Friday Fancies

So I have never done this "Friday Fancies" thing before, but I am up early and about to get ready for my internship, dreaming about what I would wear if I had billions of dollars leaving me with a wardrobe fit for a....celebrity? socialite? Okay, a wardrobe fit for Cassie Strum...oh hey, that's me! This Friday Fancies game was created by {av} over at the blog {long distance loving} check it out for daily inspiration and romantic stories about her long distance love affair...it's a daily read of mine...and she's a fellow Rhody!

Today my Friday Fancies is inspired by a new resort collection I am completely OBSESSED with...Tucker by Gaby Basora. Tucker had a line for Target a few years back and I wish that I scored some of there notorious patterned pieces...but no, I had not jumped on the Target bandwagon yet, it's a life long haul for me now...I love Target.
Anyway, inspired by Tucker's new designs AND my desperate need to escape the cold, I present you all with my "Destination: Spring Break Vacation Friday Fancies Collection."

Shoes: Sam Edelman Kasi Woven Wedge Sandal, Jeans: American Eagle Boy Fit Crop, Blouse: Tucker Classic, Belt: 32mm Hermes, Bag: Sorial SV0509 Small Bucket 

What would you all be wearing if money was no object? Head over to {long distance loving} and play along with us!

Happy Friday!

Last 1st Day

So today is my LAST 1st day of undergrad, how is this even possible? Although it feels as if time has passed by quicker than I could ever have imagined, I feel as if I accomplished a lot during my 3.5 (so far, almost 4) years at URI. I am not going to sadly post about my fears for the future (although I can't promise that won't happen eventually), but instead I will happily and excitedly tell you all that my roommate S took some great shots of me for your viewing pleasure. Just looking at the quality of these pictures makes me smile! It is so much better than my Photo booth Mac application, the pictures are so crisp and clean!!! Anyway, she has agreed to become my official blogging photographer so here we go blogosphere--I will only post clear and pretty images of myself for the rest of our union (which I hope is forever, because I thoroughly enjoy you and my blog friends!) I am wearing:

Vest: Mossimo for Target, Stripped T-shirt: American Eagle, White Long Sleeve: Target, Leggings: The Girls Leggings (from Marshalls), Leather Boots: Bass, Belt: gifted/borrowed from Mom, Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelet: H&M

Don't you love dressing up for the first day of classes for the semester? What do you like to wear?

Speed Demon

Hey ladies!
Okay, so yesterday was not the greatest day. Well it started GREAT! An awesome breakfast (yogurt, cut up granny smith apple, honey sunshine Kashi cereal, blackberry, wheat-germ homemade parfait YUM!) followed by a great gym session...then on my way driving back to school BLAM! I got a $294 speeding ticket, I wanted to cry, scream, yell and explode, but I just sat there patiently as the police officer wrote me up. This very expensive lesson that I learned yesterday was a wake up call of some sorts for me...I drive way too fast, I have a lead foot, period. So when I finally got back to school I was not in the best of spirits. However, one trip to Charlie O's with my friends and 2 $5.00 pitchers of pink Sangria later, I was feeling happy, light-hearted and...drunk? I know I shouldn't be posting about my intoxication (on the Internet?) but I needed to get loose and alleviate myself of some tension, and I am 21 so it is perfectly legal, so I will continue talking about this. My liquid courage was the perfect motivator and at the bar I asked my friend to formal, score! So, now I have formal shoes, a formal date, and now I need a formal dress (okay, okay, I kind of have one, but there's always room for improvement and new ideas right?).

Today, despite a massive hangover, I am feeling pretty good. I had a great breakfast, drove below 40mph all the way to school listening to OAR and the Pussycat Dolls (weird combination right?) and I feel pretty good about life. This is my outfit: comfortable and casual, perfect for the chilly yet sunny Rhode Island day.

1. American Eagle plaid flannel long sleeve button down (gifted from Mom)
2. BASS skinny leg "trouser" jeans
3. Minnetonka moccasins
4. Skinny gold headband (from Aldo Accessories)

Again sorry for the horrible quality pictures! I do have a camera, but when I do self-timer shots they look horrible and do not get my whole outfit anyway. I need my roommates to take my pictures but they sleep in so late (lazy bums!), or actually...I just wake up entirely too early. Who goes to sleep drunk off sangria and 2am and wakes up (internal alarm clock) at 7am? This girl right here!

I hope everyone is having a great Monday so far. Appreciate the sunshine and look for the small things in life to make you happy, that's what I am doing! Can you guys believe there are only 2 more weeks of classes left?!?!

Switch It Up

So today is one of those days...
I have so much to do, and although it seems like I have it all together (a random passerby would have no idea that I am freaking out on the inside), I am a whirlwind of emotion right now.

• Why are boys so confusing? Can the games end today? Tomorrow? Ever?
• How do you choose between 2 great opportunities? How can I know I am making the right choice?
• How can I avoid feeling disappointed when something doesn't work out exactly as I hoped it would?
• How you do stay inspired when things can feel so mundane at times?

So in between all my questions of life, doing homework, planning to attend 3 social for Philanthropy week (this week!) and BLOGGING I am overwhelmed by possibilities...how does a person ever know if they are choosing the right thing at the right time. I think that is why I ended up second guessing my outfit today and wearing a long black GAP cardigan instead of my faux fur Kenzie vest...couldn't handle the risk? Why not go with my original plans, why switch up the game?
I am trying a new look today, something way out of my comfort zone, and I posted about it yesterday, tights with jeans shorts. I am wearing my Black bamboo BASS tights with my cutoff American Eagle Denim Shorts. I am also wearing my long sleeve black cashmere BASS turtleneck and BASS black biker boots.
Do you think I buy enough clothes at BASS? I just can't get enough! Their clothes are so comfortable and cute, I love how it is a mix between L.L. Bean and J. Crew (I love that look!)
Anyway, what does everyone think about the tights and jean shorts (or any shorts?) I am starting to really like this look ever since I have seen tons of pictures of Katie Holmes wearing this style--I just love her fashion sense. I think it took a lot of courage for me to wear this today, because I am usually a little self-conscious when dressing. However, I am a million times more confident today than I was a few years ago...maybe even a few months ago.
This blog has seriously given me the courage to try new things and get excited to get dressed every single day. I have a certain level of pride now and that is so exciting, to know that clothes can exude power and confidence and make you feel like you can walk on water.
I hope everyone feels this type of power when they get dressed everyday. I don't dress for others, I dress for myself. I need to take this mentality with me and apply it to other aspects of my life. I deserve to be happy, we all do, and if something is not making us happy anymore we need to change it--whether it is a boy, job, friendship, or simply a t-shirt that is no longer up to par in one's closet, we need to alter the circumstance to make ourselves happy!

I hope everyone gets though their Monday with a big smile on their face! I am trying to hard despite the stress.
This is a little link to get you all excited for the day...Colbie Caillat- I want you back

Weather Woes

Hey guys! So when I woke up today I checked the weather and I read that it was supposed to rain hard all day, but all I saw was SUNSHINE! But, I did what any normal experienced URI student would do...I dressed for the rain. However, after much consideration, I took off my flannel top and black jeans (way too fall, it's summer weather today people!) and put on something a little more relaxed and beachy. Even though it's the first day of October, and I have already eaten some pumpkin pie (what says fall better?) I felt comfortable breaking out the jean shorts one last time, shall we call it a last hurrah?

Anyway, this is what I am wearing today. Also, sorry in advance for the horrible iphotobooth pictures I had to take on my Macbook. I already asked my roomies to snap some shots of the other outfit so I feel bad running back asking for some more. You can see the goofy side of me in these pictures anyway, which is something I love showing so please enjoy!

I am wearing a faded blue and white lace tank top from Forever21. I believe it cost around $6.00 which is a great steal. Originally I thought I would just bum around in it but I have worn it under blazers, with jeans, skirts...and also the standard PJ's but still, very functional. I paired the tank with some American Eagle jean shorts that I have had forever. I really think jean shorts are such an investment, I basically live in mine all summer and it seems the more weathered and vintage-y they feel the better they look! I looped my favorite brown Hollister studded belt around my waist (I posted about it here) and I wear it all the time. Seriously invest in a sturdy brown leather belt ladies! I decided to "rock" my Sperry boat shoes today, considering it goes well with my summertime feel.

For accessories, it's the standard bracelet combination that I usually wear with my grandfather's ring (as a necklace)! I really do love wearing something of his around my neck, it makes me feel really close to him still.Basic makeup and hair (semi straitened), you know the drill, I am a natural-type of girl!

I love when I see this kind of weather in October, but I am kind of looking forward to the actual AUTUMN months! I can't wait to smell pumpkin spice candles, wear sweaters, tights and boots, and see the foliage of leaves and see all the beautiful colors that the fall brings! Oh, and is it weird I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving this year? The food is obviously amazing, but, I really have so much to be thankful for! What are you guys excited for this fall?

A Button-Down Feeling

Hey there! So I am back with yet another fashion post, this time I am showing an outfit that I wore to class on Friday. The sun was shining and there was a crisp breeze. I love this weather in September because it isn't too hot or too cold, it is just perfect! I thought the best thing to wear would be cut off jean shorts (why not wear them when I still can get away with it) and a button down blue long sleeve t-shirt. I accessorized my outfit with a brown and studded leather belt as well as brown leather sandals (not pictured.)

The jean shorts I got at American Eagle years ago. What I love about jean shorts is their ability to be dressed up or down. I have worn these shorts to class, the movies, BBQ's as well as nice restaurants. It is all about the accessories you pair with the jean shorts as well as the shirt/tank tops/cardigans you wear on top! The blue shirt I wear I got at Marshalls. It is a half-button type shirt which I really love because it is kind of tunic-esque. I could pair the shirt with leggings, or even wear it belted as a dress, it is very functional and that is something I look for in every piece that I buy. The leather belt that I am wearing I found at Hollister. I am not a huge Hollister fan, mostly because I am not into big trendy stores who label every piece of clothing with a huge BIRD (Hollister) or MOOSE (Abercrombie & Fitch.) However, the accessory was amazing, engraved and studded brown leather which was neither gaudy or over-embellished. I wear this belt all the time. I highly encourage you to invest in a belt like this. You can wear it in the belt loops of shorts and pants, or belted around a dress to cinch the waist and create a more feminine shape. Lastly, the shoes (not pictured, but I wear them all the time so you will see them soon, I promise!) are brown gladiator sandals from Bass. I love these sandals because they can be dressed up or down and have a great bohemian flair to them. I always feel very KATE HUDSON when I wear them!

I think part of style is makeup and hair so I may describe these elements occasionally. For school I like to keep things natural and light. I basically use a foundation, mineral blush, bronzer, tan eyeshadow, and brown eyeliner. I obviously spritz myself with my favorite fragrances: Marc Jacobs Daisy or Burberry London. As for my hair I have the mentality:

"LONG HAIR DON'T CARE"
and I love to wear my hair down loose and natural.

What do you guys like to wear to school? Do you glam it up or go natural like me?