Nailed it.

Do you ever start off on your trip down Pinterest lane and think, "I shall wear that"? However, when the time actually arrives to wear that, you botch it something terrible and hope the original pinner never sees the monstrosity that you have created in their name? Or, conversely, you take a pin and nail that sucker to the wall and say, "haha! In Style would say I totally wore it better"? Yesterday, I think I created the latter of the two outfits (the masterpiece, not the monstrosity).

I began with this pin. (I wish I was not allergic to wool so that I could own this beautifully colored blazer that Jessica has on, but I must settle for the cotton cardigan version instead.) I thought I would wear my striped skirt (not dress) with my camel-colored cardigan (not blazer) and brown boots. However, I somehow landed on this new burgundy-colored cardigan from Target (thanks to one of those alluring Cartwheel coupons--curse you, Cartwheel). Based on how many students and teachers complimented today's outfit, I decided to pat myself on the back and say, "job well done, self."

I considered calling myself a narcissist just now, but you know what? No. I told one of my former students who needed a pep talk to repeat the following self-affirmation every day while looking in the mirror: "I am beautiful, and I write well." Perhaps, I should take my own advice and remind myself, "I do not always botch my pinspirations. In fact, I am beautiful, and I dress well." Ladies, affirm yourselves today. (I considered deleting that last sentence because of its seemingly perverted undertones. Instead, I decided to point out its weirdness and leave it be.)

If you follow me on Instagram, you already saw the outfit, but it kind of deserves a blog post. (Here I am, tooting my horn.) And something other than a shameless mirror selfie. However, I can only do so much.

The Look:

Cardigan: Target (exact on sale for $15!)

Top: Target

Belt and Skirt: NY & Co. (skirt: 1 / 2 / 3)

Boots: Ralph Lauren via DSW (brown and cognac option for $70)

I also wore the skirt these ways:

Berry Wonderful

My new intern started today, and he already complimented my outfit. It looks like he's quickly learned the way to my shallow heart. 

I happened across this frock in my closet awhile ago (why was I neglecting it!?), and when I spied these burgundy tights at Target, I imagined this outfit. I do believe I succeeded in the execution of this get up. Sometimes, I think of what seem to be great pairings, but they turn out terrible, sort of like my bangs that I cut on my own. (Thank you to the lovely stylist who fixed them.) 

Granted, I think I already have a fuzzy spot on my tights because I kept grazing the velcro on one of my students' jackets that was hanging over his chair. Damn kids and their stuff all hanging out in the aisles. I am always tripping over their bookbags and unsuccessfully squeezing by their chairs. I imagine their parents feel this same frustration when they leave this same crap strewn all over the house. Like I said, damn kids. 

 This size heel is perfect. I feel a bit like baby bear: "they're not too high; they're not too flat; they're juuuuuust right." Is there a pair of shoes you put on and think, "yes, I'm happy to wear you today." These shoes are it for me. 

Cardigan: Target ($15-current)

Dress: LOFT (old old old)

Tights: Target ($8)

Shoes: BCBG at Boscov's (scored 'em for $20! I know, right?)

What do you think of the darker locks? Am I working them?