rawr means i love you

In my opinion, when you have the right accessories, you can make everyday closet staples look like standouts. This Kate Spade T-Rex purse was just too much perfection to pass up, and adds the perfect pop of interest to an otherwise straightforward combo. It is pretty spendy - especially when you consider its limited functionality - but with tax refunds on their way, I say TREAT YO SELF!

This is the 2nd outfit in my teacher capsule wardrobe - I swear I am going to post a round-up of the pieces included in my capsule collection SOON - but until then you can check out my first outfit here (mock turtlenecks for the win!)

My comfort zone is certainly skinny cropped pants with an easy top, but I did try to take a little risk by layering this sweater shell over the tunic length button down. It feels a little 90s "Clueless", but I dig it! What risks have you taken with your everyday outfits lately??

{Shop These Pieces}

pants: Old Navy polka dot trousers

top: J.Crew Factory white button down (this longer tunic style can be worn so many creative ways, but this classic white button up is my favorite if you are looking for a more traditional style)

sweater: J.Crew Factory sweater shell

purse: Kate Spade T-Rex purse

shoes: J.Crew Factory flats (love the bows on this similar style, but also crushing on the x-straps from this pair)

sunglasses: Ray Ban aviators

watch: Daniel Wellington watch

All Photos: Noah Berg Photography

teacher swag

skirt: heather gray midi skirt c/o Morning Lavender 

sweater: J.Crew Factory "Clare" cardigan (+ they now have the "Caryn" cardigan in lots of fun colors for Spring!)

tank: J.Crew Factory racerback tank

bag: Pijama computer bag c/o Fab.com

shoes: J.Crew Factory tortoise bow flats (similar flats with a bow & without a bow)

necklace: vintage from my husband's grandmother (don't ever pass up on vintage pieces from relatives!!)

sunglasses: Carrera sunglasses c/o Sunglasses Shop

All Photos | Catherine Truman Photography

I wear a lot of midi skirts to work & love that I found this one from Morning Lavender! If you haven't shopped from Morning Lavender, you are totally missing out & without linking to every item currently available on their website, here are some not-to-be-missed pieces. If you are as in love with midi skirts as I am, this floral midi skirt is too pretty to pass up! Surprisingly, my husband loves a good romper, & this lace number is absolutely stunning! I don't *need* another tulle skirt, but if I was in the market, I would definitely be getting this polka dot tulle skirt. I can't get enough of the long sleeve maxi dress trend & although I tried to embrace the chambray off-the-shoulder dress last year & failed, I would be willing to give it another try with this dress. If we were going to Steeplechase or The Kentucky Derby this year, I would be torn between this scalloped dress (love that back!!), or this lace illusion dress.

In terms of perennial basics, this striped shift dress looks so comfy & gray purses will always been my favorite neutral handbag!

Just for your reference, that is only a tiny sliver of the amazing pieces that they have, & you will be pleasantly surprised by their prices too!

stripes + spots

sunglasses: Carrera sunglasses ℅ Sunglasses Shop

top: J.Crew Factory

jeans: "twiggy" jeans ℅ James Jeans

shoes: J.Crew Factory

purse: "Natalie" crossbody in cheetah print ℅ Vera Bradley 

All Photos | Kate Davis Photo

I've been in a sunglasses rut for a while, so when Sunglasses Shop reached out about trying out some new frames, I jumped at the chance to step out of my comfort zone & I am so happy I did! I love these oversized, slightly cat-eye sunnies from Carrera. I am amazing by the quality & can't get over how lightweight they are (seriously, I make everyone hold them to prove their feather light status!)

I've never been a designer sunglasses gal - well except for that one time in college when I splurged on a pair of Chanel glasses from eBay, only to promptly lean over the edge of a boat the first time I wore them - they dropped (along with my heart) into the water never to be seen again, & I swore off expensive shades from that moment on.

Now I have proved to myself that I am responsible enough to have nice things, and high quality sunglasses really do make all the difference! The selection of frames at Sunglasses Shop is incredible & I know I will be back for my next pair soon!

Lucky you! Sunglasses Shop is giving away a pair of designer sunglasses (excluding the polarized, titanium, and limited edition frames)! Enter the using the widget below & a random winner will be selected next weekend. (Worldwide entries are accepted!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway