I ate a horseshoe.

Only that statement could explain my very recent luck. Back in November, I told you how to avoid J.Crew (which really boiled down to how to avoid J.Crew in winter because you are allergic to the store's high-wool content. When I say "you," I really mean I.) Well, a week ago, I entered a giveaway hosted by GroopDealz on Instagram; they were offering up $150 to J.Crew. Seriously, for a giveaway that requires so much less effort than the 40+ things you have to do for nearly every blog giveaway, how could I not try?

Let us fast forward to this morning. After two weeks of antibiotics and in anticipation of a third week, I've been feeling--ummmm, how do I put this?--less than wonderful. This morning was particularly unkind to me, but I scolded myself and said, "get your butt to school, Danielle. It's just the stupid antibiotics. You'll feel better once you sarcastically reply to some witty teenager's remark." In the car, as I waited for the heated seats to toast my behind, I hopped on Instagram to check out the visual scene.

To my surprise, the bottom of the screen lit up in orange. Those wonderful little orange notifications brought me to a page with a few tagged comments that linked my Instagram handle (@likewo) and the word "congrats." On WHAT, you say? That $150 J.Crew gift card giveaway. Be still, my weak and antibiotic-laden stomach. Elle Woods was right. Endorphins make you happy, and happy people don't kill people. Well, that rush of endorphins actually made me feel better for the rest of the day. Magical, I tell you. And no one died by my hands today.

Is it pathetic that I am grateful for the gift card but even more grateful that the news of that gift card made me physically feel better for the rest of the day? So, thanks, GroopDealz, you proved how medicinal endorphins can be--maybe I need to work out in the mornings!?--and, from you, I learned that gift cards can now be sent via e-mail. It's like some fancy, electronic sorcery of the most exciting kind.

P.S. I am writing this post one day before you're reading it, which means these events happened on Tuesday. I hope you're not feeling confused now.

P.P.S. What are good, gotta-have-it buys at J.Crew? It's not a store I frequent, so I'm feeling a bit like a baby deer learning to use its legs.

P.P.P.S. Thank you to all of the people and companies who host giveaways. It's so kind and generous of you to do.

My colleague called this my "channeling Sarah Connors" look. 

(The Terminator Sarah Connors, in case you Google her and find some other chick)

The Look:

Sweater: Express (IT'S SO COMFY!)

Shirt: Express

Pants: Old Navy Rockstars 

Boots: Etienne Aigner via Macy's a few years ago

Necklace: New York & Co. a few years ago

Linking up with

Shanna

and

The Pleated Poppy

Send me good juju

I'm welcoming you to my awkward, should-have-brushed-my-ratty-hair-before-photos, bangs-doing-a-thing-of-their-own-creation, I-don't-know-how-to-retuck-my-shirt-after-using-the-bathroom kind of day. I do hope you enjoy it. 

The past week and a half, I have spent every day (except for today) working after school with students (some of whom I have never taught) on their college essays. As flattered as I am that they value my commentary, dude, I be pooped. Quite honestly, helping students invigorates me. However, I know that staying in the building until 4 means that I will encounter every jerk off driver during my hour-long commute, and that very thought exhausts me before I even stick the key in the ignition. I know some people drive even farther to work, and that's great for them and blah blah blah, but an hour is too much for me, especially because it drains two more hours of a day that I could be filling with helping more students, actually sneaking in a work out, and tending to that overflowing hamper in the bedroom. Oh, and spending time with my husband, who drives an hour and twenty minutes to work, sounds super. 

I have arrived at my point. After three weeks on the market, we finally have another showing tomorrow night! (Our area is apparently stupid slow for real estate at the moment.) We desperately want to live closer to work so that we can enjoy life before we attempt parenthood, and we can finally hang out with so many of our friends who live in that direction. SO, if you could do whatever it is you do to make things happen, we would appreciate all of the good juju we can get.  

And if my pleas are not enough, look! My shirt has gems on it! My hair needs brushing! I'm wearing the most boring color combination ever! And I like it! Yay! Exclamation marks!

The Outfit:

Shirt: LOFT

Blazer: Kenar via Marshall's 

Pants: Express (seriously, buy yourself a pair. Disappointed you will not be. Yoda. Go get you some.)

Shoes: BCBG via Boscov's (that happens? Sure.)

Occasion: Work, which involved reading aloud to three classes and watching group presentations in two classes. These are exciting times.

Comfort Rating: 10

Comments: A 10 for a outfit in heels? Whaaat? Believe it. These heels are the perfect height and are sinfully comfortable. As for these pants, they look like dress pants (because they are), but they feel like yoga pants. I'm not lying. Express needs to make them in every color. They are experimenting with this new cut to see how customers like them before they roll out more colors. I got that intel from one of the employees because I make friends when I shop. 

I must tend to this house and some paper grading.

Toodles, home skillets.

Teacher Wardrobe Staples [Part 1]

This morning, my friend Nicole (girlfriend is gorgeous inside and out!) messaged me about must haves for her teacher closet. Our conversation got me thinking that it might be a good idea for me to write a series of  posts because women have asked me this question multiple times.

This series will comprise at least three posts:

Part 1: The Stores (today's post)

Part 2: The Basics

Part 3: The Outfits

Part 4: The Inspiration  (depends on you, the readers)

Part 4 is where YOU come in! E-mail me a picture of you wearing your favorite teacher outfit. If you're a blogger and the picture comes from a post on your blog, provide me with the link to the original content, please! If you're not a blogger, tell me how you'd prefer I credit you :) 

I like to give credit where credit is due. If enough ladies e-mail me, I'll compile Part 4. If not, you might be stuck with pictures of just me for inspiration.

During your stay, keep a few things in mind:

1. I teach High School English, not elementary school like many of the teacher bloggers in blogland. I do not know if the needs of an elementary school teacher vary from someone in my leopard-print shoes.

2. I tried to create a list that should work for a stricter dress code policy, but know that my school's dress code is quite lax compared to other schools'.

3. If you're a new teacher or one looking to spruce up her wardrobe, you might find that you already have many of the items I'll be listing in this series. Hooray!

4. I link to plenty of outfits on this blog that show you the types of pieces you can buy from certain stores. Know that some of these outfits I did not wear to school, but the pieces could still work for the classroom.

5. I do not like to spend a lot of money on any one item because I usually never like anything enough (or long enough) for that to make sense.

6. There are a lot of great stores (LuLu's, SheInside, Ruche, and etc.) to shop at online, but I prefer trying items on in the store, so you'll see more of that sort of thing around here.

PART 1: THE STORES

Places I shop with success:

(The bulleted lists include what I typically buy at these places.)

The Limited (in store, they offer a teacher discount--bring your ID!)
ranges from $-$$$$ (with coupons, most items are under $100)

• Everything from pants to blazers 
• I am especially drawn to their pants and skirts.
• Some outfits that include pieces from The Limited: this cobalt blue skirt (and the lace top), my favorite skirt (A-line and khaki), and this tweed skirt (needs tights to be appropriate).
• Note: unless their entire store is offering a 40% off promotion, you can use your teacher discount on top of clearance items!

Express
(pants are typically in the $50-100 range)
They've seemingly moved away from more work-appropriate gear, but I still love

• their Editor pant
• their blazers (my favorite cobalt blazer is from here)
• Some outfits that include Express: this striped shirt 
• I don't shop here as often. However, most of my "wear me forever" pants are from Express. 

LOFT (duh! They offer a teacher discount. Order the sticker from their website and slap it on your credit card.)

(most items are under $80)

• Everything from here, but I especially love their cardigans, dresses, skirts, and blouses. 
•  Some outfits with LOFT pieces include: this black skirt, this yellow & tan striped peplum, this black & white cardigan, this floral top, this gray & white scarf, this black dress, and these burgundy pants
• Pretty much everything this store sells is school appropriate, so you're safe. 

New York & Company (they offer a teacher discount; just bring your teacher ID--I probably shop here the most because it's one of the only real stores in the "mall" near me, and I'm a lady of convenience.)

(most items are under $80, and they're great about having sales. I typically never have to spend more than $50 on anything here.)

• I buy everything here, and they always have good sales! 
• I am most drawn to their blouses, jewelry, and cardigans.
• Some outfits with NY & Co. pieces include: this maxi skirt, these polka dot pants, these pants & this cardigan, this blazer & this blouse, this white blazer, and this emerald & black blouse.
• I've never bought anything here that wasn't school appropriate, but I'm sure those items exist. Perhaps I instinctively steer clear of those things?

Target (DOUBLE DUH!)

(I think you're well aware of how affordable the clothes here are.)

• The pieces here do not last forever, but I've scored some good things at the ol' Tar-jay.
• I am most drawn to their dresses, longer cardigans, and shirts. (If you want to try out skinny jeans on the cheap, Target is your place.)
• I love their dresses. I have three of the same type (seen here and here), in fact. I always check the clearance rack for something with a cute print that I could mix with my other clothes. 
• Note: if you shop in the juniors section, be sure to size up unless you want things to fit too snugly, which is not a good idea if you're a teacher.  

Old Navy (they have a teacher appreciation day, which I can never remember)

(Pretty great quality, and most of the pieces are less than $50.)

• Old Navy has it all for the right price, and the outlets near me have even better prices. 
• I am especially drawn to Old Navy dresses, skirts, tops (button downs, specifically), and blazers/outerwear. They always have cute coats for a great price.  
• Some outfits from Old Navy include: this red blazer (dress must be worn with tights to remain appropriate), this gingham shirt, this jean blazer, this striped dress, and this striped dress.
• You'll probably show up to school wearing the same thing as one of your students, but that's okay. 

Kohl's

(If your mom poops coupons here like my mom does, then this place is perhaps more affordable than Target.)

• I am like my mother. I shop way too often at Kohl's, but they pretty much give you items with the number of sales they have. 
• My favorite brands for teacher wear are: Lauren Conrad (HANDS DOWN), J. Lo (sometimes), Elle, and Apt. 9. Candies often has cute blazers and some of the tops are appropriate. 
• I know a lot of people who love Daisy Buchanan and Vera Wang. I don't fit into much of their stuff, so I avoid it. 
• Some outfits from Kohl's include: this J.Lo gray skirt, this sparkly LC top, this J.Lo blazer, this LC floral blazer, this yellow LC top, this LC blouse with bows,  this APT. 9 dress, and this LC striped blouse & Elle black maxi skirt.
• (As you can see, I LOVE Lauren Conrad's clothing line. Love it. So much.)

GAP (does NOT offer a teacher's discount)

(Their sales seem to be better online and in the outlets.)

• I really only go to GAP when I hit the outlets because it's not very close. However, I am drawn to their jeans (casual days, anyone?)
• Some outfits that include GAP pieces: these neon jeans (which I can wear to school) and these green jeans.

Other Stores (not many pictures around these parts of the post):

Marshall's/TJ Maxx (mainly Marshall's because that's what lives near me)

• I get a lot of my shoes here, especially Franco Sarto who happens to be my favorite shoe designer. 
• My favorite brand that shows up here is probably Kenar. Great durability, and they actually carry XS. 

White House Black Market 

• Everything lasts forever, and my favorite white jeans are from here and so is my sequin skirt. It's too expensive for my piggy bank, so I shop here only periodically and always check the sales!

Forever21 

• Never the dresses or skirts because my booty makes everything 3 inches shorter than their already-too-short length. Some people have great luck with the length. I never do.
• Cute blazers for great prices! 
• I have a few tops from here, too.

Banana Republic

• Especially the outlet
• Great pants and dresses!
• Unless it's on sale, I typically won't get it. Again, their prices are a little too high for my tastes. 

J.Crew (offers a teacher discount)
I would love to order something from J.Crew Factory, but it just hasn't happened. 

• Their stuff is gorgeous, but I just won't pay the prices. I have one item from J.Crew, and I bought it at the thrift shop. 
• They offer a teacher discount, which is great.
• Maybe my goal will be to buy one thing from there before the year ends. 
• I think their skirts are especially great for teachers. 

Shoes?

• Nine West (usually at Marshall's)
• Naturalizer (especially the outlet)
• Target (for some flats)
• DSW 
• Aerosoles 
• ModCloth
• Found a really comfortable (and cute) pair from Easy Spirit. Go figure!  
• I really want to try  heels from Chromatic Gallerie because you can specify the heel height and there are SO MANY color options. 
• NOTE: I avoid any heel over 3" because it's impractical for me (don't want to break my face), but some women can rock it.

Favorite Places for Scarves?

• Francesca's always has the cutest prints.
• Target
• Old Navy
• Boscov's

Join me tomorrow for 

Part 2: The Basics.

On Wednesday, my birthday, I'll give you 

Part 3: The Outfits.

For now, I'll provide you with two collages of *what I hope is* inspiration.

If you're a teacher and you have some other stores to include, write them in the comments! 

(If you have tips for your gotta-have-'em basics, save them for the comments section of tomorrow's post.) I tried to cover a lot here, but I'm sure I forgot a few things. I'll need your help to fill in the holes of my Swiss cheese brain.

If you want me to include a photo of one of your favorite teacher outfits (from your blog--you don't have to be a teacher; it can just be a teacher-worthy outfit), e-mail the picture and post link to me! If enough people send me pictures, I'll create a post solely for inspiration from fellow teachers. 

E-mail me at:

teamwebchick@gmail.com

I hope this post was at least mildly useful.

Let me know if there is anything else you'd like to read in the series.

After all, I AM a teacher, which means I like to help :)

"Why do you look all bling-y?"

Yep, that's what one of my male students asked me today. You see, we need to work with him on appropriate ways to ask girls questions; otherwise, he will forever be alone. Or, his girlfriend will be a robot like those women in Stepford Wives. Or, she will abuse him for his stupidity. Whichever comes first. Also, he wears mismatched athletic shorts and t-shirts every day, not exactly a fashion maven that one. Oh, and some of my most fashionably savvy girls told me how much they loved my outfit. Eat that, blingmeister flex.

Anyway, today was a long one because I had grad class until 7:00 (got out twenty minutes early, what what?!) after having woken up at 5 whatever o'clock this morning. Why am I telling you this? Because I need you to know why I look so haggard. My outfit is cute, if I do say so myself, but my face has seen better days.

Are those pajama pants?

So, a student said to me, "When I first saw you, I thought you were wearing pajama pants. I see those aren't pajama pants. They're really cool!" I own about five or more pairs of plaid pants. Plaid pants will never die as far as I'm concerned.

Black shirt is from Old Navy.


Plaid pants are a few years old; they're from Express. I love their business pants. So comfortable and last for-ev-er.

Belt is also several years old and from Express.

Meet my new, cute shoes from Macy's in NYC :) They're Marc Fisher. He makes awesome shoes; I especially love his sandals. I can't wait for spring/summer!

White sweater is from Express (a few years old).

I really did not want to have my picture taken, but I did it for the people who actually want to see my outfits. If any of you out there actually exist?

If you like my hair color and cut, see Andrea at Cavallaro and Company. She did my hair for my wedding, and she's been doing my hair for maybe five years? I love her!

Blaze(r) on! (Staying warm in NYC)

I am always cold, so I put together my warm gear in order to spend a day shopping in NYC :)