Weekend in OKC

This weekend I got to play hookie on real life and escape to Oklahoma City to meet up with two of my favorite people. They live in Kansas, where I hail from, and we rarely get to hang out these days due to my present location. We explored Bricktown in the midst of a thunderstorm, laughed out loud to Pitch Perfect 2, and saw the Oklahoma City Memorial, which was lovely.

I got this jacket from H&M for my summer capsule (due in 2 weeks!) and I haven't taken it off since I bought it. Its lightweight and breezy, and I love that the sleeves can be rolled up. Its the perfect summer piece and I can't wait to wear it during my summer adventures! I also came across these jeans on major clearance from Banana Republic and couldn't resist replacing my DIY waxed jeans with something with a little more staying power.

Thrifted shirt, H&M jacket, Banana Republic pants (similar), Brooks Sneakers, Nine West purse (similar)

Be on the lookout for some posts on summer coming these next few weeks! I'm so ready for summer- I can't believe we still have 3 weeks of school!

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!

In the Rain

The rain this week has been so completely amazing. From misty afternoons to midnight rumbles to downright downpours... Seriously I love rain. Not going to be mad when the sun comes out though!

Gap sweater (similar), Mango button up, Gap jeans (similar), rainboot from ma

Target (top and bottom) and Kohl's (middle)

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

Slouchy Midi

What a weekend! It was great. It was rainy and stormy and muggy and super productive. There is no sarcasm in these words- I genuinely enjoyed the weather and getting almost all my last minute homework done! I'm so close to the end of the semester I can taste it. Or it might be the Fritos. Either way, it tastes good.

The downside of this crazy weather is that the wind that accompanies these storms we've had has kicked up something my eyes do not like, therefore I awoke this lovely Monday to find that my eye looked like someone had inserted a grape under my lid. With some ice and eyedrops it chilled out to a mild puffy situation, but it was not the best way to start the week. It was a little cooler today, so I combined my short-sleeved sweater and floral midi to keep myself a little insulated.

Gap sweater, thrifted skirt (similar), Ann Taylor button up, Lucky Brand flats (similar)

Old Navy rings 

Mother's Day Stripes

Celebrating mother's day with E's family today! Loving all the rain we've gotten today, but you better believe I have a pair of rainboots waiting in the car in case it pours again! 

Thrifted top (similar), Gap jeans (similar), Jessica Simpson flats (similar), Ebay statement necklace

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)

Weekend

I wore this to get a haircut and hang around finishing up homework. I love that sweatpants are a thing, like I can wear them in a casual-cute situation and not feel like other people know I'm really in my pajamas. These sweatpants are in capsule limbo, just like my leather pants, simply because half the time I wear them just kicking around the house and half the time venture out with them. 

Thrifted shirt, Marshall's sweatpants (similar), Chinese Laundry sandals, Loft scarf

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)

Something Nautical

This outfit is my version of jaunty yacht captain. Something about blue pants and a blazer sends me straight to sea! Also, the one day I have a presentation and attempt to look extra professional, I end up repotting our bean sprouts and spilling strawberry banana goo on my pants. I don't always try to look professional, but when I do, I ruin my outfit before noon.

Nordstrom Rack blazer (similar), Gap shirt (attemping to solve the perfect striped tee mystery), Gap pants (similar), Gap loafers

Also, totally accidental Gap model, meaning I'm wearing nearly all Gap. This is happening increasingly as I replace my old wares with new, quality pieces. So I guess being a Gap model is a good thing.

Bulova watch, Kohl's necklace

I'd love to say that my accessories are ever changing and original... but alas... no. This set has been on heavy rotation the past few weeks. Once you get it right, no reason to change, right?

Rainy Day

I enjoy the rain, don't get me wrong, but man! I never thought I ever say this- but I'm kind of done with rain! Luckily the forecast for the next week seems like we're finally drying up a bit! I will live to regret these words in a month or two.

Loft button up (similar), Banana Republic skirt (similar), rainboots compliments of my mama (I did get her a replacement pair, by the way)

Oversized Sweater

I've been living in this sweater this past week- its oversized and cozy but also spring friendly because its short-sleeved, although it is still black. I wore this to work, then changed for class since it turned colder as I was walking out the door.

Gap sweater, thrifted Ann Taylor skirt (similar), Gap boots (similar style on sale!), Loft scarf

Gap sweater, DIY waxed jeans (similar non-DIY option), Brooks sneakers, Loft scarf

Borrowed E's watch, I always do when I wear this skirt for some reason!

I'm clearly mourning in these pictures with all this black- Caroline at Unfancy, my capsule wardrobe guru and general girl crushee, announced last week she'll be taking a break from blogging. Why, world, why! I'll have to step up my game to keep myself occupied. Don't worry, I may take my cues from her but I plan to continue writing here at My Teacher Style and hopefully will get on a more regular posting schedule following the end of the semester. 

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!

Last of Leather

As much as I've enjoyed these pants, I think it's time to tuck them away for their long summer's sleep. With temperatures steadily creeping upward, I will look increasingly silly romping around in leather pants. I have to at least try not look silly, even if it pretty much never works. I'm also trying to convince myself to stop wearing so much black. Clearly, it's not working.

Nordstrom Rack blazer (similar), thrifted top, Nordstrom Rack pants (similar in a baggier fit), Chinese Laundry flats

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!

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

Gray and Leather

I love the contrast in the outfit- the top says nap time and I'm not sure what the bottom says but it's definitely not for resting. It has that casual look that's downplayed by the leather. I feel like these pants are the Parisian version of the boyfriend jean. They have the same slouchy fit, but they're not artfully tattered in a way that I don't feel meshes with the whole effortless chic the French are known for. Not to say I'm at all effortless. I won't tell you how many times I changed to get to this outfit. But I like to think it sends out the vibe that I can be effortless and comfy and chic all at once. 

Also, I'm not sure where these pants stand in relation to my capsule. Are they in or out? Should I pack them away until fall or leave them available for cooler days, ensuring they get worn? No idea. 

Banana Republic shirt, Gap cardigan, Nordstrom Rack leather pants, Gap loafers