10 Things My Students Wished The Knew About Me

FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, now that that's out of my system...It's Friend Friday in the Fashion Blog World.

This has been such a great way for all of us bloggers to communicate on current issues in the blogosphere. Katy Rose, moderator of ModlyChic, sends us pertinent questions to what's going on in the fashion world each week. We all link up and answer them on Friday! If you are a blogger and are interested in joining, you can check it out here.

This week we are each highlighting 10 things about ourselves that others don't know. I can especially relate to this topic due to the inquisitive nature of my students. Don't you remember being a student and thinking that your teacher wasn't really a normal person? I know I do. And I always wanted to know some of the mysterious details of their lives and who they really were...

Well, not much has changed since I was in school and now the student has become the teacher! I've done my best to conceal certain things from my students, but here is a list (still with its concealments) of 10 Things My Students Wished They Knew About Me.

1. Where I live. I'll just say this - I live literally 200 feet from Lake Michigan. Its a really big coastline.

2. My new favorite obsession - Decaf Soy Pumpkin Spice Latte from Argo Tea. I'm drinking one right now.

3. When I get home, I change immediately into my pajamas and watch recorded episodes of NCIS.

4. I go to bed at 9 PM.

5. No, I don't have a boyfriend (may or may not be related to #3...and #4)
6. I actually didn't plan on being a teacher after grad school.
7. Yes, I watch "Jersey Shore."
8. Sometimes what they say actually does hurt my feelings.
9. It takes me a full 60 minutes to get ready - from shower to hair, to makeup, and finally getting dressed. (I guess I take long showers...?)
10. I am constantly worrying and wondering if anything that I have said has made it past that blank stare slathered across their faces and into their brains.

P.S. Check out our group's new button for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday after the jump.

Fashionably Yours,

      

Dress How You Feel

Ever had one of those days...or weeks...or couple of weeks?

Yeah, me too. 

Actually, I just did and kinda still have been. 

At the end of the day I just haven't been able to open up my laptop to get onto the blog - let alone take any outfit pictures. The past couple of weeks have been, well, I don't even know what the word is. They've just been. Piles of paperwork & responsibility sandwiched in between early mornings and early bedtimes. I'm the leading role in a daily 5 act performance for an audience of 115 - in other words, I'm a teacher. Some times the curtain falls and there's a wealth of applause...other days - the theater empties out in a flash.

I've been struggling with the fact that I have a very expensive Nikon camera, but no skill in how to use it and no photographer & I dream of one day having the ability to scavenge around my beautiful lakeside town posing and modeling myself away, but alas, I have a full time full stress job.

So, for now, I have been dressing how I feel. Do you ever do that? I think that we ALL do. Today the most amount of "feeling" I could muster up was a pair of Old Navy khaki's, a high waisted purple tunic top, and the tired gray 3/4 length sweater that makes an appearance on days like these. I felt exhausted and defeated - and it showed! So, my resolution?

Bedtime. 9 PM.

And a whole new outlook on my outfit tomorrow.

Fashionably Yours,

An Ode to PIPERLIME.COM

THANK YOU, PIPERLIME.COM

for developing an ad campaign that I can really rally behind!

Their most recent advertisement totally sums up my fashion philosophy. I just wish I would have come up with something this witty first. 

My good friend, Stephanie, left me this flyer that she got in the mail. 

OK. IT'S TIME.

TIME TO LEAVE THE PAJAMA PANTS AT HOME AND THE FLIP-FLOPS AT THE BEACH.

IT'S TIME TO GIVE UP LAZY DRESSING ALTOGETHER BECAUSE IT'S TIME TO LOOK FABULOUS AGAIN.

PIPERLIME.COM LET'S GET DRESSED

LOVE IT!!

Fashionably Yours,

What I Really Look Like at the End of the Day...

Sooooooo...what happens when 1) You buy a $500.00 camera and don't know how to use it...2) Don't have a boyfriend or husband for a permanent photographer...and 3) Get home from work at 7 pm after working for 12 hours?

THIS.

and this

aaanndd this

Yes, that's right - my stockings are peeking out of the top of my skirt. Oh, and this

Bunched up stockings around the ankle...

and the inevitably desperate self-portrait on a timer in bad lighting

Yeah, so what happens is reality. Blurry, badly lit photos taken either by myself or after bothering my poor roommate - and wrinkled, crinkled clothes, bunched up stockings, and well - you saw for yourself!

As fashion bloggers, we go out of our way to make sure every shirt is pressed, each hair in place, and the lighting is just so. Then we take 100 photos and scrutinize every one before it goes up into cyber space. Well, sometimes we're tired and can't wait to get into our PJ's.

But, I totally love my new purple tights. Don't you?

Fashionably Yours,

10 MUST HAVES for Your Fall Wardrobe

Back by popular demand! I've been receiving a lot of questions and requests lately about how to build up your Fall Wardrobe and what is in style. I posted this back in August, but now that the weather has turned chillier, people are hustling to the stores to find something to keep them warm and fashionable.

 Here are the top 10 Must Haves for Fall.

1. Funky flats

Statement shoes are all the rage! Shoes DO make the outfit. Be remembered when you use them to walk out of the room.

1. ALL BLACK Women's Eel Combo Ballet Flat

2. Anne Klein Bannon5 Ballet Flat

3. Miz Moo Devi Mary Jane Flat

4. Restricted Enchanted Ballet Flat

2. Scarves & Bracelets

Keep yourself warm and make a statement all at once with a funky scarf. Fabric covered bracelets bring a soft touch to the accessories of any outfit.

All bracelets from Etsy Shops!

1. Owl & Mushroom

2. Romantic Floral Leather Cuff

3. Leopard Bangle

4. Country Style

5. African Tribal Bangle

6. Embroidered Stitch

3. Skinny Jeans, Ankle Length Leggings, and their love-child, JEGGINGS!

4. Soldier Style

When done subtly, this style makes a bold impact.

5. The Tote

Use it for school, use it for work, use it for play!

1. Cole Haan Genevieve Slim Tote

2. Old Navy Gray Tote

3. NY&CO Zebra Tote

6. COLOR!

Just because it isn't summer does not mean that dark and dreary colors rule. Just switch from cool pastels to warm, bold hues.

                                                

7. Statement Fall Jacket

8. Flat Boots

If I could, I would have all of my shoes be flat boots.

9. Plaid Shirt Dress or Dress Shirt?

Whatever. You need one.

10. Boyfriend Blazer

These babies are selling out like crazy from everywhere! I got mine on Oldnavy.com. They are sold out in mediums and smalls in the stores the last time I checked!

Whew! You've got a lot of shopping to do to complete this list!

Fashionably Yours,

Friend Friday - Criticism...constructive?

Hello and welcome to another installment of Friend Friday! This has been such a great way for all of us bloggers to communicate on current issues in the blogosphere. Katy Rose, moderator of ModlyChic, sends us pertinent questions to what's going on in the fashion world each week. We all link up and answer them on Friday! If you are a blogger and are interested in joining, you can check it out here.

This week we are talking about criticism, comments on the blog & how to be truthful & constructive. 

This quote made me laugh out loud.

"If nothing bad is ever said, nothing good will ever get done."

1. Do you allow comments on your blog? Why or why not?

Yes, I love comments on my blog. I blog because I want to interact with people communicate something to the point where it ignites a reaction from my readers. I love to know what they are thinking! And as all of you probably think, but may not be willing to say - the comment section is an ego booster and success meter. More comments means more readers.

2. Do you think people at times leave comments that are insincere or not well-thought out? What's the point?

I do think people do that. I think they do it because they just want to market themselves and comment on as many blogs as possible so that they can get a bounce back to theirs. I can tell it is insincere - I don't particularly like it, but hey - it's a page view. I definitely wouldn't do it. I want to leave comments that are actually affirming and have substance.

3. Would you ever leave a comment that could be considered negative?

No.  Remember "if don't have anything nice to say...don't say anything at all"? Especially on the internet. It is public and more people see it than the person it was intended for.

4. Most people claim to like constructive criticism. Do you really like it and how do you offer that kind of criticism to others?

I think those people are lying. I don't think that I particularly like it, either. People like words of affirmation and praise. I will take constructive criticism if it is offered to me and if I have to - but I don't wear a sign that says "Now taking constructive criticism!" 

I am a full time teacher and constructive criticism is my speciality. I have to offer it constantly on papers I grade & most especially during classroom discussions when students are answering questions. A lot of times they don't have the right answer and I have to affirm them, encourage them, and tell them they are incorrect. I'll say things like "Ohh, good guess, but not quite - does anyone have anything to add?" I've also noticed that the more I excitedly affirm those who have the right answer, the more hands go up - it's because my students want praise - not constructive criticism.

I think in terms of fashion, it can be looked at in the same way. I make sure to give compliments to people who truly look great in that outfit or a particular color, etc. When I'm fashion consulting, I make sure to pull items that are outstandingly flattering in shape, pattern, & color to dress a client in. Once they are convinced of how great they look, I can say things like, "See how this color brightens your complexion? Does the other color you were wearing do this same thing for you?"

5. Some bloggers don't allow comments in order to cut down on negativity. Do you think that is the way to go or are there other ways to deal with the negative vibes?

Well, I guess it is up to them. It is their blog & the point of a blog is freedom of personal expression. So, I guess if they want to turn them off, that's their decision. However, there is the option of approving all comments before they can be published!

Fashionably Yours,

Leggings as Pants?

Here's the deal:

1. Crazy fruit loop striped leggings don't count as pants - just be thankful I didn't get a picture from the back.

2. Putting this on, stepping outside of your door, and wearing this in public sends the message that you want to be looked at, have attention drawn to you, and ultimately lands you a feature spot on my blog. 

3. I know a lot of people may disagree with posting pictures of fashion offenders on the internet on the basis that they would never want something like this to happen to them - well I say, don't dress like this and you'll have nothing to worry about! Also, if you've made the decision to go out in public wearing this, then you've given permission for people to look at you. And, I didn't show her face.

4. The shoe/sock combo and the worn leather jacket are so unfortunate that I can't even conjure up a witty come-back.

With that said, this outfit raises the issue of wearing leggings as your pant alternative. What do you think? Can it be done? Obviously, this woman isn't doing it right at all, however, it is a very popular look among teens and young women. 

I googled "leggings as pants" and there seems to be a hotbed of conversation! I even found this Facebook Group, "Leggings are NOT Pants." 

This article definitely has a strong opinion about the matter.

Thoughts?

Fashionably Yours, 

The Concrete Jungle of the Midwest

"Now you're in Chi-town...concrete jungle where dreams are made of..."

Ok, so some friends came to visit me & we of course pa-roused the Magnificent Mile. This is my spin on mixing animal prints. The trick was finding one or two cohesive elements within the different patterns.

In both the leopard & zebra pieces, there is the same base color - a muted gray - and the pattern color of black. Same thing with the ring. 

It was a little chillier that day, so the layered look was perfect! My boyfriend blazer paired with a wool blend sweater & scarf was just enough to keep me warm.

Oh yeah - and the soy pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks helped, too!

Outfit Details: Boyfriend Blazer - Old Navy; Sweater - NY & CO; Zebra Tank - F21; Jeans - Macy*s (Grane); Flats - H&M; Scarf - Christmas gift from The Limited; Ring - F21

Fashionably Yours,

"Fashion Tells a Story..."

I'm convinced that I live in the best apartment building on the block. I was tipped off pretty early on about how great it was due to the friendliness of my neighbors on move in day. But I'm more and more convinced each Sunday. My neighbor across the way saves the fashion section of the New York Times for me! He even cuts out or prints out articles that he thinks I would be interested in. 

Of course, all of my neighbors are nervous that I am going to catch them in their pajama pants walking the dog or taking out the trash! I assured them that we are all a family in this neighborhood and I wouldn't do that to them as long as they don't tell on me when I'm in my sweatpants and no makeup while doing laundry!

One such article he left for me was from The Washington Post. It was a perspective piece on Hillary Clinton's new, longer hair. The author has a perfect couple of sentences that sums up why I do fashion consulting, why I blog, and why I take care to dress myself well:

"Fashion tells a story about the wearer. If we don't believe the narrative -- if it comes across as patently false -- the garment registers as inappropriate." - Robin Givhan

Wise words, Robin. Wise words.

What are others reading about your story based on what you're wearing?

Fashionably Yours,