Planning Ahead: Maxi Dress

This is another dress I plan on taking with me to the beach. Believe it or not, this is the only maxi dress that I own. I have trouble with maxi dresses in that they are super long (I know, I know they are supposed to be long :) and I have to wear a wedge or heel when I would rather just wear a flat sandal. That's why I like this dress from Target, it's the perfect length for me.

We've had an active week but today is pretty overcast with a chance of thunderstorms. It's the perfect chill out in the house type of day, but I'm tempted to head over to the Loft friends and family sale to look for some belts. ONLY belts. Yep that's what I keep repeating to myself :)

 
I'm linking up with Casual Chic Mom  today!! 


Dress: Target (summer 2012)
Cropped Cardigan: NY&Company (summer 2011)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (summer 2010)
Earrings: Local Shop 

Planning Ahead: Loft Dress

This loft dress is one of my favorites from this summer. It's definitely coming on vacation with me. I tried to make it more beachy by adding some nautical jewelry. I would normally wear white sandals to keep everything crisp but I decided to play off the bright yellow with the bright orange sandals. I also think that the Loft wedge sandals that I was coveting in yesterday's Things I Love About Summer  post will look cute with this dress. It's a good thing I gave in and ordered them!

Dress: Loft (Summer 2012)

Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction What a Square (summer 2012)

Necklace: Lia Sophia (spring 2011 collection) 

Planning Ahead: Flowy Skirt

I've hit that part of the summer. The part when I get bored with my clothes, bored of trying to be creative, and end up in some variety of the same shorts/t-shirt/tank top/flip flops every day.  I guess lazy would be another word for this but I'll use bored.  Since I feel like my current every day outfits are no fun to blog about, I decided to do a little planning ahead for an upcoming beach trip and post some photos of outfits that I plan on bringing. The one I'm wearing today is something that I... actually wore today! I haven't decided if I'm going to bring this one along or not. I like the skirt but I feel like it's length and fullness kind of overwhelm me. But I do love the color and print so it's in the running!

T-Shirt: NY&Company (spring 2012)
Skirt: Old Navy (summer 2012)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction Flower Gem (summer 2010)

Orange, White, and Blue

Another color combo that I love is orange and navy. I added the striped orange cardigan for a stripes on stripes look. I always bring a cardigan with me if I know we're headed to an indoor place during the summer because the cranked up AC makes me shiver! I also added some of my fun new orange accessories for an extra pop of color.Do you think orange and navy are a perfect combo?

Dress: Loft (summer 2012)
Cardigan: Loft (spring 2011)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (summer 2012 still available and on sale!)
Bracelet & Ring: Sunshine Daydreams local jewelry shop 

Typical

Today is one of those days that you either have to be at the beach, in a pool, or inside with the AC on. We have the AC/pool plan going on today. First with errands that have to be run, in places like the supermarket where it's always cold. That's why I'm wearing a sweater on a 95 degree day. Then we'll go home and go in the pool. And then probably back inside the with the AC. And this is pretty much a typical summer mid-week day for us. And a typical mid-week summer outfit for me!

Shirt: Target (several years ago)
Cardigan: Loft (summer 2011)
Shorts: Loft Outlet (summer 2012)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction Flower Gem (Summer 2010)
Jewels: Sunshine Daydreams local jewelry shop

Green and White Stripes

There is something about stripes and summer. Well stripes are great any time of year, but I especially love to wear them in the summer. This green and white dress is another Old Navy sale item I picked up last week and I wore it out to brunch on Friday.

I'm happy to report that Thursday's pedicure with R went just fine. He helped me pick my color, sat and played his electronic game, and the ladies loved him!

Dress: Old Navy (recent)
Sweater: Loft Outlet (recent)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction Flower Gem (2 years ago) 

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Plaid Shorts

I know I said I was done shopping for myself this summer, but when I headed to Old Navy to pick up a birthday gift, I couldn't resist the cute printed shorts. The 40% stuff and save sale made it all the more enticing and I left with these shorts, a green polka dot pair, and a green and white striped dress. Never the selfish shopper, I also picked up a another bathing suit, pair of shorts, and shirt for Robert, 2 t-shirts for hubby, and 2 baby outfits for the birthday gift. I left spending only $85 which I couldn't believe, considering all the stuff I bought!

Today we are heading to a library story craft and then I am going to attempt the nail salon for a pedicure... with Robert. I tried this once a year ago and it.. didn't go so well. I'm hoping being a year older will help. And I'm not past bribery. Wish me luck!

Tank: Gap Outlet (old)
Shorts: Old Navy (summer 2012)
Belt: NY&Company (spring 2011)
Shoes: Bandolino (via Macy's summer 2011)
Bag: Kenneth Cole Reaction
Necklace: Charming Charlie (spring 2011)

NY&Co...

Funny story about these green pants. I wore them on the 1st day of our state testing a few weeks ago. I was feeling kind of exhausted that day and had my teacher assistant dismiss the kids (we dismiss right from the classroom). She opened the door for one of my parents and told her that her son needs to focus and do a better job of listening to directions on day 2 of the test. The mom kind of nodded, half listening, then looked at me (I wasn't far from the door, still in eye-shot) and yelled "I LOVE your pants, I have the same pair, from NY&Company right???" I smiled, nodded my head and my T.A. closed the door. We both looked at each other, didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I mean, who cares about the test when the teacher is wearing such awesome green pants! We decided to laugh, because.. I mean it was kind of funny, especially the way she yelled into the classroom and all. Now we've affectionately nick-named this parent "NY&Company". These green pants must be a big seller this spring!

I am linking up with Tara from Mix and Match Fashion  for Teacher Appreciation Week. I appreciate all the great teacher's out there!!

Jacket: Loft (fall 2011)
Sweater: Gap Outlet (Spring 2012)
Pants: NY&Company (Spring 2012)
Necklace: Loft Outlet (last year)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (last year) 

Shoes, not in the picture

Saved

I saved this outfit photo from a Christening we attended a couple of weekends ago. Not much else to say except that I really like these pants from Loft. Oh and allergies stink. I can't wait to go to bed and (hopefully) sleep off this nasty headache!

Tank: Kohl's Lauren Conrad (recent)
Jacket: Loft Outlet (early spring 2012)
Pants: Loft (recent)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (spring 2011)

Neutral Easter

I usually love to wear colors or florals on Easter but I wanted to wear my new Loft skirt and decided to stick to the neutral shades. I was going to go with my pink peep toes but when I had them on something just seemed a little off and I felt more comfortable in the black. So I stuck with them. I know sometimes it's good to step outside of the comfort zone but I think a lot of fashion is also going with what makes you feel great, and I felt great in yesterday's Easter outfit!

Black Shirt: NY&Company (recent)
Jacket: Loft Outlet (recent)
Skirt: Loft (recent)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction via Macy's (Spring 2011) 
Sunglasses: Coach (several years ago) 

Pink Polka Dots

I felt so springy and pretty in this outfit today. There is just something about polka dots. I saw this shirt in Kohl's back in February and was about to get it, but talked myself out of it. I figured we still had a lot of winter to get through and I wouldn't wear it for months. When I (obsessively) checked the weather and saw how "springy" the forecast was, I ran back to Kohl's to pick it up. I'm glad I did!

Top: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad) recent
Cardigan: Loft (Fall 2011)
Pants: Kohl's (recent)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (couple of years ago) 

Obsessions

Things I am obsessed with right now:
1. The weather. I have always been a big fan of the weather channel, but I must check the weather app on my phone at least once an hour. It's become a problem. I need help because I can't stop doing it. I just can't believe the awesomeness that is the extended forecast and I keep waiting for the numbers on the screen to go from in the 70's to back in the 40s where they belong this time of year.
2. My cute new Lauren Conrad tops from Kohl's that I just purchased. They tie in perfectly with my spring weather obsession.
3. Peep toes, enough said.
3. The Hunger Games. Can't. Stop. Googling. Hunger. Games.  I don't think I've ever watched a live stream of anything, but I had to check out last night's Hunger Games world premiere red carpet extravaganza. I have not looked this forward to seeing a movie in a long time. Maybe ever. I probably won't even be able to see it when it opens because I'm assuming it will be sold out and this annoys me. That is just crazy and I'm scaring my 35 year old self. No wonder Jennifer Lawrence is nervous about this movie publicity, there are crazy people like me out there! Too bad my hair isn't long enough for a Katniss braid :)

Tank: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad) recent
Cardigan: Gap (old)
Pants: NY&Company (last spring)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (last spring)

arrgh!!!!

Ugh, that's what the past couple of weeks at work have felt and sounded like. Looking forward to a 4 day President's weekend coming up soon!

Jacket: Loft (Christmas gift 2011)
Pants: NY&Co (fall 2011)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (last year)

Buon Anno Nuovo

I figured everyone would have "Happy New Year" titles so I would at least change up the language and post it in Italian :)

We are boring and stayed in last night. I was sadly asleep before midnight. At least I am refreshed on this 2012 morning and ready to go eat lentils at my parent's house. Eating lentils on New Year's Day is an Italian good luck tradition in my family. There are certain areas of my life that I can use good luck in,  so I will be sucking them down.

Sweater: Banana Republic Outlet (several years ago)
Jacket: Loft (last winter)
Jeans: NY&Co
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (last year) 

Red Shoe Diary

awkward "show off my shoes" picture
oh and that spot is from my camera.. not my pants! 

I have 1 pair of red shoes.. just a simple pair of ballet style flats. I bought them last spring and surprised myself by how often I wore them. When I saw these Kenneth Cole Reaction wedge loafers on my sister I knew I had to have them. My sister has them in a nude color (sand) that I originally thought I wanted as well..until I headed over the the Kenneth Cole web site and saw them in red. I envisioned them with tans and blacks and grays and totally sprucing up some dull winter outfits. When my sister sent me the 3 hour 40% off link to the Kenneth Cole website I knew that was my "chance" and I went for it! They just arrived this afternoon so I did not actually wear them outside of the house, but I figured I would blog them since the forecast for the next few days calls for rain. I'm certainly not going to wear my brandy new red suede wedges in the rain. So here they are!

Cardigan: LOFT
T-shirt: LOFT
Black Cords: Gap
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction Flirt It Up

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Seasonal

Sorry about the blur, still not
the greatest with the pictures! 

It has been hard to dress seasonably when the temps have been in the 70's and 80's in the northeast. Today was an actual "seasonal" day of overcast skies, light drizzle, and temperatures in the low 60's. I loved it!  I like a warm spring, hot summer, and brisk fall and I don't like when Ms. Mother Nature messes around with those 3 seasons. Winter, on the other hand, well she can disrupt that one all she wants! I'll take 70 degrees in January any day of the week :)


Corduroy Shirt Dress: Old Navy (Fall 2010)
Leggings: Loft Outlet (recent)
Boots: Kenneth Cole Reaction (2 years ago)
Belt: Loft Outlet (2 years ago)

Nothing to blog home about

I have to admit that this has not been my best week as far as feeling inspired to get dressed for work. On Monday night I decided to switch my bedding and while I was pushing the mattress to put on the new bedskirt, I hurt my back. So I've been going mostly for comfort when choosing clothing this week. Also, we've been painting t-shirts for anti-bullying week at school, so I obviously didn't want to break out any of my ball gowns for that project! 

I love these grey cords, they are super comfy and it was the perfect day to wear them, not too cool not too warm. The weather has been beautiful the past couple of days here in NJ. 

Sweater: Banana Republic (last year)

Shirt:  Banana Republic (last year)

Cords: Gap Outlet (2 years ago) 

Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (last year) 

Sunglasses: Coach (several years ago) 

Repeat Offender

My red eye removal is making my eyes look super dark.
So from demonic red I switched to gothic black! 

Ever since I started reading fashion blogs and have seen how people are so great at remixing their wardrobes, I've tried to become better at it myself. If I buy something new I will try to imagine many options of how and what I will wear it with instead of just 1 or 2 outfits.  I have to admit though, I still have a tendency to repeat outfits that I love. If it works it works and I have no problem with working it again and again! This was an outfit I wore to work a few weeks ago and never photographed and here I am wearing it again! During cold weather (that it is if it ever actually GETS colder, we're stuck in the 80's here in NJ) I will pair it with a cardigan, tights, and boots.  Does that count as a remix? :) 

I am trudging along at work.. OMG.. I really have my work cut out for me this year. That's all I'm going to say about THAT for now, don't want this to turn into a vent fest. But there will be venting in future posts, be ware! 


Shirt: LOFT (fall 2011)
Skirt: Old Navy (pretty old)
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction (hand me down from my sister)
Bag: Coach new madison leather Lindsey satchel in persimmon find it  here

A Chill in the Air

I type this to you from my computer wearing my coziest sweats and slippers. This past weekend the temps turned cooler here in the northeast and my body is obviously not ready for it and did not react well because I have come down with my first cold of the school year. Today was just a rough one to get through but I made it! Now it's time for some chicken soup and tea and (hopefully) an early bed time.

Oh the dilemma of the pencil skirt for me as a teacher. I love the way they look, but they are not practical for getting down on the carpet during small group reading time. I haven't started small group reading time yet so it's OK to wear now. Once I start the only "safe" day for wearing pencil skirts and other more restrictive outfits will be Wednesday. I have an extra prep that day and no time for small groups. I like the way this belt looks with this outfit, but I have to admit I played and adjusted all day. Oh well, trial and error!

Shirt: Banana Republic outlet  (a while ago)
Skirt: LOFT (summer 2011)
Belt: Taken from a LOFT dress
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction

I love these shoes and they kind of hurt but I still..
love them! 

Chaotic

Yes my feet were on FIRE wearing these wedges. Thank goodness for my back
up flats!

Ugh, OK I'm done with this week! I'm exhausted and short on words. 1st few weeks of school are always nuts and hopefully things will calm down soon!

Tomorrow is red, white, and blue day in honor of 9/11. No jeans allowed so I'm trying to come up with something professional/creative!

Top: LOFT
Cardi: LOFT
Pants: NY&Company
Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction
Necklace and Earrings: Lia Sophia
Bracelet: Sunshine Daydreams