Teal and Polka Dots

I recently this to work and I actually picked up this blazer for $.99 at Goodwill and found this Lauren Conrad blouse for $3 that day too. I actually went in to try to find an ugly sweater for a Christmas party, but no luck. I was pretty excited to find these pieces though, especially since the blazer is Tahari by Authur S. Levine and retails for around $140! Say, what? The blouse is also studded with polka dots, similar to this one. I'll have to wear it on it's own soon! I decided to pair the blazer and shirt with my polka dot skirt and Phoenix Pendant. I mentioned recently I wouldn't go without tights until spring, but I just couldn't do it with this outfit . Luckily my bare legs made it through the short walk into school.

Love and Gingham

I picked this sweater up about a year ago from Target for a steal. I love it, but it's been totally under utilized in my closet.  Anyone else have pieces like that? On the other hand, this skirt and shirt seem to be in constant rotation. I don't think it was a bad idea to buy this sweater, it was only like $6, but I think if I'm going to have something in my closet I better find a way to wear it.

Speaking of wearing what I own, the heels I'm wearing today have officially bit the dust. I've worn a hole in the soles, yep, I definitely buy my shoes to be work horses. Luckily, I was able to replace them with these for half the price. Now, I just hope they'll be comfy.

Also, make sure to stop my Whatcha Makin' Now, my sister is starting the coolest idea today. She's going to be sending sweet treats to one lucky person each month...for free. Go check it out!

Bows and Dots

Today I decided to pair my bow cardigan with my polka dot blouse and my purple pencil skirt. I was feeling pretty optimistic about the weather when I took these pictures about a week ago, but reality: I'll be wearing tights with this outfit today, and probably with every skirt I wear until spring.  Sigh....

Building A Wardrobe: Cardigans

Yesterday I started my Building A Wardrobe Series by sharing with you Essential Blazers and Jackets, and for the second day of the series I'll be sharing with you my thoughts on cardigan essentials.  Cardigans are great for laying and can be worn both to dress an outfit up, as well as easily worn with a casual outfit as well.  Here are my tips for building essential cardigans into your wardrobe:

• Must have colors include black, gray, and tan.  In my experience, it's worth it to by quality pieces, as you will probably wear these the most.  There are a lot of inexpensive options out there, say at Target or Old Navy, however, they inexpensive options don't seem to last or wear as well and pill much sooner.  I've been most happy with the quality of cardigans I've purchased from Loft, Banana Republic, The Limited, and J.Crew.
• Consider the type of cardigan that fits your style best.  Traditional lengths will probably be the most versatile, but I love a good boyfriend cardigan and think they can be dressed up for worn casually depending on how you chose to style them. 
• When purchasing, pay attention to how to wash the item, if it's dry clean only, it will limited how often you can wear the piece. I've used Dryel, and in-home dry cleaning product, for over a decade and have been happy with the results, however I still spend the money to get pieces professionally dry cleaned at least once a year and this definitely adds to the overall cost of owning a piece of clothing.
• I've also included some additional options for you to consider purchasing.  These include purchasing a few cardigans in bright colors, as well as a leopard or other print option.  In my opinion you won't wear these as often, so purchasing a less expensive option, like this or this makes sense to me.
• Regardless of what you chose to buy, wash these pieces inside out to help protect the them in the washer.

Here's a visual of my recommendations for cardigan purchases:

tan cardigan /gray cardigan  / black cardigan /  mustard cardigan / bright cardigan /  leopard cardigan 

Today I'm wearing a bright cardigan, which is a fun addition to any outfit. It helps define my shape and pull the overall look together too.

I'm crazy about today's combo. I score this skirt for $4, new with tags, from thredUP (use this link to get $10 off your first order). I wasn't sure about a top, but tried the polka dots and love it.  I might freeze today with bare legs, but this just didn't look right with tights.  Hurry up, spring!

Building A Wardrobe: Blazers and Jackets

I'm really excited to be starting a new series today that will focus on helping you to build a wardrobe full of pieces you'll not only love, but that will be timeless and versatile.  Today I'm starting with one of my favorite things: blazer and jackets.  The thing I love about them is there ability to be worn both for work wear as well was weekend wear.  They can be the perfect touch to finish off any look, so today I'm showing you pieces I feel are essential, as well as a few pieces to add once the essential pieces are in place.

On my list of essential blazers and jackets are a classic black and navy blazer, as well as a denim jacket. Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing these pieces:

•  When buying these pieces definitely pay attention to quality, as they pieces can be utilized frequently and worn for years to come.  I purchased my black blazer at H&M for a very fair price to replace one I used for nearly a decade from The Limited.  My navy blazer is probably my favorite piece in my wardrobe and although I found it on sale at Loft, it definitely would have been worth the full price. 
•  Also, pay attention to how to wash it, if it's dry clean only I pass on the piece.  Look for one that can be washed normally, as this will help you to utilize it more.
• The quality of a denim jacket, in my opinion, doesn't vary much from store to store, so buying an inexpensive option shouldn't impact how it wears much.

After you have these essential pieces in your wardrobe, then you can begin to add on additional options, like the ones I've listed below. The additional options I'm loving are a striped blazer, a mixed media moto jacket, and a bright blazer.  Unlike the pieces above which are truly wardrobe staples, these pieces can be the "show piece to any look," that is, the piece of clothing that takes your outfit from cute to perfection.  Right now I'm on the look out for a mixed media jacket.  I recently tried one on at TJ Maxx I loved, but it was dry clean only, so I passed.  These pieces should definitely be added over time, and when the price is right. 

Here's a visual of all the pieces I've listed above to help you out:

  LOFT black blazer / LOFT navy blazer  / Gap denim jacket  /LOFT stripe blazer / LOFT mixed media jacket / bright blazer

Today I'm wearing one of the additional options I've listed above, a bright colored blazer. Adding a blazer dresses up any look, and the bright color is such fun too!

What to Wear With Wine

This week I thought it would be fun to do a mini-series focused on color.  I recently joined a fashion page on Facebook where women post their OOTDs.  It's a great group with a lot of stylish women, but one of the things I see people post often is a picture, then the question: "Do these go together?" Another common question I see is: "What color goes with this?" This prompted my mini-series.  I thought I'd pick three color that are big this fall and try to help give some direction as to what to wear with them.

Today I'm focusing on wine, burgundy, ox blood....whatever you call it, it is definitely a great color for fall.  The problem can be deciding what colors look best with it.  I came up with some different colors which I think pair nicely with wine.  

• The first is another shade of the color for a monochromatic look; this is also a big trend this fall, and definitely one worth giving a try.  
• The second is to pair it with neutral colors, either a combination of warm tones, like browns and chocolates, or cool tones like grays and blacks.  I chose to pair it with cool tones today (mainly because I wanted to wear my Phoenix Pendant again.  
• The third is with a complimentary color like mustard or navy.  I'm a big fan of both of these combinations too. (Look below for examples of these color combos).

To help out you visual learners (like myself) here's a handy little chart for you to reference:

Chelsea and Ginny Take On: Fall

Today Chelsea and I are taking on Fall. One of the biggest trends for fall is Leopard print. After buying this polka dot top I knew I needed this leopard one from the same line too.  Today I decided to show you how to style this top for both the workday and weekend.   

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? 

Professional Neon?

This outfit is pretty much this outfit's first cousin.  I didn't do it on purpose, but as I was looking at these pictures I realized the similarity.  When I got this top, I loved it, but I had no idea what I'd wear it with, now a year later I'm amazed at all the different combos I've come up with for a neon green shirt. Who'd have thought it? Needless to say, I love this combo and yes, I am declaring this outfit "Professional Neon" and seriously considering adding this one to my collection next.  What about you, have you embraced neon?

Polka Dot Love

Last week we had parent teacher conferences, which seems crazy that it's time for that already.  I like to make sure I dress very professionally, but still be myself. Our conferences are two nights, so for one of the nights I wore this outfit  again, seriously, it's one of my favorites. For the second night I wore this look. When I came across this blouse at Target, I knew it would be a great addition to my closet.  I feel like I can tend to neglect tops, but adding this blouse to the outfit as apposed to wearing just a plain white one makes the outfit a little more special, and I like that.

I'm still amazed by all the great options Target has like this blouse, and I can't believe its such a great dup for this Gap one at less than half the price. Crazy.  I might need that one too, two polka dot shirts is definitely not two too many. : ) So, what tips do you have for making your outfit special?

It's My Blogoversary!

Today is a year since My New Favorite Outfit was started, and what a year it's been!  I'd have to say I've really enjoyed the time, but I had no idea how much work or how much fun it would be.  I feel like I've gotten a style I'm happy with again, and I definitely know I've gotten more self-confidence along the way too.

I thought it would be fun to share my first outfit picture with you (taken with a my iPhone no less) and then show you how I'd wear it today.  I thought about doing a whole week of this series: then and now, but honestly, I wasn't crazy about a lot of the "then" pictures, so I really didn't want to share them "now." One of the things I remember from Go Blog Social in August was someone saying that if you're not at least a little bit embarrassed of some of your early posts, you aren't growing.  I like that, I don't ever want to feel like my style is stagnant.

I really do like my first outfit picture though, I was so excited to wear it and after countless compliments at school that day, I decided to take the dive and share my outfit with the world.....or like the 17 people who viewed my blog for it's first month of life.  Hehe.  Anyway,  my take today is a little bit different.  Last year I owned like a million cardigans and no blazers, today I prefer the structure a blazer gives.  I also wore this with a plain white tee last year, and now I prefer a blouse with a little bit of texture and interest (I'm currently craving this one, it has sequin sleeves, people!). I think style is an ever changing process, and I think it's fun to see how mine has changed throughout this year.

To all of you who take the time to stop by and check out my style, and those who comment so regularly:  I genuinely want to thank you for your support, and you definitely help make my little hobby worth while!

Structured Chic

First off, thanks to everyone who left such sweet comments yesterday. It's so encouraging to hear you  guys are here for MY style, and it pushes me to make sure I'm staying true to myself each day. :)

I'm not sure what has caused the changed, but I'm so preferring more structured looks to more casual ones. Last year I loved a-line skirts and cardigans and this year I'm completely drawn to blazers and pencil skirts. Don't get me wrong, I still love a good cardigan, but I feel so much more put together in an outfit like this.  I also feel like I know my body better and what looks good on me; I guess that's a good thing.  I wore this outfit to church recently and felt like a million bucks, and that's always a good feeling. 

Blazer: Loft $30 (gift card from Chippmuck.com) same

Top: Forever 21 $16 similar

Skirt: Rebecca Minkoff $5 (thrifted) cute sale option, three colors

Necklace: Stella and Dot Sutton

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Renegade, Peacock, Urbane

Heels: Bandalino $30 similar

Linking up with:

Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

Summer Style Link-up

Mint and Polka Dots

Getting back in the groove of school has been a process. Every morning Grant cries for me to put my jammies back on when I'm dressed. I wish, buddy.  Every afternoon I'm having these "Oh no, what's for dinner moments."  Then, every evening I'm trying to catch up on blogs, relax, and hang out with my husband simultaneously.  Not easy.  Being at home is summer was such a treat!  I love teaching but those summers off are such a teaser!

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?

Blouse: Express same

Skirt: Loft similar

Belt: Kohl's similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot Juniper

Bracelets: Stella and Dot Chimera, Renegade, Moxie

Shoes: Nine West similar

Linking up with:

Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

Summer Style Link-up

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?

It's in the Styling: Tip Three, Tuck Your Shirt

Ever put on an outfit that in theory should look great, only to find you look frumpy and dumpy? Me too. However, the simplest trick to styling an outfit and taking it from bad to fab is to tuck your shirt. Seriously. Sometimes a shirt is just fine un-tucked, especially for more casual looks, but if the shirt is too long/flowy/loose a simple tuck is all you need to dramatically change your outfit's look. I usually try an outfit both ways, then decide which is best.

I also decided to enter Chippmuck.com's Expert Shopper Contest again with this outfit. I came in 7th last time and the top five won. Help me make the top five this time by loving my look here. You can vote each day too. I seriously appreciate it ladies!

Do you see the difference?!? I probably look 30 pound lighter by just tucking this shirt in!  I honestly didn't realize the power of the "tuck" until I started reading blogs and seeing what other girls were wearing.  I also didn't own a lot of skirts before tucking in either, just look at "Exhibit A" and you'll understand why.  Now that I realize that tucking your shirt in can make such a great change in the outfit, my skirt collection has grown tremendously, and I have a much more polished professional look too. Here are some more pictures of this look:

Cardigan: Old Navy $20 similar

Top: Target $3 (thrifted) similar

Skirt: Target $16 similar

Belt: Kohls $1.5 similar

Necklace: Loft $5 similar

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

Shoes: JCrew similar

Things I've Learned

Blog Everyday in May Challenge, Day 23 Today's topic is things I've learned that school didn't teach me.

I'd say the number one thing is how to love; that can't be taught.  As I look at all my students and all the different things I've worked on with them this year it blows my mind, but love, love wasn't one of them.  I never learned in school what it would feel like at the end of my first (blind) date with my husband, when he shook my hand and said we should at least be friends.  Yes, he did say that.  I never knew what it would feel like to take a walk with him and hear him say that he loved me.  I never learned what it felt like to walk down the isle and become his wife.  That feeling wasn't taught in school.

I also never learned what it felt like to know I had a child growing inside of me and the feelings I had when I held him for the first time.  I never knew what if felt like to hear him say "Mama" for the first time and then say "I love you" to me completely unprompted.  So, as I teacher I value education very highly, but love isn't something I can teach, it's something my students will have to experience for themselves.

Hey, I'm getting ready to BBQ it up this Memorial Day weekend.  How about you?  Have you checked out the  Lazy Days and BBQs series I took part in yet?  It'll give you all the tips you needs for the perfect fun BBQ!

Top: JCrew (circa 2007ish)

Skirt: Jones Wear $.99 (thrifted)

Necklace: Very Jane $12

Bracelets: Stella and Dot  Renegade/ Foundation/ Chimera

Shoes: DSW $25

Bag: Coach

Linking up with:

Look What I Got
Tre-Chic Fashion Thursdays

Polka Dots and Stripes

Blog Everyday in May Challenge, Day 8: A piece of advise I have for others:

If you are unhappy with who you are now, you can change.  The person I am today is very different than the person I was in college, even more so the person I was in high school.  For a very long time I was super concerned about what other's thought of me, as well as having their acceptance.  I ended having a pretty wild lifestyle and am seriously lucky to be alive today.  It's totally by the grace of God that  I am here.  During this whole time of chaos I was pretty unhappy and kept searching for happiness in activities, possessions, and other people.  It wasn't until I realized that God thought I was "good enough" that I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders, and truly was able to get comfortable in my own skin. I'm still far from perfect, but now I know that's ok. : )

Now to my outfit:For whatever reason, I haven't worn my chambray in quite some time but when I pulled out this skirt I really wanted to wear it, and a little subtle pattern mixing came to mind.  Both of these pieces I probably would have passed up a year ago, but I love the outfit possibilities I can create with both. :)

Chambray: Old Navy $20

Skirt: Target $16

Necklace: Very Jane $15

Bracelets: Target ? and Express $14

Shoes: Fergalicious $30

Bag: Coach

Linking up with:

What I Wore Wednesday

Get Your Pretty On

Fashion and Beauty Finds