Life Hacks: Glam Girls on the Go #thestylecakelife 

I thought it would be fun to do a regular series on this blog called life hacks. The reality is, not everyone has someone to give them helpful tips and useful ideas to make everyday life just a little easier. To make sure that this series remains regular, I will make this a monthly post.

To kick this series off, I’m sharing a cute and stylish kit that will help with those girly emergencies. This product was actually a gift from my hubby. Truly a thoughtful gift because I love being prepared. If you don’t exactly buy this kit, hopefully it helps someone and gives them an idea of what to build for an emergency kit. Anyhoo, let’s discuss what’s in this one…

The set includes:

-1 mini sewing kit

-4 adhesive bandages

-4 earring backs

-30 clear bands

-30 lint sheets

-1 lip balm

-24 bobby pins

-3 makeup remover wipes

-2 elastic ponytail holders

All of these items are enclosed in a small makeup bag style pouch with a cute metallic gold polka dot print. The plus? Reuse this pouch with more items for an emergency kit or simply use it for sanitary napkins/tampons or even convert the use to a small makeup bag. Either way, you really can benefit from grabbing this little lifesaver on the go. I would even recommend adding a pantyliner to this kit. For those on the road travel or even air travel moments, for those concert nights, a sleep over, or just to store in the car and at the job. These kits retail for $6.99 at Target.

The Style Cake 💋.

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. 


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

#Flashback Friday: Phillip Lim for Target 

Happy Friday boos!!

Let’s take it back with a dress that I found at Target a couple of years ago. I hadn’t worn the dress before now, so it just sat in my closet. Now I’m pulling it out and celebrating the Phillip Lim for Target collection all over again. If it’s one thing y’all may not know about me is that I am semi-obsessed with leopard print. Initially when I saw this dress I was hard pressed to style it and I just knew what I would wear with it. However I bought the dress and everyone else was wearing so I was discouraged. 

Yea, yeah I know. Target is a large chain. What did I expect? Well, I just didn’t want my style to be drowned out by the fact that everyone was wearing this dress that the whole fashion world would get tired of seeing. Now, this dress feels fresh to wear and style. Anyhoo, you guys know the drill…it’s Friday so this post is short so you can go enjoy your weekend! 

Dress: (Sold Out). Jacket: Calvin Klein (thrifted). Shoes: UrbanOg (Sold Out). 


"Back to the Future" Me…

(Warning: This post is long and full of honesty, proceed at your own risk lol.)

I had the opportunity to meet with an amazing blogger and to pick her brain about some things. I can’t even begin to tell you how much that one little meeting helped me get back to me.

As I began blogging several years back, I started it to just share things that I loved and things that I was (not really but kind of) obsessed with. I actually called that blog “Simple Obsessions”. That blog was about me and it shared my thoughts and interests. Before then, I had a blog on Blogspot. For some reason, I wasn’t the slightest bit interested in what I was blogging about at that time but that was way before social media and before blogging became “this thing”.

Fast forward to now, I must say that I enjoy blogging now. I truly do. I had gone through a period of discouragement because I had lost who I was in the process of this blogging thing. Blogging is an outlet for me because as a wife and mom, I had gotten swallowed up in my responsibilities. I wanted to be able to express myself again as a woman. I want to share my thoughts, my experiences and my interests. I’m doing that. Along the way however, I allowed myself to become irritated and discouraged. Blogger competition, copying (without giving credit), insincerity and pettiness drained my spirit. I mean some bloggers will literally follow you just to watch and mimic almost everything you do. Sort of like keeping a finger on your pulse sort of speak. Some want to use you for their convenience. I’m just not into blogging for all of that. I’m not a cocky person (at all) and am actually working on my shyness so I at times I was quiet and unsure afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or being judged. I let that go!! No more!! I had to find and pick myself up again. I’m a confident individual who will not apologize for who she is. My life mission is not to have everyone like me. It’s been my experience that the most honest and true-to-themselves people ARE NOT liked. I’m definitely okay with that. I’ve conquered being alone and not needing a bunch of people to tell me I’m awesome in order to believe that I am special.

Most people think there are strength in numbers. I learned to find my own strength as a teen. I could care less what people think of me because regardless, my life will go on. I’m way past my teen years, I’m old enough to have a teen of my own. But I digress lol. That pep talk with that very special and talented blogger brought me back to me. My thinking is so clear. This blogging thing is that, a thing. It is not what consumes me. I don’t care what the next person is doing (although I never have) nor do I care what support I don’t have from people that I know. When I first started my Instagram for this blog, no one (that knew me personally) knew that I had it. I did that on purpose and some eventually organically found me. I’m happy that that is the way that things went. That peace of mind, while building my Instagram was something that I loved. On Instagram, people come and go, numbers rise and fall (how dramatic did that sound?) lol but what matters are the people that stick around to watch the movement. Let me tell you, I have experienced some pettiness. I had a blogger get mad because I missed her comment. I’ve even had a blogger who must have talked about me so much that her family member sent me a friend request on Facebook, just to see what I was about and then unfriend me after their nosy “quest”. Trust that I notice more than what people think!! That’s pretty messy and juvenile right?! I have no time for that!! Smh. I just don’t care about what someone else is doing like that.

Through all the mess, I emerge again as myself, a person that happens to blog what she loves. Not everything will be fashion over here. I am a jack of all trades and want to share that. I can’t wait to show you guys pictures of my beauty room!! Yes, I design and decorate home interiors too!! I have been asked about tips and products for hair growth because I make my own hair products and have grown my hair out in three years from a big chop. I will be sharing my “secrets” and products soon! I have a few things that I am working on. I will reveal when they are into fruition. Anyhoo, all of us need a pep talk back to reality. I had that and am forever grateful. I’m having fun again and it feels so good. I call myself the “little engine that could” because I am and I will always be “doing” and moving forward until I’ve accomplished my goals! Thank you to all that follow my journey!!! (Insert heart emojis here.) This post has been refreshing and liberating at the same time. Check out my picture below, they depict that! Carefree babes!!! Until, Friday…

Bye Cupcakes!

Shirt: Target (hubby’s, it’s so big lol). Skirt & Sunnies: eBay. Shoes: Sam Edelman. Bracelets: Aldo Accessories. Bag: American Apparel. Necklace: MyNameNecklace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Back to the Future" Me…

(Warning: This post is long and full of honesty, proceed at your own risk lol.)

I had the opportunity to meet with an amazing blogger and to pick her brain about some things. I can’t even begin to tell you how much that one little meeting helped me get back to me.

As I began blogging several years back, I started it to just share things that I loved and things that I was (not really but kind of) obsessed with. I actually called that blog “Simple Obsessions”. That blog was about me and it shared my thoughts and interests. Before then, I had a blog on Blogspot. For some reason, I wasn’t the slightest bit interested in what I was blogging about at that time but that was way before social media and before blogging became “this thing”.

Fast forward to now, I must say that I enjoy blogging now. I truly do. I had gone through a period of discouragement because I had lost who I was in the process of this blogging thing. Blogging is an outlet for me because as a wife and mom, I had gotten swallowed up in my responsibilities. I wanted to be able to express myself again as a woman. I want to share my thoughts, my experiences and my interests. I’m doing that. Along the way however, I allowed myself to become irritated and discouraged. Blogger competition, copying (without giving credit), insincerity and pettiness drained my spirit. I mean some bloggers will literally follow you just to watch and mimic almost everything you do. Sort of like keeping a finger on your pulse sort of speak. Some want to use you for their convenience. I’m just not into blogging for all of that. I’m not a cocky person (at all) and am actually working on my shyness so I at times I was quiet and unsure afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or being judged. I let that go!! No more!! I had to find and pick myself up again. I’m a confident individual who will not apologize for who she is. My life mission is not to have everyone like me. It’s been my experience that the most honest and true-to-themselves people ARE NOT liked. I’m definitely okay with that. I’ve conquered being alone and not needing a bunch of people to tell me I’m awesome in order to believe that I am special.

Most people think there are strength in numbers. I learned to find my own strength as a teen. I could care less what people think of me because regardless, my life will go on. I’m way past my teen years, I’m old enough to have a teen of my own. But I digress lol. That pep talk with that very special and talented blogger brought me back to me. My thinking is so clear. This blogging thing is that, a thing. It is not what consumes me. I don’t care what the next person is doing (although I never have) nor do I care what support I don’t have from people that I know. When I first started my Instagram for this blog, no one (that knew me personally) knew that I had it. I did that on purpose and some eventually organically found me. I’m happy that that is the way that things went. That peace of mind, while building my Instagram was something that I loved. On Instagram, people come and go, numbers rise and fall (how dramatic did that sound?) lol but what matters are the people that stick around to watch the movement. Let me tell you, I have experienced some pettiness. I had a blogger get mad because I missed her comment. I’ve even had a blogger who must have talked about me so much that her family member sent me a friend request on Facebook, just to see what I was about and then unfriend me after their nosy “quest”. Trust that I notice more than what people think!! That’s pretty messy and juvenile right?! I have no time for that!! Smh. I just don’t care about what someone else is doing like that.

Through all the mess, I emerge again as myself, a person that happens to blog what she loves. Not everything will be fashion over here. I am a jack of all trades and want to share that. I can’t wait to show you guys pictures of my beauty room!! Yes, I design and decorate home interiors too!! I have been asked about tips and products for hair growth because I make my own hair products and have grown my hair out in three years from a big chop. I will be sharing my “secrets” and products soon! I have a few things that I am working on. I will reveal when they are into fruition. Anyhoo, all of us need a pep talk back to reality. I had that and am forever grateful. I’m having fun again and it feels so good. I call myself the “little engine that could” because I am and I will always be “doing” and moving forward until I’ve accomplished my goals! Thank you to all that follow my journey!!! (Insert heart emojis here.) This post has been refreshing and liberating at the same time. Check out my picture below, they depict that! Carefree babes!!! Until, Friday…

Bye Cupcakes!

Shirt: Target (hubby’s, it’s so big lol). Skirt & Sunnies: eBay. Shoes: Sam Edelman. Bracelets: Aldo Accessories. Bag: American Apparel. Necklace: MyNameNecklace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Bloggers Do…

Initially, I was going to title this post by another name but I thought that it would just be fun to highlight some of the mishaps that happen to us bloggers…or at least happens to me as a blogger lol. So this is a behind the scenes sort of information post with the final results in pictures.

I got ready for this shoot, and as always, I do my makeup first. My hair is under this hat secretly (not so much a secret now lol) because it was wash day. Since I have so much hair to wash, I need HOURS to do this hair and I didn’t have that time appropriated, the hat that I am wearing became more than a fashion statement. I opted for a bold statement necklace from Purple Love (that I LOVE, not pun intended) and no earrings because every other accessory I am wearing is so bold. My bracelet is a coin charm style bracelet that I purchased from Forever 21 some ten years back. My bag is from JustFab and I think this particular style of bags is still on the site right now. My shoes were purchased from Urbanog.com years ago but this style came back around and you should be able to find something very similar on the site. I wanted to be warm but add a little funk to the outfit so I decided to wear some foot in leggings. My husband knew I had been looking for some and bought them from Target for me.

My fave part of this look happens to be the cardigan and the skater dress. I bought the skater dress a year ago from Forever 21 and they are still being sold on the Forever 21 online if you are interested. My cardigan was purchased from Naked Wardrobe online. I love this site so much as they have trendy items that can also be staple pieces in the wardrobe. The cardigan is a classy piece and adds this class to my outfit. It honestly is the highlight in my opinion. I love it so much I also bought it in black. In getting ready, I tore a hole in my dress (in the seam) trying to pull off a tag and then I also almost tore my cardigan because it got caught on my heel. Between NEEDING my hat, tearing my dress and almost snagging my sheer cardigan, this was one heck of a shoot!! Lol. Some of the things us bloggers go through. Not much but whew! For all of my hard work lol, please tell me what you think of my look!! I’ll be back Wednesday with another look!!

Until tomorrow for a Vox Box review…

Bye Cupcakes!!!

 

Dress: F21. Cardigan: Naked Wardrobe. Booties: UrbanOg.com. Necklace: HERE. Footed Leggings: Target. Bag: JustFab. Hat: Boohoo

Effortless Style: It's Gray Outside

So….I am honestly elated at the temperatures that southeast Michigan is having in November. It is in the 60s and 70s and there is no need for central air conditioning nor heat. I was for sure that wether would have betrayed us by now and gone back cold but nope, it still feels lovely outside. This post is definitely an upbeat one for me because as much as I wanted fall to get here, I am so excited that spring/early summer weather showed back up instead. Dressing for the fall can be tricky in Michigan if you are trying not to get sick as the weather can consist of snow one day and full on heat the next. Needless to say, I wanted an effortless look again to relax and just enjoy the weather with not a lot of complications in style.

I based this outfit off of a gray top and leggings I purchased from Target and decorated the look with accents and accessories. Gray is a neutral relaxing color that I have been leaning towards these days (along with pinks, nudes, navy, blacks and white). It allows for you to build a color scheme without clashing or creating too much contrast. I love leopard print so I just had to wear my leopard scarf to at least give the illusion of fall being upon us, lol. My shoes although nude add a subtle contrast that allows the gray to pop. I wore my fave clutch from American Apparel and my fave glasses from eBay. My denim shirt around my waist was a Walmart clearance special from years ago (not sure if Ive ever stated that) that I have worn numerous times before. I opted for thin, large gold hoop earrings and my new fave bracelet from Layered Chains. If you want to check them out, use the coupon code I listed in this post. {Thank you for checking out my other post}. Let me know what you think of my outfit after you check out the pics below and I will see you  back here Friday for something a little different that I did for the final effortless look!

Shirt and pants: Target. Shoes: NastyGal. Glasses: eBay. Scarf: F21. Bag: AA.

(Sidenote: this is all my hair. I am a natural girl!)

Bye Cupcakes!

 

 

 

 

September/October Loves (Blogtober)

I hadn’t had a chance to do monthly favorites and due to being a mom, an ootd is not going up today. Sorry cupcakes! I promise this won’t be a regular occurrence. Anyhoo, I comprised a visual list of things that I am loving in September into this month. I bought yet another pair of feather heel sandals (from Missguided), a statement necklace and some makeup and beauty products I’m loving for this fall. I’ve made some redecorating efforts and am in love with gold spray paint lol. I will be shopping my closet this month (saving efforts) and I will be sharing things I have gone back to using. I have a series coming called “OOTD Shopping My Closet” where some of my loved pieces will be debuted to you guys to make up fabulous outfits. Stay tuned for Wednesday for another ootd. In the meantime, check out the pics below! Ciao cupcakes! 💋

 

Girls Love Tea…

I’ve never been to a tea party so I thought it would be fun to dress up as if I were going to one. Today is rather gloomy at first with unpredicted and furthermore unexpected rain. I had planned on having some tea later for the rainy occasion. Anyhoo, I like this dress because as I am currently losing weight, I have a ways to go.  If you still have a little mommy pouch like I do, this dress does great to conceal those midsection issues. The ruching disguises the midsection by allowing the focus of the eye to be on detail, not “imperfections”. This happens to be a skater dress so the fit & flare of the dress elongates the waist as well as creates a slimming effect in that area. The sleeves are perfect and allows for a formal look to an informal dress. I normally, like so many other gals don’t like large floral dresses however, the flowers on this dress seem abstract. That keeps the print from having an overwhelming appearance.  The shoes are honestly comfortable. The simplicity and modern look of them balances this outfit. What would a tea party be without the hat right? I got this wide brim straw hat to keep the sun out of my face while at my garden party…except today there was no sun at first. *shrug*  Oh well! Tell me what you think of my look!!   

*dress: Asos. Hat: Target. heels: Nasty Gal. clutch/wallet: Forever 21. bracelet: Jewelmint. necklace: H&M.*