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.

Feeling Inspired!

Thank you for everyone that stuck around in my semi-absence. For putting up with my “here and there” uploads. But I’m back and I’m feeling inspired for once in a very long time. I have a it of advice, PLEASE take a social media break when you need it! I know I don’t normally upload a post on a Sunday but for those of you that are not swept into the Super Bowl frenzy, hopefully you’re reading this lol.

Most times, I’m not really inspired by the cold season. This time, I am. I wanted to just talk about what make me feel cozy. What I enjoy. Recently, I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had a chance to really enjoy some of the things that I have wanted to. There are goals that I set this year to enjoy things that will also enhance my life. One of those things is learning another language. You would be surprised how inspired you become just from learning another language and embracing the culture that is entangled with it. This inspiration has got me going…what has been your inspiration lately?

Top: Fashion Nova. Jeans: Guess Jeans. Boots: here and here. Coat: Forever 21. Bag: Zara. Watch: Casio (Vintage). Bracelet: Gifted.


Winter Styling: Jackets (Look 1)

If you live in America, it’s pretty much cold everywhere lol so styling is pretty much based on warmth and comfort first. But haven’t I said that before this season? I’m pretty sure I have. Well let’s briefly talk our options and how staying warm can be stylish.

One of your options is outerwear. Now this may seem obvious buuuuut (yes I meant to spell it that way) it’s not always the first thought when it comes to deciding what to wear in cold weather. Styling your outfit around a coat or jacket usually isn’t a “thing”. Coats are normally worn over a good outfit, keeping a great look muted sort to speak. Well, use your outerwear to stand out!

I grabbed this jacket from Wilsons leather years and years ago but it still is in excellent shape. Of course you can find plenty furs online now (faux furs too) but the point is that a fur is automatically a statement piece that an outfit can be built around. The rest of your look can be dressed up or down and be simple or even more decorated. I wanted a casual look so I added a pair of slightly distressed jeans, a lace detail top and gray clutch. I topped of the look with hoop earrings and boots. I’d wear this out to a casual dinner with the hubs. How would you wear this fur?

The Style Cake.

Pants/Boots/Similar Jacket/Top 


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. 


Stylish & Quality Thrifting: Blazers

Now I know there are people out there that frown upon thrifting and that may feel disgusted by wearing clothes someone else owned but I’m here to change your mind! You guys, we are in my FAVORITE season and what better way to help get your closet together than by doing a series?! So this blog along with the next three Wednesday posts will be all about thrifting! 

I’m a true fan and believer of thrifting because honey thrifting, gives you not only dollars but also freedom. I’ve been saving money because I’ve stopped a large amount of retail purchases. Instead, I’ve rekindled my love for the thrift store. When I walk in, I feel creativity and no limits to my personal style. That being said, let’s discuss my choices that together make a fabulous outfit!

I am wearing this stunning purple jacket that has a the perfect structure that I love! I was initially drawn to this jacket BECAUSE of the structure. It has an “boss lady” appeal that doesn’t take over my outfit because the color allows a bit of playfulness. The fit is comfortable and just feels right, constructed to mold to the right place on the body. Now I paired this jacket with a basic white tank. Very simple but adds tons of layers to this look without being too much. 

I wanted to look a bit casual so I grabbed my jeans and my platform heeled sandals to complete the look! The jeans are an absolute must because they are “mom” jeans and I’m wearing them as boyfriend jeans. These jeans allow the look to be casual without looking too business like. The shoes add that bit of understated sexiness. The sex appeal is there and I don’t show any lady parts. My oversized clutch is from American Apparel. Let me know what you guys think! 

Later Cupcakes 💋

The Design of Comfort 

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. 





“WordPressed”

Ugh! Life! Well, lately I’ve been uninspired and not feeling too well. Needless to say, I’ve still been pressing on. I have a few things I want to get into motion on this blog and website so I’ve got to get my gusto back. Fall is literally about 30 days away and I’ve been shopping for it! Well, just this past weekend. Yep, I came off my no-buy for this weekend of thrifting. I will share that haul really soon along with some great tips I’ve learned from my own thrifting experiences. 

I’m the meantime, I’ve been stumped it seems. My lack of inspiration comes from my weight forcing it self up and/or to stay  in an unchanged status. My frustration have leaked into my creative mind to blog. I’m working on changing my brain and pushing myself to move forward. Right now I feel “WordPressed”, or depressed when it comes to blogging sort to speak. Since fall is coming, I’m inspired by the change in wardrobe but it’s still pretty warm to truly experiment. Anyhoo, while I get myself together let me know what you think of this outfit! 

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Choker: Boohoo. Shorts: Levi’s. Top: Urban Outfitters (Sold out). Shoes: Aldo (Sold out). Bag: Justfab. Earrings: H&M (Sold Out). 



Contemporary Casual 

I generally miss most of the stores that used to be. Oh, I have a bonafide list of fashion stores that no longer exist that I wish I knew who to write to bring them back in business! Lol! Among those stores is one in particular by the name of Contempo Casuals. 

I think they actually closed for good in 2000 or 2001, I’m not completely sure but it seems after Contempo Casuals closed all of the Wetseals, Forever 21s and other stores like them became extremely popular. I used to shop at places like Winklemans, Dots and of course Contempo Casuals. Well, I decided to wear a look inspired by the company as one of my favorite old stores to shop! 

Back in the day, you could get real leather (before it became inhumane and offensive), real fur, and real wool designed to make the most fabulous pieces. My closet was amazing! I still have a few pieces from a few of my favorite places (and they are almost 20 years old), but I want to show some of the things you could put together from shopping at Contempo Casuals. 

I’m calling this look Contemporary Casual. I simply grabbed one of my favorite pair of jeans and a slinky (ode to the 90s) mauve bardot top. In the 90s, there wasn’t need for a bunch of accessories in an outfit. So I’m not wearing much with this look. Of course I modernized the theory of this 90s inspired look with a chic handbag and chain detailed heeled sandals for an extra touch. Have you ever shopped at Contempo Casuals? If you have, do you remember the last thing you purchased? 

P.S. I apologize for the low supply of pictures. I wasn’t feeling well. 

Later Cupcakes 💋

Top: Missguided (sold out). Jeans: Fashion Nova. Shoes: Missguided, similar in a different color. Glasses: eBay