wrap it up

We made it to Spring Break! And yesterday I officially accepted a job position teaching middle school engineering for next year at an amazing school in Denver. I feel so free going into this break, looking to finish the current school year strong, while also look forward to the possibilities of my new position.

This is the third look in my series of styling these Ann Taylor trousers for my Teacher Capsule Wardrobe. I previously styled them with a stripe top that I can't get enough of (here), & a punchy yellow floral look (here). 

What I really like about this outfit is the ballerina inspired combo of pink stripes & a wrap sweater that nips in the waist. This combo easily pairs with a pencil skirt and ballet flats too!

{Shop these exact pieces}

sweater: Nordstrom wrap sweater

top: J.Crew Factory pink stripe tee

pants: Ann Taylor trousers

shoes: Sole Society wedges (several years old and they have truly stood up to the test of time, and the test of a teacher work day - comfortable and high quality!)

purse: Vera Bradley "Bowled Over Satchel"

All Photos: Noah Berg Photography

flower power

As of this moment I am 100% on cruise control until Spring Break. After this Friday I am celebrating my twin nieces 5th birthday, headed to visit my best friend in Houston & family in Arkansas. While my mind is firmly in Spring mode, I'm also crossing ALL of my extremities that we get a snow day soon - they keep telling me that Colorado weather is unpredictable!

Sorry I haven't been as plugged in to blogging/social media recently, I am busy looking for a new teaching gig for next year, and really throwing myself in the search so that I can find a great fit at a school where I could see myself staying for the next 3 - 5 years! I already have 3 job offers plus several interviews on the way, but please keep me in mind, I'm hoping to find a placement by the end of Spring Break!

{Shop These Pieces}

top: J.Crew Factory floral blouse (from last season, love this one for Spring!)

pants: Ann Taylor trousers

shoes: Sole Society wedges (now in limited sizes, but I also love this similar pair from J.Crew Factory)

purse: Dagne Dover petite tote (in a limited edition color from last year)

sunglasses: Ray Ban aviators

All Photos: Noah Berg Photography

birds of a feather

I am excited that over the next few days I will be showing 3 outfits that I created with these Ann Taylor trousers as the foundation, as part of my Teacher Capsule Wardrobe (round 2, see the full recap of my first go here). 

I have struggled for YEARS to find appropriate work pants that could stand up to all of the rigors of teaching middle school everyday. These Ann Taylor trousers passed every trial - don't gap at the waist, stay put when I raise my hands, perfect length with my go-to teaching wedges, flattering cut with lay flat pockets, & a nice all-season weight. If you are curious to know all the trousers that I tried out before settling on these, check out this post where I reviewed 15 pairs of work pants & these were my hands down favorite!

While my husband might judge, there is always room in my closet for another striped shirt. I adore the boxy cut of this one from J.Crew, & I am super impressed with the heavy, luxurious weight of the fabric.

{Shop These Pieces}

top: J.Crew color blocked striped tee (now on sale 30% off! Also found a similar style from J.Crew Factory here)

pants: Ann Taylor trousers

necklace: Taudry hand-stamped necklace (mine is stamped with my social media handle @jesshereandnow) 

shoes: Sole Society wedges

purse: Michael Kors "Selma" purse (now available with reversible/changeable covers - love this combo here)

All Photos: Noah Berg Photography

Also - this is one of my favorite mural walls along my favorite street. If you are in town, you have to hit up Larimer Street in RiNo to see the best street art! The art is always changing, so I'm hopeful that I will always have a fresh stock of murals for my photo backgrounds. #BloggerBliss

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

wear it everywhere

Highlighting some more of my all time FAVORITES today! I feel like the outfits I have been posting since my blogging break, truly represent where my style is now - simple, easy to mix, & versatile for work + play. And this outfit totally gets me.

Check out my first outfit for hanging out & about here & my first Teacher Capsule Wardrobe outfit here.

I can't get enough of this suede leather jacket - the details are on point, even better in person. One of my favorite combo to pair with a dress is a moto jacket, & I'm adding this look to my repeat-soon file (see one of my other dress + moto jacket combos for colder weather here). 

This floral dress in general has been on steady repeat since it found its way to me last Fall. I love the dark background that has lent itself for tights + boots over Winter months, & the ruffly floral details that will work their way right into Spring. I find that Banana Republic dresses are usually originally priced more than my typical budget, but they have such great sales & are of such high quality that I know will last for years. This exact dress is no longer available, but I've linked several other similar shirt dress styles & some amazing new designs for Spring below. 

jacket: Nordstrom suede jacket

dress: Banana Republic shirt dress (purchased last Fall - many similar dresses on sale here & linking my favorite BR dresses for Spring below)

shoes: Steve Madden "Intyce" boots

sunglasses: Ray Ban aviators

purse: "Bonjour Au Revoir" clutch from Le Tote (similar here)

watch: Le Coeur "Lisbon" watch (I also have and LOVE the blush pink leather strap)

All Photos: Noah Berg Photography

{Shop my favorite Banana Republic Dresses}