Summertime Professional

I recently had to attend an event that required professional attire.  As a teacher with a great summer vacation, looking professional during the summer is rarely ever a requirement for me, and pulling out a stuffy suit is the last thing I want to do.  So starting with my favorite blazer, I decided to add some bold summer color with this beautiful silk skirt.  To tone it down a bit, I kept my top and jewelry very neutral.  

Hope you enjoy my dog's photo-bomb.  You might think that she's smiling at you, but she's really just eating a stick... yes, a stick.  Obviously she isn't the one who had to be a professional today.

Blazer: Gap

Skirt: J.Crew

Silk Top: J.Jill

Shoes: Levity via DSW

Necklace: The Limited

Navy Sheath

This sleeveless sheath dress has been a staple in my work wardrobe every single week since the summer.  I just can't stop restyling it!  

Perhaps it's because I never had to wear a school uniform, but I love the look of a plaid shirt under the navy.  I topped it with a soft vest, but often also include a blazer or cardigan.  Navy sheath, you are a dear friend.

Dress, Vest, Tights: Gap

Button-Down: J.Crew Outlet

Boots

A Warm Autumn Work Day

 On the best Autumn days, it's crisp and sunny, and we've been fortunate to have several of those days this past week.   I pulled this look together last Wednesday for work with a few things in mind: an important meeting, lots of walking, and it was fairly warm outside.  I'm thrilled with the simplicity of this outfit, but love that it feels so "me."

Button-Down and Cropped Pants: Gap

Blazer: Banana Republic

Necklace: J.Crew

Flats: Chinese Laundry

Taking Summer Staples into Fall

I still haven't managed to pull out my fall/winter clothes from storage, so I've been transitioning my summer staples into my September wardrobe.  The truth is, I always love to hang on to the sandal-wearing days as long as possible because once you put on a pair of boots, you know it'll be months and months until your toes see the sunshine again.

Sweater: H&M

Pants: Gap

Sandals: Loft Outlet

Back to Work

Finally getting back on track!  Today marks the 1 month anniversary of our wedding, and I figure that it's finally time to jump back onto the blogging wagon.  Over the past month, we said our vows in front of all of our loved ones, took our very first vacation as a couple, I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in a dear friend's wedding, and then I dove right in to a new (and busy) school year.  It feels like we've been going non-stop, but it's finally time that we return to a normal routine.  I'm ready to hibernate in our house for a while and just enjoy married life.

Soon I'll have some wedding and honeymoon photos to share, I promise!  Oh, and maybe a few fun pics of our cute new scooter!

Sweater: Talbots

Sheath Dress: Gap

Sandals: Steve Madden

Watch: Michael Kors

So Here I Am

I have pictures to post, and not a thing to say.  I'm just brain-dead.  I thought about discussing my distaste for linen and its constant wrinkles, but then I realized that I didn't have much to say other than that I shouldn't buy linen anymore.

And then I thought that perhaps I should discuss my recent recommendation for tenure.. but I'm not sure how I feel about tenure in general and don't feel up for any serious discussions about my job.

So here I am.  Wrinkled in linen.  Exhausted from a long week, avoiding the gym, and seriously considering some take-out for dinner.  Weekend, come quick.

 Blouse & Blazer: H&M

Pants & Ring: Loft

Sandals & Sunglasses: Loft Outlet

Everybody Everywear: Nautical

I'm not sure if this is the most nautical outfit I could have pulled together, but I wasn't willing to wear anything other than this dress today.  It's comfortable and easy, and definitely a good way to avoid tearing apart your closet on a busy Tuesday morning.

My love of red/white/blue combos and stripes is clearly out of control.  If you're interested, check out a few more nautical-inspired outfits here, here, here, here and here! 

Dress: Loft Outlet

Blazer: Gap

Bag: Target

Heels & Necklace: H&M

A Few Magic Words

On our way home from vacation this weekend, Erik said a few magic (one-of-the-many-reasons-why-I-love-you-so-much) words:  "Do you want to stop and visit any of those outlet stores?"  

Although exhausted and not particularly in the mood to shop, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.  And luckily, these sandals and dress were quick finds and great staples for my summer wardrobe.  I've already managed to wear this outfit to an engagement party and work today--and I'm sure I'll wear it another few times before we even get to June...

 

Dress & Sandals: Loft Outlet

Necklace: The Limited

Watch: Michael Kors

Sweater: Talbots

Belt: Loft

Double Dots

I figured that I probably shouldn't double up the dots and mismatch my shoes, but I just liked the strange combo and so I stuck with it.  Polka dots make me happy, and after I spent a few hours this weekend looking for sheer polka dot fabric for wedding table cloths, it must have seeped deep into the "what to wear to work" side of my brain this morning.

By the way... I'm in desperate need of finding this fabric!  Helpppp!

Blouse, Pants, Pin: H&M

Watch: Fossil

Flats: Gap

Lots of Questions

We had a big day at school last week because a very important visitor came in for a tour.  For me, it was a long day of rehearsals and running around before our program, so this easy outfit worked well.  The kids were fantastic and so excited to perform.  Lots of "Will he have bodyguards?" and "Is President Obama coming with him?" questions.

So adorable.

Blouse & Oxfords: Urban Outfitters

Scarf & Pearl Earrings: Macys

Watch: Michael Kors

Necklace: Forever 21

Cropped Pants: Loft

Blazer: H&M

Everybody Everywear: Green

I definitely should have gotten a little more creative with this Everybody Everywear post, but I just needed one more excuse to wear these pants again.  

I apologize for the messy wrinkles (it's been a looong day), but I'm not sorry for the putting the pants on repeat.  These things are so soft, I just might wear them to the gym.  (And let's face it, we've probably all seen people wear stranger things on the treadmill.)

Blouse and Pants: Gap

Pineapple Necklace: H&M

Watch: Michael Kors

Heels: Urban Outfitters

Pink Silk

This skirt has been sitting in my closet for a while now.  

Yes, basically what I just wrote should be a crime.

I purchased this fantastic silk garment before Christmas, and for some insane reason, I haven't given it a spin around town, until now.  Soft, silky, Betty Draper-like attire that I've been passing up day after day?!

I'm ashamed of myself.

Cardigan: Loft

Skirt: J.Crew

Bracelets: H&M and Vintage

Heels: Urban Outfitters

Since it's March

I figured that since it's the first day of March and hitting over the 50 degree mark, it was safe to ditch the tights.  I pulled out my favorite ballerina skirt, and kept the rest really basic.

This skirt is without a doubt, one of my favorite items of clothing.  I always look at it and think about all of the options I have, but when it comes to actually wearing the thing, I keep playing it a little safe.  How would you wear this skirt?  Perhaps with a printed oxford?  Tucked or belted?  Layered?  With a t-shirt or blazer?  I need some ideas, people!

Navy Flats: Steve Madden

Sweater & Skirt: H&M

Sunglasses: Loft Outlet

Necklace: Guess Outlet

Earrings: Macy's

T-Shirt: Target

A Nice Blouse

When I wore my new H&M top to work yesterday, I had one student in particular who just loved it.  I couldn't stop laughing because he kept admiring it and asking if it was silk.  

It is a very nice blouse, I must admit.  Not silk, but oh well.

Blouse, Trousers & Scarf: H&M

Necklace: Macy's

Navy Flats: Steve Madden

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Everybody Everywear: Pink and Red

I've already worn this skirt to death, in real life and in blog photos, but I couldn't resist pulling it out again for Valentine's Day.  Sorry to bore you, folks.  Maybe I'll get sick of this skirt by next February.

On another note, I'm happy to finally participate in another Everybody Everywear today.  Hop on over to their site and check out the other lovely ladies participating.  And if you'd like to see my posts from the past, check them out here: Colored Tights, Pattern Mixing, Thrifting, Yellow, Lace, Florals, and Maxi Dress. 

Skirt: Loft

Oxford & Belt: Gap

Scarf & Boots: Macy's

Earrings: Dreamy Vintage