Outfies? Can they be a thing?

Today, you receive crappy iPhone pictures. Some ladies have mastered the art of outfies (do you think I can make that word happen? It's like selfie meets outfit: outfies. Or is it like fetch from Mean Girls; I can't make it happen?) with the iPhone, but I have not. I want to blame it on the terrible apartment lighting, to which the let's-paint-the-walls-ceilings-and-baseboards-all-the-same-color room certainly contributes. Anyway, do you ever love an outfit so much that it must be memorialized in any way possible, no matter how grainy and terrible the photo quality is? Today's outfit might seem like nothing spectacular, but it scored me many compliments. Plus, I felt great wearing it, and who doesn't want to applaud an outfit like that? (Answer: anyone who does not openly and frequently post pictures of him or herself online.)

There's nothing a great scarf, comfortable heels, and a perfectly fitting dress cannot tackle.  Am I right?

Also, if you haven't voted yet for my student, please go here and vote for her to become a style blogger to watch for Teen Vogue! 

The Look:

Scarf: Target (last year)

Earrings: Francesca's (recent)

Dress: J.Crew Factory (I got it during a 50% off promotion. It's a comfortable dress with sleeves. Even though I'm not Catholic, I attend a lot of Catholic-type functions, so I love me a dress with sleeves. I believe in respecting the religious building I stand inside, and I know you technically shouldn't have bare shoulders in a Catholic church.)

Shoes: J.Crew Factory Sylvia wedges (which might be the best shoe purchase I've ever made...no lie...and they were 50% off)

Whoa, there I am.

Brief recap: I talked about participating in the Neiman Marcus beauty campaign (too many times, I do believe) here (making friends), here (the itinerary), and here (some things I learned). Anyway, my point of contact e-mailed me a few days ago to let me know that Neiman Marcus announced the campaign and the winners on Facebook and their blog, so I thought you might want to know more about the other winners and go read their brief bios.

Note: they say I'm from the D.C. area, but I do not actually live in D.C. I hail from Maryland, but D.C. is less than an hour from me. It might be the capitol of our nation and all, but it's pretty much a part of Maryland, right? Haha. (I'm better at geography than that; I can assure you. Sort of.) My face might be plastered all over this little corner of the internet, but it is still bizarre to see my face elsewhere in cyberspace.

Moving on, I kind of changed my system for getting pictures for the blog. I used to pick out my outfits on the weekend to prepare for the next week, but our weather (and my classroom) has been so unpredictable that I ended up changing outfits in real life. I want this blog to reflect what I actually wear, so I now have Mom take photos of most outfits after I wear them instead of before. Sure, they might be a tad wrinklier that way, but I also know before I have the pictures taken whether or not the outfit was practical for a full day of teaching/doing whatever I was doing when I wore it.

This outfit was really comfortable, and I just love the color combination. I also wore lime and cobalt last summer. I think that dress inspired my love of lime and cobalt together. Of course, we already know I love cobalt with pretty much anything. Can I now draw your attention to the cut of these pants? They're not skinny pants. Would you like to know how old they are? I will tell you: sixteen years old. My pants are as old as the students I teach. WHEN DID I GET HERE?

At least they haven't disintegrated like one of my dad's shirts. Honest to goodness, my Dad put on a shirt from high school, and half of the sleeve disappeared in a plume of smoke when he tried to put his arm in the armhole. The craziest magic trick I ever did see. If my dad is in his 60s and can still fit into clothes from high school, then I don't see why I can't be almost 30 and still fit into clothes from 8th grade. Combat boots and scrunchy socks aside, some of my adolescent style was classic. (Hey overalls, leggings, and crop tops made a comeback, and those were my wardrobe staples in the days of yore. I was so ahead of the times.)

I smirk at you.

The Look:

Shirt: Target

Cardigan: Target 

Belt: Target (whaaaat? I didn't even realize how Target-themed I was!)

Pants: Express via Gabriel Brothers (my favorite place to shop when I visited my grandparents' in Cumberland, MD)

Shoes: Sylvia wedges via J.Crew Factory (seriously, they are so comfortable.)

Earrings: local boutique

I wanted to show you my little earrings. They're so cute and tiny.

More tees, please.

Do you ever go on a hunt for more short-sleeved shirts and wonder what's up with the lack of prints? Despite my innate love for polka dots, stripes, and floral, I want some "different" prints. Can you give me a Jackson-Pollock-inspired top (like an "abstract" polka dot shirt)? What about a tee with chevron sleeves while the rest of it is solid colored? What about a pretty pink and white tee with ballerina shoes on it? A light yellow tee with little gray and white polka dotted bows? 

Now, blouses and button ups in a zillion prints seem to abound (even ones adorned with fruit exist!), but I find that those aren't as easy to tuck in as a fitted tee is. And, if you've spent any amount of time here, you know I typically prefer to tuck my shirts (this look excluded). Plus, long-sleeved button ups and blouses are impractical for warm weather. 

Which brings me to my next request: can someone make me short sleeved button ups? (None of this pullover nonsense; I don't enjoy getting stuck inside of my shirts.) Everything for spring can't possibly be sleeveless or long-sleeved. Sleeveless tops mean those of us in professions where we don't want to show our shoulders are forced to pair a cardigan with every top we wear. Sometimes, it's too blazing hot in our classroom or office to wear a cardigan. Just give me short sleeves, please. 

I know I say all of this while donning a polka dot shirt and a leather jacket. In my defense, it was still cool enough to wear another layer. 

I'm probably alone in my request, which is why no one is selling more of what I want. Ho hum. 

The Look:

Top: Express

Leather Jacket: Wilson's Leather (got it for like $35 on Black Friday)

Jeans: American Eagle

Shoes: Me Too via DSW (a few years old)

What I Did with Neiman Marcus

Should I call this post Hanging out with Neiman Marcus in Dallas, part two? Today, let's talk about the itinerary.

Day 1:
* Wake up at 3:45 in the morning, stumble around the apartment in a sleepy delirium, feel thankful that husband makes delicious breakfast every day, and leave the apartment by 5a.m.

* Arrive at airport, feel thankful husband is a veteran at flying and happily prints out boarding passes for Mom and me, stand in security long enough to realize that bottle of water is creeping up on my bladder and glare at Mom for managing to get through the "quick" line, fight with buckles on shoes and curse myself for wearing said shoes, and make it onto flight.

* Give Mom oil to put behind her ears in an attempt to prevent motion sickness, find out Mom is allergic to eucalyptus which is in said oil, furiously wipe behind Mom's ear with a wet one in order to remove eucalyptus oil, and make it to Dallas. (Mom white knuckled the arm rests for the entire flight.)

* Wait for baggage at baggage claim, watch as an old woman in a wheelchair tossed her cat in a glorified duffle bag onto the floor and lint rolled the cat while it was in the bag, wait around for the driver who finally got a hold of me, make it to the hotel.

* After exiting the car, photographers and videographers filmed me as I entered the hotel, the Joule. I wondered why they'd want proof of how haggard I looked after waking up early and sleeping on a plane. Thankfully, I had the foresight to put on lipstick before exiting the car. I entered and exited the building several times so that they could get multiple shots.

* After I met the coordinators and checked in, I face timed two of my colleagues so that I could show them our sweet hotel room.

* I met another one of the winners, and we hit it off immediately. We had a chance to check out the Neiman Marcus store a few blocks down from the hotel. They asked us to enter and exit the store several times (I was beginning to feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog's Day) as they videotaped and photographed. At one point, a grody guy leaned out of the passenger side of a Honda Civic and yelled, "How much, ladies?" Right away, I felt a little slice of Baltimore was right there in the heart of Dallas.

* At the store, two of us had our fitting. (The first girl I met.) SO MANY pretty and expensive clothes. I ended up picking a navy Kate Spade sweater dress and a white Theory blazer. Another blazer to add to my collection? I don't mind if I do. I got to keep the outfit! The stylist had awesome, curly, gray hair and glasses like Edna from The Incredibles.

* After our fittings, we decided to get something to eat because we were hangry. My friend who now lives in Texas and my cousin met up with Mom, my new friend, and me. We ate at a nice little restaurant on the corner of St. Paul and Main Street called Wild Salsa.

* We had a little more down time and then met up with everyone for dinner at the hotel. The chicken was the most delicious chicken I have ever tasted. I know it's weird to rave about chicken, but the chicken was scrumptious.

Note: Every winner was paired up with a Beauty Department Manager, who was our point of contact before the event and during the event. Mine was Claudio, and I don't think they could've paired me up with a better person!

* My new friend, Mom, and I all sat at the bar after dinner and chatted before bed.

* Bed time.

Day 2:

* Wake up at buttcrack of dawn. Play in coolest shower ever for 45 minutes. Spend 15 of those minutes trying not to scald the crap out of myself.

* The same girl they paired me up with for the fitting was the same girl I went in for make up and hair with. Make up and hair at 7 a.m. with the funniest make-up artist whom I told to do whatever it took to prevent me from looking haggard.

* At this point, things get a little hazy for awhile because things were so jam packed that it took me three hours to finish my breakfast of a muffin and fruit. It consisted of four things:
      -- Video interview of just me on camera
      -- Photoshoot with Claudio, the manager paired up with me (they wanted to pictures of the
        manager showing us how to do something)
      -- Group shot of all the managers and winners
      -- Video shoot with Claudio (same as the photoshoot but moving pictures)

* After all of the pictures and videos, I had to return to reality.

The campaign launches in August because it's for the fall. (I realize a white blazer doesn't scream fall, but their wardrobe choices weren't really very fall-like. Of course, I didn't have much of a problem with that. I think navy and white work all year round, no?)

In the future, I'll be telling you more about some of the products I received. (I am SO excited to try Neulash!)

Since I wanted to look more "fall" like, I wore this outfit with booties instead of these shoes. However, I really like this look. 

The Look:

Shirt: LOFT (new--exact in light lobster)

Skirt: Francesca's (also worn here and here)

Shoes: Me Too via DSW (also worn here)

Belt: Target

Seriously, who knew this $15 skirt would get so much mileage? 

What an all star. 

Dress it Up & Dress it Down

I think I made it pretty clear on Monday that it takes tiny tweaks to bring an outfit from casual wear to work wear by keeping the look in the same color family. Look at how lucky you are. Today, we're taking a look at how hats and shoes make a big difference in an outfit's overall vibe. I make things simple. Flats for day, something with a bit of a heel for night. Hats for day, no hat at night. But maybe you wear your sunglasses at night. (If you started singing that song, I love you. If you don't know the song, educate yourself.) If it gets stuck in your head, you're welcome.

Every now and then, I take a look at what images from my blog get the most pins. Everyone's favorites seem to come from my Teacher Wardrobe Series, and this pin has received a bit of love. Anyway, that's not my point, which I am taking too long to reach. The point is that I just realized the skirt in the top right of the picture in this pin is one I recently bought on thredUP! HAHA. What a fun coincidence. I don't know why I told you this information, but do with it what you will.

(P.S. If you want to search the images people pin from your blog, type the following into the URL box:  pinterest.com/source/YOUR BLOG URL minus the http business. For example, searching pins pinned from my blog would be the following URL: pinterest.com/source/littlebitofwowe.blogspot.com)

You're welcome.  

Today, I learned a fun bit of information from one of the science teachers. He told me that they're doing studies right now which show how zig zag black and white patterns confuse sharks, so they avoid them. Apparently, sharks will just swallow up someone wearing a black wet suit (I assume it makes you look like a seal); however, they see the black and white zig zag pattern as "unnatural" and won't attack it. Additionally, poisonous water snakes have the same kind of coloring, which is further reasoning for them to avoid that pattern. Moral of the story? 

BUY A CHEVRON PRINTED BATHING SUIT THIS YEAR, LADIES. 

You're welcome. Again.

You have so much to be thankful for after reading this post. 

Look #1: Ready for Play

The Look:

Shirt: Mudd via Kohl's 

Blazer: via Marshall's (love this Target option)

Skirt: J.Crew Factory 

Flats: Steve Madden via DSW (similar)

Necklace: The Limited (love this one from Francesca's)

Hat: Target...I think (love this men's version)

Belt: Old Navy

Look 2: Ready for Work

Shoes: J. Crew Factory

(I love how comfortable these shoes are, so I'm waiting on them in black. I wait until they have a 50% off sale, and they seem to have one once a month.)

Disclaimer: I wore neither of these outfits to work because a cold front blew through town. As a result, I had to opt for black tights and black boots, a look I still loved. 

I also wore the skirt this way:

The wedges this way:

The blazer this way:

Linking up with

* Shanna (http://becauseshannasaidso.blogspot.com) 

* Pleated Poppy (www.thepleatedpoppy.com/blog) 

For the record, my inspiration for this combination came from Tara over at Mix and Match Fashion :)

Looking Lucky in Pastels

I love this skirt so much more than I should for a skirt that cost so little (less than $20 coming from somewhere far beyond the big pond) and was "one size fits all." It appears my parents' puppy, Rudy, loves this skirt as much as I do. As soon as I walked outside wearing it, he skittered around my legs and just sat. Ready for his close up. If I could just buy a home with lots of land and manage a dog kennel, I think life would be complete. If I didn't work with teenagers, I'd work with pups. Sometimes, they're pretty much the same thing. (Or smell the same.)

So, I fly out to Dallas on Monday morning. I cannot settle on what to wear. So far, I know we're going to dinner at a really nice restaurant, I have to be on a plane, and I don't know what else. What is Dallas like this time of year? Someone pack my bags for me. I'm at a loss.

Oh, and today is my last day participating in the April Challenge. I wanted to have another look featuring pastels so that I didn't shirk my "give each theme a new post" responsibilities. Plus, I presented myself another opportunity to wear this skirt, and that's always a good thing. I just realized that this look includes so many accidental trends: floral, brights, midi skirt, and pastels. Aren't those just spring things? I think so. Can pasty legs be a new trend? That'd be great.

The Look:

Shirt: Old Navy (exact)

Cardigan: Banana Republic via thredUP -- similar from Target with scalloped edges!

Skirt: some obscure company on Amazon (find a shorter version on Top Shop for $30)

Heels: Naturalizer (SO comfortable!) -- similar by Madden Girl

Belt: New York & Co. (I love their belts.) 

Mom and Dad gave Rudy and his brother, Sammy, hair cuts. As a result, you can see Rudy's eyes much better, and he's a billion times cuter, which I didn't even know was possible. Seriously though, look at those eyeballs. Adorable doesn't even begin to cover it. 

This picture kills me. He tried crawling up my legs at one point. This point, in fact.

Almost every picture is of me laughing like this.

This pup is Sammy, and I love those ears. He wasn't infatuated with my outfit, but he loves sitting on laps. 

Linking up with

* Trend Spin Link Up (http://www.walkinginmemphisinhighheels.com) 

* Style Sessions (http://stylelixir.com)

Pickles Solve Everything.

When Mom "babysat" me for a few hours the day after my surgery last week, I popped up from the couch (okay, at that point, there was no "popping up" of any sort, but I digress) and declared, "I want a pickle. I don't know why, but every time I feel like poo, I want a pickle. I talked to Jeremy [that's my brother] and he said he wants to eat only pickles when he's sick. They're like a magic elixir." What did Mom say in return? She feels the same way about pickles. And the pickles can be only dill pickles; no other will suffice. We share pickle sick cravings it appears. Of course, one must be careful not to consume too many pickles because that can induce another type of "sickness." And that kind of "sickness" makes me want to unfriend myself and run as far away from me as possible.

Another weird observation for you: sinus surgery might have helped with my complexion. I know this is so odd, which is no surprise coming from me, but, as Mom said, my face doesn't look so "angry." I had a lot of inflammation/redness on my cheeks, which we're thinking might have been because I had snot stuck in my face. My septum was so deviated that the snot couldn't run away inside my face, so maybe it was trying to run away outside of my face? I don't know. Either way, my face is looking and feeling so much better already. No, I am not looking forward to the follow-up appointment when the doctor will suck more things out of my face on Friday, but nothing can be as bad as the unpacking process. If women were ordered to give birth through their noses, I would venture to say that's exactly what the unpacking process is: things far too enormous are exiting holes far too small. You're welcome for the imagery.

Sorry for going on and on and on and on the past few days about my sinuses, but I think this post brought back the funny. Aren't you happy to read me in my true form? No? Well then, let me distract you with a pretty outfit.

Also, would you mind telling me how you feel about this skirt on me? It has pockets (HELLO!?), and I love its length/color, but I am wondering if it looks too voluminous on me? It's definitely my size, but I'd love to know if it works for my bottom half.

(At least my stalker is cute?)

The Look:

Cardigan: New York & Co. (gift from my sister in law--I love this cardigan! I wish I didn't search for a similar one online because now I want ALL of these.)

Top: Old Navy (navy & white from Target)

Skirt: Poshmark (lions79 has a cuuuute closet) but it's J.Crew (similar)

Heels: J.Crew Factory (exact)

 Look at me bringing sexy back.

I'm linking up with these cool cats today:

* What I Wore to Work: http://www.mixmatchfashion.com/

* Look What I Got (for cheap): http://pennilesssocialite.blogspot.com/

* Three-fer Thursdays: http://www.everydayfashionandfinance.com

* Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday: http://vodkainfusedlemonade.com/

What's in a name?

Yesterday, I snuck it in that my middle name is Danielle. You see, my first name is Heather, but only my flamboyant music teacher in second grade and one of my brother's creepy friends in high school ever called me by the name. Mom and Dad knew from day one that they'd call me Danielle. Mom, however, believes that Heather Danielle has a certain ring to it that Danielle Heather just does not. Dad picked Heather, and Mom picked Danielle in an attempt to name me after Dad whose name is Danny. She argued that she would never name her son "Danny Ray Jr.," so here I am. A Danielle who thinks poop stories and fart jokes are funny.

I guess I should be grateful that Dad prevented Mom from making her first choice: Sammy Jo. I'm from a county affectionately dubbed "Cow" County, so I cannot imagine the overall covered life I could have led as Sammy Jo. (Granted, overalls are making a huge fashion splash these days.) Thankfully for Mom, she can rest easily now that she has a puppy named Sammy.

When I finally change my last name--I realize we are on year three of marriage, but it took him seven to pop the question, which means I can take my sweet time changing names--my maiden name will become my new middle name.

There you have it.

Come back tomorrow, and I will share with you some BIG news. News that makes me look way cooler than I am in real life.

The Look:

Blazer: Express (SO VERY OLD--I had to cut off the "straps" that came with it. So weird.)

Shirt: The Limited (similar) 

Skirt: LOFT (exact)

Shoes: J.Crew Factory (really comfortable...I want them in black.)

Necklace: The Limited 

Once again, I am participating in Sarah's April Challenge and today's theme is lace. 

Also linking up with 

* Shanna (http://becauseshannasaidso.blogspot.com) 

* Pleated Poppy (www.thepleatedpoppy.com/blog)

Rock and Roll

If we handed out awards for best Trendy Tuesday attire, one of the women in my department would have won this week for "Un-Anything." She wore pigtails (unattractive), an untucked flannel shirt, and carried around a fake cigarette (unprofessional). She killed it this week, so I told her to pick next week's theme. I like them more and more every week. Next week's theme is ROCK AND ROLL.

In honor of next week's theme, I'm showing you one of my recent (and most favorite) weekend outfits featuring some distressed ROCKSTAR jeans (how appropriate), which I consider very rock and roll. Yes, let those good times roll.

If you're at all curious what kind of e-mails I send to my colleagues about Trendy Tuesday, here is next week's:

Good afternoon, 

I know you look forward to this e-mail every week. Do not try to deny it. 

If we handed out awards for best dressed on Trendy Tuesdays, [insert colleague's name here] would have won this week. As a result, I told her that her "prize" was to pick next week's theme, and she's got a good one for us: Rock and Roll. 

Maybe some leather? Maybe some buckles? Maybe some killer boots? Maybe dig out that Rolling Stones tee? Maybe some distressed jeans? Maybe just all black? Limitless options, folks. 

[Insert Music Tech teacher's name here], I'm counting on you for this one. Yes, I expect greatness. Maybe even a song. 

Stay stylish, fellow Hillions (see what I did there?),

Danielle

(FYI, blogland: The word Hill is in our school name.)

The Look:

The jacket: I found it at my parents' house. One of my brother's previous girlfriends (he's been married for 4 years) left it, and now it's MINE. However, I would like a nicer replacement.

The jeans: Old Navy Rockstars (these are so smooth; I want to pet them every day. Buy here.)

The necklace: Old Navy for $2.50! I win. (similar)

The top: LOFT (gift from Mrs. Santa Claus--similar)

The wedges: J.Crew Factory (exact)

I bought these wedges based on Fran's review, and I love love love them. I score them on a 50% off sale at J.Crew Factory. I might have to get the black ones when another sale comes along because I love them so much. 

Linking up with

* Favorite Fashion Friday http://pennilesssocialite.blogspot.com/

* Style Elixir's Fab Friday (http://stylelixir.com) 

I wore these wedges in a fancy way, too:

original post

I wore the leather jacket this way, too:

original post

Let the Interviews Commence

Today, my juniors finally take part in mock interviews, a graduation requirement where I teach. I prepared for the occasion by bringing two black blazers, a black pencil skirt, a lint roller, thread/needles, straight pins, and some wrinkle releaser. If we have a mishap or someone needs a wardrobe change, I should be able to help in some way, shape, or form. I'll MacGyver that ish. 

What I'm wearing in today's post is definitely interview appropriate. It has personality without being distracting. A sartorially savvy interviewer might even ask me where I found such a lovely colored blazer. In fact, another junior teacher (who knows about this here blog) told his students, "If Ms. Wo would wear it to school, then you're okay to wear it for an interview." HAHA. Yesterday, I told my female students, "I'm going to be like your dad before your first date: if I don't like what you're wearing, I'm sending you back upstairs to change. Don't think I won't." 

They giggled. Nervously.

I have been looking for months and months for a leopard print shirt that did not assault my eyes. I found this beauty on the Banana Republic sale rack for $25, which excited me because of the price and the fact that I saw it online a month or two ago, wanted it badly, but refused to pay the higher price at the time. Good things come to those who wait. Yes, indeedy. 

Also, this week must be unintentionally mustard/yellow themed. I've worn mustard several days in a row. I think someone is ready for spring. Spring weather, to be exact.

The Look:

Blazer: Vince Camuto via Nordstrom 

Sleeveless Leopard Print Blouse: Banana Republic

Pants: Slim leg Columnist Pant from Express

Belt: Target

Patent nude wedges: J.Crew Factory

Necklace: Sale rack at Francesca's 

Linking up with

* Shanna (http://becauseshannasaidso.blogspot.com) 

* Pleated Poppy (www.thepleatedpoppy.com/blog) 

What I Wore to Work: Teacher Style

This week, I keep sitting down to write something, but my brain has farted. I cannot recover it. 

My sophomores have zapped my brain cells with their ridiculous shenanigans this week. 

I create a step-by-step outline for them that tells them what to write in every.single.spot, and they say, "I didn't know what to do" after it was due. Why am I not allowed to use a Nerf or water gun to pelt or spray some sense into them? WHY? Today, one student asked what to do for an assignment that I explained three times and had directions projected on the screen. (I pride myself on being really good at giving directions, but what good are directions if the person following them does not open his or her ears?) Luckily, another student responded, very sarcastically, first: "Oh, I don't know. The directions aren't on the screen or anything." Thank you, other teenagers, for saying what would have included an expletive if it came from my mouth.

I love my job, but they are trying the hell out of my patience this week. 

The Look:

Blazer: LOFT (similar)

Sweater: The Limited (another sparkle sweater)

Pants: Exact Stretch via The Limited (similar)

Shoes: Nine West via Marshall's (similar)

 

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Linking up with...

* What I Wore to Work
* All Things Thursday
* Three-fer Thursdays
* Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday
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