Theme Week: Same Accessories, Different Outfit (Part 4)

 Forgive the onslaught of pictures, but I really like how this outfit turned out. You forgive me, right? I decided to wear these shorts with this top a looooong time ago when I saw this pin, but it did not come to fruition until now. Isn't that how it always happens? I don't know if orange and green are a typical pair, but I really like them as you can see here.

Seriously, if you bought a pair of orange sandals, would you have expected to pair it with SO MANY things? I can still think of many, many more. Way to go, orange sandals. Way to be team players.

In other news, Mom and I went to Babies R Us to buy my friend a gift for her shower this weekend. Somehow, I managed to leave the store with a little Mickey Mouse pull out couch (and swim shoes...and crab pajamas) for my niece. I mean, really, who expected me to say no?

And then Mom and I went to Nordstrom Rack. Mom bought me a dress for my birthday in August since Jeff and I are headed to Vegas to celebrate. I got myself the prettiest aqua dress that I imagine will be perfect for chaperoning homecoming. (Seriously, it's summer time, and I keep thinking about school!) And I finally found a black and white striped maxi skirt. I wanted to buy about 319 more lovelies, but self control (and not blowing a budget) are important (and sucky) things. 

 

The Look:

Top: New York & Co. 

Shorts: Old Navy 

Sandals: Franco Sarto (similar by Nine West)

Necklace: Old Navy (similar on Etsy, and another)

 

I'm glad I have a pretty good shot of the back of this shirt. Exposed zippers aren't everyone's taste, but I love them. 

Linking up with Summer Style

Theme Week: Same Accessories, Different Outfit (Part 3)

Yesterday, I went with a casual look and these accessories. Today, I decided to go a little more formal. I think I'll wear this outfit to a baby shower (and gender reveal) this coming weekend. Maybe I'll throw on a navy cardigan just in case it's a tad chilly inside. Can we agree that navy, white, and orange make for an unexpected, but lovely combination? Since I'm talking to myself here, I say yes, we can go with it.

The Look:

Dress: Old Navy (another pretty white one at Old Navy)

Sandals: Franco Sarto (similar by Nine West)

Necklace: Old Navy (similar on Etsy, and another) 

Theme Week: Same Accessories, Different Outfit (Part 2)

Let's go a little more casual with today's look. In an otherwise neutral outfit, I used the accessories to add a pop of color. Sure, some might say that the same color necklace and shoes qualifies as matchy matchy, but I think a fair number of the people who frequent this blog appreciate a good matchy matchy outfit. And why does everything have to involve so much brain power? It doesn't, I argue.

I think this look would work perfectly for the zoo on a warm day. If these sandals weren't so comfortable, I'd say swap for sneakers. However, I am a firm believer in not compromising comfort for "style." They can and should go hand in hand. Luckily, pretty much any shoes I've bought by Franco Sarto are extremely comfortable--these sandals included. 

 

The Look: 

Shirt: gift from friend (it's American Eagle--love this elephant one)

Shorts: New York & Co. (similar at Target)

Sandals: Franco Sarto (similar by Nine West)

Necklace: Old Navy (similar on Etsy, and another)

Oh, hey, I'm married to him.

What I Did with Neiman Marcus

Should I call this post Hanging out with Neiman Marcus in Dallas, part two? Today, let's talk about the itinerary.

Day 1:
* Wake up at 3:45 in the morning, stumble around the apartment in a sleepy delirium, feel thankful that husband makes delicious breakfast every day, and leave the apartment by 5a.m.

* Arrive at airport, feel thankful husband is a veteran at flying and happily prints out boarding passes for Mom and me, stand in security long enough to realize that bottle of water is creeping up on my bladder and glare at Mom for managing to get through the "quick" line, fight with buckles on shoes and curse myself for wearing said shoes, and make it onto flight.

* Give Mom oil to put behind her ears in an attempt to prevent motion sickness, find out Mom is allergic to eucalyptus which is in said oil, furiously wipe behind Mom's ear with a wet one in order to remove eucalyptus oil, and make it to Dallas. (Mom white knuckled the arm rests for the entire flight.)

* Wait for baggage at baggage claim, watch as an old woman in a wheelchair tossed her cat in a glorified duffle bag onto the floor and lint rolled the cat while it was in the bag, wait around for the driver who finally got a hold of me, make it to the hotel.

* After exiting the car, photographers and videographers filmed me as I entered the hotel, the Joule. I wondered why they'd want proof of how haggard I looked after waking up early and sleeping on a plane. Thankfully, I had the foresight to put on lipstick before exiting the car. I entered and exited the building several times so that they could get multiple shots.

* After I met the coordinators and checked in, I face timed two of my colleagues so that I could show them our sweet hotel room.

* I met another one of the winners, and we hit it off immediately. We had a chance to check out the Neiman Marcus store a few blocks down from the hotel. They asked us to enter and exit the store several times (I was beginning to feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog's Day) as they videotaped and photographed. At one point, a grody guy leaned out of the passenger side of a Honda Civic and yelled, "How much, ladies?" Right away, I felt a little slice of Baltimore was right there in the heart of Dallas.

* At the store, two of us had our fitting. (The first girl I met.) SO MANY pretty and expensive clothes. I ended up picking a navy Kate Spade sweater dress and a white Theory blazer. Another blazer to add to my collection? I don't mind if I do. I got to keep the outfit! The stylist had awesome, curly, gray hair and glasses like Edna from The Incredibles.

* After our fittings, we decided to get something to eat because we were hangry. My friend who now lives in Texas and my cousin met up with Mom, my new friend, and me. We ate at a nice little restaurant on the corner of St. Paul and Main Street called Wild Salsa.

* We had a little more down time and then met up with everyone for dinner at the hotel. The chicken was the most delicious chicken I have ever tasted. I know it's weird to rave about chicken, but the chicken was scrumptious.

Note: Every winner was paired up with a Beauty Department Manager, who was our point of contact before the event and during the event. Mine was Claudio, and I don't think they could've paired me up with a better person!

* My new friend, Mom, and I all sat at the bar after dinner and chatted before bed.

* Bed time.

Day 2:

* Wake up at buttcrack of dawn. Play in coolest shower ever for 45 minutes. Spend 15 of those minutes trying not to scald the crap out of myself.

* The same girl they paired me up with for the fitting was the same girl I went in for make up and hair with. Make up and hair at 7 a.m. with the funniest make-up artist whom I told to do whatever it took to prevent me from looking haggard.

* At this point, things get a little hazy for awhile because things were so jam packed that it took me three hours to finish my breakfast of a muffin and fruit. It consisted of four things:
      -- Video interview of just me on camera
      -- Photoshoot with Claudio, the manager paired up with me (they wanted to pictures of the
        manager showing us how to do something)
      -- Group shot of all the managers and winners
      -- Video shoot with Claudio (same as the photoshoot but moving pictures)

* After all of the pictures and videos, I had to return to reality.

The campaign launches in August because it's for the fall. (I realize a white blazer doesn't scream fall, but their wardrobe choices weren't really very fall-like. Of course, I didn't have much of a problem with that. I think navy and white work all year round, no?)

In the future, I'll be telling you more about some of the products I received. (I am SO excited to try Neulash!)

Since I wanted to look more "fall" like, I wore this outfit with booties instead of these shoes. However, I really like this look. 

The Look:

Shirt: LOFT (new--exact in light lobster)

Skirt: Francesca's (also worn here and here)

Shoes: Me Too via DSW (also worn here)

Belt: Target

Seriously, who knew this $15 skirt would get so much mileage? 

What an all star. 

Pinned that ish and did that ish

So, I pinned this image that features two of my favorite fashionistas, Kendi and Audrey. I decided that I really liked the black/white, rust, and camel color combination. I probably should have gone for a darker wash black jean, but I cannot say it overly concerns me. Also, I tried on wide leg jeans at first, but I needed skinny jeans so that I could wear boots in the mucky weather this morning, which, as you can see, turned to 64 degree bliss this afternoon. Maryland, I don't understand you, but I love you anyway. Because of the weather conditions, I combined the exact colors of Kendi's outfit with the silhouette of Audrey's outfit. Plus, in true Danielle form, I added a belt. I do love my tucked in shirts and belts. 

In tenth grade today, students read an article from 1964 about Kitty Genovese entitled "Thirty Eight Saw Murder and Didn't Call Police." The kids were appalled that good people did nothing while this woman cried out for help as an attacker murdered her, coming back for her several times. Tomorrow, after watching this clip from the beginning of Boondock Saints, students are going to debate the following topic: Is the indifference of good men the greatest of all evils? At the end of the day, one of my more rambunctious students said, "That's a really good topic. I like it a lot." He also loves Boondock Saints. Win. 

In eleventh grade today, my students read an essay by Amy Tan called "Mother Tongue." Several students said how much they enjoyed the essay. One student remarked, "I can really identify with this essay." 

Guys, moments like these just define a day in the best of ways. 

The sun didn't come out tomorrow because IT CAME OUT TODAY. 

Hallelujah. 

Anyway, tomorrow is Rock and Roll themed for Trendy Tuesday. Are you in?

The Look: 

Scarf: Made by Momma, of course! (here is a brighter orange infinity scarf from Target.)

Shirt: New York & Co. last year (It's not really lace but a lace print. Cool, huh? )

Belt: new from The Limited (I was looking for a belt just like this, and I bought it half off!)

Cardigan: Old Navy (recent--exact)

Boots: b.o.c. via DSW

Sunglasses: LOFT (Mrs. Claus bought them for me for Christmas.)

I like allowing wildlife to photobomb. I didn't think you'd mind.

Meet Jeff's shadow and Squirt's noggin'. 

Linking up with

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

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

* Mix it Mondays (http://www.fizzandfrosting.com/) 

I also wore the scarf this way...

The longer, boyfriend version of the cardigan this way...

The top this way...

And the top this way...

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:

original post

I wore the leather jacket this way, too:

original post

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

Peter Pan?

Moving might just be the world's best way to convince yourself that there's shit you don't need, and there's a lot of shit I just don't need. 72 electric tea lights? Go away. 

Of course, then you realize how much shit you really have. And, quite often, you have many of one particular item...in every color. 392 blankets in a basket puked on by rainbows and ponies? 

WHY NOT 397? 

And I'm dropping the s bomb on you. A lot. 

I think there is something in the blood of high school teachers that makes us potty mouths. Or, I just hang out with equally sailor mouthed individuals. Or, I'm a terrible influence. Or, both. Furthermore, my Mom Mom always told us that "shit, damn, and hell" are fair game. 

Thanks for the validation, Mom Mom. 

The Outfit:

Scarf: Handmade by Momma dukes

Top: Old Navy (recent)

Cardigan: Target

Skirt: Clearance rack at Target

Boots: Macy's

(I think the belt came with a dress?)

The Details:

Occasion: Teaching

Notes: If this skirt hangs on the clearance rack at your Target, BUY IT. It's the perfect length, the material is comfortable, and I found it for $15. Do I look like Peter Pan? Why do I feel like I look like Peter Pan? 

Linking up with Style Sessions.

Wearing Halloween without Looking Halloween (maybe)

In honor of October, I decided to style one orange shirt several ways. Okay, okay, to be honest, I styled it in four ways to see if it was worth saving. Congratulations, shirt, orange you lucky to have earned your keep? (I couldn't help myself.)

Since we will be moving into an apartment and out of our house on Halloween, dressing up and handing out candy isn't really an option. Wearing orange is the best I've got. 

As the move inches closer and closer, I realize how much I will miss our neighbors. Why can't we plant them in the neighborhood of our next home? When we moved in several years ago, the Snowmageddon hit. Welcome to home ownership! I brought you Mount Everest! Our neighbors brought out some bourbon and helped shovel our driveway. (They also watched from their windows as my ridiculous husband climbed onto the porch roof in his no-traction sneakers and used a piece of molding to golf swing snow off the roof. Luckily, if he were to fall, an eight-foot mound of snow would've caught him.) Granted, we live so far from work and find ourselves so exhausted from the drive that we cannot hang out with our neighbors as much as we'd like. I hope our next home has neighbors who are just as lovely and come bearing rum (specifically the Cruzan mango kind) instead of bourbon. One of my colleagues said this winter, according to the Farmers' Almanac, will be a doozy. I am trying to determine whether that's a better or worse thing in an apartment? I cannot be sure. 

Anyway, enough about me, more about the clothes. I know I know. 

LOOK 1

Shirt: Gap

Sweater: The Limited

Pants: Express

Necklace: Kohl's

(I think the ensemble would look even better with a gold belt. Agreed?)

LOOK 2

Same Shirt (obviously)

Blazer: NY & Co.

Skirt: Merona via Target

Necklace: Target

(I think the creepy dog really contributes something special to this look.)

LOOK 3

Chambray: Old Navy

Belt: American Eagle (dude's section...bought it in MIDDLE SCHOOL!)

Pants (they're winter white cords): Forever 21

Scarf: Francesca's

LOOK 4

Cardigan: gift from my sister-in-law :) (it's from Target)

Belt: Target (years ago)

I know this look is quite Halloweenie, but I wholly approve. Why must orange and black always mean Halloween, yellow and black always mean bumble bee, red/white/blue always mean July 4th, and red/green always mean Christmas? WHY?! If my outfits make me look like an insect or a holiday, then so be it. 

Just in case you want some pinteresting orange looks, I compiled all of them into one image for your pinning (or not) pleasure. 

I hope everyone is having a (pumpkin) smashing weekend.