Outfit of The Day...Feelin' Good

Hello pretties! Today was a very typical day for me...got up, taught my kiddos, came home, ate dinner, went on a walk with a friend...overall, nothing incredibly special. But I wanted to let you know that I FEEL very special today. Why, you ask? Well, normally during the work week I do not get to be very fashionable or stylish because A.)I teach Kindergarten and B.)The teacher dress code at my school is extremely conservative. Today I decided I would wear my typical dress pants but that I would jazz it up a bit with a bright orange top and look a bit more polished with a gray blazer. Really, it was nothing special, but I got SOOO many compliments on my outfit that I just felt amazing and stylish all day.

And to top it off, my makeup was very minimal, too, so getting all those nice compliments just made me feel great about myself overall.

I recently got this blazer on sale at Lane Bryant, and I love the back of it:

It's a little wrinkly here because I had worn it for a very long work day, but I love the detailing on the back. The pleats give it such a pretty appeal and an unexpected focal point to draw attention to the center of the back rather than the sides, which I think looks more slimming, feminine, and even more professional.

Tank: Torrid, $24.50 before coupons (4/10)
Blazer: Lane Bryant, $49.99 on sale (4/10)
Pants: Sag Harbor at Kohl's (a few years ago)
Flats: Mudd, $30, Kohl's (9/09)
(Forgive me for my ever-changing outfit listing formats...I'm still trying to figure out a way that I like listing items best...I think we've found a winner.)

Oh! And during this impromptu photoshoot, we met a friend...

I think he wanted to get in on the photo-snapping action :)

Tomorrow is Friday!!!!!!!!
♥Case

Want-It Wednesday

Hello lovelies! I thought Wednesdays would be the perfect day to share some of the things I've been lusting over...and I'm a fan of catchy alliteration, so why not?

Lately, I've been on the hunt for the perfect flat, strappy sandals. In the past, my warm weather go-to has been flip-flops, but these days I'm feeling like flip-flops just don't cut it. I have never been the biggest fan of the gladiator style, but I have recently found myself much more open-minded. Comfort is also a big concern, since I am typically on my feet all day long. This pair from Avenue is one that I actually really like, but I am not totally sold.

I am very open to suggestions if anyone has found something fabulous that you would like to share with me! Metallics are definitely a plus!

And, just for good measure, one more thing I've been drooling over...

(photos via MAC)

MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick...such a pretty bluish pink shade that it seems to look good on most all skin tones. And, if the pretty factor isn't enough, 100% of the proceeds from this lipstick (as well as the Cyndi Lauper version) will be donated to the MAC AIDS Fund. Go Gaga!

Happy Hump Day!
♥Case

My Own Living Doll: BFF Wardrobe Makeover, April

Alright...after spending the past week or so traveling around the great state of Ohio, I am finally back to school, back to reality, and back to blogging.

So, I will update you with what I have been up to one post at a time (a lot has been going on!)

As I mentioned a few posts back, my BFF has given me quite the exciting task. She has asked for my help in creating a new, fashion-forward wardrobe for herself. Essentially, for me, this is like playing with my own life-size dress-up doll. The tricky part is, however, that she wants to limit herself to purchasing only ONE outfit a month with a budget of about $100 for each complete outfit...so I have had to be quite thrifty in what I choose to include in her new fashion arsenal. AND I want her to have some essentials- things that she can mix and match to create many different looks. We began this adventure in February, and unfortunately, March was a little too hectic for our schedules to include a shopping trip...but April seems to be a winner. We had the most luck this month at New York & Company, where I found her an outfit so cute, I bought it for myself in a different color (so much for abstinent April...we'll talk about that later.)

Tiered Dress, $26
Linen Blend Shrug, $25
Leggings, $9.95
Studded Rosette Belt, $2.99
Total = $63.94

We also picked her up this adorable ruffle cami ($26.95) to pair with the same shrug & skinnies:

Each piece here is from NY&CO, except for the flats, which are from Target (and also from our February shopping trip...$13.99).

And of course, here is what I wore out shopping that day:

(Tunic, mark., last year; Leggings, Old Navy, ?; Flats, $24.95 Lane Bryant; Headband, $4.50 & Bangles, $6.80 both F21)

If you like this tunic, they have a very similar one right now over at (oh! surprise!) NY&CO.

Oh, and before I wrap up, the BFF is not a plus-sized gal, but I have to mention that I was very pleased with the sizing at New York & Company. I was able to pick out a few things for myself that looked great and were very reasonably priced.

Oh! And a pic of the BFF and I out and about, sporting her new outfit:

♥ Case

Not Gone!

Hello friends! Just wanted to make a quick post to let you know that this week has been super crazy, resulting in a lack of posts from me! It is my spring break from school so I've been "gallyvanting" (as my Dad would say) all over Ohio!
I've got lots to tell you about, so expect several posts soon. I did not forget about my lovely blog.

Oh, and Abstinent April? Um, let's just say my friends are a BAD influence on that. ;)

See you Soon,
Case ♥

Abstinent April

This month, in keeping with the idea of being frugal, I am trying to remain abstinent (no, not in THAT way...this is a fashion blog! ;) ) I am going to try to abstain from my love, shopping, as much as I possibly can. (Keyword: TRY...ha!)
I know for a fact that I will be getting myself in trouble this coming Monday as I spend the day shopping with my BFF, which will bring another exciting blog piece in itself...and on Friday as I head to the coveted Coach Factory Outlet Store with some friends from work.
HOWEVER...I am really going to try and control myself while on these outings and try to be as thrifty as possible.

We'll see how this goes.

For those of you who celebrate it, Happy Easter! I'll be spending the rest of the weekend with my family...see you soon!

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.