To a tee

Grey tee: J Crew (remixed)
Khaki skirt: Ann Taylor (remixed)
Zebra print belt: Target (remixed)
Stone bracelet: gift from mom (remixed)
Bubble hoops: gift from mom (remixed)
Blue peep toe wedges: Steve Madden Luxe via DSW (remixed)

I wore a tee-shirt to work today AND my earrings were crazy big: two dress code strikes. I was going to try to work in overly casual sandals, too, but the forecast was calling for rain and hail (!), so I went for some more substantial shoes.

The look on my face in the picture above shows how I feel about it being the last day with students. Oh yeah! I made it! Two more days to finish grades and clean up, and then I can enjoy some well-earned vacation.


This skirt is a bit big at the waist, so I cinched the belt tight and created a bit of a paper-bag waist effect. I don't know if it's the best look for me, but I was certainly more comfortable than when I pretend that the skirt actually fits and belt it more loosely.


The whole outfit was built around this simple tee, which I tried not to dress up too much with cardigans or jackets. Instead, I put on the simple skirt and the bright shoes. Overall, I think this is something that I'd be just as comfortable wearing over the weekend, though I am weird like that.


I don't really own a whole lot in the way of casual wear that's not totally summery. I think that's because I don't really work in the summers - I work summer camps or teach abroad. I'm reluctant to buy anything that won't also double as work wear, though; I'm trying to get as much use as possible out of my clothes. Is anyone else like that?

This is the end of my dress code breaking, though: we're authorized to wear "casual but appropriate attire" tomorrow.

Also, this Uruguay/South Africa game is killin' me. I won't say why in case y'all are watching later, but I'm ready for tomorrow's fútbol games.

Breaking the rules-ish

Denim dress: Ann Taylor (remixed)
Tan cardi: Target (remixed)
White stone necklace: Banana Republic
Green and orange chandelier earrings: gift from my sister-in-law, A.
Leopard print belt: Banana Republic (remixed)
Stack of bangles: gift from my mom (remixed)
Jungle wedges: Restricted via DSW (remixed)

Today was day two of three days of exams which means that, thank the LORD, I am almost done for the year. Yay!

Here I am, breaking the dress code again. Today I decided to wear the most unholy of fabrics: denim. (I hope y'all are picking up on my sarcasm; my students rarely do.) I've decided that when you're breaking the dress code you should make sure that everything looks as professional as possible: classic silhouettes, pretty jewelry, a belt, and heels (unless you're doing the overly casual sandals thing).


I did something different today: I wore a necklace, mostly for the fancy factor it gives my denim dress. I got this one with the BR gift certificates I got for my birthday mostly because I thought it was so beautiful and simple. It's taken me a while to wear it because I often feel like necklaces hit at a strange place on me. I wish this one were just a bit shorter, but I can live with it.


Also, aren't these earrings gorgeous? This is the second pair I got from my sister-in-law, and they're fun and funky and just my style.


I think my favorite part of this outfit, besides the great dress, is this leopard print belt. It punches up the look a bit, I think, and it plays nicely with the floral/jungle print of these shoes:

Just enough pattern mixing for me.


My mom gave me these bracelets. Well, she gave me two sets of five bracelets each that are just too easy to mix and match. I've been wearing them in various configurations since I got them. They're great.


Overall, I think this was a successful dress-code violation in its subtlety.

Now, on to give Brasil my undivided attention... Oh, I am such a World Cup addict.

Old habits die hard

Black dress: Ann Taylor - gift from my sister
Gold sandals: Baker's - gift from my aunt
Red beaded cuff: Banana Republic - gift from my mom (remixed)
Ball earrings: Banana Republic - gift from my mom (remixed)

Back in black, y'all. This is the dress that I have been eager to wear since I got it, right before the Summer Black-Out. My sister sent it to me for my birthday, and it's FABULOUS!


It fits like a dream, looks safari inspired, and is simple enough to dress up or down quite easily. I can tell that I'm going to get some real use out of this beauty.


I wore it with these sandals because B. and I decided that I should find subtle ways to not follow the dress code this week. It's only three real work days, so I figure I should be able to do one thing each day.

Today, I decided to go with casual sandals. I don't know if these really fall into the camp of OVERLY casual sandals, but I'd classify them as such because they're flat.


I added the red and gold bracelet and the earrings, which I just love, to echo the gold of the sandals and to add another color to the outfit.


Overall, it's a good return to black. I think I've done well incorporating color into my clothes since spring began, but I'm not ready to give up on one of my favorite colors to wear. There's something about black that makes me feel very sophisticated. Plus, it's easy: I could throw anything in with this dress and it'd work.

I have to say, my sister did a fine job picking this dress out. Does she know me or what?
TQM, sister!