November 2014 Purchases

I haven't been all that excited about the jewel sweatshirt trend, but for $15, I bit at Costco. I love the teacup sweater, and I got the buffalo check shirt for a very good price because something I had ordered previously didn't work out, so J.Crew let me select any shirt for the same price. I haven't got it yet, so it may or may not stay with me.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

This is what I'm wearing today. Today is really all about my sweet momma though. She is 69 years old today! Happy Birthday, Mom!!
She is the queen fashionista.
Wool Flannel Pencil Skirt in Red, Talbots; Floral Stripe Shirt, J.Crew; Ponte Jacket in Navy, Talbots, Hue Tights in Red, Macy's; Jewelry, Harry Mason. And, I am adding my boots that I painted red.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

This is what I wore for a day of mostly house cleaning and errand running (so I actually spent most of the day in socks rather than those styling boots).
As I was out erranding about, I ran into one of my fellow LJHS teachers working at Home Depot. It made me sad to think that he was having to work during his time off in order to provide for his family. We need to pay our teachers more!! Okay, off my soapbox now.
Chunky Cable Sweater dyed Orange Crush, Talbots; Scarf, Designed by Denée; Denim Stretch Jeans, Coldwater Creek; Earrings, Chicos.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Well, my cold has fully settled into my head, and I have a lovely canker sore to go with it. Arghhh... Anyway, today was extremely casual. Originally we thought we'd go to a movie, but we stayed in and enjoyed second Thanksgiving. The DD and her husband cooked everything, so that was awfully nice.
Pima Cotton Striped Crewneck Tee in Red/Persimmon, Talbots; Puffer Vest in Arctic Blue, Talbots; Denim Stretch Jeans in Darkrinse, Coldwater Creek; Jewelry, Harry Mason.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

I really have a lot to be thankful for this year
-- my shoulder is doing really well, I'm almost through with the TELL endorsement, I have a fantastic aide at school, I love my job 95% of the time, I have a wonderful, caring husband, and of course, I have four irreplaceable children who I love very much.

I'm going very casual here. I'm not sure how long the puffer will stay on -- I keep our house very cool, but with 22 people here, it could get pretty hot pretty fast.
Modern Skinny Jeans, Loft; Rhinestone Sweatshirt, Costco; Puffer Vest in Red, Talbots; Jewelry, eBay.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

So it's the first day of my vacation, so of course I have a head cold!! Argh. Anyway, today I thought I would copy this look from Economy of Style. I only wish I had her lovely striped scarf, but the one I added is pretty colorful. Today is last minute errands before Thanksgiving Day.
Baby Cable Crewneck Sweater in Mustard, Talbots; Scarf, Christopher & Banks; Denim Stretch Jeans in Darkrinse; Coldwater Creek; Earrings, J. Crew Factory.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

This is what I wore today, except that instead of a plain mint tee, I wore my Talbots V-Neck Ruffled Tee in Mint (the same style but in a lovely mint color rather than the green color in the picture up above). This top looks so cute with the cashmere cardigan over it buttoned up just to where the ruffle starts! This cardigan is probably not really DYT 4, but I love how it looks like a Monet painting, and I wasn't about to give it up. I added a lot of silver pearl jewelry to add to the overall icy effect.
Yeah! I have a very long weekend coming up, and I plan to take full advantage of it.
Ruffle V-Neck Tee in Mint, Talbots; Hazy Cashmere Cardigan, Talbots; Black Skinnies, Chicos; Jewelry, Banana Republic and Talbots.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Now don't get me wrong. I love my job, especially my students. But...this is a two day work week, and it's already half over!! Woot!!
Anyway, I recently pinned the outfit shown here, and I knew I wanted to copy it. I don't have a cardigan exactly like hers, but I do have this lovely ikat cardigan from Talbots that filled in nicely. I really liked the continuity of navy on the top and bottom and yellow in the middle. I didn't go for the red belt today, but I did wear a bright red cashmere scarf with my navy trench for the trip to school (in the snow). Does that count?
Halogen Mustard Yellow Ponte Skirt; Nordstrom; Ikat Cardigan in Indigo/Cream; Talbots; Travelers Tank in Navy, Chicos; Hue Tights in Navy, Macy's; Jewelry, J.Crew Factory and Ily Couture.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

This is what I wore to church today and to the LDS Family Fellowship meeting in the evening. These cobalt boots used to be oily brown, but I painted them cobalt blue (because now that I've got rid of all my brown things, I have nothing to wear them with). I rather like how they turned out. This sweater is the gray merino wool one with the rhinestone neckline that I tried to dye cobalt blue. Instead it came out a rather heathered blue. It went well with the blue of the raj paisley.
Raj Paisley Pencil Skirt, J.Crew via eBay; Rhinestone Sweater in Blue, Talbots; Hue Tights in Navy; Tahari Jacket in Red, Macy's; Jewelry, Macy's and Banana Republic.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

I planned on wearing this outfit to the Utah LGBTQ/SSA Individuals, Family, and Friends Thanksgiving Celebration. I ended up switching out the blue Macy's jacket for the more casual look of my cobalt blue denim jacket. I got the outfit idea from the lovely J at J's Everyday Fashion.
Cigarette Dogtooth Trousers in Black and White, Topshop; Hot Pink Crewneck Tee; Chicos; Denim Jacket dyed Cobalt Blue, Talbots; Jewelry, J Crew and Talbots.

Friday, November 21, 2014

I do love to put bright colors together -- this was such a fun outfit to wear. I'd worn this shirt earlier in the week, but under a sweater -- this time I let it shine a bit more.
Ponte Jacket in Navy, Talbots; Signature Jeans in Green, Talbots; Jewelry, eBay and Designed by Denée; Liberty Perfect Shirt in Margaret Annie, J.Crew.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

It's the time of year when I look for two things in an outfit: quick and warm.  This fit the bill with tights and a lot of layers.
Navy Wool Pencil Skirt, J.Crew; Merino Tippi in North Sea, J.Crew; Navy Tights, Macy's; Silk Ruffled Cardigan in Kelly Green; Eddie Bauer; Jewelry, Macy's and Banana Republic.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Today I went with this rather daring ensemble of purple and orange. Of course the one item of clothing that got the most comment were my purple loafers (that I painted purple instead of gray this summer). I really liked this pairing together -- the purple sweater I have is on the short side, so a lot of the shirt showed at the bottom, but that is the style right now, so all was good. As if this outfit needed any more livening up, I also added a tiger and some bugs.
Denim Skinny Jeans in Red Pepper, Boden; Liberty Print Perfect Shirt in Indian Red Paisley, J.Crew via eBay; Audrey Cashmere Sweater in Eggplant, Talbots; Jewelry, Talbots and Target.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Today I went with this adorable Margaret Annie Liberty print shirt. I added a blue sweatshirt (dressy enough to double as a sweater) over the top, my USF jewelry, granny boots with my jeans cuffed, and I was ready to go. I find that I'm dressing a little more casually for junior high than I did for high school.
Stretch Denim Jeans, Coldwater Creek; Liberty Print Perfect Shirt in Margaret Annie Floral; Garment Dyed Sweatshirt in Blue, J.Crew Factory; Jewelry, USF and Designed by Denée.

Monday, November 17, 2014

I was loving this outfit today. The micro-tweed jacket looks so cute unzipped at the top and the bottom -- it looked very good with a denim skirt and all the red. On the funny side -- I had to get my flu shot this evening, so I quickly changed into a green tee to run over and get my shot -- I looked like an elf.
Dark Denim Wrap Skirt; Christopher and Banks; Breton Stripe Tee in Red and White, Talbots; Hue Tights in Candy Apple Red, Macy's; Micro-Tweed Jacket in Navy, J.Crew; Jewelry, Shopko.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Today was my last day of leading the primary music. I wore this lovely little outfit to celebrate.
Pencil Skirt in Red, Macy's; Velvet Tee in Black, Macy's; Hue Tights in Black, Macy's; Jewelry, Chicos; Houndstooth Jacket, Talbots.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

This, honestly, is what I wore all day today. I have been crazy busy the last week or so, what with the UCTE conference presentation and the culminating project for my night class. I spent the whole day today lounging about in my pajamas. Hey, it happens.
Cerise Flannel Plaid Pajamas, J.Crew.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Today I wore the outfit to the right. This shirt, which I attempted to add to Polyvore, didn't come out nearly as bright as it actually it (see the left for true appearance) I'll have to take another picture in the middle of the summer with bright daylight again. Anyway, this was a great outfit for both work and for going out to see Big Hero 6 with the BHW and kids as a fun Friday night activity.
Modern Skinny Jeans, Loft; Paisley BeadedTee, Coldwater Creek; Black Travelers Tank, Chicos; Coated Cotton Moto Jacket; Loft; Jewelry, Gift from the BHW.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Today I went with this colorblock tee and my burgundy pants. This just always feels comfy on, and the weather has been SO cold lately, that staying warm is the main thing on my mind.
Boyfriend Cords in Dark Berry, Eddie Bauer; Secret Silk Tank in Daiquiri, Chicos; Colorblock Boatneck Top, J. Crew; Jewelry, USF and Designed by Denée.

Wednesday, November 11, 2014

I couldn't resist this cute teacup sweater from Talbots, and I don't even drink tea. I just love the crisp vertical line and the whimsical patterns on the cup. This was the last day of my notorious night class -- at least until December. Then the next class starts up again.
Comfy Teacup Sweater in Navy, Talbots; Gingham Utility Shirt in Navy, J.Crew; Toothpick Jeans in Golden Sunflower, J.Crew; Jewelry, Shopko.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Today I went with this outfit. I really like this tipped cardigan, and it went beautifully with the ruffled tee.
Super 120s Wool Skirt in Navy, J.Crew; Ruffle Stripe Tee in Indigo/Red, Talbots; Navy Tipped V-neck Boyfriend Cardigan in Red, Talbots; Hue Tights in Navy, Macy's; Jewelry, Designed by Denée.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Today I went with a very casual look of just sweater and jeans. I added these very comfortable shoes with a cuffed bottom to the pants. So cute!!! The weather today was definitely sweater worthy -- snow is in the forecast for Wednesday.
Merino Tippi Sweater in Embroidered Tile, J.Crew; Modern Skinny Jeans, Loft; Jewelry, Macy's.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

This is what I wore to church today. Yes, it's tights weather here in Utah. I really love this cashmere sweater -- it feels like fall while it's using colors from my colors that look good on me. Win, Win!
Tahari Black Pleat Bottom Skirt; Macy's; Hue Tights in Rose Pink, Macy's; Travelers Black Tank, Chicos; Earrings Chicos. I am wearing my new Lonna Shooties that I got for an amazing price!

Friday, November 7, 2014

Today was the UCTE conference. I couldn't sleep all night -- unfortunately fairly normal for me for a big event. I had decided to wear the outfit to the right. I wanted to look professional but also look fun and be comfortable. I find Hue tights to be very comfortable as long as I avoid the control top ones. This Anthropologie skirt is extremely comfortable as well. I added a linen sweater from Talbots in the kelly green color and went with minimal jewelry and a small bag to just hold my iPad mini, iPhone and other little essentials like lip gloss. My painted black Børn oxfords are some of the most comfortable shoes I own, and the black tights with them gave me the long leg line to let me wear them.
Of course, as a presenter, I brought a huge black tote filled with my Mac and other needed items like 75 packets to give out, but I was able to stash it in the room I was going to present in, thank goodness. It weighed a ton.
Anyway, I felt fun and fabulous presenting, and I even got applause when I was done. I got a lot of good ideas from the conference -- the keynote speaker had a lot of good ideas for using iPads in the classroom -- I'll have to remember those to use with my new iPad minis.
On the down side, I am still suffering from some kind of bugaboo that leaves me feeling weak and nauseated at times and gives me a headache. I haven't had my flu shot yet, but this doesn't really feel like the flu. I had a few times at the conference when I felt downright ill, but I managed to work through it.
Tracy Reese Blockprint Pencil Skirt in Orange, Anthropologie; Weekender Roll-Neck Sweater in Parrot Green, Talbots; Tahari Jacket in Black, Macy's; Hue Tights in Black, Macy's; Haircalf Leather Top-Tab Crossbody Bag in Black/Ivory, Talbots; Jewelry, Macy's and Banana Republic

Blog Giveaway

Three people entered my giveaway, so I am going to have three winners. Unfortunately, I don't see contact information for TeachRuiz and living with grace. Please contact me with your shipping information, and I'll send you a surprise package. The other winner is the lovely Gigi from Gigi's Gone Shopping. Thanks for celebrating with me!

Thursday, November 6, 2014

I've been feeling under the weather all week. Normally I would go ahead and teach anyway because it's so much work to get a sub. Today I decided to go ahead and get a sub because I was going to have one tomorrow because I am presenting at the UCTE conference. I figured I already had to do a sub plan, so why not take a day to try to feel better and have more time to prepare for the conference. Anyway -- I did and consequently spent the day in grubbies. If I had got dressed today, this outfit might have been fun to try -- I do love mint or turquoise with red -- it's just so cheerful. Have I told you how much fun I've been having lately on Polyvore creating outfit combinations from clothes I have? It's rather addicting.
NYDJ Alisha Skinny Jeans in Mint, Nordstrom; Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater in Red, Talbots via Ebay, Jewelry, Kohls.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

This is not the most inspired outfit ever, but I haven't felt very well for the past couple of days, and this was about all I could manage. My magenta hoodie is a sweater, but it is exactly that color. I sweetened up the outfit with pearly bling.
Denim Stretch Jeans, Coldwater Creek; Boy Shirt in Dots, J. Crew; Jewelry, Talbots, Banana Republic and Macy's; Magenta Sweater Hoodie, Chicos.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Today felt like a good day to go purple. I like to add a little touch of yellow to it. I was actually seriously debating whether or not I felt well enough to go to work today, but the insanity of getting a sub won out, and I went to work anyway.
Watercolor Garden Pencil Skirt; J.Crew; Purple Cashmere Audrey Sweater, Talbots; Cobalt Jacket, Talbots; Jewelry, Macy's, Kohl's, and Ily Couture.

Monday, November 3, 2014

For this rather hectic Monday, I went with a stripe shirt, cardigan, and jeans. I blinged it up with my acai jewelry.
Baby Cable Cardigan in Grenadine, Talbots; Pima Cotton Stripe Tee in Persimmon/Red, Talbots; Stretch Denim Jeans, Coldwater Creek; Jewelry, USF.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Today is the 1000th post I've made on this blog. My style has evolved quite a bit -- I'm much more daring with color now than I used to be. To celebrate this milestone achievement, I'm sponsoring my first ever blog giveaway -- a surprise package of blingety bling bling -- necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, if you want them. (And if you read this blog, you'll know I have great bling.)
If you are interested in entering the giveaway, please leave a comment below with your contact information. I will randomly choose a winner from the entries. The contest will end at midnight on Thursday, November 6th. Thanks to all of you, and good luck!
Now, as far as outfits go, I decided to go very retro for this 1000th outfit. These are all items I've had for about ten years or so -- it just seemed in keeping with the theme of the day. Ironically, this is nothing too colorful or crazy, but today was Sunday, I am leading the little kids in primary music, so I have to move around a lot, and it felt like something I could wear to church and not freeze in. Today was tights day -- the first day to wear tights this year.
Super 120s Wool Skirt in Navy, J.Crew; Hue Tights in Navy, Macy's; Travelers Tank in Navy, Chicos; Chain Pullover in Navy, Talbots; Jewelry, Talbots, Banana Republic, and Macy's.

October 2014 Purchases

Once again I snuck in at $100. I was finally able to use my $10 Gap/BR/Old Navy reward (that I kept using and then returning the items and getting the reward back) on the flannel shirt which is why it was so cheap.
I think I am fully stocked in blue and green sweaters now. I know I'd sworn off J. Crew for sweaters (pilling), but I loved the colors on these, so I bit. We shall see...
Now I am mainly looking for an "I can't live without it" orange blazer and anything with a bold black and white pattern. I read recently that most people wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time. I guess that means most of us need a little less wardrobe than we think. I do know that I have about five pairs of jeans, but I only really wear one of them most of the time. Hmmm.....

Stay tuned, because tomorrow will be my 1,000th blog post, and I am hosting my first giveaway ever!!!!