Each weekend, Austin and I look forward to what we call our "breakfast date". It's a little tradition we picked up from my in-laws (they've done this for several years!), where we go try a new place for breakfast on Saturday or after church on Sunday. We love this part of the weekend and this encourages us to get out, try new things, and enjoy the city we live in! Our schedules are pretty busy at times, so we look forward to that quality time, just the two of us.
One of our recent trips was to Boulangerie by Village Baking Co. on Lower Greenville. This little cafe is so adorable with white marble tables, checkered stools, and not to mention the pastries are quite yummy. This was our first trip but it will not be our last! I highly recommend the Almond Croissant and Austin recommends the Bacon and Cheddar Croissant.
I loved wearing this colorful outfit while we were out. You may have noticed, I tend to wear a lot of neutrals and black, so this was a change for me...but I love it! This Ferragamo Shoulder Bag from Luisaviaroma is the perfect neutral color and goes with so many prints and patterns. I loved the way it looked with this teal blazer. Seeing these colors together make me ...
The Perfect Work Pant
Over the past few months, many of you have expressed that you love to see work wear on The Teacher Diva. And while I am no longer in an office per se, I do appreciate a good pair of "work pants".
After teaching for several years, I have accumulated a few styles that I consider my "go-to" pants. My co workers and I would joke about how hard it is to find a pair of pants that are 1. flattering and 2. easy to move in while chasing a classroom of 6 year olds. Though I'm in a much different environment now, I still have opportunities where a good pair of black pants come in handy.
This pair is the Avery Tailored Crop Pant from Banana Republic. I have always shopped at Banana for both work wear and casual weekend pieces, and find myself pursuring their "new arrivals" almost daily (I guess signing up for the Gap card was worth it, ha!). What I like most about the Avery Style, is the slim, straight fit. They aren't your typical "skinny fit" but they are slimming and I found them to be flattering in both heels or flats. Think of them as a modern update to the cropped pant. Seriously, a year round staple!
If you're looking for a traditional "skinny pant" you need to try the Sloan Slim Ankle Pant. ...
A Weekend in Fredericksburg
A few weekends ago, Austin and I celebrated his birthday by taking a little road trip down to Fredericksburg, TX. Though we've never been, it cam highly recommended by family and friends to visit this adorable town. Being only 4 hours from Dallas, this was the ideal distance for a quick trip. I wanted to share with your some of our favorite places to eat, stay and see while in Fredericksburg.
WHERE TO STAY
As this was our first trip to Fredericksburg, we really didn't know what to expect. One of our friends highly recommended staying at The Hoffman Haus, and said we would love staying at this cozy bed and breakfast. We were so excited to check it out!
When booking your stay, keep in mind each cottage is different. Some are bigger for groups and others are small and quaint. Austin really wanted the feel of a cabin, so we decided to stay in Cottage #5 (which we loved and looked just like a log cabin). The best part, is each morning they deliver breakfast promtly to your porch at 9:00am. I figured it would be muffins and juice, but we were pleasantly surprised to see that it was a hearty spread. It was so yummy!
The location was the perfect distance to Main St. and we loved the beautiful property.
DINING
During our trip, we went to several great places. One of our favorite places to eat for dinner included
The Classic Trench Coat: Under $100
Now that Spring is only a few weeks away, I am starting to pull out some of my favorite transitional pieces. A staple I always turn to each Spring is my trusted trench coat.
This versatile piece, is easily one of my favorite items because it can be worn with countless items I already own in my closet. Whether it's paired with an evening look or kept casual with jeans and flats, it's a great way to complete your look. I love this Black and Tan Trench Coat from Charming Charlie (under $75).
Personally, my favorite way to style a trench is with a striped tee shirt and black jeans. I threw on these black pumps, but you could easily pair with your favorite flats to make this work friendly. Speaking of work, how amazing is this Faux Leather Tote? It's actually reversible (amazing) and I love the size. It would be perfect for a small laptop, files, or anything else you may need to take with you while at work.
Thank you for reading and happy Friday! xx
OUTFIT DETAILS: Black ...
The Little Black Dress
They say every girl should own a little black dress. Something to have on hand for any occasion and versatile enough to wear with any accessory. While I couldn't agree more, I also love the idea of a simple, cotton black dress for something a little more casual.
This black shift dress is just what I was looking for to wear as we transition into Spring. I love the long sleeves and ruffle detailing on the hem. Not to mention, it's so soft and doesn't wrinkle! I plan to wear this dress with heels or these lace up sandals as it gets warmer. This is the perfect solution for those days where you just don't feel like taking the time to plan out your outfit. I love it!
Thanks for reading! xx
OUTFIT DETAILS: Matty M Black Tunic Dress (FIT: Runs big, size down!) | Steve Madden Lace Up Heels on sale! (more sizes here) | Celine Box Bag (similar
Free People Floral Tunic
This past week the weather has been unreal in Dallas. 65 Degrees, sunny...no complaints here! I was excited to bring out some of my Spring and Summer tops, including this Floral Tunic ( be sure to read about sizing at the bottom).
Long, flowy tops are all I live in during the Spring. This one is unique with the cut out details on the back. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the open back, but I actually love the detailing (especially because you can still wear a regular bra). This top is so easy to wear, and definietly something that will get a lot of play in my closet this Spring.
OUTFIT DETAILS: Free People Floral Tunic (Ok- this is actually a dress, but a very short dress. If you are petite, this would be an adorable dress on you, but for me at 5'6 it was pretty short. I sized down to an XS and found that it makes for the perfect tunic. I would recommend sizing down if you want to wear this as a top) | Current Elliot Skinny Ankle Jeans (FIT: tts) | Louboutin Pigalle Pumps (borrowed from
5 Essential Pieces Every Girl Should Own
When it comes to fashion, we've seen trends come and go, but the basics always remain the frontrunners in our closets. While, trends can be fun and exciting, a closet needs balance. For me, basics are those items that never go out of style. The pieces you can mix and match or throw on when in a time crunch. I've narrowed it down to 5 essentials that every girl should own...or eventually own! Just click the arrows to shop my favorites as all price points.
Comment below and let me know what you guys think.
xx
A utility jacket like this will go far in your wardrobe. I've worn mine layered with long sleeve or short sleeve tops. It's truly the perfect year round staple!
A striped shirt should be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. You can wear them with other patterns and prints and layer with your favorite jackets and cardigans.
I've had this scarf for two years and it is still a staple in my fall & winter wardrobe. I love a chunky knit scarf!
Every girl needs a leather clutch you can use ...
Plaid Details
It's no secret, I have been loving capes this season. You've seen me wear them many times on the blog (here and here are a few of my favorites), but it just goes to show how versatile this layering piece can be. I love to layer capes with chunky sweater, tunics or in this case, a simple white button down shirt.
Did I mention this cape is actually reversible? That's right, you can choose to wear the plaid side or keep it all black. This was such a great find for only $60. I found a ton of other great options linked below all under $100.
Thanks for stopping by and thank you so much for the sweet comments and emails about our home tour! You guys are truly the best. xx
OUTFIT DETAILS: Topshop Reversible Cape |
Black & White Spots
If there's one blouse you need to own, it's this Tiered Tunic by Maeve. I love longer tops, so it's no surprise I found this one last week when checking out Anthropologie's 40% Off Sale. Unfortunately, this wasn't on sale, but it was too good to pass up. I actually want to buy it in white and another print!
For an office look, simply pair this tunic black pants (I also love these white trousers) . If you want a little more color, I found these green pants that would look adorable with this top. I love the idea of pairing this with a Nude Pump or keeping it comfy is a pair of flats.
If you're looking for something a little more casual, I opted to pair it with my Current Elliot Jeans and Nine West Purple Flats. This Wool Moto Jacket is (finally) on sale, and I can't help but get excited to wear this through winter and early spring. I love winter whites and this coat is beautiful (and ...
Valentine’s Gift Guide
With Valentine's Day just a few weeks away, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite gifting ideas for him or her. I know how tricky it can to find the perfect gift, so I reviewed some of my recent buys that could be a great option for you (or him).
Austin and I always laugh about Valentine's Day (and maybe you can relate) because in college I always tried to "make" his gift. Because every college guy wants a stuffed bear or a photo collage right? Well, I remember buying him a stuffed Koala (it was an inside joke) and I painted a heart on it's tummy and wrote "Be Mine" on the heart. I also included a photo of us with an obnoxious amount of heart stickers that went around the frame and all over the card. Subtle right? I knew he was a keeper when he kept it on his desk in a house full of other boys. Ha!
We always laugh about those gifts, but love looking back on those memories. We still have those hand made gifts saved in our memory box! To this day, I always try to make him a little something in addition to his actual gift. I guess it brings out the inner 1st grade teacher in me!
Below are a few of my favorite practical gifts. I included items at all price points, but for more options, be sure to check out this Valentine's Gift Shop at Nordstrom.
Happy shopping and thanks so much for stopping by! xx
