“Time to go back to school”

I have some very exciting news to share: I got a job!  Starting in a few weeks, I’m going to be working as a media specialist (librarian) at a magnet middle school.  The position only goes until the end of the school year, but it puts me in a very good place to get a permanent position in the next school year.  I’m so excited, and a bit nervous too!  I’m not sure yet how it will affect my blogging.  I plan to continue posting at the same rate, but I probably won’t be able to comment on other blogs as often as I have in the past.  I’m going to be diligent in setting aside some specific time to devote solely to blogging, so hopefully I can stay on track.  Also, I’m planning on buying a lap top, which will help me stay on top of things.

It was spring break at the college that I work at this week, so I got up the courage to take pictures in a semi-public place, this neat H2O sculpture (see how they look like atoms? or whatever the proper term is) by the science buildings.  I got a few strange looks from professors, and one guy on a golf cart asked me what I was doing.  I just said that I was working on a project, which is the easiest answer to give when on a college campus, and we got into a friendly discussion about cameras.  It felt so empowering to take pictures where people could actually see me, as opposed to my usually habit of finding deserted and empty areas.

These are my new Gap curvy jeans, and I am in love.  I altered the leg to make them into straight-legged jeans following my tutorial.  I’m planning on nipping in the waist a bit too, just so they can fit without a belt.  They’re so soft, and the dark premium denim wash is gorgeous.  A word of warning though – the dye on washes like this will rub off on things like light colored purses.  Usually it’s easy to clean off.

Do you feel awkward taking pictures of yourself where others can see you?

Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Jeans: Gap Curvy (altered by me)
Shoes: Born Codder
Purse: Morelle Truffle
Short Pearls: Coryell Design
Long Pearls: Garage sale
Cuff: Via Classy Consignments

Quote: No Talking, by Andrew Clements

“Kiss after kiss after kiss after kiss”

I generally tend to be about five days behind in posting outfits.  This helps to keep putting posts together from being too stressful, because I don’t have to worry if there simply isn’t time to take a picture of an outfit one day.  Thus, this is actually what I wore on Valentine’s Day.

To be honest, I don’t really take the holiday too seriously.  My first job was working for Hallmark Cards, so I’m a bit disillusioned at the commercialization and pressure that tends to come with Valentine’s Day.  My boyfriend and I kept it simple.  He gave me some chocolate, and we relaxed and watched movies and cooked a really tasty dinner of mashed potatoes and gravy with turkey and brocolli.   This outfit was the perfect compliment to a low-stress, relaxing day, and the floral pattern kept it a bit romantic.

When I picked up this blouse off the sale rack at Anthropologie last week, it was mostly on a whim, because I was attracted to the pattern.  I didn’t really expect to get it, since I have so many sleeveless patterned blouses.  But now, I absolutely love it, and I think it’s going to become a wardrobe staple for me in the coming months.  It’s funny how you sometimes find your favorite items when you least expect to.

What’s one of your favorite wardrobe items that you stumbled onto without really looking for?

Blouse: Anthropologie
Salmon Layering Tank: The Limited (via Revolve)
Cardigan: J Crew (via Ebay)
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Born Codder
Necklace: garage sale
Ring: from my mom
Bangles: Jill Popowich

Quote: Anatole Over Paris, by Eve Titus

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From left to right: Born Biddy boots, Tsubo Acrea pumps, Born Codders, Converse Chuck Taylors

From me and my red shoes to you, Happy Valentine’s Day!  For some more red shoe awesomeness, check out Barking Dog Shoes Valentine’s post, which includes me and my Born Biddy boots, plus a lot of other fantastic bloggers.

“She was easy to spot around town”

Back to my favorite new photo place again!  I’m trying to get down here for photos at least once a week.  It’s such a beautiful place to take pictures, and I find being here so relaxing.  I had to be careful today though, because those heels are a bit narrow, for me at least, and I had to tread lightly so as not to fall into the spring.

This outfit was all about one of my favorite color combinations: black, white and grey with pops of red.  I haven’t worn these beautiful Born Biddy boots enough to do them justice, so I wanted to base an outfit around them.  I love how they look with the black and white of the dress and tights.  I added the slim grey hoodie to provide a little extra warmth, as well as to balance out the black and white so that it wasn’t too harsh.  I chose a red scarf and purse to keep with the color combination, and then kept the jewelry simple with a solitary pair of silver hoop earrings.

Wearing a hoodie with a dress might be a bit too casual for some workplaces, but most everyone at my job wears jeans and t-shirts to work everyday, so it’s not really a problem.  I  have been giving some consideration as to how my work style will change once I finally get a job in my chosen career as a children’s librarian.  It will probably be a little less casual and a little more conservative.  I’m hoping that I will be able to let my personality shine though, while still looking appropriate for the environment.

Do you find yourself having to sacrifice elements of your personal style at your workplace?  Or are you able to mesh your personal style with the dress code (written or unwritten) that is expected of you at work?

Dress: Express
Hoodie: Express (via Classy Consignments)
Tights: Hue
Boots: Born Biddy
Scarf: Kohls
Purse: Morelle Truffle
Belt: from my mom
Earrings: Garage sale

Quote: Sylvia Jean, Drama Queen, by Lisa Campbell Ernst

"The effect was charming"

This little bridge over a spring is in that park just down the street from my house, and I’ve always wanted to take pictures here.  It’s one of my favorite places to go to relax.  Maybe it’s the Pisces in me, but I adore the sound of rushing water.  This little spring flowing into the Hillsborough River has a tiny little waterfall right under the bridge.  I love coming here in the summer and dipping my feet in the cold water.

I absolutely love this outfit.  I wanted fabrics that were soft, drapey and just warm enough for the odd weather we’ve had in Florida lately (we went from temps in the 30s to temps in the 70s, and by the time this is posted it will be back in the 50s). I bought this cardigan with my Christmas gift card to Fossil, and I love it.  It’s insanely versatile, and I love the strong, vibrant color.

After cropping my skinny jeans, I knew that I would have to pair them with ballet flats for a classic Audrey look.

This gorgeous vintage purse is one of my latest Etsy purchases.  I’m finding myself strongly drawn to yellow lately.  It’s such a fun, cheery color.

I love how these photos turned out.  I definitely need to go down to the park more often.

Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT (thrifted)
Cardigan: Fossil
Jeans: Express (re-conned)
Shoes: Born Sokal (Ebay)
Scarf: Target
Purse: AdVintagous

Quote: The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams

"Drifted on the dancing breeze"

This outfit was all about comfort chic.  I was tired, I had a long day of work ahead of me, and I really felt more like staying in bed and reading all day.  But I don’t get sick days, and getting a paycheck is pretty important, so I needed to find a way to feel comfy at work while still looking presentable.  On days like this, I will often go straight to jeans and flats with a pretty blouse.

This blouse is a little slouchier than most of my clothes, and it’s a gorgeous, dark teal-green color.  It seemed like the perfect thing for today, since it’s basically a t-shirt with some interesting details.  I added to cardigan to polish it up a bit.  Combine that with a fun headband, nice earrings, jeans and patent black flats, and I felt comfy and stylish.

I’ve noticed lately that my comfort outfits tend to be the ones that take the least amount of thinking to put together.  A dress with flat boots and leggings, jeans and a nice blouse, etc.  I prefer to be less complicated on my days when I really feel more like staying home.

Blouse: St John’s Bay
Cardigan: Target (thrifted)
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Born Sokal
Purse: Morelle City Bag
Headband: Target
Earrings: Efy Tal
Bangle: Vintage

Quote: The Happiness Tree Andrea Alban Gosline

"There was a great rustling of tissue paper"

I wore this outfit planning for different shoes.  That’s because I wore it the day I went to the post office to pick up my new Fluevog Heather boots, which are a gorgeous shade of teal.  This version of the outfit is very muted, while the teal boots added a nice punch of color.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture with the boots on, but don’t worry – you’ll be seeing them tons.

I love this dress, but I often wish that it was just a few inches longer.  Today, I decided to take the navy modal full slip that came with my Ella Moss dress and layer it underneath this dress, and over a black half-cami.  I love the effect.  It let the hem be just a bit longer, and added some extra interest to the neckline.  I see myself getting many full slips in the future.

I don’t think anything gets me quite as excited as opening up a new pair of Fluevogs. You’ll be seeing them in outfits shortly.

Dress: Lush
Cami: Old Navy
Navy Slip: from Ella Moss dress
Tights: Target
Shoes: Born Sokal
Purse: Easy Spirit
Necklace: Pixisette
Headband: Target

Quote: The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams

Shoe Lust: Born Peony in Silver

Born Peony in Silver  $89 (Zappos)

When I think of shoes that are perfect for holiday parties, this is one that comes to mind.  The beautiful silver color is festive, yet doesn’t scream “holiday”.  The fact that they’re flats means that you can comfortably dance the night away.  And they’ll still be stylish when December has come and gone.

Daily Outfit: Bright and Colorful

There was an image in Lucky magazine a few months ago of a young Catherine Devenue wearing mary jane flats, a classic trench coat and a headband.  The only aspects of that outfit here are the flats and the headband, yet somehow, I felt like I was channeling the sweetness of that image.  Just in a much more colorful way.

I wore this for Thanksgiving with the family last week.  I felt pretty comfy and cozy, and I was glad to find a way to remix this sweater without pairing it with jeans again. The only problem was that I had to tug the skirt  pretty much every time I would stand up after sitting down.  I think this is why I somewhat prefer dresses over skirts.

Sweater: Old Navy (garage sale)
Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT
Tights: Kohls
Shoes: Born Codders
Purse: Morelle Truffle
Headband: Target

Daily Outfit: Red, White, Blue (and Green)

I bought these Born Biddy boots just before my shopping ban began, yet somehow, this is the first time I’ve photographed them where you can actually see them.  I love these boots.  They’re very comfortable, look amazing with tights and add a nice pop of red.  The only disadvantage is that it’s really hard to walk on grass or dirt in them, because the heel is pretty narrow compared to most of my shoes.  That doesn’t stop me from loving them.

I liked the red, white and navy combination, but I felt it would be boring if I just paired it with a similar or neutral colored bag.  The contrast of my green purse perks things up a bit, don’t you think?

I think these boots might make my legs look a bit short.  That worried me for about two seconds, but then I chose to ignore it and focus on how much I loved wearing this.  Because sometimes, it really doesn’t matter if things make you look shorter.

Dress: Ella Moss (at My Mosh Posh)
Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
Scarf (as belt): ??
Tights: Target
Booties: Born Biddy
Purse: Easy Spirit Outlet
Necklace: Garage sale