A Teacher's Perspective on Back-To-School Fashion

Scalloped Top // Bag // Skirt // Sunglasses // Shoes (similar)

It's back to school time and I for one, from a fashion standpoint at least, am excited to go back to work. As crazy and fast packed as the life of a teacher can be, I do love the challenge of dressing in a fun and professional way that makes me feel comfortable and capable. I really do believe that what you wear impacts your mood, your confidence level and even your productivity. Not to mention it sends a message to everyone you encounter about your personality. With all that, it's pretty easy to see why I like back to school.

Now I know all of you aren't teachers but I'm willing to be there is still something magical about this time of year that makes you want to stock up on new items and reinvent yourself as if its a new year. I know it's not January 1st, but it's a pretty transformational moment each year that takes you back to your childhood when a new outfit could make the first day of school feel really special. Or maybe it's just all the great sales! 

I for one know my students will be looking at what I wear. Even if you think kids don't care what you wear, i promise you they do and they are the most vocal critics I've had in 13 years of teaching! I intend to wear something fun and bold on the first day like this outfit here. Fun bright colors are a first day of school hit. 

This skirt has stretch to it so its way more comfortable than your average pencil skirt. My classroom is pretty hot so this sleeveless top keeps me cool and still looks fun and professional. These pink heels have been a closet favorite of mine for going on 7 years. They are the perfect height and still somehow fit even after my feet went up a half size after having Athena.

Whether you are a mom, professional, teacher or somewhere in-between, I hope you are all having a smooth and stylish transition into the back-to-school season. 

Pink Floral Wrap Dress in NYC

Dress // Mules // Monogrammed Circle Bag // Sunglasses (Zara and sold out)

Photos by my amazing friend Ashley of the blog Sed Bona

Do you ever have that moment where you are sitting in the chair getting a pedicure and you have already picked out your color but then all of a sudden you see the color the girl next to you is getting put on her toes and you regret your choice immediately and want hers? Much like the nail salon this dress was a find just like that.

Earlier this summer I was in New York shopping at a store I really wanted to visit this store called & Other Stories. I had always perused their website but decided that since I'd never touched any of their pieces or tried them on for size in real life, I wouldn't order anything and would continue to admire from afar. I was finally there and was filling my arm up with pieces of all sizes and patterns when a girl walked past me with this dress in her hands and I knew I had to find it. I scoured the store and finally found it with the new releases then hit the fitting room.

It was instant love even my girlfriends in the fitting room with me said it was a sure thing.  The feminine color and the sleeve detail did me in. I think it took me until lunch time carrying it around with me to finally just change into it. I was so glad I didn't because that meant I could take pictures in it in this bucket-list photo shoot location, the NOMO hotel that we were having drinks at before lunch.

After 3 days in New York I think I visited 3 locations of & Other Stories and went home with items in sizes 4, 8 and 10 so I'm glad I never ordered online because I would have been baffled by the sizing. And now that I have a better idea, I will definitely be ordering from them before I return to NYC next summer. I may have even already...don't judge.

So, have you shopped & Other Stories before? Are you lucky enough to have one in your city? I'm jealous, if so.  Below I've rounded up my  purchases from my visit and a few others I have my eye on. 

Transition This Summer Dress to Work Wear With One Step

Dress: Banana Republic // Pin: Vintage // Bag: Kate Spade // Sunglasses: Le Spec // Hat: Boutique find (similar here) // Shoes: Nordstrom (my favorite affordable Chanel look-alikes)

Summer is nearing it's end and yet I still have so much to do. I feel like  every time I cross one thing off my list another pops up It's never all going to get done. 

The one thing that I have been able to accomplish is wearing lots of fun summer styles that I can't wear to work during the school year. This dress for example worn like I have here, wouldn't fly at school but I could totally make it work during the school year with once simple trick that I use all the time. 

Layering, friends!  A simple plain white tee or even striped-tee under this dress will take it from summer dress to teacher-appropriate, instantly. I have this ruffle sleeve one in mind that I'll be trying out soon. To really dress it up, I would even add a button-up collared shirt underneath in either light blue or white. 

The best tip I can give you when buying pieces for layering is stick with the basics to get the most bang for your buck. Get either long or short sleeve options (I base this decision on the temperature of your office environment) of white, black, gray and navy tees that are fitted and comfortable. I Also like to add in a simple striped option because In my opinion, a good striped tee is pretty much a neutral. Also you could maybe add one fun color to your collection like red or yellow to add a pop of color if you are into being bold.

And there you have it. Layering can be the simplest answer that you may not have considered that can easily make some of your favorite summer pieces transition right over to the workplace.

New Gal Meets Glam Collection Drops Today

Gal Meets Glam Collection "Shelby Dress" // Bag: Vintage // Sandals

In honor of a new collection of Gal Meets Glam Collection dresses dropping today, I'm featuring my OG dress from the first collection. This dress right here is the Shelby and I was so into it from the moment I spotted because of its gorgeous floral, a covered sleeve which is great for work and the length thats not technically a maxi or a midi so it's ok if its a little too short on my tall self.  I kept this one on the back burner in my mind so you can imagine my excitement when it went on sale. Yep, its on sale so get it here! 

If you are not familiar with the Gal Meets Glam Collection it's a super ladylike monthly collection of dresses made by the stunning blogger and now dress designer Julia Engel. There is an e-commerce site as well as dresses available on Nordstrom's site and some dresses are exclusive to either site. As a huge dress fan myself, I find myself anticipating the new collections arrival because all the dresses are just so perfect for events and without fail, even some for everyday dress wearers who like to be a little overly dressed. I get so much wear out of dresses for teaching and summer events that I love adding new ones to my collection. I love that most of the styles are a "mom-friendly" length as well.

Although I could have bought many more,  I have limited myself to only two dresses so far, the Vanessa and the Shelby seen here on me. The linen Vanessa dress in buttercup, came with me to New York last month and will be up on the blog soon. Both dresses are just so classic and make me feel so feminine and pretty when I wear them, and isn't that really what every girl wants to feel when she gets dressed?

The new July Collection was released today! You can shop the Nordstrom selection here and the GMC Collection site here. My favorite is the Hallie! Go check them out for yourself and tell me which one is your favorite.

Fitting Room Picks From the 2018 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Welcome to most fabulous sale of the summer. It's the only sale that gets me excited to buy sweaters when its 95 degrees outside. Alot of people have been asking me what the big deal is about this sale and is it worth the hype. 

The N-sale, as it has been nicknamed/hashtaged, is when brand new, full priced Fall merchandise from all over the entire store goes temporarily on mega sale, and when the sale is over, the prices go back up. So the short answer is, yes, it's totally worth it. I like to think of this as my back to school shopping splurge. A time when I can gather some great fun work pieces for the upcoming school year at a fraction of the price. The early access portion started today which is for cardholders only but will open to the public soon. 

So let's get started! I went in at 7AM before the store opened and tried on all the things I had my eye on. Many were selling out in store in just hours. My advice to you is if you are even considering an item, buy it. You can always return it but you wont get over that sting of regret.

 

Totally had my eye on this Topshop Cardigan. I wound up buying the Charcoal color in a size 2 because it runs majorly big. This one will sell out fast as the Topshop cardigans tend to do every year.

These little Zella leggings were a little outside my norm, but were really cute, high-waisted and has some fun mesh detailing that didn't make them look like I just had "naked" legs. This Adidas top would be great to throw on for a workout and was super lightweight. I'm wearing a M but could have easily done a S. 

This top was not part of the sale but it was just too cute and really looked like a Rebecca Taylor piece but this was only $49! These are the MVP of the sale jeans I was talking about in my stories. We all bought them as well as all the girls in the fitting room after seeing me try them on. Usually $130 but the sale brings them down to $89!

Who doesn't like a good striped tee? This one has a nice bit of thickness to it but not too stiff. It comes in so many fun color options too. And obviously, the jeans with the magic pockets again! 

This red moto jacket is such a fun statement piece to go over work tops as well as jackets. It's soft and has a bit of stretch to it so it's more comfy than faux-leather.

This button-up is exactly what I would wear under that red jacket and plan to with skirts and pants for school.

This color block sweater is totally me. A good pop of color and still a little more interesting than the average sweater. It comes in 3 colors if black in white is more your thing. 

The next two are both Madewell tops. The blue one above has buttons down the back. The floral one below has a cool-girl Tommy Bahama vibe to it that works for the summer. I gave it a little tie in the front but it was not made into the shirt that way.

This sweater literally sold out in store in 2 hours. By the time I got to the register it was completely gone. If you want this one, grab it online quick!

This dresswas my favorite buy of the sale. The fabric is like satin but without the cheesy shine. It moves beautifully and the floral print is perfect for fall. It also comes in a teal color and I'm pretty sure it will be gone quick. I think I got the last one of this dress in store!

Also since I havent mentioned much about the shoes, you have probably noticed there were two pairs that stood out. The snake skin pointed-toe flats thats I'm wearing with pretty much every outfit above and the white booties I'm wearing with the dress. Sandy and I actually each bought them both! Seriously the leather is so high-end looking but both are at amazing price points for the quality.

This sweater was just too good to pass up. The cute ruffle detail and the balloon sleeve arms kicked this staple up a notch. I got a medium and it's selling out so so fast so scoop this one up if you can.

Last but not least, I couldn't leave out these Adidas. Honestly I would have gotten them since the price is so good but I literally already own 3 pairs so I practiced self control. They are a great staple and I love how the tan color (also in black) makes them look more grown up than your average sneaker.

There you have it. The fruits of my 4 hr shopping extravaganza. feel free to shoot me an email of DM if you have any questions. And you can also see all this in my Stories on Instagram as well as in the Highlights.