Lady n Red (Jingling Baby)

I’m sorry for not being able to post as much guys. I’ve been super busy and I don’t want to make a half hearted post. That being said, today’s post will be rather short but I promise I will be back here Friday and then back to three posts per week next week! So on to the look! 

I know that red typically isn’t considered a spring color but hey! The thing about style is that it’s all based on how YOU feel and the things that make you feel most fabulous (while complimenting your body). I bought a red dress from Fashion Nova on a whim because I threw out one I had for years (and it started) to look like it lol. I know, it’s a fast fashion piece and it won’t last long in my closet. Good thing I didn’t spend much on it. I am purging again so I’ll probably be releasing it from my closet soon. I’ve been purchasing more high end brand, quality pieces lately that will last longer. In the meantime, I grabbed this because I was feeling adventurous. 

With the dress I paired a safari green jacket that I eventually took off because it was rather warm outside. My accents are silver toned charm bracelets and hoop earrings for a simple and chic touch. My air is up in a curly top pony. I accessorized my bun with a vibrantly colored scarf from Target. My gray clutch balances the warmth of my dress since my heels are a warm toned neutral. Everything ties together nicely for a modern but chic & simple look! Let me know what you think! 

Til Friday Cupcakes! 💋 

Dress: Fashion Nova. Jacket & Clutch: F21. Shoes: Nasty Gal. Charm Bracelets: Gifted & Jewelmint. Scarf: Target. 

   

  

  

  

  

 

Styling How To: Perspex Heels (Pantone Colors Look #1)

One of my style lusts is again coming to life in this post. Earlier this month I shared that clear, lucite heel booties were among a few of the things I’m slightly obsessed with. Since it’s kind of spring, (weather wise lol) I’m breaking these puppies out. These booties are the epitome of sexy. All of the foot is showing but the foot, with the exception of the toe area. The lucite heel is the perfect height. Although only a four inch heel, the arch of the instep gives the illusion of a higher heel. The subtle details and the semi-concealed zip closure add to the permissive sex appeal of this shoe. 

I will be getting a lot of wear from this particular shoe so you will see this shoe a lot. Since this shoe is so revealing, I decided to balance the look with an outfit that is casual but modest. Modest does not mean any less fashionable nor does it not mean boring. I want to do a sexy but modest series to share with others that anyone can be sexy without letting it all hang out. Anyhoo, I’m wearing a pinky nude graphic tank. I love this tank. The tank works well with my denim button up shirt tied at the waist. My skirt which you’ve seen before, is heather gray scuba knit. Comfy for those rainy days. I opted for no tights, just dry oil on the legs. My bag is a simple oversized cognac bag that also helps with balancing the look. The bag warms up the look of the semi-cool Pantone base. The look is so simple but intricate because my outfit largely expresses the “sentiments” of my booties. How would you style these booties? No, don’t tell me lol. I’m going to do a few looks with these booties first. In the meantime, what is your favorite go to look during early spring?

(waving) Later Cupcakes!

Booties: Jennie Ellen. Graphic Tank: Target. Skirt: (old). Denim Shirt: Thrifted. Clear Glasses: eBay. 

   

    

    
  

   

  

“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.


  
  
  

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. 

  

  

  

  

thredUp March Wardrobe Capsule  (Lookbook) 

My first Lookbook!

I’m so freaking excited!! When I was contacted by thredUp, I didn’t know everything they had to offer but I will briefly share my experience of getting to know thredUp. I searched the large selection of thrift heaven lol. There are a lot of name brand items as well as lower priced brands such as Forever 21 and H&M. The perk? You can afford Burberry and brands normally purchased from Revolve and Free People at a much more appealing price tag for budgetnistas. I got 4 items for $53 which isn’t too bad because the items I got are much more expensive retail on their own.

For the capsule wardrobe I grabbed pieces that I felt would be versatile and then I chose them based on appeal of style. I wasn’t shopping for name brands, name brands don’t always equate style. I knew I wanted a shirt, skirt, dress and pants. These four items can single handedly make a wardrobe (capsule). Here’s a tip: a bodycon dresses can easily double as another shirt. That makes two potential outfits with one piece! Also, grab colors that contrast and be sure to snag a basic essential for any wardrobe such a pair of jeans. You can dress jeans up or down which gives your wardrobe so much versatility. If you need to down size your closet, creating a capsule wardrobe is the best way to do it. Always get rid of things you can no longer fit first! This will create tons of room in your wardrobe. Now that you know what you can do prepare your closet for a capsule wardrobe, check out what I got. Here’s a simple breakdown of my items with prices:

Levi’s Jeans: $13.99

Spring & Clifton Sweater Dress: $15.49

Isaac Mizrahi for Target Skirt: $7.99

Velvet Long Sleeve Top: $21.49

*I also used a 20% off promotion code*

  

Creating this March #capsulewardrobe was really fun. Check out all the pics below and then head to Instagram type in #capsulewardrobe or #thredup to see more from thredUp!

Package upon arrival:


  

*All clothing items are from thredUp* 

 

 

 Later Cupcakes! 💋

Being Vested…

O.M.G. 

Time has flown by. It’s been more than a year since I decided to incorporate outfit looks with my commentary here on my blog. I’ve changed my hair a few times. Many times, I had become discontented with my so-called progress with this blog. When I first started, I was a new mother and felt the need to do something that helped me define me. Now, both of my children are in school, social and I have invested tons of time to my family. My supportive husband (the man BEHIND the camera) has encouraged me to pursue this journey as a blogger and I’m proud to announce my new website will be up in less than 48 hours!!! (Yay!!) 

Blogging isn’t so black and white nor is it simple all the time. As a matter of fact, blogging is RARELY simple…unless simple involves your look lol. It requires so much time, effort, and commitment…even during life’s worst moments. Blogging is like a relationship. You need to love blogging. Even more, in love. You have to remain optimistic, be realistic, put forth serious effort and be committed. Just to name a few things. (wink) I’ve been committed to my blog but as of a few months ago, I’m totally vested. This is MY thing. I’m welcoming large companies to work with me, I’m looking forward to collaborations with other bloggers and perhaps some travel. 

I decided to tie my outfit in with my sentiments. I’m wearing a thrifted vest, fresh from the 90s and all black underneath. Initially, I wanted my shoulders out in a cut shoulder bodysuit. Instead, I’m wearing thigh high lace up boots under a black bodycon dress because it’s not all the way spring yet lol. I have on a load of bracelets, sort of boho-chic(esque). Share your thoughts! Are you a blogger? Would you like to collaborate? Are there any companies you would like to work with? Are you a company that wants to work with me? (Please send an email to: thestylecake@yahoo.com)

Later Cupcakes! 

Dress: Boohoo. Boots: ZooShoo. Vest: Thrifted. Bangles: Aldo. 

      

   

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. 

    

   

     

The Graphic Tee Revisited (Plus Bad Hair Day Fix)

In the beginning of my outfit of the day blogging days, I blogged a look that I called “Rockstar Chic”. This post focused on the grungy look of one of my favorite thrift purchases, a graphic tee. Simply put, I love this tee!! It is what’s being sold in stores at a more expensive price.  The best part is my tee was really inexpensive!

I’m having a bad hair day today because….well it’s a long and sorted story lol. Anyhoo, the very simple solution for a bad hair day is a long scarf tied to imitate the long flow of hair and off to the side for a bit of “femininity”. This way, you still feel girly and not like you’re wearing the scarf out of necessity (even though you are). As I’ve previously said in my first “Style Lusts” for this month, you can use leopard print as a neutral. That’s exactly what I did with my scarf. At the same time, I’ve in effect added another layer of flavor to my look.

Since it’s Friday and we all want to get out and enjoy this weekly holiday lol, I’ll wrap up this post. I wanted to show a real life display of incorporating my style lusts. I have on boyfriend (husband for me lol) jeans that are lower on the waist and bun area. This allows for relaxed look. This look is a bit grungy but more polished than the first version with this tee. Let me know if you like the look!!

Happy Friday Cupcakes!! 💋

Jeans: JCP. Graphic Tee: Thrifted. Booties: Shoemint. Scarf: (old). Jacket: F21. Bracelet: H&M.

 

The First Look w/this tee:

The look this time around: