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.

Pantone Color of the Year?

If you follow me on Instagram, surely you’ve seen that a new look went up yesterday. It’s getting warmer and warmer as the days go by so I was inspired by my pants in this look especially as well as the fact that I am wearing the Pantone color of 2017: green! 

Not as much as the color green was I inspired to wear this look as much as getting my wear of darker colors in this season. I’m definitely ready to wear brighter colors. The darker colors are reminiscent of my mood sometimes. I’m feeling like airy, light and happier spirits! 

But let’s talk about the Pantone color of the year. Now I’m not guided by the Pantone colors of the year but I think it’s fun to find some inspiration and opportunity with these colors. For instance, you may not be drawn to certain colors but observing the color of the year may allow you to be a bit more adventurous and try your hand at incorporating it into your wardrobe. It’s pretty simple to grab a shirt in that color and pair it with different pieces in your wardrobe. The color I’m wearing is not exactly Pantone based but that’s why I said inspired by….

To check out this year’s color search Pantone color of the year on Google and you’ll get a ton of information. In the meantime, check out how I styled the color green in my look of the day! 

Blouse: thrifted. Pants: Loft 324. Jacket: F21. Bag: Zara. 


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 


Goodbye 2016…

This year, to say the least has been kind of a difficult year. My rheumatologist told me that I had osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia to go along with the Hashimoto’s disease I already have. Amongst other things, these medical hiccups made blogging a bit more difficult. As the saying goes, “small things to a giant”. Right? Well, I must say that I am proud of myself! I stuck with my guns and continued to build on my blog. 

I thought about sharing a behind the scenes post, so any potential bloggers can see the reality of blogging. It truly is work and not leisurely activity. Work that I enjoy! This year, I’ve worked with some amazing companies, shared some real life reviews and met some awesome people while networking. All of these (and more) have helped me experience growth this year. I’m proud of that growth. I worked hard this year and despite everything that seemed to work against me, I feel extremely accomplished. 

I am thankful to all of you who take the time to read my posts and peek at my pictures. I appreciate so very much the growing support! Thank you to all of the companies that allowed me to review their products and those that collaborated with me. I hope to continue working relationships and build even more from here! 

This post is not about my look but I’m glad to share what I’m wearing and where you can grab the pieces to complete this look. 2017 will bring more looks, ideas, life hacks, some d-i-y projects, reviews, lookbooks and more! The next post will be the last this year so let’s all wave (insert hand waving emoji here) bye to 2016! Hello 2017! Let’s all be great! 

Coat: thrifted, similar here and here. Jeans: JC Penney, similar here. Denim blouse: thrifted, similar here. Pumps: Pleaser Pumps. 


The Tiger Changes Her Stripes…

If you’ve been following my blog for a while then you may have figured out that I am a LOVER of stripes. Specifically, I have an affinity for black and white stripes. Black and white stripes is such a classic look from such a simple pattern. You don’t need to add much else to this pattern to make it great. I somehow always tend to be drawn to the black and white combination instead of branching out to other colors of this pattern. A tiger is allowed to change her stripes right?

That’s the thing about style, sometimes it revolves around feelings and circumstances. You can adjust and tweak your personal style as you grow and also to fit your feelings at the moment. I’ve changed and continue to evolve. If you do too, don’t feel bad. The fashion world does this all the time, they just called it “trends”.  Yep, sometimes it means going back to those old habits and loves. This is all a part of finding your “you” in style.

Lately I have been going back to my roots of shopping and extending my shopping searches to more than just the few places I had been before. This allows me to get a greater variety and choice of what I’m looking for. So a couple of months ago, I was able to pick up a striped dress at Justfab. Now the thing is, I had the option of grabbing my good ol comfortable, classic black and white combination but I opted for color instead.

The burgundy and navy combo is so beautiful…it’s quite classic in itself and I wanted to highlight the burgundy so I paired the dress with my suede burnt orange trench coat. The two warmer colors not only contrast but also highlight the navy in the dress allowing a great balance of color. The burgundy faux suede stiletto boots make the burgundy in the dress stand out as well as the texture of the coat. I simply added a simple choker and clutch to finish the look! Have you made any small changes to your style? If so, what changes and why?

Dress: Justfab. Shoes: Lola Shoetique. Coat: OLD. Choker: Forever 21. Clutch: TBA. 


Winter Time/Lumber “Jackie”

Yea so, if you live in the U.S., you know the weather is all over the place all over the country. It’s raining relentlessly in the south, cold in the normally warm west coast and cold in Texas. (Insert wide eyed emoji). I must say that I was not ready lol. Geez, I mean winter hasn’t officially arrived on the calendar but oh well. I had to get ready. Good thing I had been doing some shopping during the summer for fall and winter things here and there.

I grabbed this waterfall plaid vest that I’m wearing about 8 months ago. The original seller Choies, no longer has this in stock but I found an alternate seller because I love this vest (and you guys) so much! This vest is so warm and the design takes a normal lumber Jackie plaid look to a glamorous and chic level.

I am cold and there’s no other way around it so I needed to be comfortable first. I grabbed a faux leather jacket, a black turtleneck and a pair of black jeans. I added my new fave pair of booties, purchased from Target. They are so cozy and are designed after the wallabe shoe. The wedge on these boots allow my foot to stay warm and less likely to touch the snow. My faux leather adds extra texture and surprisingly warmth. The vest is the highlight of course and completes the layering aspect of this outfit. I’m outta here, going to grab me a coffee!

Vest: Here. Booties: Target. Jeans: Fashion Nova. Jacket: Sold Out.

lumber jackielumber jackie

Thrift Shopping: @LoveDollShoppe 

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.