Friday, December 31, 2010

11 Goals for 2011

As you might be able to guess, I want to start 2011 with a plan. I've got 11 goals/resolutions that I'd really like to reach. I will be documenting the completion/implementation (hopefully) of them on the blog.

1. Lose 20 pounds before Spring Break:Vegas (mid-April).
I am in no way unhappy with the way I look currently, but I would like to tighten/tone up a few areas and maintain a more healthy weight. I've done it before and I think I can do it again.

2. Be on time.
I'm never on time. For anything. And I desperately want to be.

3. Get over J. & Move On
I broke up with him for some very good reasons. I need to keep those reasons in my mind and get over it.

4. Save More $$ From Each Paycheck/Stick To My Budget/Pay Off Store Cards

5. Buy a DSLR camera (this directly contradicts #4...but whatever...lol)
I've been saving up for one and I really want one. Plus it will make blogging prettier!

6. Create a Weekly Chore List and Follow It
My apartment will likely not need my every-3-week cleaning overhauls if I do this.

7. Become a Better Wardrobe Remixer
In an effort to be even more frugal.

8. Read at Least 11 Books
I love to read but don't make enough time for it...11 for 2011!

9. Make Some of My Own Clothing
I enjoy sewing & knitting...I think it is time.

10. Spend More Time Blogging
More time, more effort.

11. Continue to Become a Better Teacher
Through experience, learning from other teachers, research, grad school, etc. My career is something that I take very seriously and I am constantly looking for ways to be better at it.

I am sure that I could probably think of even more things that I want to do this year, like learn more Spanish, or take time each week to have some "me" time...but I will limit myself to 11.
What are your New Year's Resolutions/Goals?

Happy New Year, lovies. See you in 2011.

♥Case

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

What I'm Listening To

Before I even begin this post, I want to give a sincere thank you to those of you who commented on my last post. You all remind me of who I am...you make me believe in myself when I feel like all is lost. Thank you.

I am slightly obsessed with my most recent Old Navy purchase: a Techno Hoodie.


Now, I'm not usually a hoodie kind of girl, but with my recent lack of enthusiasm for getting dressed, this hoodie has found a pretty regular spot in my wardrobe. The drawstrings are actually headphones and there is a little headphone jack in one of the pockets so I can plug in either my I-pod or my Droid. It's not the most fashionable, but if you're going to wear a hoodie (and for only $15), it may as well serve double-duty and play some music too, right? And it's pink, too, so that makes it a little more exciting in my book. You can find techno hoodies in Old Navy stores- it seems they are sold out online.

And now, just for fun...my recent playlist:
1. Dirty Dancing by NKOTB
2. You Be Killin' Em by Fabolous
3. Stereo Love by Edward Maya
4. Move That Body by Nelly & T-Pain & Akon
5. Last Dance by The Raveonettes
6. Please Don't Go by Mike Posner
7. Runaway by Kanye West
8. Music is My Hot, Hot Sex by CSS
9. Never Forget You by Noisettes
10. Little Secrets by Passion Pit

I have a very eclectic music taste, if you couldn't tell. :)

And get excited, because I am feeling a whole lot better so I am going to force myself to dress nicely and take some good OOTD pictures for you later this week. Finally.

♥Case

Saturday, December 25, 2010

My Apologies. Merry Christmas.

I feel that I owe it to you all to apologize for my lack of posting lately.
The blog is truly not what it could/should be right now. And I need a place to vent.

To tell you the truth, I haven't been posting because I can't bring myself to dress nicely. Or put on makeup. Or really do anything with myself.

J has a new girlfriend. Already. After less than 5 months. We spent almost 8 years together.
If it had been up to him, he would have never ended our relationship. It was 100% my decision to end it.

So WHY am I feeling like my entire world is crashing to the ground around me?
Why is my planet destroyed? Why is my chest constantly aching?
Why is this the only thing I can think about?
And why do I feel like I am so alone...with no one to even talk to? Ha, even if I did have someone to talk to, I don't think I could accurately describe how I feel. I'm not trying to be overdramatic. Or dwell on the past. Or wallow in self-pity. It's not that at all.
But perhaps I should have never ended it to begin with. Perhaps I should have never taken a chance with what we had.

...and now I'll never have him back.

I feel like I can't breathe.
Merry Christmas.

♥Case

Thursday, December 23, 2010

My Secret Blogger!

As mentioned in this post, I participated in BBM's Secret Blogger Gift Exchange! I was so excited to send my gift off to Ariana of FATale Fashion, who was SO fun to shop for! You can check out what I got her on her blog!
I was so excited to GIVE my gift that I almost forgot I'd be GETTING one, too! Needless to say, when I came home the other day to a big brown box on my doorstep, I was ecstatic to figure out what was inside and who it was from! When I opened the box, here is the pretty package I found:
I proceded to open it up and WOW! I was totally blown away! Whoever this secret blogger was did an AMAZING job of picking out gifts that suit me perfectly! Here is what I found inside (sorry for the phone pictures, I cannot hook my camera up at the moment):
Sweet gray scarf, black lacy flower pin, black and purple headbands (with flowers and bows!), glam necklace, awesome black studded gloves, a mini mirror, ultra cool eyelash curler, eye makeup remover wipes, and some delicious cookies!

I am in love.

Seriously...could she have picked gifts that were any more "me"??? After I opened the gifts I searched and searched for a card, thinking I must have missed it somewhere...but I did not find one...so I had a SUPER mystery blogger! Once I did some blog browsing, I realized that these fantastic presents came from the one and only Erica, aka misss_e, over at Plum Proper. She is so fabulous. I love reading her blog and she is such a sweetie. THANK YOU ERICA!!!! I love all my gifts so SO much! :)

Tomorrow is Chistmas Eve! It is one of my favorite nights of the year!

I hope Santa brings you everything you want! Thanks again to Erica for the gifts and BBM for hosting such a fantastic event! :)

♥Case

Friday, December 17, 2010

Why, Hello Winter Break!

Today was my last day of work of the year! I am officially on winter break until January 3rd! How sweet is that? I totally need this break, though, if for nothing else besides my sanity. A lot of people imagine teaching as an easy job...and although I do LOVE my job, it can be extremely stressful and overwhelming. This break will certainly help me to reduce the stress and enjoy some relaxing holiday time with friends and family.
We had a Winter Party in Kindergarten today! Here is what I wore to join in coordinate the festivities:
Blazer: Old Navy, $25ish last fall
Top: Avenue, $6 on clearance last fall
Necklace: Lane Bryant, $14.99ish on clearance last spring
Belt: Old Navy, $14ish last fall
Jeggings: Old Navy, $29.50
Boots: Avenue, $49.90

Nothing super exciting in this outfit, but I felt totally chic all day. Super easy and I felt put together.

I am off to celebrate the beginning of my winter break by snuggling with my blanket and reading some Harry Potter. Hopefully I will be able to do lots of posts now that I will not be super busy! Enjoy your Friday!

♥Case

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Thrown Together

Today's outfit is brought to you by my random 6:30am brain. So I wanted to wear this sheath dress, because it is SO versatile and when I bought it, I imagined at least 3 ways to wear it off the top of my head. THIS was not one of the ways. However, I was still really excited to wear the dress and I actually felt pretty good in this all day. I originally bought an almost identical dress at NY&Co for $38 on sale...and one day just happened to look at Avenue and found this one on clearance for $9.99. I was super pumped, so I am determined to wear it until it dies.
I promise this scarf has a lot of the same color red as my tights. it was just not too evident in photos.
Sheath Dress: Avenue, $9.99
Blazer: Old Navy,$25ish on sale last fall
Tights: Avenue, $6
Scarf: NY&Co, $12ish on sale last spring
Boots: Avenue, $49.90

Without the scarf, just for kicks:

And yet another new pair of boots from Avenue:
At first I was not sure how I felt about these boots. They're not really my typical style, but they had nothing but good reviews and the calf size claimed to be promising...and to my surprise, they are actually very loose on my calves so I get the look that I want. After wearing them for a day, though, I was very impressed at home comfortable they were and how stylish I felt wearing them. One of the S's even said to me, "You look like you're about to go jump on a horse" which I took as good thing. They are riding boots, after all. They also have a lace-up back, which is kind of cute and yet functional. My only complaint is that they make my normally pretty small feet look and feel huge...and it seems to me that they run a little big. I got them here and again, here is that 40%off coupon code (JLA4030).

Stay frugal, friends!

♥Case

Saturday, December 11, 2010

I'm All Choked Up That You're Okay...I'm Falling to Pieces.

I am looking especially washed out in today's photos. Maybe it's just the flash of my camera, but I'm not going to lie to you- I feel especially washed out lately. I am really trying to cope with the stress/hurt of my recent breakup with J. It's actually kind of strange, because we've been apart for just over 4 months and I've been totally fine (and the break-up was completely my decision) but suddenly about a week and a half ago the pain finally hit me. I'm trying to be happy because I know this is what is best for me. It has just recently gotten incredibly hard. Several of my friends have told me I seem so much happier now...I just wish I actually FELT so much happier now.
Anyway, enough of the pity party (sorry...) today I went to a good friend's bridal shower. I got this sweater (or is it a dress? I can't tell!) last weekend at Lane Bryant for a huge discount, so I was very excited to wear it. And my new gray boots seemed to be the perfect pairing item because I adore the combination of purple and gray this fall/winter.
Sweater (or is it a dress? I'm not sure): Lane Bryant, $21 on clearance
Vest: LOFT, $12.99ish on clearance last fall
Necklace: Kohl's, 2 or 3 years ago
Leggings: Avenue, $25ish last fall
Boots: Avenue, $29.99 on sale

Here is another new pair of boots. I especially like these ones because they easily make anything look more dressy. They also fit my calves wonderfully because of the way they are designed. I would most definitely recommend them for ladies who have trouble finding boots to fit their calves. They are from Avenue (go figure- I am loving their shoes lately), and you can get them for 40% off right now with the code JLA4030.

I am going to spend my Saturday evening watching movies and relaxing. Hope that your Saturday is super!

♥Case

Friday, December 10, 2010

I'll Let You Be The Judge, & I'm The Case

"Miss [Case], I know why you like to wear fashion things. It's because you're so so so so good. And so pretty." - One of my Kindergartners said this to me today. Is it strange that they know my love for fashion? Ha...they are too cute.
Here is what I wore to school today that must have inspired that quote:
Dress: Kohl's, a few years ago
Leggings: Avenue, fall 2009
Belt: Torrid, $20ish after coupon
Flower Pin: Old Navy, $1.99 on clearance last spring
Boots: Avenue, $15 on sale when buying another pair of shoes

So the [first of many new] boots. I bought them on sale from Avenue last week and I thought to myself that I should buy them because I had nothing like them. I decided to chance it and thought if I really didn't like them, I could easily return them. I LOVE them. The look is so much better than I imagined and I wore them to teach all day today and they were super comfortable all day long. No return will be necessary. Here is a closer photo to show you how cute they are:
If you love these little cowgirl cuties as much as I do, you can find them here. You can get them for 40% off with code JLA4030 at checkout.

TGIF! Hope everyone has a safe and relaxing weekend! I know I need one.

♥Case

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Secret Blogger Gift Exchange!

Hey pretties! I apologize for not having an outfit post recently...the past week or so has been SO busy! I feel like I have been rushing around like a mad person!
Anyway, outfit posts will come soon...when I have some actual free time to do them. But for now, I wanted to let you all know about a SUPER SWEET gift exchange that I am participating in!
One of my most favorite fellow bloggers, BBM, is hosting a Secret Blogger Gift Exchange! There are 16 fabulous bloggers participating (click here to see who!) and I am lucky enough to get to be one of them! We have each received the name of a fellow blogger that we are going to get a secret gift for...and then we will post about the gifts we all got! I mean, it's really cool to be getting a gift, but let me tell you what- I am crazy excited about the gift-giving part. I am sosoSO ecstatic about the blogger I got. I cannot WAIT to shop for her! In fact, I already imagined what I could buy for her if I were to get her- and what do you know, I did!

Stay tuned for further updates about the exchange...and some more outfit/fun posts coming soon.

an p.s.- can you tell I get a little enthusiastic about the holidays? ;)
♥Case

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Want-It Wednesday: Having Is-SHOES

Do you like my post title...is-shoes. Get it? Like issues. Oh well, at least I amuse myself. :D
shoes.
Avenue has got some seriously fabulous shoes on their website right now. And I may have just purchased three of them. I really could probably buy almost all of them. I keep rationalizing to myself why I need them and when/how much I would wear them. I'm in shoe lust. But how can I resist when they do a buy one, get one for $15 sale and I have a 40% off coupon (You can too! Code JLA4030)? Come on, people. I've got serious is-shoes. (HA!)

Oh, and I hope everyone has seen the "shoes" video on youtube so you know why I titled that set OMG, shoes. It might be weird, but if you haven't seen it, check it out here (oh, and don't watch it at work or anything, the ending has some pretty choice language- but its funny).

Happy hump day, yo!

♥Case

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

New Layout

Hey Guys. New layout is a work in progress. Sorry it is super bright and crazy at the moment!
Hope everyone is having a nice short week!

♥Case

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

100th Post + All Tatted Up

Hello dolls and welcome to frugal.fatshion.frenzy's 100th post!!!
I am very excited to have made 100 posts, and even more excited to keep on blogging! Originally, I had made a really snazzy video for this post as a celebration, but for some reason now that it is uploaded on YouTube, the sound is not jiving with the movement in the video, so it looks like some really bad dubbing from an old Chinese kung fu film. I recorded it back in October to show you some fun things I got on a Target haul. I was pretty nervous, too, as I am sure most of us are when making a vlog. I was so nervous at one point that I even called zebra stripes leopard print. Oops. If you really want to waste 13 minutes of your life watching it, you can find it here, but I won't post it on here and subject you to the craziness.
So, you've seen these pants before, but I wore them a different way yesterday:
I look like hell in these photos...to tell you the truth I felt like hell too. My apologies.
Top: NY&Co, $14.99 a few summers ago
Cardigan: Wal-Mart, $12
Skinny Cargos: Old Navy, $19.80 on sale
Leopard Flats: Target, $12.99
Necklace: Banana Republic Outlet, $14ish
Aren't these bracelets cute? Got them yesterday at H&M, $3.95 each.

And the post finale, MY NEW TATTOO! (it is also my first/only tattoo, and was drawn by me.)
Sorry for the blood, this is the best picture I have of it yet, and it was taken immediately after I removed the bandage! But aside from that, pretty cool huh? It holds a lot of meaning for me...I love it.

Hope you've had a happy hump day, and thank you SO MUCH for travelling this incredible blogging journey with me! Here's to 100 more posts!

♥Case

Monday, November 15, 2010

If You're Happy & You Know It...

Things that are currently making me happy:
-having the day off work tomorrow-Eid Mubarak!
-my "mulled cranberry" scented candle
-using eyeshadow wet with an eyeliner brush
-being able to spend the day with friends tomorrow
-possibly getting my first tattoo tomorrow
-coffee :)

I've never worn a skinny belt before...but I sure do love this one!
Sweater: Kohl's, $20ish after coupon
Vest: LOFT, $12.99 on clearance last fall
Belt: Target, $11.99

Hooray for a blue cat-eye! I know it's hard to see in this picture, but I promise it's there :)

That is all.

♥Case

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Double Time

This past Saturday brought about two outfits! During the daytime, I opted for a super-cozy, run around town and do errands type of style!
Top: Avenue, $6 on clearance last winter
Sweater: Avenue, $10 on clearance last winter
Leggings (with stirrups!): Avenue, $25ish last year
Boots: Avenue, last fall
Necklace: Old Navy, $3.49 on clearance this summer
Wow, I did not realize that this whole outfit was from Avenue! But I love it for a casual Saturday. The leggings are a ponte knit, so they can pretty much be worn as pants with this flowy sweater, which I clearly take full advantage of. And the stirrups make them perfect for boots!

On Saturday night, I went out with a group of my friends to a bar that plays alternative music and everyone dances their little hearts out. I had a blast! My Mom took these photos, can you see the puppy anywhere? He wanted to be in the photos ;)
Black Tank: F21, $3.80
Lace Tank: NY&Co, $20ish before coupon last spring
Cropped Cardigan: Torrid, $24 after coupon
Corduroy Skirt: Torrid, $15 on clearance
Leggings: Target, $6
Shoes: Lane Bryant, $24.50
Tonight I went to Sephora's VIB event and bought a new skincare system because, well - and I'll be honest here- I am having a serious case of adult acne. I keep getting breakouts all over my face, and I cannot figure out what is causing them. One of the sales reps at Sephora suggested the Boscia Clear Complexion Kit, so I bought it and am going to try it. I'll let you know how my experience with it goes. What do you use to keep your skin clear? I will take any suggestions I can get!

Hey! Guess what!?!? Tomorrow is Friday! Wooo!!!! :) Hope you're getting geared up for the weekend!

♥Case

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Heartbeats

So this weekend was the date. I actually ended up going on a spur-of-the-moment blind date on Friday as well, and it went alright. I had fun. However, I did not really feel any connection with the guy. So it was a good practice for the next date.
Sunday's date was a slightly completely different story. If you follow me on Twitter, you probably saw that the guy ended up being great on the outside but was actually a total creep who could not keep his hands to himself. Ew. No thanks, honey. I'm classy and such.
After feeling a full-on bottom grab, I ended up pretty much telling him how inappropriate he was and storming off. I kept thinking of that Monica song "I don't get down on the first niigghhttt..." ha :)

Here is the outfit I wore for Friday's date...I really loved it for a night of walking around a swanky outdoor mall and going out for a nice dinner.
Dress: Old Navy, $29.50 before coupon
Leggings: Old Navy, $6
Belt: Lane Bryant, $2oish I think....
Jacket: Avenue, $35 after coupon
Boots: Target, $29.99

I love this purpley/gray cowl-neck dress from Old Navy. In the reviews on their site, quite a few people seemed to think it was too short, but for those of us who happen to be vertically challenged, it fits fabulously. Not to mention, the price point is fantastic. Old Navy has really been stepping up their game lately...anyone else notice this?

I apologize for this post's obvious lack of detail and effort. My sleepiness is completely to blame. I feel like I have needed to catch up on sleep for the past week and a half. I sort of wish I could sleep through a day.

I have other outfits from this past weekend that I want to show you, but since I'm feeling lazy, and have a feeling that other outfits this week will not be super fun, I will save them for another day this week.

I hope you are dragging less than I am! And I hope you're having better dates ;)

♥Case

Thursday, November 4, 2010

I'ma Get More Shine In A Little Bit

I can't help it. I LOVE the song "Whip Your Hair" by Willow Smith. She is just so stinkin' cute.
Here are photos of my outfit from yesterday. Sorry I look so pathetically sleepy. I was.
Dress: Kohl's, 3 or 4 years ago
Belt: NY&Co, $1.99
Leggings: F21, $5.80
Boots: Torrid, $48 before coupon

In other news, I've been talking to the "date" guy all week, and I can't really seem to get a clear signal from him. Sometimes he flat out annoys me and other times he's super sweet. We actually skyped the other night and it was a good time. We will see what this date on Sunday has in store.

PS- What should I wear on a DATE?????? In case you don't remember, this is all new to me! Eep! Any advice would be much appreciated.

All my ladies if you feel it, go on do it do it, whip your hair! ;)

♥Case

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Ahoy! Happy Halloween!

Typically, I don't really do much for Halloween- I've never really gotten into it. However, this year I am single so I wanted to dress in a cutesy costume and go out and be flirty! And let me tell you- it was a GREAT time! I had so much fun getting dressed up with my friends! It was a great excuse to put on insanely long eyelashes and glitter EVERYWHERE! We had a fabulous evening!
Sailor Costume: Torrid, $55 (I splurged...)
Knee-Highs: Torrid, $4 on sale
Shoes: Target, $24.99

oh, and PS- I have a date next weekend :)
I hope you all had a Happy Halloween with no tricks but lots of treats!

♥Case

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Coolest Dress I've Ever Seen

Upon many hours of perusing of the Internet, I have come upon SWAK Designs several times. Each time, I find myself drawn to hunting down a particular dress that I have seen several bloggers and models pictured in...The Anastasia Interchangeable Wrap Dress...and holy cow, this is the coolest dress I have ever seen in my life. If I had just stumbled upon this dress on the website, I may not have been too impressed. I mean, it sort of just looks like any other dress. However, I saw this video (and for the life of me I cannot remember who posted it on their blog...sorry!) and I could not believe that a dress like this existed! This dress is seriously SO versatile that you can literally make it into pretty much ANY dress (or top) style you can think of. It could be the ONLY dress you own and you could wear it a million different ways so that it never looked like a repeat! I am amazed. I would LOVE to try this dress sometime. Perhaps the next time I am shopping I will have to pick it up.
(photo via swakdesigns)

I mean...if this is not thee coolest thing what is?
Have you tried this dress? Have you tried SWAK Designs? I am dying to! Let me know what you think!

♥Case

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

All Eyes On Me When I Walk In

Last week, in this post, I talked about my newfound love, my red cardigan. Last week I wore it with stripes. Today I decided to try it out with animal print.
I know the black leggings paired with the black skirt is kind of strange looking, but in order to get away with a skirt this length at work I have to pair it with leggings...and any other color just did not work. So alas, I decided to add my red peep-toes since the weather was semi-warm and I could tie them in with the red cardi.
Tank: Wal-Mart, $3
Cardigan: Target, $18
Skirt: Old Navy, $14.50 before coupon last spring
Leggings: Target, $6
Shoes: Target, $24.99

In light of specific recent events (cough*marieclaire*cough) I also have to share this song with you (took the title for this post from this one)...every time I hear it my self-confidence just goes through the roof. I love it- it makes me feel gorgeous. Definitely a girl-power song.

All my ladies- do the pretty girl rock. ;)

♥Case

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Down on The Farm

Today a group of friends & I (including S&S) went to a pumpkin farm! I wasn't sure what to wear but I figured there was most definitely no better time to break out my new plaid shirt and a pair of jeggings! I felt farmer-chic ;) I am so in love with the plaid trend. I'm glad it has been sticking around for awhile. This is actually my first plaid button-down and I can't even begin to describe how comfy I feel in it.

It was a very windy day, but we had a great time!
Shirt: Old Navy, $14.50 on sale
Jeggings: Old Navy, $24.50ish on sale
Boots: Avenue, last fall
Sunnies: Ray-Ban prescription

And just for fun...me jumping into a giant pile of straw!
Needless to say I had a lot of straw in my jeggings after this!
I totally wish I had a DSLR camera. I could have taken some really wonderful pictures today with one. Guess what I'm asking Mommy & Daddy for for Christmas? ;)

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

♥Case

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Paris: You & Me.

Hello darlings. Today was a pretty relaxing Saturday for me. All I really did was get my eyebrows threaded (which if you don't do, you need to- it's the best way to keep brows tame in my opinion) and went to see Paranormal Activity 2, which was good for a few jumps.

Blazer: Old Navy, last fall $34.50 I believe
Top: ASOS, gifted (the only ASOS item I own!)
Skinny Cargos (which are totally rad, by the way): Old Navy, $19.80 on sale
Booties: Avenue, $8.50 on a super sale
Earrings: gifted from Vi

I love these pants. I just got them from Old Navy last week. I feel super trendy in them, they're super soft and comfy, and my hot neighbor even commented, telling me I looked great in my outfit today. Sweeeet.

Let's run away to Paris, lovies ;)

♥Case