spurning proportion

top and pants, Old Navy

necklace, Forever 21

   This is probably not the most proportion-savvy outfit (loose top + loose pants), but I figured the necklace would have a lengthening effect and pull things together.  I haven't worn this necklace much lately, and was actually considering adding it to my donation pile, so it was great to wear it again.

   I borrowed a book on art journaling from the library recently (darn those eye-catching displays librarians make! It's a trap, I tell you). It's gotten me interested in starting an art journal, although my main thought when I look at the beautiful works featured in the book is,"Wow, I don't think my journal would look anything like that."
   However, I like the idea of an art journal as a dedicated place to be creative, record life experiences, and to try out new art techniques. The one thing holding me back is the required purchases. I'll be making a big move in a few months, and I've been trying to whittle down my belongings. I might just stick to my daily zendoodle drawing time and put off the art journaling until I get settled in my new home.

subtly quirky

Merona tank, Target

pants, Old Navy

necklace, Simple Addiction

      I started off Spirit Week with black, white, and a dab of hot pink. Monday was Wacky Tacky Day, and I always try to find a subtle, fun spin on the theme (which I guess means it's not tacky at all?)
     I added mismatched earrings to the mix - I don't think anyone noticed, but it was fun to pair up a classic pearl stud with the edgier ear pin.

    Next week is Fall Break, and I am already looking forward to it. I have quite a bit of work to do - grading, preparing report cards, and laying the groundwork to use reading response journals and start small groups for reading instruction - but I'm also determined to have some fun. That will mean diving into some wonderful books, some cooking and baking, and some drawing and crafting. And definitely a nap (or three ...) 

delightful exceptions

Tommy Bahama tank, thrifted

necklace, Nordstrom Rack

pants, Old Navy

Born sandals, Ross

      Flat shoes, being fairly unstructured, usually don't work well for my feet. This pair of gladiator sandals is the surprising exception - I thought they'd be relegated to weekend wearings, but I've worn them several times to work with no discomfort. This is my first pair of Born shoes, and I'm a fan. And yay for scoring them for $17.99 on clearance at Ross!
     Not only are they comfortable, but they are an easy way to add a little something extra to simple outfits. Here I've matched them with a necklace.

     It has been unrelentingly hot here, which means I want to wear things that skim the body. I've been sticking to dresses and even a skirt the other day - as much as I enjoy my jeans, the thought of wearing them is unbearable right now.  

bloom where you're planted

chambray top, thrifted

drapey twill pants, Old Navy

Kenneth Cole Reaction earrings, hand-me-down from sis

      I've been interested in trying out a pair of soft pants, but I tried on many pairs whose pocket placement made my hips look bigger. I tried these on at Old Navy in regular sizing and was excited to find out that the pockets worked for me. 

    I own a number of patterned skirts and dresses, but no patterned pants, so these are a great addition to my closet. (I have to confess, since buying these I also purchased a pair of shorts printed with tiny pineapples. And, they're light pink. Who  am I becoming?) They're lightweight and comfortable. After reading the online reviews, I ordered petite but hand-washed vs. machine washing as the tag says, since so many buyers reported shrinkage. These seem to have gotten just a bit shorter than I remember them being out of the package, but I wear fairly low shoes so it hasn't been a problem. I hope they don't keep shrinking, however! Perhaps I should have purchased them in regular and cut off a few inches, but they likely would still be sitting on my to-mend pile ...

    I was worried that my new pants would look a little too much like pajamas, so for my inaugural wearing I went with a more structured, formal top (well, as structured and formal as a chambray buttondown can be).  I wore this to grab lunch with my colleagues yesterday. I landed at my current school by chance - returning from two years of leave, I was placed there by the district and I knew nothing about the school - but over the past two years I've realized that I landed in a spot where I could grow. My colleagues are a great bunch - people who love kids, welcome new ideas, are willing to work hard and work together, and are ready to pick me up and encourage me when I hit setbacks. People who I've come to see as friends, people who I look forward to meeting for lunch during the summer. Teaching has its rewards and challenges, and I am beyond thankful to count my colleagues among the former.