mix, match, repeat

sweater: J.Crew Factory university sweater (now on super sale)

tank: J.Crew Factory tank (one of my favorite layering pieces)

skirt: J.Crew Factory pencil skirt

shoes: ShoeMint blue suede pumps (also found similar blue heels at Sole Society: 1 // 2 // 3)

purse: Michael Kors crossbody purse

All Photos | Catherine Truman Photography

It's been a month since I posted my last #teacherstyle post & I didn't want you to think that I haven't been wearing anything to work, more like I have been wearing the exact same thing to work every. single. day.

These are the dark days of teaching - like literally it is dark when I wake up & dark when I get off - & my motivation to look cute at 5:30 am has really been lacking!

I got both this skirt & sweater from my parents for Christmas (thanks guys!) & it is a cuter version of my recent uniform rut. Most days I pull a sweater, skirt, black tights & my Dansko clogs out from the closet (in the dark, while my husband & pups slumber... no bitterness... okay maybe a little bitterness for my little sleeping beauties!), hope that they mix & repeat the same process 5 times a week.

My thoughts on the recent work style rut:

1. I could never live in a place that has longer Winters because I don't know how anyone wears tights for more than 60 days straight!

2. I really need to figure out my whole work pants situation - I have been saying that for YEARS, & every couple of months, I order a pair, but none have ever worked out. I really just need to dedicate myself to the task & figure. it. out! I was recently looking for Spring pants & ordered this pair of denim trousers from J.Crew Factory - they were ca-razy long & weird in the crotch on me. This pair of linen trousers look so cute on the model but were a wrinkled disaster the moment I moved in them. Le sad.

3. I don't care what anyone says, some days my Dansko clogs are the only thing on the planet that understand me. Pretty? Eh, not so much, but I don't think the 12 year olds notice! (Disclaimer: these heels were worn only for photogenic reasons, there were too cute with the rest of the outfit & I couldn't help myself! Thank you for allowing my indulgence.)

 

Anyone else in a work style rut?

Any answers to the age old question - why do work pants have to be the most unforgiving article of clothing EVER?!?!?

Shop my favorite sweater + pencil skirt combos below:

work break

Some people might say that it is unfair that teachers get Summers off. Others (mostly teachers) claim that because teachers work so hard during 9 months of the year, they deserve Summers off. Me? I have no clue how I lucked into these 6 weeks off, but I am going to take it!

You will not be seeing many "work" or "teacher style" posts from me over the coming weeks, as school doesn't start back until the first week of August. But I did want to kick off my work hiatus with this outfit. 

I found this polka dot pencil skirt on the super super clearance rack at J.Crew Factory, & for $15 I just couldn't pass it up! Polka dots are my weakness & I am always looking for cheap pencil skirts as my work uniform is typically button down + pencil skirt + low heels/flats.

On my normal shopping trip, I usually skip the sale section as I am not one to put in the work that it takes to dig through to find the gems, but this skirt was sitting pretty on the end of a rack, literally calling my name (I think I have lost the ability to use the work "literally" correctly).

Then I got it home. It fits *almost* right. When I walk, the skirt spins like crazy. I think this might be improved by a bit of nipping & tucking at the waist. But overall I'm kind of disappointed that I spent $15 on something that I am not totally in LOVE with. This shopping thing can be hard! Building a cohesive wardrobe is super challenging! However, I am walking away with a renewed belief in the fact that if I am not head over heals in love with the piece, it can't come home with me, regardless of how sweet those mark downs on the tag might be!

How do you add to your closet? Piece by piece? Saving up for the big investment items? A splurge shopping trip at the beginning of the season?

If you are looking for work place outfit inspiration, you can find all of my teacher style outfits here.

white coat

{ What I Wore to teach: dress ℅ Boutique Onze // ShoeMint pumps (sign up for ShoeMint with my referral code) // Urban Outfitters blazer // RayBan sunglasses }

all photos | Kate Davis Photography 

I am finding that teaching is all about balance. Balancing work time with play time. Days I wear heels with days I wear flats. Layers for warm gyms and cold classrooms. Being authoritative and nurturing. Nerding out over Science, and taking the time to ask questions.

This was one of my "heel days" at work. I learned early on that teaching in heels all day everyday wasn't going to cut it. But I am a crazy person who actually enjoys wearing heels (my high arches appreciate it too!), so I try to alternate heel days with flat days.

I also really appreciate the power of a blazer. This is a fun wrap dress that I wore all Summer (I love the grosgrain ribbon belt!), but with the white blazer & sassy blue pumps, it becomes professional!

What are the tricks that keep you sane while still sticking to a professional dress code?

P.S. Loving the new Fall arrivals at Onze Boutique. Check out all the amazing dresses I am crushing on here.

Half United + a giveaway

{ What I Wore: J.Crew Factory blazer // Everlane "Ryan" tank (my obsession) // Old Navy scarf (love this one) // Chip & Pepper for Belk denim (now 50% off) // ShoeMint heels // Michael Kors purse // Half United necklace ℅ Jeweler's Wife // Ray Ban aviators }

all photos | Zipporah Photography

I'm excited to share another brand with you that is making gorgeous products & giving back - Half United. Today I'm proudly wearing the "Jude" fighting hunger necklace made of 3 recycled bullet casings. 

In fact, wearing any of the Half United products is a symbol of the ongoing fight against global hunger. Half United donates 1/2 of all profits to help children in need around the world. The bullet represents the fight against hunger, taking a "negative symbol & turning it into something positive, something that transforms lives & provides a hope for a better future".

And it's a pretty dang good looking necklace too, no?

And, Jeweler's Wife & Half United have joined forces to spread the love to you too today!

Enter to win your own mint Half United necklace.

(Everyone wins with Jeweler's Wife everyday free shipping + $10 off your first purchase of $30+ with code "JW1030") 

(update: this giveaway is only open to US readers)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

dream closet & a giveaway

{ What I Wore: necklace & dress from Le Tote subscription box* // Ray Ban sunglasses // Darby Smart DIY clutch** // H&M jacket // ShoeMint heels (similar) }
* I was gifted a Le Tote subscription box for my honest review… psst, I love it!
** I received a Darby Smart box as a Klout perk - DIY made easy!

Photos thanks to my lovely stylist friend Shelby!

So you have heard me talk about this new clothing subscription service, Le Tote, here & here… but today I am laying it all out on the line. I'm a huge fan.

In my personal life I am going through some major changes (blah blah blah). I veered off of my path to Ph.D.-dom, just finished a 100+ page thesis, am looking for a teaching job, planning a wedding, & trying to save up for the new life that I want to start with my soon-to-be-husband.

So as I find myself at the beginning of 2014 in crazy new situations, shopping has taken a bit of a back burner… but that doesn't mean that I don't want to still look FAB.U.LOUS (girl please). Enter Le Tote - my dream closet!

For $49 a month, 3 clothing items + 2 jewelry pieces show up on your door step (a $200+ value!). Items that have been hand-selected for you by Le Tote stylists - you can help them out by "hearting" & adding items to you dream closet on the Le Tote website. If you fall in love with a piece, keep it (with your account being charged a flat rate depending on the type of item). Within your month you can keep your items as long as your want or send your items back to receive new ones as many times as the post man will oblige (shipping is always free). And best part, the Le Tote team handles all your dirty laundry. So your fabulous hands don't have to even be bothered!

Just wanting to add some special icing to your outfits? Le Tote has that service too. The "Jewelry Box" subscription delivers 3 accessories/box at $19 each month. From statements to dainty whispers of jewels, there is everything you could dream of waiting in your online closet. 

But seriously - it is all worth it just to hang out with this dress for a month. Perfectly cut, in a color that I can't get enough with & made of a gorgeous crepe material that moves in all the right ways… don't just take my word for it, try it out!

So now that your mouth is salivating for a subscription of your own, it's time for me to tell you that Le Tote is Hooking. You. Up! Two lucky readers will win a subscription of your own - a "boutique box" & a "clothing box" - check out the Le Tote website & let me know what piece you are oogling over the most!

(Winners picked at random by Rafflecopter. 1st place will get their top pick of boxes, 2nd place will get the remaining option. Open only to residents of the contiguous United States)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm blue… da ba dee da ba do

{ What I Wore: Forever21 blouse // AE belt // thrifted Calvin Klein skirt // ShoeMint heels // sunglasses ℅ FantaEyes }
All pictures: Zipporah Photography

Just some pictures today. I am down to the wire on getting my Masters Thesis together & submitting it TOMORROW. So unfortunately, all of my brain power has officially been committed elsewhere. Be back soon!



Don't forget to enter to win a $75 Nordstrom Gift Card from Delany over at Lover of Clothes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

style school is in session

{ What I Wore: necklaces c/o Sheer Addiction // J.Crew chambray top // J.Crew Factory striped skirt (similar) // Yuni Kelley bracelet // Michael Kors watch // Hobo purse (obsessed with this one) // ShoeMint "Bess" heels }

Looking for a some serious statement making necklaces? I am loving these Sheer Addiction jewels. Currently stacking the "Asher" & "Courtney" on repeat.

When J.Crew invites you for an evening of playing dress up in their new arrivals with fellow bloggers & cupcakes, you go. And then you Instagram the crap out of it... just sayin'.

Row 1: dressing room selfies... duh!

Row 2: The adorable Holly from Scuttle // quilted jacket + equestrian sweater // Kate from Stilettoed to Steeltoed getting her shop on

Row 3: pretty jewels + sporty cap // tweed front tee // leather striped tuxedo Pixie pants

Row 4: colorful tweedy sweater // hands on styling from the J.Crew team // leather sleeve tee + scalloped skirt

Row 5: two of our BlogNashville ladies // where three bloggers are present, you will find a room full of stylish shoes // camo pants + statement jewels + chic oxfords

Row 6: team oxford // decisions, decisions // tuxedo stripe chinos

Row 7: the things bloggers do to get "the shot" // dressing room damage // too. much. fun

But seriously, the J.Crew Fall collection is the things my dreams are made of.

Think lots of leather, bold colors, camo as a neutral, necklaces the bigger the better, menswear chic, & the uncanny ability that J.Crew has to constantly keep updating classics into totally covetable pieces season after season!

What is your favorite piece from the J.Crew new arrivals?

P.S. don't forget to enter to win a pair of earrings from Jojo Loves You {here}

P.P.S. I am linking up with the Walking in Memphis in High Heels Trend Spin {here}