Teacher Capsule Wardrobe: Wrap Up

Finally ready to share what I wore in my Teacher Capsule Wardrobe. From the 19 pieces, I shared 15 days of work outfits (+ more that didn't get photographed). I wore all of these outfits in the month of December, & admittedly it was a very mild time here in Nashville. However, I think that all of these looks could be easily transitioned to warmer weather (remove sweaters), or colder climates (add tights + heavier footwear). I am happy that I was able to photograph each piece being worn 2 different ways… can you spot both ways in the collage below?

This "capsule wardrobe" practice definitely helped me to figure out what colors, cuts & styles work for my career. For those that are just tuning in, I am a 7th grade science teacher that has "snappy" work wear guidelines (stylish, but no shoulders showing, & hemlines are supposed to be no more than 3 inches above the knee). I work inside all day, standing on my feet for a minimum of 10 hours, & need to be able to crouch down to talk to students at their desks, & lift my arms up high to write on the white board.

The easiest combo for me? Pencil skirt + button down.

An area of growth for me? Dress pants… oh the struggle of finding an appropriately fitting pair!

All looks photographed by Kate Davis Photo

Interested in seeing all of the Teacher Capsule Wardrobe photos in order? Start here.

What was your favorite look? Any suggestions for what makes your workwear work? Anyone else find themselves in a similar workplace sartorial situation?

to the point

Please pardon the tired teacher eyes, it is Science Fair season, & as excited as I might be about passing a love of science onto my students, I am as equally terrified about grading 120 individual projects.

After 6+ months into teaching, I am definitely finding myself putting on a "uniform" everyday. I have a signature print (polka-dots) that the students pointed out to me, & the other day a co-worker made an observation about the amount of blue that my daily outfits include. So I guess this outfit is as close to my teacher style as it gets. Flats for all day comfort, easy layers to battle the fickle radiators in our old historic building, & a skirt that is cute, but long enough to cover my caboose when I bend over to pick up something a child has dropped for the one millionth time. 

Have you ever come upon your "style" thanks to the observations of others?

{ What I wore to teach: J.Crew Factory Clare cardigan, polka dot button down, flared skirt // (ancient) Gap oxfords (shop similar here) // Kendra Scott necklace }

All Photos | Kate Davis Photos

Sunday Shopping: Spring with Kendra Scott

We have yet to really face the worst of the Nashville Winter (late January into February has been pretty brutal in my 5 years experience); however, I am already OBSESSED with everything from the Kendra Scott Spring line, just released this week! Check out the eye candy below, and shop my 10 top picks! 

1 Jessi ear jackets // 2 Sterling statement earrings // 3 Jill necklace (the only item above $100 on this list) // 4 Abby ear jackets // 5 Drusy ring // 6 Rooney stud earring set // 7 Aussie open ring // 8 Hanna bracelet // 9 Kara midi ring set // 10 (below) Yasmin hand bracelet

Which pretty things for Spring are already catching your eye?

make it work

{ ℅ Of Mercer "Beacon" dress // J.Crew "schoolboy" blazer (splurge -- more affordable) // J.Crew scarf (J.Crew Factory version) // Nordstrom Rack booties }

Photos by Kate Davis Photo

So we photographed all of my teacher capsule wardrobe outfits in December, while I was wearing them. But I am just now getting around to posting them… blogger shame for sure!

Regardless, this was one of my favorite outfits then, and it is still my favorite, except now with tights + boots. Ya fee?

back to basics

Shirt // Jeans // Shoes // Photo by Kate Davis Photo

Thank you for all your sweet words & feedback on yesterday's reflection post. 2014 was a wild & crazy ride, & I am looking forward to being a little less go-go-go & a little more present in each moment during 2015.

As I have been reading my blog roll lately, I sense that I am not the only one that is looking to shed some layers & get back to basics.

I really love what Hallie said in this post about moving forward into the unknown.

"Girl, we’re all faking it. Don’t let not knowing where to start get in your way. It’s really easy to feel overwhelmed by possibility, the uncertain and the fear of failure. But you’ll never have everything figured out – just keep going." - Hallie

And then my blog friend Lauren has been taking a more intentional look at her life, & came to this conclusion which definitely resonated with me: 

"What I learned, is that minimalism looks different for everyone. But the basic philosophy is this - the best things in life aren't things, and clearing the excess out of your life allows you to focus on what matters most." - Lauren

With the rise in popularity of "capsule" collection blogs, & the current style mindset that less is actually more, I too am inspired to reduce the stuff in my life in order to enjoy what I do have more. My 2015 goals: fake it till I make it & re-focus what is important in my life.

What are your 2015 resolutions? Anyone else feeling a serious shift in your need to stockpile stuff just for the sake of having "more"?