Optical Illusion

Today  was the first day of promotion practice for my fifth graders so I knew I wanted to wear something fairly comfortable, but I was also feeling kind of girly after the last few days of strong winds and relaxed clothing.  I settled on a dress that I don't wear too often because it is so distinctive, but which I love because it gives the optical illusion of a small waist.  The patterning on this dress nips in at the waist with a contrasting strip across the middle.  I loved this dress and was able to add a few simple accessories to finish off the look.

 



 

Dress: Ross (old)

Heels: Payless Shoe Source $15

Sweater: Ross (old)

Earrings: Tommy Hilfiger via Nordstrom Rack $10

Necklace: Groopdealz $6.99

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

 

Today I played with patterns on a dress that I love to create the optical illusion of skinniness.  Do you like to choose pieces that create a similar illusion?

Field Trip and Fancy Free

Today my students and I were heading out on a field trip so that the students could tour the middle school.  Often when the students have a field trip, I like to represent the school by wearing one of my school shirts.  Today I chose a blinged out version of our shirt and some skinny jeans.  The weather was ridiculously hot and windy so I wore flip flops and my hair was swept up in  ponytail.  This wasn't the most exciting outfit, but it definitely fit the bill for today's activities.

 



 

Top: ordered through school $18.99

Jeans: Jessica Simpson via TJ Maxx $25.99

Sandals: Charlotte Russe $5

Watch: Nixon via Nordstrom Rack $59.50

Ring: Lia Sophia (free with hostess credits)

Necklace: Groopdealz $24.99

Earrings: Ross $2.99

 

 After school today I had plans that required me to dress up a bit fancier than what I had been wearing throughout the day.  I decided on a secretarial look with a tie-blouse, pencil skirt, and black heels...complete with a sock bun.  The outfit was comfortable and put together although I didn't feel like it had that extra umph that I like to have in many of my outfits.  Overall, I thought it was good...not great.

Top: Target (old)

Tank: Target $8.99

Skirt: Target (old)

Heels: Payless Shoe Source $15

Jewelry: same as above

 

Today I wore an outfit to represent my school for a field trip.  What would you wear to accompany your class off campus? 

 

 

Comfy in Coral

Today I had planned to work in my classroom for a few hours after school.  I knew the schedule was going to busy and that I would be climbing up and down on chairs to change out bulletin boards.  Since the schedule for the day was a hectic one, I decided on a comfortable outfit that took advantage of one of my favorite color combinations...coral, black, and white.  I decided to pair my coral skinny jeans with a black and white vertically striped top.  The outfit was loose fitting enough that I was able to do my thing unencumbered.

 

Top: Ross $7.99

Skinny Jeans: Nine West via Marshalls $20

Flats: Target $14.99

Earrings: Tommy Hilfiger via Nordstrom Rack $10

Necklace: New York and Company $10

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

 

Today I wore an outfit that allowed mobility since I was going to be changing out some bulletin boards.  What do you wear on days when you need to look put together and are going to be on the move?

JCrew Inspired

Today I wore an outfit that was completely centered around a necklace I had recently purchased.  The necklace was a JCrew inspired rosette necklace.  I had been on the hunt for a yellow statement necklace, and fell in love with this one.  I ordered it on the internet, and when it arrived it was larger than I thought it would be.  I knew that I would have to make the necklace the focal point of whatever outfit I wore it with.  I decided to pair it with a mustard pencil skirt, navy blue crew neck, and navy blue wedges.  I absolutely loved this outfit.  I was comfortable all day and I loved the way it looked.

 

 

Top: Tahari via Marshalls $14.99

Skirt: New York and Company (old)

Wedges: purchased on a trip to Paris (old)

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Necklace: Groopdealz $19.99

Earrings: Tommy Hilfiger via Nordstrom Rack $10

 

Today I wore an outfit completely centered around a necklace I had recently purchased.  Do you ever plan your outfit around an accessory that you adore?

 

 

 

 

 

Productive Sunday

Today was a hot, sunny day in Southern California.  My dog decided that 6:15 this morning would be a good time to get up so I was up early today.  I had nothing planned so I set about making a list of all of the things I had been meaning to get done. I was able to get my laundry done, clean out my closet, my fridge, and my pantry, get my oil changed, go to the pet supply store, make a few returns, and hit the gym, and I still had time to read a few chapters of my book and write my first assignment for school on Thursday.  Overall, I think it was an extremely productive day.  It felt good to check so many things off my list and makes me feel prepared going into next week.  In order to do all my running around on a day that reached the 90s again, I needed something cool and comfortable.  I decided to wear a mint and white striped tank with cuffed skinny jeans.  The outfit felt comfortable and still covered up my white legs, which aren't quite ready for summer yet.

 

 

Tank: Tommy Hilfiger via Marshalls $16.99

Camisole: Marshalls $6.99

Jeans: Jessica Simpson via Marshalls $24.99

Sandals: Soda (old)

Earrings: Ross $2.99

Necklace: Groopdealz $19.99

Ring: Lia Sophia (free with hostess credits)

Bracelet: Juicy Couture (gift)

Watch: Fossil $49.99

 

Today I wore a mint top.  I've really been loving mint lately, from mint jeans to mint tops, I love it all.  What do you think about mint?  Are you as obsessed with it as I am?

 

 

Family Time!

Today I was originally supposed to work at Saturday School, but it was cancelled due to low enrollment.  I guess the kids are about as ready for summer break as I am!  I took advantage of the free morning to spend some time playing in the yard with my dog.  She was exhausted by the time we came back inside.  For the afternoon, I had made plans with my grandma for a late lunch/early dinner.  When my aunts caught wind of our plan they asked if they could join.  So this afternoon turned into a whole family affair.  We hung out at my grandma's and played "Apples to Apples" (a family favorite) and then went to Marla's, one of my grandma's favorite restaurants.  It was great to have some family time after being so busy lately.  I also had the chance to tell everyone that I was going back to school.  Everyone was so excited for me, it really boosted my confidence in starting the program this week.  After dinner I took my time getting home and ran a few errands.  I got my brother's watch fixed and made some returns. By the time I got home I was feeling pretty accomplished.  It was a great weekend day that made me really look forward to summer break.  Two weeks and counting!

For this extravaganza of activity I had planned, I wanted something that looked nice (with my family you know we'll be taking pictures), and was summery and light (It was 94 degrees outside!)  I decided to wear a light sundress as a base.  I used the colors in the dress to match the sweater and necklace.  I added flat sandals so that I would be comfortable all day long.  The outfit ended up being perfect for the day I had planned.

 

 

Dress: Ross $9.99

Sweater: Cable and Gauge via Marshalls $12.99

Sandals: Report (old)

Necklace: Charlotte Russe $8.50

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Earrings: Tommy Hilfiger via Nordstrom Rack $10

 

Today I dressed up a summery sundress for some family time.  What do you like to wear when you hang out with your family?

 

Summery Stripes

Today the weather was supposed to be warm  so I decided to go with a colorful summery outfit.  I went with a striped dress that incorporated red orange, turquoise, brown, blue, and a little bit of black.  I topped the dress with a red orange blazer to give it a more professional look for work.  Finally, I added some tan wedges and a turquoise necklace.  I got several compliments on the outfit today.  My students were very excited about how colorful it was.

 

 

Striped Dress: Ross $9.99

Blazer: Cynthia Rowley via Marshalls $29.99

Heels: Steve Madden via Macys $20

Necklace: Wal Mart (old)

Earrings: Nordstrom (old)

Watch: Fossil $49.99

 

Today I was in a summery mood, with the weather heating up, so it translated into my outfit.  Do you ever find yourself dressing for the upcoming season?

 

Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow

Today I felt like wearing something that was a little funkier than my norm.  I decided to go with a black and white striped skirt with a neon yellow top.  I added a black sweater and finished the look with black and gold accessories.  I was completely black and yellowed out.  My Steeler-fanatic grandmother would have been proud!  I really liked the outfit and it was comfortable for another day helping my students complete their end of year projects. 

 

 

Tank Top: Wal Mart $8

Skirt: Old Navy $15

Sweater: New York and Company (hand me down)

Flats: Target $14.99

Earrings: Forever 21 $2.50

Necklace: new York and Company $10

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

 

Today I wore neon yellow and stripes to reflect my funky mood.  Do you like to dress for your mood?

 

 

Ga-ga for Gingham

Today I really wanted to wear a gingham shirt I had picked up on clearance last night.  I used the navy. gray, and purple color scheme that I had used before.  I layered a gray sweater vest over the gingham shirt and added a navy skirt.  The students was very excitable today.  I hope tomorrow the students are calmer.  The outfit worked well for teaching the students today.

 

 

 

 Gingham Top: Jones New York via Ross $18.99

Sweater Vest: new York and Company (old)

Skirt: Nordstrom Rack (old)

Earrings: Ross $2.99

Necklace: Forever 21 (old)

Ring: Lia Sophia (free with hostess credits)

Bracelet: Juicy Couture (gift)

Watch: Fossil $49.99

 

 

A Lazy Rainy Day

Today was the second day in a row of rainy weather.  I was having a somewhat lazy day so I decided to do something simple.  I paired black skinny jeans with a striped sweater and black accessories.  The outfit was incredibly comfortable and worked out perfectly.

 

 

Sweater: Express (hand me down)

Pants: Max Studio via TJ Maxx $25.99

Boots: David Tate via DSW $95

Necklace: Aldo Accessories (old)

Earrings: New York and Company $5

Watch: Nixon via Nordstrom Rack $59.90

 

Today, comfort was key, and I accomplished it with a simple outfit.  What do you like to wear to work when you're feeling lazy?

 

A Navy Blue Crew Neck...Finally

Today I decided to wear the navy blue crew neck sweater I picked up last weekend.  I had been looking for a navy blue sweater since November and found the perfect one on clearance at The Gap.  Then the weather has been way too hot to sport a sweater.  When I woke up to a cold and rainy day I knew exactly what I wanted to wear.  I decided to layer my new sweater with a white oxford shirt and beaded necklace, however I tried several different pieces for the bottom half of my body.  My favorites were my gray pencil skirt and my black and gray tweed pants.  I ended up wearing the pants since it was cold and rainy, but I will definitely keep the skirt option in mind for later.

 

 

 

 

Oxford Shirt: Spencer via Ross $12.99

Navy Sweater: The Gap $16

Gray Pencil Skirt: The Limited $14.99

Navy Heels: Vince Camutto via Macys $20

Tweed Pants: Kohls $10

Heels: Rampage via Ross $13.99

Earrings: Ross $2.99

Necklace: Lia Sophia ($20 as hostess bonus item)

Ring: Lia Sophia (free with hostess credits)

Bracelet: Juicy Couture (gift)

Watch: Fossil $49.99

 

Today I tried the same top with a skirt and with pants.  I ended up going with the pants, but which do you like better?  Would you wear the pants version or the skirt version of the outfit?