The Things That Matter the Most

Long Cardigan // Leggings // Loafers // Hat (super old J. Crew) Similar here for $15

To say the last few weeks have been busy is an understatement. Andrew's new election schedule keeping him at work well past my bedtime, teaching and doing parent-teacher conferences for two weeks, before during and after school everyday and Athena moving to a new preschool have been wearing me down. 

You have probably noticed I don't post here much anymore. It's not that I don't want to, it's just that the things going on in life are so important to me and I just want to do them all as best as I can. Unfortunately that means this creative outlet for me takes the back burner. The things that matter the most move to the forefront. Athena and my family are always top, my career and being present for my 22 kiddos I am lucky enough to teach everyday is something I care deeply about and put my heart and so much attention into. 

And although I'm not here frequently, you do see me on my Instagram stories pretty regularly. In the last few weeks I've received some of the best, sweetest, most heartfelt messages I've ever gotten. Sure I want you to like my outfits and be inspired by my sense of style, but the most moving messages I've received are about my role as a mother and teacher. I've gotten messages telling me that you respect my choices as a mother, like how we don't let Athena watch TV or that we put her to bed early and that we make her schedule a priority. Also kind words on how we try to get her out into nature and even get dirty out on hikes. And even a few about how you respect my job as a teacher and that I'm teaching full time while being a mom and you can tell how invested I am in my job as a teacher. Way to hit me where it counts' guys. 

Really these are the things that matter the most to me and so when you say that you admire these things that I'm working so hard on behind the scenes, It really makes my heart happy and lets me know that even though I'm not on here posting all that much, the bit I do put out there is making a difference. Thank you for all the love and support. My greatest joys are creating a happy family for Athena to grow in and creating a kind environment for my kiddos at school to learn in. Life is pretty darn good and thank you for being part of the journey.

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.