Weekend Shopping... all styled up!

Hi Everyone!  Today I went shopping and scored some cool new stuff.  Most of this stuff I plan on saving for teaching but some of it could be styled up differently for a more casual look.  Apologies for the weird lighting-- I had to do it all indoors since it was dark (and snowing! ugh!) when I got back.  Additional apologies for the odd hat and hair looks-- I dyed my hair last night and you can't wash it for 24hrs after.  Dry shampoo only works so many miracles, my friends!

 A Kate-Spade-esque polka-dot cardi!  So soft and pretty!  Would also look cute with my purple pencil skirt. $20 from TJ Maxx.

This was a real steal; Michael by Michael Kors striped top.  This pretty little classic is uber-soft and flattering.  Equally nice with jeans as with a pencil skirt or dress pants and blazer.  $21 from Ross.

This cropped green cardi will has awesome proportion play in its future!  I could see this working with a tunic and leggings for a date night, or even with a pencil skirt or over a dress for work.  $15 from Marshall's.

Another TJ Maxx find for $20.  This open-front white/black polka dot blazer will work with jeans (as seen here), dress pants, skirts and dresses.  

Some adorable gold kitten heels for dressing up any look.  Totally walkable and affordable at a clearance price of $30 from Marshall's.

unseasonable

You read that right... title is "Unseasonable" not "unreasonable."  The weather in the 'Burgh lately has been unseasonably warm, which even though it's rainy, suits me juuuuust fine!  Give me rainy and warm over freezing and icy or snowy ANY day.

Teaching has gone well today.  Tonight I have Rite Aid until late.  Grandpa Sherry's doing much better; all stablized and keeping the blood.  They're hopeful for his outcome.

Tomorrow will be more of the same, and Friday will be Art with the students, then my standing Friday appointment, then some quick errands and then BABYSITTING!  :)  Saturday will be wet and COLD (grrr) but that won't stop me!

Also, does anybody know how to fix scratches and scuffs on patent leather?

Wish List

Posting a WISH LIST... because some things are worth saving up for....

These Kate Spade Gloves... Polka Dot Kate Spade Gloves... As seen on Jessica Quirk of What I Wore today...  They are adorable, pretty affordable for Kate Spade, and useful.  Three desirable things in any accessory!  Perfect for dressing up any outfit!

This Steve Madden Snake Print Tote Bag, because I need a big, roomy tote to haul my laptop, lunch, textbooks, and dress hoes in when I go to work.  Or for professional interviews.

These Joan & David red leather pumps from Nordstrom's.  I adore the red patent leather and the heel height!  I could actually walk in this!  Super stylish and walkable.  I'm so there.

Also, I maaaaaaybe have enough money for these sexy Kate Spade goloshes... who would have though that rain boots could be so sexy?!

... I wish I had the money for these things NOW but I guess all good things are worth waiting for....

New Shoes

I almost forgot to post this pic of the new shoes I got for teaching and interviews...

Inauguration

Today Barak Obama is ceremonially sworn in as president again.  Taking a few moments to look back as the former presidents Carter and Clinton walk on screen, and watching the lively bounce in Hilary Clinton's step.... Wow.

So much power and determination in one place today.  We all want the same thing: a great and sturdy America, capable of not only being all that she can be, but of empowering other countries to be the same.

Why must politics complicate such an honorable, reachable goal?

Do we all need to go back to the sandbox, and re-learn basic human courtesy?  Jeez.

This could be a very hopeless, meaningless, fraudulent moment in American history, where the world looks at us and sees through the ceremony and the circumstance to the arguing and name-calling and nit-picking that makes up American politics.  But you know what?  It doesn't feel that way.  This feels real and hopeful and determined.  American politicians all over are setting aside everything for just a few minutes of unity, and whether or not you support Obama, it doesn't matter; the PEOPLE chose him, and the direction he has set for this journey agrees with majority of Americans.  So let's see where it goes, and if in four years we don't like it, we'll change our minds and our president.  If we like it, we'll elect somebody who will continue this journey.

No matter what, we'll do this as we always have: as Americans.

And that's a darned cool thing to be.

organizing ideas

So lately I've been re-organizing everything in my life: my career options, my dishes, my bathroom, everything.  As some of you know, I have a scarf obsession, and they are currently spilling out of their cloth storage box.  I need a new solution.  I considered pretty hat boxes, but if the scarves are all shut away, then I won't see them and hence won't wear them.  I also need storage solutions for my fellow obsessions: tights, foundation garments, and socks.  My earrings have been relegated to an open-format jewelry organizer tray, but I really could use more organization for my necklaces.  Currently, I'm storing them in plastic baggies (to keep them from tangling) in a drawer.  Not getting any wear out of them lately, partially because it's winter and necklaces get COLD when you're outside waiting for the bus (which always runs late), and partially because I can't see them.

Below is some ideas that I've been considering:

Scarf hangers!

as seen here: http://orgjunkie.com/2012/04/4-inexpensive-ways-to-organize-scarves.html

Towel racks!
as seen here: http://www.livesimplybyannie.com/2012/05/30/6-12-systems-for-organizing-scarves/

I've also toyed with the idea of keeping them in a storage bin, like I do now, only buying a bigger one.  For my foundation garments, I may still do the hat box thing.  The other idea that my Mom had was to get a storage bench sturdy enough to sit on, and put dividers inside to keep bras/panties/socks/tights separate.  My concern with that method is the tendency I have to not always put my clothes away properly (i..e. throwing them on the nearest surface until a pile forms).  Any other ideas?

Best. Quote. Ever.

I'm sitting at home, working on the semester exams to give my students and the letters of application to various colleges searching for English professors... and the Golden Globes are on.  The director of "Brave" just said the Best. Quote. Ever:

"Being 'brave' is all about being true to yourself, and allowing your loved ones the same freedom."


Exactly right, my man; exactly right.