I have no boundaries.

Today, our senior class graduates! Of course, I had to write this post the night before graduation because I am teaching a full day and then working graduation, which entails corralling teenage boys. 

I did not wear this dress to graduation (back is too low). I wore it to another Memorial Day BBQ on Monday because it was 90 degrees outside. Sure, I still suffered from inner thigh sweat, but whatever. Embrace the thigh sweat. Speaking of inner thigh sweat, I am SO glad graduation is at 8 p.m. tonight. Last year, it was earlier in the day, and it was so hot that I thought my inner thighs would start a fire. Of course, they were sweating so profusely under my robe that they would have set fire to themselves only to put it out. (Note: all of our county's high school graduations are held at the same outdoor location. The "ceiling" fans in the pavilion are so high up that it feels like a mouse is puffing at you from the rafters. A very small mouse.) 

This blog has reached new, awkward heights. There is nothing I won't discuss. Okay, there are some things I won't discuss. I even briefly mentioned inner thigh sweat when I posted last year's graduation look. 

The Look:

Dress: Candie's via Kohl's (old)

Belt: The Limited

Shoes: Converse via DSW

Purse: Marshall's (I realize I look much too tiny in comparison to a purse that's also supposed to be somewhat tiny, but what is a girl to do? Plus, the black looks a little harsh with such a cutesy look, but I love my new purse, so I shall wear it with all the things!) 

Hello, bruise I didn't know was on my back right calf. How pronounced you look against my pasty legs.

When the weather was cold, I also wore the dress this way:

Preppy with Puppies & Trendy Tuesday Announcement

What will brighten your Friday more than my face? I'll tell you: my parents' puppies. Although Rudy magically found a way to poop on top of his crate, and they both love rasorially digging at the crotch of my pants, I submit to their cuteness. Let's be honest: my outfit is cute, but these pups are cuter.

(Note: rasorial means "characterized by scratching at the ground, especially for food." I told you that I'd throw some vocabulary your way every day.)

As for next Tuesday, the theme, as chosen by one of the best-dressed males in our building, is "Gingham and Cords." Now, do remember that Trendy Tuesday's "rules" are very loose. You can choose gingham and cords, or you can wear just one of the two. We try to leave enough room for everyone to find a way to participate.

Here is what gingham looks like. I'm already cooking up some ideas. Depending on the weather, I'll probably stick with just gingham, but maybe I'll double up. Who knows!? It's anyone's guess.

This morning, my co-teacher and I taught our first and second periods in the computer lab. While I was down there, I drank from a water bottle that I thought was mine; however, when I returned to the classroom at the beginning of third period, I saw that my water bottle was still on my desk. "OH NO!" I internally exclaimed. Okay, okay, if I'm being honest, I really thought, "Oh, shit. WHOSE water bottle was that? What if I drank from a kid's water bottle? Ewww, what if they have scabies? Oh my gosh, I'm doing to die." Because, you know, that's how normal people think. Later, I told my co-teacher who informed me that she was pretty sure that water bottle was hers. Man, what a relief. I almost ate soap.

 

Sammy is the one with perked up ears (on the right). 

Rudy is the squirmy one on the left.

The Look:

Blazer: New York and Company--similar

Shirt: Tommy Hilfiger outlet (does anyone shop there still? Well, I do.)--similar

Belt: "vintage" (it's Mom's from back in the day)--similar

Jeans: The Limited--same?

Flats: Rock and Republic via Kohl's--similar

 

You cannot see my face, but you can see theirs, so this picture is worth it.

I call this my "if Paris Hilton actually wore clothes and were being stalked by the paparazzi who couldn't believe she was wearing clothes" picture.

 

I considered a necklace or something, but I decided to keep it simple.

I just like the color palette here.

 

Clearly, I said something so witty that I rocked my head back in amusement.

 

What? You didn't think I'd deliver a normal picture?

I also wore the flats this way...

And here are some gingham looks for you...

 

(Look! There's the red belt again!)

Also, I am wearing gingham and cords in this last picture.

Hmm...now I have a "cold weather" idea for Tuesday!

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Linking up with

Favorite Fashion Friday

and

Fab Friday

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Reverse 30x30: I think I figured out polka dot tights?

My girl, Brynn, inspired me for this item, polka dot tights, on my reverse 30x30. Why is something so fun an enormous source of sartorial confusion for me? Thank you, Brynn, for making me realize how perfectly they would complement this dress. 

I can't stop wearing these hand-me-down booties from Mom. Plus, they add a little bit of edge to the outfit. No? Wait until you see the next pair of booties she gave to me. They're YELLOW! Seriously, prepare to feel overwhelmed by jealousy. 

Do I look like I'm still celebrating Christmas because of this red sweater? If so, I do not care. When the weather outside is frightful, continuing to wear Christmas colors is so delightful. 

Thank you to those of you who wished me well after yesterday's post. If people you have met only online are kind to you, then there's a lot more to be grateful about in this world. Also, as I told someone, I am a silver-lining hunter. I allow myself only a small amount of time to feel any sort of self pity because, honestly, where does that get me? It just dumps me into a land of dreariness. I heard somewhere that life is 10% circumstance and 90% attitude; you cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to it. Ultimately, I choose happiness. 

Think about it. I might have crappy sinuses and crappy teeth and a lot of other crappy body parts. However, as a result, I have learned a lot about nutrition. I have a "team" of doctors who are extremely helpful people, and I truly believe I am slowly but surely traveling on the road to recovery.  I spent so many years sick without anything definitive to explain the sicknesses. Now, I actually have answers. I have a lot of compassionate, funny, helpful people who surround me (both online and offline). I have my career, my awesome colleagues, and my endearing students. 

I have my family, my friends, and my fur babies. 

Often, I might not feel great physically, but I feel great emotionally. 

And I'm okay with that. :)

The Look:

Dress: Target--they need to make more of these! (Here's a very similar one from Gap; I have it in gray. I love love love it.)

Turtleneck: The Limited (similar from JCPenny)

Belt: The Limited (similar from Target)

Booties: From Mom :)

Tights: The Limited (similar from Target)

Necklace: Target 

Detail shot of the tights :)

Linking up with

Because Shanna Said So

and

The Pleated Poppy

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Similar outfits that involve layers under a dress:

A button up under this very same dress!

original post

my striped version of the black dress:

(I LOVE YOU, TARGET.)

original post

(Someone tell me how else to style this dress in the winter? What other color can I wear with it? Maybe I should've added it to my 30x30.)

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:

Teacher Wardrobe Series: One Dress Six Ways

It's Tuesday, so let's call it Teacher Tuesday. I'm bringing back the Teacher Wardrobe Series with this striped dress (actually featured in the series). Sure, you will run into a plethora of striped dress inspiration on Pinterest, but I'm giving you six looks with one dress...in one place. You can use the same formulas for a dress shell that you own. It doesn't necessarily have to be striped, but I told you before that a striped dress is a great staple to own in your teacher (or any career, really) wardrobe.

I bought this striped shell at the Banana Republic Outlet for like $25. I love it, but I have yet to wear it. Of course, I am entering only week two of the school year, so I think I can forgive myself. Anyway, I created looks that span all seasons because, if your classroom is anything like mine, you never know what the temperature will be.

Look #1:

The Formula = Belted cardigan + statement necklace (or a scarf)

(I wore gold wedges to make it feel more like summer. I could wear it with boots for a cooler day or heels for the snazzy factor.)

Seasons: The short-sleeve cardigan works well for warmer weather. Swap it out for a long-sleeve cardigan in the cooler months. Try swapping out the necklace for a scarf with this look. You can even belt the scarf with the cardigan (like this). 

Look #2:

The Formula = Neutral blazer + statement necklace

(I chose gold flats for this look since the blazer dresses up the outfit enough.)

Seasons: Please wear this blazer when it's cooler or the AC actually works. I was sweltering in this thing because my bedroom is toasty. I would not swap the necklace for a scarf with this look. I think a statement necklace works better with the blazer. 

Look #3:

The Formula = Colored belt + (daintier) statement necklace + cardigan

(For this look, I would choose heels or dressier flats.)

Seasons: Just like with look #1, you can swap a short-sleeve cardigan for one with long sleeves. You could also swap the cardigan for a blazer. To take this dress to the park after school, substitute the cardigan for a jean jacket and be sure to wear flats. (Obviously.)

Look #4:

The Formula = Colored blazer + chain necklace + chambray (rolled sleeves)

(For shoes, I would choose boots, flats, or wedges.)

Seasons: If you want to be warm, wear this look. Holy hotness alive. I love this color scheme, but I was dying a little. I couldn't peel the dress off quickly enough. I think this look would be perfect with boots in the winter. 

Look #5:

The Formula = chambray (or a white shirt) under the dress + draping necklace

(To make the look dressier, I would wear heels, or maybe some cute oxfords.)

Seasons: You're wearing a shirt with long sleeves under a dress. Do it during the cooler months. Unless you like sweat marks in your pits. Or you don't sweat.

Also, as I'm looking at this photo, I would trade out this necklace for something with color. I was so hot at this point that I couldn't think clearly.

Look #6:

The Formula = T-shirt (under dress) + statement necklace + neutral belt

(For shoes, I would wear booties or flats. This look seems best suited for a Friday.)

Seasons: If it's warm and you don't want to bare arms (bah ha ha), then put a t-shirt on underneath of your dress. Or, if you prefer not to show your shoulders for other reasons, then this look works well for warmer weather. If you like to wear layers in the winter, try a blazer/cardigan over top. Since this look seems the most casual of all, I think it'd be fun with some booties. 

I merged all of the looks into two collages in case you want to see them side by side. 

If you want to e-mail me some of your best teacher looks (one-three pictures) with links to your blog posts about those looks, I'll start featuring some readers' outfits next week. It does not have to be a striped dress, and you don't have to be a teacher. 

It just needs to be workwear for the sensible, everyday gal.  

E-mail your pictures to

teamwebchick@gmail.com

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