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 

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

Linking up with

Trend Spin Linkup

and

Style Elixir

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

Life's a Picnic.

And my shirt just so happens to be the table cloth lying on that picnic table. 

Try not to feel jealous. 

I may or may not be planning an upcoming outfit inspired by what my niece wore to Thanksgiving dinner. She may or may not be a one year old. 

I am thankful for...

* heated seats

* a fridge full of Mom's leftovers

* outfits that look as good on camera as they do in my head

* a husband who never minds driving

* gluten-free apple crisp

* a funny brother who married a great conversationalist

* a niece who keeps us all entertained

* five days off work. 

Amen.

The Outfit:

Tan Sweater: Mossimo via Target

Flannel Shirt: Old Navy

Coat: Michael Kors (I bought it about six years ago.)

Necklace & Hat: Target

Booties: BCBG 

Purse: Kenneth Cole Reaction via Boscov's (definitely bought it for $30 down from $100)

(It looks like I'm thankful for Target, eh?)

Mustard & Dots

I know that turtlenecks are no longer cool, but do you really think that's going to stop me? No, ma'am. Admittedly, I'm somewhat small. These little bird bones need warmth, and if it comes in the form of a turtleneck, then so be it. Judge me all you wish.

When do you think my mom will stop buying me clothes? I hope the answer to that question is "nevah!" (Yes, spelled just like that.) She always does such a good job finding me fun stuff to wear. Does anyone else (who's quickly approaching thirty) have a Momma who still buys her clothes? I'm not talking about Italian men like my husband because dudes don't factor into this equation. I'm not sure most men ever buy or pick out their own clothes. I'm talking about grown women who still rely on their Mommas for sartorial wisdom. If I'm shopping without Momma dukes, and I'm a little leery about something, I take a picture and text it to my mom. She's saved me from multiple cases of buyer's remorse. (I know that the simple solution to that problem is simply taking back the clothes, but ain't nobody got time for that!) Anyway, the moral of this story? A girl always needs her Momma. 

Well, this girl does. 

I hope you enjoy today's outfit. 

I enjoyed wearing it. 

I dub this pose the "why did I take off my sweater?" slouch. 

It's classy. Try it out sometime.

Outfit Deets:

Sweater: The Limited

Belt: NY & Co.

Skirt: Target (gift from Momma!)

Scarf: Made by Momma!

Boots: Franco Sarto via Marshall's

Hat: Target

Linking up with the lovely Molly today. You should check it out for some other ladies' lovely looks. 

Grr, Baby, Grr.

Or should I say, "Brr, Baby, Brr?" I do suppose either statement would work. Baby, it's cold outside, but my leopard heels are on fiah! (My computer just autocorrected that word to "fish." Come on, computer, don't correct the English teacher. I meant what I typed.)

Momma dukes took my photographs today. I did not include the picture of me laughing hysterically because my mom said, "I hope that's not poop." She's a funny one, I tell ya, so is my dad who taunted the dog by farting on him and squealed when the dog actually bit his butt. It serves you right, Dad.  

I need you to know that this outfit did not work for me until I put on the necklace. I had also planned to wear a pair of nude pumps. I'm so glad my brain was firing on all cylinders this morning and chose the leopard print heels. Thank yoooou, two hour delay. 

Additionally, I felt like my work slacks felt neglected because skinny jeans are my favorite clothing children.  As a result, I revived those plaid pants yesterday and these maroon (?) pants today. My calves thank me. Every now and then, they like to take a little breather. 

Any clothes you're unearthing lately and giving a fighting chance against another article of clothing you clearly love better? 

That dog is the definition of a creeper. Not kidding.

This picture has not been edited. My eyes are that color. 

Obviously, if the picture had been edited, I would have smudged out the octopus hair flying about my head.

Mom wanted a detail shot. Isn't she cute? 

Outfit Deets:

Pants: The Limited (here are some in velvet)

Sweater: Target (LOFT, Loehmann's)

Belt: Target (cute alternative)

Blazer: Express (so dang old)--(Target is always a safe bet.)

Necklace: NY & Co. (similar)

P.S. With all of these crazy names for colors, it takes me twice as long to find similar items. I have to not only type in maroon, but also burgundy, oxblood, and red. I can't just type in yellow. I need to type in mustard. Craziness, people! Words are important.

Linking up with Mix & Match Fashion.