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. 

Candy Colored Life

This outfit pretty much sums up my work style. Casual, comfortable and colorful. This Sonrisa Studio "Face" tee is the most adorable tee shirt for teaching. If I'm going to wear a tee shirt to school, it's got to be fun enough for the kids to pay attention to and then hopefully pay attention to me when when I'm talking. Whatever works!

Also, how fun is this candy colored wall? I spotted it out the corner of my eye a few weeks ago while waiting for my car to get an oil change and thought it would make the most perfect backdrop!

Of course I'm wearing my favorite teaching staples, a pencil skirt and Yosi Samra flats. 

Sonrisa Studio "Face" tee c/o // Skirt: Anthropologie // Bag: Vera Bradley c/o // Flats: Yosi Samra // Jean Jacket: Gap // Glasses: Prada (similar) // Scarf: vintage

Sorry It's been so quite over here. We have had so many friends and family staying with us in the last week and we have had so much fun entertaining them. It's awesome how I got to discover new things in the new state I live in with people I've known for years. It's such an adventure making fun new memories here. 

I promise I have lots more outfit posts coming your way. Hope you are all off to a great start to your week!

Lou and Grey Opening

Skirt: H&M // Silk Blouse: Joe Fresh // Necklace: Forever 21 // Jacket: Lou & Grey // Belt: J. Crew // Silver heels: Banana Republic

It's no secretI'm a big fan of pencil skirts. This one was from H&M, but is sold out online. The other piece I can't get enough of is silk blouses. This one here is from Joe Fresh, who makes my favorite silk blouses for under $50 bucks. If I had my way I'd own the whole rainbow of Equipment brand silk blouses, but since I don't have that kind of budget, which I'm sure most of you don't either, these Joe Fresh ones are the perfect substitute!

This outfit here was worn to the opening of the Lou & Grey store over on Southport. If you are not familiar with the Lou & Grey line from LOFT stores, this stand-alone shop caries a store chalked full of super cozy, comfy pieces that still look put together. My jacket is Lou & Grey and may look like a tailored jacket, but it actually feels more like a sweatshirt. Pretty genius, right. Just imagine a whole store of pieces like that, and that pretty much sums up the new Lou & Grey store. Seriously, you need to go check it out. 

Thanks to Lauren for snapping these photos!

Asos Checkered Midi Pencil Skirt

Jean Jacket: Gap (similar comfy option) // Tie neck Blouse: Zara // Skirt: ASOS (on sale now) // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop // Heels: Ann Taylor (similar)// Sunglasses: Forever 21

Powder Blue Wool Coat

Zara Coat // H&M shirt (similar) and skirt // Topshop Necklace // LOFT bag // Nine West Pumps // Michael Kors Bradshaw watch // Burberry Lipstick // earrings

I have an addiction of the worst kind. Coats. More specifically winter coats. Don't get me wrong, in a place as cold for half the year as Chicago is, I get lots of use out of all of them. The real problem is storage. I had to build a whole extra closet just to house them all.

To make matters worse I added this pretty powder blue wool Zara number to the mix. I can honestly say that I didn't own a pastel coat and have really wanted to add one to my winter wardrobe for awhile now. I'm so happy I found this one. Too bad its part of the new line at Zara and wasn't included in their fabulous sale going on now.

Speaking of sale I got this top on sale at H&M in the sale section for $15 bucks! I also picked up this pencil skirt with a cute little zipper on the back slit. These midi length pencil skirts that have been all over this fall/winter are perfect for me since most skirts usually run so short. The extra length also gives some added warmth which is a plus.

Red Floral Pencil Skirt

I may be out for summer break but I've still got a large backstock of teacher outfit pics for you all. Here we have some of my favorite red pieces that I wore for our end of the year award assembly! You know me, a pencil skirt and bright colors are what I'm all about. This top is an old favorite that I had tailored to be less flowy and more form fitting. This pencil skirt was a great sale find from the winter Zara sale. I'm pretty sure right around $30! Not bad, eh? And for all those loyal Zara fans out there, the summer sale is ON now! There are always great deals to be found when they have a sale. Happy summer shopping all! 

Zara Skirt // Gap Top (old) // Zara Slippers // Kate Spade Bracelet // Forever 21 Glasses

Shop some great floral pencil skirts below all at great prices!

Neon & Floral

This skirt is one of those purchases I made years ago and never really wore too much because I couldn't figure out what to wear with it. As it turns out I have found that neon yellow is its perfect compliment. This one will go down in my pencil skirt hall of fame for even more years to come. 

Any ideas on how you would style this skirt?

Anthropologie Skirt (old) // JC Penny MNG Paris Tee //  C-Label Flats  (very similar)// J. Crew Belt // Gap Cardigan (similar) // Forever 21 Sunglasses (very similar)