Babies & Puppies

When I reach the end of a weekend that involves hanging out with babies and puppies, I feel better. (After an accidental gluten ingestion, I absolutely needed to feel better.) Allow me to clarify: hanging out with babies and puppies in my family makes me feel better. Standing next to the wailing eight-year-old in Target while his mother strokes his head and says, "he's sad" (no shit, Sherlock) does not make me feel better. It makes me feel...well, the opposite of better. I hang out with teenagers all day long, so I grimace for that parent whose only remaining coping mechanism is petting her child's head and saying "he's sad." It's not an easy job when you can't hand 'em back. 

On Saturday, Jeff and I attended a baby cousin's baptism in Philly. The drive sucker punched me in the kidneys, but hanging out with family on either side makes just about anything worth it. 

Tonight, I instantly relaxed as I sprawled out on the enormous bean bag--a mainstay I'd like to join my living room in the near future--with Tater Tot (my niece) and fed her a bottle. She's at that age where she wants to pull everyone around by the finger, and I like walks. Not typically walking in circles, but I'll take it. What she does not enjoy is diaper changing time. (Dude, soak that up while you've got it. Someone is going to wipe your behind for you. It's a blessed thing. Bask in it.) My solution? While my sister-in-law changed her, I poked her in the nose with a marker and made farting noises. It worked. Toddlers aren't so different from teenagers. Or is it the other way around? 

Without further ado, what better outfit to show you than one that involves animal print and puppies? 

The dare devil on the left is Rudy. The cutie on my lap is Sammy. 

The Look:

Cardigan: Old Navy

Tank: White House Black Market

Necklace: Old Navy

Pants: Express via thredUP

Shoes: Jones New York via Marshall's (old)

Belt: The Limited (recent)

How could I not include this glamour shot!?

I know it's not exciting, but I really liked this combination of colors. I feel like I combined black and yellow without looking like a bumble bee, which is a pretty big feat. 

I also wore the pants this way...

(I guess this color combination isn't too far from today's...oops?)

Linking up with

* Molly (http://www.themollybuckley.com) 

* The Style Record (http://www.thestylerecord.com) 

* Mix it Mondays (http://www.fizzandfrosting.com/2013/12/mix-it-mondays/) 

Let the Interviews Commence

Today, my juniors finally take part in mock interviews, a graduation requirement where I teach. I prepared for the occasion by bringing two black blazers, a black pencil skirt, a lint roller, thread/needles, straight pins, and some wrinkle releaser. If we have a mishap or someone needs a wardrobe change, I should be able to help in some way, shape, or form. I'll MacGyver that ish. 

What I'm wearing in today's post is definitely interview appropriate. It has personality without being distracting. A sartorially savvy interviewer might even ask me where I found such a lovely colored blazer. In fact, another junior teacher (who knows about this here blog) told his students, "If Ms. Wo would wear it to school, then you're okay to wear it for an interview." HAHA. Yesterday, I told my female students, "I'm going to be like your dad before your first date: if I don't like what you're wearing, I'm sending you back upstairs to change. Don't think I won't." 

They giggled. Nervously.

I have been looking for months and months for a leopard print shirt that did not assault my eyes. I found this beauty on the Banana Republic sale rack for $25, which excited me because of the price and the fact that I saw it online a month or two ago, wanted it badly, but refused to pay the higher price at the time. Good things come to those who wait. Yes, indeedy. 

Also, this week must be unintentionally mustard/yellow themed. I've worn mustard several days in a row. I think someone is ready for spring. Spring weather, to be exact.

The Look:

Blazer: Vince Camuto via Nordstrom 

Sleeveless Leopard Print Blouse: Banana Republic

Pants: Slim leg Columnist Pant from Express

Belt: Target

Patent nude wedges: J.Crew Factory

Necklace: Sale rack at Francesca's 

Linking up with

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

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

Trendy Tuesday: Animal Print (and link up your red & pink!)

For those of you who are new to these parts, my co-teacher inspired what we've dubbed Trendy Tuesdays at the high school where I teach. Every week, a different staff member chooses the theme for the following week. Throughout the day, people snap small group shots of them wearing their themed outfits. At the end of the day, we gather in or around the front office for a bigger group shot. (We tag it on Instagram and Facebook!)

Every Monday, I send an e-mail to all of the staff members announcing the following day's theme. My favorite part? Guys are participating! Students are participating! Guy students are participating! People are walking up to me and asking, "So, what's the next theme?" A colleague stopped me in the copy room today to say, "I have been participating every week, but I just can't get to the front office in time for the group picture. I love that I have one day of the week where I don't have to think as hard about what I'm going to wear." Note: I also taught a math teacher what the word sartorial means. Proud English teacher moment right there.

You guys, I love it. See, fashion isn't so silly or vain. It's helping to unify more people in my building. What can be wrong with that? On a somewhat related note, a lot of my colleagues (and even students) know about this here blog. I know many bloggers hide their blogs from people they know in real life, for good reasons, but not this girl. Before I really started my blog, people at work commented on my clothes frequently, so an English teacher who loves fashion writing a blog about what she wears? Not entirely surprising. I actually sat down with one of my juniors the other day to give her the basics of starting a blog, specifically a fashion blog, which was one of the highlights of my year! I hope one day to be introducing you to her on here.

This week, my co-teacher picked animal print. (Sidebar: My co-teacher started the "trend," but I've adopted the responsibility of getting out the word and nominating people to choose the theme.) I really need to get better about telling you all the themes in case you'd like to join us.

In fact, would anyone be interested in knowing the themes in advance (probably Friday of the previous week) and participating in a weekly link up? Let a girl know. Okay, not any girl. Preferably this girl.

The Look:

Blazer: Old Navy (this one is $32.99 at Charlotte Russe)

Scarf: Target ($6.95 at H&M...seriously?)

Booties: BCBG (these are quite cute with some gold straps and cost $40)

Belt: Old Navy (exact for $16.94)

Sweater: Mossimo via Target (very similar for $25 at Old Navy)

Jeans: J.Brand via TJMaxx 

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Linking up with

Trend Spin Linkup

and

Style Elixir

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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! :)

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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?)

Reverse 30x30: All that glitters is my gold blazer.

The lighting and clarity are a little better in these pictures, right? 

Who knew that opening the blinds would let in natural light and make the pictures better? 

What a novel idea. 

Okay, here's what I did to get to this outfit.

I realized that I am drawn to the following silhouette: 

blazer/cardigan + tucked in shirt + belt + heels/boots/flats (depending on pant style) 

I used that little formula to style the gold blazer I needed to reverse.

Initially, I was thinking of a white shirt. I decided to try it some other time. Then, last week's Trendy Tuesday theme was coral, so I planned to wear this blazer with a coral shirt. Then the sickness hit, and I missed out on Trendy Tuesday! :(  I actually tried on the blazer with the coral shirt, and the frockets (front pockets--got this word from a witty colleague) looked really weird with the blazer.  I then realized I hadn't yet worn this red blouse, so I gave it a go. I was going to wear a leopard scarf, but it just wasn't sitting right, which is where the leopard belt comes into play. In the spring, I'll wear leopard heels/flats instead :)

Man, do I love this look. I love the sparkles in the blazer. The bright red of the top. The heel on the boot. The pop of leopard print. 

This blazer is officially REVERSED. 

Reversed Item: Blazer from ModCloth (last winter on super clearance)
Belt: New York & Co.
Black Jeggings (high rise!): American Eagle (got 'em during a $25.99 promotion)
Boots: b.o.c. via DSW
Blouse: LOFT (seriously scored this beauty for less than $20)
Scarf: Made by Momma dearest

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Reversed 30x30 Update:

(Original Post in case you want pictures and a run down of this challenge)

1. coral and khaki skirt (might have to wait for spring...looks STUPID with tights)

2. gray and yellow skirt 

3. white pencil skirt (officially waiting for spring--too cold for the outfits I have planned for it)

4. teal velvet pants (officially reversed)

5. polka dot tights

6. khaki pants (officially returned)

7. brown boots (officially reversed)

8. black wedge booties (officially reversed)

9. red heels

10. tri-color wedges (officially reversed--I've added so much gray/navy/burgundy to my wardrobe that these are perfect)

11. aztec scarf (planning to wear it tomorrow)

12. teal necklace

13. striped dress (officially reversed)

14. tan dress (officially rejected)

15. navy dress (probationally reversed)

16. polka dot shirt (officially reversed)

17. polka dot cardi

18. polka dot blouse (officially reversed) 

19. printed blazer (on probation, might be leaving the closet, LEAVING the closet)

20. chambray (officially reversed)

21. paisley blouse (officially rejected)

22. gray shirt (officially rejected)  

23. paisley blouse 2 (reversed for today's look)

24. emerald sleeveless sweater

25. navy sweater (pulling one of my favorites: sweater over a dress look!)

26. blush sweater with silver polka dots (outfit planned but might be too cold)

27. silver sweater (officially rejected)

28. black sweater (might be replaced by a crew neck)

29. white lace sweater (officially reversed)

30. orange sweater (got a plan for it tomorrow) 

31. long-sleeve purple shirt (got a plan for this one)

32. gray skinnies (I've already worn them three times, none of which you've seen...oops!)

33. light khakis (got a plan for these)

34. gold blazer (officially reversed) 

Some other outfits I've worn that follow this outfit's "formula":
(So many more outfits like these, but I picked some of my favorites)

original post

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(probably my favorite outfit of all time)

Follow my outfit board on Pinterest here. 

Joining up for What I Wore to Work,

All Things Thursday, and

Look What I Got. 

A Few Things...

1. Something about a delicious cupcake turns a day into magic. 

2. I hate coffee. Earl Gray is my drink of choice. I should've been British.

3. These work pants feel like leggings, but they are absolutely not. They are the columnist slim fit pants from Express. Go get you some. 

4. I am so excited for ugly sweater day at school tomorrow. I'm coupling it with "Flannel Friday." I don't know if that's a real thing or if my students just made it up. Either way, since my classroom feels like an ice box, I'm rocking my flannel shirt under my ugly sweater. 

5. I am 29 and just found out the source of my two month headache is a deviated septum and bone spur. How did I make it this far through chronic sinus infections without this nugget of knowledge? First thing I thought of when the doctor said spur? Cowboy boots tapping the sides of a horse while wild west music plays in the background. The mind thinks what the mind thinks. 

The Outfit:

Blazer: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

Pants: Express (Columnist slim fit)

Boots you can barely see: b.o.c. via DSW

White sweater: The Limited

(FYI: I folded up the sleeves over the end of the blazer.)

Leopard infinity scarf: Francesca's

Linking up with Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday

and

All Things Thursday

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!)

Monkeys Love Me

This nature-inspired outfit was ever so appropriate for the vocabulary PowerPoint I reviewed with my sophomores today. I like to spruce things up by telling periodic stories. Today's story was about how the monkeys at the zoo always try to attack me or throw disgusting substances my way. They were delighted to learn that a very large primate came barreling at me from his corner of the habitat, slammed into the glass, and then got up, doing what I can only describe as a laugh. Yes, a LAUGH. My husband caught the big oaf's charge and my squeal on video. Where are you, dignity? I appear to have lost you somewhere along age twenty-something.

Speaking of nature, why is there a leaf stuck to my shoe in the first photo? I even made sure to kick the twigs away before Jeff snapped the pictures. What matter is that when the leaves try to befriend my shoes? However, in their defense, these shoes are pretty snazzy. My co-teacher declared that she would like to rip these shoes off my feet...if my feet were not "boats" compared to hers. She referred to them as her "favorite shoes...ever." 

Because overshare is my middle name, I'm going to tell you I felt so full after lunch today that I had to unzip my side zipper just a smidge. Truth? I never zipped it up again. My shirt and cardigan covered it, and I felt much less constricted. I thought you should know. 

If you stop reading now, I won't judge you. 

The Outfit:

Cardigan: Old Navy (I just loved the color.)

Top: SO via Kohl's

Skirt: The Limited

Tights: The Limited

Shoes: Rock & Candy by ZiGi via DSW (got 'em Friday)

Scarf: Francesca's (yes, it's an infinity scarf by nature)

Linking up with Style Elixir.