Building A Wardrobe: Skirts

Today is the third day of my Building A Wardrobe series, I hope you're finding it useful!  On day one I shared Essential Blazers and Jackets, one day two I shared Essential Cardigans and today I'm going to share essential skirts with you. It's not secret that I love a good pencil skirt, and today I'm going to share with you some essential skirts, as well as some additional options for you to consider as part of my Building A Wardrobe series.  There are lots of different types of skirts out there, but I feel that a pencil skirt has the most classic and timeless feel, therefore it'll have more longevity in your wardrobe.  Here are more thoughts on what to consider when buying:

• The essential skirts I would consider buying are a gray, navy, black, and one additional color you love; I picked wine. Because of the classic nature of these pieces they don't often make it to the sale rack, however, you can find these at most every retailer.  I personally love Target's options.  The prices are fair and I've always been happy with the quality.
• These essential skirts will probably not be the highlight of any outfit, but they are great pieces to add to so many looks.
• Once you have a few of the essential skirts consider buying the additional options; these could be the "show piece" of you look for the day.  Picking a great bright color, or fun print that shows your personality is always worthwhile. As I said above  Target's options are great for this too.
• Most pencil skirts are safely washed in the washing machine, but always double check to see if it must be dry cleaned before buying.
• As for additional types of skirt, a-line and mini-skirts can be great too: I'm wearing a mini today, however I don't think they are the best place to start when building a wardrobe, but a great additions later on.

 Here's a visual on my thoughts for skirt essentials:

gray pencil skirt / navy pencil skirt / black pencil skirt / wine pencil skirt / cobalt pencil skirt / geometric pencil skirt / leopard pencil skirt 

Today I'm wearing a fun leopard skirt, which had been on my wish list for quite sometime. Pairing it with neutrals like tan and black make this work appropriate, but anything except boring. : )

Cobalt and Orange

Last year I was ecstatic when I found this Loft skirt at Goodwill and decided to pair it with my cobalt blazer and lace top today.  The first time I wore this skirt I wore it like this, and I was so pleased with myself.  Yipes, that was pretty bad. Today, on the other hand, I really like this. I really like the texture and color mix and definitely think it's an outfit I'll wear again, although I think I might wear it with my cobalt  Portfolio Shirt first.  What do you think, how would you style this skirt? 

What Shopping Has Taught Me: It always goes on sale.

Wednesday I share with you that size doesn't matter, fit does.  Then, on Thursday I shared that you shouldn't trust hanger appeal.  Today for my final day of this mini-series I'm sharing what I think is the most important tip of all: it will always go on sale! Back in my less frugal days I'd go shopping on Friday at 7:00 for an outfit for that night.  We did this a lot and I specifically remember spending $80 on a bedazzled belt at Express.  That is insane, people. Luckily, I've gotten wiser as I've gotten older.  

Although I'm declaring Express' Portfolio Shirt the perfect blouse, it's $50. Boo. Enter the "Flash Sale." Everything in Express was 40% off. That, my friend, is always when you buy.  As much as I love this shirt, I love it more for $30. Now there's bird print and a polka dot dress option.  I die.

*i just checked this morning and the Portfolio Shirt is on sale for buy one get one half off.

I know it can be annoying to have your inbox filled with promotions from different stores, but I use those emails to know when to shop.  I delete frequently, but when the deal is sweet enough I am sure to take advantage.

Leopard Two Ways

Today I'm excited to be collaborating with the sweet Lauren of Modern Modesty.  Lauren has fab style and although she's new to blogging, she's definitely finding her groove.  We decided to show you two ways to wear leopard today.  I love how Lauren used accessories like a belt and shoes to show off this trend; for those who aren't ready for a leopard dress like I am, this is a great way to try out a trend.  Make sure to stop by Modern Modesty to check out the details to Lauren's look and to say hi to her.  It'll definitely be worth your time.  

New for Fall

I had so much fun this week showing you all how to make the "Season Switch." Today I'm showing off some new clothes from Loft. I think this look screams Fall and my navy blazer is turning out to be one of the most versatile pieces in my closet. I went in to Loft to check out the new Fall styles and came across this top on sale that I've been wanting since July and this new skirt. I love the lace details of the top and pretty print of the skirt. Bonus the were both 40% off. I'm really looking forward to coming up with different outfits for this skirt for sure.

Also, wanting to grow your blog?  I'd love to help you!  Check out my sponsorship opportunities here. : )

Linking up with Thirties Two Cents

Nothing like a Granster photo bomb to make my photo shoot complete. : )

Blazer: Loft $30 c/o Chippmunk similar

Top: Loft: $17 c/o Chippmunk from Expert Shopper Contest I won : ) same

Skirt: Loft $40 c/o Chippmunk from Expert Shopper Contest I won : ) same

Necklace: Stella and Dot Sutton

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Moxie, Renegade, Julep

Shoes: Fergalicious $30 similar

Back to School...

I've been back to school for a week and it's been going great.  I wasn't sure it would be the best of starts, though.  I was awakened last Tuesday morning not by my alarm, but by the most interesting of dreams. The Zombie Apocolype had taken over my school, and I woke up at the very moment I was bitten. You can't make this stuff up, people.  

Also, this is my 10th year of teaching and the new math teacher was in 7th grade my first year teaching. Wow. I feel old. 

On a good note, I'm really liking my kids and loving getting my dress clothes back.  This combo might be one of my new favorites, for sure.

I'd love for you ladies to take a second to vote for me in the #AllNaturalStyleSecrets challenge here. Thanks so much!!!

Have you entered to win my giveaway for a $25 gift card to Target or Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic here yet?

Blazer: Kohl's similar

Dress: Loft $5 (thrifted) similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot Sutton

Bracelets: Stella and Dot  Peacock, Renegade, Urbane

Belt: Kohl's $1.5 similar

Shoes: Fergalicious $30  similar

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Get Your Pretty On

Natural Beauty

I've always admired natural beauty; girls who always look like they rolled out of bed looking perfect. They make it look effortless. For me, it's a process.  When I wake up in the morning, my hair looks like I stuck my finger in a light socket for one. That being said, I think there are some really basic things that can make your natural beauty shine a little bit easier.

First, I think getting enough sleep is super important. The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep each night. If I don't get at least 8 I am no fun to be around. For real. My son has a set bedtime, why shouldn't I? Last week I stayed up late watching Project Runway (I couldn't help myself). I paid for it the next day.

I also think it's important to make sure you're eating right. The health teacher has this poster in the hallway and I think of it often. Our portion sizes can be way out of whack. I thought I'd share some tips to making sure you're monitoring your portion size. First, never eat out of the package directly, trust me; the bottom of that chip bag will come sooner than you think. Second, when going out to eat plan to eat only half of your meal, or box up half of it to take home before even starting to eat. Third, use a smaller plate. We have a tendency to fill up our plates. I always use a small plate at breakfast and lunch and use a normal dinner plate at dinner.  Lastly, and I can be super guilty of this one, ask yourself if you're hungry or just bored.  If you're just bored drink some water or have a piece of gum, I find this works. I know I don't feel like I'm any closer to being a natural beauty after I've eaten a greasy meal or snacked all afternoon.

Next I think it's important it be active; this definitely helps bring your natural beauty out. Experts recommend 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Before Grant I went to the gym at least five days a week, now Grant and I go on a lot of walks. I always feel great after doing this. I wish I went to the gym again, but at this stage in my life I don't feel good about not getting Grant from daycare until 6:00 because I've been at the gym. I think it's important to do what you can, and some is better than nothing.

I also think that knowing and dressing for your shape helps to show off your natural beauty.  I take the time to plan my outfits ahead of time, so that I can look my best. If I wait until the morning I end up wearing basic pants, a cardigan, and some shirt.  I don't feel great in this, therefore my natural beauty isn't able to show through as easily.  It's amazing how putting on clothes you feel good wearing can change your whole attitude!

Lastly, I think it's important to pamper yourself a bit. After Grant's bedtime I enjoy taking bubble baths. I also enjoy giving myself manicures and pedicures. I used to go get this done, but started doing it on my own a number of years ago to save money.  I was recently given the opportunity to try Seventh Generation Skin Serum for being a part of the Lucky Community as part of their #AllNaturalStyleSecrets contest. The serum is specifically formulated to "provide all-day moisture to help relieve and protect against chapping, cracking and roughness due to dryness." I decided to give this a try on my feet to finish off my pedicure. My feet are definitely the roughest part of my body, so if it worked there, it would work anywhere. I applied a small amount to each foot and was very happy with the results. It was the perfect end to my pedicure and I definitely plan to use it again. 

I'd love for you ladies to take a second to vote for me here. You can also take a look at the others posts about Seventh Generation Skin Serum here too.  

Blazer: Kohl's similar

Top: Loft $20 similar c/o Chippmunk

Skirt: Target $16  similar

Belt: Kohl's $1.5  similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot Jolie

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Julep, Gilded Arrow, and Chimera similar

Shoes: Fergalicious $30 similar

                                                   

*I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog.

Pinspiration to Reality: Stick with the Styling or Silhoette

Today I'm going to share with you my second tip for success when trying to recreate a look on Pinterest.  Sometimes I pin something strictly because it's pretty.  I might only have only similar piece in my closet, but the look is so pretty I just want to wear it.  There's where my second tip comes in: stick with the styling or silhouette.  Focus on what you really love about the look and think about what pieces you have in your closet that can help you style an outfit similarly or with the same shape.

I love today's inspiration from Kendi.  Problem: I only have the gingham shirt to recreate the look and nothing else exactly the same. BUT I do have a pencil skirt in a different color and some nude wedges that could work; definitely the same shape with the skirt. I can also tie a mean know, so the styling should be a cinch. When I focused on the styling and silhouette, it was easy to get the essence of Kendi's style, which I love.

Gingham Shirt: Target $5? (Plato's Closet) similar

Skirt: Target $16  similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot Sutton

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Peacock, Renegade, Urbane

Shoes: Kohl's $26 c/o Chippmunk same

Bag: Coach same

Linking up with:

Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

Summer Style Link-up

Also, have you entered to my jewelry giveaway here yet?

Lovin' Mint

Mint has really come in full force this spring and summer and has a huge presence in stores, Blogland, and Pinterest.  I don't know about you, but although I'm totally drawn to the color, knowing how to wear it can be overwhelming.  I recently picked up a great blouse at Express.  If you are trying to introduce mint into your wardrobe, I think a clean, classic blouse is a great way to start.  I've come up with three ways to style this blouse and was quite surprised by it's versatility.

Casual

For this look, I've paired the blouse with white skimmers, nude heels, a long gold necklace, bright bangle, and a white leather bag. Seen Here

Dressy

For this look, I've paired the blouse with a Jacquard skirt and nude heels.  To accessorize it I added a statement necklace that also incorporates mint, a silver clutch, and a skinny belt.  Similar to this

Girls' Night

For this look, I've paired the blouse with boyfriend jeans and a striped blazer, and leopard heels.  I've accessorized it with a mint statement necklace, a variety of bracelets and a bronze belt.  Seen here

Are you ready to incorporate this great color into your wardrobe?  I've found some great pieces to start you out!

Click on the picture below to go to the item's website:

Click on the image below to go to the item's website:

Linking up with:

Look What I Got

Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

What I Wore to Work