I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight

On the first day of school, one of my favorite Billy Madison clips brings a smile to my face no matter how hectic and stressful the day seems.  I asked for some first day of school outfit opinions a couple of days ago, and here's the outfit I decided to wear yesterday for the official first day of school:

I went with the Paisley pencil skirt!  I agree with those of you that commented that a pencil skirt is the most professional option, and I couldn't wait to bust this beauty out of the closet.  I went with a ruffled tank blouse for a bit of personality.

Cardi: Merona for Target

Tank: Mossimo for Target

Skirt: J.Crew Paisley Pencil Skirt

Shoes: Vintage Joseph Larose

I found these shoes at a vintage store in high school, and they just happen to be that awesome coral/red/orange/flame color that is so huge this fall.  They also match the Paisley pencil perfectly.



As far as how the school year is going, day one left me feeling extremely worn out.  We felt the sting of budget cuts big time at the end of last year, so this year, I have two sections each of three different classes, cafeteria duty, and no planning period (on top of advising the school newspaper and being in charge of our school's TV studio).  I was on my feet ALL DAY today (thank goodness Joseph Larose knew how to make a good shoe), and I had no time to collect my thoughts, run copies, breathe, etc.  I have a feeling this year is going to take a lot out of me.  I think I'll be heavily relying on weekends for blogging, wedding planning, and recharging my batteries.   

I also found that I subconsciously drank quite a bit less water (no time to go to the bathroom, except for lunch!), and I was parched by the end of the day.  I'm a big advocate of drinking lots and lots of water (I normally drink at least 4 or 5 bottles a day), so I'm hoping that drinking less won't adversely affect my health/immune system/skin/overall wellbeing. 

I got my liquid silk skirt in bright dahlia in the mail, so I'll blog a few pictures of it by the end of this week.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!

J.Crew Reviews: Cafe Capri in Wool, Origami Mini, and Paisley Pencil Skirt

Hey all!  Happy Sunday evening!  I'm back with some reviews of the bottoms I tried on while at my local J.Crew this past Friday. 

New Cafe Capri in Wool

While these pants are sold out online in bright dahlia (the color shown), my B&M had them, so it would be worth calling stores to see if they are still in stock.  They are also available in bright dahlia in tall and in petite sizes.  PS...I kind of like the bright dahlia with the bold peri sweater...anyone else with me on that relatively crazy combination?

Price: $118

Size: 4

Pros: The color is gorgeous in real life.  It's a little brighter than the photo shows.  The fabric is softer than you'd expect for a wool pant.

Cons: The pockets sit oddly, not as "wildly flattering" as the website claims

These pants are pretty, for sure.  Just not on me.  They didn't fit nearly as well as I had hoped they would.  I tend to hold weight in my hips and thighs, and these pants definitely reminded me of that.  My hip measurement is about 37", and the size 4 bunched and stretched in all the wrong places.  The pockets showed through the fabric (always a turn-off as far as pants and shorts go), and the wool was pretty clingy.  Perhaps these pants would be more forgiving in a darker color.

Origami Mini (I think)

So, in Friday's post, I had incorrectly identified this skirt as the tucked mini, but after further inspection, I think it's a plaid wool version of the origami mini seen here in damask. 

Price: Not sure; this skirt has an identity crisis.

Size: 4

Pros: Cute pattern

Cons: Runs large, might not be available online, a little too short to be work-appropriate

This skirt was cute, but it's a little too short for teaching.  My personal shopper thought it might be okay with tights, but I'm not comfortable with the length, tights or no tights.  It also ran really large.  I could have sized down to a 2 - possibly even a 0 - but that would have meant it would be even shorter. 

If anyone else has seen this skirt, or has the online link to it, or can identify it in any way, shape, or form, let me know and I'll rework this post with the correct information. 

Paisley Pencil Skirt

I apologize for the dark pictures, especially on this one.  It really doesn't do the skirt's gorgeous print and colors justice.  This is the first item in my reviews that I actually bought.

Price: $128

Size: 4

Pros: Beautiful, bright colors, classic fit

Cons: Unavailable online

I had seen Dina review this skirt here, and AppGal review it here, but I had given up hope on purchasing it for my fall wardrobe.  It sold out pretty darn quickly, and I was too busy to do any shopping.  However, when I walked into my B&M this past weekend, I saw the skirt in the corner and made a beeline straight to it.  I didn't think there would be any stock left in my size, but the store had at least 15 left!  If you really want this skirt, and you really want it *rightnow*, call B&Ms or get a personal shopper to check on it for you. 

The skirt fits quite well.  It's a little big in the waist, but I'll be tucking sweaters into it or belting it, and it fits perfectly everywhere else.  Can't wait to style this one!  I have so many plans for it :)

I also bought the No. 2 pencil skirt in double-serge wool in jazzy purple, but it had to be ordered online, so I'll review it when it arrives.  I really had planned on trying the skirt on in veridian green and vibrant flame as well, but my store only had it in black and heather carbon.  Those colors aren't any fun at all! 

Tomorrow, I'll post the last of my reviews with the tops that I tried on.  Have a wonderful night!