field trip!

Today we took all the ESL students to a museum called the Strawbery Banke, a place where several houses have been preserved from different periods in New Hampshire's history, and furnished in historical style. It was pretty entertaining to watch my students try to tactiralk to the people wandering around in period dress, in character as people from history, and even more entertaining to watch the actors try to stay in character when dealing with my students! It was great to get out of the classroom and wander around in the sunshine chatting with my students - I feel like I got to know them as people.

When I'm going to see students but am not actually going to be teaching, I always want to dress down a little, to signal that this is a time when I'm not "on" and we can interact as equals.

Wearing shorts is always a bit iffy for me, as they often make me feel self-conscious. But taking inspiration from academichic and What Would A Nerd Wear, I added an embellished white top and a belt.

I felt polished but still casual - and I was super comfortable walking around in the heat. So...yaya shorts!

Top: Calvin Klein Jeans via Costco

Tank top: ancient

Shorts: GAP outlet

Belt: L.L. Bean outlet

Sandals: Nine West

Earrings: inherited from my grandmother

perfect Saturday

Yesterday was the most perfect Saturday morning: a long run before it got too hot, banana pancakes cooked by the boyfriend, and a trip to the farmer's market resulting in an all-local-produce lunch. Yay!

And look, I'm wearing something different than I always do!

I inherited this awesome top from my sister. It is super soft and a pretty teal, and the loose, flowy cut is perfect on hot days. Plus it has sexy cut-out shoulders. Thanks Kiddo!

Top: hand-me-down

Shorts: Calvin Klein via TJMaxx

Flipflops: GAP, ancient

Happy Memorial Day!

For Tina, who loves a good casual post:

Easy and a little bit fifties. A perfect outfit for hanging laundry on the clothesline, no?

Shirt: TJMaxx
Shorts: GAP outlet
Sandals: Chinese Laundry via TJMaxx
Scarf: hand-me-down

not-so-short pants!

After feeling a weensy bit matronly yesterday, I decided to go full-on undergrad today and wear my skinny jeans, UNMITIGATED. No tunic, no boots, just skinnies. Eeek!

C's turquoise-fab outfit totally inspired me to bust out the bright spring colors. I layered a white tee under my summertime tank for warmth and modesty (I do have to tutor today, after all).

I ended up really liking the overall effect. I definitely felt young and happy and comfortable. In other news, I am also delighted to announce the return of my absolute favorite gray swing jacket!

Please excuse the dopey expression. I serious *heart* this jacket.

Blue tank top: Ann Taylor Loft
White tee: Target
Skinny jeans: Banana Republic
Flats: JCPenny's, gift from mom
Earrings: street vendor on Cape Cod
Gray jacket: Old Navy, altered by me

guess who?!

It's SPRING! Notice the forsythias in the background of my pictures. :)

So, I have news for people:

-I've been very busy planning a wedding...for MYSELF. My boyfriend (now fiance, I suppose) and I decided that there was no time like the present for getting hitched, so we've been furiously and feverishly planning. We have a lot of it done, but still need some important odds and ends (a photog and dj come to mind). Still, that's exciting. The date: October 30, 2010. The jury is still out on whether Halloween costumes are encouraged at the party after the reception (it's a day wedding, the reception ends at 5pm. I say yes to after-party costumes, Pete says no).

-I still work at the bridal store, but I've had a few interviews here and there, so things are looking up a bit.

-I recently attended an open house at Simmons College for their GSLIS program. I just think being a librarian is my calling. The program seemed pretty good (it's a large program--over 800 students) but I still have more research to do on other programs throughout the country. I'm willing to move, so if anyone has any advice on that front, feel free to open up.

On C:

Teal shirt: Express
Mustard cardi: Banana Republic outlet
Capris w/zip detail: Old Navy
Brown wedges: PayLess
Necklace: Given to me by my paternal grandmother

blavy

Pulled this black top out of the back of my closet this morning. I think it's been over a year since I've worn it, which is a shame, because the cut always makes me feel cute and sassy.

I tried for a bit of black and navy blue mixing, using my top and boots as the black and the sweater and dark jeans as the navy. Kasmira says using two pieces of each color makes the mixing look intentional.

I felt pretty good about it all day (especially with my gray and black scarf on), but looking at these pictures I wonder about the jeans and the sweater...they're either too close in color or not close enough, I can't tell. What do you all think?

Black top: Old Navy

Cardigan: kersh essentials via Costco

Jeans: Banana Republic

Boots: Burlington

Earrings: Aldo outlet

Watch: Target

Ring: tourist shop in Russia

hipster?

Ok, this rain is bumming me out. I had to scrap the outfits I had planned two days in a row for more rain-proof (i.e. galoshes-friendly) wear, and last minute scrambling always makes me fall back on basics. I think for next week I am going to finally get my act together and plan ahead of time, using the weather forecast!

My galoshes-friendly outfit yesterday was completely soaked by the time I got home, so no pictures, but I can tell you that it involved two pairs of tights and today I just could not bear the idea of more tights. So, jeans it was.


Since I had to bring a pair of flats with me to school, I decided to go for a bit of a skinny-jeans-and-tunic hipster-ish vibe.

On the plus side, I felt like the awesome Clare from Between Laundry Days would wear this outfit (at least, on a more casual day).


On the not-so-plus side, I ran into the head of the department in the hallway and felt really, really underdressed (eek!). I think I'll save this combination for weekends from now on.

Back on the plus side: check out the pattern-mixing!


Plaid tunic: TJMaxx
Black long-sleeved tee: j. crew outlet
Skinnies: Banana Republic
Shoes: Payless
Socks: mom's from the 70's!
Necklace: street vendor in New Zealand
Earrings: boutique in CA

blades of glory

Inspired by the Olympics, I pulled my ice skates out of the back of the closet and went to the rink on campus this morning. I skated for years when I was growing up, and it was glorious to use those muscles again, to feel that glide and the freedom of zooming around the ice.

I needed an outfit that I could tutor in that also wouldn't suffer too much from being stuffed into a skate bag for a couple hours. Sounds like a long cardigan and scarf to me.

Also, I continue to be in love with these boots. Yes, they are somewhat impractical for the warm temps and resulting mud, since they are extremely flat and suede. I do not care. They make me feel cool.

Black cardigan: kersh essentials via Costco

Tank tops: ancient

Jeans: Banana Republic

Boots: Steve Madden, ebay'd by mom

Scarf: gifted, H & M

Earrings: Burlington

Ring: Alaska state fair

escapee!

Today's outfit is a slight reworking of this outfit - easy, comfy, with a splash of bright green to keep me cheerful.

I switched to a shorter cardigan to show off more of the color of the top, and grabbed my new gray and black scarf to pick up the gray of the shoes.

Also, my nutty cat has been escaping out the back door when I come out to take my pics - today I caught him on film! Silly beast.

Here's a cuteoverload-style en-HANCE!

Shirt: TJMaxx

Cardigan: Costco

Belt: TJMaxx

Jeans: GAP

Shoes: Also outlet

Scarf: gift from mom

Earrings: hand-me-down from mom

gray boot love

So, my mom has what my sister refers to as Google-fu. She is a professional investigator and she can find anything on the internet. I mean ANYTHING. My sister's work once got mentioned in a newspaper article in the Philippines, and my mom found it. Before anyone from her work did.

Fortunately for me, my mom trained her Google-fu on Ebay and found me these gray suede Steve Madden boots that I have been wanting for a while and utterly unable to find in my size in any store. And she got them for $20. How sweet is that?

Of course, I had to put them on right away with my new purple dress (more purple for you, Tina!). They are so WARM and COMFY and slouchy and COOL I am in love. Eeeee!


I brightened up this muted dress and cardigan combo with my red scarf, which I do believe makes me eligible not only for Scarf Month at Academichic but also for Kasmira's Red Hat Society experiments. Yay!

Hmm, looking at this pictures I believe I will wear this cardigan unbuttoned henceforth. It's interfering with the lines of the dress. But OMG the booooooooooooots!

Thank you Mom!

Dress: Max Studio via Loehman's

Gray tank: two pack at Costco

Cardigan: kersh essentials via Costco

Scarf: gift from Mom

Leggings: Target

Earrings: Alaska state fair

gray cardigan love

Today was my first day of work at our school's writing center. I was only going to be observing, so I wanted to keep it casual and unobtrusive. And I cannot stop wearing this pretty, drapey gray cardigan my mom gave me.

Then I remembered this lovely outfit from E. of academichic a few weeks ago. I am continually impressed by the way E. can make a simple, casual outfit look luxurious by mixing neutrals and using sophisticated shapes.

My mustard top wasn't warm enough for the chilly temps today, so I swapped it for a peachy long-sleeved tee. Then I added a little touch of purple in my earrings.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go inside and get warm!


Gray sweater: ebay'd by mom
Coral v-neck: Forever 21
White tank: ancient
Jeans: BR outlet
Shoes: Payless
Earrings: Fred Meyer's

Road trip style

Hooray for the roommate of awesome, who got our internet connection working again! E., you rock. :)

I was a bad style blogger over the latter part of this trip (does anyone else find taking blog pictures harder when you're staying at someone else's house?), but I did take a few quick pictures of my road trip outfit. Jersey dress, sweater tights, and flowy cardigan with minimal jewelry = ultimate comfort when confined to a car, at least for me.

Please pardon the messy hair and goofy expressions - it was a loooong ride back from New York.

I know this photo is dark, but I love the gathering on the back of this sweater. Keeps the whole effect from being too baggy, I think.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Dress: Max Studio via Loehman's

Black tank: 3-pack from Costco

Cardigan: ebay'd by mom

Tights: Burlington

Boots: Burlington

Earrings: street vendor on Cape Cod

cabin style

This was my last weekend in my hometown, and I spent part of it at my family's cabin, playing in the snow with my dad and his dog.


So, I know this is not the most "fashion-bloggy" outfit, but I love all of the outdoor clothes I'm wearing in these pictures. I love the heavy warmth of this wool sweater and the easy comfort of the puffy vest, and I love that my hat and scarf were both mademade (my scarf was crocheted by my good friend!). These clothes make me happy, pure and simple, and at its heart that's what fashion is all about, right?

I've got a looooong trip home ahead of me. Catch you on the other side!

Sweater: Banana Republic outlet
Vest: Kenneth Cole Reaction via Costco
Jeans: BR outlet
Boots: bought in Russia
Hat and scarf: handmade

missing: sweater belt

Today was my grandmother's 84th birthday, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins (though definitely not all of them) came to celebrate at our house. I got a big slow cooker for Christmas, so I took the opportunity to make some boiled dinner (big chunks of stew beef, turnip, potato, carrot, and onion with some water and vinegar). Because it wasn't boiled, but slow-cooked, it came out even better than usual. The meat just melted in your mouth...I was proud. Everyone else seemed to like it, too, so that made me even happier.

Because it was a day when you stay home, enjoy the company of family, and don't really step foot outside except to take out the occasional garbage bag, I found this outfit extremely fitting. A big chunky sweater layered over a casually sparkly tank, a pair of jeans (augh, they're getting chub-rub holes...time for new jeans), all together with my new slippies, and that's one comfy birthday suit (almost as comfy as the original "birthday suit"). I've worn these slippers every day since receiving them at Christmas, and I just think they're the warmest, comfiest things I own. I might have chosen a slightly different color scheme for myself, but Pete has pretty good taste.

The one thing I wish I had was a nice big brown belt to go over the sweater. I think it would have tied it all together and made it look more sophisticated. I could have also worn a scarf, but (and this was really my train of thought) I didn't want any stew juice dripping on it.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with it.


Please pardon my sad, tired little face. I look more frazzled than I am. These photos were taken at the very end of a very long day, and I am tuckered out. But just for S.V., I included a boob shot.

Sweater:very new, very clearance at Old Navy
Brown tank: very old, very clearance Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy
Slippers: Target

cough hack sniff

Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you all had a great holiday.

I've been laid up with a horrible head cold for the past several days. I finally felt well enough on Friday to head out to Burlington with my mom and snagged these awesome suede boots!

Since I was still recovering, I lived in some version of this comfy outfit all weekend - a couple of layered tees, a long sweater, leggings, and these sweet wool socks I found in my mom's drawer of seventies clothes!

Fortunately I had my dad's huge fluffy cat to keep me company. She's a pretty good nurse.

Seriously, how cute is she?

Sweater: kersch essentials

Tank top: DKNY Jeans via Burlington

Long-sleeved tee: GAP

Denim skirt: Levi's

Leggings: Target

Socks: ganked from mom

New boots: Burlington Coat Factory

finals week wear

This is basically a retread of Sunday's outfit, but featuring this pretty cloth belt (a good alternative to my occasionally pinchy leather belt, since I was taking a final last night and didn't want to worry about potential pinching).

Once I pulled out this belt, I decided to try a monochromatic look with several different shades of blue. Easy, comfy, plus I got a winter wear out of this blue tank top.

Hope all those calming blues helped me pass the exam!

Sweater: kersh essentials via Costco
Blue top: Anne Taylor Loft
Belt: thrifted
Jeans: Banana Republic outlet
Boots: Madden Girl via DSW
Watch: Target

study study study

This is mega-crunch time for the semester (two papers due this morning, two exams in the next three days - aaaack!) so I've been mostly in my pjs for the past three days. I met up with a friend for a study session yesterday afternoon and decided I needed to look cute. You know, for my mental health. Looking cute has been scientifically proven* to be good for your mental health.

So, I decided to give the belted scarf thang another go. I thought this pretty purple pashmina might be a good candidate, since it's simple and lightweight.

In retrospect I wish it were just a bit longer, so I could loop it more loosely. Oh well.

I didn't have a top in a good neutral color with a high enough neck for this look, since I tend to favor scoop or v-necks, so I ended up turning this top around (yet another trick I stole from academichic - God I love that site). The back, now the front, has this pretty crocheted bit. A tank top for modesty/warmth and I was ready to go!

Also, I finally tried pulling my boots on over my jeans! What do you think?

Blue top: Forever 21

White sweater: kersh essentials via Costco

Gray tank: three-pack at Costco

Jeans: GAP

Belt: thrifted

Scarf: gift from aunt

Boots: Madden Girl
Earrings: street vendor on Cape Cod

*By which I mean, not scientifically proven at all.