Grand Opening of Loop 18 from Lane Bryant

Today, after brunch with S&S, I rushed down to my nearest Lane Bryant outlet store to check out the launch of their new Loop 18 line. I have been checking out their facebook page, eagerly awaiting the launch. I was so excited when I saw this outside of the store:

Balloons! And a sign! I was practically running to get there! Of course, I grabbed just about one of everything to try on. Here are a few grainy photos I snapped using my phone in the dressing room:

I actually really liked this look...it is very Gaga-esque...but I could not see myself actually wearing it and having anyone take me seriously. And I'm not a huge fan of sequins on a top, but that's just personal preference. Love the purple color, though.

This look photographed well, but the jeggings were way too clingy on my thighs. The top was SO cute, but the 13/15 looked weird on my chest and the 17/19 was too baggy in the underarms. The little military buttons were loose, making them fall whichever way they wanted to. I felt that it would have looked better had they been more secure.

I actually LOVED this tunic...pink, lace, and a sweetheart cut are three of my favorite things, ever. Again, the 13/15 was a little too tight and the 17/19 was slightly too big. However I might consider picking this up later if it ever becomes more heavily discounted.

This jacket was cute and comfy, but overpriced in my opinion.

And last but not least, I actually did end up buying this cropped diagonal-zip short-sleeved jacket. I feel like I can do a lot with it! But, again, I would have been much happier if the price had been lower.

I tried on several other things that I was not super impressed with. :(

Now that I am home and reflecting, I wish I had tried on a few more items. But overall, I ended up being somewhat disappointed. Nothing fit me the way that I wanted it to, but perhaps that's just because I am not really designed for juniors' sizing. I could have even sacrificed amazing fit for amazing prices, but even with the 25% off special they were doing, I was still not impressed at the quality for the price.

I had very high hopes for this line, especially because I am such a huge fan of Lane Bryant. My reaction to the line as a whole was "meh...nothing special." It is definitely very appropriate for the teenage crowd. I have a strong feeling that as the line grows, they will come out with items I like better.

Have you been able to try Loop 18 yet? What do you think?

♥Case

Review: Sizes to Fit Yuru Ruffle Pleat Waist Dress

So, after this post, I was contacted by Sizes to Fit to do a review of an item from their website. Naturally, I chose the beautiful Yuru Ruffle Pleat Waist Dress in Jade (a beautiful deep green color.) I was nervous about the sizing, but based on their size chart, I decided to order a size 2x (I typically wear a size 14/16 top and a 16/ 18 in pants, just for your reference.) I received the dress astoundingly quick...literally after only 2 days. When I got the package, I opened it up to see the dress wrapped neatly in tissue paper with a Sizes to Fit sticker keeping it together...like a present! ;) I instantly tried on the dress and took photos, even though I had just returned home from being hot and gross all day...

Here is what the dress looks like in different lighting. I LOVE the color, the ruffle, and the gathering on the bust and waist. As you can see, the 2x fits me pretty well overall. However, I don't think I would ever wear this dress alone. I would most definitely throw on a black shrug or cardigan with it. It is a little more low-cut in the underarm/baby fat area and I am not a fan of how that area looks on me., so I personally would be more comfortable with something over the dress. The length is great, hitting me right at the knee (I am 5'3".) The back of the dress is stretchy, but clingy, so it allows for lots of extra room, but the material (100% polyester) does cling to my back fat (sexy, I know.) Overall, the quality of the dress is good for the price.

So...the final verdict...for the price of $29.99, I would most definitely recommend purchasing this dress. It is perfect for any end-of-summer weddings, dates, or other semi-dressy events you may have going on. Now I just need to decide where I can wear the dress!

Thank you SO MUCH to Sizes to Fit for providing the dress for me to review. I will most definitely be checking out their website when I look for plus size clothing in the future.

♥Case

Want-It Wednesday: Feelin' Dizzy

Hello blog friends! I am sad to say that I have not posted in an entire week now! But trust me- I have not worn anything worth photographing because I have been running all over Ohio like a crazy person...not to mention I think I am sick or something because I have been dizzy literally all day today. So, as you might be able to tell, blogging has not been my top priority. I'm still not feeling well, but I wanted to do a quick post to let you all know I'm still here, and as soon as things calm down a bit, I'll do a real post and get back in the swing of things. I sincerely MISS you guys.

Anyway, here is my want-it for the week. This jacket was pictured on the insanely gorgeous Ashley Graham in a recent mailer sent out by Lane Bryant:

I may or may not have drooled a little when I saw it.

In frugal news, one of my favorite retailers, Torrid, has an extra 50% off their clearance items right now...and this stuff usually goes fast, so get it while it's still there!

I also have a review of a dress from Sizes to Fit coming soon...stay tuned, loves.

♥Case

Want-It Wednesday: How Have I Never Seen This!?!?!?

This evening I have been attempting to catch up on my blog reading. I feel like I have been running around like crazy lately, so please forgive me for my lack of posting/commenting. Anyway, tonight I saw that Diva in Deep Thought is doing a giveaway of a dress from Sizes to Fit. I was immediately impressed with the dress she had, and so I decided to check out their website...and I now have to ask you one thing...HOW HAVE I NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE!?!?!? This website is awesome! There are so many items that are exactly my style and the prices! *gasp* They're super affordable (the top pictured here is $8.99)! Here are a few pictures of the items I am in LOVE with:

Someone- please, please, PLEASE give me a reason to wear that green dress somewhere so I can rationalize possibly purchasing it. I really want it!

And, not that I don't love my dress (and everything else for that matter) from Torrid, but this dress is VERY similar and is less than half of the price of the one from Torrid.

Have you ever shopped at Sizes to Fit? If so, what have you thought of their clothing? I am super curious!

I'll be around more regularly as all of the craziness dies down over the next few days (I swear I just drive in loops around central/northeast Ohio...)

♥Case

Your Love Is My Drug...

My brother is here! Yay! He wanted me to take him out to a few bars in downtown Columbus, so a friend of his came down and we all went to the Arena District.

I didn't feel like getting super dressed up since I was just heading out with my brother, but here's what I wore...

T-Shirt: Old Navy, $5

Skirt: Torrid, $34 before coupon

Necklace: made by a friend

And my hair was REALLY cooperating today! That never happens!

Alright, just wanted to do a quick outfit post before bed!

Sweet dreams!

♥Case

Parlez-vous français?

I feel very Parisian in today's outfit! Must be the black/white/red color combo.

My photographer likes to take candids of me...

Tank: F21, $3.80

Cardigan: Walmart, $11

Skirt: mark. reversible skirt, $18.20

Belt: Torrid, $20.90 after coupon

Shoes: Target, $24.99

I have had the idea for this outfit in my head for a week or two now! I am really into black and white with a pop of color lately. What colors do you like to pair with black and white?

As mentioned in this post, I am on the hunt for the perfect pair of skinny jeans. The ones from Old Navy arrived...I had high hopes for Old Navy, but alas, it was a fail. I've got some great ideas now on places to try...I'll keep you posted!

My brother is flying in from Alabama tomorrow! He's been living down there for about 2 months now and I miss him so much! I cannot wait to see him!!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

♥Case

Lazy Summer Beauty Routine

A poolside conversation with one of the S's got me to thinking about how my summer beauty routine is different from any other time of year. Typically, I don't do much in the way of changing the products I use based on the weather, I usually just have a different routine for day and evening, but this summer I actually did change things up a bit, so I wanted to share with you. This is my "quick and easy I don't feel like putting on makeup but still want to look pretty" method.

I start by mixing together some Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer and some Fresh High Noon Freshface Glow and applying it all over my face with my fingers. Then I apply Urban Decay Primer Potion to my eyelids, mark. Eyemarker Eyeliner in Java to my top & bottom lashlines, and some Maybelline Great Lash BIG to make my lashes pop. Then I put Benefit Benetint on my cheeks and lips and blend.
Last but not least I use one of my mark. mini brushes to apply some Smashbox Baked powder (can't find this online anywhere- must be a retired product...I got mine for $5) over my entire face to create a more bronzy glow.
If I'm feeling saucy, I also add some eyeshadow from my Smashbox Eyelights Palette in Strobe to make my eyes appear brighter.
I curl my eyelashes, throw on a little gloss and there you have it! A quick and easy daytime summer beauty routine!

I am curious- what are your go-to summer beauty products?

♥Case