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

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

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.)

Seersucker and Fuchsia

Is "fuschia" not really a color? Because Safari's automatic spell checker is kirking out over here. Safari MUST be a dude.

EDIT: Apparently, half the world and I have been misspelling fuchsia as fuschia. Most annoying part? Autocorrect just NOW corrected it, but not the first time I fought with the spelling. English teacher fail.ure.

Wife: "Honey, is this more of a white or an ivory?"
Husband: "What's the difference?"

Crikey, I can't even get my husband to tell the difference between "husband, these already look awful, so they can be worn to change oil, catch a fish, or roll around in the grass" shorts and "husband, these are nice, unstained, and worth a pretty penny, so if you wear these, I will spritz lemon juice in your eyeballs" shorts. As if I could get him to tell the difference between colors. Unless it's the paint color for a Corvette. Or any vehicle.

I digress.

P.S. It's our two year wedding anniversary tomorrow. However, we've been together for a total of nine whopping years. Hot diggity dog.

I wore this outfit the other week to run errands, one of which involved a trip into Kohl's. Obviously.

Typically, I avoid shorts because they give me unnecessary wedgies. Not like any wedgie is actually necessary. Unless you ask my brother who hanged me by my pants on a doorknob...for two and a half hours. He felt that wedgie was necessary.

Whew, what a manhating post.

Look! A cute puppy!

As for the outfit, here 'tis.

The Look:

Seersucker Shorts: The Limited

Top: The Limited

Flats: Target

Belt: Target

The Details:

Occasion: Errand running (read: shopping)

When: Day time (so, casual it is)

Where: About town

Comfort Rating: Any outfit involving shorts automatically earns an 8 or less. These shorts are just the right length, so an 8 they earn. However, I should give the outfit a 7 only because trying to untuck a shirt and undo a belt in a dressing room is annoying because retucking and belting is sucky. Not an easy access outfit for the purpose of trying on other clothes. 

Note: Originally, I put on a white shirt with these shorts, a brown belt, and brown shoes. (I like the brown, white, and blue combo.) Buuuut, I decided to switch up the color combination a bit and choose fuschia instead. Is that okay? It's okay if you say no. I'll still like it. And you. 

Oh, and hoo-ray for the first day back for teachers. 

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 :)

Cobalt and Lime

School ends this week, and my brain is at a complete loss for words. I'm lucky I remember to wear shoes to work let alone offer you anything witty for contemplation. 

I'll tell you a few things:

1. I love bright colors.

2. Cobalt is my favorite color.

3. Lime might be my second favorite color (either that or yellow)

4. This dress feels like pajamas. 

I particularly love it when my hair blows across my face in such a way that it looks like I have a mustache. 

Thank you, sun, for making me look so angelic.

Awesome wind.

The Outfit

Dress: Apt. 9 via Kohl's (exact)

Cardigan & Earrings: Target (similar)

Shoes: Jennifer Lopez via Kohl's (exact)

Linking up with Molly.

Pep Talk & an $8 dress

It's that time of year again. No, it's not a jolly 'oliday with Mary. (I might be the only one on the inside of that joke.) It's the end of the school year. The end of the school year brings with it bucket loads of stress for so many people. I find myself wanting to throat punch students who obnoxiously whine (is there any other kind?) because they have to study since they didn't pay attention the first fifty times their teachers covered the material that will now end up on their exams. Teachers are spread thin with exam creation, make-up work from students who should've had better sense to complete it sooner, frantic, my-kid-has-to-earn-an-A parents, and all other sorts of nonsense. I used to be type A, but I've taught myself to just say, "whatever. It'll get done." I've probably tacked ten years back onto my life by adopting this mindset. The truth is that I know that I won't accomplish things any quicker by stressing about them. In fact, I'm the kind of person who's paralyzed by stress. (I'm aware that some of you are fueled by it, and I sure do feel sorry for you.) If I feel overwhelmed, I shut down. To avoid this tragic outcome, I take a few deep breaths and remind myself, "It's cool. It'll get done, Danielle. You always get it done." Good pep talk, self. 

I think we so desperately want to please everyone--our bosses, our kids, our students, our clients, our spouses, our parents, our friends, our whatever--that we leave nearly no room for ourselves. When that happens, almost no one gets the best of who we can be. We say yes so often that we sometimes cannot remember what we've said yes to doing. As a result, tasks remain undone and favors end up forgotten. Later, we kick ourselves for not being good enough when the problem is not our being good enough; it's our taking on too much because we care so much. Whoever said "I can only please one person a day and today is just not your day" is probably off drinking a delicious beverage with an umbrella in it because they've figured it all out in a way most of us have not. (I'd stereotype and say that "us" really means women, but I know that would be unfair. A lot of dudes are the same way. I guess.) 

Here's the thing: no is one of the first words we overuse as toddlers and one of the first words we don't say enough as adults. To save your sanity, improve one of your relationships, get more sleep, or feel less cranky, I challenge all of you to reteach yourself the word that two-year-old you was so wise to love.

And on to the real reason you visit me here at this little ol' blog. My awesome fashion sense. 

My husband decided to take a selfie first. 

Based on my wardrobe choices, I'm pretty sure my favorite colors are yellow and blue. I can't stop wearing them.  

I think this bow completes the entire ensemble.

The following image freaked me out on Google+ (when did it start making these!?), so I'm freaking you out, too. I feel like the image's soundbite should say, "WEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"

The Outfit:

Dress: Target for $8 on the clearance rack

(I own it in black and stripes. IT HAS POCKETS.)

Flats: Nine West via Marshall's

Belt: New York & Co.

Blazer: Express

Arrow necklace: Stella and Dot

Bow clip: Forever 21

While taking these pictures, Jeff exclaimed, "you need a tan." Thank you for the vote of confidence, sweet husband of mine. 

Linking up here, here, and here. 

Coral & Navy & Craaaazy.

Today, it happened.

One of my students informed me that I was wearing pants that she owns. Exact color. Exact store. Exact brand. Not the exact pair. That'd be creepy. Of course, I probably paid less since Momma dukes poops 30% off coupons for Kohls. 

Riddle me this: if my student owns these pants, then why is she always wearing sweatpants to school? Furthermore, why ARE people always wearing sweats, yoga pants, or leggings in public? I mean, if you just finished an intense Bikram session (I still contend that yoga is cruel and unusual punishment for an overactive sphincter), super. Get down with your spandex or sweatsuit self. Are you running a 118 degree fever and need some sludge from CVS in order to reenter humanity? Okay, I'll let you slide. 

How.ev.er, If you just finished learning at a desk in a climate-controlled classroom, why do you need to wear these items of clothing every day? And don't give me the "but they're comfortable" excuse. I'm not buying what you're selling. I own plenty of jeans that are as comfortable as sweats. In fact, I own many dresses and skirts that rival all sweats, leggings, and yoga pants. Sloppy on occasion is acceptable. Sloppy by nature? Not cool. Unless it's your rap name. And then it's really not cool. 

If I look like crap on a stick, then I feel like crap on a stick. I can kiss all productivity goodbye. However, if I feel like a hot tamale, then I'll be on fire all day. I speak the truth. 

Dress for success and stay classy, San Diego. 

(If only I didn't hate Will Ferrell so much...)

You probably don't care about my redundant rant, and that's okay with me. I do hope you like my outfit; however, I'll still wear it even if you don't dig it. If I avoided wearing what people made fun of me for, then I never would have rocked those bell bottom leggings in elementary school. (Seriously, if you're going to wear leggings, at least be cool like mini me and wear bell bottom leggings.) I miss those pants. And all of my flannel shirts. Oh, wait, I've already accrued a healthy collection of adult-sized flannel shirts. Giggity.  

Outfit Deets:

Pants: Elle via Kohl's (exact--I seriously want them in orchid, too.)

Blazer: Marshall's (similar)

Shirt: Target 

Belt: NY & Co.

Earrings: Target 

Scarf: Made by Momma dukes, of course ;) 

Shoes: I think they're Mia. I know they're from DSW. 

Linking up with Molly, the Pleated Poppy, Style Elixir, Tori, and Shanna

Gorilla Arm Syndrome

Tonight, I came home to my husband blaring "club" music and cooking a delicious dinner. How did I get so lucky? We proceeded to have a dane party in the kitchen because we're the coolest Friday night couple, of course. I say that as I type this blog post and he buys gifts on Amazon. Bom diggity right here. 

Anyway, Jeff was probably dancing because he knew that I would not be bothering him to take outfit pictures. I seized the dressing room opportunity and snapped some pictures of today's outfit.

Can I tell you that I can't just wear a simple cardigan anymore? Keeping this blog makes me realize that I am showcasing my style to more than just my classroom full of teenagers, so I try to be on my game. Today, my game consisted of some army green, leopard, and gold. Winning combination? Perhaps. 

FYI: Sometimes, when I try to wear button downs with cardigans, I get one arm in just fine, but then the other button down sleeve is disproportionately long compared to the first one I put on, so I end up with a cardigan that looks  off balance. Why does this happen!? I am convinced that one of my arms is longer than the other one. I need to force myself to put on the right sleeve first and see if the same thing happens on the left, but I appear to be a creature of habit. Either way, I think I compensated nicely. Gorilla arms and all. 

Button down & necklace: NY & Co.

Shoes & cardigan: Target

Jeans: Express 

Oh, and leather dresses are not meant for women like me. I'll stick to leather coats and nothing else. Awkward sauce.

That's how it went.

Why must Banana Republic be so expensive?

The video is quite short, but if you want the Reader's Digest version, here it is on the right.

Sweater: Target
Blue and white striped button down: Banana Republic
Silver belt: NY & Co.
Jeans with bedazzled butt: NY & Co.
Hair: learned how to do it on YouTube