Professional Brights

This was what I wore my first day back to work after spring break. It's pretty obvious I was excited to wear something other than yoga pants again. 

Shoes: Cole Haan "Talia" (buy here)

Skirt (similar), blouse (similar) & belt: J Crew Factory

Blazer: Aritzia (the most perfect blazer ever!)

Bracelet: Forever 21 (buy here)

Lips: "Up the Amp" by Mac

Sunglasses: Target

Necklace: Ebay

Collars: Pink & Polka-Dots

As you may know from reading my post yesterday, I'm on spring break! I woke up this morning to the realization that I never scheduled a post for my usual 6AM! I guess I was too caught up in the excitement of my week-long freedom. I hope you can forgive me!

This gray and white polka-dot blouse is one of those things I wanted to wear the second I bought it which is rare for me. I usually wait for the perfect moment/outfit. Even more rare, I found it at TJ Maxx which is a store I very rarely go into/find anything in. This visit happened to be the best I've ever done in that place finding this blouse for $17, as well as 2 Cynthia Rowley dresses each for $30! Not too shabby!

Pink chain bracelet: Alimonada (love this one here too)

Rose gold Aurora borealis Bracelet: Oia Jules (buy here)

Skirt: J. Crew

Blouse: TJ Maxx (similar in black w/ white dots here) I hear there is one that looks just like mine at Old Navy. Good luck searching!

Cardigan: C. Wonder

Bubble Necklace: eBay

Cobalt Pleats and Plaid

This is the third of this crepe pleated skirt that I own. I couldn't help but buy it because it's such a great color with a flattering fit. It gets tons of compliments with every wear, and it will work in every season. Many people at work stopped to tell me how cheerful my blue outfit was, even though "cheerful" is usually associated with yellow!

I hope this brings cheer, and not "blues" into your day!

And if you are interested, see how I wore the pink here and the cabernet here.

Skirt: Pleated Crepe Skirt in deep violet form J Crew (buy here on sale now for $50)

Plaid button down: J Crew Factory (old)

Belt: J Crew (same style here)

Necklace: Ebay (almost idential here for $16)

Tights: DKNY (No waist band on these guys! Buy em here, They are the best!)

Jacket: Ebay (Total Zara knock off, buy here for $37!)

Boots: Old Navy (buy here)

Sunglasses: Target cateye sunglasses (yes, there was SUN! in Chicago)

Hot Pink Pleats

I still have a few days until I have to go back to work but looking at these pics of a work outfit is kind of making me cringe. I have been enjoying winter break so much I wish I never had to go back. If only there was a way to still get paid and not go to work... hmmm.

This is one of three of this J Crew skirt I own, although it's the first time I've worn it (see how I styled my cabernet one here). I don't know why its taken me so long to wear considering I bought in in September but it's now finally made its way out into public! I pretty much wore it all day without the herringbone jacket but I think it made it look more complete for pictures.

Shoes: C Label Hudson 10

Skirt: J Crew Pleated crepe skirt 

Black Tee: Old Navy long sleeve perfect tee

Bubble Necklace: Ebay

Hair bow: Ebay

Studded black belt: J Crew

Overexposed

As I mentioned yesterday, the quest for a good place to take pictures is becoming harder and harder now that we lost our secret spot. Expect more indoor pictures from my scenic work hallway. Although it's not the best lighting, it gets the job done without risk of catching a major cold!

This super sunny shoot was at a Home Depot parking lot where we received a hearty amount of whistles from the day laborers waiting for work. We have GOT to find a new location... FAST!

Many of the children I teach seemed very concerned that I killed many snakes to make my leggings and wanted to touch them to make sure they were not "real." I really do love watching my students try to understand my fashion statements sometimes.

Bubble Necklace: J Crew

Chambray shirt: Target

ASOS Vila sweater

H&M leggings (old)

Vince Camuto Fivvy boots

Michael Kors Watch

Hot Pink and Oxblood

I had seen a few other lovely bloggers pair hot pink and oxblood lately, so I decided to try it out. It's an unexpected color combination that pairs surprisingly well together. It worked so well I tried each twice, layering the pink necklace on pink sweater and oxblood boots over oxblood leggings. 

What do you think? Would you try this color combo?

Sweater: Tippi from J Crew (same color here), Leggings: Zara (same, but different color options here), Bubble necklace and Spike arrow bracelet: Ebay, Dark pink bracelet: Vintage via Etsy, Boots: Etienne Aigner (buy here from DSW), Sunglasses: Target.

A Few of My Favorite Things...

This outfit was an opportunity for me to wear so many of my favorite things, all at the same time!

This blazer is essentially a cozy sweatshirt masquerading as a structured blazer. The bubble necklace I bought almost 2 years ago when they were still new and fresh at J Crew. The green top is silky but has just a hint of stretch, and who could forget the J Crew favorite, Minnie pants! Also, my new studded flats that I bought in 2 colors I love them so much! So many great pieces I could never pick a favorite.

I had to cancel my hair appointment so I still have time to make a decision on what to do with this red mop. Still open to suggestions cut and color wise! I'd appreciate the ideas!

Green top: Ann Taylor Demure print cargo shirt, Striped blazer: Express ponte blazer, Studded flats: C-Label Hudson 10 via Piperlime, Sunglasses: Target, Bubble Necklace: (old, but by an identical cheap version here on Ebay), Minnie pants: J Crew newer versions here

Some very observant 10-year-old students asked me today why my shoes are always so pointy! Kids these days, they just don't get fashion!

Thanks go to my lovely photog Amy! Visit her blog @allmouthandtrousers

Have a great weekend everyone!