Teacher Style: Lace Shirt (and my birthday)

Well, I'm 30 years young today, and I'm still getting acne like a hormonal pubescent teenager. In fact, it sort of looks like an explosion hit my face, something that didn't even happen when I was a teenager. Am I actually getting younger? Is Benjamin Button my brother?

Anyway, feel free to send gifts my way. I will happily take them. And if you have clear skin, I hate you so bad right now.

 Top: Old Navy

Options: Christopher Banks, Nordstrom, Target

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Well, I included some casual Friday and everyday teacher looks for the lace shirt. It's probably a better choice for a bit cooler weather (unless yours is short-sleeved).

Which look is your favorite?

Local Love & Lace

Who is not smitten with alliterative titles? People who wouldn't know awesomeness if it poked them in the ocular. That's who. People who deliberately give their children alliterative names, on the other hand, are being almost as cruel as people who name their child after their surname (Phillip Phillips...really?) Maybe I'm just jealous of people with alliterative names. Who can be sure? 

I am back and in action, folks! If you could have seen me literally whip my head back and forth--not as intensely as Willow Smith--as I typed that, you'd surely want to know me in real life if you don't already. I am SO back that I am showing you two outfits today. Oh me oh my. 

I wanted you to see how I dress up and dress down this lovely lace shirt. Something for work and something for play (or casual Friday for those of us whose places of employment are lucky we don't wear stained sweatpants to work on Fridays...whichever).

This shirt is yet another one of my finds on thredUP, which I am almost as smitten with as I am with alliterative titles. Okay, maybe more. The leather jacket, which looks super expensive if you ask me, was a $25 find on thredUP. Cha ching. I think it's turned into my favorite place to shop. They might as well put me on the pay roll. Feel free to be sick of me talking about thredUP. 

However, if you're interested in a post about how I find awesome things on thredUP, I'd be happy to oblige. Just let a sister know. 

The Look:

Blazer: Express (old)

Shirt: LOFT via thredUP

Skirt: The Limited 

Shoes: BCBG via Boscov's 

Earrings: Local boutique called Sweet Elizabeth Jane (find them on Facebook!)

I keep finding the cutest and really reasonably priced (these earrings were a mere $6) jewelry at this boutique in the downtown shopping area near me. Sweet Elizabeth Jane has the cutest housewares and jewelry and trinkets and skirts and ALL THE PRETTY THINGS. If you're ever in downtown Ellicott City, Maryland, check it out. You'll thank me later. 

I smirk like I know what's up. 

Meet outfit number two, my ticket to bad assery, which autocorrect does not think is a thing. Rest assured that it is. 

The Look:

Leather Jacket: Buffalo by David Bitton (via thredUP)

Shirt: LOFT via thredUP

Pants: Celebrity Pink via Boscov's

Flats: Steve Madden via DSW

After I came up with this week's outfits, I cruised Pinterest, which probably should have happened the other way around. Anyway, I realized that this outfit must have been subconsciously inspired by Ashley; I pinned her look 9 weeks ago. Man, it must have really stuck with my brain? I didn't even have this shirt 9 weeks ago. I must also be prophetic. 

Thanks to Sarah and Lucky B Boutique for making me stretch my brain with their April Challenge. 

Today's look is inspired by the "local love" theme (this look was as well, but I needed to make sure I didn't double up on my themes.) I am a rule follower to the core. 

For your viewing pleasure, here is another way I've worn the skirt:

(original post)

And another way I've worn the pants:

(original post)

I'm nothing if not thorough. 

What's in a name?

Yesterday, I snuck it in that my middle name is Danielle. You see, my first name is Heather, but only my flamboyant music teacher in second grade and one of my brother's creepy friends in high school ever called me by the name. Mom and Dad knew from day one that they'd call me Danielle. Mom, however, believes that Heather Danielle has a certain ring to it that Danielle Heather just does not. Dad picked Heather, and Mom picked Danielle in an attempt to name me after Dad whose name is Danny. She argued that she would never name her son "Danny Ray Jr.," so here I am. A Danielle who thinks poop stories and fart jokes are funny.

I guess I should be grateful that Dad prevented Mom from making her first choice: Sammy Jo. I'm from a county affectionately dubbed "Cow" County, so I cannot imagine the overall covered life I could have led as Sammy Jo. (Granted, overalls are making a huge fashion splash these days.) Thankfully for Mom, she can rest easily now that she has a puppy named Sammy.

When I finally change my last name--I realize we are on year three of marriage, but it took him seven to pop the question, which means I can take my sweet time changing names--my maiden name will become my new middle name.

There you have it.

Come back tomorrow, and I will share with you some BIG news. News that makes me look way cooler than I am in real life.

The Look:

Blazer: Express (SO VERY OLD--I had to cut off the "straps" that came with it. So weird.)

Shirt: The Limited (similar) 

Skirt: LOFT (exact)

Shoes: J.Crew Factory (really comfortable...I want them in black.)

Necklace: The Limited 

Once again, I am participating in Sarah's April Challenge and today's theme is lace. 

Also linking up with 

* Shanna (http://becauseshannasaidso.blogspot.com) 

* Pleated Poppy (www.thepleatedpoppy.com/blog)

Show Stoppers

I decided that if a stranger walks up to me, compliments something I'm wearing, and asks where I bought it, then whatever I'm wearing is a winner. Today's winner is these shoes. Jeff and I went to the market this past weekend, and a lady stopped me in the aisle to ogle my shoes. When we were walking the streets of downtown, a lady said nothing but stared so hard at my shoes that I feared for her forehead because she was a few steps from Mr. Magooing a tree. These flats are show stoppers. They're comfortable. They add a nice pop of color to otherwise neutral outfits. And I love them. I think you need a pair. I wear a 8.5, and they're true to size for me.

Oh, and my juniors' interviews went pretty well yesterday. One student said, "I was expecting it to be a waste of time, but it really wasn't." In teenager speak, that's the highest of compliments. If you can prove their expectations wrong, then you have won the war on apathy. 

So, yesterday you saw that I found my perfect leopard print top. For quite some time, I've been hunting high and low for a floral top (silk, with or without sleeves, smaller flowers, enough colors to match a lot of things, looks good tucked or untucked), and I keep coming up with nothing. I'm not spending $80 on a floral shirt. That's just highway robbery I will not condone. I looked at H&M, LOFT, Banana Republic, The Limited, Francesca's, and most of my regular haunts. Any suggestions?

The Look:

Top: Old Navy (got this bad boy last month for $6! exact)

Jeans: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's ($10 woot woot--similar)

Vest: American Eagle (here is a green one at Nordstrom)

Red flats: Sole Society (exact--feel free to use my referral link)

(You're welcome.)

Linking up with

* All Things Thursday at http://www.glitzandgold.com

* Look What I Got (for cheap) at http://pennilesssocialite.blogspot.com/

* Three-fer Thursdays at http://www.everydayfashionandfinance.com

* Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday at http://vodkainfusedlemonade.com/

Foliage Inspired?

What if every one of my post titles just includes a random vocabulary word? Yesterday's was "profundity." (Aside: say that word aloud. You cannot help but smile because the word FUN is inside of it.) How do you like today's? Foliage. I like that word. It starts with an F, just like fun. 

Speaking of the letter F, can I just tell all of you how fantastic you are for your kind comments on yesterday's post? I particularly like what Andi said: "Just because something isn't super deep doesn't mean it's not valuable." Right on, Andi. Right on. We often say how trivial certain things are, but isn't it the small things that often make the greatest difference?

Also, my co-teacher is just tickled that multiple people outside of our building are participating in Trendy Tuesday. I showed her my Instagram feed, and she declared, "We're going GLOBAL!" Gosh, I adore that woman. We're still dreaming up ideas for next week's theme. Feel free to throw your suggestions at us! Just remember that it must be a theme in which both guys and gals can participate. Our most avid male participant was so sad that he couldn't participate in person today. As a result, he e-mailed this video to me: Rapping Irish Craziness (I gave it that name. Surprised? Probably not.)

The Look:

Cardigan: The Limited (same)

Pants: Columnist Pant in Slim Cut (same)

Boots: b.o.c. via DSW

Scarf: Gift from a student (ummm...sort of close?)

Lace shirt: The Limited 

I'm not on drugs though my squinty eyes might suggest otherwise. 

I guess I really needed those shades. 

Of course, this picture might have you believing otherwise.

Yes, I am naturally that sexy.

Yeah, you're welcome.

-----------------------------

Linking up with

Shanna

and

WIWW

It's Not a Hashtag. But, Those Are 8 Ways to Wear Maroon Pants.

Teaching AP English has opened up a new level of intelligence for me. This scarecrow finally has a brain. Thanks, wizard. Enter my newest bit of knowledge--learned from my students, no less. That sign you call a hashtag? Not a hashtag. That sign you refuse to call a hashtag because, damnit, it's a pound sign? Not a pound sign. It's an...

octothorpe!

It's like the symbol superhero. Or something. 

What will the inter webs do if I just start saying:

#therealdeal

octothorpe: the real deal

Much cooler if you ask me. 

Not that you did.

Of course, calling the symbol a hashtag or pound sign is acceptable because plenty of words and symbols have different names/definitions. Look at the F word (yes, that F word.) It has an entire book devoted to its many definitions and a YouTube video dedicated to its versatility. You might have even seen my insta about that book.

I was frighteningly close to buying it for my Dad.

I refrained and bought him the Urban Dictionary instead.

octothorpe: not kidding.

It'll catch on. Eventually. Just like fetch.

Since you probably come here for my photos of terrible quality and not my words of better quality, I have a treat for you today. I am here to inspire you with pictures, but be glad you are not viewing pictures with my face in it. All I have to say is that Medusa would be proud of this lion's mane of mine. Instead, I present you with pictures of outfits folded all neatly and prettily on my bed. Who came up with this genius idea I see splattered all over Pinterest? Whoever you are, I LOVE YOU. In a very non-creepy way. 

Today's clothes-folded-prettily-on-bed (should I be concerned about putting my shoes on the comforter?) theme is "maroon pants." I just took advantage of Old Navy's $15 rockstar jean sale yesterday, but I allowed myself ONE pair as long as they came in the exact color I needed to replace my too-small H&M pair. Only one left. In my size. Fashion fate? I think so. 

(I really wish I bought a pair of the ones that look like leather. Poop.)

Anyway, after I buy an article of clothing, I like to Pinterest the shit out of it so that I can justify my purchase. Some of these looks are inspired by Pinterest, but I just relied on shopping my own closet.
Yes, I just turned Pinterest into an infinitive. 

I compiled outfit "formulas"and provided pictures of each outfit in case you want to pin a specific look. Let me know if you like this sort of thing and wish to see more posts like it!

Look 1 Formulas: 

Pieces: colored skinny pants + striped shirt + scarf + cardigan + flats 

Colors: maroon + navy + cognac + cream

Replacements: 

- swap stripes for another pattern

- swap cardigan for blazer

- swap flats for boots

-swap cardigan for an oxford under the striped shirt

Look 2 Formulas:

Pieces: colored skinny pants + lace top + cardigan + scarf + booties

Colors: maroon + cream + leopard + black

Replacements:

- swap leopard scarf for statement necklace

- swap ankle boots for tall boots

- swap black boots for leopard heels/flats

- swap cardigan for blazer or vest

Look 3 Formulas:

Pieces: colored skinny pants + statement shirt + cardigan + tall boots

Colors: maroon + blush + charcoal gray + black 

Replacements: 

- swap cardigan for blazer

- swap tall boots for ankle boots

- swap black boots for sparkly flats

- swap black boots for gray ankle boots

Look 4 Formulas:

Pieces: colored skinny pants + patterned shirt + long blazer + scarf + long necklace + ankle boots

Colors: maroon + black + white

Replacements:

- swap blazer for vest/cardigan

- swap lace-print shirt for another black & white patterned shirt

- swap booties for flats/heels/tall boots

- swap white scarf for a different pop of color (hunter green? burnt orange? mustard?)

Look 5 Formulas:

Pieces: colored skinny pants + heels + tee shirt + long necklace + scarf + statement blazer

Colors: maroon + white + gold + leopard + black

Replacements:

- swap heels for flats

- swap leopard for black

- swap blazer for cardigan

- swap white shirt for black shirt & black scarf for white one

Look 6 Formulas:

Pieces: colored skinny pants + long sleeve tee + cropped blazer + flats + scarf

Colors: maroon + mustard + black + plaid

Replacements:

- swap long sleeved shirt for a sweater

- swap blazer for an oxford or cardigan

- swap flats for heels

- swap flats for booties

- swap scarf for statement necklace

- swap plaid for another pattern (dots? stripes?)

- swap mustard shirt for something neutral and wear a mustard scarf

Look 7 Formulas:

Pieces: colored skinny pants + leather coat + sneakers + scarf + tee

Colors: maroon + white + black + gray

Replacements:

- swap sneakers for booties/flats/heels

- swap coat for a vest/blazer/cardigan

- swap scarf for a statement necklace (or simple necklace)

Look 8 Formulas:

Pieces: colored skinny jeans + sweater (need breathing room) + oxford + lace-up boots + boot socks

Colors: maroon + tan + chambray + brown

Replacements:

- swap chambray for something fancier

- swap chambray (if it's too hot) for a scarf or statement necklace

- swap sweater for boyfriend cardigan

My exact jeans here (currently $22.50.)

Note: if you're new to the rockstar jeans, know that you have to size up. Typically, I'm a size 0-2. In these pants, a 6 fit best. 

Look at that. You are leaving with the knowledge of the octothorpe and eight ways to wear maroon pants. (If you follow me on Pinterest, you can see all of the awesome outfits I pin. Shameless plug.) 

Linking up with Molly. (There's a chance to win a Target gift card. Go now!)

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. 

5 Days, 5 Ways: Mustard Skinny Pants

Today's 5 Days, 5 Ways is pants. I didn't want to recreate 5 looks. I was hoping I could pull from my archives. Luckily, I have three outfits with one pair of pants, my trusty ol' mustard skinny pants from Target, the same pants a previous student has a serious objection to (for no good reason whatsoever.) Oh, and what do you know? Yesterday's outfits featured a yellow blazer. Do you think I like yellow at all?

I also pulled together two more looks on my Go Chic or Go Home account because I'm cool like that. 

Look #1: Floral blouse + mustard skinnies + red wedges + maroon blazer 

Look #2: Chambray + mustard skinnies + brown boots + bright scarf

Look #3: Lace shirt + jean blazer + mustard skinnies + plaid scarf + brown boots & belt

Now for my Go Chic or Go Home collections:

Look #4: flannel shirt + mustard skinnies + teal cardigan + brown flats 

Look #5: jean jacket + blue gingham + mustard skinnies + navy flats

I guess I don't love dressing up these pants, but I know I could. It appears I've type casted them. 

Oh well. 

So, which look is your favorite? How would you dress them up? (I guess the first look is technically dressed up, right?)

Also linking up with: