple. That’s the essence of the entire look. How do you dress when you’re trying to be simple but still stylish? 

Happy Friday Cupcakes!!! 

Pants: H&M. Shoes: Zara. Shirt: Urban Outfitters. Tank and Jacket: F21. Necklace: Neon Wild. 

    

   

     

Color Pop!

If you’ve been following me for a little while then you know I am a true fan of color in my wardrobe. In today’s fashion however, for some reason it seems that color is avoided. A lot of people are wearing black only or only muted tones colors. Now don’t get me wrong, I love black. In fact, I wear a lot of black. I’m wearing black with this look today. The thing is, it’s not the only color that makes up my wardrobe. Color truly is your friend when styling. You can find a colorful statement piece that you can build your look around. For a styling newbie, this makes styling a lot easier. Statement pieces can include but are not limited to: necklaces, bracelets, shoes, bags, shirts, pants, skirts and the list can go on and on.

Don’t ever be afraid to grab a bold statement piece for your wardrobe and style around it. In my opinion, searching for those statement pieces helps a person individually define his or hers style. You begin to figure out what colors you’re more drawn to. You also see what patterns you like and if you like patterns at all! These statement pieces allow muted colors to be accents instead of the colors that looks are built around. I will talk more about this in a “how to” coming up but for now, let’s talk my look. 

I decided on this vintage and thrifted collarless blazer. It totally steals the show of this look. The bold colors and abstract print reminded me of an abstract painting in an art gallery. The print is defined by the color black and I wanted to help further define the other colors and print so did so with black pieces. My tank is a simple black one from H&M coupled with my black platform sandals from Fashion Nova. I didn’t want this look to be “dressy” so I opted for jeans. Since the  blazer is so bold, there was no real need for accessories. I didn’t want the look to be junky. Try statement colorful pieces for yourself!! Let me know what you think!! 

Blazer: Thrifted (similar type here). Pants & Shoes: Fashion Nova & (here). Tank: H&M


  

 
        

   



Winter Blues & Plaids

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: Sophisticated Denim

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.