Perfect for dressing rooms

Today, I think I figured out the perfect clothing to wear as I'm shopping: a tank, a swingy skirt, easy-to-remove sandals, and non-dangly jewelry. Typically, I find myself fighting with a top I have to keep pulling over my head, which results in a look akin to unsexy bedhead, so this tank worked perfectly to avoid such a situation. One, I can pull it off like a pair of pants. (Why pull a shirt over your head when you can avoid the whole "my hair now has tentacles" debacle?) Two, when I'm trying on sheer tops, I can wear it under them. Three, when it's sweltering outside, my top does not make me even warmer.

I texted Mom dressing room pictures, and she said, "that belt sure has made its rounds, hasn't it?" Yes, Mom, it has. Thanks for reminding me that I have no idea what I'll do the day this belt dies. And, thanks, Mom, for telling me we'll go on a "mad hunt" for a new one the day that this belt needs replacing. You're the best.

Trendy Tuesday has started up again this school year, so every week, all of the fashionistas and fashionistos in my school will be dressing based on a different theme each week. We'd love for you to join us! We Instagram our cuteness with the hashtag #trendytuesday. Tomorrow's theme is "Something someone gave to you." I plan to wear my elephant necklace and earrings from Momma because elephants make me happy and so does my Momma. (Yes, I realize how awesome my school is for participating in such awesomeness.)

The Look:

Vest: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

Tank: Target

Skirt: LOFT 

Belt: New York & Co.

Sandals: Pink & Pepper via Marshall's

(I did not wearing this outfit to teach; we were off for Labor Day, so I wore it to shop. Of course.)

I sent this dressing room picture to Mom. We decided that this dress should come home with me. However, I realized I would get a better deal by buying it online through Ebates, so I came home and ordered it.  I feel like dresses with sleeves are hard to come by. Am I right?

Google+, you make me vertiginous. (And I rhymed.)

I hunted for a long time to find the "perfect" floral skirt, which is why I paid full price ($36) when I found this one at Francesca's. I am in love with the colors, the length does not make me feel like a hoochie at work, and I think it works perfectly for colder months (thank you, navy background) and warmer months (hello, brightly colored flowers). Of course, this skirt screams "WEAR ME!" so loudly and proudly that I would pay no mind to the season. Just give me my tights. 

Yes, I wore these booties again. Can you blame a girl? Well, you could, but I would ignore you.

Is anyone else beginning to resent her boots? I look at those little buttholes (WHY does autocorrect keep trying to turn that word into "buttonholes?!") and think, "Sure, you're pretty, but I'm getting sick of your faces. I miss my flats. I miss my feet. I haven't painted my toes in months because if I am going to waste my time, it will be spent filling three online shopping carts at once without buying anything. It will not be spent painting my toes that never see the light of day. 

As I look at these pictures, I realize I should have worn a scarf or a necklace. Meh, whatever. Let's allow the skirt to do the talking. Shall we?

The Look:

Sweater: J.Crew Factory (I can't believe I typed that. Here is the exact one.)

Skirt: Francesca's (how pretty is this one?)

Tights: Simply Vera via Kohl's (mom bought 'em!)

Booties: Ninewest via Piperlime (size 6.5 left)

Jacket: Wilson's Leather outlet

I am beginning to feel like my posts are just not the same without at least one ridiculous candid shot. Could I compile them all into an "outtakes" post. Sure. However, I need to pour a little sunshine into your life in every single post. 

Mom asked me to take off my coat to showcase my pretty sweater, and I was none too pleased. Aren't moms supposed to tell you to put your damn jacket back on, not take it off? THANKS, MOM.

Also, can we talk about the creepiness that is Google+ for a moment? 

I want to know why Google+ thinks I wish for a flip-book-style picture of myself.

And why did it choose only two pictures? 

I do not understand how this picture selection process works.

It's making me vertiginous. 

(It means dizzy.)

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Linking up with

What I Wore to Work

All Things Thursday

Look What I Got

and 

Three-fer Thursdays

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P.S. I am completely confused by this. Seriously, I want to know who comes up with this crazy shit? (Forgive the language, but I felt it necessary.)

All You Need is a Change of Shoes.

These stacks of writing assignments do not grade themselves (THE NERVE), so this post will remain word-light and picture-heavy. 

The Look:

Sweater: Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's (gift from Momma Santa)

Pants: Exact Stretch skinny from The Limited

Heels: Old Aerosoles via Marshall's

Necklace: Sonoma via Kohl's (clearance section...obviously)

Leather Jacket: via Wilson's leather outlet on Black Friday two years ago (it was like 80% off. BOOM.)

(The boots in the pictures at the bottom are Steve Madden.)

Mom told me to act naturally and hold my hair. Sorry, Mom. 

I excel at giving directions but not so much at taking them.

(I'm not really showing off my heels. I just want you to know how pale I am.)

In case you need some comic relief. Here I am, folks. 

And if you won't laugh at me, I will laugh at myself. 

Not sure what's happening with my toes or fists, but my face?

If your pale feet leave you feeling ashamed or too much white fluff covers the ground, opt for boots.

Do your hands hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? 

Do they get confused and not know where to go?

So, which outfit are you feeling? The leopard heels or the boots?

Also, my brain must not be entirely creative because I wore a very similar outfit not long ago...

Hey, when it works, it works. 

Oh, and prepare yourself for the furry cuteness coming your way tomorrow! :)

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Linking up with

What I Wore to Work

All Things Thursday

Look What I Got

and

Pinned It and Did It

(I'm including that last one because I pinned my own outfit and inadvertently inspired a future outfit. That counts, right?)

Awkward Hands, Please Stop Being Awkward.

How am I nearing 30 and still struggling with where to put my hands when someone takes a photograph of me? Throw someone into a photo with me, and, sure, I got ya covered. Stand me in the frame alone, and I have jazz hands that move all willy-nilly. Mom scolded me for looking like I had clenched fists in some of the photos she took for this week's posts. Mom, where do I put my hands? Don't you know it's really hard to contain all of this awkward brimming at the surface when I pose for a photo?

She told me to look natural with my hands in my hair. If my hand is in my hair, and I'm being "natural,"  it's probably accompanied by a gruff grumble and an unflattering wink because those damn flyways won't stop creeping into my eyeball. That pose does not a cute photo make. I could put my hands on my hips, but sometimes that feels too sassy despite my being quite the sassy broad. I could put them in my pockets, but then I look handless in some photos. I could let them dangle, but then I run the risk of looking like a primate because I have pretty long arms.

Clearly, I need to do some research on this matter.

Out of all of this week's looks, I think this one was Mom's favorite. These pants feel like pajamas, and she must have known that. Because if Mom values anything sartorially, it's comfort. I am most definitely my mother's daughter.

Note: I couldn't pick a favorite from this week if I tried because I love every single outfit, and I don't usually say that about what I've picked out for the week. I have lots of layers, outfit formulas, and prints coming your way.

The Look:

Shirt: Express (here's a polka dot shirt from Forever 21)

Cardigan: Old Navy (exact--I like how Brynn and Inge have worn the same one!)

Pants: Express (exact--absolutely worth the money)

Boots: b.o.c. via DSW (best boots EVER)

Necklace: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's (another cute elephant necklace by Lauren Conrad)

I bought them last year, so they're not online. Sorry :(

Ignore my hands.

I cut out my "clenched" hands in this photo. You're welcome. 

(I tried belting the pants, but it looked weird. I preferred the untucked shirt here.)

This "formula" (boyfriend cardigan + untucked shirt + skinny pants + boots) has worked for me before:

Tomorrow, I'm wearing an outfit that Danielle over at Goodwillista picked out for me based on clothes she knew were in my closet. I'm going to be honest: it might be one of my very favorite looks ever! Will you link up for Style Swap with Ginny and Jenn this week? (You absolutely should.)

OH OH! Tomorrow's Trendy Tuesday theme is Blazers and Button Ups. 

I do hope you'll join my colleagues and me in this trendy event :)

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Linking up with
Molly
The Style Record
and
Mix It Mondays

The Neutral Cardigan of my Dreams

In honor of November and that whole thankful holiday thing that's quickly approaching, I thought I'd throw out some virtual high fives. 

Thank you for being far more versatile than I thought you'd be, paisley maxi skirt. If you were a human, I'd be your friend.

Thank you for completely kicking sartorial ass, Old Navy. Especially recently.

Thank you for not judging me because of my need for Old Navy, credit card. I know I hurt you. 

Thank you for catching my crumbs (and earrings), scarves.  

Thank you for the extra sleep, third day hair. 

Thank you, heated seats, for...heating my seat. 

Thank you for consistently amusing me, Modern Family and Big Bang Theory. 

Thank you, five minute drive, for being awesome. If I don't pee before leaving work, it's okay. I can make it home before I wet my pants. That hour drive I was doing for almost four years? I needed Depends to survive. 

Thank you, fellow English department members, for being as crass and juvenile as I am. 

Thank you to the people who actually join me in this corner of cyber world. I do hope you feel entertained and inspired. If you don't, come find me in real life. I swear I won't disappoint you. 

The Outfit:

Cardigan: Old Navy (it's the boyfriend cardigan)

Flats: you can't see them but they're the same color as the cardigan, and they're from Old Navy

Skirt: New York and Company

Belt: Francesca's

Shirt: Target

Scarf: wearing yet another little number crocheted by my mom. I swear she should open an Etsy shop. 

Throw some of your virtual high fives my way. I'd like to know what big (or small) things that are making you feel all full of thanks. 

Also, fellow bloggers, do you find that when someone sincerely compliments your outfit that you have to blog that one for posterity's sake, or is it just me who is swayed by this compulsion?

Pinterest Tells Me I Look Pretty In...

Awhile ago, I learned from the interwebs that you can be all creepy and check out who pins images from your blog, which surely comes as no surprise to many of you bloggers. However, if you were otherwise in the dark, allow me to enlighten you. It's so simple. 

Type the following into your web browser: 

pinterest.com/source/URL OF YOUR BLOG GOES HERE

For example, to find pinned images from my blog, I would go to:

pinterest.com/source/littlebitofwowe.blogspot.com

I think it's not just creepy but also quite interesting to see which outfits get the most press. 

Here are some of my best fall/winter outfits according to Pinterest:

(This one just so happens to be one of my best looks. Find the original post here.)

I never rewear outfits (except for pajamas), but I am making an exception with this look. I remember how comfortable and chic I felt in this outfit! Find the original post here. 

Sadly, I had to retire this blazer because of my gorilla arms, and hugging myself no longer felt fun. It felt...constricting. Self hugs should always feel lovely. 

Can someone please help me find a navy blazer replacement?

I've looked for so long. I'm growing weary because of this fruitless quest. 

Find the original post here.

The wrinkles on these pants birth baby wrinkles. As such, they needed to go the way of the navy blazer. Either way, everyone loves the mustard pants inspiration. Who can blame them? Mustard pants, minus wrinkles, are hand-clapping awesome. 

Feel free to check out the original post here. 

Speaking of mustard, those pinners can't get enough of it.

I can't find this skirt. I think I donated it. Oops. 

Find the original here

The last one makes me very happy because it features my favorite blazer: the cobalt blue beauty. (In case you're new around here, I have upwards of 40 blazers. A problem? Only for my husband who searches for closet space in vain.) 

She's pretty. I know. (Not me, silly pants. The BLAZER.)

Find the original wonderment here. 

Ultimately, I think my cognac Franco Sarto boots captivate people. Why wouldn't they? They're glorious, and, with the trouble this stupid toenail is giving me, they're the only footwear I can wear without discomfort. I'd also like to draw your attention to the fact that my hair is different in every single photograph. 

Favorites? Wondering why on God's green earth people even pinned one/some/all of these images?

I love my brown boots.

Welcome to another shameless dressing room selfie. I'm not entirely sure what selfie isn't somehow linked to shame, but that's a story for another day. Before I got mah hur did tonight, I stopped into LOFT to return a dress. 

I exchanged it for this skirt. I love it. I've been looking for a red skirt, and this one fits like a dream. Plus, it was on the clearance rack. Double win for me. 

And why do I love my brown boots?

They go with all the things (in my closet)! 

I walked into LOFT wearing the following outfit:

I'd like to call this my Robin Hood color scheme. Where are my bow and arrow? 

(The pants are hunter green.)

The Outfit & Details:

Cardigan: Old Navy (need more colorrrrs)

Pants: Gap (by far my FAVORITE skinny jeans. I want more. and more. and more.)

Belt: Francesca's

Top: Old Navy

Boots: Franco Sarto (favorite shoe designer) via Marshall's

Necklace: Target

Comments: I really love the colors in this outfit, and people stopped me to throw down some comments at my beautiful booted feet. I originally planned to wear a black silk top with black boots, but I changed my mind this morning. (Yes, I pick out my clothes the night before.) Good change? I think so.

Friday Teacher Favorites

One of you asked me to post about cute things I love/my favorites, so hooray for me and my A+ in this week's Friday Favorites and High Five for Friday. I'm telling you five of my favorite things that all deal with teaching. Now, you're probably wondering what in the name of Hades dry shampoo and food have to do with teaching. Well, fear not, dear reader, I shall answer all of your questions because that's the kind of teacher I am.

(By the way, if you want to know how to make a collage easily for your blog, use one of my favorite programs for teaching: PowerPoint. Just drag and drop images onto the PowerPoint slide. Instead of clicking "Save As," click the option under it, "Save as Pictures." All of the slides save as different pictures in one folder. If you're linking to items, include the links in the note section of your slide. If you include links in the notes section that you want to save, just be sure to save the PPT as a PPT in addition to saving it as a picture. I have one folder on my desktop labeled "Blog Pictures." Easy peasy lemon squeezy as my co-teacher would say.)

The Favorites:

Maroon Exact Stretch Straight Work Pants: I love The Limited. One, they give a teacher discount (even on sale items), and I can actually find pants that fit. (Apparently, being short-crotched but with thicker thighs and an actual behind makes finding pants rather troublesome.) I probably wear these pants at least once every other week. For fall, the color goes with everything: lace and gingham for a start. The pants are actually work pants, but they don't flare at the bottom, a quality I've come to realize makes it difficult to find the right shoes. The straight or skinny cut is great for flats, heels, or booties. I know these pants will be workhorses for me this fall.

Black Skinny Work Pants: Express is the other store that always provides me with pants that fit. They do not provide a teacher discount, but their clothes are quality and have lasted me for years and years. If you consider cost per wear, they pay for themselves. Oh, and these pants feel like pajamas. They are so soft and comfortable. God bless you, 2% spandex.

Cognac/Camel Cardigan: I wanted a cardigan this color for awhile, and Old Navy did not disappoint. PLUS, they have matching flats (should've included them in the collage...maybe next week.) Old Navy has been killing it recently. I walk in and want to buy ALL OF THE THINGS. This cardigan, especially because its color goes with my boots and flats, is my current favorite. Plus, it's soft and just the right length. I like it a bit baggier, so I sized up.

Redken Dry Shampoo: I wake up at 5 dark thirty. I do not want to style my hair every morning particularly if I'm surrounded by teenagers who clearly own nothing other than booty shorts, leggings, and sweatpants. In a future post, I will show you how I make it three-four days without washing my hair. For now, I will tell you that this little bottle is my not-so-secret-anymore weapon. Previously, I used the Suave dry shampoo (got it at Target.) That worked okay, but not nearly as well as the Redken has. This stuff rockets grease out of my hair. Sorcery, I tell you. Disclaimer: my stylist said that it works well on blondes, but it might make brunettes look like they have dandruff. Since I'm a blonde, I can speak only to the fact that it works beautifully for me.

SunButter Crunch : Why a snack, you ask? We teachers are conditioned to think that 9:30-10:30 a.m. is lunch time while the rest of the working world is waiting at least two more hours. Every other day, I can't eat until noon, and I will wither away to nothing squared if I wait that long. As such, I need to wolf down a snack between 2nd and 3rd periods. Enter these delicious snack bars. I have tried the mixed berry, caramel apple, and sunbutter crunch. I love them all, but I love SunButter best. I can't try the chocolate one because I'm allergic to chocolate. (Horrors of horrors, I know.) All of the bars are dairy free, nut free, and soy free. If you have loads of food allergies like I do, then you might want to try out the Enjoy Life brand. I find them at the local Martin's, Giant, and natural foods stores. (The link takes you to the company's website where you can buy them. Plus, they put the nutrition facts right there for you to see. I love the transparency.)


Any of these things on your list of favorites? Do tell if you decide to try them at my suggestion and actually like them as much as I do!

Gingham? Isn't that plaid?

I wore this outfit yesterday in preparation for the gingham and plaid link up. One of my juniors raised his hand to ask a question. When I looked at him, I exclaimed, "What!? Gingham twins?" Yes, yes, he was donning a similar blue and white gingham shirt. Obviously, he's an awesome kid. Of course, I then had to explain to several students that this print is, in fact, gingham, which is not, in fact, the same thing as plaid. Sheesh.

If you would be at all interested in a post about how I make it three-four days rocking hair like this, please let me know. I've finally whittled the process down to a fine science, and I'm even impressed with myself. However, I don't want to spend the time writing such a post if very few people will read it. Disclaimer: I am not a hair stylist, but, along the way, I have picked up several tips from the multiple stylists who have worked with my mane. I can show you my methods of hair washing (okay, not really "show" you...yikes), blow drying, and everyday styling (which saves me quite a bit of sleep time.)

The Outfit:

Cardigan: Target

Shirt: Marshalls

Pants: The Limited

Flats: Old Navy 

Belt: NY & Co.

The Details:

Occasion: Teaching all the live long day

Comments: LOVE these pants from The Limited; they're exact stretch straight leg. Perfect amount of spandex, perfect amount of awesomeness. I also love these flats. I've been searching for a pair this color, and Old Navy did not disappoint. Is anyone else noticing how out of the park Old Navy is knocking it lately? I can barely control myself in there. Good thing I have $40 in Old Navy cash. Woot!  I'm chomping at the bit for it to finally be valid. I am eyeing a pair of black flats like these and those cute sweaters with the sparkly elbow patches are lovely. Oh, and I need a new gingham shirt. This one sucks at tucking into pants. Good thing the cardigan covered it up. 

Jeff and I watched This Means War last night. Can I just tell you how much I love everything Reese Witherspoon wears in that movie? I am in love with every.single.outfit. I even died over the gray sweatshirt she was rocking out in. It's a cute movie, but you could watch it just to drool over her wardrobe. Not kidding. 

Linking up with Style Elixir and The Trend Spin Linkup. 

Luna Lovegood

Apparently, I need to catch up on my Harry Potter books/movies. 

A student I've never taught told me I look like Luna Lovegood, and you can imagine my joy upon finding that she's a good character and kinda cute. 

Anyway, meet my third-day hair because I set my alarm clock to some weird static sound, which did not wake me up but rather induced loopy dreams. There may or may not have been some yet-to-exist animal frolicking in sparkly fields. Husband decided not to wake me up until 30 minutes later. 

Gee. Thanks. 

The Outfit:

Cardigan: Target

Pants: The Limited (in exact stretch straight leg)

Heels: Aerosoles via Marshall's

Top: The Limited 

Belt: NY & Co.

The Details:

Wore to: work

Comfort Rating: 9 (heels started to tug juuust a smidge at the very end of the day)

Comments: These pants are so comfortable, and they hit at the perfect length (and height...no plumber's crack for me.) I decided to try this color combination on for size. I've already done the cognac, white, and black thing, and I loved it. I threw some maroon/wine/burgundy/whatever color it's called now into the mix, along with some leopard, and I'm a fan. 

Lace & a Flowy Skirt

Before I embark on the task of grading my AP students' work, I will grace the interwebs with my presence. And my second-day hair, which has been kicking butt since my stylist gave me some tips last week. It's taken 29 years for me to figure out how to style this mane, but better late than never? Now, I just need to take care of this whole acne and acne scarring issue, and all will be right with my world. My vain, vain little world.

Oh, and our house is officially on the market! After hours of painting, scrubbing, staging, and some bleeding, we are now in "people could come through the house at any moment, so we can't touch anything" mode. A wildly fun place to be.

Jeff is only happy to take pictures when he can direct me in my posing. He told me I had to be all "50s housewife" and pose with the Kitchen Aid mixer. Way to be progressive, husband.

The Look:

Top: The Limited

Skirt: LOFT

Shoes: Me Too via Marshall's (last summer)

Belt: NY & Co.

Necklace: Gift from my sister-in-law, both of my sisters-in-law have such great taste. I lucked out! 

The Details: 

Occasion: Work (I'm a teacher, by the way.)

When: end o' August (still in the 80s)

Where: Indoors all day (still pretty balmy in my room)

Comfort Rating: 9.5

Comments: I give it a 9.5 only because I had to resituate the belt a few times, but it was actually very comfortable. These heels are the perfect height and have enough cushion to make the soles of my feet not-so angry. I tried a new color combination with the cognac shoes/belt, and I liked it (not "I kissed a girl" kind of liked it, but I liked it.) Ordinarily, I'd choose a gold and be suuuuper matchy, but I was a big fan of this combination. Plus, I was pretty matchy matchy with my cognac purse ;) This shirt tucks REALLY well, and I didn't know that until today despite the fact that I've owned it for nearly a year. Good job, shirt. 

Jeff's doing the dishes and fixing dinner. Some 50s housewife I am.