August 30, 2013 day 5 of year 19 TGIF!

It's Friday and a three day weekend!  This calls for Bermuda shorts!  These shorts are a skinny blue/white stripe and are from The Loft.  With heels, they are perfect for work.  Instead of a white t-shirt, I used this red shirt from Talbot's.  

The scarf is from Nordstrom Rack and continues my love of all things nautical.  

The jean jacket (Target) came in handy when the temperature in the library was sub-freezing.  

It has been a great first week of year 19!  

August 29, 2013 day 4 of year 19

I knew that we would be having our first fire drill of the year today so I planned my outfit around these cute and comfy flat sandals.  Normally, I can't wear a flat shoe all day and not have pain.  But these are from Bjorn so they have enough cushion to keep my arches from screaming.  I got them at TJ Maxx for about half price.  Score!

My shirt is J. Crew outlet and yes, it matches everything.  Sleeves up, sleeves down, t-shirt under, sweater over...it always looks great.  The skirt is Lands End Canvas.  It's a very skinny red/white stripe.  If you're thinking nautical, you are correct!  I love the pockets and this style is always flattering for me.

The scarf is GAP.  My library goes from freezing cold to kind-of-warm so this scarf was off and on throughout the day as the temperature changed.  It's covered in elephants which was perfect since I was reading Ella the Elegant Elephant with first grade today.

August 28, 2013 day 3 of year 19

Today's outfit is a nod to my love of all things nautical!  White pants in any style are always a classy look.  I decided to be brave and mix patterns with my shirt and jacket.  The pants are from Vineyard Vines.  I found them at Filene's Basement several years ago and care for them as if they are my third child because they fit me perfectly.  The shirt is J. Crew Outlet.  I love it because it can go dressy or casual and it's covered in anchors!  Even the buttons on the top have anchors!  It's the small details that make me happy.

I found this jacket at a consignment shop here in Baltimore called "Vogue Revisited".  Each visit takes me about 2 hours and that doesn't include time for trying on outfits.  I may have paid $15 for it and of course, it goes with multiple outfits.

The shoes are Kenneth Cole.  I distinctly remember paying full price for them, which doesn't happen often, but I knew they would match almost everything in my summer closet and they have a nautical theme.  They also have a wedge made of cork which makes them super comfy.  I've had them for at least 5 years so I know I've gotten my money's worth.  I love a deal but I hate cheap shoes.  Being on my feet all day, cheap shoes are never worth it.  I learned early in my career that I might as well throw money out of my car window as buy cheap shoes.  These are starting to show their years but I'll hold on to them as long as I can because I know it'll be hell to find a pair to replace them.

August 27, 2013 day 2 of year 19

I decided to keep the dress theme rolling today with this black shirt dress from J. Crew.  This dress has a great story and great lesson.  This spring my girlfriend Julie and I hit up a neighborhood yard sale.  We found a lot of great buys including this dress.  Except the dress was missing a button on the bottom so the woman gave it to me for free!  The buttons are unique and I thought that I would have a hard time finding a replacement.  But when I looked at the dress closely, I realized that there were buttons all over this dress that could be moved around without anyone noticing.  I took the two off the breast pockets and used one to replace the lost one on the bottom.  The second one I saved for a back up.  In about 5 minutes, I had myself a dress that was in perfect condition!  

The gold belt is from the Ralph Lauren outlet.  It was around $10 and it goes with everything!  A lesson I learned several years ago was to immediately replace any belt that comes with your dress with a different one.  The dress came with a black belt made of the same fabric as the dress.  It doesn't add anything to the dress so I use the gold one instead.  

The shoes are Aigner.  I got them at Macy's several years ago; on sale, and yes they go with almost everything!  Are you starting to see the pattern?

Feeling great and looking great made day 2 a success!

August 26, 2013 First day of year 19!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Today is the first day of my 19th year of teaching!  This calls for something special and to me that means Diane Von Furstenberg!  This August I went to NYC with my sister-in-law Becky http://www.bisforbecky.com and we headed to the DVF store in SOHO.  I fell in love with this black/pink/white graphic wrap dress and knew it was perfect for the first day.

While I was in the dressing room I learned three important lessons.  One, a bandeau bra is a great way to get a little more coverage without the bulk of a camisole top.  For school, I need that little bit of extra coverage.  Two, there is a specific way to tie the DVF wrap dress that makes it stay in place all day long.  And three, the rule for tying is always a knot, never a bow!  The employees told me that Diane herself told them this rule.  Who am I to go against Diane herself?

The shoes are from Talbots.  I scored them at their outlet for a fraction of the original price.  I wear them with everything and to anywhere, including my cousin's wedding in Philadelphia in January!  The orange bag is from Lands End.  It's the bag that leaves the house with me everyday.  It's large enough for my purse, lunch bag, work folders, pencil bag and umbrella.  There's also a strap for your keys so I never have to search through the bag for them.  And of course, it's monogramed!  

With an outfit like this, I knew I'd have a great first day!