Outfits Galore!

Bum-Cake is now a member of a really cool fashion app called Wishi.me! WiShi is basically a "social styling hub" that was created for people to be able to get and give styling advice from one another. Check it out! Above are the looks that were put together by stylists on WiShi using a few Bum-Cake Vintage pieces.

Flashin' Back...

 

Almost a year ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to model the product shots for Humbert & Lo’s RTW collection at the time. I must admit, I was super impressed by the pure skill that went into designing these beautiful garments. Seriously, these photos don’t do them justice. The craftsmanship that went into each piece blew my mind. The fact that you can literally wear each piece multiple ways in addition to them already looking and feeling luxurious made me simply fall in love with the collection. They’re made locally in NYC, so they’re socially and eco-friendly. Support our local designers/businesses!

To check out more awesome designs from Humbert & Lo, visit their site: humbertandlo.com

 

Brooklyn Love

Clothing: vintage dress (@thedevilscloth), jeans by gap, clark's, guess, forever21, zara, free people, american apparel, matine's dream, allen edmonds. We are vintaged out—each photo contains a piece of vintage.

I'm usually not the "mushy" type, but here goes it... Shot on a summer afternoon, Kwesi Abensetts (photo genius—obviously), captured Brad and I in our sweet little 'hood (Bedstuy). What defines a "Brooklyn Love"? I'm not fully sure, but I know that what was captured above is raw, sweet, and simply honest.

To see more of Kwesi's amazing work, visit spaceshipgeorge.com.

Last Chance... Cyber Monday sale ends tonight

Lena Horne, 1954 | photo by: Philippe Halsmann 

35% off your order + free shipping...

Use code: MANICMONDAY 

www.etsy.com/shop/bumcake

In Retrospect

Looking back... Three years ago, I moved to New York City with the mindset of pursuing fashion. Fashion anything—styling, editing, design, blogging, whatever. I was hungry for fashion (and still am to a different degree). I took on a small freelance project as a contributor for the then BoomFoundry (which no longer exists), lifestyle site about music, culture, media, and of course, fashion. I wrote an article on why it's a great idea to "go [vintage]," and mainly discussing the green initiatives behind the whole vintage clothing craze. For this specific article, I thought it'd be cool to actually style a model in all vintage clothing, but with a modern eye. Malin of Malin Landaeus Vintage boutique in Williamsburg, Brooklyn actually allowed me to sort through her archives room filled with the most God-sent vintage ranging from the Victorian era all the way to the '80s. Anyway, the photos above were the outcome.

Photographer: Anthony Michael Rom

Model: Patricia (Glow Model Management)

MUA/Hair: KUMA

Clothing: Malin Landaeus Vintage

Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Loungin'

Robe (actually a scarf) by Chico's x Stand Up to Cancer x Harper's Bazaar, t-shirt by American Apparel, glasses are vintage from the BK Flea

October, breast cancer awareness month, is almost over, but that doesn't mean our efforts to support it have to end. Recently, Chico's & Harper's Bazaar teamed up with StandUp2Cancer.org (SU2C) to support innovative cancer research and by doing so, they designed this beautiful limited-edition "Unleash Your Leopard" scarf. It's only $25, but $10 from each sale goes to the organization to fund cancer research—pretty awesome, right?! You can look fab & save lives at the same time! The scarf is 100% polyester, very big, and it has this very chic/sexy sheerness to it, so I LOVE wearing mine as a robe around the house... Saving lives = Chic.

#IStandUpFor

Meatpacking

First of all, I really really really miss my old hair...ugh, okay. Moving on... Last Spring, I had the opportunity to work with landscape turned beauty/lifestyle photographer Lester Lau. He is literally one of the nicest people I've met in this city--so quiet and thoughtful, and obviously talented, and just a genuinely nice person. It was the perfect spring morning in the meatpacking district—cool, breezy, sunny, and barely any people around . With the wild fur coat, I think now is the time to finally post (although I'm not against the idea of wearing fur all year round--it shows character). In the first couple of photos, I'm wearing an early 90's maxi dress, then a sweater from Forever 21, and of course a massive faux fur coat from Zara—all paired with vintage jewelry. Ladies... and gents, time to bring your furs out! Fall has begun.

Check out more of Lester's work here: www.sflphotography.net 

Goodbye Summer...

That's right...summer is over and we're having a SALE! Visit www.etsy.com/shop/bumcake today & get 35% off + FREE shipping as usual (for domestic orders). 

Make sure to use code: HELLOFALL 

Enjoy!

Photo by: Jamil Smith Photography

Model: Yaa Opare

After Labor Day...

Monki oversized jumper sweater $40, Rag & Bone loose jeans, Accessorize chunky scarve, H&M hat $24, Bum-Cake Vintage Loafers

Sooooo it's after Labor Day and many people still question whether it's okay to wear white shoes or not. Well, in all honesty, whether it's accepted by the masses or not, I think it works. Wear whatever you want as long as you do it with your own personal style that suits you and of course, with confidence. Confidence is key when you're making a bold move (something swaying from the norm). Above is a clear example of an acceptable way to wear white shoes after Labor Day--Boyfriend jeans, chunky sweater, nice scarf, maybe even a cute hat, and of course, add some additional accessories (if you like) such as jewelry and a purse or clutch. Now that you're aware that it's acceptable, try it for yourself as a new fall look! Interested in the white loafers shown above? Check them out here

Introducing TNEMNRODA x Greene Soap Co.

Sooooo I hand-make soap (in case you didn't know)... It's something I've been doing for a while, but not for sale (strictly for hobby of course) and recently, I was approached by the owner of TNEMNRODA (an ultra chic accessories/jewelry line based here in NYC) with the idea of collaborating on a limited edition soap. I met her (Samantha Smikle) months ago and sent her some of my soaps in exchange for a lovely midi ring... turns out she liked them and here we are many months later with the birth of our Belle & Homme soaps by yours truly (Sam & I). Hey, it's fashion week and we're introducing our fashionable soaps collab that will leave your skin feeling fashionably phenomenal after showering or simply washing your hands with them, and if you're not sold by that very statement, I don't know what to tell ya... just kidding, kinda... but seriously, we think you'll love it because we sure do... it was made with love (how fashionable is that?!) for goodness sake!

The Belle blend

The Belle bar has a very sweet yet sensual smell, which includes:

rose oil - healing properties such as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, help refines skin texture

rosebuds

lavender oil - relaxes the mind & skin

dried lavender flowers - calming effects with a mild exfoliant

vanilla oil - aphrodisiac, antidepressant, antioxidant

honey - healing properties such as antiseptic, can treat acne & eczema

food coloring

glycerin - moisturizing & skin protectant

shea butter - moisturizing, anti-aging, skin protectant, healing agent

body shimmer powder

The Homme blend

The Homme bar has a sweet yet spicy smell to it, which includes:

orange extract - brightening & anti-aging

tangerine oil - mind boosting, antiseptic, purifying, skin refining

shea butter - moisturizing, anti-aging, skin protectant, healing agent

nutmeg - anti-aging & refreshing (circulation stimulant)

cinnamon - purifying

rose oil - healing properties such as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, help refines skin texture

rosebuds

eucalyptus oil - healing agent & stress relief

honey - healing properties such as antiseptic, can treat acne & eczema

glycerin - moisturizing & skin protectant

food coloring

The TNEMNRODA x Greene Soap Co. limited edition soaps were first introduced at AfroPunk this year

Hurry, there are literally only 20 bars (that were handcrafted with love, haha) now left and they are limited edition, meaning these are available only until these last bars are sold and are not available any where else... To check them out or to grab 'em before they're gone, click here

For any Greene Soap Co. inquiries or if you have questions or suggestions, email greenesoap[at]gmail.com (website coming soon)

Check out TNEMNRODA's lovely designs at www.shoptnemnroda.com

AfroPunk Recap

I arrived at like 10:30am (before it opened) to visit a vendor friend Samantha of Tnemnroda. It was the perfect weather--sunny, breezy, warm. 

           Me and my beau.

         The lovely staff...

       Lovely Samantha of Tnemnroda! 

                   

Soooo I dropped off handmade soap for our new collab... check it here

I love lavender--perfect addition to her designs

     The crowd.

It was a really nice time and to see so many people of various cultures come out for something that is intended to become a movement (social and political) was a beautiful thing. If you happen to be in NY next summer, definitely check it out next time. 

It's "The Rush"

So last weekend, I was rushing home from somewhere down the block and I ran into photographer extraordinaire, Kwesi Abbensetts, on the street. I was thinking "of course I would be shot on a rough day haha (hair a hot mess, sweaty and tired, obviously not looking my best)", BUT amazingly, he still captured the good side of me and I love it! Check out his awesome work at: spaceshipgeorge.com.

Spotted: Oxford's Myra Mendoza

Name: Myra Mendoza

Occupation/What you're great at: I am equal parts geeky graphic designer (at Oxford University Press @ day & freelance @ night) and music / beauty / style / food & drink / tattoo / and travel enthusiast. Recently, I've been working closely with music producer and DJ, Tommy Bones, with social media marketing and designing his promo artwork. 

Where are you from? Jersey City, NJ! I love my hometown. I've seen it grow after all these years. Take the Path train and get off the Grove Street stop. There are now so many art galleries, restaurant options—including a beer garden—shops, pretty brownstones, and more. There's a huge art community there so every year they have the Jersey City Artist Studio Tour where you can walk into artists' studios. If you want to take in breathtaking views of the NYC skyline, get off the Pavonia/Newport or Exchange Place stops. 

Where do you live? UES, but I spend most of my days exploring Astoria, Queens since I know a hot DJ who lives there ;) 

Vintage tribal necklace & red/gold leather clutch (via Bum-Cake)

What/who inspires you to create or where do you get your inspiration from?

I'm a type geek so I get really excited over discovering new typefaces. I'm also inspired by great photography. I follow so many amazing photographers on Instagram, Tumblr, and various photo blogs.

If your weren’t living/working in NYC, you’d be? I'm an island girl so it would be on a tropical island running my own cute cafe.

Who’s your style inspirer? My style icons are Debbie Harry from Blondie, Iris Apfel, and I love Rihanna's style, particularly when it comes to her hair and make-up. She's not afraid to be bold and adventurous and I'm inspired by women like that. 

How would you describe your style?

My zodiac sign is Cancer so I'm moody by nature and my outfit du jour all depends on my mood. I'm also a Gemini cusp baby so I like to switch it up! One day it's a glamorous Myra, next day I'll be in all black, dark make up, torn stockings, and biker boots. It's all about being unpredictable and keeping things fun.

Why do you like vintage pieces? Vintage pieces are my style source of inspiration! They're unique so it's a great way to show your creativity. I would use one or two vintage pieces and plan my outfit around it. 

What’s your favorite vintage item? I have a couple of beautiful brooches from the 1950's. My absolute favorite though is this red leather clutch that I purchased from Bum-Cake Vintage. I use it almost everyday! It goes with everything in my closet.

You're makeup always looks fab—what are your beauty secrets?

Drinking lots of water! I've also been trying to eat healthier these days since my boyfriend is all about organic, all-natural, vegetable-based food. In terms of cosmetics, I can't live without my NARS larger than life eyeliner, but I'm a MAC Cosmetics girl. If you've never visited the MAC Pro Store in Chelsea, you should! It's an artists' environment with a photo studio and library with resources. Skip the crowds at the MAC counter and visit this place. My fave MAC lipsticks: Spirit (slight reddish brown so it looks natural with my complexion), Viva Glam (red), So Chaud (coral), Rebel (dark burgundy), and Girl About Town (hot pink). 

What kind of music have you been listening to lately? A lot of house music since I've been working closely with Tommy Bones. I've been taking a lot of notes on the history of house music, who the pioneers are and important names to remember, and different styles throughout the world. He tells me stories of clubbing in the 90s and I wish I could have been part of it. 

Favorite party spot in the city? On Thursday nights, I'm usually at the rooftop of Penthouse 808 at the Ravel Hotel in LIC where Tommy Bones plays from 7-11pm. I love reggae so sometimes, I'll also go to the Downtown Top Rankin party at Happy Ending on Thursday, 11p-3am. On Sunday evenings, the Funkbox party at Sullivan Room is where to be. So many great dancers!

Anything else you’d like to say? Thank you so much to Bum-Cake Vintage for featuring me on your blog! I feel so honored since I'm a huge fan of your look books and I can't wait to stop by your booths this summer to pick up more pieces!

You can contact Myra @ myamend[at]yahoo.com | IG: @jademya77 | Twitter: @jademya 

ALL PHOTOS BY: JAMIL SMITH (also on IG: commonwealthj)