Cassie DeNisco

My Top Must Have Denim Brands

July 2, 2021

This has been another highly requested post. Since the start of the pandemic, I really haven’t worn denim. Now that things are reopening, I have really been on the hunt for good denim. I decided instead of sharing specific jeans, I would share the brand since denim really fits everyone differently. These denim brands have become my go to when I actually put on jeans.

My go to for denim is something that fits my curvier body well. I have a smaller waist and bigger thighs so I tend to gravitate towards brands that either are made for that specifically or have a line for people like me. As the weather continues to get warmer, I thinking finding a good pair of denim shorts or jeans is so crucial to your summer wardrobe!

Topshop

Honestly, Topshop has been my go to denim since high school. I was the biggest “Jamie” Jean fan and had them in like every color. Topshop jeans are my favorite because yes they are denim, but they have a stretch to them. It’s weird because they are not jeggings but they fit like them.

I have a lot of Topshop jeans in all different styles. I find that they fit well but are definitely pricy. One thing I’ve come to realize is sometimes you just need to make the investment and spend the extra bit. It is so worth it when you finally find a good pair of denim that the price often doesn’t even matter.

American Eagle

I didn’t think it was possible for me to find jeans that actually fit until I tried AE’s curvy line. Unfortunately it is online only, so It was a bit of trial and error to find the right size but when I did, it was life changing. This curvy line is made for people like me who have a smaller waist and thicker thighs. The jeans perfectly fit my waist and don’t leave that weird gap. I also love that they make a lot of styles in this curvy line.

AE is often known for their denim so I was pleasantly surprised when I also found shorts in the curvy line as well. I usually never wear denim shorts because they just don’t fit me. I actually got two pairs of shorts for this summer because they fit so well. The pricing on this denim brand was pretty accurate for what I would have expected to spend but they have a lot of sales where the denim is by one get one with a percentage off.

I honestly think AE denim is my new go to because of how well the fit was. I usually wear a size 6 or 8 in pants. For these, I ordered an 8 and they fit like a glove. Perfectly fit me around the waist and were actually baggy on the leg for the mom jeans I purchased. I highly recommend giving them a try if you are losing your mind with finding denim.

As you can see, my denim brands list is short. I really only purchase denim from these two places because they honestly fit the best. It’s so hard for me to want to try anything else because I seriously love all of my denim. Let me know if the comments below your favorite denim brands. I always so interested to hear what works well for others!

You can check out my last fashion post here.

My Summer 2021 Playlist!

June 25, 2021

I am so happy to be sharing my summer 2021 playlist with you! These posts are always a favorite and I’ve even heard a few of you look forward to them each year. If you’re interested in checking out my playlist from last year, click here!

Each summer I like to make a playlist that has all the latest music on it. It’s always perfect for a road trip or a day at the beach. I am a huge apple music lover so if you want to follow me on there, just check out @cassiedenisco!

Here is the coveted Summer 2021 Playlist!!

Here is the link to the actual playlist on Apple Music!

As you can tell, I really have something for everyone. I have been loving Olivia Rodrigo lately and all of her music. She really reminds me of Taylor Swift and as a Swiftie, I love listening to someone with a sound.

Let me know in the comments below your favorite music for this summer. I am literally so happy summer is finally here and this summer 2021 playlist is going to make it that much better!

Top Swimsuit Brands 2021

June 4, 2021

Happy June! I have been hard at work ordering all types of bathing suits from different brands in order to share with you my top swimsuit brands of 2021. I am so excited that it is finally getting into the summer months so what better way to kick off summer content than with a swimsuit haul.

Last summer I realized I’m at the age where I need to maybe wear a bit more coverage bathing suits. As I’m getting older, I’m also changing my style so this haul is for those mid twenties gals. I found some brands I seriously love so keep reading to find my favorites.

Aerie

I feel in love with Aerie this past year so I was so excited to try out their swim wear. Let me tell you, Aerie has absolutely become my top swimsuit brands 2021. They make swim look cute but that is also comfortable and fuller coverage. I found their swim to be really affordable as well for the quality that you are paying for. If you haven’t tried Aerie before, I would definitely try now! You can shop these bottoms here.

Amazon

This seemed counter productive to me to order swim online but Amazon definitely has some good gems. I would worn that a lot of what I ordered ended up being see through or really cheap material but I wouldn’t have known unless I tried. I think Amazon is great for cheaper pieces that you want to cycle in with your more quality swim. You can shop this swim suit here.

Victoria’s Secret

VS had been my go to for so long but I fell out of love with them for a bit. I have made my way back to them and I am so glad I did because their newer swim pieces are great. Similar to Aerie, the quality is great and the prices aren’t crazy. Also, with the coupons and sales it really makes this swim line affordable! You can shop this suit here.

Target

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I actually didn’t purchase any new swim from Target but I did want to mention them. I love the Target swim for it’s affordability and inclusivity. They seriously have a great line with pieces for all body types. I also like how they have different tops and bottoms in the same color so you can really mix and match. I love that when building a swim wardrobe because it helps to keep it diverse. Shop a similar suit here.

Zaful

This is another brand I was iffy on but ended up finding great pieces. I like cheaper swimwear when I’m just hanging at home doing stuff so that if it get’s ruined I’m not heart broken. Zaful does have some see through pieces so you do have to be careful but overall it is cheap and not too bad. Shop this suit here!

I hope these swimsuit brands of 2021 helped you find a new brand you love. I am obsessed with all my new swimwear and seriously can’t wait to break out some of the pieces. Let me know if you have any favorite swim brands because I definitely will give them a try!

Check out my other summer posts from last year here!

My Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

April 30, 2021

Pasta salads are a summer staple in my house but I don’t always want to eat pasta with it. This recipe is a twist on a pasta salad that uses a different kind of grain but is still delicious. I love this combo of flavors and I think you will too. Make sure you’re following me on Pinterest so you don’t miss any of my recipes. My summer pasta salad recipe is refreshing and perfect for a summer day!

Ingredients

Salad:

1 1/2 c Pearl Couscous or Farro

2 tomatoes

1 red onion

1/2 of a cucumber

feta cheese

Dressing:

1/2 c Olive oil

1/4 c red wine vinegar

1 tbsp garlic powder

1/2 tbsp dried basil

salt

pepper

Directions

First cook the couscous or farro according to the package. Allow plenty of time for it to cool.
Chop the tomatoes, onion, and cucumber into bite size pieces and set aside.
Mix together the dressing and then add to the cooled couscous. Add in the rest of the produce and mix well.
Finish off with adding the feta on top. I like a lot so I would use a whole block or container but add as much or as little as you would like.

This recipe is seriously the best because its a twist on a traditional summer pasta salad recipe. I feel like by the end of summer I am so over real pasta salads that I love switching it up with different grains. I also find this version to be a bit healthier because couscous and farro are so good for you.

Let me know in the comments below your summer pasta salad recipe! You can check out more recipes like this one here.

Staple Summer Pieces

July 13, 2020

Whether you’re hanging at home or venturing out this summer, I have the perfect staple summer pieces in this post! I won’t lie, summer is such a hard season for me to want to put outfits together. It’s usually just really hot and I can’t be bothered to get too involved in a look. I do love having great basics that are staple summer pieces so that no matter what you’re doing, you always look put together!

Crop- Top Tanks

If you know me, you know I live in these all year long for lounge wear. In the summer though, I especially love to just throw these on with literally any bottom and I’m good to go. For me, tanks like these double as a bra so I can wear this with anything and I’m ready for the night or day. These tanks are from Wilfred by Artizia and are $30. They do usually go on sale but you can find similar ones on Amazon! For reference, I ordered a size small.

Over Sized T- Shirts

I realize I’m late on this trend but I love this for summer. Over sized tees are literally the comfiest thing to sleep in so why not wear them out too? I pair mine with biker shorts and chunky sneakers. It makes me look like I actually put effort into my outfit when in reality I’m so comfortable. I got this t-shirt on Nasty Gal. Unfortunately, this one is sold out so I link a similar one that is only $20! Mine is a size large.

Biker Shorts

These are absolutely a staple piece for summer and I am going to give you a hack for them. I didn’t like biker shorts on me for the longest time. I’m short and I have thick legs so they never looked flattering, until I realized I needed to buy shorter ones. Now, I wear these all the time instead of denim shorts. I absolutely can’t stand shorts in the summer so these are a great alternative! These are on Amazon for $19.99 and are one size!

Silk Pajamas

There is no better feeling than a shower after a hot day and going to sleep in AC. To elevate this feeling, I add in silk pajamas and it is everything! In the summer I tend to not wear matching pajamas as often as the fall and winter but I couldn’t resist when I saw these. I love that they’re both shorts and short sleeved but are the cutest color. This set is from Nasty Gal and is only $20!! They’re sold out in this color but I linked two other really cute colors. I got these in a size large because Nasty Gal tends to run small, but I could’ve done a medium too!

Over Sized Hoodie

This might seem weird and you’re probably wondering why I have a sweatshirt in my staple pieces for summer post. I kid you not, I have been living in hoodies because my house gets so cold in the AC on! I also love running errands with this and biker shorts because the stores are freezing this time of year. Also, pro tip, hoodies are usually on sale this time of year because no one needs them so you can seriously stock up for winter! This is the nicest hoodie I have and it is from Nasty Gal! It’s currently $20 and I got a size large.

As you can see, I like to keep it comfy and casual in the summer. With everything going on in the world today, I’m also not doing as much traveling as I usually do so I’m keeping it super simple. Let me know your staple pieces for summer or any other blog posts you’d like to see!

Follow me on Instagram: @cassiedenisco!

Comfy Clothes for Campus Style

August 19, 2019

One of the serious perks of online school is that I generally don’t have to get up and dressed everyday. It’s truly a blessing but sometimes I do feel like I want to at least look somewhat together but still comfy since I’m not really going out anywhere. My wardrobe has transitioned to more leggings, joggers, long sleeves and hoodies but I really like to try to buy things that I could possibly wear out if I go anywhere. I mean, I don’t need to look like a bum all the time.

Here are my favorite stores to get the comfiest back to school clothes!

Victoria’s Secret Pink

I seriously love VS Pink because of their comfy material. They have a cool, comfy campus vibe and that’s exactly what I would want to wear if I were at school or at home. From leggings to cute bralettes, VS Pink seriously has you covered in the comfy cute department. Make sure you utilize the Pink Nation app because it usually has all the deals in it and keeps you up to date on when things go on sale!

Target

Have you been in Target recently? Their Stars Above and Colsie lines are serious dreams come true. The material is so comfortable and soft. I like that they’re comfortable like pajamas but they have cute styles that you could wear them out in public and not look too bummy. I also love Target because its so affordable for us college students! (PS Click the picture to shop the set)

Old Navy

I used to hate Old Navy, like seriously could not even walk through the store because for the longest time they just didn’t have anything cute but Old Navy is really on the come up. I love their athletic line because for the prices, the quality is pretty great. I also love that their athletic line is really tailored to athleisure so you get the comfort of athletic clothes but they actually look pretty cool and put together. Like seriously how cute is this matching set??

One thing that I always like to stress is that you should never pay too much for clothes. With trends changing like the drop of a hat these days, never pay too much for clothes. Investments in bags, shoes, and acessories are generally your better bet because they are classics and won’t go out of style too quickly.

I hope you liked this first mini blog post in my Back to Campus Series. Don’t forget to subscribe so that you don’t miss any posts!

Summer Hairstyle Ideas

August 4, 2019

Summer is not over yet. I repeat summer is definitely not over yet!!!

Just because it’s August doesn’t mean we have to be totally in back to school mode. I am definitely still thinking of the beach and the nice warm weather that we are still having. One thing I usually seriously struggle with is hairstyles in the summer because the humidity does a number on my hair. I’ve put together some of my favorite hairstyles that look cute, are so easy, and help fight frizzy hair in the summer heat.

My “Elsa” Braid

This braid might look super hard to do but its actually SO easy. First, just make a deep side part. Then, start dutch braiding your hair. To Dutch braid, just start your braid crossing under instead of on top like you would a French braid. (Dutch braids are basically box braids) Once you start braiding all the way down the front side of your head continue the braid and use a hair tie to secure it. I suggest bobby pinning the side of your head thats not braided so that it doesn’t fall apart when you’re pulling the braid out. To pull the braid, just start gently tugging on each side of it until you like how it looks and it starts to mimic a pancake. This braid is so easy and I think its so cute for summer!

My Beach Waves

A lot of people don’t like to use heat on their hair in the summer and that’s okay but I find that curling my hair actually locks in the style and the hairspray seriously helps frizz. I also start with straightened hair and then I just loosely curl my hair with a curling iron. Instead of using the curling iron traditionally, I’ll actually wrap my hair around the barrel like a wand and then use the clamp. I’m not sure how or why but it helps preserve the curl and leave it looking so naturally and wavy. This is seriously one of my fav hairstyles just because it makes you look like you just got out of the ocean.

Crown Braid

This type of braid is definitely more involved and a little trickier but I still love it nonetheless. First I do another deep side part and start braiding half of my hair with a dutch braid. Then, instead of braiding the other half at the top of my head, I start at the nape of my neck and braid all the way up from the bottom. I pull the braid so that it flattens out and then put bobby pins in so that it stays in place. I love love love the look of this braid and think its so perfect for the beach or even for a night out. I like to pull the side pieces out and some from the top so that it gives it an airy, fairy type of feel.

Space Buns

This hairstyle is out of this world! I start by parting my hair down the middle and making it into high pigtails. When you’re making these buns, make sure to pull them out and make them big and messy. I love the look of oversized buns because thin and small ones tend to look super weird on the top of your head. I also like to make sure I pull some pieces of hair down and out at the front to frame my face so that it doesn’t looks super structured.

I absolutely love all of these hairstyles for not only summer but they also could be great for back to school. They’re super easy to do and I think they all look so great. Let me know in the comments below which hairstyle you love most and check out my IGTV video on how I make my Elsa braid! Follow me on Instagram here: @cassiedenisco

Summer Date Night Looks

July 20, 2019

Imagine this: it’s a gorgeous July night and you think you have nothing to wear to go out on a date. You’re rummaging through your closet thinking that nothing works and no outfits are cute enough. Does that sound like you? Because it’s literally me every time I go out on a date or out to dinner with friends. Like I always say, the summer is the perfect time to try out new outfit trends and these are some of my favorite outfits for a date night look.

This maxi skirt is from WildFable by Target and so is the crop top I paired it with. These types of skirts are so in right now and really give off a romantic vibe. I paired this look with a platform sneaker so that it’s still pretty casual but it looks like you tried.

I love a good denim skirt for a date night. Denim helps to make outfits a little more casual but the skirt adds just the right amount of girly that you might be looking for on a date. I will admit, tube tops are so obnoxious but I think that they go so well with skirts and are great because you don’t have to wear a bra. To accessorize this look, I added my Gucci belt but you can add any cute belt to pull this look together.

Whoever told you not to wear denim shorts on a date was lying. I absolutely love the cut of these shorts from TopShop. They really help to make my legs look leaner and give off a little more edgy vibe with how they are distressed. I literally love bodysuits for dates because they ALWAYS help to show off your great figure regardless of your shape. This body suit is from J Crew last year but really has a feminine vibe with the off the shoulder ruffles.

These date night looks are sure to win over the heart of your cute date. I am obsessed with these summer trends and I hope that you are too. Summer date nights might seem super intimidating but by just taking a deeper look into your closet, you’ll find exactly what you need to create the perfect look.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @cassiedenisco for more outfit inspo.

Sneakers you NEED to Have in Your Closet

July 12, 2019

I think a major fashion trend this summer that you need to get on this summer if you aren’t already on it is a sneaker. I love this trend because sneakers used to be seen as only something you could wear with athletic clothes. Now, everyone is just throwing sneakers on with any outfit and turning it into the cutest look. Today I’m going to be sharing with you my top 5 sneakers that you should have in your closet.

Nike Air Force 1s

If you follow me on instagram, @cassiedenisco, then you know my love of these shoes. I have the special edition ones with the stars but the plain ones are just as cute. I absolutely love throwing these sneakers on with any outfit because they add such a cool vibe. I would absolutely invest in a pair of these sneakers because they can also transition really well into a fall shoe.

2. Adidas Super Stars

These are the perfect tennis shoes for wherever your summer will take you. I love these sneakers with shorts or even a t-shirt dress. I also love the little pop of color that they come with in the Adidas stripes on the side. I think you need both these and an Air Force 1 because they’re really two different vibes. The Air Force 1s are chunky and slim your leg but these are so comfortable and seriously go with everything.

3. Adidas XPLR

I would say that you could get really any type of running shoe, but I kid you not these are the most comfortable sneakers ever. I love to wear them to workout or even just running errands. I love the pink but I know that these sneakers come in more neutral colors as well. I wouldn’t wear these sneakers with any outfit but I do suggest these because they are so so comfortable.

4. Converse or Vans

I’m putting these two sneakers together because to me, they are pretty similar. I think that there is just something about Converse and Vans that makes it feel like summer. These sneakers are the perfect summer shoe because they are not too thick or heavy but will give you some support for whatever you’re doing.

5. Slip on Sneakers

Steve Madden is my go to for these types of sneakers. I have them in like every color and they are so comfortable. These sneakers are the best on days you want to look put together but are feeling super lazy. I absolutely love my all white ones for spring and summer because they make me look tanner and also slim my legs.

Whether you’re a big sneaker person or not, there’s no denying that the sneaker trend is here to stay. I absolutely love that sneakers are becoming such a big part in outfits because who doesn’t love high fashion but being comfortable at the same time?

Make sure to follow me on Instagram to follow how I style these shoes!