Try-it-out Tuesday: layering with a dress

dress, Gap

buttondown, from Mom

Cutie bracelet, won in giveaway

Amrita Singh earrings, HauteLook

suede belt, Old Navy

     I decided to kick off last week's four-day work week and my triumphant, healthy return to work with a little pattern mixing. This buttondown was in my donations pile for a bit, mostly because it is short, boxy, and the buttons start so low down that I need to wear a camisole. All of which are non-problems when using it as a layering piece! At first I wasn't sure about layering with a boatneck dress but after looking at the pictures it doesn't bother me so much. My climate means the opportunities for layering are limited, so I'm pleased that I found a new way to wear this knit dress.

       The belt was a fortuitous, $5.99 find at Old Navy when I popped in to make a return over the weekend. It was an impulse purchase, I admit, but I do like that it is a nice deep red as well as genuine suede. I also picked up this dress for a very reasonable $12.94. I took home both the cream and navy, but am planning to only keep one. The cream one is particularly nice because it is fully lined (with cotton!) and I think that makes it a great value. I also don't own any light-colored dresses, so it would really add some versatility to my wardrobe.

   My one gripe with most women's buttondowns: this shirt fits me overall, but the sleeves are so fitted that it is a tight squeeze to roll them up. I don't think that my arms are disproportionate to my size, but I'm tired of feeling like the Hulk when I just want to breezily cuff my sleeves!

Try-it-out Tuesday: hot pink + plaid

    Michael Michael Kors sweater, Macy's

buttondown, passed down from Mom

necklace, Forever 21

       It was drizzly and dreary the day I wore this, but a hot pink sweater and lots of hot tea go a long way to combating the dismal weather.
      I'm adding a black-and-white plaid or gingham buttondown to my thrift wish list. This one is serviceable, but I'd like something with a curved hem, longer length, and full-length sleeves. It's hard to layer a sweater with full-length sleeves over a three-quarter-sleeved blouse. First, I tried simply scrunching up the sweater sleeves, but I ended up with what I dubbed "marshmallow arms." I ended up doing some strategic folding to combat the puff. 
    

     I got a last-minute substitute teaching job yesterday, and by last minute, I mean the school called me at 8:15 a.m. to ask whether I was available. Due to family obligations, I usually can't take last-minute jobs, but I had someone else to cover at home yesterday.  I hustled down there and ended up having a great time with the first-graders. I've realized that subbing is a wonderful way to get a sneak peek at how other teachers organize their room and structure what they do so students can work on their own - two areas I need to work on. I got a lot of great ideas because this teacher is obviously experienced - the room was cheerful (with a Dr. Seuss theme to boot!), neat as a pin, and the students worked well on their own. I was a little concerned at first that there would be no sub plan, but everything was neatly placed in a container, labeled, and there were clear directions for the day. I'm a long way off from having that kind of room and having things run like clockwork, so it's always inspiring to see another exemplar.

Want to see other ways I've styled this bright sweater? Follow the links below. :)

 

                                           preppy artist                          bright and floral