Closet Staple

Dress: Billabong 

Denim Vest: Forever 21

Booties: 'Kalayla Studded Cowboy Ankle Boot' - Target (on super clearance!)

Bracelet: Forever 21 

These pictures were taken a few weeks ago when it still felt like summer. Now, there's a definite chill in the air. Yesterday evening was especially frigid and I blasted the heat in my car after dinner with the boy. Boo. Fall is officially here.

Teaching has been going well. I'm finally starting to get into the groove of things and really getting to know my kids. They are a pretty great group and I find myself laughing at their silly antics daily.
The one thing I'm not excited about? Teaching the science unit.
Guys, I am terribly afraid of bugs. They really creep me out. So of course, what 4th grade teacher gets the bug unit during rotations? Me. Of course.
The giant beetles arrived Wednesday and I swear, since then, I've had nightmares. Okay, so maybe they aren't giant, but at least the size of my thumb, and they really creep me out. Science rotations start next week, so I have a few days left to psych myself up about holding them. Ughhhh. I have to do this all why pretending to be totally excited and not afraid. Not sure how I'm going to get through the lesson where I have to duct tape a string and paper clips to them to see how much they can pull...it should be interesting though.

Anyways, enough about bugs.

I've had this dress for at least 2 years, and I still adore it. I paired it with a denim vest and black ankle booties for a humid September day, but plan on wearing it soon with a thick sweater, tights and riding boots for a chilly October day. There is nothing better than a versatile dress that can be worn multiple ways. A girl's closet staple.

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Don't forget!! Enter the Monica's Closet Essentials Giveaway for a chance to win a $100 or $50 gift card to spend at Monica's Closet Essentials! 

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Daisy Girl

 Sweater: 'Daisy Pullover with Round Neckline' c/o Chicnova 

Pants: Bullhead Denim - PacSun (a few years back) 

Shoes: Steve Madden 'Croquetl' - HERE

 Thank goodness it's the weekend! Anybody else feeling the same way?? It's been the busiest, craziest week of my life, as I am now in charge of a group of 4th grader's until Christmas Break. The long term subbing was supposed to begin in November but un-forseen circumstances caused it to be moved up. I was shocked to get the call on Sunday that I was starting Monday, but could not be happier to get to spend my days with this bunch. Anyways, I've been thrown in to long days of planning and figuring out seating arrangements and grades, on top of working nights at my other job. I've been a little whiny about being tired, but other than that, it's definitely worth it. I'm already thinking about how hard it will be to walk away come December after I've gotten to know this group, but am enjoying every second of it and DEFINITELY learning a lot (ex 4th grade boy's still can't handle having rulers in their desks....for some reason, they truly believe they are swords).

The weather has been so bizarre lately. We've had a few chilly days that definitely felt very fall-esque, but looking out my window this morning, I see blue skies and sunshine. Can a girl hope for one more day of warm, sunshine on this very last day of summer?!
I won't lie, when I received this adorable sweater from Chicnova, I was kindddd of stoked when it felt chilly enough in the evening and I could officially wear it out. It's the cutest little thing, and made from a heavy knit, which is perfect come fall and winter. The daisy print covering it is beyond adorable and I got WildFox vibes when first opening it. I was drawn to pairing it with coral-y/orange pants and for some reason, my cheetah loafers. I love this unexpected mixture of colors and prints that feels summer-fresh, but fall appropriate. Maybe I am ready for fall...?

Dying to add some new adorable fall pieces to your closet?! Don't forget to enter the Monica's Closet Essentials giveaway! You could win a $50 or $100 gift card to shop at MCE and freshen up your fall wardrobe!

ENTER HERE! 

Sophisticated Minnie & A Giveaway! {CLOSED}

 Top: 'Add a [lace] Bow on It - Burgundy' c/o Monica's Closet Essentials

Clutch/Crossbody: 'Messenger Bag with Ribbon' c/o Monica's Closet Essentials

Skirt: Forever 21

Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita 'Java' Booties - HERE / Target dupe HERE
Ring: Forever 21

It's unbelievable to me how quickly the weather can change. Just a day ago, it was warm and humid and felt like mid-July. Today, however, it is ridiculously windy and pretty chilly. Fall is in the air! We are supposed to get a few more days of 80 degrees and then it's supposed to start dropping. I am so sad to see summer go! Although, I did have my first Pumpkin Spice Latte of the year and I really enjoyed it...

By now, you probably know this, but I adore a good online boutique! I love finding unique and trendy pieces that you could never find at Target or American Eagle (and you all know I loveeee me some AE and Targ). When Monica of Monica's Closet Essentials (or MCE) contacted me, I became OBSESSED immediately. This is a boutique that I know I will be purchasing from repeatedly. Monica stocks the CUTEST stuff and styles most pieces on the site and her blog (Yes! She blogs! Check her out at Monica's Notebook!), showing you how truly versatile and adorable each and every piece is. Another bonus? All pieces are affordable, allowing you to attain the latest fashions without the $0 bank account balance. Monica is the sweetest person you could ever meet and is gorgeous to boot! Don't be surprised if you see her around these parts again...yay for blogosphere friends!

This bow back top from MCE is the cutest! I am always looking for cute new long sleeves for the colder months and this one is perfection. The rich burgundy color (my favorite for fall) and loose-ish fit make for the most flattering top. The sweet bow in the back is lace and an open back give it a little bit of sass. I'm not going to lie...I kind of want to wear this top every single day! I paired it with my sweet new bow clutch/crossbody also from MCE. I love love love that I can wear this bag across my body or carry it, as I have been dying for a cute clutch and this one TOTALLY fits the bill! Plus, the color combo is perfect for any season and it goes with just about anything! I paired the bow top and bow clutch with a sweet polka dot mini and OF COURSE my favorite boots (hands down, the best purchase ever). I was definitely feeling like a sophisticated Minnie Mouse and I reallyyyy liked it.

It's your lucky day, because Monica's Closet Essentials is giving away 2 gift cards! One winner will receive a $100 gift card to shop at Monica's Closet Essentials and another winner will win a $50 gift card to also shop at Monica's Closet Essentials! This is a prize I would definitely want to win as there is SO MUCH cute stuff to choose from!!!! Entry is easy! Just follow the Rafflecopter below! Giveaway ends in two weeks! Good luck! 

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Summertime Sadness

 Jacket: Abercrombie (SO old!)

Tank: Forever 21 

Shorts: Hope's (bought in March) - ShopHopes.com (other adorable options from Hope's HERE and HERE)
Shoes: Target - Identical HERE 
Necklace: Borrowed from sister:)
Bandeau: Victoria's Secret PINK
Ring: 'Floral Fantasy Ring' - Jewelmint 

The title of this blog post not only states my melancholy feelings towards the changing seasons, but also my absolute OBSESSION with Lana Del Rey's Summertime Sadness. I would be lying if I told you I didn't have this song on repeat for the past month in a half orrrr that I blast it while driving and sing at the top of my lungs. Yeah, it's definitely a thing, guys. Lana's voice is eerily beautiful and the lyrics are fantastic...

"I got my red dress on tonight

Dancing in the dark, in the pale moonlight

Done my hair up real big beauty queen style

High heels off, I'm feeling alive"

Case in point.

Anywayssss, I wore this outfit in Hawaii back in March, but for some reason none of the pictures turned out. It was pretty depressing, but luckily, it was the perfect outfit for date night with the boy and allowed for photo op number 2.
When I saw these shorts at Hope's, I became obsessed and went to order them immediately, when of course, they were completely sold out. I was devastated. Is that not one of the worst feelings everrrrr, guys? I started stalking the Hope's website hoping for a re-stock, but once they re-stocked they sold out of my size in minutes. It was at that moment that I knew I needed to step up my game. I was at work when I received the email announcing a final re-stock and knew this was my last chance. I set my alarm and waited, refreshing the Hope's website repeatedly, until I alas, they put them up and I snagged a pair in my size. Score!
The pictures don't do these shorts justice, as they are a bright, vibrant orange. I paired it with a sheer tank, black bandeau, nude wedges (yeah....I wear these WAY too much!), and a turquoise necklace for a little pop of color.
Fall doesn't officially begin until September 22nd and I'm milking whats left of summer for as long as I can.

The only picture from Hawaii of this outfit that turned out. My sister and I sure make cute faces...

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