teacherly, summer edition

I'm always a bit hesitant to wear this jersey t-shirt dress teaching because it's so casual, so it hasn't been getting much love lately. Then I remember this outfit and decided to try a summery version.

Add a short-sleeved white button-down and ta-da! Teacherly! For summer!

I felt cute.

Have a great weekend, everyone!


Dress: Old Navy
Button-down: BR outlet
Belt: thrifted
Shoes: Payless

such great heights

I bought these shoes on a DSW trip with C, when I raved about how sexy and yet comfortable they were. I think since then I have worn them...once. For about two hours. Why? The truth is, I do not know how to walk in this high of heels. I thought that owning these shoes I adore would force me to practice. Nope. They languished on the floor of my closet day after day as I headed off to teach in my sensible flats or low-heeled boots.

My general philosophy of clothing ownership is that if I haven't worn something in more than a year I don't need it (exceptions sometimes granted for fancy dress clothes), which means that as a person who has been moving every September for the past few years I've been good about getting rid of unworn stuff. And as I know prepare to either pack or sell or give away everything I own, I have to decide: should they stay or go?

After wearing this outfit, I'm leaning towards stay.

I cannot even describe how tall and glamorous and posh I felt in this outfit. I felt like a model. Seriously. Look, I even did my best Tyra Banks broken-down-doll pose.

On the other hand, I had to trade these shoes for flipflops just to walk to and from my car, so these shoes are definitely not coming overseas where I will be taking public transportation everywhere. I just don't think I can give them up. They make me so happy!

Do any of you have clothes you feel this way about?

Tank top: TJMaxx

Skirt: TJMaxx

Belt: hand-me-down

Shoes: ciao bella via DSW

Bracelet: gift from my sis

DIY capris, the white version

I've had these white pants forever - I got them in St. Petersberg and they always made me feel impossibly European and glamorous. Sadly, the hems were tattered and gray. So last week, out came the scissors, needle, and thread, and ta-dah! White capris!

I think they might need to be a hair shorter. What do you all think?

Shirt: Forever XXI

Pants: boutique in St. Pete, shortened by me

Sandals: Nine West outlet
Earrings: gifted

blue on blue?

I put this outfit on yesterday morning, and stood in front of the mirror waiting to hate it. I mean, bright blue with navy? What, did I get dressed in the dark?

But the longer I stood there, the more I thought...my waist looks small. I feel pretty. I am really comfortable. And I bet Chelsea from bright side dweller would wear this. So I kept it on.


Now I need you to tell me, honestly, does the blue on blue work for you? Would you wear a bright color with its neutral equivalent?

Shirt: Banana Republic, thrifted

Skirt: Banana Republic, ages ago

Belt: thrifted

Shoes: Rocket Dogs

Necklace: hand-me-down from sis

Earrings: hand-me-down from mom

white collar?

Yesterday in class, I was trying to explain the term "pink collar" to my students. I told them (correctly, as it turns out) that pink collar jobs were jobs in industries dominated by women, such as retail, secretarial work, and nursing. I said that this also included elementary school teachers. One of my students then asked, "So, are you pink collar?" That made me pause. True, ESL teaching is largely done by women (in fact, all four teachers currently working in my program are women). But damnit, I have an advanced degree. Then again, I suppose a lot of elementary school teachers do as well...

Anyway, I am asserting my white-collar-ness in this outfit.

Sans belt, even!



Button-down: TJMaxx
Purple tank top: Costco
Skirt: street vendor in Bangkok
Sandals: Nine West outlet
Earrings: ingerited from my grandmother

conservative...with a twist

Yesterday was the first day of a new class session. I have got a great group of students, very lively and fun, and the freedom to play around with the curriculum. One of the students asked why there were so many ping pong tables on campus, and I ended up explaining beer pong to them, complete with diagrams - on the first day! Don't say I never taught you anything, kids.

I usually go conservative on the first day (in my clothes, anyway...)

I think I shall dub this "the mullet belt". Business up front...

Party in the back.

Aw, yeah.

Also, check out these gorgeous earrings my lovely friend S. gave me as a birthday gift!

Love.

Shirt: hand-me-down

Skirt: Merona, thrifted

Belt: Target

Shoes: Bandolino via TJMaxx

Earrings: gift

Audrey?

Last Thursday I was feeling a bit fifties. Capris and flats always remind me of Audrey Hepburn movies.


I wanted the silhouette of a skinny belt, but I'm still not brave enough to mix brown and black, so I ended up with my black belt lower on my hips. Time to go hunting for a skinny black belt!

Capris: GAP, shortened by me
Top: TJMaxx
Belt: TJMaxx
Flats: Payless

fun with proportions

Hey look, I am not wearing a belt. Aren't you proud?

I've had this skirt forever - early college or possibly even high school. It's held up well for being a junior's section purchase. I love the shiny pattern. I usually wear it dancing, but it makes a nice change from the three skirts I've rotating through in the heat.

Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: ancient - maybe Sears?

Shoes: Bandolino via TJMaxx

Bracelet: street vendor in Hong Kong

Earrings: hand-me-downs from sis

maximal summeriness

I loved this outfit - I felt so crisp and cool and polished, even in the nasty humidity. Yay for rediscovering silver accessories!

Eyelet + blue and white stripes + silver = very summery.

These sandals are pretty but they keep giving me blisters, even after several wears. Sad.

Only a few more days with this group of students, then back to my usual ESL group. I enjoyed these students but I dislike teaching test prep, so I'm looking forward to the switch.

Blouse: TJMaxx
Skirt: TJMaxx
Belt: thrifted
Sandals: Chinese Laundry via TJMaxx (yes I see the theme here)
Bracelet: street vendor in Hong Kong

HA!

For those of you who read this blog who are not Tina, please enjoy this hilarious post. I laughed. A lot. Never stop dancing, Tina!

dragged down by a heat wave

Apologies for the lack of posting - it's been unbelievably hot and humid here, and while I would like to be one of those posh ladies who thrive on hot weather with cute sundresses and nary a frizz, the truth is that by the time I get home every day I am hot and sticky and my hair is a tumbleweed and I am not inclined to photograph myself in that condition. There have also been many vacation days of shorts and tank tops which are not worth blogging. So! I am hoping that the weather will cool down soon. Really really hoping.

As a sample, here's last Friday's teaching outfit:

Yup. Sticky and sweaty and about to kill the camera. I only took three shots before I went and took a cold shower.

Come on, pressure fronts! Do your thing!

Shirt: kersh essentials via Costco

Belt: thrifted

Skirt: street vendor in Bangkok

Sandals: Nine West outlet

Earrings: my grandmother's

clever, clever students

My students were clever enough today to start asking me questions about Alaska in the middle of the lesson - they got me off track for almost 20 minutes! Teachers do love to talk about themselves. Well played, you guys.

I was glad to find this button-down in the back of my closet. It was perfect for a blessedly cool, windy day of teaching.

Shirt: The Limited via TJMaxx Tank: ancient
Belt: thrifted
Skirt: Banana Republic
Flats: Payless