Schoolmarm Style

Weekender

2012-02-11T14:18:00.000-05:00

Today I had a plan to meet a friend for delicious brunch, and a few errands to run. I thought about getting all gussied up in a skirt and tights, but in the end denim, layers, and a huge scarf won out.

I'm wearing: knit hat- Target, scarf- gift from Mom, denim button down- Old Navy,

cardi- Target '10, dorm skinnies- Target, boots- ebay

What can I say, what I lack in imagination can at least be made up for in comfort.

Previous Remixes: denim button down

Dressed Down

2012-02-09T20:40:00.000-05:00

One of the things that attracted me to this particular Jason Wu top, besides the sweet polka-dots, was the versatility. I instantly saw how it could be dressed up for work, and dressed down for more casual days.

I'm wearing: knit beret- Target, Polka-dot top- Jason Wu for Target, mustard cardi- Target

dorm skinnies- Target, boots- Old Navy

Today I was running around a lot and back and forth in musical rehearsals all afternoon. The cute top, flat boots, and skinnies made a perfect on the go outfit.

Words of Wisdom

2012-02-09T08:44:00.000-05:00

A few months ago I was introduced to a wonderful style blog, Plain T-shirt. What I love the most about it is that it's a guy's perspective on guys' style. Jace makes me want to give J a daily make-over, but also inspires me to be a little bit more simple every now and then.

This morning in my reader I found this great little post on Jace's blog. I'm thinking about it, maybe you will too.

Plain T-Shirt: Thought of the day

I was walking back from class today. And it was snowing a lot. And I’m always thinking about outfits and brands and ~~food~~ clothes. Not new stuff, but what I already own. I know there are plenty of new brands and trends that come out everyday, but looking at what you have and enjoying your clothes and actually wearing them until they look traditionally worn in is what’s so nice about personal style. Especially when you don’t have people giving you clothes or the money to continually change your closet.
Don’t get so caught up in #menswear and whatever else that you don’t enjoy what you have. Don’t be constantly scouring websites for new clothes when you already have enough to put together sartorial outfits. Wear a pair of pants to hang out in your apartment, then to class the next day. And if they don’t hold up to your tests of time, check out another brand.
Create a style that doesn’t follow every trend and that is smart about it’s adjustments and changes.
On that note, I’m done shopping for a while (at least that’s what I’ll tell myself).
And it’s still snowing a lot.

Thanks for reading
- PTS

Teachery

2012-02-07T21:17:00.000-05:00

Today I was back in the classroom for most of the day, and decided to get all "teachery" for the occasion. As far as I can tell, the blouse, blazer, pencil skirt, sensible shoes formula works for pretty much any teacher, any figure, and any budget.

I spiced mine up with pink corduroy, fun colored tights, and my new Jason Wu top.

I'm wearing: pink cord blazer- thrifted, tie neck blouse- Jason Wu for Target, green belt- Old Navy,

denim pencil skirt- Old Navy, tights, Target, mustard mary janes- Target

Please excuse my smarmy faces. It was either that or Crest commercial smiles. I swear, you'd think after more than two years of taking photos of yourself you'd learn what to do with your face!

Previous Remixes: skirt and blazer

For My Students, But I'm Willing To Share

2012-02-06T10:51:00.000-05:00

One of the things that I'm trying to do for the rest of the year is maintain a relationship with my students while letting someone else be their teacher. I'm kind of working under a whole, "it takes a village" mentality that I've never had before.

One of the most significant ways I have tried to connect with my students is through reading. There's a lot to be said for teachers who connect with their students through sports, or a love of hunting and the delicious venison burgers it produces, or a shared affinity for deep fried pickles. I have a lot of respect for those teachers. Kids need to know that people care for them and their things that they do.

But, I'm a reader, I'm a nerd, and I like to make that connection with students because, let's face it, nerds are pretty amazing people! Luckily, I have a class blog that I can use to keep in touch with my students without stepping on the toes of the new teacher. Today I shared a book review of an incredible book I read this weekend, and now I'll share it with you too.

Teaser: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Review: First, I must preface this review by telling you that I am a huge fan of John Green. I think he has an amazing gift for writing- he writes the kind of fiction I wish I was funny enough to write. His other books are wonderful too. I have Looking For Alaska on the realistic fiction shelf, and the library has An Abundance of Katherines, and Will Grayson, Will Grayson. He also has a pretty awesome blog, and an army of nerdfighters (nerds who fight for awesomeness) that he and his brother lead. Yeah, he's pretty much the most awesome author I know of, so of course my review is biased.

That said, The Fault In Our Stars is the BEST John Green book yet! It was by far the best book I've read all year, and will probably take my #1 for 2012. It was good enough to keep me up and reading until 3 am on a Friday night!

I really don't know how he did it, but John Green wrote a book in which the main character is a teenager dying of cancer, but made it uplifting, funny, touching, and just the right amount of sad. You might want to have some tissues ready- I cried through a few parts, but I fell in love with these characters. Hazel, the protagonist, is smart, well read, witty, and incredibly sarcastic. Augustus is the perfect love interest. There's just so much perfection in this book my words can't even describe it.

Yes, it's a love story- in fact, all of John Green's books are love stories. But it's also a life story, and not at all girly. In my experience every guy who I've introduced to John Green has had their reading life changed by his writing. The writing is a bit PG-13, there's some swearing and some "mature situations" but I'm sure a few of you are ready for this incredible author. Go out, find his books (any of them really), read voraciously, and then let me know what you think. I'm willing to bet you'll be impressed.

Fitting Room Reviews- Jason Wu for Target

2012-02-05T12:00:00.001-05:00

After sleeping in a little longer than I wanted to, I made my way over to Target to check out the Jason Wu collection. Unfortunately, the dress I was coveting was already sold out in my store. (J even tried to get it online for me, but it's an instore sale only.) I did try on a couple of other items and even brought a few home with me.

As a general note the line runs a little bit large. I brought both mediums and larges into the dressing room with me, but found myself in all mediums. I probably could have tried some smalls too.

Pass

This paneled sundress had two cute patterns going for it, but overall I didn't love the dress on me. The rayon/poly fabric and lack of shape made it feel like any other Target sundress and not very special. The attached belt did add a bit of definition, but not enough to make me consider it.

Like

This T looked amazing in the lookbook paired with some cute shorts. The top is made of very soft jersey and drapes nicely. It was a bit long on me, almost tunic length. Overall, if I hadn't been trying to stick to a budget I would have taken it.

Purchased

You know I love a good polka-dot tie neck blouse. This one is perfect! The v neck has just the right depth, the little puff sleeves are sweet but not overwhelming, and the pleating down the front of the blouse is a great little detail. I can picture it paired with skirts and pants. The collection also has a two toned nude/pink shade which I considered taking home as well.

Purchased

This dress was a bit of a consolation after planning to buy the navy one, but the sweet circular print, defined waist, pleated skirt that fell just at the knee, and the little collar won me over. The thing I like most about this dress is the little girly details. It seems like the perfect dress for sipping coffee at an outdoor table after a day of teaching. I can easily see it as a dress for work or play.

Final Word

I was impressed with the quality of a lot of the pieces in the collection. For the most part the fabrics are higher quality than usual Target pieces, and the jerseys are oh so soft. I wasn't looking to spend on T shirts, but the ones they had are definitely something I would recommend to those looking for soft, drapey Ts. My store didn't have everything in the collection, and like I said some pieces are already sold out, so if you are looking for new, affordable, feminine pieces from the collection you should head on over ASAP.

I was not endorsed by Target for this review, though if anyone from Target can hook me up with the coveted dress I'll hook you up!

More Red, Navy, and Stripes

2012-02-04T16:50:00.000-05:00

I definitely have a theme going this week. One might even suspect that I'm feeling a bit patriotic right now. I bet my love of all things red, striped, and blue will be over by Monday though.

This dress is a bit of a closet orphan due to its oversized nature and lack of shape. I'm not really sure why I never thought to belt it before. It's such a simple trick that makes such a big difference.

Scarf- DIY, striped T-shirt dress- Old Navy, belt- thrifted

navy tights- Old Navy, boots- ebay
Happy Saturday!

Previous Remix:

Weekend Wish

2012-02-04T11:09:00.000-05:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am eagerly counting down the minutes until my Target opens tomorrow with the Jason Wu collection. I swear I am going to one of those Black Friday-like shoppers waiting in the parking lot for the doors to unlock.

I have one true wish...

and at $39.99 I can get it and still stay within this month's clothing budget.

Now the cute blouses may throw me into March's budget, but we'll let that slide, right?

Reunited!

2012-02-03T14:14:00.000-05:00

It was tough not to skip back into my house after getting my mail today. I wasn't only excited by the arrival of the new Lucky, but by the little postal package bringing my camera cord back to me. Finally, I can get back to blogging! I've missed it so much more than I ever thought I would. Clearly I don't do vacations well.

This week I have been addicted to denim. I've also been rocking a lot of stripes and red. Which works well considering that today is National Wear Red Day.

I'm wearing: blazer- (VERY) Old Navy, striped t- thrifted, jeans- hand me up from Lil' Sis', Dansko clogs

I'm wearing: scarf- DIY, gray T- ?, striped cardi- TJ Maxx, red hoodie- Old Navy, boyfriend jeans- Bitten, Dansko clogs

This first week of sabbatical has been wonderful. I'm slowly but surely developing my plan and checking off my to do lists. I still have TONS of work to do, but it's good, fun, geeky work that I'm so excited to do.

I'm also pretty excited to be able to set my own schedule and be my own boss for the first time in my life. So far, I've been able to work, take care of myself and J, clean furiously, and even take on a small home improvement project. I've been admiring a lot of painted cabinets on Pinterest, and seriously contemplating a full scale change up. Luckily, J and his good eye for design put his foot down. We have real wood cabinets in a nice pine. They're light and bright, and after a good cleaning and a simple hardware change I am in love with my kitchen again.

Before- ugly reflective gold knobs

After- lovely brushed silver knobs

It's little things that make a big difference!

Oooooh, we're only a few hours from the weekend? What will you be doing? We're heading to a potluck tomorrow and having a Superbowl party on Sunday. I'm thinking it'll be a day for Buffalo Chicken Nachos!

I Know, I Know!

2012-02-01T16:25:00.000-05:00

It seems like I've fallen off the face of the Earth. I haven't. I've been working hard and loving the freedom to create my own schedule! I could really get used to this. My camera is still in debilitating pieces but traveling back towards. My home. I should have a mega outfit roundup for you all soon. Until then, you'll just have to check out what I've been pinning!

Reader Question: Work From Home Style

2012-01-29T09:31:00.000-05:00

A lot of other bloggers frequently do these posts that start with, "I've been getting so many reader questions..." and then they show off their expertise in a style subject. This post is NOT one of those. It is instead a plea for suggestions and ideas from you, my readers.

As you may know from my last post I'm about to do a lot more working from home for the next few months. This is posing a new challenge for me. I know how to get dressed for my classroom, but I'm not sure how to dress for myself when I'm working in my own home.

A while back when Terra was home on maternity leave she stressed how important it is to actually get dressed and not just lounge around in pjs all day. I do have to admit that during the weekends my cute quirky outfits take a back seat to head to toe fleece, and I know that I want to do better than that during my sabbatical.

So, here's where I need your help. What suggestions can you make for casual, work from home ensembles? What's your go-to look for these types of days? Know any bloggers who do this "stay at home style" that you can recommend? I could use all the help I could get, but would also love to see some community conversation going on too so please share whatever you've got.

P.S. I've accidentally left an essential part of my camera in Brooklyn and am waiting for it to come back through the mail. I'll start taking outfit photos soon (even if I have to resort to ipad photos).

Transitions

2012-01-23T17:33:00.000-05:00

I haven't been writing about it very much, since up until a few days ago it has seemed very far off, but today seems to be the day that I want to announce to my little Schoolmarm Style readership that this Friday is my last day in the classroom for the school year.

I was granted a generous opportunity by my school district to participate in a sabbatical leave for the spring semester. I will be working on a research project, working in classrooms, and designing a professional development series for my school district. I'm really excited, but also a little sad to be leaving my students. I know that once I get into the work it will go well, but the transition is tough.

So what does that mean for the blog? Daily classroom outfits will probably become a little less regular since I'll have more casual work from home days, and I'll probably write more and more about teaching as I discover more for my project. I hope you all enjoy traveling this new direction with me. This week I'll be taking a little break from the blog to focus on ending my year well, but don't worry, I'll soon be back to regular posting.

Hipstery

2012-01-19T20:24:00.000-05:00

My good friend and fellow teacher told me that I looked incredibly "hipstery" today. She claimed it was a combination of the colors, layers, and hat. I do have to admit that I didn't wear the hat any moment that kids were in my classroom, but if this is what hipsters in the classroom really look like I'm totally okay with it.

I'm wearing: beret- Target, mustard infinity scarf- DIY, striped T- Old Navy,

hoodie blazer- Target, green skinny belt- Target.

jeans- hand me down from Lil' Sis, gray wedges- Target

Previous remixes: hoodie blazer

Penelope

2012-01-18T18:46:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I realize that I have way too many clothes in my closet. Especially when I realize that I have wonderful, beloved items that I haven't worn in over a year. Luckily, Kasmira reminded me that I have this fox collar in need of some love.

I'm wearing: heart earrings- thrifted, fox collar- ebay, denim shirt- Old Navy, yellow skinny belt- Target

red wool pencil skirt- thrifted, navy tights-???, boots- ebay

In class today we decided that she needed a name, and we decided on Penelope. Hopefully Penelope will make a few more appearances before the warm weather sets in.

Previous remixes: Penelope

One Sweater- Two Ways

2012-01-17T20:09:00.000-05:00

It's really rare for me to buy anything full price, even at a fairly budget friendly store like Old Navy, but when I saw this Navajo print blanket cardigan I was instantly in LOVE! I was so in love that I even wore it twice in two vastly different looks.

Weekend Casual

I'm wearing: blanket cardi- Old Navy, black crewneck- Old Navy, belt- thrifted, dorm skinnies- Target, snowboots- Target

Work Appropriate

I'm wearing: long bird earrings- Target, gray tank- Fruit of the Loom, blanket cardi- Old Navy,

belt- thrifted, navy sweater dress- Charlotte Russe, tights- Target, boots- ebay

Weekend Teacher Talk

2012-01-14T12:18:00.001-05:00

I'm slowly trying to wrap my head around how to bring more of the professional side of teaching into this blog after a number of readers indicated that they'd like to see that. I find that during the week the act if teaching is usually so right there and in your face that I have no time to reflect, but once the weekend rolls around I'm able to process my week and plan for the next one. Weekend mornings are usually my "creative teacher" time, so I'm planning on taking advantage of that here.

I have one basic philosophy that guides much of what I do in my classroom, that is that students who read voraciously and write everyday are better readers, writers, and people (and by default better test takers, but that's another topic for another day). Last week I decided to capitalize on the New Year's spirit by asking my students to make reading resolutions. These could basically be any reading related goal that they hope to accomplish in 2012. Many of them set a book count and hoped to move forward, while a few set genre or series goals for the year.

One student even got a little crazy setting a goal of reading 300 books this year!

To make the goals special, and help promote a community of rabid reading we published our goals for everyone to see, and added up all of the goals to reach a class goal of 5,102 books in 2012!

In case you were wondering, I have two reading goals for 2012.

1. To read 112 books by year's end.

2. To make at least 10 of those non-fiction.

Did you have your students make learning resolutions? Do you have a reading resolution?

Cozy

2012-01-13T17:59:00.000-05:00

Today we got hit with the biggest snow storm of the season so far. Since the weather didn't switch over from rain to snow until about six o'clock we still had to go in to school. Whenever we have a "should'a been a snow day" days I always make sure to wear something that I wouldn't mind getting stuck in a ditch in. I've never actually needed it, but it's nice to be prepared just in case.

Those of you who have started following me on Pintrest may recognize this as a look of Jessica's that I pinned last week. What can I say, I'm a shameless thief.

I'm wearing: plaid button down- free from a swap, sweater vest- Target, tooled leather belt- thrifted,

dorm skinnies- Target, gray boots- Old Navy, plus two pairs of wool socks!

Previous remixes: plaid button down and sweater vest

For those of you who also have a three day weekend, enjoy it!

Bright and Nerdy

2012-01-12T06:56:00.000-05:00

I have no shame, and openly admit to being a nerd. In fact, yesterday I started a random conversation about reading with a stranger in the Salvation Army! Anytime I let my nerdiness come out is fine by me, so I was super inspired by Kendi's nerdy chic outfit the other day.

It has all of the makings of a great nerd outfit- bright colors, cozy sweater, pussybow, professorish blazer, glasses. I did choose to leave my pocket protector at home though.

I'm wearing: polkadot bow blouse- free from a swap, pink cord blazer- thrifted, highlighter yellow sweater- thrifted,

trouser jeans- DKNY via TJ Maxx, mustard flats- Target

No previous remixes today since I am flying out the door!

I Couldn't

2012-01-10T20:36:00.000-05:00

Today was Everybody, Everywear black and white day. Now, I'm not normally a black and white girl, and I needed to throw a bit of color in there. Some cropped pants provided the perfect opportunity to bring a little pop in there. I felt like I was cheating, but then I visited the EBEW site and saw lots and lots of colorful pops highlighting those basics.

I'm wearing: tie neck blouse- Target, polka-dot cardi- Target, cropped pants- Gap
magenta socks- Target, maryjanes- Target

Previous Remixes: pants and cardi

Gray and Dotty

2012-01-09T21:27:00.000-05:00

I've been wondering, if the alteration costs for an item are more than you paid for the item to begin with is it a loss?

I picked up this polka dot H&M sheath dress with credit that I got for trading in some unworn clothes, so technically I paid nothing for it. But now that I see it in pictures I can see how clearly the hem needs to come up by about two inches which means paying for the tailoring costs. What do you think? Would it be worth it?

I'm wearing: scarf- gift from Mom, mustard cord blazer- thrifted,

polka dot sheath dress- thrifted, gray tights- Walmart. maryjanes- Target

Previous Remixes: dress and blazer

What I'm Reading

2012-01-08T11:19:00.001-05:00

I teach my 7th grade class in a workshop style that is heavily influenced by the work of Nancie Atwell and Donalyn Miller (If you haven't read The Book Whisperer yet, go do that now!). One of the most important things that I can do as a teacher is try to instill the values and habits of lifelong readers in my students. I demand that they read A LOT, (Many of my students read about 800 pages a month.) but I let them choose their own reading. One of the things that makes this work is that I also model myself as a lifelong reader. I try to read at least one book per week, and since I read mostly YA books I recommend and share with my students whenever I finish something good.

I have a love/hate relationship with the paranormal/fantasy romance genre thanks to a certain vampire series. I find it tough to reconcile myself with a genre of books which are highly addictive reads, but that promote what I see as an unhealthy expectation of romance and dependence on love that are blatantly promoted for girls. But, I just finished The Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater, and found it to be a refreshing change and step forward in the genre.

Grace Brisbane has been fascinated with the pack of wolves who live in the woods behind her Mercy Falls, Minnesota home since she was a young girl. At 11 years old, she was attacked by a member of the pack, but kept safe and alive by a wolf with piercing yellow eyes. As she grew up she continued to see her wolf with the yellow eyes, believing that he was purposely there for her. One day when she finds a naked and wounded boy with the same yellow eyes on her doorstep her life is forever changed.

Sam Roth was bitten as a young child as well, but every winter he has undergone the painful shift from human to wolf form. After his biological parents try to destroy him, the pack, in both their human and wolf forms, becomes his family- the pack, and Grace, the girl he saved from a packmate many years ago. Sam is bonded to Grace and through the three books the two go to extreme lengths to keep their romance, their secrets, and their pack safe.

Stiefvater has created an epic love story with an unusual amount of depth. One of the best things about the series is that Sam and Grace are equally dependent on one another, and share a love and connection that demonstrates an ideal, mature relationship. They are equals in their relationship, and each bring a unique perspective to the partnership. Defying common stereotypes, Grace is the practical, logical one, while Sam's artistic, dreamy nature helps Grace to grow into a more sensitive soul. I can feel good about recommending this romance to adolescent girls as a model of what is possible and worth waiting for in a romance.

Another strength of this series is in the narration. Stiefvater chose to tell the story from multiple points of view, developing distinct, natural voices for each of her characters. By doing this we are able to get a complete picture of every perspective. I know how hard it is to craft the voice of one character convincingly, so to read the way Stiefvater does this with multiple characters earns her a place of distinction in my mind. I will read anything this woman has written; I'm that convinced of her talent.

The series has everything: an epic romance, fantasy, danger and excitement, a pithy female sidekick, and a smoldering former rock star to lust after. I do have one small wish for this series though. Despite the nearly ideal relationship between Sam and Grace, there is still an element that I feel sends the wrong message to young readers. Through the relationship, Grace and Sam become more and more insular, with friends and family becoming less and less important than their connection with one another. This is especially prominent in the first novel. Though the relationship matures through the series, I do wish that just once a young female protagonist were able to have her love without giving up her friends.

Thank You!

2012-01-08T09:50:00.000-05:00

Thank you to those wonderful readers who took the time to answer my blog survey. If you haven't had a chance to do so yet, you can still visit and give me feedback. Your feedback was loud and clear; what you like about Schoolmarm Style is the fact that it is very "teacher-y," with school appropriate outfits and items practical for a meager teacher's salary.
You also clearly led me in the direction of including more of the professional side of teaching as a way to grow the blog and add a bit more depth. That's exactly what I was thinking too, so it's good to know we're on the same page. Your comments made me feel so awesome. Thank you!

Would You Mind?

2012-01-07T15:32:00.000-05:00

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Stolen From a Pin

2012-01-07T15:29:00.000-05:00

It seems like I've only been able to pair these red skinny jeans with shades of gray since I first got them, so for casual Friday I wanted to switch it up a bit. I've been pinning style inspiration for red denim for a few weeks, and decided to recreate this one.

I'm wearing: cowl- Old Navy, green leopard cardi- free from a swap, button down- thrifted

yellow skinny belt- Target, red skinnies- Target, gray wedges- Target

I guess there's still a bit of gray in this look, but these new shoes are so comfy and just make the look. I found them on clearance for about $20, and would definitely recommend them if you can find a pair. I bought mine a bit on the small side (I am between a 71/2 and an 8 and bought a 71/2) and they fit just fine.

Previous Remixes: red skinny jeans

Layers, Stripes, and New Shoes

2012-01-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

I have a terrible confession to make. I wore these tights two days in a row.

In my defense it's stupidly cold here and they are fleece lined and warmer and comfier than the best sweatpants ever.

I'm wearing: beaded necklace- Target, striped sweater- thrifted, yellow pencil skirt-

thrifted, fleece tights- Kinney drugs, NEW gray wedges- Target

I'm wearing: tiny heart earrings- thrifted cowl- Old Navy, corduroy boyfriend blazer- thrifted, red hoodie- Old Navy,

Kimchi Blue dress- Urban Outfitters, red belt- thrifted, fleece tights- Kinney Drugs, boots- Old Navy

I would try to write more, but I'm blogging through commercials in "Gray's" and I have some intense fictional health drama to get back to.

Previous Remixes: striped sweater, yellow pencil skirt, Kimchi Blue dress