The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 28

Woo Pig Sooie, y'all! It didn't feel like fall today, but between Razorback football on tv and the scent of my "sweater" candle from Bath and Body Works, it was pretty darn close for August. I cleaned the house while Zach mowed this morning and then I enjoyed some Labor Day sales at the mall. We topped it off by having dinner with Zach's parents, sister, and brother in law.

Why I kept it:

This fun tshirt, featuring a lady hog with "Hey, call me" written underneath, was purchased last summer at Riffraff (I actually ordered it from Hungary and sent Zach to pick it up!). V-neck, soft, unique, and related to Arkansas. No further justification necessary. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

I never really stopped wearing it, but I hadn't worn it with anything except jeans.

How I styled it:

I love this striped maxi skirt, but I never know what to wear with it. My tassel necklace, spiked bracelet, and Razorback earrings finished off the look. 

How I felt:

Comfortable, funky, and team spirited. 

The verdict:

Keeping. But I'd like to find more ways to wear this skirt...

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 27

The kids were definitely itching for the three day weekend and it was difficult to keep them on track today. It was also yearbook picture day, which is totally normal for adults. 

Why I kept it:

The color of this top is much richer in person and this fit is classic and simple. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

I've had it for a couple of years and I just stopped choosing it from my closet. 

How I styled it:

Simple jewelry for yearbook pictures :) 

How I felt:

I felt better in person than how this outfit photographed. That's real life. But I'm still happy overall. 

The verdict:

Keeping for now. 

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 26

I never thought I'd make it to day 25, so day 26 is a big accomplishment. Like most days, I had no idea what I would wear today. Today's outfit is one that had never crossed my mind; I just put it on and walked out the door. Considering that, I'm pretty happy with it.

Why I kept it:

This top is (another) JCP clearance deal from July. The real "someday" item here is the jeans. I've had them since at least 2008, and knows when I last wore them--maybe 2010? But they are soft and lightweight, and I knew the moment I donated them that straight/skinny jeans would be out and flares would be in! Well that may not be exactly true, but I have seen several bloggers that I love breaking out their flare jeans recently, and I decided I would give it a try, too.

Why I stopped wearing it:

Pretty obvious answer here...when skinny jeans came out, I was a die hard bootcut lover. I thought skinny jeans were only worn by my emo students. And I thought they made my booty look too big. I just wasn't used to seeing my shape like that. Then I decided that skinny and straight jeans were the only thing I could wear. They suddenly felt so flattering! How does this happen? Anyway, once it did, these favorite jeans were folded up and never given a second thought...unless I was cleaning out my closet, then I remembered my love for them and saved them for "someday," when they would be accepted as cute again.

How I styled it:

I was feeling very autumn inspired today. Earth tones and a scarf with gold accents were just what I needed. ps: I got this scarf for $3 (+ $0.97 shipping) at Wal-Mart. (Lucky for you, it's now just $2 plus shipping.)

How I felt:

I was nervous about wearing these jeans, and Zach wasn't a fan. But I felt comfortable and loved the top/scarf. It was nice to change it up a bit, but I'll probably stick with straight and skinny jeans for a while longer.

The verdict:

I think I'll let these jeans stick around...everything comes back eventually!

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 25

It was a long Wednesday, ya'll. I gave our first test in every class today and that kept me busy reading the test out loud, grading bellwork and notes, and calculating and entering grades. Then we had professional learning community meetings after school. I'm not ashamed to say I had fast food for dinner, and my hot ham and cheese sandwich with a sweet tea was delicious.

Why I kept it:

I fell in love with this top the moment I saw it online at Loft a couple of months ago. Swiss dots on a classic white button up? Yes, please. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

This should actually be "why I never started wearing it." And I'm embarrassed to tell you the truth. Here it is...it needed to be ironed. I hate ironing. It feels good to get that off my chest.

How I styled it:

This is the necklace that arrived broken in the mail that I wanted to wear on Saturday but couldn't. My handy hubby fixed it up for me and I was so excited to wear it for the first time! And I tucked in my shirt...apparently that is something I need to now accept as normal.

How I felt:

So great! Classic and current at the same time. My students said, "You look cute again today!" 

The verdict:

I predict I will own this top (and love it) for the next decade. 

ps: I never did iron it :)

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 24

I'm not really a girly-girl when it comes to fashion. Oh, I have my girly tendencies in other areas (I'm famous in Zach's family for having once said "there's too much nature out here" at an outside get together), but clothes and worrying about how I look just don't make the cut. Sure I try to look nice for special occasions, but my theory was always if my picture won't be taken, any old outfit will do. And I use the word "outfit" very loosely. I always admired girls that look put together 24/7, but I wasn't one of them. And I didn't aspire to be.

I'm certainly not going to look fabulous everyday, but even just trying to look okay for 24 outfits in a row has started to change the way I feel about getting dressed everyday (knowing there will be photographic evidence is also motivating). I've noticed that I carry myself differently. I feel more confident. I'm not embarrassed if I run into someone I wasn't expecting to see.

I knew I had started to notice these changes, but today I found out that other people notice it, too. Today a group of students said, "You always look so cute. You don't swear sweats or anything!" Just seven days into the school year, and they've already noticed that I've put a little effort into how I look each day. It was a sweet compliment to hear, and one that will keep me motivated during this experiment.

Why I kept it:

I just love stripes! This top is from Loft--it's super soft and has a zipper detail in the back. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

I think I got this top around April, and I wore it a few times before it got too hot for summer (it's a thicker fabric).

How I styled it:

Previously I wore this top with black pants, but I felt like wearing it with these olive jeans today. Not long ago I would have never worn black/white with olive/brown, but I'm glad that's not a "rule" anymore. (ps: I plan to break more rules after Labor Day.) The necklace tied it all together for me.

How I felt:

Like me! Definitely able to teach and move around while still feeling put together and comfortable.

The verdict:

I don't think I'll ever get tired of stripes. It's staying. Possibly forever.

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 23

Happy Monday! Working as a teacher makes me very aware of each day of the week. Each day typically comes with its own vibe. Mondays mean we are jumping into another week, and hey, that's one day closer to Friday :) 

Why I kept it:

I really love this top. Animal prints are a favorite, and navy is a classic color. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

Maybe I loved it so much that I wore it one too many times and needed a break? I bought this a little over 2 years ago, but I don't remember wearing it in a while...6 months at least.

How I styled it:

Gold pave earrings (my usual earring of choice), and tassel necklace from Mint Sugar Boutique, and top tucked in (maybe wishing I hadn't?).

How I felt:

I needed some help this morning! My hair was in a bun, but I didn't like it. I tried on three outfits, blamed the bun, brushed out my hair, and hoped for the best. I settled on this outfit but wasn't crazy about how it came together. My husband voted for my white jeans, and I think he was right. I wished I had listened to him before even making it to the end of our street!

The verdict:

Keeping, but I want to wear this top differently next time.

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 22

Sunday fun day! We went to church this morning, spent some time together this afternoon, then I created lesson plans while Zach played another nine holes of golf. I'm so happy that he's taking some time to enjoy fourth year. Hobbies like golf are a luxury that won't exist during residency.

Throwback to Miss Arkansas 2007, which explains my stage hair and makeup, when I first wore this dress. We both look so young!

Why I kept it:
I like black and white, and I like polka dots. I've had this dress for 6 years, there is nothing wrong with it, so I kept it. And it hung in my closet, unworn for years, waiting for "someday."
Why I stopped wearing it:
This dress is somewhere between casual and dressy. It's just dressy enough that people will ask "Why are you dressed up today?" I hate that.
How I styled it:
Minimally. Bracelet and earrings. But I'm wondering how it would look worn as a skirt with a shirt over the top…maybe next time!
How I felt:
Happy and comfortable!
The verdict:
It can hang in my closet a while longer.

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 21

We've had a great Saturday! I've been pretending that I don't have lesson plans to create, and I really think I needed that today. We started off by meeting Emily from The Sweetest Thing blog and her husband, John, for brunch at a local place known for its great breakfast. My husband and John are both fourth year medical students, so we can all relate to the wild ride of medical school and now residency applications/matching. Emily and I are actually from the same small town and were a grade apart in school. We haven't seen each other in person in years, and I loved catching up with her today! 

Why I kept it:

This simple black top feels like your favorite old t-shirt. I got it a couple of years ago on clearance at The Limited, and I didn't see any harm in keeping such a classic piece, but it just hung in my closet after wearing it one or two times.

Why I stopped wearing it:

This is a very formfitting top, and I don't always feel like having my form fitted! I hope some of you can relate! 

How I styled it:

I went for this top to highlight a colorful necklace I just received in the mail. I got dressed, opened the package, and found the necklace broken in half. I wasn't very happy, but I didn't have time to change. I substituted my favorite statement necklace, bracelet, belt, top tucked in, done. 

How I felt:

Comfortable and happy to be getting use out of an unworn top (that is the point of the wardrobe experiment, after all!). 

Later this afternoon we went to a get together for the med students and their families at a local doctor's house. We hung out around the pool in the heat, so I'm glad I changed into shorts.

Why I kept it:

I kept this shirt because I like the color and because it's so darn comfortable. But the shorts are the real unworn item here. They haven't left my drawer in two years, but I kept them for their fun print.

 Why I stopped wearing it:

Shorts just aren't my thing.

How I styled it:

I wore a light pink top with these shorts when I first bought them, so wearing them with a mint green top felt new. I added a trusty bubble necklace and headed off to the pool!

How I felt:

Happy to get some wear out of another unused item. And comfortable...I always need to feel comfortable...ya'll know this.

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 20

We made it to Friday!! Do you hear the angels singing?! There weren't any big hiccups this week, and I call that a win. I hope my students are enjoying getting to know me as much as I'm enjoying getting to know them. 

Zach had the idea to play nine holes when I got home today, so we spent a couple of hours at a nearby golf course. I like riding in the cart, and I helped him keep up with his stats/score on a fun app.

Why I kept it:

This is another top I hadn't worn before because I was "saving it" for school. I've had it about a month, and I got it on clearance at JCP. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

n/a (I promise I don't have a closet full of clothes I've never worn! I just found a couple of great clearance sales this summer and have been waiting for a better occasion than buying groceries to wear them.)

How I styled it:

Earrings (that you cant' see), my favorite bracelet (the only one I own that I will actually keep on all day), and tucked in (not how I thought I'd wear this top).

How I felt:

Great! A few students even commented that they liked my outfit (and different students wanted to know how it feels to have students that look older than me--I told them I was flattered and that they would all be receiving A's).

The verdict:

Keeping! I think this top was worth $10 (maybe $8? It was a great deal for a 100% silk top).

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 19

I made it through another day and Friday is in sight! My students are blowing me away, and I'm excited to see all that they will accomplish this year. Such an awesome group of diverse learners!

Why I kept it:

This coral tunic is from Impressions in Fayetteville, and this is the first time I've worn it. I got it at their summer clearance sale, and I think it will transition well into fall. I can't say no to this color. The pants...can I just say how excited I am about these pants?! The Limited's exact stretch skinny pants are my pants soulmate. I have them in black and they are perfection. I've been watching since Christmas for a khaki pair, and my wish was granted last week when I got these for half off. I hate not having a store in NWA, it's one of the main things I miss about Little Rock, but I knew I'd love the pants so much that I didn't mind paying shipping (something I avoid if at all possible).

Why I stopped wearing it:

n/a

How I styled it:

Fun necklace and earrings  

How I felt:

Very good! Especially after I curled my hair, which I want to start doing more now that it's longer, if I can just find a way to make it last more than an hour...

The verdict:

Keeping of course! I will probably keep these pants until the literally fall apart. 

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 18

Today was exhausting and rewarding in my classroom. We did a fun team building/communication activity that the students really enjoyed. Teaching is the most tiring activity I've ever done in my life. There is the constant mental struggle of coming up with exciting activities, keeping the classroom running in an orderly fashion, and showing that you care about each student...doing all of that means you hardly ever get to sit down. When I say I'm exhausted, I truly mean I might fall over and not wake up until noon tomorrow (if that was an option).

Why I kept it:

I got this top for my birthday in March, and wore it a few times this spring. I absolutely love this color and polka dots are just fun.

Why I stopped wearing it:

A summer preference for sleeveless tops is my best guess.

How I styled it:

I'm not sure there was any styling today. I did have on a necklace when the day started, but I took it off at school and then left it in my desk. 

How I felt:

I like the clothes, but something extra was missing.

The verdict:

The top stays but I need a better way to style it.

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 17

And day two is in the books! I'm feeling it today. I'm just exhausted and want to go to bed. I actually had a completely different outfit on today and noticed some mystery stains while getting into my car, probably from making my lunch this morning. I ran in and quickly changed into this. Then I forgot to put my lunch in the fridge, and it wasn't any good come noon. So that was fun. 

Why I kept it:

I got this shirt last month and had been saving it for school. It's soft like an old t-shirt and the print is fun. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

n/a

How I styled it:

Long necklace and black cuff bracelet. 

How I felt: 

Comfortable and happy :)

The verdict:

Keeping. 

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 16/First day of school!

We survived the first day of school! Yippee! Today was very atypical (late start due to schedules being passed out, assembly 5th/6th periods), but I think it went as well as a first day can go. I have mostly juniors and seniors, with a few sophomores of course, and I love it. I must admit, though, that I already miss the daily hugs I received when I was at a middle school last semester! 

Why I kept it:

Both this top and capris are from NY&Co  (and the necklace come to think of it), and I bought them over spring break. I love the color and the top is loose while still being figure flattering. 

Why I stopped wearing it:

I hadn't worn the top this summer because cooler/more casual options were what I gravitated toward, but when I put it on, I wished I had been wearing it more! I still like everything about this top. 

How I styled it:

Teacher styling equals hoping I remember earrings, and anything beyond that is a bonus. So, I scored a bonus point with a necklace today! Plus, can you imagine how annoying it would be if your teacher jangled all over the room with her dozen bangles? :)

How I felt:

This was perfect for school! A student walking by told his friend "she's gorgeous." Ha! Not sure about that one, but at least he used a kind adjective!

The verdict:

Definitely staying in the closet. 

The Wardrobe Experiment: Day 15

We went to three parties today, with the last one being a gender reveal for my sister in law. I was on team boy, but it's a girl! 

Why I kept it:

I like the color of this top, and the draped neckline (not seen with the scarf) is fun.

Why I stopped wearing it:

This shirt is a year or two old, and the neckline is just wide enough to be a little annoying.  

How I styled it:

Scarf, brown bracelet and earrings. 

How I felt:

Just okay. 

The verdict:

I may be done with this one. I also saw a tiny hole on the sleeve today that I could probably fix, but I'm not sure I even want to mess with it.