The Return of Plaid of a Pop of Neon

Happy Wednesday!

As promised here's a post revolving around a new favorite that I picked up at Old Navy while killing time before brunch in Harlem recently.  Since styling this outfit, I already worn this skirt out dancing at a local spot with a cropped top, of course.  I love a versatile, high-waist piece.

Work has been crazy busy, and between adjusting to full weeks of teaching while maintaining a social life, I've been... tired.  Happy, but without enough time to write these blog posts in the way I'd like to.  That plus some technical difficulties set me back two days.  Ah well, here goes.

Here's one of my favorite work looks thus far:

I initially planned to wear this plaid skirt with an orangey-red lipstick-- I totally think about outfits in random parts like that-- but then I decided to have a similar pop effect with this statement necklace with pops of neon yellow, orange and pink.

Lately I've been into polishing my fingernails with two different colors and changing up the random accent nails.  So much fun!  Assorted gold-tone jewelry from J.Crew Factory and Express via my big sister's closet a few years ago.

The skirt is from Old Navy and surprisingly fits with minimal gaping at the waist, the top is a sturdy denim shirt from Gap 1969 and the necklace is from H&M a few years ago.  The pumps are my go-to, brown leather pumps by Frye.

Until next time!
<3
M

Affirmation of the day: I have more than I'll ever need!

Extra Purple

This has truly been the year of sweatshirts.  Seriously I added five sweatshirts to my wardrobe since fall.  Cropped sweatshirts, patterned sweatshirts, dressed-up sweatshirts-- all kinds of sweatshirts have been my go-to for work and play lately.

 For this look I paired my warm grey, cropped sweatshirt with a deep purple flounce skirt and purple tights as well.  (Another thing Ive been experimenting lately with is colored tights in bold ways!)  I layered a white button down shirt underneath and kept my jewelry simple with my staple gold nameplate and glasses.  Yup, I consider glasses to be an accessory, as well as lipstick.

Sweatshirt and skirt by J.Crew, Old Navy button down, Hue tights and Fyre boots

I am loving these African bracelets that I got from the woman I buy raw shea butter from-- I believe they're imported from Nigeria.  The purple-bead ring is by A Gypsy's Junk, the initial ring is Urban Outfitters and the large purple ring is from Forever 21.

Warby Parker frames and purple lip stain by Stilla.

Until next time,
<3
M

Shades of Blue

Happy Monday!

These weekends are flying by, but good thing are happening and more good is too come.  Here is any outfit I wore recently.  I pulled out my J.Crew denim pencil skirt from deep in my closet, paired it with bright teal tights and the rest is history. 

 Old Navy sweater, Uniqlo oxford shirt, J.Crew skirt, Hue tights, Frye boots and J.Crew Factor necklace.

I am working on my eyeliner hand, and let's just say: practice brings improvement.  Sephora liquid eyeliner, MAC blush in "Fever" and Sephora nude gloss.  Peal earrings from Express.

Until next time,
Love.
M

A Gift: Playing with Style

Happy Friday!

Here are some quick photos that I took afterwork recently in my effort to document an outfit that I really enjoyed.  My students enjoyed this one as well, and let me know it!  

Flannel button down from Target, Bow sweater from J.Crew Factory, tweed pencil skirt from J.Crew, polka dot tights from J.Crew Factory, brown leather pumps by Frye.

Accessories: Ruby Woo lipstick, Warby Parker glasses, Guess gold watch and side pony-tail.  Yup, hair style can definitely be an accessory.

What are your plans for the weekend?

<3
M

Inspired Through Dress

Happy Monday!

I am committing to maintaining a schedule for my blog.  I will be posting three times a week-- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

To start off the week, and yet another busy day of work followed by graduate school, here are some photos of an outfit that I wore and loved recently.

Once again I am all buttoned up!  My look this fall in addition to the fun socks and tights, is the button down under everything.  Seriously, I wear button down shirts, buttoned all the way to the top under dresses, sweaters and sturdy shirts.  Here I'm wearing one of my favorite chambray shirts underneath a simple, structured dress.

What I love about this dress is the detailing!  It's a simple, navy dress with a zip up back which makes for a nice silhouette, and it has pockets.  I love, love a dress with pockets.  

I love these tights by Hue, my favorite company for tights for two reasons-- they fit like they're made with my body type in mind and they have all types of prints, like the houndstooth print I'm wearing here. 

As for what I'm wearing: dress and blazer from Target, Old Navy shirt, Hue tights, Fyre boots, scarf was a gift, Madewell backpack, jewelry from J.Crew Factory and Baublebar.

Oh, and I kept my makeup neutral with Exhibit A blush by NARS and a nude lipgloss by Sephora.

Looking my best and showing up to life inspires me to do my best work, literally at work and as I move through the world.  What inspires you all?

<3

M

All in the Details

Happy Friday!  

This week has been one of much reflection, as I've been spending chunks of my subway commute journaling, as well as thinking through everything from hopes and dreams (seriously reviving my dream diary in a new form, in the notebook app on my iPhone) to day-to-day interactions.  While I miss riding my bike to and from work, I am also enjoying the daily subway rides, as time to read for work, read for pleasure and lately, reflect in writing. More about that soon.

Here are some photos of an outfit I wore recently: 

Makeup: MAC "Fever" blush and Sephora lipgloss in "Tangy Bite"

The softness and simplicity of this color scheme made me happy! 

J.Crew Factory skirt, J.Crew sleeveless blouse with collar, Old Navy black sweater with ankle sleeves, Gap wool blazer, black opaque tights by Hue, Fyre boots, Madewell rucksack

I thoroughly enjoyed this look.  I am loving my Fyre Regina boots!  As I break them in, the boots are becoming more and more comfortable.  I will likely be living in them soon.  The hint of peach peeking out of my black sweater and otherwise neutral outfit inspired me.  

This detail shot!  Giraffe bracelet is my favorite, from Baublebar, and the pave-link bracelet is J.Crew.  The bow ring is Guess and I bought it at Burlington Coat Factory, which always seems to have amazing accessories for great prices!

Happy Weekend to all!
<3
M

Finally, a Leather Backpack!

Happy Monday to all!

What a productive morning.  After an fun, eventual, and somewhat sleep-deprived weekend, I decided to go to bed early so that I can wake up an hour earlier today to tackle some things on my graduate school/internship list.  And I did!  I continue to learn to manage "the list" while celebrating small accomplishments and balancing a stress-free (hey, I'm claiming it!) life.  That, and I'm going through yet another transition.  Perhaps I'll talk about that another time.

Here's an outfit I wore recently:  

The main focus of this outfit for me is my new leather backpack from Madewell that I love love!  It
took me a while to decided to purchase it, after having my eye on it for a long time, but I decided to take the plunge and am very happy I did.  The only thing I regret is not getting it monogrammed.  I think that small, personalized touch would add so much to this already dynamic backpack.

I'm wearing my faux leather dress from Express as a Jumper, with my Gap denim shirt underneath, black tights, light pink suede flats from J.Crew.  My blazer is the one I've been living in lately, from Target, and my neon-accented necklace is from H&M.

I've had conversations with some of my teacher-friends about this, but I am truly practicing being myself at work!  I've always worked in diverse schools with diverse teaching staff, but my current school is not that.  So while I have discovered some like-minds and am making connections, I am also checking in with myself and making sure that I'm still doing me, even if that makes others uncomfortable or take notice in new ways.

Back to the backpack.  Here's a link to the Madewell site. Educators and students, make sure to get your discount!

Lastly, I love to play around with and mix different textures.  Here I have faux leather, denim and tweed!

And another backpack shot:)

Until next time,
Have a great week!
<3
M

Socks and Pumps

Good morning all!

This week is flying by, but I don't mind.  As the weather transitions from summer to cool fall, I've been wearing socks with pumps instead of jumping solely into wearing tights.  Here's an impromptu outfit I came up with and really enjoyed.  I seriously built this outfit from the bottom up.

I started with these navy floral socks from J.Crew that I wanted to wear with my go-to brown leather pumps by Fyre.  I then tried several skirts before deciding that a sturdy skirt, such as these pink tweed pencil skirt from J.Crew, worked best.  I then paired the look with a white button down shirt from Old Navy; buttoned it all the way to the top; and added a simple, but blingy necklace from J.Crew Factory.

I layered my necklace over my name plate, one of my favorite things to do with neck jewelry right now.  It's hard to see clearly due to the position of the sun when I took these photos.  Ah well...

I kept my jewelry simple, with a midi ring set from Bauble Bar, Guess gold watch and J.Crew Factory gold link bracelet.  My final acessory, my Warby Parker frames of course.

I layered on the blush as well, "Fever" by M.A.C., and kept the rest neutral with a nude gloss from Sephora called "Perfectly Nude."

Until next time,
Love.
Miss M

School Girl

The week is almost over, but I am on a roll with my dresses.  Again, target killed it with this dress.  The cut, the pockets, the fit and the color, all perfect.  A simple tailored, yet budget, dress is key for every working professional's closet.  I paired this dress with my go-to pumps and added flair with my beaded collar from ASOS, layered over my gold nameplate of course.

I seriously just discovered that the dress has pockets as I was taking this picture.  As you can see, I was ecstatic.  I love a good dress with pockets.

To complete my look, I added my glasses, some blush and simple, gold army candy.  Easy, flattering and with an edge.

Until next time,

<3

M

A Simple Dress

Here are some quick photos of a dress that I wore earlier this week.  I don't usually wear shapeless dresses like this, but I am happy I gave it a try.  I really enjoyed the colors and the material.  It was loose, easy and actually draped well. 

This dress is from H&M, as is the necklace.  This necklace is definitely one of my favorites!  And of course, I'm also wearing my go-to brown leather pumps from Fyre.

Not the best way to showcase this type of dress, but I am learning!

Aside from my necklace, my only other accessories were my watch and a few simple rings.  I actually took off a few pieces before deciding I was ready for the day.

I love layering statement necklaces over my nameplate.  Fun, fun!  Okay, time to catch up with a friend over drinks and then hopefully, some grad school work.  I am all about balance.

Until next time,
<3
M

Back-to-School Lookbook

The summer is just about over, so as I work towards acceptance (more about that later), I am doing some back-to-school shopping.  Similar to the little girl that I was, I still enjoy picking out my first day outfit (and outfits in general), and getting some fresh office supplies.  

Here are three looks I styled for Kassie's Closet.  The best part of doing online styling is simultaneously shopping as I do so.

This first look is my version of a  classic teacherly look.  Primary colors done in a way that just make me happy.  The sweater, pencil skirt, and houndstooth pumps are from J.Crew Factory.  I have a version of the sweater, ordered my second long pencil skirt in double serge wool from Factory earlier this week, and I also ordered the pumps.  Very excited to add to my houndstooth collection.  I've had my eye on this Madewell leather backpack for some time now, and I finally decided to treat myself to one.  

This second look is definitely a funky teacher look.  The cords and sweater are from Nordstrom and the denim shirt is Gap.  These shoes are from Barney's and they are definitely on my wish list.  Silver mid-top Nike blazers? Yes, please.  This is the perfect outfit for when I want to feel like my fun, funky self at work.

This look appears simple at first but actually has an edge with this leather front dress from J.Crew Factory.  Paired with burgundy tights and a low heel, it is perfect for work without much effort.

On that note, happy shopping whether online or in your closet!

Love,

Miss M

Projecting Pretty (In Attitude and Dress)

Girl About Town lipstick by M.A.C. and J.Crew light pink stud earrings.

A co-worker called me on my attitude a few weeks ago, and I am all the better for it.  I was going through a frustration spell, where the patience I'm generally known for had completely dissolved. The children were being themselves, comfortable middle schoolers who want to talk and play as much as allowed. And I, I was being short and snippy.  There was a moment where my usual self was attempting to break through by means of a teaching moment.  A student was being rude, and when I broke down what was happening, I used the word "unpleasant."  That was when my colleague who was close by to overhear the interaction told me that the way I've been lately was also unpleasant.

In that moment, all I could say was "thank you" and mean it.  That was the part of me that knew what was said to be the truth and was willing accept it.  I had to humble myself and listen because how I had been presenting myself really wasn't who I am as an educator, nor who I am as a person.

Of course,there is a reason behind most things.  My work environment has been crazy this year, and I was starting to take on some qualities as means of survival that were unpleasant.  In the time since this interaction, I've reflected on what I want in a workplace and in a school community, and realized that my current placement was not it.  I did the best I could there; but a poor fit cannot be made right just like an ill-fitting shoe will never work without pain, corns, blisters and other unpleasantness.

As I wrap up my eighth year of teaching, it's more important to me than ever that I can be myself at work and be successful.  More about that later.  Here's what I wore on a sunny day in June.

H&M dress, sandals from DSW

What I love about this dress is that it's a zip up.  I realize that when I shop for clothing, I shop according to cut and shape.  Everything is is secondary.  In this case, I picked up this dress because I knew it would be very flattering on my figure.  The high neck is appropriate for work, but the fitted bodice compliments while the flare skirt accommodates.  I can wear this dress comfortably on my bike, as I did on this day.

party on my arm!  Fossil watch and assorting bracelets

With three more days of work, I realize that I didn't even get to have a proper countdown.  And that is exactly how I prefer a school year to end.

Love,
Miss M

The Little Things

What a sweltering, muggy day in Brooklyn!  It truly is the time of sleeveless dresses when possible or at least a modest cap sleeve.  I entered my classroom today, after having biked up a hill in my wedges and not-so-breathable dress, and pushed the power button on the air conditioner. When nothing happened, my face fell.  Seriously.  I couldn't.  No, not today, I thought.  There I was under-the-weather, yet present at work. No co-teacher or coverage assigned but open to having a good day.  I let about six kids in my classroom early to take down chairs and one of them, awesome A, got the air conditioner to start. I was so thankful!  I only had about five minutes to set up for the day, and with practically no voice, I needed everything to be ready and easily accessible.

H&M dress, Bauble Bar neon crown jewels collar necklace, Target wedges, Guess watch

I've been sick since Saturday, but I've been trying to put my best foot forward through dress and attitude at work.  This is my second time wearing this classic-cut, navy dress, but first time in this way.

The length of this dress, along with the roomy cut, is perfect for biking.

My students let me know that I "looked sick" the day before, and in all fairness I was.  But when another student said that my usual glow wasn't there, I tried to add some with my makeup this morning.  I'm wearing highlighter around my eyes and fever blush by M.A.C.  Fake it until you make it!

Teaching is often about the little things.  Nuances in teacher tone, planning, preparation, as well as small moments between students and teachers.  It's the little things like when a student notices that you are under the weather and shows empathy. Or when a student tells you the truth as they see it and mean well.  Regardless, it doesn't take much to fully show up to work, dressed, even when under-the-weather.  How?  A dress, neat shoe, statement piece and a little blush.

Until next time,
Love.
Miss M