Learning Style

Colorblocking: Spring Colors in Winter

2016-02-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

Peace to all,

There is nothing like brightening up cold, winter days with bright pieces. This is probably my favorite sweater right now. It is truly as neon, highlighter-hued sweater. These photos do not do it any justice!

Orange tippi sweater and elastic-band pants from J.Crew, oxford short from Uniqlo and mint green New Balances from DSW.

I thoroughly enjoyed these colors together!

Who says you can't have some spring-like fun during winter months?!

Until next time,

Today's affirmation: I radiate love. I attract love. I am love.

A Head Wrap at Work

2016-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday!

Here are some fun shots I took waring an outfit that I thoroughly enjoyed! I learned how to tie this headwrap from The Wrap Life in under a minute via one of their online tutorials. I had been struggling trying to make it work in a new way, and finally decided to seek out a resource. Glad I did!

Sweater from the Gap, front slit pencil skirt from J.Crew, tights by Hue, leather Regina pumps by Fyre.

A little sideways with a smile, why not!

Until next time,
<3
M

Today's affirmation: I allow my light to shine brightly.

Shades of Green and Gap Boots

2016-02-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

Here is a last-minute look that I threw together before work earlier this week. Now that I've pared down significantly, getting dressed is much easier; however, the new challenge is not to wear the same pieces too often. While I have much less, I still have a sizable wardrobe. I digress.

I truly love playing with colors! My wardrobe is still very much like a crayon box or a painter's palette.

Denim shirt and suede boots are from the Gap a few seasons ago, the sweatshirt and pants are recent purchases from J.Crew, and the lipstick is Rubywoo by M.A.C.

Until next time,

Today's affirmation: This day brings me nothing but joy.

A Sweatshirt Tucked into a Leather Skirt

2016-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning folks!

Here are some snapshots of a look I wore recently that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I'm wearing a super soft sweatshirt by J.Crew tucked into a faux leather midi skirt from Forever 21 with Matisse leather boots.

On my left hand, I'm wearing a stack of bracelets I bought from a vendor in Soho years ago. Now that I have decluttered by accessories collection from the perspective of joy, I am re-discovering gems that truly do spark joy.

I kept my make up simple with a touch of blush and Cyber lipstick by M.A.C. And of course I'm wearing my favorite A Gypsy's Junk collar necklace.

Oh, and I channeled my good friend with this single, delicate bracelet on one of my wrists. I usually inclined to stack and stack some more, but I really have been appreciating this look lately.

Here are some affirmations that are student focused, just because.

Another snapshot, another view.

More to come.

Today's affirmation: I am just the way that I am intended to be in this moment.

Favorite Looks of 2015, and a Reflection

2016-01-01T17:51:00.002-08:00

"There are years that ask questions and years that answer."

I came across this Zora Neale Hurston quote from Their Eyes Were Watching God while looking through Learning Style posts and drafts of 2015. I had started a post, that I never published, on this day of last year with that very quote. I don't recall all of my thinking around why that quote struck me, but I did mention that 2014 was a year of "tremendous growth." As I reflect on 2015, another year of tremendous growth, I no longer think of growth as something that only happens sometimes and some years. From now until the end, I will continue growing into my best self.

A lot of questions were asked in 2015, and some were answered as well. I turned thirty; I embarked on a ~~self~~ love journey; I finally started my novel (and other writing projects) in a dedicated, structured way; and I began consciously practicing mindfulness in all moments. More on those and related topics to come as I begin transforming Learning Style into the lifestyle blog I've been envisioning. Regardless, 2016 ~~will be~~ is a year of manifestation. I look forward to sharing more of that journey here and of course, loving along the way.

Now, onto a few favorite looks from 2015:

1. Purple everything! No wonder my sister suggested I get purple highlights. More about this look here.

2. An impromptu photo shoot in Central Park an afternoon stroll results in these photos. This look was all about the layers and accessories.

3. A summer look showcasing the way I will continue to wear crop tops in my 30s.

4. The look I started my tenth year of teaching with.

5. This orange and pink look had me flexing my complexion.

6. This look was really all about the socks and pumps.

7. I loved everything about this look, and so did my readers!

8. After these pants sat in my closet for a good two years, I broke them out and enjoyed this impromptu look!

9. This fall was a mild one, so I enjoyed fall fashion like never before!

Happy New Year to all!

Today's affirmation: I am at peace.

A Simple Dress, Accentuated

2015-12-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday!

The good thing about shopping with someone who knows you well is he or she can give you perspective on something you may have otherwise looked over. That is exactly what happened while shopping with my mom recently at a Gap Factory store. My mom pulled out the dress showcased in this look and at first I thought, huh? It just looked so shapeless and drab, like something a joyless person would wear to bed. She encouraged me to try it on and I'm glad I did. Though the initial size was too big, I belted it and it came to life. I sized down and the dress instantly became a new favorite even before I actually purchased it. Once again, my mom has assisted me with a find that I would have otherwise overlooked.

As a curvy woman, I tend to shy away from loose, shapeless fits, but I have learned over time that those cuts also work for my body type, but it's all about the draping. Check out some of my "shapeless" looks here and here.

I digress, back to the look...

I kept this look super simple with a thin gold and brown leather belt from J.Crew, grey knit tights and clog boots by Uggs.

My earrings are hard to see, but they're blue and gold studs from J.Crew Factory. Assorted bangles were mainly purchased in Congo years ago, and the silver bangles were a gift.

Until next time,

Today's affirmation: I am at peace with all that has happened, is happening, and will happen.

The Birds: A Sweatshirt Skirt at Work

2015-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!

I know I haven't updated in a week-- my bad!-- I was out of balance after a weekend away and another weekend of fun, but now I'm back on track. On Friday, a colleague gave me a book that I really needed to read. It's called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. I had no idea that I needed to read it until typing this up now, but basically by Saturday afternoon I had sorted through my wardrobe, getting rid of three and a half medium-sized garbage bags. And by Sunday early evening, I had sorted through my kitchen stuff, getting rid of two garbage bags or junk and one large shopping bag of donate-able kitchenware. I'm feeling lighter and more joyous already.

As for this outfit post, many of you know that I love a cropped sweatshirt and live for a good sweatshirt dress; however, I also enjoy this sweatshirt pencil skirt for a chill, work-appropriate outfit.

Here's what I wore to work recently:

Quilted sweatshirt from the Gap, plaid button down flannel from Old Navy, birds skirt from H&M, Matisse leather boots, Madewell leather backpack

I love mixing textures and patterns. So much fun, and so many points of interest in such outfits. This leopard covered bracelet is one of my current favorites. I've had it for years, but it's just recently that it's become a go-to.

On that note, here's to being yourself and trying new things daily.

Today's affirmation: I AM giving and receiving all that is good and all that I desire.

Casual on Turkey Day

2015-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey Day!

Here's a quick post of a casual look, perfect for errands, lunch or a professional development.

A few types of leathers and denim! This hooded leather jacket by Michael Kors was a find from Century 21 last year. The scarf is an old favorite from high school and was purchased for $1 at a thrift shop. Jeans are supreme bold curve by Levis. Boots are Matisse via DSW. Backpack is from Madewell.

Until next time,
<3
M

Today's affirmations: I give thanks for all that I am and for all that I have.

Fall Fashion and a Little Self Love

2015-11-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone!

Here's a very fall look I wore recently:

J.Crew chunky sweater and sweatshirt, Express faux leather leggings, American Eagle blanket scarf, Ugg clog boots, and Madewell leather backpack.

A student took most of these photos, and she was right, this angle does work. It'd be better for the 'gram, but the lighting is one of the better ones of the series, so here goes.

A little hallway action, with some lovely plants in the background.

These boots though! I'm all about a mix of textures-- leathers, suede, sweatshirt, blanket-ish and chunky knits.

A fall look isn't complete without a deep-hued lipstick. Here's I'm wearing a mix of Cyber by MAC with plum by RK by Kiss underneath.

Until next time,

Today's affirmation, inspired by a 7 second meditation and acknowledgement of the importance of self love: I love myself deeply.

A Little Red and Green at Work

2015-11-23T03:54:00.003-08:00

Happy Monday!

Here's an outfit I wore recently:

I usually shy away from green and red-- it makes me think of Christmas and I don't like cliche color pairings, though some of them do go very well together!-- but the denim balanced it all out for me.

These camouflage pants are from J.Crew, one or two years ago, but they finally fit decently!

This necklace is from Baublebar, chambray shirt from Old Navy and boots by Frye.

And of course, the lipstick, what's left of it at the end of this school day, is Ruby Woo by MAC.

Until next time,

Today's affirmation: I love. I am loved. I radiate love. I attract love.

Lots of Denim and Cooking by the Book

2015-11-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

Last week I attending one of my favorite PDs, also known as professional developments of the year. My colleagues and I spent the a good part the day at Cooking by the Book. We collaborated to prepare a delicious meal with fresh ingriedients, sat down to enjoy it and then delivered the rest to a youth program close by.

Here's what I wore:

Denim Jacket-- J.Crew

Plaid button down-- Gap

Jeans-- Levis super bold curve skinny jeans

Sneakers-- Converse

I added some flavor to my outfit with a dark lipstick-- a mix of "Plum" by RK by Kiss and "All Out Gorgeous" by M.A.C.-- and a sparkly necklace layered over my gold nameplate.

As for Cooking by the Book...

A little apron action!

My group made a vegetable couscous that I plan on replicating very soon!

There's nothing like cooking in a large kitchen with the meal prep done for you.

The plated lunch: vegetable couscous, cheese strata and mixed greens salad. So good!

And double chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

Until next time,
<3
M

Today's affirmation: Life is beautiful. Life is fulfilling. I love life.

A Sweatshirt Dress and Sneakers at Work

2015-11-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans day!

Here is an outfit I wore recently. I had a lot of fun with this look, as I definitely enjoy a good sweatshirt dress (yup, it's about that time!) that still works for work. Check out how I styled it for a day-to-night kind of look.

My building is quite chilly, so I always wear layers to work.

Dress: sweatshirt material, pencil skirt dress with panel detailing from ASOS.com

Jacket: denim from J.Crew

Scarf: camouflage with a hint of neon from Express

Tights: Hue

Sneakers: Golden Goose

Assorted bracelets were inspired by my Halloween look which included a bunch of big bangles as well. (There was a time in my style-life when I almost exclusively wore large bangles.)

I love mixing neutrals like navys with blacks and browns and shades of gray.

Until next time,

Today's affirmation: I am grateful for the love I am receiving at this moment.

Fall for Fall Fashion: Plaid Skirt Revisited

2015-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday!

Despite a few chilly days we had last month, this fall has been unseasonably warm! I alternate between trusting the weather-person and layering up because I know what it's supposed to be like and I strongly dislike being cold.

Here's one of the outfits I layered up with and was simply and fashionably over-dressed:

I felt very fall-appropriate in this look with the deep tones paired with warm leathers.

The skirt is probably my best find of the season and is from Old Navy (see how I styled it in another look). Those of you who follow me on IG also know that I have worn this skirt a few times for nights out on the town. I love a skirt that can go from day to night.

The jacket is from J.Crew (a recent replacement after I left my well-worn denim jacket at a house party and it was never seen again), as is the floral sweatshirt and the gray knit tights.

The leather backpack is from Madewell and the boots are Matisse via DSW.

Despite being super hot, these colors made me happy. Peep the hint of remaining dark green nail polish. Yup, fall all the way!

This picture felt so much like fall, I had to include it here! Almond and I during our morning walk.

Until next time,

Today's affirmation: All my power is in the present moment.

Buzzfeed Feature!

2015-11-08T18:18:00.004-08:00

So, Buzzfeed picked up one of my looks (via Instagram) for a post on how awesome glasses are. And true, they are awesome, plus they make for great accessories!

Now for my ensemble...

Yup, Nora got it right; I am definitely accessorizing to the max here.

Though like Coco Chanel advised, I did take off the last accessory I had put on that morning, so things turned out just fine.

Headwrap was a gift from a colleague many years ago, the glasses are Warby Parker, and the statement necklace is J.Crew Factory.

Check out the rest of the post here.

Until next time,
<3
M

Overheard at a Bestuy Cafe: Observations from an Educator's Perspective

2015-11-07T13:09:00.004-08:00

I wrote the below very quickly and a bit passionately while the experience was fresh in my mind. I will go in and revise at some point, or maybe I won't, but here goes.

So I just had an interesting experience at a Bedstuy cafe. I was writing in my journal about how the “conversation" I was hearing at the table near me between a white woman (teacher/mentor/tutor) and a black boy (about 9 or 10 years of age) was very similar to the one I had overheard earlier between a teacher/mentor (white woman) and a high school student (Southeast Asian, maybe), when the woman said to me, “I know how it looks, but it’s not like that.” Without addressing the obvious, that she was reading what I was writing, I shifted my body and energy towards her, and opened myself up for a discussion.

Basically she was firing questions at the boy, as he was eating his crepe and drinking a hot chocolate about writing an essay and using math strategies, when he became upset. She asked why he was upset, and getting no answer, she said it’s okay if he’s upset with her and continued to prod. This was with out giving him anytime to process the situation, perhaps why he was upset and what got him to that point. That, along with the way she communicated with him, as though he was a mid-teenager at least, told me that she didn’t really have any understanding about how to effectively communicate with children, especially ones who may be frustrated or overwhelmed or not that into having that conversation on a Saturday afternoon.

Earlier, she had had asked the boy what made him angry and after rephrasing the question a few times, she finally replaced "angry" with "frustrated." I was a bit relieved that she did because a boy doesn't need to be angry to write a persuasive essay. Why not speak to young people about passions, what they care strongly about? It doesn't always have to come from a place of anger, though it is very okay if it does. Nonetheless, I could tell by the way she communicated with the boy that she worked for a charter school, which she confirmed in a roundabout way when I asked her at some point. Basically, what she was missing and I told her this, was that she was talking to a child, and asking him why he wasn’t doing certain things in rapid succession is ineffective at best. And if she had gotten my “critique” before, as she said she had, then perhaps she should reflect as to why her intentions and the perceptions from the outside don’t match when it comes to the way she deals with children, presumably young black children. I also suggested that she incorporate social emotional skills into her “sessions” so that perhaps the boy, and others, can answer those types of questions comfortably. Being comfortable, or "safe" as she put it came up in our conversation. Safe being as she put it, a "loaded" word. I didn't go there with her, as I felt some basics needed to be addressed. I also reminded her that many adults wouldn’t feel comfortable answering that either, and that she has to consider the many factors that go into how a person communicates, especially children.

I don’t think she was expecting all this when she comfortably let me know that she had read my journal, but after our conversation I still think what I originally wrote stands: here is another instance in the span of thirty minutes where an egotistical mentor/teacher/tutor is loudly proclaiming through their actions for all to hear that they are saving another young person of color or being the factor that ensures their eventual success. I also named it as "White Privilege" and wrote "get back!"

Thanks to mindfulness practices, and the community hot yoga class I participated in earlier, I spoke to her calmly and in a way that she could hear me. At one point, she assumed my choosing my words carefully was me trying to speak nicely or sugar-coat what I was intending to say. But I let her know that it is important to me to speak clearly, in a way that others' can receive what I am saying. And also I let her know that this is my perception, shaped from my nearly ten years teaching/mentoring and coaching in DOE middle schools and high schools as a special educator. The fact that I am of color, went unsaid, though I'm sure not unnoticed.

As for the earlier instance, the girl had gotten an interview for admission to Columbia University and instead of asking what support she need or concerns had, her mentor intensely fired a bunch of suggestions and demands the girl's way. Not once did she ask the girl any type of question; it was all assumption based. And while I'm sure she could support the girl in this process, I'm concerned with the lack of regard she showed towards encouraging and cultivating the girl's own voice.

Until next time, each one teach one still stands.

<3
M

Playing with Colors: Neon Orange Against a Warm Pink

2015-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Peace to all, and happy Tuesday!

As I was breaking my shopping hiatus with an online order from the J.Crew sale section, I was already plotting to pair this orange sweater with this pink pencil skirt. The sweater was a lot more orange in person, and even more neon orange in photos, but I enjoyed the contrast against the warm, pink tone of the skirt. I also love how deeply, evenly brown I look while wearing such a vibrant, orange color.

The Tippi sweater, aptly named neon flame, is a sweater I already can't wait to wear again! It's lightweight but warm and the cut is amazing. I kinda want another one...

The double serge pencil skirt in heather sorbet will be even more fun once I get the waist taken in and I can wear it as a high-waist pencil skirt.

The boots are Matisse via DSW.

The black and cream polka dot bracelet is vintage and the cloth leopard one is A Gypsy's Junk.

The necklace is from H&M. I decided to wear neutral accessories in warm tones to bring the outfit together. Brown leather boots on the bottom, and shades of gray-brown up top as well. Oh, and the glasses are Warby Parker (ordered some new frames that I'll be debuting very soon!)

For makeup, I'm wearing Exhibit A blush by NARS. It's a super-pigmented red blush, that I love. Check out its dopeness (and how red it is) here. I'm also wearing M.A.C. eyeshadow in mulch. I haven't worn eyeshadow for a long while, but this one is inspiring me right now. On my lips, I'm wearing stone with a Viva Glam lipgloss over it.

I just finished this book, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, by Ishmael Beah and wow. The story is very powerful, especially considering the fact that he survived not just with his body either, but he was also able to reclaim his mind. It is definitely a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

On that note, I'm off to work.
<3
M

Today's affirmation: I embrace my light. I allow my light to shine fully.

Socks and Pumps, Pink and Green

2015-10-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

I scheduled this to post just as I am en route to a glamping trip upstate with colleagues and yup, you guessed it, high school students. It's called glamping because it's pretty much a lodge with all the utilities that the last camping experience I went on didn't have. So glamorous camping it is! I'm sure I'll have some stories after this weekend, some to share and some to mull over during 'book clubs' with co-workers.

As you all know, I love a good socks and pumps combination. This one came about so randomly and I almost hesitated to go along with it, but then with each step I took out the door towards work, I felt even more right about this bold choice I was making. But by the time I got to the subway, I was over it, and was just another person doing and wearing whatever they want in this great metropolis of New York City.

Here's what I wore:

From the side, it looks pretty simple: gray sweater from J.Crew Factory, green pencil skirt with zipper detailing from J.Crew, pointelle socks that before this day I thought were peach and not pink are from ASOS, and go-to leather pumps by Frye via Zappos. I mentioned the importance of a skilled, affordable cobbler yesterday... well, these pumps have been 'worked on' about three times in the last three year plus years I've owned them.

Yup, my ankle socks are pink! And my polish is gray-- I love American Apparel polish by the way. Great colors and it actually wears well.

And that is a bicycle on my sweater. I love bikes. Makes me think of Brooklyn and strong legs.

Not sure what this pose is about, but after a long day at work, anything goes!

Notice I kept my accessories very simple-- no earrings and just my nameplate.

Oh, and I had to get an action shot. Here's my point of view. And yup, I've worn this skirt before and blogged about it!

On that note, happy Friday!
<3
M

Today's affirmation: In this moment, I am just the way that I am intended to be.

Yes to Fall and Yes to Headwraps!

2015-10-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone!

This headscarf is the inspiration behind this outfit I wore recently. The headscarf was gifted to me by a colleague about five years ago though I first wore it this past summer.

The colors in this pattern make me happy. Even though I found it perfect for summer, I am also finding it even better for fall with the warm tones of purple, orange and green.

As I am on this fabulously fall kick, here's a look I styled inspired by this headwrap:

The dress is from H&M a few seasons ago, the chunky sweater is from J.Crew, the tights that are dark gray but sometimes look dark green are by Hue, the ankle boots are Frye via Zappos and the suede leopard bag is by J.Crew.

The lighting from thing angle wasn't that great, but I loved the view of these beautiful plants that now decorate the halls.

The colors made me feel all warm and fall-y.

Both of these bangles were gifted to me by my friend ten years ago. They were both her grandmother's. <3

Let's take a moment and acknowledge one of my favorite fall lipsticks: magnetism by Sephora. It is absolutely beautiful! I don't usually go for metallic-type colors, but I'm glad I tried this one because I loved it upon first wear.

I'm also wearing one of my favorite, simple necklaces from J.Crew Factory. It features my spirit animal, the giraffe of course!

Oh and I was reading this book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, at the time and it was so, so good! While reading it during my subway commutes, several children commented on how good it was.

Until next time!
<3

Today's affirmation: I love myself just the way that I am.

Greens and Blues from Top to Bottom

2015-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone,

I was very excited about these ankle-length pants to start, and then even more so after figuring out a way to wear them throughout the impending winter. Ankle-length pants + thoughtful socks + booties = fall and winter appropriate. Even though it's technically fall, several days have felt like straight-up winter days.

Here's a snapshot I took of my pants and boots en route to work. I just picked up my boots the day before from their first trip to the cobbler's. I am grateful that a reasonably priced, skilled cobbler is housed a minute away from my apartment. New York City pavements eat shoes for breakfast, so a shoe person is essential.

I snapped these after an afternoon meeting on my way back to my office to pack up for the day. I'm finding those sometimes random moments to enlist the help of folk at work so that I can keep my blog updated. Things change, the spirit remains the same.

The sweatshirt (still on sale!), pants (also still sale!) and houndstooth socks are J.Crew, the button-down shirt is from Old Navy, the necklace is J.Crew Factory and the boots are Frye.

A close up of my mix of African bracelets. I really enjoyed the colors against the overall colors in this look. (On super busy days, I walk around with my clipboard plush my Macbook... and a water bottle. The water bottle was strategically left out of the impromptu shoot.)

Trying to switch up my poses a bit, though I will admit, I'm most interested in the style aspects. I really enjoyed the mix of greens and blues. I love pairing colors in new ways. Just like I told that one persistent (always with the same question!) student years ago: I don't match; I go.

These boots with their rejuvenated heel allow me to walk properly. Score!

Better lighting. I love a good print, especially houndstooth, always as much as I look playing with colors.

Selfie was I was leaving school for the day. This necklace is from H&M. Most of the strap isn't visible, but it's a bright blue twisted rope instead of a typical chain. My accessories-- Warby Parker glasses from a few years ago, 'fever' blush by M.A.C. and Viva Glam lipgloss, also by M.A.C. Yup, makeup is definitely an accessory, at least how I wear it.

Until next time...
<3
M

Today's affirmation: Today, I let my light shine.

Fabulous Fall: A Cropped Sweater at Work

2015-10-20T03:30:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone!

Here's an outfit I wore and enjoyed lately:

Cropped sweater with built-in statement necklace from H&M, midi a-line skirt from ASOS, leather boots by Matisse, scarf from Calabar Imports years ago, bangles were gifts-- one ten plus years ago and the other more recently.A C

I really enjoyed the fall colors together, with the pop of vibrant colors in the bangle.

This cropped sweater is super versatile. I can layer it over a button up shirt, wear it with high-waist jeans for a casual date, or with a high-waist skirt such as this one for work. Plus the attached statement necklace of sorts takes it to the next level.

I'm wearing one of my go-to fall lipsticks, a deep plum by Sephora, and redish blush. I love the mix of those colors together.

Faux pearl earrings from Express. In this case, I'm wearing them as a color, a neutral one, but a color nonetheless.

I love how my wardrobe-- clothing, shoes, accessories, even nail polish colors-- is like a giant crayon box. I can mix and match and find new combinations with ease. The mix of colors in this bangle represents at least 1, 2, 3 or more pieces of clothing that I have in my closet. I truly live color.

Until next time,
<3
M

Today's affirmation: I'm awake. I'm alive. Thank you Universe for another 24 hours to be myself.

Embodying Fall

2015-10-17T12:09:00.001-07:00

Peace to all,

My colleague's statement summed up this look perfectly: "You look like fall!" I totally agreed, and I enthusiastically let her know that.

Here's what I wore:

Sweater from H&M, corduroy pants are Gap 1969, brown leather boots are Matisse via DSW, and the tweed blazer is from Target. Plus my go-to leather backpack from Madewell.

I love the mix of a neon red-orange over a burgundy-that-sometimes-looks-like-a-dark plum, but with the brown boots, I was feeling very deep-in-the middle-of-winter-ish. So that's where my collar necklace came in and the true highlight of this look, my bright purple lipstick. The blazer added a nice touch of this is most certainly fall to the look.

I absolutely love, love this lipstick. Seriously, I am on my third tube of Heroine by M.A.C. This collar necklace was handmade by my favorite local designer, A Jypsy's Junk . I almost forgot about this broach-- it's a front with rhinestone eyes from J.Crew. I love throwing it on random blazers and sweaters that can withstand the pinhole. A fun, funky touch.

As for the glasses, they are Warby Parker. I just got my latest home try-on kit, so look for a new post and a new pair of glasses or two very soon!

A close up of the melody of colors and textures, plus this bangle that was my Argentine friend's grandmother's. I've had it for ten plus years, but my guess is that it's from the 1960s?

Something I continue to learn in life is that everything is cyclical. Things come and go. I once wore large bangles only, and then I stopped for years, but kept my favorites. And now, I'm digging into them again. Similarly, I'm in the midst of a severe growth period, emotionally and spiritually. In my early 20s, I experienced something similar that I thought was it by the time I was through. Ha! Life is about ups and downs and experiences that help us grow and ideally be the best we can be.

I digress. Below are some snapshots from a happy,happy hour at The Winslow in Gramercy.

Bees Knees cocktail complete with bee pollen and honey. Must be healthful!

The best fries I've had in a long time, served with an aioli sauce so good that we requested a second serving of it, and pretty-good wings in two flavors-- Thai and Buffalo.

Check out my Instagram for more snapshots of tasty eats, as well as other lifestyle bits, and my Yelp page for reviews.

Until next time,

Today's affirmation: I am exactly where I need to be.

Colorful in Pants

2015-10-13T03:30:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

As many of you know already, I love, love color. Here's yet another colorful look that I wore recently. No two colors were repeated, except for when I layered a cropped sweatshirt on top in lieu of a jacket. I'm seriously struggling out here without my denim jacket! These photos were hastily taken, but I really enjoyed my outfit, so here goes:

My feet were cut off, my bad!

But my necklace is captured in all its-kinda-heavy-still-fabulous glory! Yet another reason to smile.

This is no ordinary tee either. It has a mix of textures-- I love a good tee with a subtle level of interest almost as much as I love a crop sweatshirt.

Now for the details: Top is J.Crew, pants are Gap, necklace is from Bauble Bar, pumps are Frye.

I'm wearing my favorite fall lipstick, a deep purple by Sephora; fever blush by M.A.C. and my polish is my current favorite brand-- American Apparel. So random, but those polishes wear well!

Oh, and here's a selfie with the gray sweatshirt I mentioned earlier. My office is super cold, but thank goodness for this soft, comfy, versatile piece.

Until next time,
<3

Today's affirmation is one that I say often, and was given to me (well, a group of us) by Deepak Chopra: I am independent of people's good and bad opinions of me.

Brooklyn Lemonade and Fall Fashion

2015-10-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone!

Fall has finally fallen, and between sporadic burst of steamy weather and chilly days, I'm embracing my chunky sweaters and funky boots.

Here's what a wore on a busy Sunday-- seriously, I went from working the high school fair where many parents assumed I was a student, until I addressed them with my teacher-persona, to enjoying tasty eats and drink with chill folk at the Atlantic Antic Festival. Something that I am thoroughly embracing in my tenth year as an educator and at age 30, is just being myself, even if that means consciously wearing a weekend outfit that would likely be misconstrued. Time is too precious to worry about other people's perceptions.

Here's what I wore:

I am happily continuing to rock this skater dress from ASOS from spring to summer and now into fall. This dress is my best purchase from ASOS thus far, both in cost, durability and versatility (also featured in this summer post).

The chunky cardigan sweater is from J.Crew a few seasons ago. I got it for a steal, and at first I didn't get much wear out of it because it's kinda big and doesn't have any buttons or closure options, save for fingers clutching it closed. At first I didn't know what to do with a huge sweater that doesn't button, but I've since figured it out. Plus it's perfect for fall, especially since I left my beloved denim jacket at a party and when I inquired about it, the host said it wasn't where I'd left it. Ah well, there will be a new denim jacket in my closet very soon.

The socks are by Free People, though where they were purchase at Century 21. Seriously, that day I went into Century 21 on my lunch break, and came out with about six pairs of socks, two over-the-knee pairs by Free People and several other high socks. I really, really like socks.

The boots are a new purchase from DSW, and are by a Brazilian shoe company called Matisse. (You can find them here, also in black.)

With my good friends, Ade and Ade of Brooklyn Lemonade, and their tasty, refreshing ginger lemonade.

The tasty, juicy, huge turkey leg that I enjoyed, and had enough to enjoy for dinner and share with my pup, Almond. Happy days!

Random boots and socks selfie while waiting for the train.

Oh, and I caught a natural hair show that was so much fun. This model totally stole the show and I could only attempt to capture her essence.

Check out the host's purple yarn braids. I live!

Until next time,

<3 M

Today's affirmation, one that I say everyone morning upon waking: I'm awake; I'm alive; Thank you, Universe, for another 24 hours to be myself.

Shades of Blue and Some Affirmations on the Wall

2015-10-12T09:42:00.003-07:00

Hey everyone,

Here are some snapshots of an outfit I wore to work recently. I love colorblocking with colors in the same family. Here I'm wearing a bright blue blouse over a navy skirt and a similarly colored necklace on top.

A blouse tucked into a high waist skirt is always easy, and it's definitely one of my go-to looks as long as the waist of the skirt fits properly. Curvy girl challenges!

Blouse and statement necklace are from J.Crew Factory, skirt is from ASOS, pumps by Fyre and purse is Coach.

I really enjoyed this necklace against this top. I've worn each many times before, but never together. Love, love!

I make many faces through out the day, even when I think I'm not. Ha! Some of my students let me know, and I just laugh it off, because this is actually me toning down my face-making tendencies.

This year, I'm taking the affirmation wall to a new level. Thanks to a generous colleague, a few affirmations are framed and already on the wall. Yes, one is crooked and as I told the student who framed all the print outs, that is just the way it needs to be.

Until next time,
<3
M

The Return of Plaid of a Pop of Neon

2015-10-07T14:12:00.001-07:00

Happy Wednesday!

As promised here's a post revolving around a new favorite that I picked up at Old Navy while killing time before brunch in Harlem recently. Since styling this outfit, I already worn this skirt out dancing at a local spot with a cropped top, of course. I love a versatile, high-waist piece.

Work has been crazy busy, and between adjusting to full weeks of teaching while maintaining a social life, I've been... tired. Happy, but without enough time to write these blog posts in the way I'd like to. That plus some technical difficulties set me back two days. Ah well, here goes.

Here's one of my favorite work looks thus far:

I initially planned to wear this plaid skirt with an orangey-red lipstick-- I totally think about outfits in random parts like that-- but then I decided to have a similar pop effect with this statement necklace with pops of neon yellow, orange and pink.

Lately I've been into polishing my fingernails with two different colors and changing up the random accent nails. So much fun! Assorted gold-tone jewelry from J.Crew Factory and Express via my big sister's closet a few years ago.

The skirt is from Old Navy and surprisingly fits with minimal gaping at the waist, the top is a sturdy denim shirt from Gap 1969 and the necklace is from H&M a few years ago. The pumps are my go-to, brown leather pumps by Frye.

Until next time!
<3
M

Affirmation of the day: I have more than I'll ever need!