OOTD: Vintage Oranges and Browns

Because yesterday was the first day of November, I decided to dress the part in shades of autumnal oranges and browns:

Cardigan:  Merona for Target, sz. small

Dress:  Vintage late '60s/early '70s era

Necklace:  Vintage '70s marble beads

Bracelet:  Wooden '70s beads, compliments of MamaAllDressedUp's high school years :)  

Shoes:  Cole Haan Nike Air Lyric Bronze heel, sz. 7.5

I found this dress last spring in a vintage store in Pittsburgh called Eons, and I get compliments on it every time I wear it.  It looks like it could have come off right off the rack of Anthropologie or Modcloth.  The dress is sleeveless and cotton, and it has a pretty, yet appropriate, V-shaped back.  The construction of the dress is timeless; it's one piece, with a top that blouses out over the pencil-like skirt.  It came with a sash that can be tied on the front, back, side, or anyone else you please. 

I know I sing the praises of vintage clothing quite often, but it's a song I don't get tired of singing.  If I had the resources (namely, vintage clothing stores that aren't 45+ minutes away), I would source an entire wardrobe from vintage clothing.  Clothes just aren't made as well today, and it seems like clothes in the 40s-70s were made to fit women with curves.  Sigh.  /endrant.  :)

Well, I'm off to read this year's Pennsylvania High School Mock Trial Case.   I help the fiance advise our high school's team, and this year, the case is about saving endangered bog turtles from a pharmaceutical company's plant.  I wish I were kidding.  I will leave you with a picture of my inspiration for the trial:

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Isn't he cute? 

Professional Purple

Part of my week of craziness last week involved my school's Open House, where parents come in and do a walk-through of their child's schedule.  Our open house has a bell schedule, so parents spend about 10 minutes in each class.  I always try to look professional, yet approachable at Open House, because it's really important to me that parents know they can call/email/talk to me about anything they or their son/daughter may need.  This is what I wore:

Blouse:  Missoni for Target, sz. XS

Skirt: J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in double-serge wool in jazzy purple, sz. 4

Belt: Merona for Target, sz. S

Shoes:  Cole Haan Nike Air Peep-toe Pumps, sz. 7.5

First of all, I don't know what it is with me pairing that skirt with that belt.  I can't stop wearing them together, even against my better judgment.  I know I should've worn a black belt, if any belt at all, with that outfit, but I just. can't. help. myself.  I feel like that blouse would probably work well with a black pencil skirt, and THEN maybe I could throw on the belt.

I ended up going to the chiropractor about an hour before Open House, and he really did a number on my hip.  I had been having problems with it popping wayyyy out for a few weeks, and he's been working to get it back to normal.  Of course, the night of Open House was the night that it FINALLY moved back to where it's supposed to be.  That meant that I was supposed to stay off of my feet the rest of the night and most of the next day.  I laughed when he told me that.  He did say that heels would hurt, but they wouldn't hinder my recovery, so of course, I wore them.  Stupid girl, lol.

I did spend most of the night sitting in front of the "classes" of parents, instead of standing, so I considered that a fair compromise. :)

Blogger is currently submerged...

...in a dishearteningly deep pile of poorly-written, uninspiring student essays.  Regular blogging will resume once aforementioned blogger's pink pen runs out of ink. 

Until then, here are some pretties from the Kate Spade's Spring 2012 collection, unveiled last night:


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When I'm having a bad day at work...

...I'll come back to this post and read it over and over again.  I'm in charge of the television studio at my school.  In that studio, I have twelve awesome kids who are responsible for our morning announcements show.  Those kids never cease to amaze me with their creativity and dedication, but most of all with their thoughtfulness.  Here's a little taste of what I saw when I walked into my TV studio at the end of last week:

My chair, desk, and half of the studio, all decked out

The white board on our "set," right behind the anchors' chairs

My surprise birthday breakfast spread, all provided by the kiddos.  Bagels, donuts, brownies, cookies, and even a crumb cake.  These kids know how to throw a fête.

In the future, whenever I find myself down about the direction education has taken, I am going to find it pretty darn easy to remind myself why I do what I do; I just have to revisit this post and these pictures.  My students brought tears to my eyes!  There were even a few gifts involved.  They are really just too sweet for words! 

Another reason I love my kids?  They all appreciated my dress.  ;)  What else would an English teacher wear on her birthday but the J.Crew Library print dress from 2007?  I was lucky enough to find this dress on ebay a couple of years ago, and every time I wear it, I feel like a million bucks.

Dress: J.Crew Fall 2007

Cardigan: Merona for Target

Tank: J.Crew Perfect tank

Shoes: Dr. Scholl's

I'm not the only aficionada to don this frock, so I don't want to leave the other lovelies out.  The spectacular Alexis from J.Crew Aficionada features this dress here and here.  You can also see this dress on the lovely Dina from My Superfluities looking adorable here. 

Because the cut of this dress isn't really meant for women bigger than a B or so up top, I layer a perfect tank under it when I wear it.  It doesn't really look that great without the cardigan, but I'm always chilly, so a cardi is essential anyway.  Those shoes are my first experience with Dr. Scholl's, and I must say, when I first bought them, I was pleasantly surprised.  The color is a deep pewtery bronze (is there such a hue?), so they are a go-to neutral.  And my gawwwwd, are they ever comfy!  I believe they were only $34.99 full price, too.  I highly recommend Dr. Scholl's shoes if you're on your feet all day.

I'm off to go write up a quick lesson plan.  I'm getting observed by my principal this afternoon, so wish me luck!  If there is such a thing as a wonderful Monday, I hope you all have one!

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!

What should I wear?

The first day of school is fast approaching (we have in-service today and tomorrow, and kids come on Wednesday...eek!), and of course, I'm having an outfit crisis.  I have five polyvore sets below, and like the lovely AppGal did in this post, I'm going to ask you guys to vote on what you all think I should wear on the first day of school.  AppGal also inspired a couple of my first day outfits, particularly the outfit with the paisley pencil skirt and the outfit with the pleated skirt and striped top.  Alright guys, here they are:

First Day of School Option #1 by alldressedupnoplace2go featuring wooden bangles

First Day of School Outfit Option #2 by alldressedupnoplace2go featuring bangles jewelry

First Day of School Outfit Option #3 by alldressedupnoplace2go featuring a pencil skirt

First Day of School Outfit Option #4 by alldressedupnoplace2go featuring a tahitian pearl necklace

First Day of School Outfit Option #5 by alldressedupnoplace2go featuring long sleeve tees

What do you guys think?