So having had some time to reflect (ok, a LOT of time to reflect - I am lazy sometimes, what can I say?) here are my thoughts on the packing challenge:
I brought waaaaaaaaay too much stuff home with me. I packed things I didn't even wear - partially because the occasions I had imagined (New Year's on the town) didn't materialize (stupid head cold), partially because my home town is even more casual than I remembered, but mainly because I acquired a ton of new clothes while I was home. Which often happens (um, thanks Mom!).
For a reminder, here's
what I brought.
And here's what I learned:
1. Pack no more than one of each kind of thing. I.e. one short cardigan and one long, not two. One pencil skirt, not two. One pair of neutral-colored heels, not two. One party shirt, not two. One pair of neutral dress pants, not two. One turtleneck, not two. I had to force myself to switch up and wear all the multiples I brought, which means I could easily have done without them.
2. This rule doesn't apply to button-downs - I wore all three of those multiple times - they can layer under or over tops and dresses.
3. It also doesn't apply to layering tanks and long-sleeved tees- I wore all of the ones I brought with me, especially since it was so cold.
4. Pack versatile pieces that can dress up or down - my plaid tunic got an awful lot of wear both at the office and on weekends. On the other hand, I wore my sweater vest zero times, because I packed a short-sleeved sweater that served essentially the same function and was more fun to remix.
5. Pack more underwear and socks. Because those I did run out of more than once. And being out of clean underwear is lame.
None of these lessons are ground-breaking, I know, but I do think this was a good exercise for me personally. Anyone have any other packing tips they could share?
The next packing challenge will be in March - packing for (gulp!) an academic conference!
This writing center job is going to be all about casually professional, and I think a button-down with a denim skirt fits that aesthetic well.
I loved the way the rich tones of the scarf played up the deep purple of the shirt, but since I suspected it would be warm in the writing center (I was right), I also wore a necklace. 
P.S. these shoes are new from a Target clearance rack. I think they are precious with their tiny little wedgey heels.
No, not really.
I'm sure you all are very relieved.
I have to say that I am still not sold on these pants. They are just so...wide. What do you all think? Keep or donate?
So this...is the shortest skirt I own. I've had it since, oh, late high school, when I was more comfortable with skirts above my knees than I am now. But with two pairs of thick tights for coverage and the rest of the outfit pretty demure, I actually felt appropriate for a series of meetings on campus - and surprisingly warm! Two pairs of tights + wool skirt = very happy legs, even in the biting wind.
Hello! I freaking love this belt. I also did some more braidy goodness. (I fixed the bobby pins after the photos.)
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!
