An Outfit Inspired by a Necklace

What a day!  Thank goodness it is over, and the next part is about to begin.  Tonight O and I are going to a Yelp Event at a Shuffleboard Club in Gowanus.  And as my co-teacher says: "because it is good."

Here are some photos of my outfit earlier this week.  The mix of colors from my earrings to my arm candy and shoes was inspired by a necklace I wear often (pictured here).

Gap chambray shirt, Asos skirt, J.Crew tights, Swedish Hasbeens boots

 I am loving my swing skirt from ASOS, paired with my favorite navy and black polka dot tights from J.Crew. 

assorted bracelets: express, Baublebar, Mexico City market, Soho jewelry stand and Kenyan market

 I was inspired by a page from my vision book-- I finally created one with several pages this winter break:)!  I enjoyed playing with the mix of orange and pink against the blues and browns.  Yes!  I love when I dig deep into my bracelets for a new combination.

I love these neon orange stud earrings from J.Crew Factory.  They easily brighten up any outfit. 

Until next time,
Miss M

Purple Lipstick in Winter

What an intense winter!  The snow here in Brooklyn has literally been amazing.  My winter boots have never gotten this much wear in my eight years here.  I am so tired of winter boots, that I have been wearing my wedge sneakers as boots whenever possible.  Salt and dirty-snow stains on leather boots usually sufficient for New York winters is not fun.  I digress.  

To combat my winter blues, I've been wearing bright lipsticks just about daily, and really enjoying my make-up collection.  Here's a look from last week:

M.A.C. blush in fever & Stilla lip gloss that wears like a lipstick

I really enjoyed my colors here: the purple lipstick again the blue (with green) flannel and navy sweater.  And I always love a gold accent here and there.  In this case my nameplate necklace works perfectly, and I love my pave link bracelet with an otherwise casual outfit.

Gap cords, Old Navy Flannel, J.Crew Factory bow sweater, Vince Camuto sneakers

Outfits such as this one truly make me reflect on the evolution of my teacher style.  I still love a certain teacherly-look-- pencil skirts and tucked in blouses-- but I am enjoying showing my of my personality in my work outfits.  I have learned that I can still dress appropriately and wear sneaker wedges.  

More to come, as I am finally on Winter break, and staying put for once.  

Love,

Miss M

Color Blocking in Winter

During the week of snow, I truly enjoyed colorblocking.  It was one of those weeks, were my laundry had piled up and I was forced to dig deep into my closet for new ideas outfits.  I ended up pairing colors together that worked and added tights that didn't distract too much.  And viola!  An easy and very me outfit.

Mint sweater from Target, bright yellow pencil skirt from J.Crew Factory, grey snow boots by Report.

Baublebar necklace, Guess watch

curls courtesy of pipe cleaners!

Who says you can't wear bright, bright colors in the middle of winter?  My idea: mix bright colors with solid neutrals.  That will help balance the outfit and make it more season appropriate.

Love,
Miss M

Intuitive With Color

This post is inspired by a comment left on my blog about mixing black and brown.  Like the reader, I have also come a long way in terms of color.  As a young person, or rather a young teenager, I placed myself in others' limited view of colors and matching.  I am so happy to be free of that.  

As a middle school teacher, I often hear that I don't match or  am questioned: how do you match?  I still remember my first year teaching a self-contained class in my little classroom overstuffed with all boys and one tough girl, when a boy (who later went on to fashion school) asked: "Miss, how do you match?"  
My response, appropriated from Stacy and Clinton of What Not to Wear: "I don't match; I go."

And that truly is my motto.  People who know me well and have seen me go through the process of putting together an outfit (sometimes quickly, sometimes more thoughtfully), I abhor matching too much.  Strong word, I know, but I prefer mixing things up and having fun with color.  I also prefer not to wear common color combinations such as red/white/blue, save on the fourth of July; orange and black; red and green; even yellow and black, as it reminds me of a bumble bee.  


Lately I've discovered the depths of neutrals: grays, black, navy and brown.  I hardly wear brown, though, because it matches my skin too much; but, I love my brown pumps (worn here and here).  Black is overdone, with reason, but hackneyed just the same.  I love gray, particularly charcoal gray, but navy blue is my favorite; It's like black, but not quite.  I love mixing neutrals together (like here and here) and wearing black or navy with brown accessories.  A brown pair of shoes or purse softens the harshness of all black in a lovely way. But, a brown outfit with black shoes will not work as well.  A brown dress, black tights and brown shoes, yes, but all brown and only black on the bottom is a little awkward.

I also realize that as I continue to mature, and in addition to exploring neutrals, I find myself evolving past my self-imposed color limitations, sometimes by unknowingly and other times on purpose.  I wore red and blue here and in a way here; and black and white here.  I also used to avoid wearing white and black because it reminded me of a uniform. However, I've matured and am realizing that I can wear common color combinations in ways that are me.  Even though I remember the outfit mentioned as black and white, looking back at it I now remember I also wore navy (and black) polka dot tights and brown pumps.  Totally me!


To end, one of my best compliments was given to me by my painting professor during senior year in undergrad.  He said: "You live color and that is evident in your work."  The painting professor also talked about color theory, saying that  some artist people study it, but for me it is intuitive.  And it is.  I haven't taken a painting class since, but I create masterpieces daily as I get dressed, contemplate nail polish colors and explore lipstick choices.

Love,
M


  

Old Favorites Styled in New Ways

I had a lot of fun with this outfit.  I styled some favorites in new ways-- my denim shirt, blue-green necklace and polka dot skirt-- and I dug into my bracelet collection for colorful arrangement of arm candy.  I also added socks to the mix for a new, different-for-me look.  The result, love love!

I've been enjoying a fuller brow these days<3.  J.crew factory necklaces, MAC half & half lipstick

denim shirt by GAP 1969, J.Crew Factory polka dot skirt, Uniqlo navy tights, J.Crew stripped socks, Steven booties

Guess watch, navy Baublebar elephant bangle, Express beaded bracelet, and some bangles that were gifted or bought on the street in Soho.

slouchy socks over tights, yes I did!

I am playing with color in new ways and it feels great!  Coming up next, a written post on my "color theory."

Love,
Miss M