Black Midi Dress

Today I planned on wearing a dress that I had found recently in the H&M Basics department.  I saw this dress and fell in love.  It's a black three quarter sleeve midi dress and was so simple that the possibilities were endless.  And the price didn't hurt either.  I had been on the hunt for a simple black dress and this one fit the bill.  Today I added a leopard print belt and nude heels.  It was a simple outfit to put together but came across and sophisticated and classy.  I really liked the comfort level of a stretchy jersey dress for a day packed with teaching and after school errands.  What do you think about simple black dresses?  Are they a wardrobe staple?

Dress: H&M $17.95

Belt: Kohls (gift)

Heels: Fergie via eBay $10

Earrings: Tommy Hilfiger via Nordstrom Rack $10

Necklace: Groopdeals $3.99

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Color Block Cool

Today I was eager to wear a black and cobalt blue top that demonstrates the color blocking trend nicely.  Since the top was a bit flowy I decided to pair it with black skinny pants.  Since the weather was going to be a bit chilly I decided on boots to complete the outfit, but I think it would look nice with heels too.  I loved the way the outfit came together.  It was comfortable, cute, and classy.  What do you think about color blocking?  Would you be willing to try out this trend?

 

Top: Kohls $17.99

Pants: Old Navy (hand me down)

Boots: Audrey Brooke via DSW $100

Necklace: Groopdealz $5.99

Earrings: Tommy Hilfiger via Nordstrom Rack $10

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Running Late!

Today I woke up waaaaay late for work.  I had to throw something together quick and rush out the door.  Overall, I think the outfit worked well, even if it was a little rushed.  You cant go wrong with tortoise shell and olive green, right?  Since it was raining outside I decided boots, jeans, and a sweater were the way to go.  The outfit looked decent for something that was thrown together last minute.  What do you wear when you're running late?

 

 

Sweater: Tahari via Marshalls $34.99

Jeans: Jessica Simpson via Marshalls $24.99

Boots: Pink and Pepper via Macys $60

Watch: Nixon (gift)

Necklace: Groopdealz $13.99

It's All in the Details

Today I was feeling icky all day long.  I didn't feel like doing much of anything.  I decided that comfort was the way to go.  I paired jeans and a sweater with boots and called it a day.  I love this sweater because, not only was it lightweight and cozy at the same time, it also has some great button details.  What do you like to wear when you're feeling under the weather?

 

Sweater: Marshalls $16.99

Jeans: Max Studio via Marshalls $24.99

Boots: Pink and Pepper via Macys $60

Earrings: Ross $5.99

 

Blazing the Trail

Today I woke up in a foul mood, but I had errands to run and stuff to do so I had to get dressed.  I chose a pair of skinny jeans and a graphic tank that I had recently purchased.  I finished the look with a black blazer and boots.  I love, love, loved this outfit.  It was comfortable and felt put together, and oh so stylish.  What do you think about pairing a graphic tee or tank with a blazer?  Would you rock this trend?

 

Tank: Groopdealz $19.99

Jeans: Jessica Simpson via Marshalls $24.99

Blazer: Ross $12.99

Boots: Audrey Burke via DSW $100

Watch: Fossil $60

Earrings: Ross $5.99

Red Ribbon Week

Today was the last day of red ribbon week and everyone was supposed to wear red.  Now although red is one of my favorite colors in general (heck I decorated my house with it!) I do not own much red within my wardrobe.  Because of this fact, I decided to pair a navy blue skirt with a sweater that is kind of a red orange color.  I ended up really liking the outfit, and the skirt was so comfortable and super stretchy.  While the outfit said I'm a professional to the outside world, it said pajamas to me. :)  I also had planned an outfit with my red skinny jeans and a black and white striped top, but the outfit I wore seemed more professional for work.  What would you wear for a red themed day?

 

Sweater: Green Envelope via Marshalls $16.99

Skirt: H&M $12.95

Wedges: bought in a little boutique in Paris, France (old)

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Necklace: Forever 21 (gift)

Earrings: Tommy Hilfiger via Nordstrom Rack $10

Y'All Stay Away From Drugs Now...Ya Hear?

Today's theme for spirit week..."Give Drugs the Boot".  The goal was for everyone to dress up in western wear.  I had a parent meeting after school so I elected to go with boots and a gingham top, but forgo the ten gallon hat and pigtails.  Overall, the outfit was western enough for the day, while still being comfortable.  What would you wear to dress up for western day?

 

Tank: hand me down

Gingham top: Daniel Rain via Nordstrom Rack $29.99 (giftcarded)

Jeans: Jessica Simpson via Marshalls $24.99

Boots: Guess via Macys $80

Earrings: Tommy Hilfiger via Nordstrom Rack $10

Necklace: Very Jane $5.99

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Stretchy Pants are the Best

This morning I woke up way too early thanks to my puppy.  Since I was up before the sun I took my time getting ready, but I still wasn't fully awake.  I decided today was a stretchy pants kind of day.  I layered a pair of black leggings with a long maroon t shirt (I'm obsessed with this color right now, by the way).  I topped it with a long black cardigan and black riding boots.  I added some sparkly jewelry to finish off the look and add some polish.  The outfit was super comfortable to teach in, and while it isn't my favorite outfit ever, I thought it was cute.  What do you like to wear to work when changing out of your pajamas seems like an act of torture?

 



 

T-Shirt: H&M $12.99

Sweater: Express $16.99

Leggings: Target (old)

Boots: Audrey Burke via DSW $100

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Necklace: Lia Sophia (hostess bonus item $40)

Earrings: Ross (gift)

Cruisin' for a Bruisin'

Today was the second day of Red Ribbon Week.  Today's theme: "Friends Don't Let Friends Do Drugs".  Everyone was supposed to dress like their friends.  The fifth grade team of teachers decided to go with blue tops and black bottoms.  I felt like my version was professional and pulled together with the heels and the jacket adding the finishing touches.  My students were very focused on the fact that my hair was curly, which is a way that I don't style it very often.  If I wasn't running so late this morning I would've liked to straighten it.  I feel like straight sleek hair would've complimented the outfit better.  Overall, I liked the outfit and it worked well for teaching all day.

 



 

Top: The Limited $16.99

Pants: Target $24.99

Blazer: Ross $16.99

Heels: Rampage via Ross $12.99

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Necklace: Very Jane $12.99

Earrings: Tommy Hilfiger via Nordstrom Rack $10

Bruin Pride

Today was the first day of Red Ribbon Week at school.  At my school we have spirit week where each day has a different theme.  The kids love it when their teachers dress with the theme just like they do.  Today's theme was "Team Up Against Drugs" so everyone was supposed to support their favorite team.  Now I have much love for the Green Bay Packers, my Angels, and the Lakers, but the students are really into the friendly rivalry between UCLA (Go Bruins) and USC.  There is another fifth grade teacher who is a big USC fan so I felt like I had to represent the Bruins.  The outfit was simple, but it highlighted my need for white tennis shoes.  I threw out my old pair since they were full of holes and looked more gray than white, but I was really missing them today.  What teams do you support?  What gear would you wear to cheer your team on?

 

 

UCLA tee: Victoria's Secret (gift)

Sweater: Carolyn Taylor via Ross (old)

Jeans: Paige Denim via Marshalls $59.99

Tennis Shoes: Zoo York (old)

Watch: Fossil $49.99

Necklace: TJ Maxx (old)

Earrings: Ross $2.99

Errand Day

Today turned out to be an extremely productive, if somewhat gloomy Sunday.  My puppy decided that 7 am was a good time to wake up so I started my day early.  I began by doing a few things around the house (like reorganizing my jewelry corner, hanging a new rack, and cleaning up a bit).  By 9 am the house was clean and I had done several things I had been meaning to get to.  I then turned my attention to running errands.  I brought Abby along and got her nails trimmed, took her to the dog park for a bit, and even got her a new stuffingless chew toy (stuffingless because she destroys them).  I also got my car washed, filled my tank, and hit the bank.  Upon returning home, I took a nap before grading some papers and prepping for next week at school.  All in all it was a productive day.  Little thought went into the outfit I wore because I knew it was gonna be one of those around the house/errand kind of days.  I thought the long sleeve tee and jeans with boots worked well for the day though.  And I have been loving the color combination of oxblood and navy lately.  Do you put much effort into what you wear around the house or running errands?

 



 

Tee Shirt: Target $8.99

Jeans: Jessica Simpson via Marshalls $24.99

Boots: Enzo Angeloni via Macys $80

Watch: Michael Kors (gift)

Necklace: Groopdeals $6.99

Earrings: Tommy Hilfiger via Nordstrom Rack $10

 

Oktoberfest

Today was an extremely full day.  I woke up early this morning to work at Saturday School.  I've been loving the last few Saturday School sessions because I've had the opportunity to dust off some old art lessons, and come up with a few new ones.  It's really inspired me to do more art with my regular students.  After a Picasso filled morning, I ran a few errands on my way home and then geared up for Oktoberfest.  My friends and I attend this celebration of beer, friends, and German food every year; and this year was no exception.  For such a packed day I needed an outfit that was comfortable and stylish.  I little while ago I had purchased this lightweight geometric print scarf that was filled with cream, navy, and olive green rectangles.  I used the colors from the scarf to pull together the rest of the outfit.  Admittedly, the scarf did not last all day.  It was just too hot to wear the scarf for most of the day, but this is one scarf that will be seeing some major play as the weather cools off.  What do you think about using a scarf or other accessory to help plan an outfit?  Would you do it?

 



 

Cream T Shirt: Very Jane $6.99

Sweater: 21 Questions via Ross $12.99

Jeans: Jessica Simpson via Marshalls $24.99

Boots: Guess via Macys $80

Scarf: Target $12.99

Watch: Fossil $49.99

Necklace: gift

Earrings: Ross $2.99 

 

Bonus: Below are some photos from this year's Oktoberfest.

 

 

Mixing Prints

Today I woke up feeling much more put together than I have for the past few days.  I have long been pondering over how to mix polka dots and stripes.  It seemed like everytime I tried it, something wasn't quite right.  While thinking over this conundrum, I thought why not use a white based top and black based bottom.  When I tried the two together I loved it.  I think I have found the secret to mixing prints...not too much of one color.  I mixed my prints and added a coral cardigan and accessories to finish the look.  What do you think about mixing prints like stripes and polka dots?  Is it a trend you would wear?

 

Top: Green Envelope via Marshalls $12.99

Skirt: Groopdealz $13.99

Sweater: Cable and Gauge via Marshalls $12.99

Heels: Payless Shoe Source $20

Bracelet: Very Jane $6.99

Watch: Fossil $60

Necklace: Groopdealz $13.99

Earrings: Ross $5.99