What I really want for Christmas

In years past, I don't think I've had an exact list of things I actually wanted/needed but this year I've really honed in on what is needed and missing in my life. Here's what's on my short list. They are all based on things I will actually use every day and know won't be wasteful. I'm pretty sure if you live  a life where comfort and simplifying daily life are important, you would be happy if some of these things showed up under your tree too.


Smash and Tess Romper: I have one of these from Andrew last year and wear the absolute heck out of it. It's amazingly comfortable and just the best. I have my eye on the navy short sleeve one.

Dyson Hair Dryer: What else can I say, sometimes you just want a flashy piece of technology. Ive heard nothing but good things from friends who have them and I appreciate the technology behind them. I'm also all for anything that will do less damage to my hair!

Dyson cordless vacuum: As a person who loves to clean, I really hate to vacuum because I have to have the cord all over so to not have a cord is a game changer. This one even turns into a smaller hand-held option too so I can take it out to my car.

Yeti cup: Keeps your cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for the WHOLE DAY! I love ice cold water so this seems dreamy. Also lots of room for coffee first and it comes in pink!

Microblading touch up: Microblading is pretty much the only cosmetic procedure I've ever done to my face and I'm so glad I did. It looks so natural and makes a huge impact and lasts for the whole year, if not more. I need a tiny touch up but  I think I can hold out a little bit longer. When I do go back, this is where I go.

Lake Pajamas: Guys. These are THE BEST! I refer to them as the best things that have happened to my adult life. They are amazingly comfortable pajamas and my favorite part is that they come in long lengths (like 35 inch inseam long!!) and super classic colors and stripe patterns. these would make the best gift for a mom. They aren't cheap but they are  so worth it IMO.

Someone to paint/wallpaper my bathrooms: This one can't be bought in a store so maybe if I just leave this hint here maybe Santa will come visit with a paint brush or a few rolls of wallpaper in hand.

Magnetic train set for Athena: I don't like alot of toys in our house and I really don't think Athena needs a bunch of crap in our house to play with. She has a great imagination so I only like getting her toys I really know she will play with. This girl loves a train so I would love to get her one of those old school wooden train track sets with the magnetic cars. If you know of a good one, let me know!

Paper Bag Waist Pants

Pants // Circle bag // Sweater // Sunglasses (old Loft) // Loafers (old Banana Republic but these totally remind me of them)

Paper bag waist pants are one of those trendy pieces that I thought for a long time wouldn't work for me and my straight waistline (straigh-ish from hip to waist) and  I wanted a pair that worked on my body type and these ones from H&M have elastic on the back so they are comfortable but look like dressy tailored work pants. These pants come in solids too so if the subtle check print isn't your thing they have 4 other colors to pick from. Also they are just under 30!

So what are your thoughts on this trend? Are you into the paper-bag waist or is it too trendy for you?

Overalls for the Holidays

Overalls (on sale now for $50!) // Puff sleeve top // Sock Booties // Beret // Purse // Sunglasses 

This is my kind of perfect outfit. If I'm not in a dress I'm usually in overalls or jumpsuit of some sort. This combo of black dressy overalls and a satiny puff sleeve top make the whole look kind of dressy. pair if with an embellished beret (because every outfit looks cooler with a beret!) and a chic bag and you've got yourself a holiday look that's not too dressy.

Wide Leg Crop Pants Trend

Blazer // Pants // Mules // Bag // Tee

I was pretty skeptical of the whole wide leg pants trend at first but I was determined to find a pair that I liked and didn't make me look silly. To my surprise I've actually found two pairs. This velvety navy corduroy one here is just $29, super stretchy and comfy and surprisingly well made for the price. The second pair I found are these rust colored ones that I would have never expected to love but I do. Both pairs are on heavy rotation at work.

So are you on board with the wide leg crop pants? Or are your ankles hibernating already? I'm digging the 70's vive they make me feel and wearing them with booties too.

The Perfect Plaid Blazer

Blazer // Bag // Tee // Sunglasses // Rose gold driving mocs

I searched high and low to find a plaid blazer that was affordable, neutral enough to match with many colors, and have modern silhouette as to not look too masculine or boxy over dresses and I found it right here. The red in the plaid gives it a faint pop of color yet still remains classic. Overall this blazer is a winner and runs just under $70! it also runs a bit big so order one size down. 

Rainbow Sweater

Sweater // Driving Moccasins (on sale right now for 50% off!!) // Jeans // Dagne Dover Petite Tote // Sunglasses

Usually I don't seek out rainbow clothes. I'm a school teacher and mom so I don't really need much more that screams "I hang out with kids all day" like rainbows tend to do. However, something about this sweater was just so happy and fun. It was the perfect amount of color to wear with jeans. The best part about this sweater is that it's under 20 bucks! Also when my friend Sandy saw me in it, she knew she had to order it for herself. After that I proceeded to get multiple compliments on my sweater all over the mall and then the next day in Park city because I wore it two days in a row. No judgement. You know a piece is good when strangers on the street inquire about it. I wanted to play on the bright colors in the sweater so I paired it with my bright yellow driving mocs and poppy red Dagne Dover bag. 

The Things That Matter the Most

Long Cardigan // Leggings // Loafers // Hat (super old J. Crew) Similar here for $15

To say the last few weeks have been busy is an understatement. Andrew's new election schedule keeping him at work well past my bedtime, teaching and doing parent-teacher conferences for two weeks, before during and after school everyday and Athena moving to a new preschool have been wearing me down. 

You have probably noticed I don't post here much anymore. It's not that I don't want to, it's just that the things going on in life are so important to me and I just want to do them all as best as I can. Unfortunately that means this creative outlet for me takes the back burner. The things that matter the most move to the forefront. Athena and my family are always top, my career and being present for my 22 kiddos I am lucky enough to teach everyday is something I care deeply about and put my heart and so much attention into. 

And although I'm not here frequently, you do see me on my Instagram stories pretty regularly. In the last few weeks I've received some of the best, sweetest, most heartfelt messages I've ever gotten. Sure I want you to like my outfits and be inspired by my sense of style, but the most moving messages I've received are about my role as a mother and teacher. I've gotten messages telling me that you respect my choices as a mother, like how we don't let Athena watch TV or that we put her to bed early and that we make her schedule a priority. Also kind words on how we try to get her out into nature and even get dirty out on hikes. And even a few about how you respect my job as a teacher and that I'm teaching full time while being a mom and you can tell how invested I am in my job as a teacher. Way to hit me where it counts' guys. 

Really these are the things that matter the most to me and so when you say that you admire these things that I'm working so hard on behind the scenes, It really makes my heart happy and lets me know that even though I'm not on here posting all that much, the bit I do put out there is making a difference. Thank you for all the love and support. My greatest joys are creating a happy family for Athena to grow in and creating a kind environment for my kiddos at school to learn in. Life is pretty darn good and thank you for being part of the journey.

A Teacher's Perspective on Back-To-School Fashion

Scalloped Top // Bag // Skirt // Sunglasses // Shoes (similar)

It's back to school time and I for one, from a fashion standpoint at least, am excited to go back to work. As crazy and fast packed as the life of a teacher can be, I do love the challenge of dressing in a fun and professional way that makes me feel comfortable and capable. I really do believe that what you wear impacts your mood, your confidence level and even your productivity. Not to mention it sends a message to everyone you encounter about your personality. With all that, it's pretty easy to see why I like back to school.

Now I know all of you aren't teachers but I'm willing to be there is still something magical about this time of year that makes you want to stock up on new items and reinvent yourself as if its a new year. I know it's not January 1st, but it's a pretty transformational moment each year that takes you back to your childhood when a new outfit could make the first day of school feel really special. Or maybe it's just all the great sales! 

I for one know my students will be looking at what I wear. Even if you think kids don't care what you wear, i promise you they do and they are the most vocal critics I've had in 13 years of teaching! I intend to wear something fun and bold on the first day like this outfit here. Fun bright colors are a first day of school hit. 

This skirt has stretch to it so its way more comfortable than your average pencil skirt. My classroom is pretty hot so this sleeveless top keeps me cool and still looks fun and professional. These pink heels have been a closet favorite of mine for going on 7 years. They are the perfect height and still somehow fit even after my feet went up a half size after having Athena.

Whether you are a mom, professional, teacher or somewhere in-between, I hope you are all having a smooth and stylish transition into the back-to-school season.