Hump Day Bump Day (15 weeks)

Usually, I do not complain about the weather because everyone else does it for me. However, my one complaint about this continual craptastic weather is that it forces me to wear pants more often than dresses (finally found tights that do not cut into my stomach), and the pant struggle is real right now. I have two "nice" pairs for work and a few pairs of jeans; I just cannot jump fully onto the leggings bandwagon, either. Last week, I had to pack up my pant collection so that it did not sadden me every time I tried to locate a cute outfit in my closet. Emotional crisis averted. Mostly. Also, does anyone remember Lampchop's Sing-a-longs? What about "This is the song that never ends. Yes, it goes on and on, my friends?" Anyone? Yeah, well, I think an appropriate word swap would be "winter" for "song."

 

The Look:

Dress: Old Navy (just got it and I love it, especially that it's not maternity AND that it is long enough. Glory hallelujah.)

Cardigan: Old Navy

Scarf: made by Momma

Boots: Franco Sarto

Necklace: I think it's from The Limited

Yes, you might be looking at that bump and saying to yourself, "seriously, she can't wear her regular pants? She calls that a bump?" 

Currently

Wearing: On Monday night, I hunted for stuff that is not maternity but could work during and after pregnancy; Old Navy rarely fails me, so I found two dresses, two shirts, and a pair of jeans. I know my pants situation can be solved only by maternity pants, and I have surrendered to that fact of life. I found a great pair of skinny maternity jeans from Old Navy (bought them with this dress) that actually fit, and I scored them for 30% off. Boom. People keep assuring me that pregnancy makes leggings socially acceptable, but my brain still fights it. However, I will wear jeans every day to work until the weather warms up and feel zero remorse about it. Zero. Today, I also matched two of my students in fifth period.  Another student said, "If ____ and ____ had a baby, it'd be Ms. Wo." Kids say the darndest things.

Reading: I just started reading Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close because I plan to teach it to my juniors during fourth quarter. I LOVE IT. I have made it four chapters into the novel, and I have fallen in love with the eccentric, adorable, endearing narrator. I know it will bring me to ugly cries, and I am okay with that.

Eating: Virgil's root beer is the bee's knees (I know it qualifies as a drink, not a food, but it bears mentioning here). Also, I want salads, olives, french-style green beans, gluten-free soft pretzels (SO AMAZING) and pink lady apples. I grow terribly, terribly sick of eating the same thing every day, so I mostly crave variety. Those old wives' tales about cravings are a bunch of hogwash for me. Salty is supposed to mean boy and sweet is supposed to mean girl. I crave both.

Feeling: The nausea has abated significantly. However, the one weird, disgusting, persistent symptom is a head full of snot. Not an "I have a cold" snot, but rather "let's see how many times I choke on my own phlegm just because my body cannot possibly stop producing it" snot. I blow my nose so often that the inside of it actually hurts. No Rudolph nose, so at least my face hides the snot. I can actually feel pulling and stretching and cramping, but compared to my monthly visitor? These growing pains are nothing.

Anticipating:  On April 6th, we find out whether this kid is a mini me or a mini Jeff; if we are all lucky, this kid will be a mini me whether it's male or female. I am not sure the world can contend with another ball of energy like Jeff. Okay, I am not sure I can contend with another ball of energy like Jeff. Just tonight, I was lying peacefully on the bed when he came upstairs and started blowing in my face. Earlier, he decided to play the "let's see how loudly and obnoxiously I can chew these cheeseballs." Dude kills me.

Teacher Style: Striped Dress

Originally, I queued up all of this week's posts on Sunday night because I wanted to focus on just school this week; however, now that I am not spending all of my time binge watching Netflix shows and filling imaginary shopping carts online, I actually have things to say. Business as usual around here.

Teachers started back this week. Yesterday, our principal told us to wear "activewear," which I naturally interpreted as yoga pants. In June, the administrators planned this awesome mini golfing experience meant for team building. The county feared we would lob each other in the face with balls or sticks, so they vetoed that plan. A week ago. Our administration decided, instead, to send us on a scavenger hunt around the school. Umm, so fun! I suggest having you try this free app with your students: Klikaklu. You can create scavenger hunts for students to complete using their smartphones (or an iPad lab if you have one, whatever works). I think I know what I might be doing for this year's first day activities.

Today, when we received some much appreciated teacher preparation time, I decided to focus on really setting up my classroom. (We high school teachers do not typically get as into it as you elementary school teachers do, so pat us on the back here.) I put previous student posters (for projects I'll do again this year) below my back chalkboard so that I can reference them when we get to that project. I hung all of my inspirational posters under my front chalkboard (alternating horizontal and vertical posters because I'm a creature who loves patterns.) I have a wall full of laminated vocabulary words for the year. (Note: I test students cumulatively and teach them root-word-based vocabulary; I chose roots that match up with themes of each text we read every quarter.) I have a co-teacher, an intern, and two student aides, which meant I needed seating for everyone. I created what I now call "The Great Wall of Teachers," which is really just three teacher desks side by side. I created a corner for my aides to accomplish work because everyone needs a workspace. I created a "Write Stuff" corner with a desktop computer my husband so kindly donated to my classroom and a bulletin board of writing rules.

My favorite spot of the classroom is my student hub, a place where all of their school supply needs can be met (highlighters, index cards, pens, pencils, notebook paper, absentee work, tissues, hole puncher, staplers, tape, markers, colored pencils, crayons, extra spiral notebooks, extra folders, glue sticks, and scissors.) If a student asks for something, I can point in one direction every single time. I know elementary school teachers have similar stations in their rooms, so why can't I employ the same method of organization with my teenage people? 

Anyway, back to the dress of the day that I bought from Kohl's during their Peter Som collaboration. Of course, I paid much less than the original price because my mom poops 30% off coupons. And Kohl's cash. And glitter. And fairy dust. She might actually be part unicorn.

Look 1: statement necklace + colored belt + wedges

You guys, I just got these wedges from Macy's (White Mountain brand) for half price, and I LOVE them to itty bitty pieces. I searched the world over for a pair exactly like them (my criteria? casual, black, open-toed wedges), but nothing fit right until now. They're the perfect casual counterpart to the dressy black wedges featured in look 3.

Look 2: statement earrings + scarf + flats

I did not realize how me this outfit felt until I saw the picture. Boy, I love the color of the scarf (from a student!) and these new earrings from Francesca's. 

Look 3: statement earrings + belted cardigan + dressy wedges

These earrings are also from Francesca's, which is pretty much my go-to place for jewelry these days. Everything is so reasonably priced. And, yeah, I can't get enough of these J.Crew Factory wedges.

Look 4: blazer + necklace + belt + neutral flats

I love my blazers. You know it's true if you've been around these parts for a colder season. However, only three of my million blazers work well with dresses because of their length. All of my other blazers are perfect for skinny pants. 

Pinterest Tells Me I Look Pretty In...

Awhile ago, I learned from the interwebs that you can be all creepy and check out who pins images from your blog, which surely comes as no surprise to many of you bloggers. However, if you were otherwise in the dark, allow me to enlighten you. It's so simple. 

Type the following into your web browser: 

pinterest.com/source/URL OF YOUR BLOG GOES HERE

For example, to find pinned images from my blog, I would go to:

pinterest.com/source/littlebitofwowe.blogspot.com

I think it's not just creepy but also quite interesting to see which outfits get the most press. 

Here are some of my best fall/winter outfits according to Pinterest:

(This one just so happens to be one of my best looks. Find the original post here.)

I never rewear outfits (except for pajamas), but I am making an exception with this look. I remember how comfortable and chic I felt in this outfit! Find the original post here. 

Sadly, I had to retire this blazer because of my gorilla arms, and hugging myself no longer felt fun. It felt...constricting. Self hugs should always feel lovely. 

Can someone please help me find a navy blazer replacement?

I've looked for so long. I'm growing weary because of this fruitless quest. 

Find the original post here.

The wrinkles on these pants birth baby wrinkles. As such, they needed to go the way of the navy blazer. Either way, everyone loves the mustard pants inspiration. Who can blame them? Mustard pants, minus wrinkles, are hand-clapping awesome. 

Feel free to check out the original post here. 

Speaking of mustard, those pinners can't get enough of it.

I can't find this skirt. I think I donated it. Oops. 

Find the original here

The last one makes me very happy because it features my favorite blazer: the cobalt blue beauty. (In case you're new around here, I have upwards of 40 blazers. A problem? Only for my husband who searches for closet space in vain.) 

She's pretty. I know. (Not me, silly pants. The BLAZER.)

Find the original wonderment here. 

Ultimately, I think my cognac Franco Sarto boots captivate people. Why wouldn't they? They're glorious, and, with the trouble this stupid toenail is giving me, they're the only footwear I can wear without discomfort. I'd also like to draw your attention to the fact that my hair is different in every single photograph. 

Favorites? Wondering why on God's green earth people even pinned one/some/all of these images?

Back-Up Plan

I previously styled this dress these six ways. 

I decided to wear an orange cardigan instead of a brown one. Orange and turquoise make a nice pairing, no? Originally, I wanted to wear this dress with the same sweater and belt (leopard flats instead of gold ones), but it seemed too short when I put it on. Now that I'm looking at the pictures of it in that post, I am thinking it would've been fine. Dangit. 

I wish I had something more for you today, but I'm completely distracted by Sheldon Cooper. Forgive me. 

The Look:

Dress: Banana Republic Outlet

Cardigan: NY & Co.

Belt: Came with another dress

Flats: Audrey Brooke via DSW

Necklace: Gift

Earrings: Boutique

The Details: 

Occasion: work (91 degrees again today, so pants just weren't happening)

Comfort Rating: 9 (I ate a little too much, and the belt felt constricting.)

Comments: I'm glad I branched out a bit and went with a colored cardigan versus a neutral one. I can't wait to wear this dress with booties and a button up once it's not a sauna outside. 

Fourth Day Hair

Hello, Internet, I'd like you to meet my fourth day hair also known as my "I value sleep more than my hair" hairstyle. In my defense, I washed my bangs and my body, so I wasn't dirty. Let's call me resourceful and efficient, not grody.

Our English department was gifted substitutes for the day so that we could grade diagnostic essays as a team...allllll the live long day. I knew the thermostat would breech 90 degrees today, so I opted for a dress. (I even shaved this morning despite my unwashed hair.)

I was wildly comfortable all day until the wind decided to play peek-a-boo with my wrap dress as I walked out of the building carrying so much stuff that I nearly faceplanted into the pavement in an effort to keep the world from seeing my lady bits. Perverted wind.

The Outfit:

Dress: Banana Republic Outlets this summer (got it for like $25 bucks or something equally inexpensive--bought it the same day as this dress)

Shoes: Jessica Simpson via Marshall's

Necklace: Good question--can't remember

Earrings: The Limited

Hair bow: Forever 21

Still working with Jeff on that whole detail shot business. Baby steps.

I know the second clip looks silly. (Okay, I didn't know that until I viewed this picture. Dangit.)

However, it pulls in the color of my shoes, and it's just cute. Ignore its little friend chilling below it.

Hair clips need companions too. 

I've also worn it with this dress. 

By the way, this is the first wrap dress that I've ever owned. They never look right on me, but I think this one is a winner. I hope?

The Details:

Occasion: Work (marathon of essay grading)

Temperature: Hot outside and bearable inside

Comfort Rating: 8 (wind picked up my dress, and I didn't master the wrapping well enough, which forced me to readjust several times while sitting.)

Comments: I love the button details on the shoulders of this dress. I can wear it without a tank if I'm not at work. I'm so excited to wear this dress with boots in the fall!

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

Linking up with 

Teacher Wardrobe Staples: Part 3 [The Outfits]

So, Mom brought over her real camera and her real skills to take this part of the series' photographs. HOLY AWESOMENESS. 

Happy Birthday to me.

I know I said I couldn't write this post today, but the birthday fairies granted me two hours of extra time to work it in :) 

In case you're new, I've started a Teacher Wardrobe Series.

Part 1: The Stores

Part 2: The Basics 

Today is Part 3: The Outfits. 

(Tomorrow is Part 4: The Inspiration, which features readers. You could be a part of it! See more information about it at the end of this post.)

First, I did not pull all of the items from Part 2 to create these looks.

(I'll also need to write a post that includes some considerations after having created outfits with the items. I'm realizing the holes I have in my closet!) 

I'm sorry, but that is a lot of picture taking, and what will I show you for the next month!?

Now, here are the staples I pulled together for this post:

Gingham shirt, blue oxford, striped shirt, yellow (and feminine) blouse,

cobalt blue blazer, khaki blazer, and black blazer

White cardigan, gray cardigan, khaki skirt, black skirt, 

black pants, khaki/brown pants, cobalt skirt, polka dot skirt

black dress, striped dress, cap toe flats, nude kitten heels, black heels, cobalt blue wedges

IMPORTANT NOTE #1: I did NOT create all of the outfits that I could have created because I started to get sweaty and tired. I think what I've provided here is plenty of inspiration, especially since I have some other lovely ladies' outfits to show you tomorrow! 

IMPORTANT NOTE #2: Except for belts, I did not accessorize. If you want to see the series to continue with a post on accessorizing, feel free to let me know. I like you, so I can make it happen.

So, here goes:

The striped dress is great with a blazer, a cardigan, heels, flats, belted, or not belted.

A look I did not include but would be cute is the blue oxford tied over top and knotted in the front.

 (Or a black blazer instead of a white cardigan)

I'm seeing so many more possibilities now that I'm reviewing the pictures.

A black dress works well with a button up, a blazer, or a cardigan. 

OR ANYTHING.

Mom did NOT take the last three pictures. They were in the archive. 

I wanted to include them because one look shows a printed skirt, another shows a printed dress, and the last shows a more casual Friday kind of look.

Your colored blazer does not have to be cobalt blue, but I bet you want one now! 

Who would've thought a little yellow blouse could cover so much sartorial ground?

I prefer it tucked in, but it looks great loose. 

I love the two skirt looks. 

LOOK! My husband came home during the photo shoot and matched one of my outfits. I made him pose with me. As you can see, he's excited. 

Obviously, I could include a bajillion outfits with the striped shirt, but I've already written a post on striped shirt inspiration. (Excuse some of the dead pictures. I need to figure out how to fix those! I didn't know some of them died until just now.)

In all of these looks, both shirts are interchangeable, which is why I included them on a collage together.

I think the khaki skirt look is my favorite. I'm excited to wear it to work! 

After writing this post, I am so game for a 30x30 challenge. Right here, I have 14 looks, and I could easily double them. And I only have 21 items here instead of 30. I might have inspired myself. 

What a cheeseball. And a narcissist. 

If you would like to see me write more posts like this one, I'd love to have your feedback. 

Don't forget to e-mail me a picture of you wearing your favorite teacher outfit. 

(You do NOT have to be a teacher; it can be a teacher-inspired ensemble.)

(You do NOT have to be a blogger either!)

If you ARE a blogger and the picture comes from a post on your blog, provide me with the link to the original content, please! If you're not a blogger, tell me how you'd prefer I credit you :) 

E-mail me at

teamwebchick@gmail.com

"I'm wearing my picture day shirt."

I had a conversation with one of my male colleagues. It went something like this:

Me: "I really like your shirt."
Colleague: "You know what shirt this is?"
Me: "Mmm?"
Colleague: "This is my picture day shirt. I wear this shirt once a year every year, only on picture day. It makes my wife so angry! All of my pictures are the same every year because I wear the same shirt every time. Sometimes, I can't help myself and I wear it more than once a year."
I love this colleague, and what a genius idea. 

Today's outfit was undeniably comfortable. I'm also still in love with my hair. What a winning combination. 

Sleeveless cardigan: Gap

Braided brown belt: Francescas

Striped dress (which is actually long enough for work!): Old Navy

Tights: The black abyss under my bed

Boots: Franco Sarto (at Marshalls)

Can you believe it's only Tuesday? How did that happen? Where do I send my letter of complaint? 

Anyway, what's your favorite thing to wear on picture day? :)