Southern Socialite + Seatbelts

My instagram pals know about Christmas in July, #CarlyCathCmas, that I've been co-hosting with the incredible Carly (Cinci Prep). In short, we partnered with some great companies to show our appreciation for our followers' support in a series of giveaways throughout the entire month of July. Charlie Southern was just one of the many companies we were privileged enough to collaborate with. My "Southern Socialite" tee is incredibly comfortable and I've worn it some ridiculous number of times after receiving it in the mail. To celebrate another Friday and another Weekend, I thought I might share this uber casual look with y'all! It's been FOREVER and 5 years since I've shared an outfit post here on Classy Cathleen... Shout out to the little sis for her camera skills... she may have learned a little something from her older sister...

Spring 2016 TREND REPORT

It's officially Springtime! Before I started blogging, I really didn't enjoy the Spring. Hello pollen, runny noses, headaches, congestion... ugh Spring Struggles. Starting my blog opened my eyes to a different side of Spring. The style side of it. In my opinion.. I don't know about you, but I love the Spring style WAAAAY more than the Spring pollen. Last Spring, we saw all kinds of trends such as shirt dresses, gingham, loads of yellow, culottes, all white, one shoulder tops, roomy denim, and that military green color. In 2014, we saw pastels, moto jackets, wide leg trousers, bomber jackets, tea length skirts (slightly longer than midi), collarless coats, mesh, luxe sweatshirts, and suits. But that was then and this is now... Yes, some of these trends stay with us year after year, but a few new trends come into play every year as well. Let's kick this off by spelling out what new and old trends are in this Spring. 

But first... Here's a super brief overview of everything that's currently trending: "I would have to say that I think the top trends for spring & summer are still the 70's with high waisted shorts, lots of denim: distressed shirts and pants, off the shoulder tops & dress. Crop tops are still a thing. Tassels on EVERYTHING! The usual florals, pastels & bright colors. I think platforms are big for a lot of people in sandals, I still haven't found the perfect pair I'm willing to splurge on but I do love the style! Gladiators in flats and sandals. I think straw hats both oversized floppy and the fedora wide brim like I have in a few of my most are big! The 90's is totally creeping it's way back in so I see a lot of girls rocking choker necklaces, I can't pull it off personally but a lot of girls can. Ha. Food & plants seems to be a huge trend. From watermelons to cactus, they're everywhere and on everything in our closets! I think if they're done right it's cute, but if you go overboard with a pair of overalls and giant plastic watermelon clutch you can look like a little kid...however I've seen it done right to where it's super cute! Style is key as always!" -Taylor of Style is Everything 

I know I'm not a pro when it comes to fashion... So I took to some of my favorite fashion bloggers and got their advice on the matter (like what you saw above)! The gals of Normally in Navy chatted with me about off the shoulder tops and dresses. "I think the biggest spring trend right now is off-the-shoulder tops and dresses! Flowy, loose, tops and dresses are perfect for spring and I've seen them styled in so many ways."I couldn't agree more, off the shoulder is not only totally sensible - think warmer weather - but super cute and can have a cool effect as you walk as well. Not to mention this trend is flirty and feminine and shows off those tan shoulders! Another thing that I think multiple style bloggers can agree with when it comes to flowy, loose, and off the shoulder is that this trend applies to more than one style. There are so many ways to implement the trend into your own looks so that you're most comfortable in what you're wearing.

One thing that Ashley mentioned to me was STRIPES. When are stripes ever not in style? They're always workable into any season's style. For a more Winter to Spring transition look, I would suggest pairing stripes with brighter more pastely type jewelry and scarves. Or for a more bold look, pair a striped top with bright shorts, pants, or a skirt. Aside from the classic striped tees, there are more "set a statement" type of striped tops out there too that are classic, but still fun and trendy!

Let's take a quick step away from tops and dresses and such and talk shoes. Lace up sandals, sandals with cut outs, gladiator sandals - as always, block heel sandals, all the sandals everyday. Shoes definitely can set a statement in an outfit! Lately there have been "espadrilles, fun sneakers, and even color blocking sandals" -Sophia. I've been obsessed with this trend and so has Paulina, Sophia, Shelby, and the gals of Normally in Navy.

Textures are IN right now. In bathing suits, details - such as pom poms and lace. Hannah of Hannah With a Camera said "I'm thinking Parisian style is in! Lots of texture (think jacquard) especially in swimsuits". I couldn't agree more, the best way to really see what the latest trends and styles are is to look at bathing suits. The details designers include in their bathing suits never fail to make me *heart eyes emoji*.

Gingham is one of those classic preppy patterns that NEVER goes out of style. It's also one that people will forever be in love with. Lately though I've seen the gingham pattern expanding beyond strictly preppy bounds. It's become more of a trendy thing lately and I'm absolutely loving it! I have noticed that the gingham that is trending is more borderline buffalo check than the classic layering gingham that I'm more used to seeing.

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Denim is also trending this Spring. Last Spring there were denim tops everywhere, and this past Fall there were button down denim skirts. Ripped denim is obviously still in this Spring, but there's also more skirts, shift dresses, and other denim pieces that have definitely been trending for this Spring.

Paper bag waists is a newer trend that I am 100% in love with. It's a trend that gives a smaller and more feminine waist - in my opinion. It adds these like subtle pleats that I think add an interesting detail to shorts, pants, or skirts. Paired with a tighter top, paper bag waists make for a most flattering outfit. Definitely my most favorite 2016 Spring Trend.

White Sneakers are one trend I never imagined myself saying I liked. I have big feet so white just makes my feet look even bigger, but it's impossible to avoid this trend. Whether it's converse or Adidas Stan Smith's I'm obsessed. They're so casual street style but oh so chic all at the same time. 

One of my absolute favorite trends as of let is the bralette/loose bra trend. Us girls can't help that in our genetic code we're supposed to have boobs y'know! The loose bra trend is something huge in Female history, but that's a separate conversation. Basically, traditionally girls are taught that a bra strap hanging out is sloppy and that we, as females, should take more pride in our image than to let our bras show. It's incredibly unfair so the latest trend of making a point to show your bra, whether it be a lace halter top, or a bralette peeking out from under your top. It's trendy, cute, and comfortable. I mean, what more could a gal ask for?

This Spring is for sure to be a great one as far as fashion goes... I mean look at everything that's already started trending.. skip ahead a few weeks and we'll see even more fun trends for the season. 

So you tell me... What are your favorite Spring 2016 trends?

Hope you enjoyed this outfit inspiration & trend report! Do me a favor and pin your favorite outfit from above, and let me know in a comment which one you liked the most!

Happy Wednesday!

Cabin Style // J.Crew Baseball Tee

If you're friends with me on Snapchat, then you saw I went thrifting the other day! My momma and I thrift hard. Like really hard. Like $250 hard. But anyways, we were exploring downtown Anderson and stumbled across The Fashion Shack in Anderson. The BEST thrift store I have seen in a while. Brand new J.Crew, Lilly Pulitzer (vintage Lilly *heart eyes*), Old Navy, Target, and so many others. We parked the car, got out, and perused the outdoor racks. Instantly I found 6 J.Crew tops and Target sweaters. AND THAT WAS THE SIDEWALK SALE RACK! I was already in love...

We walk in the door and I see racks and racks of clothes in my size everywhere. There were shoes, dresses, purses, new jewelry, gently used phone cases, and a wonderful staff. I was so deep in racks and racks of clothes, and I kept hearing the little door ring go off and 15 some people came in and out bringing even more clothes. I hadn't eaten so I was completely overwhelmed looking around the place. ANYWAYS, I was able to find a few great pieces for my mom and I: tassel dress, Piko shirt, sweaters, Loft skirts, the baseball tee I'm about to show, a pair of Toms, Birks, and lots of other fun stuff! Overall I was very impressed with The Fashion Exchange. Here's one of my favorite tops that I scooped up from this fun jeweled baseball tee. 

P.S. I'm trying to blog a little bit harder for the month of April so stay tuned, friends! 

P.P.S. My Instagram username changed! Follow along @cathslagle

P.P.P.S. Add me on Snapchat

Simple Gray Maxi

Last week it was rainy and one night I had tweeted and asked Twitter friends if it's okay to wear a maxi dress when it's like 35-65 outside. I was already going to wear it anyways... but I thought I'd see what y'all thought. I got the okay from Twitter, and it was all systems go on the maxi even if it was rainy outside. Kiss Me Mint sent this simple and super comfy dress that actually fits me. I'm short so it's hard for me to find any dress... particularly a maxi dress. 

Anyways, a little about Kiss Me Mint... they specialize in affordable fashion, which is perfect for a broke highschooler like me. I mean this maxi is only $14! Whenever you can find a good boutique that has certain things for less it's always a good thing. The boutique also has a wonderful Luxe Line with products for more but it balances out because the quality is amazing. So as usual I don't know where this post is going... but I think you should know that after discovering Kiss Me Mint, my shopping list has grown... a lot. Definitely check out their site and look around! 

When your hair is like a mane so you sing Roar at the top of your lungs

plot twist: I'm actually a model LOL JK

my maneeeeeeeee

Maxi: Kiss Me Mint (use my code:   ) // denim jacket: Old Navy (old, but similar here) // shoes: Jack Rogers (gold cork) // Necklace: Kendra Scott (Rocksbox - use my code cathleenbff8 for your first month free) 

Happy Hump Day, friends! 

Blanket Scarf & Denim

Oconee State Park is a second home to me. I love the hiking trails, the geese, the CCC cabins, waterfalls, the main office, and well... everything about the park. I wore this outfit this week, but because I was so swamped with school, and it's raining today that I couldn't take pictures of another outfit I planned to share for a collab with Samantha, Lauren, Brooke, Amelie, Hannah, and Sophia. For the collab, the girls and I are sharing outfits from this past week! Here's a little something I wore this Wednesday xo

And of course I had to throw in a canoe throwback from Oconee! Happy weekend, friends! 

Chillin' in 90's Denim

GET CRUNK homies, not only am I gonna show y'all this fun look, but I'm gonna share some of my fav "90's" terms/slang/phrases ect. 

So the other day I was chillin' in my crib y'know just kinda lounging about and wanted to wear something a little different for a dank Saturday Vibes look. And I stumbled across this fly jacket that was my momma's from like the 90's. I thought it was sweet and knew it would look hella wicked in insta posts, and dude was I right! 

obviously this is a different outfit... just wanted to share

Now for some of my favorite phrases/terms from the 90's (that I still use... fairly regularly):

-Take a chill pill

-No duh

-Home skillet

-Bugg'n

-As if

-All that and a bag of chips

-What up dawg

-Salty

-Physche

-Jacked up

-Fine

-Fly

-Dope

-Chica

-Booyah

What are your fav phrases from the 90's? P.S. I was born in 2000 but still speak 90's fairly well...