Loft Favorites

Hey there, fashionistas!  Long time, no see!  My district had a snow day today, so I had the most glorious day at home!  I may have done a little lot of online shopping from my couch, so it'd probably be in my bank account's best interest to find a new hobby for any future days off.

I am absolutely loving Loft's new arrivals for spring!  I was in need of a new pair of jeans, and I loved the wash of this pair.  

This paisley skirt is an online exclusive, although there is a dress in this same print in stores that is also very cute!  I think this skirt is adorable with the classic gray sweater on the model, and would be darling with a chambray button-down, too!  I ordered a regular in the skirt since I'd like it to fit a little shorter, although it does come in tall and petite also.

 

Isn't this pair of skinny chinos so fun?!  They also come in a "teal glow" and "soft seafoam" color.  I think the "red raspberry" color would pair perfectly with navy stripes for a nautical spring look.

I also added this pair of blossom Riviera shorts to my shopping bag for a Spring Break trip to Orlando.  The 6" inseam and classic style are flattering on almost everyone!  I'll probably pair them with a chambray top or denim jacket like the photo.

I worked at Loft on Sunday, and this floral sleeveless top immediately caught my eye.  By the end of my shift, we'd almost sold out and were completely out of my size.  All sizes are still available online, but if you're loving it for spring, I wouldn't wait too long!  I think it would be darling tucked into a pair of high-waisted flare jeans for spring or a pair of navy shorts for summer.

This stripe shift dress is also a great transitional piece!  It can be worn now with black tights and boots, or later on with a pair of flats or sandals.  I love finding cute dresses in "talls" online, since the regular length is typically too short on me.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  If you've purchased any of today's featured items, leave me a comment and tell me how you styled them!  Anything else catching your eye for spring that I missed? 

October Favorites

I think October has to be my new favorite month to dress for.  The weather is still warm enough to not have to bundle up, but cool enough to start wearing some of my favorite fall staples like my boots, tunics and vests without looking completely ridiculous.  I wanted to share some of my favorite October looks with you for some style inspiration, as well as links to some of the items that are still available in stores.  Happy shopping!

 

 

 

Jenna's Fall Favorites:

DSW Suede Booties

Loft Polka Dot Tunic

Tassel Lariat Necklace

Loft Plaid Shirtdress

Target Plaid Cardigan

JCrew Factory Popover Tunic

Herrinbone Vest (similar)

Hunter Boots

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Leave a comment and let me know which look is your favorite!  I hope to see you back here soon, but in the meantime, find me on Instagram (@thefashionistateacher)  Have a fabulous weekend, friends!

Current Obsessions

We had Parent-Teacher conferences last week in my district, so teachers had Friday off as a comp day.  The 3-day weekend was utterly fantastic, and I feel so accomplished and refreshed, ready to take on next week.  I'd vote for a 3-day weekend EVERY week...wouldn't we all be so much happier and productive? :)

The weekend was full of fun fall activities like pumpkin patching (that's a verb, right?) and Husker football watching (We finally won for once!), but perhaps the BEST thing about this weekend was that the cooler temps allowed me to wear some of my new fall clothes!  I also picked up one or two quite a few new items for fall while I was out and about on Friday and Saturday.

I picked up my sister from college in Lincoln on Friday morning, and we made a stop at the Gretna outlets on our way back to Omaha.  I loved the length of this chambray tunic (perfect with leggings), and we both really liked this red plaid flannel shirt for Husker games to wear underneath our black or herringbone quilted vests (we happen to have a lot of matching clothes).  

This is how I styled the tunic on Saturday:

 I purchased the scarf in this pic here (this color is currently sold out, but may restock), and the watch is Michael Kors.

After a Husker win on Saturday (finally!) my mom, sis and I were in a really good mood, so we decided to head out to Village Pointe for a little more shopping.  I was loving the chilly weather, since it was a great day to wear my new plaid scarf from JCrew Factory (sooooo soft!), Loft moto jacket, and DSW booties.

Find this cute Target doormat here.

I had REALLY good luck at Loft on Saturday!  This Lou & Grey tunic is super comfortable and can be easily dressed up for work with a pair of black or printed leggings and boots.  I couldn't find this color online, but find the striped version here.  

I had to snatch the polka dot blouse right away, since I was kicking myself for not buying the similar version last year. I love the Kate Spade-esque look to it, and can't wait to pair it with my hot pink cardigan or red skinny pants for school!  This color is unavailable online, but find the plush cream color here.

Whew!  I need to hand over my credit card for awhile.  I had WAY too much luck this weekend!  But it's all sooooo cute, right? ;)  Hmmm...I do actually have a way you could help me out.  Head on over to my new Instagram page @fashionistateacherscloset to check out some great deals on new and gently used items from my closet.

Have a great week, fashionistas!  Thanks for stopping by!

 

The Blogger Who Wore Joggers

Okay, guys.  I'm seriously stepping out of my comfort zone with this outfit today.  Let's rephrase that and say "running leap" out of my comfort zone.  I've always thought joggers were ridiculously cute (on other people), but just could never pull them off myself!  Just look at these stylish ladies on Pinterest!

 Up until today, I've never actually worn a pair of my own.  I've tried plenty on, but they haven't ever fit me quite right because of my long legs.  Then, I went into Loft a couple of weeks ago (where I've taken a little break from working this fall), and the fabulous ladies encouraged me to try on this pair of charcoal joggers.  Since they're made of a tweed fabric, I knew they'd be a little dressier for work.  I paired them with a simple, look fitting V-neck tee and my burnt orange Loft cardigan from last fall.  The joggers were super comfy, but didn't appear too casual for work since I tried to incorporate some dressier pieces into my outfit.

Here are my top 4 (amateur) tips for pulling off this look for work:

1. A slouchy tee or a chambray button-down look great with joggers!  Just remember accessorizing is key for work!  You don't want to look like your headed to the gym!  

2. A summery wedge or fall bootie with a heel will really dress up your look, and are both really cute with joggers!

3. For a more structured look on top, try a blazer or leather jacket to give your outfit a high-low effect.  

3. If you're still not quite sure how to style your joggers, go for a mono-chromatic look.  Black joggers paired with a black heel, black jacket or long cardigan and a dark gray tee is a really classy look.

Ready to try this trend?  You can find Loft's entire selection of joggers here.  I'd love to see how you style yours!  Just tag @thefashionistateacher on Instagram.  Happy "jogger-ing!"

 

I'm Baaaaaack!

Hey guys!  It's me, your long-lost blogger friend!  I swear I think about posting on this little blog at least weekly, but then life just gets in the way!  Now that the beginning of the school year craziness is starting to wind down, I'm hoping to be back to posting more on the regular.  You are all such awesome supporters and I so appreciate your sweet comments!  Thanks for sticking with me  :-)

I figured I better give you a little update on my life lately since it's been so darn long, so here goes:

Logan and I had a GREAT summer and traveled a ton!  We spent a week with his family in Estes Park in June, celebrated the 4th with my family in Okoboji, visited his brother in Dallas at the end of July, and flew to California for Labor Day weekend to visit friends.  Next up, we're headed to Minneapolis for Logan to run the Twin Cities marathon, and then I'm ready to chill at home for quite awhile!  All this traveling has been super fun, but I'm perfectly fine with being a homebody for the next few months!

We also finished our basement this last winter/spring, so we've been really trying to enjoy it this summer!  I'm hoping to post some more photos for you here soon!  We installed a projector instead of a T.V. and so far it's been great for football games this fall (and it's perfect for Bachelorette / Dancing with the Stars viewing parties, too!)  

I'm trying really hard to stay on a shopping budget with all of the basement and traveling expenses from this summer, but I feel like I'm really analyzing my purchases more than I did before, and getting more use out of my existing wardrobe.  I'm not working at Loft this fall, and that has actually helped me spend a little less, but I miss the interactions with my fun co-workers and clients, and the discount too :)

My school year is off to a great start!  I have a sweet group of 19 kiddos, which seems like a really small group compared to 26 from last year!  My team is brand-new to each other, but things seem to be going really well!  I've kept my owl theme, but moved classrooms, so I'm hoping to have some photos to show you in the next month or so.

The puppies are cute as ever, and Henry celebrated his first birthday last week.  He is our little rescue Yorkie we adopted back in November from the same rescue our sweet Rosie girl was from, who passed away last May.

While I've been neglecting the blog, I've been posting plenty of outfit and daily life photos over on Instagram.  Follow along if you aren't already: @thefashionistateacher.  Hoping to be back again next week!  I miss you guys!

Lily for Target

Well, hello darlings!  I am sooooo looking forward to Sunday because that is the day 'Lily for Target' finally launches!  I just love the bright prints and hues Lily Pulitzer is known for, and this collection is no exception, plus the affordable Target prices are a HUGE plus!  Today I'm sharing some of my top picks from the Lily 'Look Book,' currently online.  Happy shopping, fashionistas!

 

   Now, head on over to my Instagram page (@thefashionistateacher) to find out how to win a $270 Target gift card!  Wouldn't that make your Lily shopping spree even more enjoyable?!  Hurry, the giveaway ends on Sunday!

If you haven't already, check out my guest post for debwatley.com here about the Top 3 historical fiction books my 4th graders love!

Have a GREAT week!

Spring Wish List

Does anyone else get SUPER excited when all of the new arrivals for spring start to hit stores?  Maybe it's because winter is just SO. DARN. LONG. in Nebraska, or possibly because I miss all of the bright hues during the cold-weather months.  Here are the items currently topping my "wish list" for spring.

Coated Denim Jacket - Lobster Sweater - Statement Necklace - Rain Boots - 

Flutter Sleeve Top - Scallop Shorts - Relaxed Skinny Jeans 

 Crystal Stud Earrings - Scallop Heathered Sweater

Snowy Sunday Uniform

Happy New Year!  I hope you've all had a GREAT start to 2015!  I can't believe how quickly my winter break went... I go back tomorrow already!  It was so nice to have two weeks off, but I worry about getting back into the swing of things since I've been doing a whole lot of nothing this week! :)

To help ease myself back in, I've started prepping some outfits to wear over the next couple weeks.  I'm hoping that having one less thing to think about at 7 A.M. will allow for less hectic mornings.  I am definitely NOT a morning person, so 5 extra minutes of sleep is heaven for me!  When I am in my most creative state of mind (usually around midnight) I hang the whole outfit (pants, top, accessories, etc) on one hanger in my closet so that I can just grab and go.  This system has worked very well for me in the past!

I wanted to show off one of my "prepped" outfits that I wore to church today, as it is already a winter favorite!  My stylish mama gifted me this JCrew Factory vest for Christmas, and I loved how this Lou & Grey textured sweater complimented the pattern so well.  I know it will be a great look for school on chilly days and will easily transition to weekends, too.  

Puffer vest: JCrew Factory (available here)

Sweater: Lou & Grey via Loft (available here)

Watch: Olivia Pratt via Very Jane (available here) 

Jeans: Loft (available here)

Boots: Nine West (available here)

Be sure to follow on Instagram or Facebook for daily style inspiration, if you're not already!  I wish all you teachers the best of luck as you go back to school this week... we can do it!  Have a blessed 2015, loves!

A Tall Girl's Guide to Fashion

I've spent my life being a tall girl, and at 5'9 1/2" I've learned that height has it's blessings and curses, especially when it comes to fashion.  I tend to be able to wear a wide variety of styles, whether it be in dresses, denim or pants, some trendier styles that my shorter friends struggle to make work for them.  I also hardly ever have to get anything hemmed or altered, which is definitely a blessing!  My biggest struggle in tall girl fashion is hardly ever being able to find the perfect length of pants or dresses in my favorite stores.  I also would love to wear cute heels more often, but end up towering over everyone around me (including my 5'10" husband)  when I do.  Today I want to share a couple of my tips and tricks for how you can stand above the rest of the fashion world in style. 

1. I love fall and winter because I can buy dresses that would typically be too short to wear bare legged during the summer, but actually look like a proper length when paired with leggings and boots.  This is a dress I purchased this summer from Loft that ended up being too short to wear.  I loved the chambray shirt-dress style too much to take it back, so I ended up saving it to wear with leggings and boots later on.  I ended up LOVING this look for a baby shower over the weekend, and plan to get plenty of use out of it for school, too! 

2. Try the pants or dress on for size (minus length) in the store, and then see if it's available online in a "tall" size.  I buy all of my work pants from either Loft or Gap because they offer tall sizes online, and buy most of my dresses from Loft.  Find Loft's tall selection here and Gap's here.  Gap even offers some denim and pants in "talls" in the store.

3. I am grateful to be able to wear both skinny jeans and boyfriend jeans well.  If I'm not able to find what I'm looking for in either style in a "tall", I might wear the regular size as an ankle length, cuff them into capris, or tuck them into a boot.

4. As a tall girl, flats and boots without a heel are my best friend in the fall and winter.  Thankfully, as an elementary teacher, heels are pretty unrealistic anyway.  Most of my flats are JCrew Factory, Target, or Sperry Topsider.  My favorite pairs of riding boots are Nine West and Banana Republic from a couple of seasons ago.



Fellow long-legged beauties, now I want to hear from YOU!  What are your fashion tips and tricks?  Favorite places to shop? 

 Thanks so much for popping by today, fashionistas! Find me on Instagram for weekly fashion inspiration.  I plan to be back later on this week with my classroom tour (FINALLY!) Hope to see you soon!

 

JCrew Factory Fall Finds

Happy (almost) Friday, fashionistas!  I hope your 4-day week has just been stellar!  

Logan and I enjoyed a long weekend trip to Denver over Labor Day and we had a great time!  I had never been before, and it was fun to explore the city and enjoy some quality time together.  The second day we were there, Logan wanted to check out Boulder, because of its fabulous reputation for running, and there just HAPPENED to be an outlet mall on the way 20 minutes out of the way.  I knew JCrew Factory was having a big Labor Day sale and I also just happened to have a 30% coupon burning a large hole in my pocket, so I convinced Logan to make a pit stop with me, and I had SUCH. GOOD. LUCK!  I couldn't wait to show off how I styled each of these cute tops for fall!

The polka dots on this first tee were just screaming my name from across the store.  I love the casual baseball tee look for weekends, but could still wear it for work with a pair of khakis or a full skirt.  If you're looking for a cute statement necklace for fall, JCrew Factory has an excellent selection!  I wear so much navy, so I knew this one would be the perfect addition to my collection!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this embellished tee for fall!  I added it to my bag mostly because maroon and white are my sister's school colors, and I plan on attending a LOT of her sporting events this year because it's her senior year!  I think this tee would be perfect to wear to work on her game days so that I don't have to change again after school. 

 

I bought a navy striped tee at JCrew Factory this summer and have worn it so much, I really regretted not buying another color!  This gray tee is pretty similar, so I knew I better get it.  I love how cute it looks with my Gap denim vest and green khakis.  Another top that transitions easily from work to weekend!

Although I LOVE the first three tops, I think this fourth has to be my favorite.  It is actually pretty hard for me to find cute tops in red, probably because I live in the midst of Husker nation, so red anything goes pretty fast here.  I love the vibrancy of red, and I wear the color pretty much every Saturday in the fall, so it's nice to have a good selection in my closet :)

 Don't forget that JCrew and JCrew Factory offer a 15% off teacher discount with your teacher ID, and it can usually be used on top of other sales.  I love stores that appreciate teachers! :)

 Have a GREAT Friday and a FABULOUS weekend, lovelies!   Thanks for reading!

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