Teacher Wardrobe Staples [Part 2]

Okay, in case you missed it yesterday, I started this Teacher Wardrobe series with the places I shop and what I typically buy there. (That post included some inspiration in the form of collages. You're welcome.) 

This series will comprise at least three posts:

Part 1: The Stores (yesterday's post)

Part 2: The Basics (today's post)

Part 3: The Outfits

Part 4: The Inspiration  (depends on you, the readers)

Part 4 is where YOU come in! E-mail me a picture of you wearing your favorite teacher outfit. If you're 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 :) 

I like to give credit where credit is due. If enough ladies e-mail me, I'll compile Part 4. If not, you might be stuck with pictures of just me for inspiration.

During your stay, keep a few things in mind:


1. I teach High School English, not elementary school. Determine how this series best suits your needs.

2. I tried to create a list that should work for a stricter dress code policy, but know that my school's dress code is quite lax compared to other schools'.

3. If you're a new teacher or one looking to spruce up her wardrobe, you might find that you already have many of the items I'll be listing in this series. Hooray!

4. If you put all of these collages together, they create a nice wardrobe. (I'll show you some outfits with these pieces tomorrow.)

5. This list is not comprehensive! It is merely a start. Remember: it's called "The BASICS." It gives you plenty of options to add items as you see fit. (haha...pun not intended.)  


6. When you add items to your collection, don't forget to try them on with other items you own. (Rule of three works nicely: try it on with three outfits to determine whether or not it's a good "fit" for your closet.)

7. Underneath each collage, you will find links to the clothing items. In the list below the collage, the bold text makes up the "list" of items in that category of basics. 

PART 2: THE BASICS

Tops

* You should have a blend of neutrals, prints, and solid colors (ex: red).

* I try to find tops with sleeves so that I don't have to wear a cardigan/blazer because sometimes my classroom is too hot for all of those layers! 

* Make sure all tops can be worn tucked or untucked so their potential is maximized

* Button-ups are especially awesome because you can tie them in a knot, tuck them, or leave them loose. 

* In the dressing room, lift your arms up, lean over, and squat. If none of your unmentionables peek out, you're gravy, baby. 
* In this collage, I do not have a solid, "fun" color represented because I couldn't find something I really liked. And my collage ran out of room.

1. Old Navy Gingham Shirt -- $24.94 -- buy here

2. Old Navy Blue Oxford -- $24.50 -- buy here

3. LOFT Striped T-shirt -- $34.50 with 50% off -- buy here

4. LOFT Polka Dot Blouse -- $59.50 -- buy here

5. NY & Co Printed Blouse -- $39.95 -- buy here

6. Merona Printed Blouse via Target -- $19.99 -- buy here

Blazers

* I have a combination of more structured blazers and more jersey-like blazers. 

* If you don't care for blazers (umm...you are crazy, right?), then substitute blazers for cardigans! Simple solution :) Pretty much wherever a blazer works so does a cardigan. 

* My favorite places to buy blazers are Marshall's, Target, and NY & Co. Of course, I have blazers from everywhere. I can't wear the J.Crew blazers because they're all made of wool. Wool and I are not simpatico. 

* When you try on blazers, cross your arms in front of you. If it pulls and feels uncomfortable, just say no. Regardless of how cute it is. (I had to remind myself of this one the other day.)

1. Mossimo Ponte Boyfriend Blazer in Bold Color -- $29.99 -- buy here

2. Blazer with Some Flair (White Peplum Jacket via Target) -- $31.48 -- buy here

3. Colored Blazer via The Limited -- $98 -- buy here

4. Black, Neutral Blazer via LOFT -- $128 -- buy here

5. Gray, Neutral Blazer via Jcrew Factory -- $128 -- buy here
(Switch up some of these blazer choices with cardigans. 
Choose neutrals that best suit your closet.)

Bottoms

* I recommend some colored bottoms (fun with printed tops), printed bottoms, and neutral bottoms. I have a mixture of cuts for skirts and pants.

* If they do not fit well, invest in tailoring. (I hunt for bottoms until they fit because I don't want to pay a tailor, haha. Read: I'm too lazy to find a tailor and then pick up said items from a tailor. I can't even handle drycleaning.)

* Match them up with your tops and be sure you can mix and match multiple ways!

* In the dressing room, bend down/over to make sure you don't suffer from a case of plumber's crack.

1. Khaki Pants for heels or flats via Express -- $69.90 -- buy here

2. Bold Skirt via NY & Co -- $36.95 -- buy here

3. Printed Skirt via LOFT -- $49.50 -- buy here

4. Colored Slacks via The Limited -- $64.90-- buy here

5. Colored Slacks via The Limited -- $69.90 -- buy here

6. Neutral boot cut slacks via The Limited -- $69.90 -- buy here

7. Black Skirt via LOFT -- $69.50 -- buy here
(Swap out some of these skirts for pants and vice versa. 
This collage simply serves as a pallet for you.)

Dresses
* I like a little neutral (black & red for me), some stripes (DUH), a fun print, and a little feminine (cue lace).
* I avoid spaghetti straps just in case it gets too hot, and I have to take off a blazer/cardigan. 
* All of these dresses work well with flats or heels, tights or no tights, blazer or no blazer, belts or no belts.
* Find the cut of dress that fits you best and find a bit of everything: neutral, nautical, fun, and feminine.  

1.Banana Republic Neutral Dress -- $98 -- buy here

2.Striped Dress via LOFT -- $69.50 -- buy here

3.Fun print dress via The Limited -- $89.90 -- buy here

4.Feminine dress (lace shown here) -- $24 -- buy here

Shoes (note: I nearly quit before this point because making these collages is not 

as easy as I had anticipated, but I like you folks.)

* I cannot wear anything higher than 3" (and those 3" must be in the form of a wedge) 
because I don't particularly enjoy falling on my face.
* This list does not include boots because I could go on for-ev-er about those.

1. Steve Madden Leopard flats (any printed flat will do) -- $79.95 -- buy here

2.  Less expensive Target leopard flats -- $11.24 -- buy here

3. Colorful heels at Chromatic Gallerie (many color options here) – $88 -- buy here

4. Nude flats at J.Crew Factory -- $88 -- buy here

5. Flats with some sparkle from Mod Cloth -- $34.99 -- buy here

6. Black wedge via J.Crew Factory -- $88 -- buy here

TIPS

• When you buy each item, take it home and try creating three different outfits with it. Try on the outfits. Sometimes, they sound great in your mind and look awful in real life. If you can't create three outfits you love, return it for something that really fits with the rest of your wardrobe. 
• If you love the outfits that you create with each item, TAKE PICTURES. You think you'll remember those cute outfits, but the brain is an evasive turdmonger who likes to rob us of good ideas. 

LIST IN REVIEW

• Tops: fun print, neutral, and solid color. 
• Make sure what you choose goes with the rest of your closet. 
• Pair these tops with the bottoms that you buy!
• Do the bend, lean, squat test to make sure it doesn't flash your goodies to the world.
• Try tucking, untucking, and tying the top. If it can do 2/3, give yourself a pat on the back.
• Blazers/Cardigans: fun color that goes with your printed top/neutral/printed bottoms (I love my cobalt blue one), neutral (if you like black bottoms, maybe choose a gray blazer), and a print if you wish (I have four striped ones alone...yikes!)
• Cross your arms in the front to make sure your shoulder blades don't get choke held by the back of your blazer. 
• Be sure you're comfortable with the length of the sleeves. I hate it when they're a tad too short.
• Skirts: same as before (print, neutral, solid color that's more "fun" than a neutral)
• Choose the fit that looks best on you. (I only like pencil skirts when I wear heels with them. A-line skirts, on the other hand, make me happy regardless of my footwear.)
• Make sure you can tuck a shirt into it or wear a different shirt loosely with it. 
• Try it on with belts. They often add just the right amount of polish. Don't be discouraged if the first five belts look terrible; the sixth one might look perfect. 
• Do the bend and snap. Take inventory of your goodies. Be sure they're not hanging out.
• Pants: color, neutral, print (if you feel so inclined)
• Try having more than one style on hand (I like wide leg with wedges, pencil cut with heels/flats, and boot cut with heels/wedges.) 
• Bend and snap and check yo' crack.  
• Dresses:
• For this one, I like to have one of each: feminine, neutral, stripes, and fun print.
• Shoes: 
• For these, I like a variety of sparkle, animal print, bold colors, and neutral colors.
• When I was trying to pick the bold color of my heels, I considered which bold flats I wore the most (cobalt) and chose that color for my heels! 
• Try doing the laundry in your shoes. If your feet hurt after that, they'll definitely hurt after a day of teaching. Take 'em back. 

**NOTE: I did not include accessories such as necklaces and scarves because they could take up a post of their own! I will try to incorporate them in Part 3 with the outfits.**

Check back tomorrow for 

Part 3: The Outfits

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

P.S. I made all of those collages using PowerPoint, and it was so much easier than iPiccy or Photoshop. That program never ceases to be awesome. 
Aaaaand that's such a teacher thing to say.

P.P.S. In the comments section, leave what you find to be your wardrobe basics as a teacher (or similar professional)! We could all use every bit of inspiration that we can get. 

Teacher Wardrobe Staples [Part 1]

This morning, my friend Nicole (girlfriend is gorgeous inside and out!) messaged me about must haves for her teacher closet. Our conversation got me thinking that it might be a good idea for me to write a series of  posts because women have asked me this question multiple times.

This series will comprise at least three posts:

Part 1: The Stores (today's post)

Part 2: The Basics

Part 3: The Outfits

Part 4: The Inspiration  (depends on you, the readers)

Part 4 is where YOU come in! E-mail me a picture of you wearing your favorite teacher outfit. If you're 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 :) 

I like to give credit where credit is due. If enough ladies e-mail me, I'll compile Part 4. If not, you might be stuck with pictures of just me for inspiration.

During your stay, keep a few things in mind:

1. I teach High School English, not elementary school like many of the teacher bloggers in blogland. I do not know if the needs of an elementary school teacher vary from someone in my leopard-print shoes.

2. I tried to create a list that should work for a stricter dress code policy, but know that my school's dress code is quite lax compared to other schools'.

3. If you're a new teacher or one looking to spruce up her wardrobe, you might find that you already have many of the items I'll be listing in this series. Hooray!

4. I link to plenty of outfits on this blog that show you the types of pieces you can buy from certain stores. Know that some of these outfits I did not wear to school, but the pieces could still work for the classroom.

5. I do not like to spend a lot of money on any one item because I usually never like anything enough (or long enough) for that to make sense.

6. There are a lot of great stores (LuLu's, SheInside, Ruche, and etc.) to shop at online, but I prefer trying items on in the store, so you'll see more of that sort of thing around here.

PART 1: THE STORES

Places I shop with success:

(The bulleted lists include what I typically buy at these places.)

The Limited (in store, they offer a teacher discount--bring your ID!)
ranges from $-$$$$ (with coupons, most items are under $100)

• Everything from pants to blazers 
• I am especially drawn to their pants and skirts.
• Some outfits that include pieces from The Limited: this cobalt blue skirt (and the lace top), my favorite skirt (A-line and khaki), and this tweed skirt (needs tights to be appropriate).
• Note: unless their entire store is offering a 40% off promotion, you can use your teacher discount on top of clearance items!

Express
(pants are typically in the $50-100 range)
They've seemingly moved away from more work-appropriate gear, but I still love

• their Editor pant
• their blazers (my favorite cobalt blazer is from here)
• Some outfits that include Express: this striped shirt 
• I don't shop here as often. However, most of my "wear me forever" pants are from Express. 

LOFT (duh! They offer a teacher discount. Order the sticker from their website and slap it on your credit card.)

(most items are under $80)

• Everything from here, but I especially love their cardigans, dresses, skirts, and blouses. 
•  Some outfits with LOFT pieces include: this black skirt, this yellow & tan striped peplum, this black & white cardigan, this floral top, this gray & white scarf, this black dress, and these burgundy pants
• Pretty much everything this store sells is school appropriate, so you're safe. 

New York & Company (they offer a teacher discount; just bring your teacher ID--I probably shop here the most because it's one of the only real stores in the "mall" near me, and I'm a lady of convenience.)

(most items are under $80, and they're great about having sales. I typically never have to spend more than $50 on anything here.)

• I buy everything here, and they always have good sales! 
• I am most drawn to their blouses, jewelry, and cardigans.
• Some outfits with NY & Co. pieces include: this maxi skirt, these polka dot pants, these pants & this cardigan, this blazer & this blouse, this white blazer, and this emerald & black blouse.
• I've never bought anything here that wasn't school appropriate, but I'm sure those items exist. Perhaps I instinctively steer clear of those things?

Target (DOUBLE DUH!)

(I think you're well aware of how affordable the clothes here are.)

• The pieces here do not last forever, but I've scored some good things at the ol' Tar-jay.
• I am most drawn to their dresses, longer cardigans, and shirts. (If you want to try out skinny jeans on the cheap, Target is your place.)
• I love their dresses. I have three of the same type (seen here and here), in fact. I always check the clearance rack for something with a cute print that I could mix with my other clothes. 
• Note: if you shop in the juniors section, be sure to size up unless you want things to fit too snugly, which is not a good idea if you're a teacher.  

Old Navy (they have a teacher appreciation day, which I can never remember)

(Pretty great quality, and most of the pieces are less than $50.)

• Old Navy has it all for the right price, and the outlets near me have even better prices. 
• I am especially drawn to Old Navy dresses, skirts, tops (button downs, specifically), and blazers/outerwear. They always have cute coats for a great price.  
• Some outfits from Old Navy include: this red blazer (dress must be worn with tights to remain appropriate), this gingham shirt, this jean blazer, this striped dress, and this striped dress.
• You'll probably show up to school wearing the same thing as one of your students, but that's okay. 

Kohl's

(If your mom poops coupons here like my mom does, then this place is perhaps more affordable than Target.)

• I am like my mother. I shop way too often at Kohl's, but they pretty much give you items with the number of sales they have. 
• My favorite brands for teacher wear are: Lauren Conrad (HANDS DOWN), J. Lo (sometimes), Elle, and Apt. 9. Candies often has cute blazers and some of the tops are appropriate. 
• I know a lot of people who love Daisy Buchanan and Vera Wang. I don't fit into much of their stuff, so I avoid it. 
• Some outfits from Kohl's include: this J.Lo gray skirt, this sparkly LC top, this J.Lo blazer, this LC floral blazer, this yellow LC top, this LC blouse with bows,  this APT. 9 dress, and this LC striped blouse & Elle black maxi skirt.
• (As you can see, I LOVE Lauren Conrad's clothing line. Love it. So much.)

GAP (does NOT offer a teacher's discount)

(Their sales seem to be better online and in the outlets.)

• I really only go to GAP when I hit the outlets because it's not very close. However, I am drawn to their jeans (casual days, anyone?)
• Some outfits that include GAP pieces: these neon jeans (which I can wear to school) and these green jeans.

Other Stores (not many pictures around these parts of the post):

Marshall's/TJ Maxx (mainly Marshall's because that's what lives near me)

• I get a lot of my shoes here, especially Franco Sarto who happens to be my favorite shoe designer. 
• My favorite brand that shows up here is probably Kenar. Great durability, and they actually carry XS. 

White House Black Market 

• Everything lasts forever, and my favorite white jeans are from here and so is my sequin skirt. It's too expensive for my piggy bank, so I shop here only periodically and always check the sales!

Forever21 

• Never the dresses or skirts because my booty makes everything 3 inches shorter than their already-too-short length. Some people have great luck with the length. I never do.
• Cute blazers for great prices! 
• I have a few tops from here, too.

Banana Republic

• Especially the outlet
• Great pants and dresses!
• Unless it's on sale, I typically won't get it. Again, their prices are a little too high for my tastes. 

J.Crew (offers a teacher discount)
I would love to order something from J.Crew Factory, but it just hasn't happened. 

• Their stuff is gorgeous, but I just won't pay the prices. I have one item from J.Crew, and I bought it at the thrift shop. 
• They offer a teacher discount, which is great.
• Maybe my goal will be to buy one thing from there before the year ends. 
• I think their skirts are especially great for teachers. 

Shoes?

• Nine West (usually at Marshall's)
• Naturalizer (especially the outlet)
• Target (for some flats)
• DSW 
• Aerosoles 
• ModCloth
• Found a really comfortable (and cute) pair from Easy Spirit. Go figure!  
• I really want to try  heels from Chromatic Gallerie because you can specify the heel height and there are SO MANY color options. 
• NOTE: I avoid any heel over 3" because it's impractical for me (don't want to break my face), but some women can rock it.

Favorite Places for Scarves?

• Francesca's always has the cutest prints.
• Target
• Old Navy
• Boscov's

Join me tomorrow for 

Part 2: The Basics.

On Wednesday, my birthday, I'll give you 

Part 3: The Outfits.

For now, I'll provide you with two collages of *what I hope is* inspiration.

If you're a teacher and you have some other stores to include, write them in the comments! 

(If you have tips for your gotta-have-'em basics, save them for the comments section of tomorrow's post.) I tried to cover a lot here, but I'm sure I forgot a few things. I'll need your help to fill in the holes of my Swiss cheese brain.

If you want me to include a photo of one of your favorite teacher outfits (from your blog--you don't have to be a teacher; it can just be a teacher-worthy outfit), e-mail the picture and post link to me! If enough people send me pictures, I'll create a post solely for inspiration from fellow teachers. 

E-mail me at:

teamwebchick@gmail.com

I hope this post was at least mildly useful.

Let me know if there is anything else you'd like to read in the series.

After all, I AM a teacher, which means I like to help :)

New year, new teacher?

 This picture is fantastic because the dogs decided to pose, too. Squirt's seductively looking over her shoulder, and Roxy lost one of her ears. Ever wonder what dogs would be like if they were people? I do. 


Anyway, the coat was on clearance at Marshall's. $56. I win. Jeff can attest to the fact that I covet all coats. Some girls fancy purses. I fancy clothing that keeps me warm. 


The tights have probably three runs in them, but I patched them up with clear nail polish. They're just on my butt (testament to how large my 'donk is?), so who cares?

The shoes are Jessica Simpson. I tell ya what. It's no big deal that she fell out of singing stardom because her true claim to fame is making wonderfully beautimous shoes on the cheap (without looking cheap).

Roxy loves her limelight. 

I look a bit like a deer in headlights, but no matter. The shirt was $20 at Express. Ohhh yeah. Who rocks the clearance rack? You bet I do.


I believe Roxy is growing a bit bored with all of these pictures.

The black bracelet is from NY&Co, the only reputable store in the pathetic excuse of a "mall" near me.

The necklace? Kohl's.

Roxy is so pooped that she decided to lay down. Such a hard life.

Oh, the skirt is from The Limited. They have the best pencil skirts.

Pencil skirts are perfect for tucking shirts (tucked-in shirts always sneak out of my pants, but they stay put in high-waisted skirts.)

TIP: The Limited gives a 15% discount to all teachers with an ID.

Other clothing stores that I frequent who also provide a teacher discount? Ann Taylor LOFT, J.Crew, NY&Co.

Honestly, just ask a place when you go to the counter. You might luck out.