olive and navy

Calvin Klein Jeans tee, Macy's

cardigan, Forever 21

bracelet, 'Iolani Palace

    I like this shirt and its glittery front, but olive has always been a slightly puzzling neutral. Like gray, I admire it on other folks, but am still figuring out how to style it to my liking.  I had a sartorial "duh" moment when I paired it with my favorite, navy blue. This is my favorite way to wear this top so far.

     
Favorite moments of this week 

•  chatting with one of my students about her experiences reading "The Little House on the Prairie" series. This was a series I reread continuously through childhood, so I was thrilled to hear that today's kids can still connect with the series. And talking about books with kids is on my list of Ultimate Favorite Things in general.
• learning a lot through two fantastic days of training (in air-conditioned comfort, no less). 
• finishing Abraham Verghese's novel "Cutting for Stone," which was beautifully written.

Happy weekend! :)

Try-it-out Tuesday: adding quirk to a shirtdress

Studio M linen-cotton shirtdress, Macy's, old

Calvin Klein Jeans tee, Macy's

sandals, Target

  
        I think this shirtdress is a little too small and snug to wear on its own, but I've decided to figure out ways to use it for layering. For the first look, I added a sequined tee. I'm kind of liking the combination of navy, olive green, and mixed metals. :)

    
     For the second look, I slung my amazingly versatile fabric belt around my neck. I felt a little like a Girl Scout, but it's perfect for days when it's too hot to even layer two lightweight items of clothing.
        My books and media for young adults class is turning out to be great fun. :) I read "The Chocolate War" by Cormier for the first time, will be rereading "Twilight," and doing my author presentation on Francesca Lia Block. Yesterday we finished watching the film adaptation of S.E. Hinton's "Outsiders." I'm sure I've seen at least parts of it before, but I had no recollection that it featured Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, and other notable actors.
       We chose our author presentation folks from a list, by lottery. My name was pulled last. The teacher had asked us to look over the list beforehand and choose 5 authors we were interested in. I also had Madeleine L'Engle and Susan Cooper jotted down, but both were snatched up by other students. I had a total book-nerd moment of mild outrage when the student who chose Madeleine L'Engle said she had only read "A Wrinkle in Time." I had to stifle myself from saying, "What? You haven't read the other books that follow 'A Wrinkle in Time,' or 'Ring of Endless Light,' or 'Meet the Austins,' or 'A House Like a Lotus' ..." I have to remember that not everyone enjoyed a misspent youth immersed in books.
       During the break, the very nice teacher came over and asked, Are you sure you want to do Francesca Lia Block? Some people find her work a little out there. I explained to her that I was quite familiar with Block's work and enjoy it. I think Block will be a little harder to present, due to edgier subject matter and her unique view of the world, but I'm looking forward to the challenge.
    On an unrelated note: Last week I started doing pushups each day, added in some lunges and ab exercises, and am astounded that I am not brimming with muscle yet. I just don't understand -- you mean this toning thing takes time?!? Now I see why people start working on their summer bod in March. ...