I Don't Know Who I Am Without You, All I Know Is That I Should...

Just wanted to give you all a quick little update...I am moving into my very own apartment tomorrow. On my own. Without J.

And I truly believe it's what is best for me right now.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and advice on this situation...Your comments really hit home and made me come to some major realizations. I don't know what I'd do without you.

Back to real blogging once all of my stuff is moved, situated, and unpacked.
See you soon, dolls.

♥Case

MySpace Angles

Here is today's outfit. I'm at my parents house and without a photographer or camera, so bathroom mirror shots on the Droid it is!

I really love this outfit and wanted to share...I feel trendy and yet laid back at the same time...but I feel like a teenager taking MySpace pictures...lol :)

T-Shirt: Torrid, $28 before coupon

Tank: Torrid, $12

Black Skinny Pants, Extra Short: Torrid, $48 before coupon

Ring: Coach, $23ish on a super sale at the outlet

Alright so apparently it's an all Torrid day! I'm alright with that.

♥Case

I Can't Hold On, But Letting Go Is Something I Can't Do...

I'll warn you before I start- this post is not about fashion. It's about my life. So if you don't feel like reading it, I won't be offended- seeing as this is supposed to be a fashion blog. But really, maybe I should rename my blog to be more of a lifestyle blog so I don't feel bad about posting something like this. Either way, I desperately need a friend to vent to...so here goes.

For the past 7.5 years I've been dating J. J and I have always had a TON in common. We get along really well for the most part, but we have one huge issue: he is totally and completely irresponsible. As in, he does not have a job, nor does he try to get one, doesn't answer his phone a majority of the time, never calls me when he says he will, doesn't follow through, sleeps until 1pm in the afternoon, and plays lots of video games. Recently he's been taking classes to get a degree, but that is his only commitment. He doesn't have any problem paying bills, though, because his mother sends him $1000 every month to pay for his living expenses. J is 26. Anyway, we've had this problem for years. I'm overly ambitious and he has next to no ambition. And it gets in the way of us being a happy couple.

So there is your background info. Earlier this month I decided that J and I need to separate- get our own apartments and live on our own- until he can prove to me that he cares enough to fix this major problem.
Or so I thought.

Now, the week of the move (I am supposed to move into my new apartment this coming Sunday) I am totally unsure of my decision and feel like I am constantly on the verge of tears. I really, really don't want to live in separate apartments...its really going to be rough on my finances...and his. Not to mention, I will really miss him. We've lived together for about 15 months now, so this is going to be a huge change.

I feel like all of my friends will be mad at me and think I'm weak if I change my mind and stay with him...but why should I put myself through so much pain and financial strain when I could be content just leaving things as is? I guess my friends would say because most of the time I'm not "happy" in this relationship because of J's immaturity. And they're right, but right now I do feel happy with the relationship. When it's just he and I, and nothing else in the world matters, he's my very best friend and I do love him on some level.

That's another part of the story, too. I'm always unsure of whether or not I'm "in love" with J. Most of the time I feel like I'm not, but I wonder if I would feel like this about anyone after being together for so long. Maybe him being my best friend is more important than all that lovey-dovey stuff. Maybe that's what a soulmate really is.
Or maybe there is someone out there that will make me feel lovey-dovey always...I don't know.

Aside from this irresponsible behavior, J treats me very well. He would do anything for me at the drop of a hat and has stood by my side through A LOT of crazy life occurrences. He isn't very romantic or thoughtful, but he is always kind and caring.

Anyway, I'm scared. I'm outrageously sad. I'm confused and uncertain. It almost feels like the him being irresponsible issue doesn't matter anymore. But I know that if I stay with him, sooner or later I will become upset again that he is being immature and irresponsible.
Everyone says if things are meant to be, he and I will get back together later.
I'm just not sure if I'm even willing to take that chance anymore.

I don't know what to do.

♥Case

The Club Can't Even Handle Me Right Now

Tonight I decided to head out with some friends to the Arena District to check out a piano bar called The Big Bang- it was actually really cool, I just wish it hadn't been so crowded. Apparently everyone else thinks its really cool, too.
Here's what I wore tonight...it has been SO hot lately that these photos literally look hazy.

Dress: Target, $15

Tank: Old Navy, several years ago

Belt: NY&Co, $2.99 before coupon

Shoes: Torrid, $39 (but I used a gift card so it felt like they were free!!)

Wristlet: Coach, gift

I have always been anti-black&brown, but I actually really like this cognac color with black. I think it is a great, interesting combination. What do you think? Do you wear black and any shades of brown together?

Also...do you guys notice that I hardly ever wear earrings/necklaces/bracelets? Well, I need to start because I own LOTS of jewelry. I am thinking of doing a "must wear accessories" challenge for 15 days in hopes that I will just get in the habit of accessorizing a little more. Anyone else interested in joining?

Alright, I'm off to bed! Night lovies!

♥Case

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