Back to School Basics for Teachers

Back to School Basics by embellishedangel

Part of the initial reason why I started this little fashion blog was to share some teacher wardrobe inspiration with my two teacher nieces. As teachers, we must be appropriately dressed each and every day and being fashion forward and functional can be a bit of task. Not to mention that we don't want to spend loads of cash on our staples either. I'm going to share a few items that show up in my outfit choices week after week as I work my teacher closet. 

1. Basic pencil skirt: This is a perfect skirt option for teachers as it is a great length and fit for the rigors of a teaching day. I recommend getting one in a basic neutral (black, navy, gray, or tan) and you will be pleasantly surprised at its versatility. This type of skirt also looks great with nearly every shoe type....flats, heels, boots....go for it! 

2. Fitted neutral blazer: If your school is anything like mine, the temperature in the building can be a bit unpredictable. Mine even changes from one hallway to the next. I adore my neutral blazers and have one tagging along with me to school every day--especially in the tricky fall and spring seasons. Blazers also add a perfect professional vibe to any outfit.

3. Dark denim skinnies: Some schools have rules about wearing denim. Whether you can wear them on Fridays, workshop days, or any day, having a dark wash skinny is a must. The dark wash makes them look less like jeans and more like trousers. The skinny fit should be appropriate and match the overall dress vibe of your school setting. Throw the blazer mentioned in #2 with these puppies and you can get away with jeans more than you think. 

4. Floral Print: My favorite trend for fall are the bold floral patterns. However, I am having the hardest time investing in a large floral fashion piece like a top or dress. Yet, I have loved adding it in my accessories. I snagged a floral scarf at Charlotte Russe and have been throwing it over so many tops! The florals add a perfect feminine touch that is needed sometimes. 

5. Flats: Flats are a teacher's best friend. I use to try and schelp around in heels when I first started teaching but my feet rebeled. Boy did I love it when flats made a come back. You can find some darn cute flats in every color with all sorts of embellishment. I could not live without my neutral cognac pair, but don't forget what a great pop of color flats can be! 

6. Flowy tops: Professional outfits can be a bit dowdy looking if the blouse is too stuffy. Call on my favorite gal Lauren Conrad (I like to call her LC--we are peeps ya know!) if you want a professional looking shirt for under a blazer or cardigan that has loads of style and fashion flair. LC adds just the right print and detail to her tops to make them not-so-ordinary. They are also light weight and breathable. 

7. Trouser/dress pants: I have a pair of these in every neutral color and they cycle through my teacher wardrobe enough to make somebody dizzy. They drape beautifully and look utterly professional whilst still being comfy. My favorites are from NY& Co but I just bought a pixie length pant from The Limited (they have leather trim...bah!) that I am head over heels in love with. Whether you like a straight length and cut or you prefer more of a trouser hem, these pants will be a work horse while you work. 

8. Gold accessories: Gold is in gals. Jump on the bandwagon if you have not already. Get yourself a layered gold set and wear it with everything. Tell people that ask you that I told you to. Its the perfect compliment to nearly every outfit. 

Styling Your Shape: Horizontal Stripes

Stripes! Horizontal stripes are no longer a No-No. Now they are an Oh-Yes! The old rule was no horizontal stripes because it made you look wider than you really are. However, if you find the right pattern, it will be more flattering than you think. Give it a chance!

The striped dress is one of my ALL TIME favorites!! The black and white works well with any color of accessories. This one piece creates a ton of different looks! And totally classy! LOVE!! Remember the Black and Brown post, some brown boots would be amazing with this dress!

A basic white and navy Striped shirt is in our original Fashion Foundation post. This is one of my favorites, I wear it ALL of the time as a neutral and for layering.

Notice the different colors and widths of the stripes. Pick one that works best for you. Let us know what you find.


~Holly

Six Ways to Style--a Basic White T

We are getting some awesome feedback about our Six Ways to Style posts! So many new ideas coming soon! A few people have asked us to style some of our Fashion Foundation pieces--things that most of you already have in your closets. So here we are with how to style a basic white T-shirt. BTW--we have also had a few requests to link where one can find similar outfit pieces...AS YOU WISH! Tomorrow is the last day to enter our giveaway!

Where to find some perfect white T's? We adore several of the styles Target sells. They are amazing because they have just the right amount of stretch and can be found in V-neck and crew neck. We were able to snag some on sale for between $5.00-$7.00!

1. Max It Out
We all know about my healthy addiction to all things maxi length. It seems so strange to me that I once feared the maxi length because of my shorter stature. Pairing a wine hued maxi skirt with a basic white T and a wide belt creates one of the cutest and most comfortable outfits I have had on in a while. I turned around and wore this exact outfit the next day!  Throwing on my awesome, studded Steve Madden gladiator sandals didn't hurt either.

White T: Target (see link above)
Belt: Von Maur (similar)
Skirt: Homemade (Thanks Mama!) (similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden, Von Maur (similar)
Necklace: Charlotte Russe (similar)


2. It's in the Bag
I love this laid back look. The camel/cognac tone is the perfect color to accessorize this basic look. I added the hat for a little flare and layered two gold longer necklaces to add a little dimension to finish it off. LOVE it!!

White T: Target (see link above)
Skinny jeans: Herberger's (Union Bay)
Sandals: Target (same)
Hat: Target (similar)
Bag: Garage Sale! (similar)


3. Green Expectations
Note that I chose green boyfriend capris for this look but really ANY colored bottom (of any length--pants, shorts, whateva!) will rock the look. I do really enjoy the contrast between the white and green and how the whole outfit looks simply put together.

White T: Target (see link above)
Pants: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden (see link in #1)
Necklace: Forever 21  (similar)


4. Khaki Kool
White and khaki always make a good combo. These wide leg pants give a little extra detail to the entire look. I threw on one of my favorite beaded necklaces and of course my leopard flats. Stylish but simple.

White T: Target
Pants: Abercrombie (similar)
Flats: Target (same)
Necklace: Lia Sophia

5. Neon Niche
I just cannot get enough of neon this season. The bright, bold hues just make me giddy. Love. Love. Love. How perfect does this simple outfit become with a couple pops of neon accessories? Seriously people--this is so easy! How many of us run around in cut-offs and a white T but feel like a fashion slouch? It is so SIMPLE to add accessories and totally RAISE THE BAR! You can do it! 

White T: Target
Belt: Forever 21(similar)
Denim Shorts: American Eagle (similar)
Shoes: Relativity at Herberger's  (same)


6. Basic with a Bow
High waisted shorts are right it style these days. These are super comfy, and the bow is such a cute detail. I chose a coral bead necklace as the finishing touch, but really any statement necklace would go. Gray is an easy color to coordinate with. Nude pumps complete the look.

White T: Target (see link above)
Shorts: from my friend Leah (shout out to you girl!) (similar)
Necklace: Groopdealz
Pumps: garage sale! (similar)

Fashion Foundation: How to build a wardrobe of essentials! {TOPS}

Every woman's closet is distinctly different. Different favorites. Different essentials. Different style. We all have our own sense of personal style and our own definition of what style even means. However, I believe we can all build our own style on a similar foundation of wardrobe essentials. Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to share posts about certain pieces that belong in every closet. Pieces that can be built off of and styled many different ways by each one of us. We in no way think everyone should own each of these pieces but I do think they are great starting points for great outfits. They also will help alleviate the "closet death stare" when you absolutely cannot find ANYTHING to wear. Anybody feeling me here? We are going to start with the 6 TOP/SHIRTS foundation pieces. Comment and share what you think should be added to the list!

1. White and Chambray button up
These are my go-to-pieces for just about anything. I use them under sweaters, over tanks, and alone and it all WORKS. They have no season and can be used in warm and cold months. A light chambray shade goes with just about anything but I have a dark wash one as well. Start with a shade that you love and add others over time. Roll the sleeves and rock it!

2. Basic T's
Start with black and white T's....and then add more neutrals over time. Some people would say you need tanks, and T's, and long sleeves but I think it all depends on your climate and your layering preferences. I really don't care for long sleeves T's because I tend to layer with a blazer or a cardigan and long sleeves get bunchy and drive me crazy. I'm a T and tank kind of girl. Add a oatmeal one and a gray one over time and you will have the foundation for just about any outfit.

3. Basic Tanks
I hate when people repeat themselves so I won't. See my rambling reasons above regarding basic T's and you'll get the idea for tanks too. Make sure you find a neckline that you are comfortable with and buy several colors of the same brand. I also like to buy mine a bit on the long side for layering with leggings. (BTW-- I often repurchase white T's and tanks each year...they can look dingy after a year of use and a new one is a better option.)

4. Stripes and Polka dots
I am obsessed with these two patterns and I find they can really make an outfit POP! Mixing these patterns is totally okay as well. Find a basic stripe and dot with a neutral background and it will become your fashion best friend. Throw on a bold colored cardigan or blazer and your outfit is practically set!

5. Texture and Color
Every wardrobe needs a few loud and colorful pieces to throw on when life gets dreary. So many people say, "I just can't wear 'that' color" or "You can wear that color but I could never pull it off." My answer is....just do it. Find 2-3 colors that look great with your skin tone and rotate them through your outfits. And while your at it, buy tops with interesting fabric draping or lace accents. Even with just a pair of jeans, these bold, detailed tops can make you look fancy and pulled together. If the color scares you a bit, throw a neutral cardigan over it to tone it down a tiny, teeny bit.

6. Animal Print
I love me some animal print...zebra....cheetah....bring it! I truly believe an animal print T or blouse is a fashion foundation piece. You can stay neutral with your pants and outer layer, but if you've thrown in a cheetah print top you have a winner! Keep the animal print simple and classy and it will be a wardrobe workhorse for you.

My Beauty Must-Haves

We all have those beauty items that we use EVERY day. When they run out, we make a special trip to get more. We would miss them if they were gone. Life would not be the same if they were (gasp!) discontinued. Today I am going to share a short list of a few items that play vital roles in my daily beauty routine. These products are tried and true and I stand behind each one. We each have our own hair and skin care priorities and these products reflect my own. Take the best and leave the rest!

1. Kenra 25 hairspray
 I used to be a die hard Big & Sexy Spray and Play Harder fan. However, I was noticing some residue (flakiness) in my hair after a few uses and got a little turned off. (I only wash my hair every 3 days--yes--3) I switched to Kenra 25 about a year ago and have never looked back. This is not a hairspray for the faint of heart. It has a firm hold and feels firm as well. This works for me as I want my hair (especially curls) to stay all day.

2. EOS Lip Balm
These little cuties come in about 7-8 different flavors and they all rock (mint is my fave!). The first few uses you will notice your lips "shedding" a bit due to a bit of exfoliation from the product. Pretty much from there on out your lips will feel fantastic. The balms are organic and have no wax or paraben. I'll admit-they are not the easiest things to carry around in your pocket but I could really care less. I love them!

3. Naked palette from Urban Decay
This palette is EVERYWHERE and you can watch about a million tutorials on youtube for how to use it. It is hugely popular and they even have a Naked 2 palette as well. Bottom line: a palette blessed with amazing neutral shades across a wide color spectrum that have stellar staying power. Most of the shades  (all but two--nude and buck) have a bit of shimmer. It has a steep price of 50 bucks but it could seriously be the only palette you own and you could create many, many looks with it.

4. MAC paint pots
I own two of these puppies--Bare Study and Soft Ochre. This is an excellent creme shadow and acts as a superb base to eye shadows. You barely use any at a time and my two pots have lasted for-eva!

5. Big & Sexy Root Pump
I used to complain about my heavy and thick, yet limp (at the roots) hair to my hairdresser. She told me I had two options: (1) Use some kind of root lift or volume mousse, (2) Get a good teasing comb. Well, I did both and it has made a world of difference. I think there are a few root lifters out there that I would like to try but I love Big & Sexy so much that I can't bear to change. I apply a copious amount at my roots (with the foghorn nozzle thing you can get a pretty direct shot) all over my head. Rub it in with your fingers and blow dry upside down. Voila! Instant root lift. I can even rub my roots with my fingers during the day and get a little "reactivation" when I feel my hair getting weighed down.

6. Hot Tools curling iron
I bought curling irons for YEARS at Target and Walmart and just made do. They curled my hair and with a bit of product I could make the curls last. However, it wasn't until I bought a high end straightener that I wondered what a difference heat and barrel material would make on my curls. Well folks, it makes a big difference. They usually run about 50 bucks but I held out and got my sweet pink one for $29.99 at Ulta.

7. Gel Liner
The one I have pictured here is from Clinique and is the one I return to the most often. However, I have tried other high ends ones (MAC Fluid track liner) and drugstore (Wet & Wild) and they all pretty much work the same. The precision and staying power of a gel liner is next to none. I'm not gonna lie to ya--it takes some practice to use this product well. Once its on its ON. I use short feathery strokes and simply take my time. A winged line is done perfectly with this gel liner. Two cons: (1) keep it airtight because it will dry out and then its WORTHLESS. (2) You are going to need some strong make-up remover to get this stuff off.

8. MAC Hug Me Lipstick
This may very well be the perfect lipstick. The color looks good on anybody. The texture is nearly that of a lip balm and it has a sweet smell that I'm can't quite put my finger on. I tell anyone who will listen about this lipstick. Get one. Now.