Cape Town

{cape: c/o sammydress | blouse: nordstrom (similar) (similar) | skirt: urban outfitters (similar) | heels: justfab}

So, when the "cape" trend first came on the scene, I was wary. It basically just seemed like a coat with misplaced and/or missing armholes. However, when I got the opportunity to browse the endless (and super affordable!) pieces on SammyDress, I was instantly smitten with this cape! When it arrived on my doorstep (don't you just love online shopping?), I knew it was the perfect piece to top an evening look. How sweet would this outfit be at wedding or a holiday party? FYI, cape + black and white + Peter Pan collar = my new favorite thing! (P.S. Be careful when posing, as not to look like a nun.)

What do you think of the cape trend? Are you on board?

A Little Spring in My Step

{top: nordstrom (similar) (similar) | skirt: asos (similar) (similar) | wedges: steve madden (similar) (similar) | necklace: ily couture (similar) (similar) (similar) | watch: marc by marc jacobs}

Yes, I'm well aware that summer has come to a close and fall is vastly approaching, but I just can't let go of my whites & pastels! The old "no white after Labor Day" adage has been basically debunked, and I am still going full-throttle on summer whites and beautiful muted shades! I might store these pastels once the 80-degree weather passes here in Southern California, but you can be bet I'm going to be pulling out these icy tints when the winter chill finally makes an appearance!

Here are some more options for incorporating whites and pastels into your wardrobe!

{jeans / sweater / loafers / necklace / watch / clutch}

{earrings / bracelet / heels / dress}

{beanie / necklace / belt / sweater / sandals / skirt}

What's your favorite pastel shade? How will you style it in the upcoming seasons?

Friday's Fancies: Work Wear

{watch / bracelet / boots / earrings / skirt / top / tote}

Since starting student teaching, I have come to a few conclusions about my work wear:
1. I feel most "teacher-y" in a pencil skirt!
2. I feel most comfortable throughout the day in boots!
3. There are few accessories more important on a school day than a watch and a roomy carry-all tote!

I have also come to three other important conclusions regarding the above said:
1. It is sort of exhausting to wear pencil skirts everyday.
2. I have already tortured my feet in heels too many times and am filled with regret regarding this decision.
3. These are the only things I never stray from, and the advil, lotion, and hand sanitizer in my purse all thank me for it, along with the 6-year-olds who constantly ask me how many minutes are left till recess.

What's your go-to work wear look?

"You look much prettier today than you did yesterday!"

{shirt: nordstrom (similar) | skirt: forever 21 | socks: forever 21 (similar) | boots: steve madden (similar) (similar)| necklace: c/o purple paparazzi}

I go back and forth every day between wanting to get super dressed up for work and wanting to wear jeans (or shorts -gasp!) like most of the rest of the staff. I love the look of a dressed-up teacher, but let's be honest, the comfort of casual work wear makes my feet so happy. However, compliments from 6-year-olds make all the difference, and when I walked up to greet my class in this outfit, I elicited "wows" and gasps and "you look so pretty!" from a bunch of the little girls. I also had the pleasure of receiving this "compliment" - "You look much prettier today than you did yesterday!" Thank you?

You're Gonna Hear Me Roar

{jacket: j. crew | tee: ann taylor (similar) | skirt: urban outfitters (similar) | shoes: tory burch | watch: marc by marc jacobs}

I've had this tee and this skirt for a long time and haven't worn either more than once or twice, so I'm glad I have the opportunity to dress up a bit more at work this year!  Leopard is my favorite print, so I fell in love with this tee at first sight! Paired with some classic and comfy basics, this tee got to be a stand-out and make a little noise of its own!

Friday's Fancies: Back to School!

As Summer begins to come to a close, and Fall swiftly approaches, it's time to think about back-to-school outfits! As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so choose your first day outfits wisely! ;)

{vest (similar) / boots / tee / necklace / skirt / backpack}

Your teenage years are a time to keep it fun and light, so why not mix it up with a flippy skirt, printed backpack, a classic tee and vest combo, and some awesome combat boots? Tip: switch our your boring laces for same cool neon ones - use every chance to show your personality and make a statement!

{coat / purse / shirt / loafers / watch (similar) / jeans / belt / ipad case}

Congratulations! You're enrolled in a university and it's time to get serious about your future - but not too serious about your style! ;) You can play the grown-up with a structured bag, a classic coat, and understated accessories - but have a little fun with some bright colors and fun patterns, and don't forget to trick out your laptop/iPad case! Tip: Your gadget accessories give you a chance to show your personality without words - and incorporate a little pattern mixing, too!

{watch / necklace / ring / purse / shirt / flats / skirt}

Can't forget about us teachers! The first day of school is as much a chance for teachers to make a first impression as it is for students, and your outfit has a lot to do with that! Keep it classic with traditional shapes - an oxford, a pencil skirt, a round-toed shoe, and structured bag - but have a little fun with a delicate pattern and pretty accessories! Tip: Have a little fun with a monochromatic palette, but if it feels to bold, anchor it down with a nude shoe and neutral accessories!

What will you be wearing on your first day of school?

P.S. Need more inspiration? Take a look at my Back-to-School Style post from last year! :)

T-shirts for Work!

Last week, I showed you guys how I dressed up a graphic tee for work, and I wanted to give you all some more ideas of how to do the same for your places of business, too!

{t-shirt / skirt / blazer / heels (similar) / purse / earrings / necklace / watch}

Take this cropped graphic tee and pair it with classic office staples - a blazer, a pencil skirt, and a structured bag - and you're ready for work! Picking up on the subdued nudes and dark greens in the floral print and adding accessories in a similar color palette keep this outfit class and sassy, but not too loud for the workplace!

{t-shirt / pants / blazer / flats / purse / earrings / necklace / bracelets / watch}

If you can get away with a business casual look at work, go for these beautiful pastel pants! Pairing a girly printed tee with a traditional trouser in a fun color really pumps up the volume! Adding a bright statement bag and some classic silver jewelry ties it all together!

{t-shirt / skirt / coat (similar) / heels / necklace / watch / bracelet / purse}

I love the combination of black and white with burgundy/oxblood! Traditional black and white paired with modern statement accessories pack the punch while still maintaining a feminine feel with this pleated flowy skirt and girly coat!

What do you think? Would you wear a dressed-up tee to work?

Work Wear!

Did you catch my Back-to-School Style post yesterday? I promised all of you non-students (or working students, like myself!) that I'd have something here for you today - and I do! I put together some work wear looks for a few different office dress codes. Personally, I teach preschool, and my dress code goes something like whatever you don't care about getting paint, flubber, and boogers on. Still, I put together some looks for those of you in the normal workforce, and I hope you can find a look here that fits in at your workplace!

Cardigan / Blouse / Skirt / Flats / Glasses / Necklace / Watch / Tote / Purse

Blazer / Shell / Pants / Flats / Briefcase / Necklace / Earrings / Ring / Watch

Blazer / Blouse / Skirt / Socks / Boots / Bow / Necklace / Cuff / Clutch

Cardigan / Blouse / Skirt / Heels / Necklace / Earrings / Bag

How about you? What's your go-to outfit for work?

Menagerie

{Blouse & Wedges: Modcloth | Skirt: Urban Outfitters | Necklace: Juicy Couture | Watch: Nordstrom | Black bracelets: Chloe & Isabel | Orange skull bracelet: BaubleBar | Lightning bolt ring: China | Silver ring: Vintage | Purse: Luna}

I'm super into animal prints, but probably not the animal prints you're thinking of. While, yes, I do love a good leopard print, I also really love zoo-esque animal prints. I wore this Thursday night when I went out with Melissa to a Vice magazine launch party for Air alcohol. Air is some new canned malt beverage that basically tastes like a foamy wine cooler. Delicious description, I know. Sorry, Air, but I'm not on board. I mean, if I could only take a couple sips before I denied unlimited free alcohol, you know it was bad. Oh well.

Anyway, this menagerie-inspired blouse was perfect for the zoo I witnessed at the party. Perhaps I shouldn't say zoo, though. Animals don't behave in as odd a manner. I know I'm a pretty mainstream gal, and maybe launch parties aren't my scene, but I must say I've never seen so many weirdos trying to look cool in their lives. I'm glad I wash my hair. The end.