#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). 


Bootlegged…

This fall, it will be a bit more dating with my style. I know I’ve been more casual with the way that I dress instead of being polished. A while back I’ve talked about being more polished with my outfits but I just hadn’t kept my promise to myself. Now, I’m finding that I’m becoming naturally drawn to buying pieces that add that polished flair to my looks. 

This post is my formal introduction to fall 2016! I’m loving wide leg jeans, pants and capris but in particular I’m becoming obsessed with bootleg style (and wide leg) jeans. Justfab was having a ridiculous sale and I ran to the site to see what denim they had. I heard that their clothing is of pretty good quality so I was itching to try the jeans. To my surprise, these jeans I’m wearing were on the site for more than half off! They only had a size 28 left that I wasn’t sure if I could fit (seeing that I’m rump heavy) but I took the chance. I’m so happy that I grabbed these jeans! They for like a dream. They’re mid-rise and a dark rinse for a polished look. 

To finish the look, I paired my jeans with a simple black tied top. There is some cut out detailing in this top that makes the looks a bit sassy. I wasn’t in the mood for jewelry so I just added a large light taupe handbag and red wedge sandals. This is the perfect outfit for a night out on a semi-fall day! Lol. How will your style change for this fall?

Later Cupcakes 💋

Jeans: Justfab (Sold Out). Top: (Old). Handbag: Justfab (Sold Out).  Shoes: Charlotte Russe (Old). 


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. 





Living for the Weekend! 

This week has been a trying week with me working to get my business back on track and even better than before. I’ve cried real tears because I am a fully hands on person. I built my own blog site and I am now re-building my vintage/thrifting boutique. I love the word boutique because thrifting and vintage are a specialized and unique sector of fashion. I regret that I have been so encompassed with growth, I haven’t stopped to enjoy the process. 

I miss being able to blog as regular as I used to at 3 times per week (at least) but I’m slowly but surely making my way back. I feel truly refreshed! The kiddos are on their way back to school, leaving me a bit more time to focus during my normal work hours. And drink my carb-free coffee lol without interruption lol. I’ve got plans this weekend to just enjoy myself after this trying week. I’m looking forward to the comradery between my sisters and I besides just enjoying the moment. It feels like I’ve been living for this “freedom” this whole week! 

I wanted my look to reflect my sheer happiness that I can relax and unwind. Good wholesome fun and carefree feelings led my inspiration. I simply paired my white high waist jeans and a peach crop tank. Adding a few pops of color are my shoes and my belt. I didn’t want to look juvenile so I opted for an old large cognac handbag I purchased years ago from Justfab. Y’all know how I do on Fridays, I like to make my posts short so you can get out and enjoy today so let me know what you think!! I’m getting out of here and will be back Monday for sure! 

I have a little series is like to do. I’ll give you more info in a couple of weeks, in the meantime…

Later Cupcakes 💋

All of the items I am wearing are from my closet and old since I’m still shopping my closet until further notice. Jeans: click here


“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). 



www.Birthofafashionblogger.com Collab: (How To) Summer Dresses 

It’s unofficially summer time and I was graced with an invitation to join Chanda from over at www.birthofafashionblogger.com to join her in a collaboration. Of course, I accepted! I love her blogging style and her blog is amazing, not to mention, have you seen her style?! So fabulous darling! My favorite look has to be the one where she wore a green floral print dress and no, I never forget a great outfit. If you have a chance to check out her blog, please do. She’s also a mommy and wife like I am, (she lives in Michigan too) and a Youtuber who does great styling videos…I LOVE her haul look books!! I’m joining her in sharing how to style a maxi dress. You can check out her post HERE. In the meantime, get a peek of her look below.



I love her look because it’s so effortlessly chic. I promise we didn’t plan to wear the same color but hey, you know what they say about great minds lol. This beautiful lady always wears fabulous looks and this time is no different. My FAVORITE part of her look is the actually two things lol, (because I couldn’t pick just one) is her dress paired with her handbag. Both are are so modern and classy. The black in the bag works perfectly making the normally neutral safari green pop! By the way, I don’t know about you but I’m going to go ahead and grab the same handbag in that black color!


Her outfit details:

Dress: (similar). Handbag: Francois by Justfab. Shoes: Charlotte Russe. Necklace: old. 



Initially, I was going to style another dress but due to real life and mishaps lol, I opted for this dress as a great alternative and it worked out even better! I grabbed a nude tank dress and layered underneath a safari green crochet maxi. Now, I like this look because it offers an immediate day-to-night outfit in one. If you are out for the day (and then onto get drinks after five), you can easily just take the crochet dress right off. The nude dress acts not only as a base for the crochet dress but also for an additional look! No dramatic changing needed. The nude gives off an illusion and the crochet offers a laid back beachy detail that can be worn around town as well.

I paired the dress with a large straw bag that boasts colorful accents and enough room to carry essentials to freshen up and also can hold the clutch to be worn for the going to grab drinks. My shoes are snakeskin printed high heels. They add that bit of “wild factor”. My jewelry is slightly glam, my necklace is a statement necklace. My bangles are glam and boho to allow a smooth transition into an after five look. I didn’t show the dress underneath simply to focus on the daytime look but offering a benefit of the layering in this look could be a big help for those on vacation this summer.

I’m wearing stud gold earrings, shaped like diamonds. Again, offering day to night benefits. My hair is an easy breezy bun for that same reason. Anyhoo, let me know if you liked my look. Don’t forget to check out Chanda’s look!

Happy Friday loves! 💋

Crochet Dress: Windsor. Tank Dress: H&M (similar). Statement Necklace: Forever 21: (similar). Bracelets: Aldo (no longer available). Heels: (similar). Handbag: Target.

MY #naturalhair Inspired Outfit

I have been in a mood for about a month now where all I want to be is comfortable. Hair and outfits. Well my hair is definitely the inspiration behind my look today. Generally, I’m strategic with what I wear but this time I’m bent on going with the flow, just being the best me and accepting what comes naturally. 

I’ve shared in the past that I have an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s. This disease has ravaged my hair, causing extreme amounts of shedding and thinning. Adding to that, my medication has caused my texture to change. I thought it was my imagination but nope, I checked some forums where others have expressed the same concerns. Anyhoo, all that being said I had chosen to wear my own hair out less to avoid seeing all of the shedding. My endocrinologist is amazing and has worked with me in finding a medical plan that works best for my health. I’m on new medication and some of my shedding has been reduced. So I’ve decided to wear my hair out…without being straightened. I’ve worn my hair out before while flat ironed. You can see where I wore it here

I feel so free, free like when I used to wear my hair in all kinds of styles. I’m ready to enjoy my hair again. It’s so freeing to not feel like I have to keep my hair covered. To signify my comfort, confidence and freedom I’m wearing this flowy, wide legged H&M jumpsuit from several years back. This is my first time wearing it. It suits my skin perfectly, almost a reflection of being able to see me for me. My shoes are faux wood & leather platform sandals. My bag you’ve seen before and I think it fits perfectly. My jewelry is simple and chic, tell me what you think! I’ll be styling my hair more so stay tuned for that! 

Later Cupcakes! 💋

Jumpsuit: H&M (old but maybe similar here). Shoes: Target. Bracelet: H&M (similar here). Handbag: Justfab (similar here). 

   
   

     

        

  
 

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. 

   

    

    
  

   

  

January First!

It’s 2016 already!! Geez time has really flown by. 2015 was a very difficult year and I am glad that some things are now the past. The things that matter to me are the things that money simply can’t buy. I started planning for 2016 back in 2015 and I must say that I am so ready to start doing things that I planned. I don’t have new years revolutions, every single day is always one that I use to do better than I did the day before.

I can’t say that I didn’t learn a lot last year. This blogging thing has opened my eyes to people even more and has opened up the romantic idea of myself. There are things that I would love to change physically at times but the most important changes are always the ones that I choose to make inside. The secret person of the heart. I am going to continue to make the strides that I started making in 2015, this year is no different than any other when it comes to making the best out of becoming the very best that I can be. Life has made many adjustments, un-forseen things have happened. I’m a better mom and wife than I was this time last year, I am very proud that my husband and children are proud of me. I’ve outgrown overdue friendships and grown into new ones where I actually feel cared for, not by things or money but by true love and support coupled with understanding.

This post is not really about what I am wearing on the outside, rather what I am wearing on the inside. My heart. I feel loved. I feel inspired. I feel beautiful. I feel brilliant. I feel grateful. That is all that matters. My outfit was one that I wore out with one of my dear friends. It was the last hang out of 2015 and I was comfy the entire time.It’s stylish but it shows how relaxed I felt in my heart. I can’t wait to celebrate more of nothing more than simple moments, not over exaggerated by fancy clothes, over the top parties, faux friendships. Just honesty. Simplicity. One day at a time. So much to accomplish but before I get ahead of myself, let’s do January first!

Later Cupcakes,

Candy.

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That Gray Area…

Lately, I’ve been drawn to certain colors naturally. I end up picking up wardrobe pieces that are the same color. Ugh, the dilemma right? Well, I am happy about this particular outfit because I picked up a few pieces in my color of the moment, gray. I picked these pieces up all at different times but all the pieces compliment one another for a calm and cozy look. I felt so relaxed in this look. I bought this turtleneck poncho a little more than a month ago. It kept me warm and kept me from needing outerwear. My only gripe is that it get wrinkled very easily and by the time I get to my destination, it never looks like it was ironed at all.

There’s always that gray area of times when you may not need outerwear. When wearing capes, things get tricky. Not every cape is a good fit for outerwear. If the cape is too thin and you live in a colder area, you may not want to wear a cape without a coat. The idea of a coat over a cape sounds crazy but it’s worse to be freezing, that’s not cute! It was about 50 degrees when I wore my cape so I didn’t need to wear anything else. Of course, I did wear a tank under my cape for good measure but I was comfortable. You have to decide if weather permits a cape alone along with making sure the fabric fits the weather as well as the style fitting the occasion. I could have worn this cape as outerwear but it isn’t warm enough for less than 50 degrees in my opinion. In colder weather, you’d want something warmer.

I paired this cape with some high waisted jeans and a tank from H&M. My boots are old and fur cuffed. I honestly don’t remember where I purchased them because it’s been longer than a decade that I’ve purchased them. My earrings are simple but make a delicate fashion statement. I chose a large statement necklace that is quite glamorous to fancy up the look. The gold stands out against the gray. I grabbed one of my fave handbags from Justfab and again the tan color contrasts the outfit but also warms up the look. Let me know what you think of this look. I will be back here on Wednesday of course for another outfit post.

Bye Cupcakes! 💋

Poncho & Jeans: Forever 21. Necklace: eBay. Earrings: Layered Chains. Handbag: Justfab.