Pinterest, I Own You.

A few people keep asking me to write a post about my hair, but I'm going to throw some truth at you: I have no idea what I'm doing. I have a weird system that works for me, but I'm not entirely sure I can explain it to others; however, I can give it the ol' college try. If I do explain it to those of you who visit this corner of the internet, how do I go about it? Do I film in Photobooth? Do I edit on iMovie? Do I post it on YouTube? Do I set up my tripod while my bathroom mirror and I are hanging out? I can assure you that I do not dare ask my husband to grumble and videotape while I get gussied up.  Also, if I explain my mane, what do you want to know? Do you want to know how I go four days without washing it but still remain presentable? Do you want to know how I curl it? Do you want to know which products I use? 

I'm so confused, dear readers.

If you visit me often, you might already catch the drift that I'm a weirdo of the most endearing sort, but video will provide you more proof than you might be able to handle. 

Why am I even talking about my hair today? Well, take a look at my locks in these photos. Best hair day ever? Quite possibly. I finally figured out my new curling iron. 

The Outfit:

Dress: Gift from Mom (she bought it at Kohl's)

Scarf: Boscov's, I think. 

Belt: The Limited

Sweater: Old Navy

Boots: b.o.c. via DSW

One of my male friends inquired about whether or not belting my scarf was deliberate. Yes, friend, it was deliberate. After all, I need to keep my crumb catcher in place. Plus, I need to prove to Pinterest that I can do things like this. I also wore a sweater over a dress, which was inspired by her. Awesome hair, leopard print, lace dress, red/black/white combination, AND sweater over a dress?

Ladies and gents, I HAVE ARRIVED. 

(I call this my "I almost fell into the stain on the pavement while trying to pose" look. Don't let my smirk fool you into believing I'm coordinated.)

Previously, I wore the dress like this:

Aged Awesomeness & One Shirt Three Ways

I will be back with Part 3 of the Teacher Wardrobe Staples series (Part 1 and Part 2) tomorrow. Why, you ask? Well, first of all, today is my 29th birthday. Second of all, today, Momma dukes is actually taking pictures of me for Part 3! With a real camera, not my iPhone. Hot jeebus. I.have.arrived.

Instead of the series today, I do have one shirt worn three ways for you. Because my awesomeness just added another year to itself.

Every time I buy an item I'm a smidge unsure of, I physically try it on with at least three outfits in order to determine its lifespan in my closet. Sometimes, I'm on fire and can't stop trying it on with things. Aaaand, sometimes, it's a big, fat flop that I have to return. Luckily, this shirt is a winner.

I bought an army green shirt at Kohl's the other day, hoping it would work well in my closet. I'd say it does. I came up with these three looks:

It's not much, and the pictures are, um, awful. HOWEVER, you might find inspiration from them. If nothing else, you'll take your iPhone photos in a full-length mirror in better lighting. 

(The color is "true" in the middle picture.) 

I'd love to know how you would style this shirt. Tell me in the comments! :)

I had every intent of writing you a list of "29 Things of Awesomeness," but I lost steam after #7. 

I need a shower because I do not smell awesome.

So, I will leave you with this thought: I am not 29-years-old; I am 29 years of awesome. 

 Aged awesomeness, if you will.

That is all.

P.S. Be sure to enter the Target giveaway over at Sam's hilarious blog. 

She's one of those makes-you-pee-a-little-she's-so-funny kind of girls. 

Polka Dots and Lace

This morning, I assumed today would be craptastic because my visor broke and I had to fix my ingrown toe nail (TMI? It hurt.) 

However, today was awesome. The windows rolled down to the perfect height so as to create a breeze but not mess up your hair kind of awesome. 

My second period did not want to review for tomorrow's test because they love the book that we're reading so much they asked to keep reading! You probably have no idea how big this request is for the population that I teach. They gave the characters personality, read with inflection, and happily discussed what was happening. If you've never read it, you should. It's called Monster by Walter Dean Myers. It's written from the perspective of a 16-year-old boy who's on trial for felony trial. He alternates between diary entries from prison and a screen play of what happens in the courtroom. 

Check out Walter Dean Myers here. 

Later in the day, a student handed me a copy of a book that he really loves (Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton) because he wants me to read it and discuss it with him. I cried a little. 

Great day in the classroom, guys. 

I give all of the credit to the dress that Momma bought for me. How could my day suck if I was wearing a cute, lace dress that Momma dukes picked out? 

FYI: Taking pictures in a busy parking lot qualifies as awkward.

fashionbloggerproblems.

Outfit Deets: 

Cardigan: Old Navy (SO old...like 10 years old)--(similar)

Dress: Gift from Momma (she got it at Kohl's, of course)--(similar options from Kohl's)

Belt: Francesca's (LOVE this belt so much)--(similar from Gap)

Boots: White Mountain? I bought them a year or two ago. (similar from Boot Barn)

Necklace: Kohl's 

Linking up with WIWW. 

Gold Blazer

Yes, I bought a gold blazer from ModCloth for $20. I had been wanting one for awhile, but I refused to pay the exorbitant prices that stores wanted to charge me. Enter ModCloth. It looked gorgeous, and I bought it despite the fact that it was final sale. It arrived in the mail, and I loved it...until I realized something: I had no idea what I planned to do with it. Haha. Instead of caving in to buyer's remorse, I set off on a quest to style it FOUR ways. I tried something date-night fancy, something work appropriate x 2, and something errand-running casual.

Look #1: Casual Friday at Work

I would wear this look on a casual Friday. Heck, I'd probably wear this bad boy on a Wednesday. I'm a rebel like that. My best friend said that she and her coworkers have to pay for their casual Fridays! (Yes, she works in the public school system.) Have you ever heard of such a thing? I think the teachers at my school would absolutely revolt if that were to happen. 

Blazer: ModCloth

Navy Blouse & Necklace: Forever 21 (blouse also worn here)

Belt: NY & Co.

Jeans: Express

Leopard heels: Aerosoles via Marshall's

 Look #2: Any Work Day of the Week

Oh.my.goodness. I actually mixed prints. I have never mixed prints before. (I'm not counting my ill-advised youth.) Anyway, I liked the black and white with the tan, but I felt there needed to be a little color. I thought red would be predictable, so I went with this pink stone.

Blazer: ModCloth

Striped Top: French Connection via Marshall's 

Leopard Heels: Aerosoles via Marshall's

Jeans: JBrand via TJMaxx

Belt: NY & Co.

Necklace: Francesca's

 Look #3: Something Date-Night Fancy

Obviously, in the winter time, I would wear tights with this look. I was just too lazy to put them on for this little photo shoot. Also, please do not zoom in on this image. I'm sure you can spy the little grizzlies living on my legs. I might even swap out the heels for cobalt or fuchsia flats.

Dress: Target (stupid thing shrunk)

Blue heels (wedding shoes!): Michael Kors via Macy's (almost two years ago)

Necklace: Francesca's (also worn here)

Belt: NY & Co.

Look #4: Running-Errands Casual

This look is probably my favorite because it's so comfortable, and I prefer comfort above all other factors in my wardrobe. If I could dress in flannel every day, I probably would. Am I the only one who says "I'm running errands," and it's really code for "I'm going shopping?" It makes me feel a little bit better about myself. 

White shirt: Mudd via Kohl's

Flats: Target

Jeans: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

Scarf: Made by Momma! :)

Since I love you guys, I made one image that compiled all of the looks.

How would you style my gold blazer? I'd love to hear your suggestions.

(If you hate it, I understand, but I obviously won't stop wearing it!)