Contrasts

Just a quick hello today because I took the day off in order to write college letters of recommendation. In total, I have 44, which is a significant amount, and I have no idea how the number grew so large. I just think these kids are so great and they ask so nicely that I cannot say no. So, here I am, curled up in my soft blanket and warm sweatshirt, perched on my desk chair, cranking out as many super personalized letters as my fingers can type.  Wish me luck?

Until then, look at me being all bad to the bone in the first outfit and very prim and proper in the second one. I always ask my students to compare and contrast things. Look at the contrasts here, people.

The Look:

Crumb Catcher (scarf): Made by my momma

Shirt: J.Crew Factory 

Jacket: got this bad boy for $25 on thredUP, can't remember the brand

Jeans: High-rise American Eagle 

Boots: Simply Vera (Mom got them for me from Kohl's) 

The Look:

Top: New York & Co. 

Jeans: The Limited

Heels: J.Crew Factory

That's all I have for you today. Time to write more letters of recommendation now. 

Splurge vs. Save with Sandy from Grease

I have worn the heck out of this jacket since I found it for a mere $25 on thredUP, but it's made it to the blog only one other time. It took months to find this jacket because every other option I found cost more than I wanted to spend. I scored the jacket on a Monday because thredUP offers 10% off on Mondays and free return shipping any time if you order through a mobile app. (I fill the cart on my computer and complete the transaction on my iPad or phone.)

Let's talk about some of the pricey options I've found that look almost identical to mine:

• This $505 looks almost identical to my find, but I'd never spend that much on a coat with my measly teacher's salary.
• This $895 option on Shopbop was never going to happen.
• If that one wasn't going to work, then this $3800 Gucci jacket is out of the question

As you can see from this jacket and its lookalikes, I wanted a jacket with a collar that didn't make me feel claustrophobic, some embellishments, and not so cropped that I felt awkward wearing it over a cardigan. (I needed the coat to keep me warm outside and the cardigan to keep me warm when the jacket had to come off at work.) I wasn't sold on the jacket's buckle until I saw some genius tie a knot in the strap to keep it from flopping around awkwardly. Crisis averted.

Okay, maybe you're wondering why I would think to show you so many pretty options without showing you something similar to mine for a lower price point. Fret not. I found some comparable jackets for less than $50.

Let's see some similar options under $50:

• This Topshop jacket is on sale for $40.
• This Nasty Gal jacket is on sale for $44. 
• This option at Kohl's is $36 (down from $120!)

When I went to Dallas for the Faces of Beauty campaign, this jacket was my all star piece. It was perfect for the cold airport, restaurants, and Neiman Marcus. It transitions quite smoothly from day to night. And it makes spring outfits feel a little edgy. In this look from last week, I decided to go monochromatic, something I don't typically do.

My students told me that I looked like Sandy from Grease. Actually, one of my colleagues came toward me snapping like the greasers in the movie. I didn't have the heart to admit that I don't like the movie Grease. I realize that my opinion is in the minority.

The Look:

Jacket: Buffalo by David Bitton (via thredup)

Tank: White House Black Market (OLD)

Pants: Exact Stretch ankle pants from The Limited (exact)

Sandals: Sole Society (I bought them during a 40% off promo. Find them here.)

Belt: The Limited (exact)

(This is my snapping picture.)

For the record, Erin, the Community Outreach Coordinator for Credit Card Insider, asked me to be part of a campaign about savvy spending (my way of phrasing it) by posting about an item on which I could have splurged but instead found it cheaper. I immediately thought of this jacket. I received no compensation; I just agree with what this campaign is trying to promote!

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. 

Rock and Roll

If we handed out awards for best Trendy Tuesday attire, one of the women in my department would have won this week for "Un-Anything." She wore pigtails (unattractive), an untucked flannel shirt, and carried around a fake cigarette (unprofessional). She killed it this week, so I told her to pick next week's theme. I like them more and more every week. Next week's theme is ROCK AND ROLL.

In honor of next week's theme, I'm showing you one of my recent (and most favorite) weekend outfits featuring some distressed ROCKSTAR jeans (how appropriate), which I consider very rock and roll. Yes, let those good times roll.

If you're at all curious what kind of e-mails I send to my colleagues about Trendy Tuesday, here is next week's:

Good afternoon, 

I know you look forward to this e-mail every week. Do not try to deny it. 

If we handed out awards for best dressed on Trendy Tuesdays, [insert colleague's name here] would have won this week. As a result, I told her that her "prize" was to pick next week's theme, and she's got a good one for us: Rock and Roll. 

Maybe some leather? Maybe some buckles? Maybe some killer boots? Maybe dig out that Rolling Stones tee? Maybe some distressed jeans? Maybe just all black? Limitless options, folks. 

[Insert Music Tech teacher's name here], I'm counting on you for this one. Yes, I expect greatness. Maybe even a song. 

Stay stylish, fellow Hillions (see what I did there?),

Danielle

(FYI, blogland: The word Hill is in our school name.)

The Look:

The jacket: I found it at my parents' house. One of my brother's previous girlfriends (he's been married for 4 years) left it, and now it's MINE. However, I would like a nicer replacement.

The jeans: Old Navy Rockstars (these are so smooth; I want to pet them every day. Buy here.)

The necklace: Old Navy for $2.50! I win. (similar)

The top: LOFT (gift from Mrs. Santa Claus--similar)

The wedges: J.Crew Factory (exact)

I bought these wedges based on Fran's review, and I love love love them. I score them on a 50% off sale at J.Crew Factory. I might have to get the black ones when another sale comes along because I love them so much. 

Linking up with

* Favorite Fashion Friday http://pennilesssocialite.blogspot.com/

* Style Elixir's Fab Friday (http://stylelixir.com) 

I wore these wedges in a fancy way, too:

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I wore the leather jacket this way, too:

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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! :)

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

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?)

How to Avoid J.Crew...

When I started reading personal style and fashion blogs, I noticed that nearly all the ladies were all a twitter about J.Crew and this magical place called J.Crew Factory. I thought, "hmm...I own one thing from J.Crew, and I bought it at a thrift store. It's not like I got nothin', but I got close to nothin'" With all of these "Currently Coveting from J.Crew" posts and almost every blogger wearing at least one thing from J.Crew every day, how is a girl supposed to stay calm and move on from what appears to be the unicorn of the fashion scene? Jenna Lyons' brain might just be made of pixie dust. It's true.

Anyway, even after two years puttering around in this world of gingham that lasts forever and minnie pants of the masses, I still own nothing from J. Crew or its less expensive but still highly coveted sister, J. Crew Factory. Now, that's not to say I do not peruse the website every time one of my favorite bloggers links to something lovely or every time the site trolls my inbox with seductive 40% alerts. That's also not to say I am opposed to spending a little extra for something that'll last fifteen years as opposed to fifteen minutes. However, at this time of year (and possibly all year long), everything at J. Crew IS MADE OF WOOL. (I just told you an almost exaggeration.) Your schoolboy blazer, J. Crew? I love it. The problem? I can't have it. And I am salty (as my students would say) because the world probably knows of my deep affection for blazers. Unfortunately, I am allergic to wool. Every thing I want to buy from that site is tainted with wool. Add that allergy to my goose feather allergy and my 12-year-old-boy upper body can find nearly no coat that will truly keep it warm. 

Thank you, Old Navy and Target, for carrying very little with wool or down in it and for hijacking some of J. Crew's styles for much less. For you, my superficial need for all things pretty to drape over me is grateful.  

(My pocketbook is equally grateful.)

On to my outfit, which includes a sparkly sweater featured in poor quality photographs...

The Outfit:

Leather Jacket: Wilson's Leather

Sweater: New York and Company (you probably can't see the gold threads in it)

Pants: Exact Stretch Skinny pants from The Limited (exact)

Flats: Target

(To work, I actually wore leopard heels, which looked way better with these pants, but Jeff took these pictures before we ran errands. I don't run errands in heels if I can help it.) 

My students asked me why I don't wear my hair like this every day. Apparently, they approve of my natural fro. 

Previously, I wore the sweater this way.

(I prefer the outfit in today's post.)

original post

Sequin Skirt Seven Ways

For those of you who don't know, I had four stitches in my mouth. No, the story isn't as cool as "Here Comes the Boom is actually about me. I got these stitches from MMA fighting." Just a boring biopsy. Anyway, the stitches removal was horrible. Since I'm past the age of stickers and lollipops (not of my choosing, of course), I decided to reward myself by checking out some nearby shops. When I went into White House Black Market, I happened upon this fun sequin skirt for $30! Anyone who shops at that store knows full well that their clothes come at quite the pretty penny. This one was originally $128 or something ridiculous that I never would have spent.

I liked the skirt so much that I decided to style it SEVEN ways (one for every day of the week!), not just the standard three. However, I included only five of the looks in my collage. 

Look #1: Work Appropriate --> Blazer & Ruffles

Ruffles are great for ladies like me who aren't working with much up top (technically under the top).

I prefer low heels because I like to be comfortable. I went with a neutral shoe and a colored top.

I think the blazer ties it all together. Since the look is for work, keep the jewelry minimal. 

(I went with zero jewelry, actually.)

Outfit Deets:

Ruffle Top: The Limited

Blazer: J.Lo via Kohl's

Shoes: Candies via Kohl's

Look #2: Casual Work Day --> Cardigan & Flats

This look is very comfortable, so it's great for a bloated day. Or any day really.

The shirt has a little sparkle and so do the shoes because that's how I roll, folks.

You could tuck in the shirt if you wish. You could throw a belt over the cardigan for more structure. 

As you can see, I decided to keep it loose.

Outfit Deets:

Cardigan: Express (old)

Top: Candie's via Kohl's

Flats: Mia via DSW

Look #3: Warm Date Night --> Sweater, Leather, & Heels

I love me some cobalt. After all, it was one of my wedding colors. I guess you could say I hold it near and dear to my heart. Anyway, I went a little matchy matchy with the shoes. I decided to throw on a little edge with the leather jacket, but I kept it in a camel color. If you threw on flats, this look would be nice for lunch with the girls. 

Outfit Deets:

Sweater: Kohl's?

Leather Coat: black rivet via Wilson's Leather

Shoes: Michael Kors 

Look #4: Edgy Night Out --> Graphic Tee, Leather, & Boots

I love this look. It makes me feel bad ass, which I'm not. PLUS, how can you not love my "Good grammar is sexy" shirt? If you hate it, then I have no idea why you're reading this English teacher's blog. Anyway, I went with a chunky necklace, but I opted out of wearing earrings. 

If you want to stay warm, throw on some black tights! 

Outfit Deets:

Shirt: Gift from husband ;)

Leather jacket & boots: NO idea

Necklace: Forever 21

Look #5: Errand Running --> Military Jacket, White Tee, & Booties (change to flats if you wish)

This look might be my favorite just because I love my white t-shirts. 

If I were running a lot of errands, I'd wear some flats. Perhaps some white converse? 

Outfit Deets:

Military Jacket: Forever 21 (found in store)

White t-shirt: Target

Boots: J.Lo via Kohl's

Look #6 (not in collage): Chambray & Sequins

I would probably put on my kelly green flats with this outfit because, if I'm being honest, I know I won't wear these heels. In fact, they've been in and out of the "to donate" pile for awhile. 

Outfit Deets:

Chambray: Rock and Republic via Kohl's

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Earrings: Francesca's

Look #7 (also not pictured in collage): A different cardigan & the ruffles

I didn't realize this look existed in my arsenal until I made it halfway through this post. 

If you aren't a blazer girl, but you like the ruffles. Try a neutral cardigan. 

Outfit Deets:

Cardigan: Target

Heels: Candie's via Kohl's

Ruffle blouse: The Limited

So, did I do a good job? Which look(s) would you wear? Which one is your favorite? 

Linking up with Molly Buckley and The Pleated Poppy.

Vest with the Fur

You see, I was almost out of the door and ready to take pretty snow pictures for you until my chesticles went concave just thinking about the frigidity that awaited me. I love you guys, but my love is not limitless.

One of my most special students told me that she liked my necklace. In a very serious tone, she said, "It's bling bling, right?" 

I nearly died.  

I may or may not have started singing "vest with the fur" to my first period students. 

You know what my favorite days of the week are? I'll tell you: my favorite days of the week are those that involve not doing my hair because it looks the same in the morning as it did when I went to sleep.

Glor-eeee-ous. 

I bought a dress at Target for $4 and a pair of shoes for $6. An outfit for $10? 

Just call me Master of the Universe. 

Factoid: My brother used to pin me down, force my arms into their opposite sleeves, and tell me to say, "Jeremy is Lord Master of the Universe" if I wanted him to release me. 

Anyone say anything funny about your outfit today? 

Catch any good deals lately? Do tell where you went and what you bought!

Outfit Deets:

Shirt: The Limited (striped shirt)

Vest: Chap's (a gift from my Momma dukes!)--fun cardigan with fur

Jeans: Express (similar)

Necklace: Forever 21 (exact)

Hat: Target (similar)

Boots: Franco Sarto via Marshall's (these are fun)

P.S. I really want to win this giveaway.

Edgy Date Night

So, the husband and I actually coordinated a date night. Can you believe it? I'm always so inundated with essays, lesson plans, or whatever that I can't seem to get my crap together enough for a date night. I decided that I deserved it because I finished one of two midterms and several stacks of grading.

Anyway, I wore this get up to a pizza place with the best ambience I've ever experienced. They serve gluten free pizza to boot. We went to the market (what normal people call the grocery store) after pizza, so I switched into gold flats for more comfort. A girl has to be prepared.

Pants are Lauren Conrad via Kohl's.
(These pants feel like the feathers of a baby chick. So dang soft I want to pet my legs all night.)
Top is Rock and Republic via Kohl's.
Hat is from Target.
Booties are Mia via Boscov's.

Linking up with YOLOmondays.