Classic Trendy.

Have you ever thought about your style statement? What does it say about yourself? How do others perceive it? Of course you've thought about this. But have you ever thought about naming it? I mean, really narrowing it down and making it personal. Your style statement.

Jessica over at Love & Loyally hosts a link up that encourages you to really think about your personal style and share your inspirations, style icons, and your way of thinking as you buy new pieces for your wardrobe. I love this idea. And while I've always been able describe my style statement pretty well, the idea of Style Statement Tuesday encouraged me to give my style a 2-3 word phrase that really captures what I my style is all about. Here's what I've come up with:

Classic Trendy.

Yes, I know that's an oxymoron. Let me explain. I love classic pieces, and I wear them often everyday. Dark wash jeans, cardigans, simply jewelry, solid flats, etc. I believe you can't have a wardrobe without classic staples. With that being said, I enhance my classic pieces with current trends. As much as I love the idea of being classic, I love the idea of being trendy. Do I jump on every fashion trend thrown at us? Absolutely not. This is why I call my style classic trendy. I pick and choose the trends I like, incorporate them into my wardrobe, and enhance my classic favorites.

Choosing certain trends can be so helpful in the long-run. Some things that started as trends are now considered staples to many. Take skinny jeans for example. I remember when skinny jeans became popular, the new trend if you will. I said "my hips are too big," "I can't wear those," "I'm not eccentric enough for those." Hello? Dark wash skinnies are my biggest wardrobe staple now. Though trends come and go, some come to stay. Choosing the trends you can really make work in your own personal wardrobe is a savvy way to shop, and usually will benefit your closet and your wallet in the long-run. Shop for what you like and what works for you.

Here are some staples in my wardrobe.

 Yellow gold hoops / LOFT slim fit jeans / Steve Madden skimmer shoes / LOFT open front cardigan / Gap petite jacket

Modern skinnies from LOFT are my favorite. You can pair them with absolutely anything and they look fabulous.

Open front cardigans. I seriously have an entire closet devoted to cardigans. If owning every color imaginable isn't your thing, basic colors like black, white, and a neutral are great ways to add classic pieces to an outfit.

I have this Steve Madden flats in this cognac color, as well as black. I can wear them to work during the warmer and cooler months. They're so versatile.

Gold hoops are my go-to jewelry. As many pieces of trendy jewelry that I have, I always find myself back at my gold hoops. Creature of habit.

A denim jacket should be a staple in any wardrobe, especially a teacher. I can take any outfit from too casual to just-right-for-work. 

As far as trends go, you can check out my summer wish list here. Right now, I am obsessed with maxis and may or may not where them four times a week. I'm hoping they're another trend that's here to stay for, oh, twenty years? I wouldn't be mad. 

I'm also really into fun necklaces, like teardrop or bubble necklaces. Who isn't? And of course, scarves. Please, scarves, hang around with the maxis? Thanks. 

What's your style statement? I know there are pieces you can't live without, no matter what the trends may be.

 

High Five for Friday!

Wooh. This week has been a busy one. My apologies for the lack of posts. I had two finals for my two grad school classes, a field trip for work, celebration dinners for Brandon's completion of school, and to top it off, today I get to have a last minute observation from the principal. Heavens, I'm tired.

One. Manicures with my mom. This is Strawberry Margarita by OPI. I wear gel nails and love the results. 

Two. A new little notebook. Its from Target, but doesn't it have such a great Kate Spade feel? I thought so.

Three. Finally got my Beauty Blender. Life may be complete. 

Four. One of the best parts of ordering from Sephora.com? 5 free samples! Plus, if you browse around retailmenot.com, you can find some pretty awesome deals. I got a pretty nice size sample of Clarins Body Lift by using a code from there. If you haven't tried it, you definitely should! The other samples are in those little paper packages, but hey, its a great way to try some new products!

Five. Year one of grad school: Complete. With A's! One and a half weeks before summer session starts. I'll look at this glass half full. 

It was a busy week, but productive nonetheless. I am more than looking forward to celebrating the existence of the greatest lady on Earth for Mother's Day. A family-filled weekend is the perfect way to end this hectic week. 

Link up and high five for Friday! 

April Showers Bring May...cold snaps?

Usually by this time of the year we are quickly preparing ourselves for the almost unbearable heat that will be upon us by the end of the month. But this week, mother nature has lost her mind. It has been in the 40's most mornings and only warming up to the 70's by the hottest part of the day. Don't get me wrong, our days have been beautiful. I just feel like I have been teleported from Louisiana to another, more durable summer state that looks exactly like my own.

The biggest problem I've had with Mother Nature's roller coaster is, of course, deciding what to wear. I had to explain to Brandon that just because it is cold, we cannot forget which season we are in (yes, he tried to wear a tweed tie Friday night. No, husband; its still May). At work, I've been cringing at the students, ok and even some teachers, that pulled out their leather boots and winter scarves this past week. I realize in most states, this is normal for Spring, but we southerners just aren't used to it. Hopefully I'm setting a good example of how to style yourself for Spring, even if it feels like fall.

Maxi: Old Navy-similar
Wrap: Target (on sale!)
Necklace: Francesca's (similar; I cannot find a royal blue bib necklace anywhere!)

 Is mother nature throwing you for a loop? How is your closet dealing? 

The Highest Five for Friday!

It has been a long time since I've been this excited for Friday and the weekend in general. I absolutely love my job, don't get me wrong. I'm always excited for the weekends off, but this week was just exhausting. Aside from state testing, some pretty exciting things are happening. And hey, testing is over, so that deserves a high five in itself.

The biggest part of my week does not have a picture to go along. Brandon finished college on Wednesday! We are both so excited and I could not be prouder of him. He has worked full time, usually over 40 hours a week, and has managed to finish his degree! Yay, husband!! I plan on taking him out to celebrate tonight. Look out world, we may stay up past 9:30.

Here's what else is going on:

1. My sister is having her first baby. She is due June 13. Look at those feet. She is a human, not a hobbit. I swear. You think she's going to make it 'til June? Me either.

2. I love when London sleeps like a human. Its my favorite.

3. Ok, Loft, just stop. Between the 40% off EVERYTHING sale, the 60% off sale items sale, and my rewards points, I'm going to need an intervention.

4. I realize pictures of meatloaf are the opposite of appetizing. But I swear, this is amazing. Yesterday I had to give three state tests and stay for a meeting after school until a little after 6:00. Brandon surprised me by having dinner made when I got home from my exhausting day. Meatloaf is my favorite. One time when I was probably 7, I had a cousin tell me meatloaf can't be your favorite food. What? Ok. It is still my favorite. But this is a cajun meatloaf. Oh-my-stinkin'-gosh. I can't even explain how good it was.

My week was long, but we are still blessed beyond measure. I hope yours was just as fabulous! Link up!

Summer Wants.

So summer is approaching and I'm looking forward to being able to relax my wardrobe a bit. Not that my teacher-clothes are uncomfortable or stuffy, I'm just excited to wear, well, whatever I want for the next two months. 

Gap boyfriend shorts. Jeffrey Campbell stretch jeans. sequin t shirt. Gap leather flip flops. Bohemian hair accessory

These are a few of the things I'm currently feeling the need to own as summer approaches. 

Gap Boyfriend shorts. They have every color imaginable and they are so relaxed, yet chic at the same time. The pairings are endless. 

Lavender jeans. I just need them.

Mint sandals. They're at Gap and I'm obsessed. 

Hair wraps. Because they are super cute. Because I hate washing my hair. And because I can't wear them during the school year. 

Sequin pocket tee. Who doesn't want one? There is one at Francesca's I'm dying for. I've got to get over there before its gone. Plus, they're currently running a buy one get one half off sale. Why am I not there right now?

What are you dying to wear this summer?

17 Days: Midweek Confessions

Today I'm linking up with a blogger I've followed for a while now, though I know she doesn't know it. Yeah, yeah, call me creepy. Read the sob story of why I became a creepy-blog-reader rather than an active-blog-writer for the last nine months (nothing to do with a baby, swear). Anyways, E hosts a Midweek Confession linkup and the confessions are so entertaining, yet so real. They are just irresistible to read because, well...it's like looking in a mirror. Its nice to see that others do the same little things I do and may or may not feel slightly guilty for it. Now, on to the confessions.

Its testing week. I cannot think of one word that consists of more than four letters to describe this week. So I'll refrain. I'll confess I have had a countdown to the end of school on my board since we've returned from Spring Break. Don't judge me. 17 days.

I left school during my planning period and ate Wendy's. Eating Wendy's should be a big enough confession, but I'll take you a step further; I forgot to sign out. I was terrified of getting caught once I remembered I didn't sign out. I will never be a rebel.

As of Tuesday (yes, yesterday), I have worn a maxi dress complete with a scarf twice. Yes, thats both days of the week. I don't know why I buy pants. If you could click to change the colors of this outfit like you can when you shop online, you could see my outfits from both days this week. You'll learn how predictable I am.

I've become addicted to the Real Housewives of Orange County. As entertaining as their drama can be, I really couldn't care less. I just watch to see the hair and makeup.

Link up with E! 

Two New Obsessions.

I obsess over things a lot. And very easily. I've always been obsessed with nude things--bags, shoes, lipstick. I've always been obsessed with MAC makeup. I've also always been obsessed with cardigans or any kind of wrap I can put over my outfit. Currently, I have an obsession with anything Tory Burch and infinity scarves. Brandon might tell you I exaggerate everything, including the ways I react when I see or purchase any of my obsessions.

Well lemme tell ya, two things I am crazy for right now are the colors navy and kelly green. They are so much fun to mix with other colors...hot pink, light pink, white, black, mint, and they are especially fun together. Right now I'd say they are both staples in my wardrobe because there are so many fun things you can do with them.

Top-The Limited (on sale!)
Skirt-Banana Republic Factory (similar)
Shoes-Michael Kors
Necklace- Caroline G

What do you think about the navy and kelly combination? I'm loving it.