mind-bogglingly simple

Tommy Hilfiger dress, Ross

   
       This brand is always a bit on the expensive side at Ross - dresses run about $30. But, I've found that the Tommy Hilfiger clothing I own is of good quality, fits well, and not prone to excessive wrinkling. This has the ease of a t-shirt dress but a drapey fit vs. a clingy fit - the latter is what makes me steer clear of t-shrt dresses, usually.
       I was disappointed to notice a grease stain on the front of the dress. I did a little Googling and am going to apply some grease-cutting dish detergent before washing it this weekend. Thankfully, the belt hid the stain.
      I can't believe that it's almost September! I am still getting to know my students, but it's fun to discover what catches their interest. This week I showed them how to play Boggle in their notebook if they finish work early and need something to do. I plan to post a new set of letters each week and recognize the student who creates the greatest number of words. Some of them have been downright obsessed - to the point where I've had to threaten to take away notebooks, because they sneakily try to work on it during math time, reading time, and basically any time when they're supposed to be doing something else.

safari

dress, Old Navy

earrings, craft fair on clearance

belt and scarf, Ross

             White with brown always makes me think of safari gear for some reason, hence the title ...    
              I actually own this dress in duplicate - not on purpose, but because I didn't get back to the store in time to return one. I think I prefer the navy one, but the ivory is a nice change of pace - my first white dress. While I'm accustomed to adding a pop of color to black or navy, it was fun to use white as my canvas.
 

   I call these my squiggle earrings, and they were a steal at a craft fair last year - a mere $3.

      It's been blustery here, and I don't mind being able to wear a light sweater or cardigan all day in my non-air-conditioned room. What I do mind is that the wind has aggravated my allergies (or perhaps I've picked up a touch of whatever's going around), and I feel like I've been fighting off a case of laryngitis or an allergy cough for the last few days. What's worse, I have a quick trip off-island planned for the weekend, so I'm hoping to stave off my symptoms enough to enjoy my time away. I've been popping Zicam and nasal decongestants, trying to drink more fluid, and I plan to be going to bed earlier for the next few days. Fingers crossed that I stay healthy enough to enjoy my long weekend!

easy ikat

belt and Jones New York ikat dress, Ross

giraffe ring (part of set), Forever 21

Dansko "Calliope" sandals, 6pm.com

     Katie of Hems for Her recently discussed the difficulty of finding a simple dress, and I have to agree. After some determined searching, however, I found this hiding amongst the yards of polyester and rayon that clutter the Ross dress section. It is perfect for summer but will also make a nice casual dress for work - it has the rare combination of easy fit, modest neckline and decent hem length. It's a shift, so I chose to wear it belted this time, but it's great to have the option to go shapeless. ;)

     What are your summer wardrobe must-haves?

black and brown

Blue Plate dress, Ross

chambray top, passed down from mom

belt, ?

Dansko sandals, 6pm.com

bracelets, gifted and DIY

Fossil key necklace, Nordstrom Rack clearance

     I've never felt comfortable mixing black and brown, but I think this is a good first attempt. I'm trying to wear these sandals more, so going with the brown belt made the shoe choice appear less random.

    With great surprise, I've realized my exam is in a week. Yikes!  I'm daydreaming already about walking out of there in triumph late Friday morning, and about how great it will feel to successfully wrap up almost 4 years of rigorous study. But to make that daydream come true, a little more study is required ... which totally explains why I already made plans to go out on Saturday night. Throw in the fact that I'm planning to go out and enjoy some high-calorie appetizers during a week when I'm avoiding all physical activity thanks to the sprained ankle and the whole thing makes perfect sense, right?  Good thing I'm not someone who obsesses over calories ... I do strive to eat a balanced diet, but there always is some wiggle room for something decadent. :)
     I hope your weekend includes a little decadence!

ruffles and pleats (again)

  The best way to figure out how to wear something out of my comfort zone? Wear it with everything, and through trial and error find a combination that feels comfortable and looks good. On Tuesday I paired my pleated midi skirt with a ruffled and patterned top. It's hot enough here to break out the shorts, but this is a more fashionable alternative to the tee-and-shorts look I've succumbed to in the past. 

Spying on the neighbors? :)

Lush pleated midi skirt, Nordstrom Rack clearance

blue Bandini, Ross

top, Forever 21

belt, Ross

Indigo by Clarks "Plover" sandal

     The verdict? I still think I like this skirt best when paired with a graphic tee. However, it was kind of fun to see how it looks paired up with a girly top. Next up: breaking away from the navy blue and pairing this skirt up with other colors ...

PINspiration: toughen up

   I was so excited to buy this skirt a while back, but I am still mystified as how to wear it. I think this is my favorite outfit yet, though. The tee and the belt toughen things up a little.

  Yoshitomo Nara tee (Y2K, old)

    Lush pleated midi skirt (Nordstrom Rack)

    brown belt (Ross?)

     I had this pin in mind:

 

                                                                                   Source: thesfstyle.com via Carrie on Pinterest

 
     I wore this to run a few errands and I added wedge heels for some much-needed height:

  Indigo by Clarks "Plover" sandal (Clarks Outlet, $29.99)

    And now I can enjoy that absurd feeling of accomplishment that comes from using or doing something I actually pinned. :)
   Happy Friday!