Splurge-Worthy Shirtdress That Packs a Punch

Dress: Boden Sybil Shirt Dress // Shoes: Banana Republic // Purse: Dagne Dover Petite Tote

As you may have seen from My Instagram stories, I was talking about making a conscious effort to not buy clothing so haphazardly this year. When I find something I truly love I will hold out for a little bit and make sure I'm 100% positive and maybe even wait around for the best sale I can find. You might know this is true because I haven't posted any new outfits really since the beginning of January when I told you about that fantastic sweater jumpsuit! This dress is basically my second item worthy of purchase this calendar year!

I saw this Boden Sybil shirt dress and was instantly full-on love. It's one of those pieces that seemed to be yelling my name. Perfect for teaching and momming alike! I know mixing 3 different patterns in one dress isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it is mine. I tried waited a few days but couldn't get it out of my mind, but when I saw that they were having a 20% off sale on dresses I decided to pounce. It comes in a blush colorway as well that's just as beautiful but more understated and feminine than this bold number. The quality is incredible, it drapes perfectly and is fitted in all the right places. 

I added in  a 4th pattern with my cheetah mid-heel loafers and wore it all to School for our Open House yesterday afternoon. This outfit got a ton of compliments along the way!

So there you have it. My latest item worth spending some hard earned bucks on. This dress will pack a punch for years to come. The shirt-dress style will ensure that it remains a closet classic too. 

Shop some other bold choices I've rounded up for you below!

Kiss Me Kate Dress from BURU

Dress: BURU // Shoes: Coach // Bag: c/o Dagne Dover // Tee: Aritzia

Back into the swing of things and twirling through the school day in this super cute dress I treated myself to with my first paycheck. Good thing I held out for so long because BURU was offering 60% off on this Kiss me Kate dress when I bought it.

I wasn't the only one who loved it. My students were highly interested in the pattern when they realized it was a very abstract lip print covering this dress. It was so comfy and the fabric was dreamy, getting me through those first few super hot days of the school year. Temps in the 90's and being on your feet all day with students isn't easy. 

As for my teacher wardrobe, I love to add a bit of whimsey into my outfit, even if it's only accessories, and these heart sunnies did just the trick. Footwear however HAS to be comfortable and nothing is more comfy than my Coach loafers, especially since many of my flats are  a little too small now after having Athena. 

Thanks to my buddy V for snapping these pictures across the street from the courthouse after I officially got my name changed ... after almost 6 years of marriage!

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!

How to Dress Like a Color Obsessed Teacher

Dress: Anthropologie // Heels: Ann Taylor (another mega sale find for just $15! Thank goodness all they had left was my big foot size!) // Jacket: Zara (super old)

Basically my best advice for dressing professionally but still being around kids is to get a little crazy. Color, print and patterns keep the kids interested and also project fun and energy. 

Mix some patterns, pick a dress or skirt with primary colors but stick with classic shapes and modest cuts. Gotta keep it classy, Right? Anthropologie sale dresses are my saving grace. I found this one for only $38!!

I wore this dress to tour a new school here in Salt Lake. It's pretty much the easiest dress to wear year round because it has both spring and winter colors in in. I wore it with a navy cardigan but it would be equally as adorable with a navy and white striped turtle neck underneath it. Check out the last time I wore it here.

Orange You Glad It's Picture Day?

J. Crew Factory top // J. Crew Necklace // Essie Clam Bake nail polish // Forever 21 glasses // Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote // Nine West oxford heels // Gap jean Jacket

For school picture day I like to pick something that stands out and gives an accurate representation of my style as their teacher so that when my students look back at their class picture and remember me, they think that was my fun 5th grade teacher who always wore bright fun clothes.

I think I succeeded though in representing myself and my everyday style for the class photo which can be especially challenging when all you have to work with is a frame of the neck up. I think my students will remember me well, and if not this silly orange print top will have to jog their memories.