How to Celebrate Read Across America Week

So as you know I am a teacher but what you may not know is how much I love Read Across America week! This is by far my favorite time of the year. It is a fun and engaging way to foster a love of reading with elementary students by celebrating one of the greats, Dr. Seuss' birthday. 

The best sweatshirt and vest combo

Happy Friday, well Fri-YAY. All week I have felt a bit under the weather and starting with last night it's gotten progressively worse and I just wasn't feeling like my best self and therefore wasn't able to compose my post on time for my usual schedule. Anyway sorry for the delay, but I wanted to share today's outfit because I am obsessed with this combo. 

Podcasts and the best winter jacket on sale!

Wow! I can't believe it is already Thursday. This year (let alone )week is flying by. Oh and another disclaimer (these have been happening a lot lately) I measure years by the school year, not calendar year. The. life. of. a. teacher.

Photo from Google Images.

The Best Sweater for under $50

I am obsessed with this sweater. The colors alone are fabulous enough to fall in love with it. It is also long enough to wear with leggings so it gets double points in my book. 

Once Upon a Time...

Once upon a time there was a castle in the clouds and we spent the weekend there. The castle overlooks the view of Okemo mountain keeping us pumped all weekend long about hitting the slopes! Every year my family and family friends gather for a long weekend in Vermont. The weekend is filled with laughter and adventure. Whether playing games around the gigantic dining room table, cozying up by the fire, skiing or going for a hike I need to be prepared for anything. 

What to Wear on the Mountain for a Ski Trip

Happy Monday Lovelies! 

Today's post is all about what I wore this past weekend at Okemo. In addition to demonstrating how following my 5 essential tips for skiers (and snowboarders) has me maximizing my skiing experience. 

5 essential tips for the SKI mountain (Yes, this applies to snowboarders too)

Tip Number One: Don't wear all your layers until you are ready to go on the mountain. 

I always make the mistake of piling on my layers at home and by the time I get to the mountain after sitting in the car, even for a 10 minute drive from our rental, has me used to the heat and suddenly cold! Jackets like this one (I just got this season) are perfect  because they come with removable layers. This particular jacket has a removable faux fur liner, which serves as a sweatshirt on the way to the mountain. Also, if the conditions have suddenly changed you find you are getting too warm; you can always just wear the jacket shell. 

Rainy Day Attire: SALE ALERT!

A few weeks back I posted my rainy day work attire on Instagram and got a few inquiries about it. 

But first... a disclaimer: it was freezing when my boyfriend and I later decided to shoot these photos so pardon my expressions and lack of variety in photos. Alright, now let's get started. This sweater was a target find and under $15. It is still on sale and in stock, so go order yours. Quick!

How to wear a jean jacket during the Winter

Since starting my blog I have learned something new everyday. My most recent lesson was on widgets, the scrolling shopping link found at the bottom of today's page.  I am so excited about this feature since it displays an image of the item and links you directly to the store I purchased it from. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think in the comments section.

The most versatile blue gingham button down

    So I realized this weekend that Lent is officially in full swing and I haven't shared what I gave up. In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle I gave up using the elevator. As soon as I tell people this their follow up question is always "Why?!" And my answer is simple. Because I want to ensure I am living a healthy lifestyle! Like anyone, I can be extremely lazy and lugging groceries and other bags after a long day at work up flights of stairs is not as appealing to me when the elevator is directly across from the stairs!.So I gave it up. I have found the large reusable bags ($1.00 at Homegoods) are Great for piling in the groceries. They end up distributing the weight easier and I can put it over my shoulder freeing up my hands for other items. I also recently got the cutest Lilly Reusable bag (it sells out super fast, but I will keep my eye out for it to later link it for you.) I am looking forward to using it as a beach tote during the summer.

   I also gave up shopping (excluding groceries and other necessities). I know what you are thinking... "How can you have a fashion blog and not shop all the time?" It's going to be a HUGE challenge for me. I wouldn't necessarily say I have a problem, well at least not a big one. I do LOVE to shop, but I am very conscious of my money and live within my means. So, in order to stay true to myself and my goal of this fashion and lifestyle blog I figured I would challenge myself (and YOU) to create the upcoming 40 posts using pieces I (and you) already own! 

   

    I can't remember what celebrity started the "party nail" trend, but thank you to whom ever did! I truly love it. This combo has to be my favorite. It seriously matches everything!I highly recommend this Essie color: Chinchilly and Deborah Lippmann (totally worth the splurge)!

My staple arm candy consists of my Marc Jacob Watch, Pandora Bangle and Cape Cod Bracelets- If you love signature and original bangles, then you should definitely make a trip out to Eden in Cape Cod where they measure the bracelet to fit your wrist. It was so fun picking out what ones I wanted for staples in my daily arm party. 

   Also, these "boot socks" are actually just cuffs that I found at Francesca's (prior to Lent beginning) and after all the additional sales they were only $3.00! What a steal.

    What did you give up for Lent? 

Shop today's Outfit of the Day:

Shop today's Jewelry:

What to wear on Valentine's Day: Part 2

Hey all! I wanted to give you a second option for a Valentine's Day outfit. I especially love the romantic feel of this one, because after all, who doesn't love pink?!

In order to stick with my theme of using what you already own to make new outfits I have actually made this outfit using the SAME turtle neck and skirt from yesterday's option! 

For today's look I've added some bright pink lip stick ( as inspired by my Valentine's Day Gift Guide)

Scarves are a great, easy and affordable way to change up an outfit. I love the way the colors in this pretty pink scarf match the coat, as well as my sweater.

I was also excited because I was able to wear my Kendra Scott Rose Earrings again! 

I couldn't forget this adorable reusable cup from Starbucks! Little accents like this really help me get into the holiday spirit.

Lastly, I added a pair of my favorite shoes! They have the cutest bows on them!

I hope you enjoyed taking a look at another way to create a Valentine's day outfit! 

What are your plans for the weekend?

Shop items in this post:

Shop today's Outfit of the Day:

7 Steps for creating the Perfect Valentine's Day Outfit: Part 1

Hello my Lovely Readers 

The post you have all been waiting for is finally here! I know Valentine's day is an EXTREMELY touchy subject whether single or in a relationship it is a lot of pressure. However, it is a good excuse to get dressed up and grab a bite to eat with your sweetie or bestie. Today's post is all about how you can create new looks using two key pieces that are already in your closet.

Let's get started:

Step one: grab a turtle neck sweater and cute flirty skirt. 

I've selected my favorite J.Crew turtle neck sweater and my go-to flippy skirt from Stitch Fix (also pictured here) (similar skirt). 

And... what's a Valentine's outfit without some red? In order to get in the holiday spirit I added my red bow Valentino bag! A very close family friend was so sweet and passed this beauty along to me, I am so grateful. 

Step two: add a statement bag.

Step three: add a fun jean or leather jacket (it is winter)

OH, and you can also add some sunnies for a chic look.

Step five: add your favorite statement necklace.

Step six: treat yourself. Buy yourself a little something you deserve it.

As y'all know I love roses so these were my treat to myself. Plus they look great in photos and make my office smell great.

Step seven: let's not forget the shoes. Go ahead pull out your favorite pair, you have to look good to feel good!

And now you are date-night ready.

How to make leggings work for work!

 Let me start by saying I think outfits like this are great, I see ones similar all over pinterest and other blogs and wish I could get away with this on a day to day basis but I can't. Being a teacher it is important that you set the expectation and standard for your students and dress appropriately. 

SO... Today's post is all about how to take an outfit like this (below) a semi-long sweater, leggings and boots

And... turn it into this!

Alright, so I know y'all are wondering how did I decide where to start? I started with something that was a problem for me in the outfit, the length of the sweater. It wasn't long enough for me to wear to work so I added this knit black and white striped skirt to add more length to the sweater, without taking away the comfortable or causal feel of the original outfit. 

Next, I added the pearl necklace to bring some lighter colors to the top of the outfit. I often find choosing a necklace to be challenging! There is usually more than one option that will go, but for this outfit I liked the way the pearls picked up the white in the skirt. 

Since the pearls have a lighter color and gold accents to them it helped me determine the rest of my accessories. I decided on a floral bracelet, my favorite bracelet from Stella & dot, my go-to earring set and of course my best bag from my favorite lady!

Lastly, I added this vest for added warmth and texture to the outfit. 

 There you have it! Today's step by step process in making leggings work for work! 

Thanks for checking in and I can't wait to hear what y'all thought about today's post!

What to read this winter:

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I am SO excited about this post. Reading is a huge passion of mine, in addition to fashion and other things. Right before I relocated back to my hometown, my friend invited my to join her book group and I am SO happy I did! Joining a book club was a great decision!  It is a monthly excuse to get together with a group of friends that have something in common. This last point is especially great because even if you don't know everyone in the group you have a set topic to fall back on if conversation lacks.

 Okay, so let's get to my book recommendations: 

One: Disclaimer this book is definitely a thriller. What I love most about this book is the way the author kept a secret/curve ball right until the end, without giving anything away!  This a great book for Girl on The Train book lovers!

Two: The Best of Me, this is a great read for any romantic. It is a testament to true love and fate. 

Three: Girls in White Dresses is about that pivotal turning point when friends start to get married. I know a lot of my friends and I have been spending the past few years really focusing finding ourselves and establishing our jobs and this book reminds you to enjoy all the little things in life!

Four: Before I go to Sleep another thriller. For movie lovers this is a great book to compare and contrast book to film.

Five: The Husband's Secret, so they say save the best for last. This book is definitely a must read! It presents you, the reader, with the question of what would you do when you suddenly discover your husband's darkest secret, would you reveal it or protect it?

I love that I am able to share this passion with you and can't wait to hear from y'all! In the comments section (click on the title of this post to comment and if you don't have an account there is an anonymous option) let me know what books you are going to read, any book recommendations you may have and most importantly your thoughts on the books! 
Let's get this conversation started! 

I've also included some photos from our previous book club meetings. Did I mention we LOVE to eat?!

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What to wear to the beach during Winter

While it's snowing outside...I am dreaming of my trip to the beach last weekend! As I have mentioned before I live a couple blocks away from the beach and love it. There is nothing better than a nice relaxing walk along the beach after a stressful day at work or running along the board walk, the beach makes everything better!

Hudson jeans are my favorite. They are great for tall ladies! 

Similar pair here.

These are my first pair of Kendra Scott earrings and I am so excited! What do you think?!

I love Kate Spade's Holiday Collections. The secret: buy it after the holidays. I know it is difficult to wait, but your wallet will thank you! My mom and I each bought a holiday bag at the end of January one year for under $50! 

Also, these Jessica Simpson pumps are my FAVORITE! I wear them all the time to work. My co-workers actually make fun of me because I wear them so much but they are the perfect nude pump. And did I mention they are surprisingly really comfortable! 

Hello Weekend, I have been waiting for you...

PS I tend to be a really silly person so while taking pictures I of course had to go "feel" the water and by "feel" I totally faked it! It's too cold for me, but I did run around and look for pretty shells!