Tag: how to

How To Style: Casual Menswear 2021

Posted on by The Style Cake

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.

 

5 Survival Tips for Winter 2020

Posted on by The Style Cake

I’ve done one of these posts a couple of years back and I really think the tips could help get anyone through the perils of winter! This year, winter came out of nowhere, well, not really but it had been pretty mild considering I live in Michigan and then BAM! Snow, wind, cold, cloudy days and looooonnnnngggg nights! I usually have an easy time until the end of January hits and then I’m struggling to get through winter lol.

1. Let’s start with recreation. It can be human nature to simply stay in the bed, stay on the couch and binge watch tv or read, eat and become immobile. In reality, we were meant to discover, explore and venture out. To encourage mental health, getting out of the house is very important! Isolation is not healthy! Not even for introverts! Go grab a coffee at the local coffee spot, visit the library or art gallery or hit a winter festival. Grab a bite to eat at a local inexpensive restaurant nearby your home. Take a cooking class, go to your local hardware store and complete a project for the home. There are a plethora of options to choose of things to do besides sitting in the house the entire season of winter and this is coming from someone who hates winter!

2. Besides just getting out of the house, getting completely away from your environment and going on a weekend vacation is enough to revitalize your mind and body for a couple of months! Maybe visit a quaint town in your state and unplug from social media and technology. Take in the sights and feed your senses without any interference!

3. Body care is so important during this harsh time of the year. It’s easy to slack on skin care in particular because the sun isn’t shining through the cloud but sunscreen is still needed. As is moisture! Continue to drink plenty of water to hydrate the skin. Likely, the winter has plenty of dry moments so water will feed the body moisture from the inside to prevent cracking from dryness. Beyond that, below I’ve linked a few things I love to use for body care during winter months. One is a lip product, body and hair products and facial care products. Check them out below!

A. Chapstick Total Hydration 100% Natural (Eucalyptus Mint)

B. Koils By Nature Nourishing Hair and Body Butter

C. DDF Ultra Lite Oil Free Moisturizing Dew (Spf 15)

D. Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2

E. Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight (Water to Foam Shampoo) [My new ABSOLUTE FAVORITE HAIR PRODUCT AND I WILL DO A DETAILED REVIEW SHORTLY! ;-)]

4. Let’s talk ducking and dodging colds, flu and other healthy efforts. One thing leads to another, right? Well, you NEED hand and body cream in the winter especially because hand washing is still important! How else can you avoid getting sick and stay in good health?! Starts with handwashing first! Since I already gave you a suggestion for dry cracked hands, I wanted to share what I like to keep on hand for immunity and health below!

A. Zarbee’s Naturals Elderberry Immune Support

5. Lastly, reorganize your life! This could include examining your personality, organizing closets and storage spaces, refreshing or learning new skills and/or working on your body and health more in depth. Have a person that you’ve been allowing in your life but they are dragging you down or isn’t supportive? Maybe it’s time to rethink your association. I’ve been doing a lot of rearranging myself, it takes work but it’s worth it! Decide to save money, go back to school, fix your credit or purge things while keeping only what you need! Taking the time to invest in yourself will take up a ton of your time and help you survive a possible tough couple of months in the cold!

Summer Survival (Enjoyment) + 2 Hacks That Help!

Posted on by The Style Cake

Yes! It’s officially (and has been for a month now) THAT time…summer is here!!! I can’t even front or pretend that I’m not super excited because I swear Michigan winters are lllllllooooonnnngggg!!!! I was over winter in January like, “yup, you were cute now move it along”…{insert eye roll}. Now knowing we all seem to love summer, what happens when something steals your summer thunder, cramps your style or rains on your parade? Let me hook you up with what generally helps me get through those “okay, yea I’m over summer” moments.

Humidity induced swelling. It’s nothing like trying on the little black dress only to have your excitement disrupted by the inability to properly fit into it. So what can help reduce the chances of those no-go weight moments? Stay hydrated with not just water but electrolytes. A lack there of can result in puffiness. For a more natural option, try good ol cucumber, parsley and honeydew melon.

Bug Bites. Ugh, I’m annoyed just adding this to the list. Mosquito bites in particular really take a bite out of summer fun. I know there are TONS of remedies out there for this problem but I’ve found one, in particular, a real problem solver. Tucks Hemorrhoid suppositories!!! Yup, it sounds disgusting but it’s the only thing that gives me relief! I use every time! It not only stops itching but reduced the size of the mosquito bites! Of course, use at your own will and discretion but I have had nothing but success with this product!

If you try these hacks please be sure to let me know!

Happy Summer!!!

Thrift Shopping: @LoveDollShoppe 

Posted on by The Style Cake

I am a person that loves thrifting. I’m definitely not alone. There are so many that thrift, not out of necessity but because of the fabulous finds that thrifting has to offer. For instance, if you’re looking for brand name items, thrifting offers that freedom of having designer on a budget. Thrift shops also often offer wardrobe pieces that can be very versatile in function. 

I am wearing a piece from an online vintage boutique called Love Doll Shoppe. This piece is beautiful with plaid and velvet detailing topped off with the glamour of gold buttons. It was originally made as a dress but I’m wearing it as a coat. As a dress it would have been too big on me because I still have room in it but the extra room allowed me to layer it over the rest of my outfit. This piece kept me warm on a rather cold day and was comfortable to wear for hours. I love this coat! 

The price point was about $16 (I can’t remember exactly) which is not a bank breaker at all and awesome if you’re buying vintage and thrifting for the first time*. Shipping is AMAZING! I received my order in two days! There are other pieces that I’m currently loving on the site and I’m sure you’ll see why when you check out the site. Check it out and let me know what you think! 

Use the code “stylecake” to save some money (20% off) on your order while you’re there! www.lovedollshoppe.com be sure to also check out their Facebook page: Love Doll Shoppe and their IG. 

*Just a word of advice, keep an open mind when it comes to style and know that a piece of clothing can serve multiple purposes. The coat I’m wearing is a clear example of this. 

The Style Cake 💋

Coat: Love Doll Shoppe (similar coat here). Skirt: SheIn. Shoes: Pleaser Brand Pumps. 

Online Shopping Tips: 4 Ways to Buy What You Want! 

Posted on by The Style Cake

So we all have done a bit of online shopping to find that either our size was sold out, the skirt (or dress) we wanted is too short for our taste or is only sold in certain sizes but we love it so much! Well I have a few remedies.

  1. Make use of a sewing machine or your local cleaners. A lot of times, we may see a dress, short or skirt and it’s only in the plus size section (for example). Get it anyway and get the pieces sized either by a local cleaners or “do-it-yourself” with a sewing tutorial. Don’t be afraid to grab a clothing piece, even from the men’s department, tailoring exists for a reason.

  2. Disregard shopping “rules”. Just because a section is labeled petite or tall doesn’t mean you can’t shop there. I find that I love the way a lot of the mini skirts are designed but I hate the short length. I do my virtual stroll to the tall department and grab the same skirt made for girls over a certain height, usually 5’9″. This secures a longer length on me while also getting the design I love! That goes for pants as well. Love a pair of pants but hate that they’re cropped? Get it in the “tall” sizes! Love a skirt but it’s too long? Grab the petite size instead! Problem solved!

  3. Cross websites for a particular brand. I love Polyvore for this! If you’re looking for a skirt by a certain brand and went to the actual site (for example Missguided) you can go over to ASOS.com or Nordstrom.com to search for that item. You never know, you may find it! It’s definitely worth the shot! That takes me to my last tip…

  4. Before buying an item, make sure it isn’t on sale elsewhere! When I first started online shopping I definitely made the mistake of buying without double checking. Trust me, it’s a “kicking-yourself” worthy mistake. (Insert eye roll).  Anyhoo, I suggest doing a search for the item you like and looking to see if it exists and may be offered at a discounted price. I recently found a top that was more than $90 elsewhere but only $18 on Bloomingdale’s site!

These tips all sounds pretty easy rigtipsWell, I hope that these tips are helpful to you all. I plan to do more shopping tips in the future (not on any particular time table). Which tip do think will be the most helpful in your next shopping trip?

#beasmartshopper #beacreativeshopper

The Style Cake 💋

The Design of Comfort 

Posted on by The Style Cake

With the weather change comes what seems like awkward choices in wardrobe. The change of seasons is a transition period for most wardrobes. Trying to figure out what pieces in your closet to keep and what to fold I and put away might be tricky. Beyond the season change comes changes in emotion. Perhaps during fall we tend to feel more cozy, often choosing comfort over style. You can have both style and complete comfort in one look. 

I found this very comfortable and stylish striped blouse while thrifting by Calvin Klein. The material is so exquisite against my skin. No snags on my skin and it flows beautifully on my silhouette. Perfect for those comfy outfits. The style of stripes and button detail add for a contemporary look. I paired the blouse with a pair of high waisted jeans. I didn’t want low rise jeans and feel uncomfortable, maybe at some point having to tug on my jeans. I added my favorite pair of flat sandals and new fave fall handbag for a finishing and transitional touch! 

The key to transitioning smoothly from one season to another is to find those pieces that can be worn in warm and cold weather. That’s what the Calvin Klein blouse does for my look. It helps to accomplish a cool transitional outfit. Your “in between seasons” piece can be anything from a dress to a scarf. Yes, a scarf. There are even versatile accessories. For example, a burgundy scarf made of light knits and fabrics can help build a great between season look! Anyhoo, let me know what you think of my look! What are some of your favorite transitional pieces? 

Later Cupcakes 💋 

Shirt: Calvin Klein. Jeans: Fashion Nova. Bag: Justfab. Shoes: Target. 





Fall In Love

Posted on by The Style Cake

I’ve been lighting my candles and watching classic movies, my favorite to watch. Im the mood for fall has me cranking out my fall “rituals” a bit earlier. Normally, I get this feeling in probably October but I’m just ready for cider mills, more cloudy days, rainy days and movie nights. I know what you’re saying, I can watch movies anytime and cloudy days are not that great! Well, I’m a weirdo so I enjoy things that most people don’t. I accept that because I wouldn’t have it any other way! Anyhoo as you know, I’ve been faithfully shopping my closet for the past few outfits and I’m continuing to do so with this look. You know what? I’m falling in love with this process. 

Shopping your own closet allows you to fall back in love with the things you have. You begin to find pieces that maybe you forgot you had. I’m also realizing the things that I thought I wanted to purge but would rather keep and am purging other things. I had set this denim romper I’m wearing in a bin to get rid of it. I went through that bin realizing I didn’t want to rid myself of it yet. It’s perfect for those warm summer days that are on the cusp of the new season of fall. I wanted to reflect the nature type feeling that comes with fall so I tied a flannel plaid shirt around my waist and and threw on some feather heels which are extremely comforable. I didn’t opt for much jewelry as the emphasis is on my love for nature and the fall season. I do plan to do some shopping for the fall but I’ll be sharing my wish list for my wardrobe tomorrow so stayed tuned! 

Later Cupcakes 💋 

*All items I’m wearing are old and sold out. 


I purchased the bangle from Layered Chains.



The Tropic of Summer

Posted on by The Style Cake

This year I have yet to go on vacation and yes, I’m jealous of all of the vacation pics that I see on social media. I still plan on going somewhere this year! My inspiration for my outfit is my imagination of being somewhere in the tropics enjoying a nice cocktail and beautiful views. I bought the perfect bodysuit, a swimsuit that I thrifted a year or two ago. Side note: I always get the crotch area together before I wear them. I love wearing a good swimsuit as a bodysuit. It can actually serve the true purpose of a swimsuit if need be. 

I paired my bodysuit with a fishtail, mermaid like skirt for an extra tropical effect. I’m having a bad hair day so I threw on a modern hat and then a gold belt for a bit of glam. My accessories are fairly simple so as to not overshadow or overwhelm my outfit. The tropical print is busy and colorful enough to “carry” the entire look. The gold accents my skin tone and highlights my summer bronze glow. I grabbed a very simple chic pair of leopard single sole sandals for a pop of wild. This is where leopard can double for both a neutral against bold colors (my bodysuit) and also a pop of color against a “nude” (my skirt). Believe it or not, my outfit is extremely comfortable and I can easily throw on flats for even more comfort. Let me know your fave summer look! Let’s chat! 

Until Wednesday,

Later Cupcakes 💋

Bodysuit: Thrifted. Skirt: Laced W/Style, similar. Shoes: Charlotte Russe (sold out). Hat: Boohoo. Bracelet: eBay. Choker: Neon Wild (sold out). 


In Contrast…

Posted on by The Style Cake

I’m on a quest to keep color in my closet as my style changes again. Now of course although my style changes I keep certain things as signature to me. I’ve again been purging, getting rid a lot of thrifted items that are vibrant and full of multicolors. By the way, if you ever are interested in an item I’m wearing, feel free to shoot me an email or comment below! 

I’ve been shopping for autumn attire (yes I know) and although it seems too soon, it’s a great time to get an idea of what you want in your wardrobe for the upcoming season. Anyhoo, one thing that will always be in my favorite styling ideas is contrasting colors and patterns for a bold look. Contrasting colors is always a great way to allow multiple colors to pop and stand out in an outfit. The easiest way to contrast? Black and white with a bright and bold color! 

I did a little more contrasting with my look to grab your attention on not only my clothing but also my accessories. It’s okay to throw in some print. The print in my clutch already has a pattern of contrasting colors so it adds yet another “layer” to my look. My shoes are a bit of a nude without having to be skin tone, a medium gray color. These shoes help to elongate my legs but stand out against my skin at the same time. The statement necklace is the boldness in accessories needed to match extravagance of the cape. Let me know what you guys think! 

Later Cupcakes 💋

Dress: Charlotte Russe, similar. Cape: Boohoo. Shoes: UrbanOg, similar. Necklace: eBay. Clutch: Turquoise Soul Bags (sold out). 

(How To) Midweek Casual + Slight Glam

Posted on by The Style Cake

When the kiddies are out of school, I am always planning ways to enjoy adulthood outside of being a mom. No school means no endless amounts of homework so I can get out after five during the week. Let me tell you, I certainly advise having a life lol. Anyhoo, going to grab drinks with the girls is always a good idea. No one wants to go out in full dressed gear on a weekday after a full day of juvenile activities and work. Well, some people want to still be a bit casual but have that after five appeal. 

Lately, (because I think my style is again evolving) I’ve been less into boho and more into a polished, glam and classic look. It was a cooler day so I grabbed a white pair of jeans and paired it with a simple nude tank. Now, the colors are pretty muted but are a nice base to add some glam. So here’s the tip: the quickest way to glam up any look is to add black, sequins, or heels. All of these things are quite inexpensive. Always have a staple pair of simple heels that can be paired with any skirt, pants, shirts or dress. I chose my black feather heeled sandals and a sequin clutch bag for that easy and quick touch of glitz. This look is easy peezy, simple and quick. I’ll be doing more of these looks and morphing again style wise lol. 

Later Cupcakes 💋

Jeans: Fashion Nova. Tank: Target (similar). Hat: Boohoo. Shoes: Missguided (similar). Bag: Julep (similar). Bangle: Layered Chains (sold out). 

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