Chambray

Is it just me, or is chambray a neutral? I act like it is, anyway. There's nothing better than a perfectly soft chambray shirt. It goes with anything, can be dressed up or down, and looks great with almost any color. Chambray for the win.

I recently (like yesterday) replaced my Loft chambray shirt with this one from Banana Republic Factory. The Loft one I had was fine, it looked nice and had a lovely wash, but it was super stiff so it looked funny tucked into anything. This one is much softer, but unfortunately after searching online for it to link, I found that you can only get it in stores. So if you have the outlet nearby, give it a try. This is a small, and it fits my large shoulders and long arms, but is a little tight in the bust. That's laughable to me- I'm not exactly bursting at the seams of most shirts.

Banana Republic Factory shirt, thrifted skirt, Gap loafers, Citizen watch, H&M necklace

I'm getting more and more excited as June approaches- the end of school, my brother's wedding, and my summer capsule! Nothing but good!

Teacher-wear

"Kate- describe a typical teacher outfit."
"This."

This outfit reflects to me decades of teacher style- pleated midi skirt (somehow popular again), button up (also popular again?), and loafers (how are all these things popular again). If I hopped in a time machine to the 50's I would not be completely out of place, any more than I am now.

Mango button up, thrifted midi skirt (similar), Gap loafers (similar on sale), thrifted belt, 

Citizen watch

Simplicity

When in a rush, your head is feeling fuzzy, your eyes are puffy with sleep and you're not sure how many times you pressed snooze- that's when you reach for the easiest outfit available. In my case, that is black pants and a white button up. So easy I felt a little guilty so I threw a scarf on top. Still ended up being the easiest thing I've worn in ages it feels like, despite my penchant for basic outfits.

Mango button up, Mango jeans, Gap loafers (super on sale!), Nordstrom Rack scarf (similar)

Old Lady Shoes

I picked these loafers up at Gap the other day when they had their awesome sale (which may or may not still be going on!) and I fully intended to tuck them away until fall, but I wanted to test-run them once (or twice... ok, it was twice) before I decided if I liked them. I do like them. In fact- they led me to an uncomfortable realization- I'm totally an old lady. I mean, these are some old lady shoes. Plain black loafers are about as classically boring as it gets. And I totally love them. I wore them because I was like "How cute and put-together-teachery will I look with these classy loafers!" But then I really thought about myself in relation to my age and I'm such an old lady! I drink loads of tea. I try to go to sleep as early as I can. I wear sweaters all the time, even in beautiful 70 degree sunshine (like today). I'm always cold. I have an affection for young children but they also bring out this stern side of me. Whenever someone comes to my house I try to give them things- food, candy, clothing- and I force it on them until they take it. Such an old lady. But I don't mind- I'll totally rock my old ladyness until I actually become one, and then I plan on being pretty kooky and weird.

Target cardigan (similar), Loft button up (another awesome option), Gap jeans, Gap loafers (still on sale)

Another way I know I'm an old lady on the inside? I love my pearl earrings. E got them for me for our anniversary and apart from my wedding band, they're my MVP of jewelry. I could and would wear them everyday. Sooo ooold! These are similar styles to the ones I have: 

from Zales

also from Zales

If you ever find yourself with a little extra cash on hand and a need for some earrings that go with everything and never go out of style, I would recommend pearls. I never realized how much I needed something so basic until I had them and now I wear them endlessly. Thanks E!

Black, Plum, and Gold

I got a new mirror, guys. It's giant and perfect for mirror selfies. Its also GIANT. I'm so used to the little mirrors that you can hang on the back of doors, so this thing looks like I could put floaties on it and sail it down a river. I love it!

This was a super chill outfit but it made me happy because of this new necklace... It was on crazy clearance at Kohl's and I love how small but geometric it is!

Ann Taylor button up, thrifted pants (similar), Lucky Brand flats (similar) 

Bulova watch, Kohl's necklace

Classy In Florals

People usually associate spring with florals, but florals are one of the few patterns that I love all year round. Stripes and florals are the only patterns I'm comfortable with unconditionally; occasionally I'll slip a polka dot or a paisley into the mix.

This thrifted Ann Taylor pencil skirt is one of the few patterned pieces in my closet, but it gets a lot of use. I love the whimsical nature of the print, its not quite as outright feminine as some florals. The colors are perfect for spring too- fresh and clean and bright. I paired this skirt with stripes and my moto jacket in March and I loved that combination too! I wore this more formal outfit on a day I had to look classy, and it actually felt kind of strange to be so dressed up. My school allows me to dress pretty casually, but I think I like this vibe- I feel like a creative professional.

Mango button up, thrifted skirt (similar, similar), Lucky Brand flats (similar)

Rejuvenate at Recess

This morning I woke up so grumpy and tired- I felt exhausted and irritated at everything. I spent most of the morning quiet, not commenting much during literacy centers and silently watching our students sing. Then we went to recess. Something about the cool breeze and the laughter of the 4 year olds made me calm down and open my heart. It's so easy to go through the whole day without realizing the blessing that is being a teacher! Being surrounded by children laughing and calling to me to show me that they've mastered swinging alone or doing a cartwheel is a refreshing experience after the sometimes frustrating situations in the classroom. 

Anyway- I'm grateful for the opportunity to have a mid-morning restart to the day.

This is my outfit for the 7-day Loft #liveinwhatyoulovecontest that started yesterday on instagram. The challenge was to show your favorite spring outfit- and all I need is black and white with a swingy skirt. So fresh!

Loft button up, thrifted skirt, Nine West purse, Jessica Simpson flats, Citizen watch

I just checked and saw that the Jessica Simpson lace-up flats I've been raving about have sold out. Such a bummer- these are one of the only affordable and quality pairs of laced flats I've seen! Hopefully, if this is a style you love, you can find another option. I'll probably do a round-up of laced flats and sandals for summer, so for now, happy hunting!

((Also a quick note- Here is my face! It does exist and it looks pretty normal. I would love to show you my whole self every time I share an outfit, but I'm usually only able to manage selfies and quick shots before I go off to class! Hopefully sometime in the near future I can upgrade my photos!))

Easy Blush and Black

If someone asked me to describe my style  uniform- what I could wear every day in any situation and feel fresh and ready for anything, this would be it. Loose button up, skinny pants, and flats. I could wear a variation of this until I die and be satisfied! It's easy and versatile. Add a cardigan or scarf and it's winter ready. Roll up the sleeves and undo a few buttons and I'm good for summer. Definitely my go-to combination when I'm not interested in thinking about my outfit.

Loft button up, DIY waxed jeans (similar), Gap loafers (similar, on sale!), Citizen watch, H&M necklace

What's your go-to uniform? Let me know!

Midi Skirt Week: Polka Dots and Chambray

I surprised myself with this skirt- polka dots are so perky and preppy and I'm so not. I found this skirt thrifting last spring and I ended up wearing it on a weekly basis paired with a black tank and ankle strap sandals. I think that's my favorite way to wear midi skirts- with tanks and sandals. There's something so laidback about that look, with big sunglasses and a cross-body bag. Ugh! Summer, where are you!

This styling of a midi skirt is decidedly not laid-back, I think. I felt very school-marm gone chic today. I love the soft flow of this skirt, its so lightweight and swishy. The nipped in waist and full flare of the skirt is so feminine. I think that's what I like about midi skirts, they're so feminine! I'm not a girly-girl, but I love the subtle femininity that the silhouette can give an otherwise masculine look.

 Loft chambray shirt (similar), thrifted skirt, Lucky Brand flats

 Kohl's necklace (similar)

Midi Skirt Week: Black, Blue, and Boots

Black button up, black and blue dot skirt, black ankle boots. AKA- the somehow perfect teacher outfit?! My proof that this outfit is my perfect teaching outfit is this- not only is this thrifted silk midi skirt easy to wear and cute- but I ran around outside for 15 minutes with 4 year olds without any issues. I ran. Outside. I'm not exaggerating- we raced to a tree then to the fence and back again. As I wore this skirt and these boots. That is my evidence. I felt just dressed up enough to be professional, but was comfortable enough to romp around with the kids and sit on the carpet to play alphabet bingo. Even in slacks I'm not usually so flexible!

Ann Taylor button up, thrifted skirt, Gap boots (similar)

Target cardigan (similar)

Bulova watch, Steinmart earrings (similar)

Also, I'm so glad I found this cardigan. I put it in my spring capsule knowing that I had it in my closet storage somewhere... But I couldn't find it. For the whole first month. I wore my chunky black drape cardigan nonstop in my winter capsule, and I was glad I had a lighter weight version available for spring, but quickly realized it was no where to be found... Until I found it Sunday afternoon under my bed. Under my bed! What am I, 12?! But yes. Now that I've finally found it, I'm delighted. Hello, cold classroom solution!

White and Plum

This week is off to a good start. The weather is fresh, recess is enjoyable again, and my assignment for an integrated lesson plan is off to a great start. I'm working on a lesson for 3rd graders combining the TEKs (Texas standards) for landforms and using art to express ideas, and it is so exciting! My hands were actually trembling writing about students creating imaginary lands and making a map of the landforms using all different materials. I guess that's how I know I'm in the right profession?

This outfit was actually too warm for me yesterday, I was shocked! I took my sweater off for most of the day and was still overheating, especially hauling my backpack across campus.

Mango button up, thrifted Nordstrom Rack pants, Gap ankle boots

Forever 21 necklace (top), Nordstrom Rack necklace (bottom) 

It's so hard to get a shot with these pants where you can really see the pattern, it's a pity because in person they're really lovely! 

Bright Blue

I really don't have much to say today, mostly just that I love this shirt! Happy almost Friday!

JCPenney button up (similar), Gap sweater (similar), Gap jeans (similar), Gap loafers (similar in blush)

 Necklace was a gift from my parents

Spring!

Goodbye cold, rainy days! I hope we've seen the last of them for a few months. Now I'm so ready for warm breezes and that amazing smell the earth gets when spring comes.

I'm celebrating the coming warm weather with suede boots and a light shirt.

Mango button up, Gap jeans, Gap boots, Target scarf (similar)

Ring from a Native American pow-wow in Wichita a few years ago

Floral again

The sun is shining, the wind chimes are chiming, and I am wearing this button up again. I know. Twice in one week- what self-respecting style blogger does that? I'll tell you what kind- the kind that is no longer guilty about being excited to wear something and wearing it. Sure, it might be boring, but man I love this shirt.

Loft button up (seriously on sale. Really really on sale), H&M jeans, Gap ankle boots (similar)

Nordstrom Rack earrings (similar), Citizen Men's watch

Also this is my nail color, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polish (what a mouthful!) in Malbec. I love that its dark enough to make an impact but when the light catches it, its obvious its not black. Dark plum for spring! I love it. This formula also lasts a long time, which for me means it chips after 2 days instead of 2 hours. Its great for people who do things like wash dishes, peel labels off of things, and live a normal life. Seriously, who are these people who can get a regular manicure and it still looks perfect a week later? Do you not shower?? I mean. Really. What is your secret.

Happy weekend! And happy spring break if this is your week!

Graphic Blouse

I've been looking forward to this outfit for weeks- mostly because this shirt has been sitting in my closet calling to me. When I set foot into Loft in January I fell in love with this bold floral print, and I plotted. I schemed all the possible ways of getting my hands on it- everything from teacher discount to Retail Me Not coupons, until Loft basically handed it to me by putting it on sale and then adding the extra 60% off they seem to do every other week. The wait was worth it! I love it.

Loft blouse (still on sale, by the way), Gap cardigan (similar), Mango jeans, stolen rainboots from my mother (similar)

Not sure how I feel about this cardigan. Its my spring replacement for my giant drapey black cardigan I wore 5,000 times the past few months but its just quite as cozy (like here, here and here). But the gray is way better for spring, don't you think?

Anyway, hopefully I'll only be wearing it a few times before the Texas sun comes to its senses and starts shining again. Until then, grandma cardi to the rescue?

"Fun" Friday

At my school we do jeans with a school shirt on Fridays thus Fridays are always a struggle for me- I don't like wearing hoodies and sneakers at work because I don't wear hoodies and sneakers in real life. But that seems to be the trend on Fridays for most teachers. So "Fun" Friday is not very fun.

I've been trying to elevate my Fun Friday style by adding some more interesting pieces with my school shirts (which are not included in my capsule). Today I wore the vintage sweatshirt my lead teacher lent me, it's super cute alone but it was real cold today so I layered a scarf. I also love wearing high-waisted jeans with my school shirts, it adds something a little more detail into the mix. And they're so darn flattering.

 

Vintage school sweatshirt, Target scarf (similar), Gap jeans, Zara boots (similar)

Here are some other looks for "Fun" Friday:

Sporty with sneakers and a bomber jacket

Nordstrom Rack bomber jacket (similar), Gap jeans, Target shoes

Preppy layering a button up

Mango button up, Gap jeans, Gap ankle boots (similar)

Adding some sparkle with a statement necklace

Target cardigan (similar), Gap jeans, Gap ankle boots, Target necklace (similar)

Stacking up a scarf to keep it cozy

Gap jeans, Gap ankle boots, scarf was a gift from two beautiful friends!

Professional with a blazer

Lauren Conrad blazer (similar), Gap jeans, Gap loafers (similar), 

Ebay necklace (this is the necklace, I painted it to be blue instead of orange)

This is what I would wear on a Friday I knew I'd have a walk-through... Its like "Yes its Friday, look at my school spirit, but man I am so professional I just have to rock this blazer."

Friday!

Happy Friday! I had crossing guard duty every morning this week and you better believe I'm glad this week is over. This is my Goodwill dressing room selfie after I changed out of my "fun Friday" clothes and got a haircut. I may or may not be searching for the perfect jeans to make cut offs for the summer. I don't think its too early... even though its definitely February... Because soon all the hipsters will be trolling Goodwill for high waisted mom jeans to chop and shred. So I'll be searching. If you're out there, perfect mom jeans, I'll find you!

Loft blouse, Topshop jacket, Gap jeans, Gap ankle boots (similar), Target necklace

Enjoy the weekend! Hopefully where ever you are you're inside and not dealing with the so called "arctic blast," which is anything from -30 and 40. Break out your old man sweaters people!

Valentine's Blush

Before the color blush came into the world of fashion like 3 years ago, I never wore pink. Actually, I haven't worn pink by choice since I was 6. I have only brothers and loved running around with them and wearing hand-me-downs, so for the past 17 years or so, I've avoided pink because I thought it was too girly. To be honest, I still don't like pink. But blush is like pink's older, more elegant cousin who only comes to visit when you need to look cool and feminine. Pink wants to go see a rom-com and Blush stays in to cook a fancy romantic dinner that is somehow low maintenance and relaxing.

Regardless of the differing extracurricular activities of colors, blush has become one of my favorite this season. With the exception of summer, which I think requires a little more punch, blush can be part of any palette for spring, fall, and winter. It pairs beautifully with so many colors! These are my favorites.

For Valentine's Day, I figured I'd put to use my favorite Loft purchase and wear some pink blush. I paired this blouse with a full black skirt and nude flats. E and I went with a group of friends to sushi in Dallas, then wandered around the Galleria. The day was warm, sunny, and all-around stunning, so even with my reputation for always being cold, my moto jacket stayed firmly in the car until the sun went down.

Loft button up, Banana Republic skirt (I love this longer version), Chinese Laundry flats

Oversized Stripes

I'll be real- it was nearly impossible to get out of bed today. A long day of work and class is not exactly inspiring, so I relied on one of the few pieces of sparkle I have in my jewelry box to brighten my day. I got this necklace on eBay after reading posts from other bloggers who have found awesome statement necklaces for like a dollar. I scoured for weeks- I wanted the right colors to be as wearable as possible, I wanted sparkle but not too distracting, and I wanted the perfect size. When I finally got my shamefully cheap necklace, I realized that this necklace was none of those things. The colors are fine, but the gray is a little weird. The sparkle is so flashy. But the biggest issue is... This necklace is giant. Like, unwearably so. This is the only outfit I can wear this bauble with, I'm trying to both match the gray and hide the majority of the sparkle- but I'll be darned if it isn't a charming combination.

Gap sweater (similar), Loft chambray shirt (on sale!), Mango jeans, Gap ankle boots, 

Necklace from eBay 

Playing catch up

This week has been madness! I'm so glad to finally be catching a break after rushing home from a cancelled class to see E before he went to work. I'm trying to catch up on my outfits, its been busy enough so far that I haven't been home when its light enough to get a decent shot!

Lauren Conrad blazer (similar), thrifted button up, Mango jeans, Gap loafers (similar)

 Old Navy turtleneck, Mango skinny jeans, Chinese Laundry flats

Joe Fresh button up (similar, super on sale and lovely), thrifted sheath dress (similar), 

Gap ankle boots

I love this dress! I hadn't originally put it in my capsule for this season but I added it back after missing it and day dreaming about looking like a 40's secretary going to a funeral. I love this length but it was killing me on campus going up and down the stairs! 

Hope the rest of the week is a little more laid back for everyone!