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)

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!

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)

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!

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

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)

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

Monday again?

Is it really Monday? Already? Even with the 3-day weekend, Monday snuck up on me.

I replaced my black and white Gap striped tee this weekend. I stained my hard won shirt with black shoe polish and through various attempts to clean it, I ended up putting holes in it. Oh well! I'll enjoy this gray and white option from Banana Republic until I finally find the perfect black and white striped tee. It's a little more weekend than work wear, but my style for work is pretty relaxed anyway. 

Nordstrom Rack blazer (similar), Banana Republic shirt, Gap slacks (similar), Gap loafers (similar in blush, on sale!), Citizen watch

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: Florals and Stripes

It was a struggle to get dressed this morning. Even this perky skirt couldn't convince me to get out of bed at a time that allows me to not run around my house frantically! In my haste to get ready (I changed three times, barely grabbed my lunch, and somehow slipped an apple into my purse before rushing out to the car and returning a moment later waking up poor E to ask him where my sweater I left in his car yesterday was) I neglected to accessorize my outfit to my liking, but considering how busy this outfit is anyway, I guess the lack of showy jewels is good.

Target cardigan (similar on sale!), thrifted t shirt, thrifted skirt, Chinese Laundry flats

Citizen watch

I was talking to my sister-in-law, Aleah, earlier today (in preparation for a special post we're putting together, look for it next week!) and it came up that these days, an outfit like this feels like a neon sign to me! There seems to be so much going on, the patterns and shapes and layers- but its really a simple outfit. I think I'm just out of practice after the past few weeks of super simple outfits. Maybe tomorrow I'll go for something a little more low-key. 

Also, can I just say that I love these shoes but man they are not classroom-friendly! I need to do some troubleshooting! Any tips for making flats more comfortable for all-day wear?

Midi Skirt Week: Blue Pleats and Stripes

As I looked into the future via the weekly weather forecast I noticed something spectacular: it will (supposedly) be in the 70's and 80's all week. Now, as the daughter of a weatherman (what up, dad), I know that weekly forecasts see only somewhat accurate. Despite this knowledge and the fear that Thursday it could be snowing (you know, because Texas), I've decided this week will be midi skirt week. This is coming to you courtesy of my non-capsuled wardrobe because I need a break from it I have a lot of cute midi skirts. I wanted to try styling this style of skirt in different ways to give you lovely readers some ideas on all the options for this perfect spring staple. Keep in mind- it doesn't have to actually be a midi (below the knee) length for these styles to work, I just love midi skirts because they are so practical for the classroom!

Here's my day 1 of Midi Skirt Week! I feel like this should be called "edgy tea party."

Thrifted striped crop top, thrifted blue pleated midi skirt, Jessica Simpson flats, Ebay necklace

Look for more midi-skirt looks this week! I'm excited to show off all my thrifted midi gems. Yes, all my midi skirts are thrifted. Absolutely the easiest thing to find at a thrift store!

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!

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! 

With the Boys

This cloudy Saturday I spent the day hanging out with my brothers, so naturally I went for my equivalent of a t shirt and jeans- a slouchy sweater and some cool waxed jeans. After a Starbucks trip and burgers for lunch, I was glad to have some give in my waist area!

Gap sweater (similar from the boys!), DIY waxed jeans (similar crazy on sale), Topshop jacket, Chinese Laundry flats, Nine West purse (similar)

I recently got this crossbody purse at Steinmart (this place is new to me, like a TJ Maxx for old ladies) and I love it- its brighter than what I would usually consider, but I liked the white for spring. My last crossbody bag bit the dust while I was wandering with E in Paris in December after only 6 months of light use, hopefully this one will be a little more hardy!

Also I cut my hair... I'm now attempting the lob after convincing myself I'd be happier with something lighter and easier to style than my long wavy hairstyle I had before. I have lots of inspiration on my beauty board on Pinterest. Check it out, maybe you'll be convinced too!

Happy weekend ya'll!

Pleats

This dress was a last minute thrift find. I was killing time in Texas Thrift (giant, but somehow usually devoid of anything worthwhile) and I as I was leaving, I happened upon this dress on the dressing room reject rack. I loved its retro vibe and its simplicity. I don't usually go for pleats but something about this dress made me feel cool and unique, a little like I just popped into Zara for a little black dress.

In the summer I wore this with simple black ankle strap sandals and a little bright purse but I struggled to transition it into fall and winter, which surprised me because it layers well. Maybe it looks a little weird with ankle boots? Regardless, I'm glad I included it in my spring capsule.

Because of the rain this afternoon I had to switch from the loafers to my trusty red rainboots, which was fine. I don't mind break up all the black and white happening lately!  

Thrifted dress,  Loft button up (sold out, lovely alternative), Gap loafers (similar in blush), thrifted necklace

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

Stripes and florals

Here is proof I wear outfits comprised of things other than jeans and ankle boots. With the temperatures for the foreseeable future in the 60's and 70's, this is a look that will be on repeat in some iteration in the coming weeks. I realized as I put this outfit on that this is about as bright and patterned as I'll ever get, and I'm totally ok with that! 

Topshop jacket, Gap shirt, Ann Taylor skirt (thrifted, similar), Lucky Brand flats

Necklace is a gift from my mom, from Kohl's

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

Subtle Pattern Mixing

This outfit came to me as I was trying to fall asleep after stuffing myself with as many eggs and strawberries as possible before the sun came up (it's the Baha'i fasting period until March 20th) so I like to think that's it's dreamy.

I surprised myself with how much detail there is today, patterns and jewelry? This is rare people!

Nordstrom Rack blazer (similar), Gap shirt (similar), Halogen pants (similar), Gap boots (similar on sale!), scarf from Turkey

With my yummy jacket

Topshop jacket, Target purse (similar)

At glance at the details and accessories

Bulova watch, Old Navy ring

Baublebar earrings