Spring Trend: Watercolor Prints...Love it or Leave it?

One spring trend that I have noticed as I've flipped through magazines and walked around local malls recently is the watercolor print. In almost every store I have walked past, there has been something on a mannequin aiming to be bright and colorful, with that sheer, watery wash that could easily remind anyone of their elementary school days (or maybe that's just the teacher in me...ha!) Personally, I am digging neutrals and floral prints for this spring...but watercolor prints for me are kind of hit or miss. Some that I've seen look fab and some look downright scary. If you want to sport the trend, here are a few chic ways that I do enjoy it:

1.) Paired with neutrals: for a polished, put-together look

(Watercolor Print Cotton Cardigan, $19.97, New York & Company)

2.) Paired with ruffles: for the ultimate girly look

(Printed Watercolor Racerback Tank, $12.50, and Ruffle-Neck Cardigan, $26.50, Old Navy)

(Smocked Poppy Print Tank, $34.50, Lane Bryant)

3.) Paired with other embellishments (like beads): for an artsy-cool look

(Beaded Watercolor Graphic Tee, $12.99, Old Navy)

All of these are great ways to wear the trend...and won't break the bank! And if you're going to wear watercolor prints, just make sure to keep everything else relatively simple. Remember, simple art is some of the most beautiful art. :)

What do you think about the watercolor prints trend? Love it or Leave it?

Saturday Outfit + Shopping at H&M

Yesterday, I decided to head to the opposite side of the city to check out H&M (this trip was inspired by Curvy Girl Chic and all her fabulous H&M outfits.) In the past when I've shopped there, I never had any luck. I was limited to only purchasing accessories. So, needless to say, I have kind of shied away. Now, I believe they have extended their size range slightly to incorporate sizes 14 and 16.
Here is what I wore to the mall: (Shirt, Old Navy $5. Dress, Old Navy $12. Leggings, F21 $5.50. Boots, Torrid $50ish before coupon. Belt, Old Navy $13. Headband, Old Navy $1.50. Bag, mark. $30)

...and here are a few of the pieces I tried on at H&M:

Flowy floral top ($14.95) from the new Garden Collection, made of recycled polyester, size 14. I am wearing leggings here, but how cute would this top be with dark skinnies and flats?

This oversized top ($29.95) would have been fabulous...had it fit me in the arms. The sequin embellishments on the shoulders add just enough flair to make it interesting. I tried on a size medium because that was all they had...thankfully not having a large kept me on a budget.


This dress was my favorite item of the day. The soft, neutral pink color and the silky texture reminded me of something that my Mom used to wear. The versatility of this dress is amazing. Wear it alone with some girly heels (these ones? ha!) for a soft, romantic look or pair it with a cardigan and black tights for a more laid-back, airy look. Plus- at $29.95, how could a girl say no?

So, I came home with my new dress and the floral top...for under $50. I'd say this trip was a success.

French ELLE

The newFrench issue of ELLE is available today, with a special feature on curvy chic fashion! The article features model Tara Lynn and several other curvy fashionistas! While I'm not crazy about all of the photos (and could probably never afford any of the clothing here), I really like the interview section and suggestions from Johanna Dray, Juliette Katz, and Stephanie Zwicky (author of le blog de big beauty.)

Here are a few of the spreads that I really liked:

If only every magazine could feature gorgeous, curvy women like this! What do you think?

photos from vivelesrondes via slide :)

Stuck Between a Shoe & A Hard Place...

I'm having fun coming up with cheesy names for my posts...

Anyyyyywayyyy...

I have been lusting over these shoes at Newport News for several months now...and I look at them on pretty much a daily basis. I think it's safe to say I should just order them by now...I just can't give in! I have no idea what I would wear them with. Hmmm....I just really love them. They're so...Blair Waldorf. ♥ .
What a predicament.

Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Spring 2010

A week or two ago, I was on a mission to get myself to Kohl's to check out Lauren Conrad's new spring line. I am typically a fan of LC's style, so I was excited to see what she had in store. When I arrived, I was expecting the clothing to run from sizes XS-L, but to my surprise all of the pieces I saw actually were available in a size XL as well. So far, so good. I also noticed that this line is very characteristic of the clothes that LC actually wears herself- floral ruffles, bright dresses, and super-girly everything. Needless to say, I decided to try a few of the items that I liked.

Unfortunately, my local Kohl's decided to close an hour early that night, leaving me enough time to only try on a few items. The only thing I tried on that I actually really liked was the black sequin bow top...

...but I am not a fan of my arms...maybe I would love it with a cardigan?
(P.S.- Sorry for the blinding light...my phone is not the best camera ever.)


Overall, I liked a lot of LC's new designs and was happy to see a size XL offered, but for me most of the stuff was still just the tiniest bit too small (I am a size 16/18 depending on the store/clothing item).


Eh, better luck next time. I always have better luck with the Vera Wang for Kohl's collabo. :)

Mani-CURED!

I will be the first to admit that I have never been one of those girls who is skilled in the art of nail decor. No matter how hard I've tried over the years, I always just seem to end up with polish all over my fingers and around my nails. And trust me, it is certainly not cool among other adults to look like one of your Kindergarten students gave you a manicure.

But alas, I am beginning to think that my nail woes have come to an end because of a recent drug store discovery...Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure (Ulta, $7...or I get mine at Target for about the same price). I originally purchased this polish in "Commander in Chic" because of its mushroomy-purple color. I liked the brush shape and the ease of application so much when I used it for the first time, not to mention the color...but to add even more to my approval, this stuff has some MAJOR staying power. I'm talking "teach Kindergarten for 4 days before I even chip on the edges" kind of power...with no top coat! Because of my amazement with my first CSM experience, I scooped up two more very trendy neutral spring colors, "Peachy Keen" and "Pink Slip"...both of which have proven to be just as powerful as their predecessor.

So, needless to say, I'm in awe.
You should go get some...STAT.

(Oh! and while you're at it, pick up some Essie Matte About You to make your mani super matte and trendy)

and the oscar goes to...

I am sure that you are not surprised to hear that I watched the Academy Awards last night, mostly to see what everyone was wearing. I love seeing everyone get all glammed up for this big night. Here are my picks for top five best dressed (in no particular order):

I think though, if I had to choose, I would say that I like Elizabeth Banks in Versace best. And my girl SJP's hair was pretty much the best thing I've ever seen. Whose oscar style did you loveloveLOVE?

until later,
Case.

random outfit post

Alright so this is not the best photo, but I am loving this outfit that I wore the other day and wanted to share.


Dress (belt attached): F21
Cardigan: F21
Necklace: F21
Jeans(with stirrups!): Avenue
Boots: Torrid

I am really glad that the nautical look is in right now because I tend to have an obsession with anything stripey.

Until later,
Case.

bootie-licious!

This blog is still very much a work in progress but I just wanted to share with anyone who might see this that I just ordered thee cutest (and very simple) pair of platform booties over at Avenue for $8.50!!!! Talk about a steal. They were on sale for $16.99 and I used a coupon code (JLE4472) from the "MyCoupons" app on my Droid to also get an extra 50% off. If I were you I would definitely head on over to their site to score big! I will keep you updated on sizing, etc. when they arrive!