Pink, Pleats, and a Little Britney

The first thought that came to my mind when I looked in the mirror this morning…“Baby, One More Time.” I guess you can say this is my teacher-appropriate take on the Britney Classic. Swapping out the mini skirt and midriff with some classic pieces, but still keeping the fun with the booties.

Now all I need is a beat and some back up dancers.

Care to join me in a 90s sing off? 😛

Snippets With Alex 14912060683_88f7270680_o 14912036423_c0c062687c_o 15508501626_1d412c7eff_o 15346174917_6117db36ba_o

15532118685_0388b83f7f_o

Shirt: Sleeveless Shirt in White c/o Boden // Cardigan: J. Crew – Similar {sale!} // Skirt: Anthropologie – My favorite! (only $40!)  // Booties: ShoeMint // Earrings: Francesca // Ring: c/o Wrenn Jewelry // Purse: Adele Satchel c/o OraDelphine

BlogLovin’  //   Facebook   //   Instagram  // Twitter // Pinterest // Shop

Six Ways to Wear your LBD

I love LBDs like any other girl, but sometimes I feel a little “bleh” in them. I mean, monochrome with a simple cut needs some sprucing up from time to time right? So this post is all about how to spice up that favorite Little Black Dress of yours so that you can make the most out of it for any occasion!

Surprisingly, I didn’t own an LBD until recently when I scored this Banana Republic Peplum dress with discounts on top of one another like no other! It was definitely a great find with it’s perfect length, slim fit, and great details with the v-neck and the peplum! Oh the possibilities!

1. Outerwear + Pop of Color
Whether it’s a blazer, jean jacket, trench coat, cardigan, or utility jacket, throw it on for a different look and occasion! And don’t forget to bring in some color to brighten up the black!

Jacket: DKNY via Crossroads // Necklace: J. Crew // Pumps: J. Crew – Similar
Y14_4202

2. Sweater + Booties
Perfect for those crisp fall mornings and cool afternoons while making good use of a dress that you can’t seem to put away.

Sweater: via StitchFix // Booties: Anthropologie – Similar // Necklace: Nepal

Y14_4246

3. Peplum + Pumps
This dress already has a peplum flare to it, but I couldn’t help myself to add a fuller flare to the look. Add a statement necklace and some pumps and you’re ready for one glamorous night out!

Peplum: Express – Similar  // Pumps: Crossroads // Necklace: Talbots – Similar

15474528585_a06616766d_o

Here are more ideas that couldn’t be photographed because I was getting in the danger zone of becoming one of those teachers with an interesting odor. 😛

4. Scarf + Belt
Let a scarf hang from your neck and secure with a waist belt. It will be like you’re wearing an entirely new dress! (like this)

5. Full Midi-Skirt + Flats
If you have a fitted LBD, mix it up by wearing a full skirt and flats for a more mod look! (like this)

6. Chambray + Sneakers
Dress it down by wearing chambray and tying it in front or just hang it loose and add sneakers. Then just kick back and keep cool! (like this)

**Note: Yes, I wore this dress three days in a row. And did my students notice? Not one bit. 😉 And that’s what I call a one-piece-wonder!

BlogLovin’  //   Facebook   //   Instagram  // Twitter // Pinterest // Shop

Layers of Transition

Temperatures are slowly dropping, mornings are a little more brisk and crisp, and I am just itching to layer up. But despite the fact that it’s supposed to be 80 degrees later today, I am going to dress like it’s going to be 69. That’s just how I roll 😛 . 

         Y14_2943

Y14_2890

Y14_2893

Y14_2934

Y14_2887

Y14_2909

Y14_2915

Y14_2923

Y14_2897 

Dress: Anthropologie – Similar // Sweater: RD style via StitchFix // Booties: ShoeMint {on sale!} // Cuff: Kate Spade // Rings: c/o Rings & Tings , and Wrenn Jewelry // Elephant Necklace: J. Crew Factory // Pocket Watch Necklace: Flea Market

 

BTW, Can you tell that school is practically my life right now?

 

BlogLovin’  //   Facebook   //   Instagram  // Twitter // Pinterest // Shop 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂

Naturally, I Would

It’s been way too long! Sorry for the minimal posts this week. The first couple of weeks of school are always a little crazy, especially for a newer teacher. But good news, all my classes seem super sweet. Yea, we’ll see how long that lasts 😛

Okay, so please pay attention to my shoes and continue to read to see where I got them! 🙂

001 014 018 027 038 039 050 060 

064

Top: c/o eShakti (last seen here) // Pants: Gap // Jacket: DKNY from Crossroads // Shoes: Naturalizer // Watch: Michele // Purse: Juicy Couture from Crossroads

Yes, you read it correctly…I bought my shoes from Naturalizer! Am I ashamed that I shop at a store that is geared more towards older women? NO WAY. These babies are the most comfortable thing in the world, especially for a gal that is on her feet literally all day. You should have heard me the first week I got the shoes. I couldn’t take them off. 🙂

I am seriously close to ditching my heels. 

BlogLovin’  //   Facebook   //   Instagram  // Twitter // Pinterest // Shop

 

Snake and Shake

 

Okay, I know the title doesn’t make sense besides the snake part but I just couldn’t help myself. 🙂

Anyways, my life and schedule has finally winded down with little breathing room to spare. I’ve been jumping from being the VBS director at my church, to a mini Disneyland vacation with the family, and then the church family retreat. Yes it’s been fun, but there have been lots of moving around, so it’s nice to feel a little more settled as the school year is about to begin.

 

I’m so excited for this new school year! With one year of teaching high school under my belt, I feel a little more prepared for this year and ready and motivated to implement new teaching strategies and  excited to meet my new students. 🙂

 

So as the new year begins, here is a new look with a not-so-old gem of a top. This snake print top (only $28!) from Norka has been one of my go-to tops with it’s neutral tone and versatile shape. Last time (“Snake Bite“), I paired it with a fitted skirt and heels for more of a night-out look. Today, I went for a casual day out by layering the tank over this simple black maxi. 

 

**Layering a tank over a maxi is a great way to change it up a bit and get more uses out of your pieces. 165 167 178 184 201Top: Snake Print Top c/o Norka $28 // Dress: Forever 21 – Similar $15 // Necklace: Anthropologie – Similar $30 // Purse: Abaco Paris // Sandals: Nine West – Similar $40

 

Happy Monday!

Oh and TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to enter the giveaway!

Screen Shot 2014-07-30 at 9.42.44 AM

Don’t forget to enter the EShakti giveaway for a $25 gift cards* for TWO lucky readers**. Giveaway goes until Tuesday, August 12th at 12AM PST
Click HERE for the rafflecopter page! – You will automatically get $25 just for entering!

*Note: Unlike a gift coupon, a gift card is as good as cash. It can be used over and above any other promotional offer / gift coupon in the same order
**Giveaway is only for U.S. and Canada residents only. 

BlogLovin’  //   Facebook   //   Instagram  // Twitter // Pinterest // Shop

 

eShakti Review and GIVEAWAY!

Happy first day of the week! Yes, I think I’m a little too cheerful for a Monday, but it’s the last week of summer school! I’m looking forward to my week off doing nothing but planning for this next school year. I know, not much of a summer break. But honestly, I’m excited for my second year teaching at the high school level.

This year is going to be full of fun and excitement! I am…
1. Finishing up BTSA this year
2. The freshmen class advisor
3. Club advisor for 2 clubs

**If you are a fellow teacher, any advice for the newbie? 🙂

OK, enough about me and let’s take a look at this outfit.

DSC_3291

DSC_3205

DSC_3223

I am currently obsessed with the brand eShakti right now. I mean, what store let’s you customize your purchase to your liking? Depending on the design, you can decide on a variety of sleeve type, the length, and the neckline.

Screen Shot 2014-07-28 at 10.08.59 AM Screen Shot 2014-07-28 at 10.09.14 AM Screen Shot 2014-07-28 at 10.09.21 AM

How awesome is that? With this particular top I decided to go for the cap sleeve (work appropriate but still flattering to the arms) and kept the length right at my hips (balances my proportions). I’m sad to say that this top is not available anymore on their site, but they have a multitude of other great designs that I am positive you are going to love! Check out their New Arrivals and keep scrolling for a Giveaway!

DSC_3190

DSC_3245DSC_3281

DSC_3216

DSC_3269

Top: c/o eShakti {sold out} // Jeans: Gap {on sale for $28!} // Shoes: Talbots {sale for $50!} // Necklace: Talbots – Similar {use code SAACODE20 for 20% off entire order!} // Bracelet: J. Crew // Cuff:  Crystal Hexagon Cuff from INPINK ($18) // Ring: Double Druzy Ring {$35} c/o Wrenn Jewelry // Clutch H&M {sold out} – Similar

GIVEAWAY TIME!

EShakti was generous enough to offer TWO $25 gift cards* to two lucky readers**. Giveaway starts NOW and goes until Tuesday, August 12th at 12AM PST
Click HERE for the rafflecopter page! — You will automatically get $25 just for entering!

Good luck!

*Note: Unlike a gift coupon, a gift card is as good as cash. It can be used over and above any other promotional offer / gift coupon in the same order
**Giveaway is only for U.S. and Canada residents only. 

***This post was sponsored by eShakti. All opinions are my  own.

BlogLovin’  //   Facebook   //   Instagram  // Twitter // Pinterest // Shop

Another Day, Another Dress

I don’t know what it is about yellow and cobalt, but I absolutely love the combo. Hence this is the second post with the same color combo, and maybe even a third one on the way! 😉

DSC_3082
DSC_3101

The dress I am wearing today is an old Anthropologie find. I usually wear this dress for more formal occasions, but if you haven’t noticed, I like to convert nice dresses into more everyday wear. More bang for your buck, right?

1. The Red Brocade // 2. Wicked in Green  // 3. Hat Happy

DSC_3159

DSC_3139

DSC_3091

And you’re probably sick of seeing me style this denim jacket, but don’t you think it’s a great way to casual-fy a dress or to throw on for a nice summer/spring look?

1. Pink Lemonade // 2. The Tulle Skirt // 3. Itty-Bitty Polka Dottie

DSC_3150

DSC_3117

DSC_3141

Dress: Anthropologie – Similar $284 or THIS one for $99 // Denim Jacket: Thrifted – Similar $70 // Shoes: J. Crew – Similar $33 // Purse: Coach // Necklace: Talbots – Similar $38 // Bracelets: J. Crew , Forever 21 // Cuff: Crystal Hexagon Cuff from INPINK $18 // Belt: Thrifted from Crossroads

Because I just recently moved to a new place and am a new professional, I need to watch my spending a little. No more purchasing to keep up with the latest trends, no more emotional shopping, and no more thoughtless buys.

To help control my spending, I always ask myself three questions before I swipe the card:

1. Is it versatile? {whether or not I can dress it up or down, multiple seasons}
2. Do I have at least 5 items already in my closet to mix & match with it?
3. Do I LOVE it? {emphasis on the LOVE, not just like}

What are some questions that you ask yourself before you purchase something?

BlogLovin’  //   Facebook   //   Instagram  // Twitter // Pinterest // Shop

Let’s Go Back to White and Black

 Summer is all about the colors and the prints, but my eyes were starting to hurt a little bit from the overload and therefore today’s outfit is all about keeping it simple with black and white. Can’t go wrong, right?

DSC_2995

DSC_3021

DSC_3066

DSC_3009

DSC_2990

DSC_3062

Top Sleeveless Shirt in White c/o Boden {sale! $21-$43} // Skirt Anthropologie {old} – Similar (only $29!) // Shoes My Delicious c/o Lulu*s $24 // Cuff Crystal Hexagon Cuff from INPINK $18 // Bracelet Juicy Couture – Similar // Clutch H&M {sold out} – Similar

Minimal look. Minimal words. 

Happy Minimal Monday! 

Don’t forget to enter the $300 J.Crew giveaway! Only two days left! Click HERE for the RaffleCopter page!

BlogLovin’  //   Facebook   //   Instagram  // Twitter // Pinterest // Shop

Anticipating Fall

For some reason the weather here in the Bay Area has taken an odd turn — gray skies and less sun. These gray skies do not help my itching anticipation for fall at all. Remember this dress that I wore this past fall/winter? Well, I decided to take it out again but added a colorful scarf to brighten it up a bit and make it season appropriate. My shoes on the other hand…sorry, I couldn’t help but break these out.

Waiting till fall was like having a bowl of mint-chocolate-chip ice cream on the table in front of you. My advice: just have the ice cream.DSC_2857 DSC_2863 DSC_2892 DSC_2888 DSC_2896 DSC_2903 DSC_2926 DSC_2935

Dress
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: ASOS $38 (3/4 sleeve) // ASOS $38 (sleeveless)

Scarf
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks: ModCloth $18 // Fashion Confections $18 // Stella Dot $58

Oxfords
Wearing: Aldo

Earrings
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Shop Lately $7 // Anthropologie $38

Purse
Wearing: Vintage Coach

Oh and did you notice that I just started a Pinterest? 🙂 Right now my following number is at a measly number of ZERO, so give a girl some love and follow and pin away! 🙂

Thanks for taking the time to read! 🙂

Don’t forget to enter the $300 J.Crew giveaway! Click HERE for the RaffleCopter page!

BlogLovin’  //   Facebook   //   Instagram  // Twitter // Pinterest // Shop

 

Classy with a Splash of Blue

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend that prepared you for another week!

At the age of 24, sometimes I feel as though I need to dress a little more professional to reflect my age and to compensate for my high-school-looking face. So here it is folks. 🙂 Funny story about this outfit…I went to do some errands with my mom and she needed to return something at Talbots so we went. I told her that I would wait in the car because I didn’t want to be tempted into spending more money. She says, “Oh we’re only going to go into ONE store, and it’s Talbots! Not really your store.” So thinking that my wallet was safe, I decided to go in with her. Sure enough, just like Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic, the racks were calling my name and yes, I came out with a full outfit. 

Justifiably though, I do need to look more professional at work because who wants to show up to school with the same outfit as your student? (Which has happened by the way). 

**By the way, I really do like Talbots. I usually am able to find a handful of pieces that work with my style and the quality of their clothes are quite decent. I am especially fond of their jewelry and shoes. 

DSC_2784DSC_2794 DSC_2792 DSC_2810

I also walked out of Talbots with a pair of really cute wedges, but it was a grey tone. Since this outfit was pretty neutral, I wanted to make it a little fun with a pop of color so I opted with my favorite bright blue heels from J. Crew. 

DSC_2809DSC_2815 DSC_2823 DSC_2840 DSC_2848

Top: Talbots {sold out online} – Similar // Skirt: Talbots {sold out online} – Similar // Shoes: J. Crew – Similar // Purse: Vintage Coach // Bracelets: J. Crew – Similar // Earrings: Crystal Petal Studs c/o Trendy Trinkets // Rings: Vintage // Necklace: Talbots – Similar

—–

Lesson learned – Stay in the car. 😛

Don’t forget to enter the $300 J.Crew giveaway! Click HERE for the RaffleCopter page!

BlogLovin’  //   Facebook   //   Instagram  // Twitter // Pinterest

Â