Instead of kicking myself...

Hello, All!
Obviously, blogging has been put a bit on the back-burner lately. And with that, I have been slowly dying a little on the inside day-by-day. But I haven't stopped writing, just posting.

Opposed to kicking myself for falling off so terribly and putting pressure on myself to post something long and important and full of excuses for not blogging (like no longer having a camera or photographer),

I'm just going to jump back into it.

It is really easy as a blogger to get discouraged when you lose your groove of post frequency, or feel like you have failed. It's even tempting to feel like no one wants to hear from me any more because consistency is key to building trust with your audience.

And some of that may be true! But blogging is what I love, and you and I will always regret letting insecurity hold us back from something you love. If I blogged only because people wanted to read what I had to say, I would easily burn out and be inauthentic. And instead of sharing my life in a way that is real and encouraging I would be putting my life on display for your approval.

So whether anyone still reads this or not, I'm going to keep blogging. I blog for you, but more than that I do it primarily because I love it and because I feel like I suffocate when I do not write.

{Jacket: American Eagle (several years ago); Shirt: Old Navy; Shorts: Merrell; Shoes: Highland Creek}

{Drink: Starbucks' caramel cappuccino with coconut milk, extra whip, and extra caramel drizz;)}

ALSO, *batt-da-da-DAAA* I am in the process of re-making my little corner of the world wide web! My goal is for this blog to look entirely different in the next month, but I will continue to post until then. BUT STAY TUNED, because it is going to be super duper exciting.

*hint, hint! You can get a preview of that from the change on my Instagram;)*

See you again soon, Lovelies!

Style{in} Skirts: Daggone, No-Good Winter

Yes, this is my first Style{in} Skirts post in a while, and I'm sort of sorry. 

(ok, actually I'm really sorry. I'm just trying not to kick myself for being such a slacker.)

But let's be real... it's really hard to look good in the winter time! Especially with all the snow and crazy weather Virginia has been experiencing, I typically leave my dorm looking more like an eskimo than a stylish, put-together young woman. The motivation to find a good outfit when I'm just going to put three and a half layers on top of it is not there.

So, yes, I'm blaming the daggone weather for my lack of discipline in posting. And my recent lack of fashion sense. 

This is an outfit I wore about a month ago that my brother snapped pictures of real quick after class. (It was super cold that day, which is why I awkwardly have my hands crammed into my tiny jacket pockets, but hopefully ya'll get the idea.) 

It's one of my favorites because it takes a hand-me-down, super comfy, plain and unattractive dress and makes it socially acceptable. I threw over it my burgundy zipper cardigan-thing, slipped on a pair of jeans underneath, and boom shakka lakka, you have a dress that's still comfy, but no longer unflattering. 

This is a big reason that I hang on to a lot of clothes that sometimes don't fit anymore, or why I pick out unflattering basics at thrift stores. Layers are key. If it's cheap/free, and a color/type of clothing that goes with a lot, why would you pass that up? Like I said, when it's cold out, nobody really sees what you're wearing underneath all your layers of clothing anyways. 

This was the first time I had tried the oh-so-hipster cuffed jeans. I thought I would hate it, but turns out I liked it a lot! Especially my fave sneaker pumps. Yes, my ankles were a bit cold, but whatever, I felt trendy.

_______________

There you have it. I'm not promising I'll be more consistent with these with the weather still cold (it's snowing AGAIN as I write). With a lack of sunshine and a lack of a photographer these days, I can't guarantee anything. 

In other news, college kids like me are nearing midterms and a bunch of other fun things like that. Tis the season for stress to begin escalating again, and for studying to be taken a bit more seriously. So love the students in your life! ;)

Hope ya'll are having a fabulous February week.

Love, Case

Dress: hand-me-down; Cardi: Cotton On (clearance!); Jacket: American Eagle; Scarf: probably Target; Jeans: American Eagle; Shoes: Target

Linking up at: Penniless Socialite, Fry Sauce and Grits, Mix Match Fashion, Style Elixir, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Mama and More, Still Being Molly, Fizz and Frosting, Rhea Etcetera, The Pleated Poppy, Because Shanna Said So, My Girlish Whims, and Two Thirty-Five Designs

I Am a Fashion Blogger (and this is why)

So this week marks two years ago that I started fashion blogging. And in those two years, I feel like I've tried every which way to describe myself as anything but a fashion blogger. But I'm starting to come around to the fact that if 80% of my viewers only view the fashion aspect of my blog, it's safe to say that's what I am. So what better time to talk about being/becoming a fashion blogger than two years after I started?

The reason I've avoided being called "the fashion blogger," is because I feel like it brings a negative reaction to folks, like, "oh, she must think she's so put together all the time," or "she's not that fabulous," and yadda yadda. And really, their skepticism would be well-deserved because there's nothing that makes me qualified to talk about it. Most of the time I'm in a T and sweats, anyways... I live the college life!

So why did I start posting fashion posts if I didn't want to be a fashion blogger? There are other bloggers out there. What made me different? What made me feel there was a need?

A few things...

One of my first fashion posts

1) I was tired of seeing girls shove their bodies into fashion trends that did not work for their body type.
We're all unique and we're all beautiful (like all of us haven't heard that 20 times...). The problem is, fashion industries and trends do not cater to different body types. That's why their trends: they're all the same. But who says we have to be trendy to be fabulous? Nobody. Fabulous comes from wearing what looks good on you and wearing it confidently.

2) I was tired of being discouraged that dressing with femininity and dignity was defined as "prudish" and "boring"
Every girl has faced the discouragement of seeing the overwhelming amounts of mini-skirts and see-through tops, and the sinking feeling that that's what you wear to be cool. What happens to the gals who don't want to dress that way? They feel the only way to not dress like that is to wear black ankle-length skirts and over-sized plaid button ups.
I've been there. And there wasn't anyone to show me that that didn't have to be the case.

3) I was tired of wearing the same things the same ways and I wanted a challenge to do something different
I already blogged, so why not bring ya'll along for the journey of trying to think a little bit outside of the box? Blogging is a really good way to stay motivated and accountable for things like this, and I figured something like this would be fun to share.

...and now.

4) I shopped at thrift stores and Target more than I shopped anywhere else, and typical fashion bloggers are high-end shoppers
If there were blogs I could find who inspired me in the way I looked, they were bloggers who spent $35 on a pair of socks and simply paired pumps with a $150 dress. These blogs were remarkably uncreative (anyone can pair an expensive dress with expensive shoes and look great) AND remarkably outside of my budget.

5) I knew I wasn't the only one
There was no way that I was the only girl discouraged by the poor amount of inspirational fashion bloggers who shopped economically, creatively, and modestly.
So instead of waiting around to find someone who fit the bill, why not challenge myself to fit it?

I'm very passionate about women feeling strong and confident and beautiful. What better way to do that than to encourage them to put their best foot forward and rock their personality through what they wear?

By posting my thoughts on how to look like the best YOU you can, and always bringing it back around to where your true value is, it is my goal that every woman who sees my posts will feel stronger, more valuable, and more beautiful.

As women, we're told over and over where we aren't good enough and how we don't measure up. But you know what? That doesn't matter. If you feel fabulous, you are fabulous. Why not feel fabulous more often?

So there you have it. I'm a fashion blogger. Why? Because I want you to know that you're the most beautiful you that there will ever be, and that's something to be proud of, not something you try and change. And these fashion posts are just a small way to try and remind you of that.

Style{in} Skirts: Ft. Kallie the Cupcake-Maker

This is Kallie.

She's a gymnast, a soccer player, a baker and a singer.  

She wants to open up her own cupcake shop... how cool is that?

Scarf: Charming Charlie's // Shirt: Kohl's // Vest: Charlotte Russe // 

Skirt/Maxi Dress: Papaya // Boots: Wet Seal

I really like Kallie's combination of color and pattern... and throwing in the denim vest was the cherry on top. I need her to show me how she got her scarf tied up so fabulously!

I like featuring new people because I find myself getting into the same rut of wearing similar pieces similar ways... Kallie makes me want to go buy some stripes!! And wear my denim vest way more.

If you want to be featured on Cattails, Rabbittrails, and Thistlefish, let me know!! Give me a holler on facebook or email me your look at caseyheardwhat@gmailDOTcom. Fresh faces are always fun, and I'm always looking for a good excuse to not be the one photographed;)

Yesterday was the first day of fall... And Virginia actually felt like it! What a shocker...

Hope ya'll are ready to break out the pumpkins and take hipster pictures of fall leaves and all that fun stuff:)

Love, Case

PS: Linking up @ The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Because Shanna Said So, Pumps and PushUps, The Life of the Party, Vodka Infused Lemonade, Sequins and Style, Fry Sauce and Grits, Style Elixir, Penniless Socialite, All Things Chic, Musings of a Housewife, Mummy's Got Style, Watch Out for the Woestmans, The Foley Fam, Join the Gossip, Still Being Molly, DC in Style, Fizz and Frosting, Rhea Etcetera, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Mama - and More, Style Elixir, Why I Do DeClaire, and My Girlish Whims:)

Style{in} Skirts: StitchFix

(This chevron skirt is my favorite StitchFix find... these aren't colors I'm naturally attracted to, but nevertheless I really like it.)

Have you ever gone through something hard that makes you frustrated with the Lord? I was very frustrated with Him for a while because He told me He would provide for my needs. But I had needs that weren't being filled!

But wouldn't you know it... He was filling those needs. He's just very clever and smart and knows the best way for it to happen, even when I don't see it.

And it just leaves me humbled and feeling foolish for ever doubting Him.

He's a Provider and Friend and the strongest Rock to stand on....

And we can trust that.

Love, Case

P.S. Check out StichFix, and let me know what you think of it! I'll be posting more about it in the future.

P.P.S. Linking up @ The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Rhea Etcetera, Mama - and More!, Style Elixir, My Girlish Whims, Mummy's Got Style, Living in Color, Vodka Infused Lemonade, Sequins & Style, Penniless Socialite, Simply Just Lovely, The Life of the Party, Fry Sauce & Grits, Two Thirty Five Designs, Musings of a Housewife, For the Love of Fancy, Mix Match Fashion, Watch Out for the Woestmans, The Foley Fam, Join the Gossip, Mom Trends, Still Being Molly, DC in Style, Fizz and Frosting, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Why I Do DeClaire, and Because Shanna Said So ;)

Style{in} Skirts: As Many Colors As You Can

(We're gonna ignore that my hair looks some sort of weird in these pics, and that they were taken in the rain on the street under an umbrella that matches far too well with my outfit...;)

 Shirt: Forever 21 ($8); Skirt: I don't remember, but most of my skorts like this have come from the thrift store; 

Bag: Gift (from a thrift store); Boots: Gift (from a thrift store)

My life has been lots of kinds of crazy lately. I moved out over the weekend,  and I feel like I have done nothing but make tea, struggle with college algebra and solve the conundrum of bad lighting in my dorm with my roommate.

That is practically all I've been thinking about lately.

Reading homework.

Solving homework.

Catching up on homework.

Scheduling Young Life and homework.

Ignoring homework.

Trying not to stress about money.

Trying not to stress about homework.

Trying not to eat like a total college student.

Unpacking. 

Laundry.

Homework.

Homework.

Homework.

I already feel like I need a vacation. Haha!

So when life gets dreary and stressful and dull, and it rains for three days straight...

 Throw on as many colors as you can in one outfit, grab your pink umbrella, and tackle life looking a bit more fabulous.

That's all I got.

Love, Casey

Linking up at The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Vodka Infused Lemonade, Penniless Socialite, Simply Just Lovely, Living In Color, Sequins & Style, Style Elixir, Two Thirty Five Designs, The Life of the Party, Musings of a Housewife, For the Love of Fancy, Watch Out for the Woestmans, Join the Gossip, Thirty Something Fashion, Still Being Molly, Walking in Memphis in High Heels and Because Shanna Said So

Style{in} Skirts: A Clearance Dress for All Season. 1 Dress; 4 Ways

So I thought I'd have a bit of fun this week... I got this bland dress at Target on clearance a couple of weeks ago. It had some great features, like the cute pattern and the knee-high slit to show off the shoes a little bit, and the fact that it was SUPER comfortable.... So I bought it and challenged myself to spice it up a bit. 

Dresses like this can be super versatile, and can stretch into almost all seasons. And with the new school year, who isn't looking for some fresh looks?

SO. Here's how I took a boring, clearance dress from this...

To these four looks:

(I kept it pretty simple accessories- and makeup-wise, but all of these outfits would be way more fun with chunky jewelry, and maybe a dash of pink lipstick;)

The first one is a bit simpler.

While I'm not a huge fan of belts (I don't like having to mess with them all day) this one adds a great waistline without adding layers. Good for the August weather we've been having lately.

And, of course, ya'll know how I feel about these shoes;)

The second one is similar, as it doesn't add too many hot layers, but it covers up the strappiness in the back if you're not a fan of that look, and still adds a waist:

These clunkers I got on clearance from Forever 21 a few seasons ago, and while they're not great for walking a lot (they start to hurt your toes after a few hours) they're still pretty fab;) 

This denim vest was a total score from a thrift store a few years back, and it's a fall-back of mine for changing up an outfit really quick without much effort.

 The third look can go into September and the slightly colder months. I kept the boots, but tried to swing the belted-cardi look:

Again, I'm not a huge fan of belts, but this one adds a waistline. These cardis are all over Target, too, and while they can be hard to find on clearance, they're typically worth buying full-price anyways. (I think the belt is from Target, too).

This last one is probably my favorite. Because, let's be honest, who isn't excited about layers and jackets and things to come back out with the fall weather?! And plus, with more layers, come more color...and I'm all about more color.

The jacket underneath is one I got on clearance at the end of last season (from Cotton On), and I snuck it into the spring weather. It's a great layering piece, too.

I also think I love this look because I don't have to worry about adding a waistline. The jackets do it for you without having to add anything like a belt or a vest or a corset...;)

 The denim jacket is kind of a "Heard Girl thing"... When the fall weather blows in, you'll see either me or my mom wearing one 90% of the time! 

You just can't go wrong with a denim jacket ;)

Scarf is from Francesca's 

These beauties are from Target, last season. Pretty sure they were only $5 off, but I don't regret the investment one bit. I've already worn them so much! And they're a great pop of color.

 Hopefully you enjoyed this little experiment... And all of these pieces I was able to pull together in less than 7 minutes! So keep an eye out for these clearance pieces, especially at the end of this summer season. A lot of them can be stretched into the beginnings of winter, or at least the beginnings of fall!

And, c'mon, Target clearance? Almost always a good investment;)

What have you found to be some great investments for the school year? Or super versatile pieces?

Have a fantastic week! Stay fab.

- Case


Ps, linking up at Watch Out for the Woestmans, The Foley Fam, Mom Trends, Transatlantic Blonde, The Life of the Party, Because Shanna Said So, Vodka Infused Lemonade, Sequins and Style, Penniless Socialite, Simply Just Lovely, Mix Match Fashion and Walking in Memphis in High Heels

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