When August rolls around, many of us start longing for boots, sweaters, scarves, and everything else that comes with fall (pumpkin lattes, anyone?). Even though we have a month or more of hot weather left, it’s not too early to start picking up the next season’s trends. For fall, we’re looking at two things: leather and lace. Check out some examples of how to wear them - we have ideas whether you want a bold look or a subtle hint of each.
Leather
Leather jackets are nothing new, but for this season we expect to see them paired with extra-feminine materials (think floaty neutrals or lace).
Rebecca Taylor Quilted Leather Jacket, $1195
Like a little less leather? Go for a piece with leather paneling or trim, like this jacket. It keeps you trendy without overwhelming the rest of your look.
Willow Woven Tuck Jacket with Leather Trim, $995
Lace
Neutrals and lace are both in for fall, and this dress combines the two. We love the flower pattern of the lace.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Lily Lace Dress, $298
Not ready to go full-on lace? Not to worry, because lace paneling (like leather paneling) will be big this season too. We love the femininity the lace adds to this gorgeous dress.
Tocca Penny Lace Panel Dress, $552
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[images via shopbop]
A ridiculous number of people tie the knot every year between April and October, and once your friends start pairing off, it feels like they’ll never stop. Or maybe it’s your children and your friends’ children who are getting married - either way, you’re bound to need some wedding-appropriate dresses that are versatile enough to be worn to other occasions. And no one wants to end up in jeans, like Kristen Stewart apparently did at a friend’s big day.
Refinery29 did a great piece showcasing dresses to wear for outdoor summer weddings, which we love. Here are a few of our favorite looks from their article; stock up on these looks and you’ll be ready for any wedding:
1. Eyelet dresses
Nothing says summer better than a dress full of eyelets. We love this look from J. Crew that Refinery29 selected.
2. Florals
Flowers are also associated with summer, which is why we love this number from Diane von Furstenberg.
3. Light colors
We adore light colors worn to a wedding (except, obviously, white). This dress from Zara is so edgy and classy!
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Looking for a cute way to accessorize your wedding look? Check out our Accessories Pinterest board for some inspiration!
CakeStyle has been in the news a lot lately, so we wanted to share the good news with you! Check out our recent features below and click through to read more.
CakeStyle and Founder Cecelia Myers were featured in Chicago Social Modern Luxury magazine this month! Check it out.
Cecelia and our stylists also put together a few summer chic outfits for Racked, which you can see here.
We also made Chicago Reader’s list of Best of Chicago 2012 - find out why here!
CakeStyle was also featured alongside our friends at Lost Crates in a Bloomberg piece on subscription boxes.
Check out more CakeStyle news on our website.
[image via CS Modern Luxury]
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Everyone has that pair of shoes that’s a little too old, kind of boring, or just plain out of style, and you probably don’t get much use out of them because of it. For me, it’s a pair of Steve Madden brown suede pointed pumps from six years ago - they’re cute, but they’re just not me, and I’ve probably worn them twice. So what do I do with them?
We say, there’s a DIY remedy for everything! Our friends at ShoeSnap have a great Pinterest board dedicated to DIY projects for shoes, which is what inspired us to search for a few of our favorites. (Here’s what I’ll be doing to those suede pumps.) Check out some fun DIY fixes for those shoes you want to spice up - or just go buy a brand new pair to decorate at home. We won’t tell.
1. DIY Bow Sandal
This is a cute and summery way to make your sandals stand out, and you can switch out the ribbon if you’re feeling colorful. Here’s the how-to!
2. DIY Studded Shoes
Studs are in right now so there are plenty in stores, but we’re willing to bet you have a perfectly stud-able pair in your closet right now. Plus, if you make them yourself, you’ll have the spare pieces to fix them up if you lose any studs. Genius. Learn how here.
3. DIY Dip-Dye Shoes
Dip-dying is another trend and these pastel canvas shoes are too cute. Find out how to make a pair of your own!
4. DIY Bling Heels
These are stunning! Just picture them with your favorite little black dress. Are you sold yet? Learn how to bling a pair of your own.
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You can’t make it through the summer without a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the blazing sun, and we wouldn’t suggest you try it. There are so many fun styles in right now that work for anyone! Here are a few of our favorites so far:
1. aviators
Aviators are a timeless classic, and lots of brands are putting their own spin on these glasses this year. These are from Gucci.
2. wayfarers
Ray-Ban Wayfarers are in this season, and they come in tons of amazing styles. We love the beachy feel of this pair.
3. cat eye sunglasses
Another fun trend this year is the cat-eye sunglasses look, like this gorgeous pair.
4. round sunglasses
The newest member of the CakeStyle team, Liz, is obsessed with round glasses! She has a vintage pair like these.
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[images via pinterest]
Looking for a healthy and refreshing way to cool down this summer? Skip the ice cream and go for some tea instead. We’re pretty sure it’s the real-life version of the fountain of youth. Looking for clearer skin? Drink white tea! Need a little afternoon pick me up that isn’t as harsh on your body as coffee? Try black tea. And if you want a refreshing summer beverage with all the healthy goodness of tea, try making this Jasmine Strawberry Iced Tea.
Ingredients and supplies:
- 6 full-leaf pyramid bags of Jasmine Silver Needle tea
- 2 cups whole frozen strawberries
- 48 oz. water
- Ice
- [optional] 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
- large pitcher
- long-stemmed spoon
Instructions:
- Fill pitcher with 48oz of boiling water. Let cool for 5 minutes. Add 6 full-leaf pyramid bags of Jasmine Silver Needle tea and let steep for 5 minutes. Periodically stir tea throughout this time to ensure proper steep.
- Blend your frozen strawberries in food processer or blender until strawberries are smooth / pureed.
- Mix tea, strawberry puree, desired amount of sugar into large serving bowl. Add ice to chill.
- Drink up!
So what are the health benefits of this tea?
Jasmine has a light and delicate floral taste that’s very soothing. A little stressed? This natural remedy will do the trick. White tea is packed with antioxidants and is great for your skin. It’s hydrating and is the perfect remedy for dryness during the summer. Strawberries are naturally sweet and the perfect complement to any summer beverage. They are also high in vitamin C, which is great for your immune system.
Enjoy!
