Colorblocking: Spring Colors in Winter

Peace to all,

There is nothing like brightening up cold, winter days with bright pieces.  This is probably my favorite sweater right now.  It is truly as neon, highlighter-hued sweater.  These photos do not do it any justice!

Orange tippi sweater and elastic-band pants from J.Crew, oxford short from Uniqlo and mint green New Balances from DSW.

 I thoroughly enjoyed these colors together!

Who says you can't have some spring-like fun during winter months?!

Until next time,

<3

M

Today's affirmation: I radiate love.  I attract love.  I am love.

A Head Wrap at Work

Happy Wednesday!

Here are some fun shots I took waring an outfit that I thoroughly enjoyed! I learned how to tie this headwrap from The Wrap Life in under a minute via one of their online tutorials.  I had been struggling trying to make it work in a new way, and finally decided to seek out a resource.  Glad I did!

Sweater from the Gap, front slit pencil skirt from J.Crew, tights by Hue, leather Regina pumps by Fyre.

A little sideways with a smile, why not!

Until next time,
<3
M

Today's affirmation: I allow my light to shine brightly.

Shades of Green and Gap Boots

Happy Friday!

Here is a last-minute look that I threw together before work earlier this week.  Now that I've pared down significantly, getting dressed is much easier; however, the new challenge is not to wear the same pieces too often.  While I have much less, I still have a sizable wardrobe.  I digress.  

I truly love playing with colors!  My wardrobe is still very much like a crayon box or a painter's palette. 

Denim shirt and suede boots are from the Gap a few seasons ago, the sweatshirt and pants are recent purchases from J.Crew, and the lipstick is Rubywoo by M.A.C.

Until next time,

<3

M

Today's affirmation: This day brings me nothing but joy.

A Sweatshirt Tucked into a Leather Skirt

Good morning folks!

Here are some snapshots of a look I wore recently that I thoroughly enjoyed.  

I'm wearing a super soft sweatshirt by J.Crew tucked into a faux leather midi skirt from Forever 21 with Matisse leather boots.

On my left hand, I'm wearing a stack of bracelets I bought from a vendor in Soho years ago.  Now that I have decluttered by accessories collection from the perspective of joy, I am re-discovering gems that truly do spark joy.

I kept my make up simple with a touch of blush and Cyber lipstick by M.A.C.  And of course I'm wearing my favorite A Gypsy's Junk collar necklace.

Oh, and I channeled my good friend with this single, delicate bracelet on one of my wrists.  I usually inclined to stack and stack some more, but I really have been appreciating this look lately.

Here are some affirmations that are student focused, just because.

Another snapshot, another view.

More to come.

<3

M

Today's affirmation: I am just the way that I am intended to be in this moment.

Favorite Looks of 2015, and a Reflection

"There are years that ask questions and years that answer."

I came across this Zora Neale Hurston quote from Their Eyes Were Watching God while looking through Learning Style posts and drafts of 2015.   I had started a post, that I never published, on this day of last year with that very quote.  I don't recall all of my thinking around why that quote struck me, but I did mention that 2014 was a year of "tremendous growth."  As I reflect on 2015, another year of tremendous growth, I no longer think of growth as something that only happens sometimes and some years.  From now until the end, I will continue growing into my best self.  

A lot of questions were asked in 2015, and some were answered as well.  I turned thirty; I embarked on a self love journey; I finally started my novel (and other writing projects) in a dedicated, structured way; and I began consciously practicing mindfulness in all moments.  More on those and related topics to come as I begin transforming Learning Style into the lifestyle blog I've been envisioning.  Regardless, 2016 will be is a year of manifestation.  I look forward to sharing more of that journey here and of course, loving along the way.

Now, onto a few favorite looks from 2015:

1. Purple everything!  No wonder my sister suggested I get purple highlights.  More about this look here.

2. An impromptu photo shoot in Central Park an afternoon stroll results in these photos.  This look was all about the layers and accessories.

3. A summer look showcasing the way I will continue to wear crop tops in my 30s.

4. The look I started my tenth year of teaching with.

5. This orange and pink look had me flexing my complexion.

6. This look was really all about the socks and pumps.

7. I loved everything about this look, and so did my readers!

8. After these pants sat in my closet for a good two years, I broke them out and enjoyed this impromptu look!

9. This fall was a mild one, so I enjoyed fall fashion like never before!

Happy New Year to all!

<3

Today's affirmation: I am at peace.

A Simple Dress, Accentuated

Happy Wednesday!  

The good thing about shopping with someone who knows you well is he or she can give you perspective on something you may have otherwise looked over.  That is exactly what happened while shopping with my mom recently at a Gap Factory store.  My mom pulled out the dress showcased in this look and at first I thought, huh?  It just looked so shapeless and drab, like something a joyless person would wear to bed.  She encouraged me to try it on and I'm glad I did.  Though the initial size was too big, I belted it and it came to life.  I sized down and the dress instantly became a new favorite even before I actually purchased it.  Once again, my mom has assisted me with a find that I would have otherwise overlooked. 

As a curvy woman, I tend to shy away from loose, shapeless fits, but I have learned over time that those cuts also work for my body type, but it's all about the draping.  Check out some of my "shapeless" looks here and here.

I digress, back to the look...

I kept this look super simple with a thin gold and brown leather belt from J.Crew, grey knit tights and clog boots by Uggs.

My earrings are hard to see, but they're blue and gold studs from J.Crew Factory.  Assorted bangles were mainly purchased in Congo years ago, and the silver bangles were a gift.

Until next time,

<3

M

Today's affirmation:  I am at peace with all that has happened, is happening, and will happen.

The Birds: A Sweatshirt Skirt at Work

Happy Monday!

I know I haven't updated in a week-- my bad!-- I was out of balance after a weekend away and another weekend of fun, but now I'm back on track.  On Friday, a colleague gave me a book that I really needed to read.  It's called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.  I had no idea that I needed to read it until typing this up now, but basically by Saturday afternoon I had sorted through my wardrobe, getting rid of three and a half medium-sized garbage bags.  And by Sunday early evening, I had sorted through my kitchen stuff, getting rid of two garbage bags or junk and one large shopping bag of donate-able kitchenware.  I'm feeling lighter and more joyous already.

As for this outfit post, many of you know that I love a cropped sweatshirt and live for a good sweatshirt dress; however, I also enjoy this sweatshirt pencil skirt for a chill, work-appropriate outfit.

Here's what I wore to work recently:

Quilted sweatshirt from the Gap, plaid button down flannel from Old Navy, birds skirt from H&M, Matisse leather boots, Madewell leather backpack

I love mixing textures and patterns.  So much fun, and so many points of interest in such outfits.  This leopard covered bracelet is one of my current favorites.  I've had it for years, but it's just recently that it's become a go-to. 

On that note, here's to being yourself and trying new things daily.

<3

M

Today's affirmation: I AM giving and receiving all that is good and all that I desire.

Casual on Turkey Day

Happy Turkey Day!

Here's a quick post of a casual look, perfect for errands, lunch or a professional development.

A few types of leathers and denim!  This hooded leather jacket by Michael Kors was a find from Century 21 last year.  The scarf is an old favorite from high school and was purchased for $1 at a thrift shop.  Jeans are supreme bold curve by Levis.  Boots are Matisse via DSW.  Backpack is from Madewell.

Until next time,
<3
M

Today's affirmations: I give thanks for all that I am and for all that I have.  

Fall Fashion and a Little Self Love

Good morning everyone!

Here's a very fall look I wore recently:

J.Crew chunky sweater and sweatshirt, Express faux leather leggings, American Eagle blanket scarf, Ugg clog boots, and Madewell leather backpack.

A student took most of these photos, and she was right, this angle does work.  It'd be better for the 'gram, but the lighting is one of the better ones of the series,  so here goes.

A little hallway action, with some lovely plants in the background.

These boots though!  I'm all about a mix of textures-- leathers, suede, sweatshirt, blanket-ish and chunky knits.

A fall look isn't complete without a deep-hued lipstick.  Here's I'm wearing a mix of Cyber by MAC with plum by RK by Kiss underneath.

Until next time,

<3

M

Today's affirmation, inspired by a 7 second meditation and acknowledgement of the importance of self love: I love myself deeply.

A Little Red and Green at Work

Happy Monday!

Here's an outfit I wore recently:

I usually shy away from green and red-- it makes me think of Christmas and I don't like cliche color pairings, though some of them do go very well together!-- but the denim balanced it all out for me.

These camouflage pants are from J.Crew, one or two years ago, but they finally fit decently!  

This necklace is from Baublebar, chambray shirt from Old Navy and boots by Frye.

And of course, the lipstick, what's left of it at the end of this school day, is Ruby Woo by MAC.

Until next time,

<3

M

Today's affirmation: I love.  I am loved.  I radiate love.  I attract love.

Lots of Denim and Cooking by the Book

Happy Friday!

Last week I attending one of my favorite PDs, also known as professional developments of the year.  My colleagues and I spent the a good part the day at Cooking by the Book.  We collaborated to prepare a delicious meal with fresh ingriedients, sat down to enjoy it and then delivered the rest to a youth program close by.  

Here's what I wore:

Denim Jacket-- J.Crew

Plaid button down-- Gap

Jeans-- Levis super bold curve skinny jeans

Sneakers-- Converse

I added some flavor to my outfit with a dark lipstick-- a mix of "Plum" by RK by Kiss and "All Out Gorgeous" by M.A.C.-- and a sparkly necklace layered over my gold nameplate.  

As for Cooking by the Book...

A little apron action!

My group made a vegetable couscous that I plan on replicating very soon!

There's nothing like cooking in a large kitchen with the meal prep done for you.

The plated lunch: vegetable couscous, cheese strata and mixed greens salad.  So good!

And double chocolate chip cookies for dessert.  

Until next time,
<3
M

Today's affirmation: Life is beautiful. Life is fulfilling. I love life.

A Sweatshirt Dress and Sneakers at Work

Happy Veterans day!

Here is an outfit I wore recently.  I had a lot of fun with this look, as I definitely enjoy a good sweatshirt dress (yup, it's about that time!) that still works for work.  Check out how I styled it for a day-to-night kind of look.

My building is quite chilly, so I always wear layers to work.  

Dress: sweatshirt material, pencil skirt dress with panel detailing from ASOS.com

Jacket: denim from J.Crew

Scarf: camouflage with a hint of neon from Express

Tights: Hue 

Sneakers: Golden Goose

Assorted bracelets were inspired by my Halloween look which included a bunch of big bangles as well.  (There was a time in my style-life when I almost exclusively wore large bangles.)

I love mixing neutrals like navys with blacks and browns and shades of gray.

Until next time,

<3

M

Today's affirmation: I am grateful for the love I am receiving at this moment.