Cozy in Spring

All the rain has cooled down North Texas to a frigid 70 degrees, and that's my cue to reach for a cozy sweater and ankle boots while I still can! I'm sure it two weeks I'll be laughing at myself for even having a pair of boots in my capsule!

I've been enjoying planning my summer capsule, it's nice to be planning a capsule that involves just one aspect of my life rather than work and school and play! So excited for shorts and sandals!

Worthington button up (similar), Gap cardigan, Mango jeans, Gap boots (similar), Citizen watch

Summer Rain

This sweater is another item I wanted to test run after snagging it in a sale last week. I've been looking for a good gray thick knit cardigan for the fall and Gap had one for a reasonable price so I went for it. I actually bought two of them for sizing purposes- a reviewer mentioned that the cardigan can be a little boxy, and she went to the maternity section and found that the maternity version is a little longer, but fits just as well. I ordered the XS/S in maternity and the M/L in regular and decided the maternity one actually fit better, I kept it for future cozy sweater enjoyment. 

Gap sweater, Target tank top (similar), Gap jeans, awesome rainboots from my mom

I think I want to replace this tank- I just don't like jersey, it doesn't seem weighty enough. I was thinking of replacing it with this one from Loft (I know- I might be slightly addicted) but I need to try it on. Anyway, I'm still working on my list of summer wants, hopefully I can fanangle all of my wants out of my budget!

Mid-Week

Sorry for the radio silence! I'm finally finishing up my classes and feeling excited for the end of the semester. I thought I would contribute an easy look I wore for work (another jeans week for teacher appreciation).

Gap t-shirt, H&M jeans, J Crew scarf, Gap loafers (another loafer option)

Breaking the Rules

This basic outfit is breaking allll the rules. This sweater is another Gap sale salvage and darn it- I wanted to wear it. So I did, capsule wardrobe be damned! The rules of capsules that is. I can feel myself getting increasingly frustrated with my capsule, but by no fault of the capsule itself. Its not you, capsule wardrobe, its me!

I'm so uninterested in my capsule right now, like I just want to go shopping and not think about the consequences... I think its all the stress I'm experiencing- shopping is something I can control and I like it and it doesn't make me nervous when I think about it (because so many things do right now- its amazing how quickly stress spirals into worrying about everything. Like I'm nervous about packing my lunch. How did I go from concern over my lesson plans to nerves about my snacks for tomorrow??). Anyway, I'm going to carry on with my spring capsule. Just maybe with an addition or two.

Gap sweater, Gap jeans, Jessica Simpson flats (similar, similar)

A glance at my accessories via Instagram:

Bulova watch, J. Crew ring

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!

Winning

You know, the past few months have been pretty hard. This semester has been challenging in so many ways- university has been intense, work can feel a little relentless, and having an opposite work schedule from E means we only get (and I calculated) about 15 hours a week during which we're both awake. Believe me when I say I needed a win. And I got my win today- E's schedule will be changing next month to one in which we'll be sleeping at the same time and that for me is worth more than all the Target giftcards in the world (because who doesn't secretly or not-so-secretly adore Target?). I'm so grateful that I'll be spending more time with my amazing man- he's my rock in the tumultuous ocean of my life.

--End mushy love stuff--

I wore this simple outfit to class tonight and I loved it. Loft has some great scarves right now that are perfect for any season in which you might want a scarf (read: all the seasons!) because a lot of them are neutral- this black and white one, naturally, caught my eye a few weeks ago and I actually found it on ebay, because I just can't spend $25 dollars on a scarf. After living in Israel where they sell delightful pashmina knock-offs on every corner in the Hadar (which is a market), I feel like anything over $7 is to much.

Nordstrom Rack top (similar), Gap jeans, Loft scarf, Gap boots (similar)

By the way- both Gap and Loft have some nice sales going- 40% everything including sale at Loft (I also love this scarf!) and 40% off full-price at Gap, with 50% additionally off sale items. Go shop thoughtfully!

More florals

Black and white and florals. That's all this spring is about. That and finding ways to wear both boots and sandals. That's definitely an interesting change!

Expect posts to be a little less frequent these next few weeks- school is wrapping up which means all the projects are due at once and my stress went from moderately high to "maybe you should sit down" high.

Thrifted top, Target cardigan (similar), H&M jeans, Gap boots (similar)

Rain, Wind, and Sun

I'm somewhere between frustrated, amused, and just plain exasperated about the weather these days. Just in the first 4 hours of my day, it went from rainy on the drive to school, windy and sunny at recess, and now it's cloudy and cool at lunch time. I hate that my outfit may be completely weather inappropriate by the time we walk out for recess, but I also strangely love the constant variation. I hate wearing the same assemblage of sweaters and boots over and over, so it's kind of nice when we go from skirts and tanks one day to jackets and boots the next. Call me crazy, but it keeps life from being totally boring.

This is a reiteration of an outfit from a wildly warm day in January, but far more weather proof! These rainboots are worth their wait in gold, they are definitely the most complimented piece of clothing I own, and I totally stole them from my mom. Thanks again, mom.

Topshop jacket, thrifted striped top (similar), Mango button up, Gap jeans (similar), rainboots stolen from my mom (similar, in so many colors!)

J Crew earrings and ring, Bulova watch

Bright White

This post is titled Bright White in honor of the exceptional paleness that my skin has taken on since October. I realized somewhere around February that none of my body had seen the light of day outside my hands and face and occasionally ankles since Halloween!

Target tank top (similar), H&M jeans, Jessica Simpson flats, Nine West purse (similar)

Clearly, I need to let my skin see the light. But also sunscreen- I was outside for half an hour and my shoulders were red. 

I've been thinking a lot about my capsule wardrobe lately- possibly going slightly stir-crazy with only wearing a few items. But this coming week I have something a little different planned, so I'll get a chance to change it up. Look for a post tomorrow about it!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend, ya'll!

Red Suede Shoes

Since planning my spring capsule over a month ago, I had been looking for a pair of casual cool sneakers. I gave up on finding any before it was time for my summer capsule, but then I found these Brooks Vanguard shoes on sale (still on sale!) and I decided to go for it. Of course this is against the rules of capsule wardrobes, but I knew these would be a staple in the coming seasons. The red was only available in men's, and luckily I am well-into the men's sizes. They're red, cute, have a retro vibe, don't make my feet look huge, which is no easy feat, and were less than $60. I was couldn't wait for so-called Fun Friday to wear them, so I paired them with a relaxed black pullover and jeans.

Ann Taylor shirt, Gap jeans, Brooks shoes, Bulova watch

I wore this jacquard bomber jacket inside most of the day to complete this sporty look. I found this jacket for $16 at Nordstrom Rack over the summer and it immediately became my summer to-go jacket. It came with me in airplanes and grocery stores, it lived in my car for a few weeks- it was like my own Fuzzy a la Owen. As the temperatures jump (and I do mean jump) upward, I'm looking to this jacket again as a topper for work and class. Its such a basic piece, but the texture really enlivens it!

Nordstrom Rack bomber jacket (similar)

Look for more of these sneakers and this jacket in the coming weeks, I'm so looking forward to easy styles as school tapers off into blissful summer!

Tank Tops and Jeans

This weekend was far too short! But with the weather on the upswing and the coming weeks filling up with family visits and events (my brother's engagement party is Saturday! Eeeee!) I'm feeling more positive and not minding the daily barrage of work and school. Even in the mild Texas winter I get a little depressed, so I'm always amazed and appreciative of how the warm breeze and brighter light uplift me. Even in 60 degree weather, which is still chilly to me, I had to let my arms get a little sun yesterday.

I mentioned a post or two ago that I had cut my hair, and it's amazing how different I feel! I knew my old hair style had been a bit of a burden (read: my hair was driving me crazy) but I didn't realize how transforming it would be to change it! I'd had my hair long for about 5 years before this and it had always been great until recently, when it just felt heavy and flat and lifeless. I cut it and now I feel like a totally different person. Or actually, I feel way more like myself, in that I don't think it's a characteristic of mine to spend hours trying to solve the problem of why my hair is bothering me, so now with this shorter do, I don't have to think about it. A few curls with the curling iron (no, not a wand, I still don't get the deal with the curling wands) and some cream and I'm ready to go. I love it! 

Thrifted tank top (similar), H&M jeans, Gap boots (similar), Kohl's necklace (similar)

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

Weekending

Quick snap of my outfit today, casual stripes with a light scarf to brighten up the black and white. Happy weekend!

Gap t shirt (similar), Gap jeans (similar), Lucky Brand flats (on sale!), J Crew scarf (similar), Bulova watch

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!

Easy

Another ice day means cozy at home. Which was interrupted by thinking I had class today so I promptly got ready to go into the cold and slush. I didn't mind so much if it meant wearing something comfy and relaxed.

Gap sweater (similar), Gap jeans, Gap ankle boots, scarf from Israel

Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Not going to lie friends, I'm a little wary of transitioning to my spring capsule when the coldest temperatures of winter are upon us and I see snow out of my window... But we'll press on.

I'm loving the simplicity of this capsule. Nothing fussy, nothing that stands out too much or is hard to wear. Thrifting gave me a taste for kind of random things that can sit in my closet all year and be worn once because it happens to work for the situation, like the plum leather pencil skirt I found right before starting my winter capsule. I put it in the capsule thinking I could make it work, maybe I still can, but for now I'm going to tuck it away and add in some skirts I know I want to wear. I'm hoping that the weather warms up quickly so I can wear these with no tights! I'm definitely excited for this capsule.

I kept 20 pieces from my winter capsule, pulled 13 from storage, and bought 2 new pieces.

I love these colors- they feel fresh and easy to me. Also note there are only 35 pieces pictured... I'm still working on the last few things. I think I'll swap out the tank tops for sweaters until it warms up sufficiently. I'm not sure how taboo that is to switch items- the tank tops and sweaters would be in my keep pile anyway... Also have I mentioned I haven't cleaned out my closet? Maybe as I'm likely to be stuck inside this weekend, I'll write about that trauma.

It was definitely really fun to plan this capsule, it's full of items I really want to wear and will easily work well all together. Bring on the spring! 

"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."

Western?

Yesterday we were told to dress in Western theme for today... I'm not sure why... But this was my attempt. Chambray and jeans with boots. And turquoise jewelry. So Western.

Also how is it that we had two snow ice days this week but its dragged on forever! I'm so glad there's only one more day! I'm also so glad I only have 2 days left of my winter capsule, I'm excited to bust out the midi skirts and flats. Not that the weather is not necessarily going to cooperate... But I can dream.

Loft Chambray shirt (on sale!), Target cardigan (similar), Gap jeans, Gap ankle boots (similar)

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!