Thursday, September 30, 2010

Awesome-sauce

The forecast: Sunny. Blue skies. Warm.
Thoughts: Last nice day of the year? Yes. Bring on the capri leggings!
Reality: Cold. Damp. Warm for about two hours in the late afternoon.
Thoughts: Drat. Also: love my bangs. So much.

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Shirt: 6 Degrees via friend's Goodwill donation pile.
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile.
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill.
Leggings: Target
Shoes: Merona, gift
Scarf: Goodwill
Total Cost of Outfit: $9
Totally Awesome.

You Win Some...

...and sometimes you get outfits like this one. I love this skirt (comfy, burgundy and gray plaid, long enough for work!) but for the life of me I cannot get the styling right. It hits below the knee and always makes me look stumpy--I think I would have to wear it with heels to really combat this effect. I can't wear it with boots, as they come up too high and fight with the hemline, and the waistline is just above my hips (not my favorite waistline height for a skirt).

In this case, I brought in dark wine colored tights, to bring out the burgundy and fight the purple hue it tends to suggest. I also work it with my nerdy oxford flats. Then I felt I had to bring in some black, to balance the black shoes, and in came the black shirt and blazer (it was cold, but I didn't want more gray in the form of my gray cardigan!).

I hesitated on posting this Outfit of the Day, but this blog is about Developing Style--not showing style I already have, not just documenting successes, but a record of how I change and evolve.

All in all, I think this outfit doesn't work very well. I also get this problem with my orange wool skirt--so hard to style! Length is slightly too long, cut is slightly too boxy--but I love it so, and am convinced it is vintage from the 1940s (metal zipper, wool fabric, slim A-line skirt, hand sewing techniques) so I don't want to give up. Any suggestions, or should I just admit defeat and toss them? Have you had any cases when have an item that theoretically should work great, but in reality it just never quite clicks?

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Shirt: Gap via Plato's
Blazer: H&M
Skirt: Zooc via Garage Sale
Tights: Hue via Plato's
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Money, Honey

I worked a special event for my retail job this past weekend (huzzah for working 12 days in a row this Friday!) and I pulled out one of my dresses that is slightly too short for my school job. Add in a red sweater-jacket and my wardrobe workhorse boots, and this is what you get!

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Sweater dress: Ross
Red sweater jacket: 22 via The Rack
Tights: F21, gift
Shoes: Steve Madden

Lazy Day Style

Work work work. I feel that I've worn some variation of this outfit frequently as of late--I am just in love with this shirt (what Mr. P lovingly refers to as my 'old lady shirt that somehow looks good') and this gray cardigan has been my ultimate go-to.

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Cardigan: Unknown, free from a friend's Goodwill donation pile
Shirt: Loft, via Plato's Closet
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Interview With WWANW!

Today I am excited to present an interview with the lovely Tania, of What Would A Nerd Wear! She is well-known for putting together cute, academic and (best of all) approachable outfits and documenting them on her blog. She seems like the sweet and stylish girl next door, with a real budget, a real closet, with outfits that she really wears. Read on to see what she thinks about blogging, teaching, and strategies for shopping!

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Why did you decide to start a blog? (I know, the typical question, but I think the answers are so interesting!)
I started a blog because I wanted a non school-related project, I wanted to challenge myself to break out of my conservative closet-rut, and I wanted a creative activity that was all mine.
Have you learned anything from your readers?
Oh yes, every day. For instance, that I could wear a lobster dress to teach if I put a sweater over it, that I can match red and blue together, that they think my danskos look funny, at what length my ankle pants should be, that heels really do make my legs look longer, etc. I am always asking for advice and others' opinions--it's a wonderful resource and I feel spoiled to get the input of so many sweet people every day.

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Has blogging changed your life or your personality?
Well, it's helped me make connections and friends with unexpected people, and it's helped me look more professional and put-together most days, which has helped me professionally. When you know you look together, you feel together, and that can have positive reverberations.
Have you changed what you post as you’ve gained more readers?
I hope things haven't changed too much. I've tried to keep my content, tone, and outfits true to myself! Since the blog has grown (and my schoolwork has picked up considerably), I've had less time to "comment back" and visit lots and lots of blogs, like I did in the beginning. I regret that because it's such a fun part of blogging but for now, I only have the time to be a writer and less time to be the kind of reader I wish I were!

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Do you think it is possible to have a balance between being fashionable or stylish and being seen as a serious teacher? Or do you think one negates the other?
Of course I think it's possible! In fact, I usually avoid the question because I think considering it too much gives it a power it shouldn't have. Naturally, I don't think being serious and being stylish are mutually exclusive, and I hope that comes off in the way I present myself on the blog and to my students and peers in real life.
Do you have any requirements when you add something to your wardrobe? Is there a process or are you more of an impulse-buyer (besides those items you decide you have to have! Haha)
I am not an impulse buyer! Usually, I stalk for a while, wait for things to go on sale and buy carefully. I try only to buy items that make me feel really good, that I think could invigorate my wardrobe or fill a hole, and that will last their worth (for instance, an expensive item better last a long time, but a cheap tee shirt might only stick around a season).
Are there certain items you only buy from certain stores (for example, I always buy shirts from thrift stores, I will never buy them full price at retail stores)?
Hm, I buy a lot of sweaters from J Crew because they laaaaaast (I still wear some of their sweaters I bought when I was in high school). I buy many of my skirts at thrift stores, because the hourglass cuts tend to fit me well. I guess my only rule on this is that I nearly always buy my underwear at the Gap...but the internet is never going to see that :)

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Thanks for the lovely interview, Tania!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

How Many Days to Make a Habit?

Tonight was curriculum night, so I dressed up a with a skirt and my boots for the day, then switched out this blazer for a nicer one for meeting the parents. I honestly didn't put too much thought into this outfit--I knew I wanted to wear the purple sweater and a skirt, and the brown skirt is really one of the only ones I have that looks good with the purple sweater. Then, due to the forecast of rain, I decided to wear my boots, and by that point I needed a lighter colored pair of tights to balance out the lighter colored skirt, and a blazer to really bring in the black boots...and that was my train of thought this morning.

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Shirt: Gap via Goodwill
Blazer: Costa Blanca via Goodwill donation pile
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden

Armour Against A Chill...

That's right, I wore an Underarmour shirt underneath this ensemble. I get cold very easily, and I wear my Underarmour pants all the time, so when I saw an Underarmour shirt at the Goodwill (for $3!!) I snatched it up. I already have one with a mock-turtleneck, so this one I chopped off the turtleneck and sewed it into a scoop-neck for increased versatility.

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Gray Shirt: Banana Republic via BR Outlet
Blazer: H&M
Pants: The Merlot via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Champions, free
Underarmour Shirt (not shown): Goodwill

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

By Now It Might Be A Pattern...

I wore jeans to work yesterday, so I felt obligated to dress it up a bit today with a skirt. I feel like I probably should branch out my basic uniforms (jeans+boots/ballet flats+nice shirt+blazer+scarf OR skirt+tights+boots/ballet flats+nice shirt+cardigan+scarf), but they make it so easy! Maybe some day I will expand...but start small and stable, then work out.

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Shirt: Gap via Plato's Closet
Sweater: Unknown, a goodwill donation pile
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Scarf: Goodwill

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Two Cooks In The Kitchen

It's been such weird weather over here--today it is alternating between sunny and pouring rain, in about 15-30 minute increments of each. Yesterday, however, it was sunny almost all day and only dumped rain in the evening, so I took advantage of that fact to pull out a short skirt and shun my tights for a day! Mr. P actually picked this outfit out, so kudos to him for putting together a very nice combination. Sometimes he does great, like with this one, and sometimes...well, we'll just say that sometime I end up in more creative outfits than I usually prefer. However, it all evens out as I get a heavy influence in what he wears when we dress up and go out, something that we like to do somewhat frequently.

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Shirt: Bogari via Goodwill
Skirt: H&M via Plato's Closet
Boots: Steve Madden
Bag: The Sak, gift

Make It Work

All I knew when I woke up this morning was that I wanted to wear this pink silk shirt I had found at the Banana Republic Outlet a few months ago. It's surprisingly hard to wear for work--it's a bit too high for pants, and I don't like pairing it with black because it looks too severe. However, I will make it work a la Tim Gunn, and this was what I ended up with today. I love the jacket--it is a velvet, with toggle closures and a very loose, swingy sillhouette. It is extremely unique and reminds me of something a bohemian art teacher would wear. It's another item that is a bit harder to wear, but I find a way.

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Shirt: Banana Republic via BR Outlet
Jacket: e.a.p. via a Goodwill donation pile
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Tights: F21, gift
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Easy Does It

A simple work outfit. I wanted something toned down, easy to wear, and very low energy. Cue the comfy tennis shoes, pants (no worrying about sitting down properly or my skirt riding up!), a cardigan and a button down (favored by many of the staff members at my school).

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Cardigan: Unknown, free
Shirt: 6 degrees, free from a Goodwill donation pile
Pants: The Merlot, Plato's Closet
Necklace: Giveaway win from Spotted Moth
Shoes: Champion, free from Goodwill donation pile (good lord, I make out well with those donation piles, don't I?!)

Four Ways To Wear Episode 6: Black Oxford Flats

I've already started wearing this particular item day to day. I was confident that it would work flawlessly in my current wardrobe, so my Four Ways To Wear came a bit later...and here it is! Let's see if you can guess what the item is!

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This is a professional look with the new item!
Skirt: Zooc via Garage Sale
Shirt: Merona via Goodwill
Sweater: Express via Goodwill Outlet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

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This is a more relaxed, but still professionally-appropriate look.
Shirt: Merona via Goodwill
Dress: H&M via Plato's Closet
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet
Sweater: Unknown via Goodwill donation pile
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

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This is a more fun outfit--I would definitely wear this to the zoo, to the park, or while exploring a new city.
Shirt: Banana Republic via BR Outlet
Pants: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

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By now I'm sure you've guessed it--my new item is this pair of new shoes! Naturalizer, leather, and for $4 I took them home from the Goodwill over Labor Day weekend. I love how comfy they are, how they are made out of leather, how they go with skirts and pants, and how almost-geeky they are. Perfect for someone new in the teaching field!
Jacket: AE via Plato's Closet
Shirt: Merona via Goodwill
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill

Monday, September 13, 2010

A Relaxed Fit

Today was sunny! *maniacal laughter at not having to mention gloomy weather*

I am now in my second week of school with kids, so I celebrated by relaxing my dress code a bit. A lot of the staff wear jeans, or more casual clothing, so I decided to do the same (but I wore my professor blazer almost all day, to make up for it!).

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Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer
Shirt: Language Los Angeles via Plato's Closet
Jacket: AE via Plato's Closet
Necklace: Spotted Moth, giveaway prize!
Mr. P said it looked like I was eating my kitty's head...om nom nom says I!

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On another dreary day off, I only wanted to dress in neutrals, layer myself and be warm. Busting out the Underarmour early in the season, heeeeell yeah!

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Tights: Underarmour leggings
Dress: Julie's Closet via Goodwill Outlet
Shirt: (gray long-sleeved layered underneath, ultimate layering!) Gap via Plato's Closet
Scarf: Selfmade
Belt: Chico's via Goodwill
Boots: Steve Madden

Ke$ha Said It Best: Blah!

This was another outfit that was less than successful. I think my brain is being fried by my new job...also, I usually get dressed while I'm half asleep and the world is still dark out. That could have something to do with it.

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Boring, right? I think it would have been better with some punchy jewelry, a fun scarf (is it a surprise anymore?), maybe some bright tights. As it is, it's functional but not especially pretty, and definitely not memorable.

Skirt: Brass Plum via Goodwill (I think it's vintage BP)
Shirt: Deux via someone's Goodwill donation pile (freeeee!)
Cardigan: The Limited via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via Plato's Closet (they are cranberry for a bit of color, not that you can tell in my crappy 'it's almost dark, hurry and get an outfit photo in!' picture)
Boots: Steve Madden

Neutrally Inclined

I wanted something a bit more toned down to wear after my unsatisfactory first day look, so I chose items that felt all me. This included three of my wardrobe workhorses (my neutral pencil skirt, my gray cardigan and a scarf) plus a new pair of shoes! I am in love with these shoes--black, leather, vintage, Naturalizer, kind of geeky, super comfy and totally awesome--plus, only $4 at the Goodwill. Can't beat that!

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Shoes: Naturalizer via Goodwill
Tights: Hue via Plato's
Shirt: Haha, actually my black sweater dress from Ross. I love this for layering, since the bottom part of the dress helps keep me warm without adding too much of a layer!
Cardigan: Unknown brand, free
Scarf: Goodwill

First Day of School

(With the kids, at least!) It was gloomy, raining and overall just dreary on the official first day of school. I knew I wanted to wear my leather boots and this orangey tweed skirt, and I just built up from there. Upon further reflection, it felt too much like a 'costume' and not enough like me--I think it was the addition of the hat, which I love but which definitely has a unique look, plus the jacket, which is cool but not really me (yet! I still want to work it into my wardrobe somehow), plus the skirt. It's a whole lot of color and a whole lot of look, especially given my penchant for neutrals.

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Skirt: Vintage via Goodwill Outlet
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden
Scarf: Selfmade
Coat: Bebe via Goodwill
Gloves: Target, gift
Shirt (unseen): Tricot Jolie via Plato's
Hat: H&M (I've had it for six years now!)

Friday, September 10, 2010

Away From My Desk

...well, away from my blogging desk at least. My work desk has been monopolizing all my time this week! I absolutely adore my new job, but there is definitely a bit of a transition into the new schedule. However, never fear! There is a Four Ways To Wear coming up this weekend, as well as a new feature--Monthly Five Item Countup! And yes, I am coming dangerously close to my five-item limit already (ten days into the month, haha).

I wanted to do a quick reflection on the Wardrobe Workhorse week, though. I thought it was very interesting how much I love some of my items of clothing...and how I am apathetic about others in comparison. I want to love all my items of clothing as much as I love my workhorses! With my upcoming moves (next summer Mr. P and I will be leaving the States for a few years of living and working abroad) I really need to focus on making most of my wardrobe a workhorse, and chucking the items that won't go the distance. I have lived abroad before, and let me tell you--not much fits into the check luggage suitcases (all that I bring with me when I move abroad). Even less now, since I am too cheap to pay the ridiculous fees for multiple check luggages.

Living abroad, you really do not need that much stuff. I have lived in France before and the French have a completely different approach to clothing than Americans do. French women have extremely small wardrobes--but all high quality clothing. The only trend I have really seen them follow is different styles of scarves. I am sure there are more subtle fashion cues that, as a foreigner, I did not pick up on, but the basic idea stays the same. It does not matter if you wear the same items time and time again, because everyone does. You do not need a huge wardrobe.

I have slowly been trying to add higher-quality items into my wardrobe, while removing the lower-quality ones that I do not love as much. This year is a year of transition (to a working life instead of a school-oriented one) and also a year of preparation (for years working abroad).

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My apartment in France--photo taken from the door. Yes, you can see both walls (I could practically touch both at the same time). Not a whole lot of room for extra stuff.

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So worth it though, to live here.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Wardrobe Workhorse Count-Up

When I was thinking about what to select for the Wardrobe Workhorse Week, my black Steve Madden Boots, my black wool coat, and my collection of scarves immediately popped into mind. These items are, far and away, my favorite ones in my wardrobe. I wear them constantly in the fall/winter/spring, and it is only in the summer when they are all not in frequent rotation. I was looking for photos of these items and I realized that this blog has not existed over a winter yet! It is still a baby blog, haha. I have therefore not posted any photos of my wool coat here, nor of my favorite scarf, which seems sacrilegious. Well, that is now rectified in this post!
As I was looking through the photos on the blog, however, my last two selections for my Wardrobe Workhorses made themselves clear--my neutral work skirt and my neutral cardigans. These items seem to show up time and time again, and work with almost every item in my wardrobe. They don't elicit the same sense of joy as the first three items, but are worn just as often and are another set of foundation pillars in my closet.
Here are my selections for the Wardrobe Workhorse Week!

Black Steve Madden Boots

I love these boots. I had previously worn through three different pairs of black fake-suede calf-high boots (all looking extremely similar to this pair) over the course of three years before I decided that I should probably invest in a leather pair that would last a bit longer--obviously my taste in boots was remaining consistent and this would not be an impulse buy. I looked for the pair for about six months (I am VERY picky) and ended up returning them a few times due to flawed sole construction. I eventually just got them re-soled and the problem was fixed, plus I had my perfect boot. They are wearing a bit faster than I thought they would and will most likely only last me three to four years, instead of the six to ten that I was hoping, but even so I am pleased as punch with these boots.
They are formal enough for work (due to the nice looking leather), casual enough for a day off (due to the slouchy factor), and comfy enough to wear all day walking (extremely important--plus they fit my orthotic inserts wonderfully! ...I feel like an old lady saying that). I wear them constantly. with pants and skirts, and will continue to do so.
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Black Wool Coat
I bought this coat when I was living in France mainly because every French woman has a black wool coat. I am not exaggerating! I wanted to fit in and not be immediately identifiable as an outsider, so I found this coat on clearance (it's awesome, there are coats in France that actually fit me and actually make it to the clearance rack!) after several months of looking and snatched it up.
That was three years ago now, and this coat is going into its fourth winter of being worn almost every day. I love this coat. My love for this coat cannot be put into words. It is beginning to get a bit threadbare at the elbows, and I have full plans to take it into the tailor (perhaps next year--it can last a bit longer as is!) and have elbow patches put on. This was a my first garment to hit this stage with me, where I would take it to a professional to mend it when it is getting old, rather than buy something new to replace it. It is a great feeling, one that I hope to find with much more of my wardrobe.
This coat goes with everything. It is black, so it does not show dirt (or the massive wear and tear I am sure it has). It is thigh-length, but not too long on me. It is full on the bottom, giving a bit of a retro-vibe that I love. It is wool and warm. It has huge pockets and a belt to cinch the waist and it fits me beautifully.
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Perfect Scarf/Scarves
I wear scarves almost constantly. I have quite a large selection, ranging from a handknit bulky, warm scarf, to a silk/wool blend pashmina, to a few thin, silky scarves. I love how they can completely change the feel of an outfit, while also blocking the wind from entering my coat/sweater/shirt (I'm usually cold, as you can probably tell from my selected wardrobe workhorses, haha!). If I had to pick one scarf to be my workhorse, it would be my cranberry silk/wool blend pashmina that I bought in Kiev, Ukraine. Every time I wear it, I think of my travels, plus the fiber blend makes it super warm and durable. I also love the color (it goes with pretty much everything in my wardrobe, plus it's a color and not a neutral!), the subtle print (it adds interest without overpowering anything else), and the fringe on the ends (another bit of interest).
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Underarmour Leggings
I bought these my freshman year in college and have practically lived in them every winter since then. They make wearing skirts and dresses possible in the winter (I have lived in some pretty cold places!) as well as being useful to layer under pants when it is truly frigid outside. I will wear them on their own as leggings, under tights for another layer, under pants, and by themselves for skiing/running. They were pricey in the beginning, but I got the price per wear down to under a dollar in the first year of wearing them and am now going on my fifth year, so they are a true staple for me.
(I'm wearing them as leggings today!)
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Neutral Work-Appropriate Skirt
For me it is my taupey-brown skirt, since I have so many other black items of clothing and it avoids the look of too much black. I also have a very similar skirt in black, which I also love, but the brown looks a bit softer and I find myself reaching for it much more frequently.
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(good lord, I'm wearing my neutral cardigan, neutral skirt, black boots and a scarf. I just need my underarmour and black wool coat to make this a complete workhorse outfit!)

Neutral Cardigan
It's been well-established that I am usually cold. Therefore, I am usually wearing a cardigan. I'll wear sweatshirts from time to time, but generally find myself feeling more pulled-together (and therefore more pretty and on top of my game) when wearing a cardigan. Plus, with my new professional wardrobe, cardigans are more appropriate and automatically make anything I am wearing seem more appropriate. I love me a good neutral, and my two go-to cardigans at the moment are my brown cardigan from The Limited (thrifted from Goodwill) and my no-name gray cardigan that I found in someone's Goodwill donation pile. My perfect cardigan would be a mix of the two (long sleeves of the gray cardigan, plus nice weight, buttons and waist-tie of the brown cardigan) but so far I have not miraculously found it yet (what, it's not like I'm picky! lol).
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I hope you found this interesting to read! I am excited to see what everyone else chooses as their wardrobe workhorses, and if it will be at all similar to mine! What items can you relate to, or do you see reflected in your own wardrobe? Are there any workhorses that you expected to see but I did not choose? Anything that caught you by surprise?

Frock The Boat

I woke up today to the sweet sound of rain hitting the roof and trees around my house. This is a sound I like. What I don't like is when it degenerates to a on-again, off-again drizzle that leaves the sky overcast, the day gloomy, and everything sort of damp. That was today. I am still looking for a pair of rainboots (my pink ones have multiple holes and torn seams, which I think are beyond my repair skills with super glue), so I busted out my high-heeled cowboy boots as an improv pair of rainboots. They work pretty well (synthetic, waterproof, cute!) but I wouldn't want to do any hiking or long (or medium) distance walking in them, so I will continue to keep a weather eye out for the perfect pair.

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Boots: Faded Glory via Goodwill
Leggings: Underarmour
Skirt: H&M via Plato's Closet
Shirt: Tricot Jolie via Plato's Closet
Zip-up: Marmot (present from hubby!)
Scarf: Self-made
Bag: The Sak, an awesome bday present from MIL!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Meet The Parents

Today was a walk-through day at school, where all the teachers dressed up nice and met the students and parents. I wanted to look extra professional, so I went with slacks and a blazer (although not my Marc blazer, which would have been a bit over-the-top and trying-too-hard, I feel). I'm a big believer in the importance of first impressions, so I wanted to present a respectable and responsible image.

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Blazer: H&M
Shirt: Language Los Angeles via Plato's Closet
Slacks: Unkown (I've had them forever)
Shoes: Unknown from France (my business shoes!)
Necklace: Spotted Moth (giveaway prize!)

Wardrobe Workhorse Week

I will be participating in the Scholar Style Guide's Wardrobe Workhorse Week this week! We are going to be looking at which articles of clothing people who like style most frequently wear, which is a topic that I, personally, find much more interesting than a list of 'must-haves' that includes the perennial 'perfect crisp white button-down' or 'chic wool trouser.' Both of which sound like awesome staples, don't get me wrong, just not what I would be most happy wearing. Expect a post on this sometime this holiday weekend (before school officially starts and I get busy!), complete with my top picks out of my wardrobe.






















THESE SHOES. Wardrobe Workhorse? Stay tuned!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Day The Fourth

The weather has been driving me crazy--it is cold, overcast, damp and windy in the mornings, then clear, warm and calm in the afternoons. Add in the fact that the classroom I spend most of my time in is chilly (it's at the bottom of the building!) but almost all the other classrooms are very warm, and it's a challenge getting dressed. I ended up pulling this outfit together...then wearing a coat and scarf for the first half of the day and being too hot for the second. Oh well, in a few weeks all we'll be getting is rain and gray skies, so I suppose I should just count my blessings.

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Sweater: Abercrombie, present
Shirt: H&M via Goodwill
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill (I've been getting some awesome wear out of this skirt!)
Tights: F21, gift
Shoes: France

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Day The Third

I felt like I should be part of a equestrian club, especially with the double whammy of boots and neck-kerchief style scarf! However, I did get two complements on my outfit today, so I consider it a win. It was cold again, so I layered--I'm wearing a long-sleeved black shirt under everything, and the boots + jeans offer a nice additional layer.

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Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Purple Shirt: Lucky Brand via Goodwill
Black long-sleeved shirt (unseen): from France
Scarf: Goodwill
Boots: Steve Madden
Blazer: AE via Plato's

Day The Second

My second day at the new job was dreary, gray, pouring down rain. I layered. I wore my boots. Then I threw on a scarf and wore a thick coat all day. This is what I looked like without the coat (because, let's face it--I'm always cold, and if I included my coat in all my photos it would be a boring fashion blog, haha).

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Sweater: Gap via Goodwill
Skirt: Preview Collection via Goodwill
Tights: F21, gift
Boots: Steve Madden
Scarf: Unknown, free (someone was throwing it out as they were moving last spring--but it's sooo soft!)

Day The First

First day at the new job! I'm working in a school, but there are no students this week (we are just going to meetings, setting up, etc) so I can be a bit casual. This is what I wore on my first day. I was going for professional, yet creative, young but very mature, an individual but also a team player. Apparently I have high expectations for the verboseness of my outfits...

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Shirt: The Loft via Plato's
Sweater: Unknown, free
Necklace: Spotted Moth, gift
Jeans: Martin & Osa via Goodwill
Shoes: Naturalizer
Scarf: Gift