Orange & Yellow

I just picked up this orange striped shirt from Loft. The reviews on the website were just so-so but I wanted to give it a chance because I love orange.. and stripes. Half the battle was won right there! It is a little loose and boxy but I solved that by doing a half-tuck and I think it will look great with skinny jeans and a longer tank underneath it.

I also gave in and ordered the yellow wedges. I love them! The color is great and I'm not going to complain about going from 5'4 to 5'8 by simply putting on a pair of shoes :)

Top: Loft (available here)
Shorts: Gap Outlet (summer 2011)
Shoes: Loft (summer 2012)
Earrings: Lia Sophia

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Belted

One accessory that I need to add into my closet is the belt. I've never been very creative about wearing belts, and if I have the choice spending accessory money on a cute necklace or earrings or a belt, I will almost always go for the cute necklace or earrings. But I do have a lot of outfits/dresses that can become more interesting if only I had the right belt. I tried it with this dress and I think the look is O.K., but I'm not crazy about the actual belt. I wish I had something in the tan color family or maybe fabric which I think works better for summer. So the moral of this story is I will definitely be adding a couple of new belts to my wardrobe this fall!

Dress: Target (summer 2010)
Belt: Loft
Shoes: Coach (summer 2012)

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) 

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

Shades of Blue and Red

The heatwave has broken in the northeast which means I finally felt like attempting to style my hair and put on a pair of flats because I didn't have to worry about my toes sweating. Actually, I had white sandals on at first and then felt like I needed a little punch of color so threw on the red flats. I'm not a huge fan of wearing closed toed shoes in the middle of the summer, only because I have to wear closed toed shoes the majority of the year here in NJ, but I figured I would step outside of my comfort zone.. flats in the summer, wow I am really living on the edge :)
You can't really see in this picture but the tank top has these cute metallic details on the shoulder which makes it a little more interesting then your plain tank.

Tank: Loft Outlet (last summer, but they had the same tank in other colors, I picked another one up in a bright pink shade last week)
Shorts: Loft (last summer, but they had a similar style in the Outlet also)
Shoes: Gap Outlet (spring 2010)
Necklace: local jewelry shop Sunshine Daydreams 
Bracelet: local jewelry shop Sunshine Daydreams 

The Color of Summer

Tank: Loft (last summer)
Shorts: Gap Outlet (last summer)
Shoes: Old Navy flip flops (old) 

Hope everyone had a great 4th! I love this orange tank from Loft that I picked up last summer. It's a fun looking shirt. I have had a little trouble wearing/styling it as it's a tad voluminous due to all the tiers of fabric that overlap. But I still always find myself pulling it out because I love the color and the white dot print. Orange is really my color of summer. I have a lot of stuff in various shades!

Oh and it's obviously little R's color too so it's fitting he jumped into the picture with me. We went outlet shopping yesterday and for anyone with little kids, try to hit up your Gymboree outlet. They were having a great sale and I picked up about 7 shirts and 2 pairs of shorts for R for only $35. I also picked up 2 pairs of shorts, 3 tanks, and a shrug sweater at the Loft outlet for only $60! We are getting ready for our trip to FL in August and I figured I would stock up on the warm weather clothes with all the good sales going on. I think this might be it for me shopping wise for a while. I have a ton of sundresses, enough shorts and tanks, and 3 bathing suits for our trip. The only thing I do NEED is a pair of comfortable walking type sandals for Disney World. Other than that, it's time for me to cool it with the shopping. Let's see how long I can last :)

Busy Busy

 The school year is winding down which means loads of paperwork and classroom organizing before I'm allowed to become a beach/pool/couch bum for the next 2.5 months.  Well maybe not a total bum. I do have a 4 year old to contend with after all. We'll say half a bum and call it a day :)

This weekend is going to be busy but I'm looking forward to it. Friday evening is my nephew's pre-k graduation, Saturday my husband's company picnic, and Sunday of course is Father's Day. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend as well!

Tank: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's (spring 2012)
Sweater: Old Navy
Skirt: Loft (spring 2012)
Shoes: Coach (summer 2010)

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) 

Fantasy vs. Reality

I've had it in mind to where this outfit a few times this year and never went through with it. That's because I knew deep down that while this outfit would look fine, even good, I would be majorly uncomfortable all day. As a teacher sometimes it's hard to wear high heels and pencil skirts. As a Kindergarten teacher, it's even harder. Ever trying squatting down to a 5 year old's level in a pencil skirt? It's not fun! I mostly have a fear of the skirt ripping, lol. Primary grades involve a lot of sitting in little chairs and on the carpet, which make more structured skirts and dresses a little difficult to wear.  I pulled the trigger on this dress/cardigan/heels combo because it was parent/teacher conference day and I like to look more "dressed up" on those days. I have to say, I felt pretty in this dress yesterday. I also felt like I couldn't move around as freely and my feet were killing me an hour into the day (and I usually have a back up pair of flats but forgot them!) Needless to say, it was sweatpants and snuggie time as soon as I walked in the door to my house! I do like this dress though, so I'll try to sneak one more wear in before the end of the school year... on a day when I have 2 specials.. and with flats :)

Dress: Loft (spring 2011)

Cardigan: Loft (fall 2011)

Shoes: Nine West (old) 

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)

Casual Professional Day

Today we had one of those teacher professional development days. You know, the kind when the kids don't show up but the teachers have to and you get to collaborate with your colleagues, develop new strategies, and go back to work the next day feeling refreshed and energized!

...At least that is what usually happens! Today's professional development wound up becoming a little nuts and a little LOUD during the Kindergarten grade level meeting portion. Looking forward to a quieter day with my kiddos tomorrow!

Jacket: Loft (fall 2011)

Sweater: H&M (Christmas gift 2011)

Jeans: Old Navy (old)

Flats: Gap Outlet (last spring)

Scarf: Jones New York (gift from a student) 

We did get to wear jeans which was nice of my boss :)

Ahh, Saturday..

Got up early this morning, grabbed some coffee at D&D. Got to the car dealership, sipped coffee, caught up on paperwork, enjoyed the peace and quiet.. Got home, husband and R just ran off to husband's car dealership. I'm alone, house is quiet... Later on, date night with hubby.. R gets to hang out with his Nonna who misses him.. everyone wins. Oh happy Saturday :) 

Purple Cardigan: Loft (Fall 2011)
Lace Tank: Loft (fall 2011)
Jeggings: Macy's (last year)
Boots: Nine West Via Macy's (fall 2011)
Cross body swing pack: Coach (Christmas gift 2011) 

Underdressed and Unprepared

So I woke up this morning with a sore throat and feeling overall blah. I decided to go for a more casual look, just didn't feel like pulling on tights, dealing with a belt or heels, etc. At around 8:15 my boss pages me. I never get paged unless it's to sign a pre-ob (to be evaluated) so I walked to his office, pen in hand, prepared to sign. Well I was wrong about the pre-ob and instead met my new student teacher. I am totally fine with having a student teacher (this is my 3rd) but some notice would have been, umm, nice. I felt very unprepared and totally underdressed!  I mean I would have thrown on a skirt for the occasion if I knew in advance!
The girl was lovely and reminded me a lot of me when I student taught. She was very nervous but I kept reassuring her that she will be fine. My lovey-dovey kids adore her and she said she had a great 1st day. So I guess my really old, oversized, striped, worn as a maternity shirt back in the day, shirt did not give her a bad impression of me :)

Jacket: Loft (fall 2011)
Sriped Shirt: Old Navy (old)
Navy Tank: Old Navy
Pants: Banana Republic (old)
Shoes: Old Navy (old)

Head to Shoes Loft..

... I couldn't really title this as "head to toe Loft" because my toes are actually covered by Target sweater tights.
Yes this Loft sweater dress is making another appearance. It's just so comfy and cozy that I can't help but wear it.. a lot. I'm wearing it with a different cardigan and different jewelry so that counts as remixing, right?
My little pirate decided he wanted to be featured as well :)
Dress: Loft (fall 2011)
Cardigan: Loft (fall 2011)
Sweater Tights: Target
Boots: Loft (fall 2011) 

The "Itch"

It happens to me every year without fail, usually around mid-winter. I get the "itch" to buy new stuff. And I don't mean new winter stuff that's on really great sale or clearance, I mean new spring stuff because, you know, I don't have another 2 + months of cold weather to get through! It makes PERFECT sense for me to run out and buy sleeveless tops,  cute little sundresses, and peep toe wedges. Yes, I am rolling my eyes at myself right now. I usually don't get this feeling until around February or so, but I guess since our winter has been so tame, it's hitting me a little sooner. (Now that I've typed "tame" and "winter" in the same sentence, I'm sure a blizzard will be forecasted by tomorrow!)
Well I've convinced myself that I can have patience and wait it out, not buy new stuff just yet. I'm focussing on trying to bring out things I haven't worn in a while, maybe try some stuff on and remix if I get a chance to. I put myself on shopping restriction this month... well I was weak and broke it in banana outlet (only bought 1 thing, but still..). I'm trying to learn to enjoy what I have, not rush into buying new stuff, and most importantly, not rush time. I have a big ugly habit of doing that! So the cute Kenneth Cole Reaction espadrilles that I ALMOST bought will have wait, a least a little while longer :)

Sweater Dress: Macy's (last year)
Leggings: Loft (last fall)
Boots: Nine West via Macy's (last fall)

Brrr!

Wow so THIS is what winter feels like. I had forgotten. I'll take those 50-60 degree temps back thank you very much!

Today called for warmth and layers so I did just that: black jacket over my pink top over my tan cami and wool pants over my tall boots over my grey knee highs. I even wore 2 scarves today and in my green LLBean jacket I felt toasty warm.

After looking at my first picture (not included because it was too blurry) I realize that my pants are too big and that is not a flattering look! I've been having issues with pants lately, just can't find a style/fit that I love. I shop a lot of Loft, Gap, Banana, and NY&Co so if anyone has a fit that they love from one of those stores or even another, feel free to let me know!!

Jacket: Loft (recent, Christmas gift)
Scarf: Loft (recent, Christmas gift)
Top: Loft (last year)
Pants: Loft (last year) 
Boots: Nine West via Macy's (fall '11)