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

Finally Dressed Up

Finally catching a breather!  This weekend was jam-packed full of fun.  Saturday--my bachelorette party!  And Sunday, a friends baby shower.  Between the two events, I didn't have a chance to photograph my outfits.  So finally, although I'm only running errands today, I thought I'd take a little longer than usual, put my trusty (over-worn) denim shorts to rest, and pull out a favorite new purchase from Loft--this new pencil skirt!  I'm excited about it because so many colors will work with this skirt.  It looks very blue in the photos, but is more indigo in person.. and I love it!

Blouse & Wedges: Gap

Watch: Michael Kors

Skirt: Loft

Pardon My Absence, it's Spring Break!

Why hello, world... you sure look a little brighter when I'm enjoying a week of vacation!  The past several days have been computer-limited, but certainly fun-filled.  

Over the weekend, I met up with my family and spent Easter in Brooklyn.  My aunt gifted Erik and I front row seats to the revival of Evita, which was so fantastic.  Sitting three feet in front of Ricky Martin was exciting... the entire cast was absolutely great!  The show was so compelling, I even forgot to pull out my camera at the end for some close-ups :(

My sis and I made a second trip into Manhattan the following day to revisit my wedding gown.  I had an accessories appointment, which was fun and overwhelming.. and very exciting.  I bought 2 pairs of earrings from a great little jewelry store in the fashion district.  If any brides out there are looking for jewelry, I can't recommend Tejani enough!

Now we're out in the country, spending a relaxing few days away.  Sleeping in...

and perusing through vintage family photos...

Grandfather, Grandmother, Great Aunt, Great Uncle, April 12th, 1947-- yes, my aunt and uncle are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary tomorrow!!

My Great Aunt Dorothy-- 6 months old in 1924.

And finally, I'm long over-due for an outfit post, so I'll share some version of what I've been wearing for days: my favorite new skirt!  This guy has been paired with blazers, sweaters, t-shirts, and finally a white oxford.  Yes, I'm still wearing boots, because it was snowing today (ugh). 

Perfect Oxford: Gap

Boots: Macys

Earrings: Loft

Skirt: H&M

My Boy and Me

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  My day has been filled with running errands, and so wearing something comfy felt perfectly appropriate.  I was going to break out the summer sandals, but decided to bring my big Brown with me for the day, and this boy certainly doesn't want to walk around town with his momma in wedges.

(How cute is his John Deere bandana!?)

Jacket & Flats: Gap

Pendant: Ross Simons

T-shirt: Zara

Skirt: H&M

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

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

Busier than Usual

Shame on me, shame on me.  Blogging has been on the back-burner lately, and I only have a few lame excuses.  This weekend, I was busy with wedding planning errands and then became distracted by the one and only football game I watch each year.  

I've also been forcing myself to make use of a new gym membership... and we recently began weekly dancing lessons!  Add late work hours to this, and this girl is far busier than usual.  

  

Belt: Target

Boots: Macys

Blouse & Skirt: Loft

Watch: Michael Kors

Wedding Planning: 32 Weeks to Go

I'm working on some wedding plans tonight, so I just thought I'd write myself a little checklist of all of the progress we've made.  (Sometimes I need some encouragement that progress is actually being made.)

SO... time for a little wedding update, folks!
*Ceremony music: check
*Wedding officiant: check
*Reception music: check  (This special detail excites me more than alllllll the rest!)
*Florist: check
*Gown: check
*Photographer: check
*Cake(s): check
*Rings: check

Coming up soon:
*Erik's suit
*Choosing invitations
*Booking a honeymoon
*Figuring out a DIY photobooth (hellllllp)
*Choosing bridesmaids dresses (ahhhhhh, I can't decide!)
*Going to my accessories appointment here (having some very special things made for the gown!)

Any lovely newlyweds out there with some advice?  I've been following The Knot's "to-do" list as a timeframe, but I'd love to hear about how you stayed on track!

Belt: Gap

Sweater: Loft

Boots: Macys

Skirt & Bag: H&M

Watch: Michael Kors

Don't Want to be Boring

 I'm so disappointed in myself.  I had plans to be a better blogger over this past holiday weekend, and instead, I blew it.

Last week was busy busy busy.  Long road trips, short flights, and a weekend with my family took priority over all else.  And when it comes down to it, I guess that missing out on a few blog posts was worth it.  I got to spend some quality time at home, and I loved every minute of it.  Now that I'm back to work, I'm back to business on this blog.  I swwwwear!

Speaking of back to work, I got a lot of compliments on this outfit today from my students, which doesn't always happen.  They seemed to like how busy and colorful it was.  One student actually asked why I chose to not wear a plain white shirt under the sweater... which really surprised me!  I didn't know how to answer, so I was honest.  I just don't want to be boring. :)

Skirt: Loft

Tights: DSW

Sweater: H&M

Button-Up: Gap

Broach: J.Crew

Watch: Michael Kors

Boots: Steve Madden

Pearl Earrings: Temple Street Night Market, HK

Ahh, the Suburbs

This afternoon, as Erik and I took a stroll downtown, we saw lots of busy people who are decorating our town for next week's tree lighting celebration.  December is the most beautiful month in my town.  The main street is filled with thousands of lights, they play Christmas music over loud-speakers, and if you're lucky, you'll catch some man-made snow and some Christmas carolers on a Saturday night!  Santa passes out candy his giant fire truck, and the town offers horse and carriage rides on the weekends.  Basically, it's a scene right out of some Family Channel made-for-tv movie... and I love it!  It's suburban cuteness overload.  And for a girl who grew up in the country, it's exactly what I've always wanted.  

What do you love about your town/city/countryside during the holiday season?  OR, are you a grinch who hates it all? :)

Pssst!  Want a little video tour of this suburban sweetness?  Check it out on video right here!

Blouse, Skirt, Tights, Boots: Gap

Bag: Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses: RayBan

Belted Coat: H&M

Earrings: Loft

Leopard Heels and a Hanes T

Somewhere in between the transition from work clothes to pajamas, I made a pit stop on my Halloween costume.  Then things started getting thrown around, and before I knew it, I stumbled upon this little gem of an outfit.  Work sweater, pajama t-shirt underneath... pair it with my favorite shoes and skirt, and I dig it.  

Leopard print heels with a Hanes t-shirt sums me up pretty well, whether it's a good thing or not.

Sweater & Skirt: H&M

T-Shirt: Hanes

Heels: Seychelles

Grandma's Pearls

My grandmother had a lot of costume jewelry that she never wore.  Years ago she passed along many pieces to me, including these pearls.  

So before you lecture me about what I did to this necklace, oooobviously they are not real pearls.  They also have this really great stretchiness to them that allows you to easily knot them. 

Now, what to do with all of those clip-on earrings she gave me... 

Skirt: Banana Republic

Blouse: Gap

Heels: Urban Outfitters