Colorblocking at Work

Good morning all,

Clothes and colors are definitely how I express myself, so I have been sharing bits of me at my new job over the past few weeks.  Here's what I wore last week to work and for Parent Night.  I am living out loud!

J.Crew Jackie cardigan, J.Crew Factory long pencil skirt, Uniqlo oxford shirt, Hue tights, Fyre pumps

I didn't think of it this way at first, but when a colleague said that I was colorblocking, I thought: you're right!  I am!  I really enjoyed these colors together.  The mustard orangey sweater against the bright yellow; with the light, warm blue in the middle and black tights; and of course, my trust-brown leather pumps.

Since I had so many colors going, I kept my makeup simple with some blush and a nude gloss.

I love this detail shot!  Pave link bracelet from J.Crew, elephant bangle from Bauble Bar, Guess watch, midi rings from Bauble bar as well, and initial ring from Urban Outfitters.

Have a beautiful day everyone!

Love.

Miss M

Teaching High School: A Reflection

Two full weeks of high school under my teaching belt, and here's what I've noticed this far:

  

While I've joked that I can't escape middle school-- seriously, like when grown folk are having tantrums on the street or adolescents are turnt up rowdy on the subway-- teaching middle school will forever be the foundation from which I compare and understand my experiences. 

There are the 9th graders who remind me of my 6th graders with their sweetness, intelligent naiveness and overall bright-eyed newness; there are the eager-to-learn-and-question, playfully, 10th graders who are a larger version of the rambunctious 7th graders I have most definitely taught in my past; and then there are the awesome, slightly grown 11th graders who I have the pleasure of teaching and are reminiscent of a mature eighth grade group I had one year.

Also, there's also the fact that I recognize older versions of students  I've had along the way who made it through the often-struggle that is middle school into a good high school. And in some ways, I made it through too. I taught in places that seriously struggled to function in simple ways. Yet, there were always great educators-- some teachers, some administrators, some paraprofessionals-- who through their great work and support of me, helped me become who I am today:   An educator who was able to seamlessly transition from a school where behavior precedes teaching, to one where the kids are ready to learn (all kids want to learn) and teachers are given the autonomy to teach any way they please. 

I am truly grateful to have the ability to recognize that even in those who were strong in some aspects and weak in others, have something to teach me. That openness has allowed me to learn from many, many people and even more situations. 

On that note, middle school will always hold a special place in my heart, and as I've  always said, I'll say again: middle school is everything they say it is and more. Here's to new experiences and realizations as I continue on in my ninth year as an educator. 

Love. 

Miss M

Peplum and a Pencil Skirt

Happy Monday!

What a beautiful, event-filled weekend! Between surprise birthday parties on rooftops to epic day parities, my weekend was just what I needed: fun, fashion-filled, and suro. Now back to work. Thankfully it's a short week, as I have Thursday and Friday off for Rosh Hashanah.  Today is my long day with work and then graduate school until late night, so here's a quick post with an outfit I wore last week. 

I'm wearing one of my favorite pencil skirts, a double serge wool skirt from J.Crew; peplum top from H&M; brown pumps from Fyre; and tweed blazer from Target.

I kept my necklaces simple, and wore a statement bracelet instead.  I love pairing a pop of neon green or yellow against this mustard yellow skirt.

I don't know what this look on my face is, but I am working on it my expressions... when I remember, anyhow.

I ended up taking these photos after my work day was over, hence the squinting in the sun.

Until next time,

<3

M

Feeling Fab in Another Shapeless Dress

What a long week!  While I am nicely adjusting to teaching high school (more about that later) I am also finishing up my last semester of graduate school, and starting my internship.  Rather, I am still working on finalizing my internship contract, trying to figure out exactly what I'll be doing at my school.  

Anyhow, here is another outfit I really enjoyed recently.  Another Target dress-- again, Target is killing it!-- my Fyre pumps, Bauble Bar neon necklace and some arm candy.  Of course, I can't forget my Ruby Woo lipstick with a little dark red Sephora liner.  

A few years ago I would have never worn a shapeless dress, but I have learned that a curvy woman such as my self can rock one.  This dress makes the third or fourth flowy dress that I have in my closet, include my favorite sweatshirt dress that I used to belt once upon a time.

I think the key to wearing a shapeless dress when you have curves is the way it falls.  The dress shouldn't get stuck at the hips, but instead has to just... flow.  

As for my makeup, I'm also trying something new: red blush and red lipstick.  Bold, but definitely me.

Until next time,
<3
M

Drawstring Pants at Work

Happy Monday!  I thoroughly enjoyed this outfit.  These drawstring pants are my new favorites.  Cropped and in a vivid blue, what more can I ask?  I paired these pants with a soft blouse, huge flower earrings, blush and pumps, for a simple, yet clean look.

I am loving my drawstring pants from J.Crew Factory, paired with a sheer blouse from Target, H&M earrings and Fyre pumps.

Makeup: Mac powder, MAC Fever blush, Sephora purple tinted gloss, MAC highlighter around the eyes.

Have a beautiful week!
<3
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

A Floral Dress and First Week of School

The summer is officially over for teachers (and students)!  As usual, the first week of school came and went so quickly, I didn't have time to post these photos from my last week of summer vacation before now.  Ah, well.  It is never too late!  

First things first: Target is killing it right now!  I have bought a few pieces from Target that I am really excited about.  This dress is one of them.  I will definitely be wearing this dress this fall in two ways.  For work, I'll add black opaque tights, a cardigan and low brown pumps; and for play, I'll wear it with thigh-high socks and boots.  

Secondly, many people are wondering about my new work situation.  Only thing I have to say right now is that it is amazing!  And there is a low-basically-none-existent turnover rate for a reason!  Also, I am now teaching high school, which is a huge change from teaching junior high, more about that later.  I am now commuting to work via subway instead of riding my bike, walking or taking the bus.  This is also my first time working in Manhattan, so that will be interesting.  It is definitely a much faster, busier pace, so I'm curious to see what observations I'll make as the year progresses.

Back to this outfit.  I felt like a girl in this dress!  I love wearing white chucks with dresses for a playful look.

This artist has been putting up/creating murals all over my neighborhood.  I wonder what her story is...

One last thing about this dress: it has a back zipper!  The most flattering cut of a dress has a zipper.  This allows the wearer to adjust herself into the dress, and accent the waist.  Love love!

Until next time,
<3
M