There's nothing I love more than classic pieces I can wear throughout each season. You know, those basic pieces that just go with everything! I have been loving the "shirtdress style" and this Midi Shirtdress from the new BR Classics collection at Banana Republic is such a fun option. I love this dress because it can really be worn year-round. I can wear this now for Spring, but I also plan to pair this with a trench coat in the Fall. ...
Spring Style with Kate Spade
If there's one brand that has me excited for Spring and Summer, it has to be Kate Spade New York. They are one of my absolute favorite brands and I am thrilled to be teaming up with Nordstrom to share some of my favorite pieces for Spring. From quirky iPhone cases to feminine details, Kate Spade New York brings a dose of color and fun to any look. ...
Striped Midi Skirt
Good morning from Mexico! Austin and I are in Cabo San Lucas for the week, and I can't wait to share with you a fun project we are working on for The Teacher Diva. The weather has been simply gorgeous and I hope to have some fun beach and Summer content for you by the end of this week [be sure to follow along via snapchat (the teacher diva) or instagram to see more from our trip]!
Until then, I am excited to share with you this girly look for Spring. I love midi skirts, and when I was teaching I wore them often! They are surprisingly so comfortable and easy to move in. Whether you have a desk job or are on your feet all day, this Striped Midi Skirt would be a perfect option. I paired this outfit with my go-to lace up heels, however I've worn it with these scalloped flats (or these lace up espadrilles) and plan to wear it with flat sandals this summer. Stripes are always a favorite of mine and this skirt was no exception.
Thanks for reading! xx Ashley
OUTFIT DETAILS: Banana Republic Striped Midi ...
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. ...
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 ...
Tan Boyfriend Blazer
It's no secret I love a good blazer. The ease of pairing it with a tank top and skinny pants is just one of the many reasons a blazer is my go to. When I was in New York last month, I stumbled upon this '70s Longline Blazer in Topshop. I've had my eye on a tan blazer for months and loved the fit and length of this version.
A blazer can totally transform any outfit. Gone are the days where blazers are only to be worn in the workplace. Personally, I love to wear a blazer with boyfriend jeans, heels and a t-shirt. I've also been able to wear some of my favorite Summer dresses in the fall by simply throwing on a blazer to complete the look and update it for the new season.
Do you have any blazers? How do you wear them?
Thanks for reading! xx
OUTFIT DETAILS: Topshop '70s Longline Blazer more sizes here (fit: follow sizing in parenthesis, I am wearing a 4) | J Crew Factory Silk Tank (fit: I found this top to run a little small, I sized up) | Black Denim | Valentino Rock Stud Flats similar under $125
The Essentials Collection With Zady
For every season there are a handful of key wardrobe pieces that can make your world go around. Some are basic finds while others can make more of a statement. Finding your signature pieces can be somewhat of trial and error but to help guide you, Zady has just launched their Essentials Collection.
You may remember Zady from my post here, and if not, I am excited to introduce you to this amazing brand. Zady is an online boutique featuring unique products hand made by artisans from all over the world. Their primary focus is to be able to provide quality and sustainable products that will last. You know, the button down shirt you can wear year round, or a timeless wool coat for the winter. As for me, this classic sweater is perfect for this time of year. Whether its layered or worn alone, it's a great investment piece that will last year after year.
Being someone who loves wardrobe staples, The Essentials Collection is my favorite yet. I've worn their .02 T-Shirt for months now, and am impressed with how it holds up wash after wash. I recently got their
Colorblock Tunic
Happy Friday! I've had a few requests for work wear, so I wanted to share a comfortable look that can be worn for both work or play. When I was teaching, these pants were my go to. They are very comfortable and while denim, still kept a professional appeal. I loved pairing them with long cardigans since my classroom was notoriously cold.
This colorblock tunic is also a great transition piece. I am a huge fan of neutrals and I love the oversized fit. I actually bought this for my Mom and ended up leaving with one for me too! Funny how that works.
Do you have any fun plans this weekend? My husband and I are headed to a little lake retreat with a few couples from our Home Group at church. Though the forecast is predicting rain, I am so ready to head out to the country and spend time with our friends.
Have a great weekend & thanks for reading! xx
OUTFIT DETAILS: WHBM Colorblock Tunic (FIT: runs big, size down) | Current Elliot Denim (FIT: TTS also ...
Neutrals for Fall
There are some rules for fashion that should never be broken, but white after Labor Day is not one of them. Actually, white and shades of nude are a big trend we are seeing for Fall and Winter. And while I personally love either look, it can be tricky to pull off.
If you're ready to test out this trend, here are a few things to remember. When wearing white, try ivory or cream rather than bright white. It can definitely be more flattering with your skin tone and still looks very chic. A tip that my mom told me, is to remember that white has the opposite effect of black. While black is slimming, white tends to not be so generous...ha!
If the all white look isn't for you, I suggest starting with a combo similar to this. This Funnel Neck Sweater by Topshop is the perfect shade of nude. I love the texture and it's a great pice to have for layering or to wear alone. It almost gives the vibe of a chunky sweater, without the extra bulk. This sweater also comes in cream, so you could switch this look around and keep cream on the top and pair with some tan plants similar to these. Picking a nude or tan that is a little darker than your skin, is always recommended.
I kept this outfit very neutral by pairing it with these white pants (
Grey Shawl Cardigan
Often, I get questions about work appropriate outfits or how to dress up black skinnies. When I was teaching, I wore black skinnies almost every day. I kid you not, I had three pairs that I rotated and a pair of cropped skinnies that I would wear when it was hot. It was easy, comfortable and I loved the way they looked with round or pointed toe flats.
Now that we are transitioning to Fall, I love this Shawl Knit Coat. It's so soft and not too heavy. It actually feels more like a cardigan than a coat. This is the perfect example of what I would wear in the classroom or a office setting. My old classroom was notoriously cold, so you would always find me in layers. If you've read my blog for a while, you know I have a thing for cardigans! They really are my favorite fall accessory and they easily complete any look.
Thanks for stopping by! xx