If You Don't Focus On Your @$$, No One Else Will

I found that quote in Women's Health Magazine (by associate editor, Cristina Goyanes) and it just cracked me up so I had to share it with everyone! So....my first strength training/lifting session is today and I have been waiting all week for it to be Thursday. I've been so inspired by all you amazing ladies out there who are lifting and proving that girls can be strong, powerful and BEAUTIFUL at the same time--I'm going to be a major copy-cat and lift too (isn't imitation the sincerest form of flattery?)

Strength training has always been something I refused to partake in. I thought weights and lifting = intense World's Strongest Woman muscles (aka here) and that's just not my look. I prefer having a toned body and I know lifting will give that to me--thanks for opening my eyes, ladies!

With all that said, I have always had trouble with my clothing identity. Are you lost yet? What I mean is, in high school when I was an athlete, I dressed like one, re: baggy shorts, hoodies and the like. Then I went through this sorority, girly-girly phase where I only wore sundresses and skirts (not to the gym of course, but you catch my drift). Why can't I just wear work-out clothes (ie: sweats) and feel just as beautiful as when I wear a great pair of jeans and wedges to go out? Well, I can, it's just about thinking that I can and having the confidence to do so. Let me introduce y'all to yesterdays shopping trip:

Left: 2 pairs of Champion for Target shorts, Champion for Target dry-fit t-shirt via Target // Right: True Religion flare-leg jeans, BCBG knit t-shirt sweater, Testament buttoned blouse via Marshalls

So the point of this post: lifting does not equal manliness, girliness doesn't mean you can't wear shorts, sportiness doesn't mean you can not wear dresses, and if you want to look good, focus on your ass at the gym. Oh, and listen to this because it's amazing:

Green with Envy

Although the CFDA Awards were last week I needed to post about this look from Chanel Iman. I love everything! From the wavy bed-hair to the long, breezy turquoise BCBG caftan with subtle yet sexy cutouts and gold accessories, all I can say is...

YOU GO CHANEL IMAN!  

via Lucky

How I'm Spending My Weekend

I'm so happy that it's the weekend; I have been stressed out so much over the past few days it will be so nice to just relax and appreciate the simple things...the really simple things.
I want to thank all of my fabulous readers--your comments and emails have really helped me get through nervous breakdowns about graduating, finding a job, taking fashion risks, and embracing new changes.
I am also happy to report that I have surpassed 100 followers! I never thought this would happen and I am so grateful to everyone who reads/comments on Candidly Cassie! Like promised, my giveaway will be up on Tuesday so please come back and check it out!

This is how I want to spend my weekend:

• Dancing in my BCBG Wedges (bought at TJ Maxx for $15)
• Smelling the sunflowers (which I will be buying at the farmer's market!)
• Browsing for the perfect white button-down (I like this one from Martin + Osa)
• Relaxing with a stack of magazines (So happy funny girl Tina Fey is on the April cover of InStyle, which I haven't gotten around to thoroughly reading yet.)
• Going out for dinner and drinks with friends...because a girls gotta laugh...laugh a lot!

How are you spending your weekend?

The Weekly Weigh In (# 2)

Hey guys! I know, two posts in one day...well I have a lot to say and a lot of tension to break. I have my first day of my internship at StyleWeek Providence tonight! This is what I am wearing:

Target: black blazer, Forever21: black harem pants, Gap: black pocket t-shirt, Belt: borrowed from Mom, Watch: Michael Kors, Barrett: Century 21, Shoes: BCBG Girls Wedge

Weekly Weigh In (# 2)

1.  What is the thing that you're most proud of this week that helped you with your 2011 goals/resolutions? Talked out my problems and feelings with my family and friends when things were bothering me and stressing me out! It's better to clear the air around you then hold things in and have all that toxic energy swimming in your body!

2.  Is there anything that you wish you did this week, but didn't? I wish I didn't let the petty things that boys do affect me because I know I am so much better & stronger than that!

3.  Is there something/someone in particular that motivated you this week? My sister constantly shows me that there is always a chance for a fresh start even when you are faced with the biggest and hardest challenges.

4.  Did you learn anything from the things you did this week? I learned that sometimes acknowledging your problems and flaws is half the battle. You can only be yourself so stop thinking that someone lives a better or more glamorous life than you; everyone has problems, accept yours and embrace the beauty in your life.

5.  How will you work towards the goals you've set for yourself in the upcoming week? I am going to make sure every day I wake up and smile, because that will start my day off right. I also want to make sure to always greet people warmly even if I am not particularly happy because I need to learn to "fake it 'till I make it!" 

Anyone doing the Weekly Weigh In with The Fashion Therapist and I?

*Sorry for the horrible pictures, I really want a camera tripod so I can take self-timer shots on my digital camera instead of depending on Apple Photo booth

Future Editor-in-Chief

Hey guys! So I know that I mostly post casual outfits that I wear to classes, with the occasional "bar night" outfit. However, last night I had my first formal sorority meeting of the month of October. Formal meeting is basically an excuse to dress up. For me, I always try to channel my future-inner-editor-in-chief-of-a-major-magazine! This past Sunday was no exception, I really was trying to style up my outfit. We just gave out our fall bids so I also wanted to look cute when meeting the new girls!

It was pretty cold last night (or at least I told myself it was due to the fact that it's October aka autumn), so I wanted to wear pants. I wore my stretchy-tight blue/black skinny leg trousers from Forever21, which I have basically lived in so far this semester. I wear them to class, meetings, and out for drinks with my friends. The uses of these pants are limitless so definitely invest in a pair! I also wore a black 3/4 long sleeve button down from Ralph Lauren (blue label) that I purchased from Marshall's on clearance, hello $5.oo amazingness! Over the button down I wore my gray and black blazer that I purchased at Forever21 for $35. I didn't know how often I would wear it so I contemplated buying it forever but I am glad I did because I have actually worn it tons of times from interviews to meetings and class presentations. Never underestimate the power of a blazer, they exude class and sophistication and instantly pull a look together. Lastly, I wore my new BCBG tan suede wedges. I love them! They are so soft and comfortable and a great fall shoe option, for all of you that don't want to wear boots just yet. They are a great transition from summer flip flops to winter boots!

I won't bore you again with my statement that I am keeping it natural with hair and makeup. Maybe I will just report on this if it ever changes. Speaking of changes, the weather has been constantly changing every single day, getting colder and colder. I don't know if I necessarily love the cold but I just love the fall months because everything is so crisp, cool and comfy. I can't wait to go apple picking with my sorority sisters and drink some hot apple cider. What do you guys have planned for fall? Excited to start wearing scarves, jackets, and boots? I know I am!

PS: Notice the crazy Carrie Bradshaw hair! Yeah...that's what rushing to a meeting and hopping out of the shower (sans blow drying) does to my hair.

Bonvue Babes

Hi Guys! So this past Thursday I went to Bonvue for the first time (legally, I am now 21) with all my friends, to celebrate my birthday that was on Wednesday. We all wanted to dress up and look classy and edgy. When I think about ultimate class and rocker edge I channel my inner Taylor Momsen (however I try to keep it classier, although you got to admit it, the girl has a wild side!) and rock out, quite literally. We were fist-pumping the whole night and it was a great time. I wanted to wear something that I could dance comfortably in but still feel pretty, because hey, I was the birthday girl and I wanted everyone to know it.

Anyway, back to the outfit. In this post I am going to describe the elements of my style choices and where you can buy the same pieces. I don't know if this is a good way to go about fashion posts but I guess it is a "try it out and learn" type of thing, just like finding a unique style, see how clever I am? Okay, sorry no more random outbursts! I wore a tight black spaghetti strap tank top that I purchased at Forever21 for $6.00 (Yes, $6 dollars people.) Seriously invest in these tanks, even if just the black (basically all I wear is black anyway) because you can wear them with anything. I tuck them into skirts, pants, shorts, wear them under dresses and sweaters, I even sleep in them sometimes-fashion and function, I LOVE! Besides the tank I wore a black skirt that I just got at Target. It is the Marciano for Target brand and it is a cotton skirt with leather panels down the front and back of the skirt. The skirt cost only $30.00 which seems a bit stiff for Target, but I am a firm believer in the black skirt. I think I wear a black skirt at least once a week; so if you are anything like me and love little black skirts, invest in this piece, it is super comfortable too and pretty much stays in place (ladies, you do not want a skirt that rides up- not classy.) Lastly, I wore my favorite pair of BCBG wedges. They are black and tan leather peep toe wedges and I love them. They weren't comfortable at first (literally made my feet bleed walking the cobblestone streets of the West Village of New York City this summer) but now they are my go to shoes. They cost $50 and I got them at Marshalls. Marshalls is a very under-appreciated store. They have top brands, and I love the adrenaline rush I get when I find an amazing deal right off the racks, there is no better feeling! Wedges are so comfortable because the weight isn't just placed on the sole and heal of your foot. If you want to dance, pick wedges over stilettos.

Anyway, this was my first fashion post and I hope you all liked it. I assume I will change how I go about these things but did you like the price point and store information? I am trying to be as descriptive as possible. As always let me know what you are thinking and wearing; I would love to hear from my readers!