Replacements: A Coat Review

I decided that I know exactly what I like to wear, so shopping has become a lot easier for me. Since I know which items I always reach for, I have been making a list of the items I wish to replace with something that will last me longer than a year. This coat is replacing one I bought for $20 last year at Forever 21. Unfortunately, despite that coat's warmth, it is a dirt magnet, and it's too short to wear with boyfriend cardigans. I know full well that coat will make it two seconds into dry cleaning before it disintegrates, becoming nothing but a pile of fibers.

I considered another Forever 21 replacement, but I didn't like the options for one of many reasons: cheetah-print fur inside, elastic sleeves, strings hanging all about (I have another coat from there, and all of the strings hanging around annoy me to no end), too short, more expensive than the one I got from AE, or sold out. They have a LOT of options, but none of them surpassed this coat for me.

I love any coat I can spend less than $100 on. Luckily, American Eagle had a Black Friday promotion for 40% off, so I decided to make this coat mine. I toyed with the rust version of this coat and decided it would not go with as many items in my closet. I also considered the black version of this coat, but then I wouldn't want to wear it with brown because I'm weird like that. I decided that the green would be versatile. If you are considering a coat like this one, I will tell you my pros and cons:

Pros:
* It covers below the butt, which means it works well with boyfriend cardigans, and I love wearing boyfriend cardigans.
* It sits a little higher in the front, which I like because it prevents me from feeling like a sausage.
* It's cinched in the waist, so it actually gives me a shape other than rectangle. (The one I'm replacing makes me feel like one shape.)
* From the chest upward, it is lined with some pseudo fur, making it much warmer. (I am always cold in the chest because I lack insulated flesh in that area.)
* The lining in the hood can be removed.
* I love the gold zipper and buttons.

Cons:
* The lining is only chest high, which might bother some people. However, it's lined in the same spot I am always coldest, so I am not sure how much it will bother me that it's not lined in a place I don't feel as cold.
* There are no side pockets. However, you can tuck the pockets' flaps inside of the pockets and stuff your hands into the pockets very easily.
* The sleeve length is a little short. I always wear gloves and my sweaters usually peek out of jacket sleeves, so I'm not sure how much of a problem this con will be.
* Sometimes, the lining pokes out of the sleeves, but I have this problem with pretty much EVERY coat ever.

For the record, I am allergic to both down and wool. (Some wool coats are okay, however.) So, coat shopping is not easy for me. Thankfully, this coat contains no allergens. Woo. Add it to the pro list.

The Look:

Tee: Target 

Cardigan: Old Navy // exact?

Scarf: Francesca's 

Pants: J.Brand via thredUP 

Boots: b.o.c. via DSW 

Teacher Style: Black Chiffon Dress (and my anniversary)

Today marks Jeff's and my third year of marriage and tenth year together. I am a firm believer that I should be able to count the years prior to our marriage because I think the people who got married after ten seconds of knowing each other aren't allowed to say they've been together longer than Jeff and I have been just because it took him six years to pull the trigger. That's all I'll say on that part of the matter.

Anyway, I won't get sappy on you about how much I love him, but let's just say I even had a dream about him last night that he defended our house from attackers. Clearly, even my subconscious feels safe with him. He's truly an amazing man, and it's no wonder why everyone who meets him loves him. 

Moving on to my black chiffon dress. I thought it was too dressy and that I'd need to send it packing. Nope, it proved its worth today. You are granted permission to stay in my closet, dress.

(The dress is from LOFT several years ago.)

Look 1: colored cardigan + belt + neutral shoes

I thought about wearing my yellow cardigan, but I decided to give it a break. Plus, I didn't want to look like a bumble bee. Also, I really love the color of this cardigan.

Look 2: colored cardigan + printed belt + statement earrings + dressy wedges

The leopard belt felt unexpected to me. And I realized how much I love the collar of this dress. This look happens to be my favorite of the four.

Look 3: printed cardigan + belt + neutral shoes

This cardigan made me wish I had more printed cardigans. In colors. Granted, I think my closet might just give me the middle finger if I add another cardigan to it. (There may or may not be one in my online shopping cart right now.)

Look 4: okay, this look is much like number 2; it just switches up the colors and prints. I almost didn't show it to you, but I thought I'd make it very clear how small tweaks can change the look. 

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. 

Teacher Style: Navy Dress

I picked only three dresses for you this week because, you know what? I own an exorbitant amount of skirts, but not so many dresses. Dresses perplex me. I find one that fits my upper half but then it will be too short on me. If I try tall sizes, they don't fit in width. So, the dress struggle is real. Anyway, today's dress is perfect, and I'd buy it in every color if they had it. I found it for a good deal this past spring at J.Crew Factory (only ever shop the sales...ever.)

(In image two, that is not a "scarf necklace," it is just a scarf instead of a necklace. Stupid error stays as it is. And, technically, an infinity scarf is like a fabric necklace.)

Look 1: statement necklace + flats

Mom bought this necklace for my birthday, and I simply love it. I immediately pictured it with this dress. I kept the look pretty simple. 

Look 2: scarf (not scarf necklace) + colored flats

I also added some big earrings. I think statement earrings work well with a scarf. I think I found me a new "formula." 

Look 3: colored cardigan + matching shoes and necklace

Oh, hey, it's the yellow cardigan again. Surprise. I think what makes it go with everything is its length. Perfect length for a dress. I wish I could find this perfect length and fabric again, but I bought the cardigan so many years ago. Why didn't my past self understand how awesome this cardigan would be?

Look 4: printed cardigan + statement necklace + neutral shoes

I really love these colors together. And this necklace finishes off the look quite nicely. Feel free to substitute your printed cardigan for a printed blazer.

 

 Look 5: heels + leather jacket

I wanted to show you how to take this look on a date if you're jetting off from work to a restaurant. I also now understand why some women wear heels every day. Hello there, leg muscles. Nice to see you.

Sorry for the crappy photo quality. I haven't seen my mom in a week and a half.  Plus, this school year is going to be crazy, so I'm not sure I'll have time for fancy posts (or any posts) once the school year (including grad school, round two) begins. 

Teacher Style: Colored Tee

And the last shirt for the week is a colored tee. Pick one that lends itself to many of the patterns in your closet. I ended up getting six more shirts similar to this one at LOFT when they were having a buy one get one free promotion. I realized that solid color tees are something I seriously lack, yet am always searching my drawers for.

Top: LOFT

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There you have it, the end of shirt week. Next week, I hope to show you some cute dresses perfect for the classroom!

 

Teacher Style: Lace Shirt (and my birthday)

Well, I'm 30 years young today, and I'm still getting acne like a hormonal pubescent teenager. In fact, it sort of looks like an explosion hit my face, something that didn't even happen when I was a teenager. Am I actually getting younger? Is Benjamin Button my brother?

Anyway, feel free to send gifts my way. I will happily take them. And if you have clear skin, I hate you so bad right now.

 Top: Old Navy

Options: Christopher Banks, Nordstrom, Target

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Well, I included some casual Friday and everyday teacher looks for the lace shirt. It's probably a better choice for a bit cooler weather (unless yours is short-sleeved).

Which look is your favorite?

Teacher Style: Yellow Cardigan

I hope Kate is reading today because I know how much she loves this cardigan. I realized that she is not alone. Clearly, I keep reaching for this cardigan more than any other cardigan I own. It finds itself a part of so many outfits. I love its softness and length. Luckily for me, I own the same cardigan in a blue shade as well :)

Now, these looks all feature the yellow cardigan, but you can try similar looks with any colored cardigan. Use that imagination of yours. If you're a teacher, you clearly have one. Don't deny it.

Wow, right? Who would've thought?

Cardigan: Express (so very old like I-bought-it-in-high-school old)

Options: Nordstrom and August Silk (Macy's)

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(Oh, look, there's the floral shirt again.)

(I miss this chambray. I sort of wish I could have kept it, but it got way too short.)

Clearly, the yellow cardigan is versatile. It worked with colored bottoms, patterned tops, pendant necklaces, and statement necklaces. Good job, cardigan, you'll never find yourself in the donation pile. May you live forever. 

No, I see no dress looks here either. I don't know what's up with that. Hopefully, you'll see it make a reappearance for dress week next week :)

Teacher Style: Chambray

Today's shirt is everyone's new best friend: the chambray. I scoured the archives and found a lot of teacher looks featuring chambray, but actually not as many as I had anticipated, which I guess is good. I can fit only so many in my collage.

I recently bought a short-sleeve chambray, and I love it. I think it'll become more of a favorite than the current long-sleeve chambray I have from Old Navy. (I did not, however, include it in the collage, but you can find a look featuring it here.)

Chambray: Old Navy

  

(Obviously, you won't wear the hat for teaching, but I love the rest of the silhouette.) 

Dress down a fancy skirt with your chambray for work. (I'd wear different shoes, however. A pop of color, perhaps.)

Wear it with one of your printed skirts. Tuck it in or knot it in front of your skirt.

Layer it under or over one of your dresses. To tuck it under like I did here, knot it and then tuck the knot under.

Here is a cute fall/winter look for a casual Friday. If you're lucky, your mom is as awesome at crocheting as mine is.

Leave it untucked with a pair of colored skinnies and tall boots. Again, this look works well for a casual Friday or even an in-service day.

If you're not into skinny pants because they feel too informal, try a bootcut pant like these with your chambray. I like this look as well for a casual Friday or in-service day.

Okay, this look is fine for a day that's not casual. You can tuck yours in, but I liked the visual interest of the knotted shirt. Choose your own adventure. I added heels for more sophistication. 

As you can see, chambray does not have to serve just your casual Fridays. Tuck it into a skirt or button it over/under a dress, and you have yourself a dressier look. 

Which one would you actually wear to work?