Another Day, Another Hustle

Quilted Dress (40% off and feels like a sweatshirt!!)  // Shoes // Purse: Kate Spade (old but shop more options below) // Necklace: Forever 21 (old but here's something similar on mega sale) // Sunglasses: Prada (similar)

It's pretty hard to follow up on my last blog post. I have no great bombs to drop at the current moment so hopefully you guys will settle for a fun wall, a cool dress that happens to be on sale for 40% off, and a few of my worries.

This wall say "another day, another hustle. It really struck a chord with me with our upcoming move. I cannot tell you how many times a day I say the word hustle to my students. It's even funnier when I heard them say it to each other to help their table mates get on task. 

After my 10+ years of teaching in inner city Chicago public schools, I will welcome the break as much as I will miss the babes I teach. I truly love what I do, an pour my heart into it which leaves me exhausted, emotionally drained, and with a heavy heart. It's impossible to fix all the problems in my students lives, but I take it very seriously to provide them with a place where they can feel safe and loved in my class daily. A place that pushes them to be better human beings. That is something that is hard to leave, and even harder to take away mid year. I'm working on my guilt.

This wall also reminded me how every day of my life has been a hustle for more years than I can remember. Even before college I worked through high school. During college I took a full course load and worked 5 jobs! Yes, 5! I've never been good at relaxing, stopping, or taking a break. I tend to create fullness and activity whenever a break presents itself.

 This adjustment will be interesting. With this move I know my life will slow down, and I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to that but also a little nervous. I do not have a new teaching job lined up and don't plan to get one probably till next school year (or if I get really bored). I will be working on building our home, discovering new workouts, making new friends (if you know someone cool I should meet out there, tag them on my Instagram or in the comments below),  and just plain exploring!

I'm mostly just excited to see where this opportunity takes me. I will finally have some time to work on my blog and work more with my Jill of all Trades clients, and hopefully some fun new SLC clients!

Thanks to Samantha for the Photos and company!

Shop the post here!

All Black

Necklace: H&M // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff :"Jules" Satchel c/o Shopbop // Dress: H&M (similar here under $20) // Vest: Macy's (similar) // Shoes: Zara (similar for $30) // Sunglasses: eBay

It's very rare that I wear all black. With so many colorful pieces out there, I almost forget black is an option. Adding layers in different textures and fabrics make the solid color a little more interesting! This silk vest has been in my wardrobe for years as has this dress. Both get minimal wear but they worked quite well together. 

On a random side note, I watch the "so-bad-it's-good" show Mistresses and this necklace I'm wearing was on the show last week! I love when I see something of mine on TV! Have you ever experienced this? Or am I the only nerd who gets a kick out of this?

Black Dress with a Deep Back V

I wish I could tell you all to run out and buy this dress, but I can not! I swear to you the only time I ever saw this dress in-store was the day I bought it, from Forever 21, back in the fall. I kept looking online for it, but it was never to be found again.

I'm sorry that I can't, because besides being comfy and easy to throw on, it has this great deep-v back that adds quite a bit of interest to dress, especially for a school day. And did I mention it was only 20 bucks!?

Here are a few affordable spring versions of my dress in coral, black (sleeveless or short sleeve) and the most adorable striped Kate Spade look-alike!

Serious shopping weekend ahead:

Tomorrow I am off to the Gilt City warehouse sale which should be terrifying as well as fun!

And if you love a good Target collaboration line, Sunday will be the big reveal of the Kate Young for Target line which will contain some of the fanciest party dresses Target has seen in quite some time! See the full lookbook here!

Have a great weekend!

Dress: Forever 21

Belt and shoes: J. Crew Factory