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

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

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

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

ode to a skirt

I enjoy wearing this skirt. I love the bright colors, I love the slight floatiness of it, and I love that people often ask me if I a) embroidered it myself (ha!) or b) bought it in Russia (Forever 21, ages ago). It's light and comfortable and the waistband never pinches. I've had it for several years - it's been to Russia twice and all over Southeast Asia - and is still in pretty good shape.

So here's to you, floral skirt! Thanks for all the good times.

Shirt: Banana Republic, thrifted
Skirt: Forever 21
Shoes: Bandolino via TJMaxx
Earrings: hand-me-down

bleah

On Friday, I was trying to work my new white button-down into an outfit, and pulled this together:

I love the detailing at the top of this blouse but the cut is really boxy, so I tried belting with a scarf. Eh. Not amazing. At least I like the scarf and shoes together.

And THEN I realized it's basically just this outfit over again. Same skirt, same shoes, same scarf, white short-sleeved blouse. Lame.

I feel like I'm in a rut. I think it's partially the heat, which restricts layering, and partially that most of my clothes, including all of my skirts, are neutral colors. All of my color is in my tops, scarves, and shoes. Bah. I don't want to spend any more money on clothes - I want to get creative with the stuff I own. Ok, that's the project for next week.

Blouse: Banana Republic outlet

Scarf: TJMaxx, ancient

Skirt: Banana Republic

Shoes: JCPenny's

mmm, cinnamon

I made granola tonight and my house smells AWESOME. I think baking granola is one of the homey-est smells.

A light breezy outfit for a sunny day. I love my eyelet skirt in the summertime.

Shirt: H & M

Belt: thrifted

Skirt: TJMaxx

Sandals: Nine West outlet

Earrings: ancient

the Monday after

I spent the weekend in Pennsylvania with my family, taking part in a memorial service for my grandmother. It was a good experience, an opportunity to spend time reminiscing with people who loved my grandmother, and sharing a lot of wonderful memories. There was some travel drama (delayed flights, messed up car rentals) and I also squeezed in a 5K race. I'm glad I went, but man, it was exhausting. I need a weekend after my weekend.

For me, denim skirt + bright cotton top + neutral sweater + neutral shoes is a go-to when I'm rushed or sleepy. It's nothing especially creative but at least I felt pretty and presentable enough for teaching and meetings.

I think the kitty approves.

Top: TJMaxx

Cardigan: kersh essentials

Skirt: Levi's via Sears

Shoes: Payless

Bracelet: gifted

Earrings: hand-me-down

stripey mcgee

A haiku for my Friday outfit:



Navy and stripes need
a pop of mustard or I
look like a sailor.



Button-down: via TJMaxx
Cardigan: kersch essentials via Costco
Skirt: Banana Republic, ancient
Shoes: Target

summer sweater

I picked up this very lightweight sweater on my hooray-I-have-a-paycheck-again shopping spree, thinking that it would be a nice polished option for teaching on the cooler days of summer.

Now that I see the pictures, I'm not sold. It looks...cheap. And lumpy. Anyone know any tricks for smoothing out a sweater over a button-down? Maybe I should ditch the belt?

At least my skirt is twirly.

Sweater: GAP outlet

Blouse: Banana Republic outlet

Belt: thrifted

Skirt: j.crew outlet (okay I am sensing a theme here)

Boots: Steve Madden Girl via DSW

Bracelet: gift

mixed greens

I found this super comfortable jersey dress at TJMaxx last week on a marathon shopping trip with my mom and sister. I am pretty much in love with it. I wore it under my cap and gown with black heels, and I teachered it up yesterday with a button-down.

However, I'm worried that with the puffed-sleeve blouse and the scarf-sash, the whole thing comes off a bit too kindergarten playdate. What do you all think?

Dress: Spense via TJMaxx

Blouse: TJMaxx

Scarf: hand-me-down

Flats: Rocket Dogs

Ring: gift from mom

Proudest outfit ever

This is what I wore for teaching in the 90+ degree weather. A simple tee and flowy skirt, jazzed up with a braidy 'do and some gold accessories.

Shirt: Costco
Skirt: TJMaxx
Belt: thrifted
Sandals: Nine West outlet
Earrings: gift

I was happy with it - I felt pretty and I was very comfortable - but this is not my proudest outfit.

This is:


I GRADUATED!! I'm a MASTER now!

It's been a long road and a lot of work, and last Saturday morning I put on a (what I might otherwise consider dopey) cap and gown with a great sense of accomplishment. It's not flattering - kind of shapeless sack, actually - but it made me feel just as confident as my most put-together work ensemble.

This was mostly due to my sweet-ass hood:

Being a master is awesome.

Thanks everyone for bearing with me during my absence, and thank you to my mom and sis for whisking me away for wonderful graduation travels!

Dress your best, day 3/4

The weather did not cooperate yesterday, so I featured my triceps...under a sweater and a coat. Oh well.

Today, I am featuring my calves. I've always done leg-intensive sports (ice skating, running, dancing, more running) so I've always been grateful for my legs and the hard work they do.

My legs are strong and healthy. They carry me across the ice, up hills, and across dance floors with style and aplomb. As I've been training for a 10K these past few weeks, I've been especially glad to feel my legs powering me through the miles.

Plus, they look hot in knee-length skirts.

So legs, I salute you (and knees, please hang in there!).



Tank top: Costco
Cardigan: kersch essentials, also Costco
Skirt: Levi's
Belt: hand-me-down
Sandals: Nine West
Earrings: JCPenny's
Ring: Burlington

dress your best day 2

For the second day of "Dress Your Best" week, I'm featuring my collarbones. I have to say that no matter what I'm feeling about the rest of my body, I always think my neck and the top of my chest are graceful and pretty. I usually feel my best in v-neck tops or boatneck tops like this one.

I stole this belt-over-jersey-skirt look from, who else, Academichic. It was soft and cozy, perfect for a day of reading and working on my final paper.

This is my attempt to take an arty picture of my collarbones...

Magically appearing kitty!

Haha, it looks like I could eat him in one bite.*

Top: street vendor in Bangkok

Skirt: j.crew outlet

Belt: TJMaxx

Shoes: Payless
Earring (worn as necklace): Burlington

Ring: gift from mom

*I didn't, I promise.