Day 43 - T-shirt Dress up

Once again, I am using my translation of the dress code.  There are two reasons in doing so.  1.  It is Halloween and  2.  Our dress code is pretty open to interpretation.

I guess I could have really dressed up and maybe made a play on my T-Shirt (which reads Ghouls just wanna have fun) and wore some leg warmers and made it an 80's day, but this year I am not feeling the Halloween bug.  I had a Rosie the Riveter costume that I made, but never used.  I guess today at school is the closest that I am getting to the whole dress up concept.  

The collared shirt adds professionalism (haha) and again I am going to wear tailored jeans with some flat boots.  (The closest, I can get to sneakers without actual sneaks).

Sooooo Scared

Happy Halloween!  (Tomorrow I will have an abundance of candy due to the fact that High School kids still trick or treat.  Who knew?)

Overall Grade:  D  (Awful shirt)

Miss B.

Day 42 - The News

 I am pretty current on all events that occur locally, in my school district and within this great city.  I am also full of trivial facts and weird stories that come in handy on the weekends and make for interesting discussions in class.

I feel incomplete.  I know that I am lacking on national and international news, especially politics, here in our own country.  60 minutes just isn't cutting it.   I want to be an educated citizen and I think that I need to really commit to expanding my knowledge of the world around me and not just the city I live in.  With an important election on the horizon, I feel that we all need to make a decision based on the information and betterment of our country (This is in no way politically charged, just an introspective look at myself and at the knowledge that I can acquire and have not done so).

So this week, I was in the library and saw a Time magazine that was about the Occupy Wallstreet movement, an article on Herman Cain and schools made for kids that get bullied.  I figured that it was a place to start.  Such interesting stuff.  I think that I am going to commit to being informed.  I am going to gather information and make sure I am current on all things that can affect me.  You should too.


Miss B.

Day 41 - Crappy weather, crappy outfit

Just boring.  That is what I should say.

I had a great skirt with a plaid shirt set out for today, but I woke up to the rain hitting the roof and it just screamed to me "It was a pants day".  I went with the fashion denim (because in my head, I think that I have jeans on).  And yes, I have on a turtleneck.

I am already over today.  (And it is only 8:11)  Sorry.  Crappy weather, crappy outfit = crappy mood.

Miss B.

No pic due to the fact that the Yearbook camera was out.

Nothing really to call home about.

Day 40 - Bows Redo

One of the best H & M finds (sale wise).  A cropped bow shirt.  Who could ask for more?   The only issue that I have with this shirt is "What do you wear under it?"  You can't wear a button down with a collar because I would never cover the bow, and a T-shirt comes up too high on the neck.  I always go with a tank top.  Hot pink today, I probably should have gone with Orange for the Halloween season, but that is a great after thought. 

I love Michael Jordan.  I wonder if he would wear a bow shirt.

My pants are Express Editor Longs.  Case in point from yesterdays rant on the length of pants in the mall stores.  I like how Editor pants fit, but the regular size 6 is too short for heels, and they only offer boring black, gray and one pinstriped pattern at the store.  So when I saw these, I had to have them.  A little pricey, but still on sale. 

Overall Grade:  B  (need to figure out a better solution for the undershirt)

Miss B.

Day 39 - October Pink and long legs

Banana Republic jeans for long legs.

Another dress down day.  Wahoo.  For $2.00 you can wear jeans with all proceeds going to Breast Cancer Awareness.  This is great on a Tuesday.  Today, I wore my long leg, big girl Jeans.  I don't have especially long legs, but they are above average, and not many stores have length that works....BUT, I have found a gold mine in Banana Republic.  Not my store of choice, but for some reason, the jeans are heaven sent.  They fit in the waist, hips and legs.  I have multiple pairs, flare, boot, skinny.

And the best part is...I have not paid full price for any of them.  This particular pair (which is my favorite) I got at the Outlet Sale in the summer for.. Get this $13.00.  Major sale price from $99.00.  I am a shopper and sometimes get really lucky.

Overall Grade:  I (Incomplete because this is not a professional school outfit.  In the gradebook, I would have ** so this outfit won't work against my overall grade)


Miss B.

Day 38 - These boots are made for walkin'

Two trends this year:  Sweater Dress and boots (I guess boots have been in for a while, but this is the first year that I have knee high boots.)   This dress is a sweater dress, but is a light fabric so fall is the best season to wear this one.  I also like the white on the sleeves because it has that 60's, 70's vibe (which you all know is one of my "things".  I snagged this bad boy at Ross Dress for Less.  I can't say that I have a lot of luck there, but they have a great dress selection.

This is my happy face.

These boots are an "end of the season" find at Marshalls.  I got them in the summer, marked down to $15.00.  I thought this was a great find.  (The only issue I have with off season shopping is that you have to wait so long to wear items, but in the back of your head, you know that you have something brand new to wear.  **I also have fashion shows at home every once in a while to just remind myself what I have ready for the upcoming season.)

Black and White checkered tights finish off my outfit.

Overall Grade:  A (but I haven't walked down the hall yet, so I might have to come back and edit when I get some sweet compliments.)

Miss B.

Day 37 - This I believe

Every year, we ask our seniors to write about something that they believe in.  And every year, I submit this to the book.  I think that it is a direct reflection of me and has some morsels to live by.

I believe in being          

random,            

unpredictable,       and         

extraordinary.

I believe that everything happens for a reason, be it good or bad, life lessons can be learned from anything.  I believe that everyone listens to a different drummer, even though you might not like the beat, you should still try to dance.  I believe that a strict schedule leads to boredom, so be spontaneous and do something unexpected.  I believe that life is short, but also fragile, so handle with care.  I believe that is healthy to eat chocolate for any or all meals.  I believe that a hard laugh and a good cry are necessary to keep things in focus.  I believe that your parents will become your best friends, even though at this time you might not believe me.  I believe that following a recipe is overrated.  I believe that there is no reason to stress over a bad haircut, it will grow back.  I believe that age is only a number, be it high or low, it is how you feel on the inside that creates eternal youth.  I believe that happiness can be achieved with simplicity, such as green grass, blowing bubbles, a hot cinnamon bun, or a brand new sweatshirt. I believe that everyone you meet touches you in a different way, it might be blurry at first, but eventually will become crystal clear.  I believe in making a life time To-Do list, scratching out and adding when necessary.  I believe that is OK for your clothes not to match and  to make your own fashion rules, which are only made to be broken the next day.  I believe that it is acceptable to leave the dishes in the sink for an extra day.  I believe that your first love will always have a piece of your heart because they were the first one to break it.   I believe that it is amazing to be surrounded by great friends, but don’t underestimate a quiet night on the couch under a blanket with a good book.  I believe that a hot day can only be cooled by an ice cream cone.  I believe that the people who do not always take the traditional paths of life are usually the most interesting.  I believe that moms are the greatest leaders and holders of wisdom, don’t waste the time you have with yours.  I believe that singing in the car is therapeutic and comical at the same time.  I believe that if laughter was currency, we would all be rich.   I believe that it is always better to give a gift than receive, especially on a random occasion for no reason.  I believe that America is a great place, but don’t forget that there is a whole world out there to explore, invest in a passport, the best textbook.  I believe that real life is way more entertaining than drama.  I believe that technology makes communication easier, but getting a letter in the mail can’t be beat.  I believe that life is a “choose your own adventure”, each choice you make has a different exciting, exhilarating ending.  I believe that you, only YOU can make our future better.  I believe that the class of ’12 can do anything that they put their brilliant minds to, Prove it. 

Miss Barr

 


Miss B.

Day 36 - "Really, Barr"

What do you think???

Well, I guess I did it.  It took 36 days for a full on non matching outfit.  I actually pulled this outfit last night and completely thought  it looked fine on the hanger.  Due to the amazing response, I guess that I don't really match.  Too many patterns?  I think not. There is blue in my shirt and blue on my tights, that is good enough for me.  I guess in pieces that this outfit would be good, but together it is too much for the average bear.

This Dorothy shirt makes me happy.  And also gets a a wide variety of farmer comments.  Yippie Ki AAAAa

Overall grade:  F (I guess this one didn't go over as well as I thought.  I like it, but I am also getting some funny looks from colleagues and students.  Ooops I tried)


Miss B.

Day 35 - Dear Young Women of today,

I think that this new generation doesn't understand what a great dress can do.  The connotation of "dress"  is that you only need to wear a dress to a formal event (and even then, what some young women think are "dresses"  would be a considered a shirt to me, and my dad would never let me leave the house in that small fabric swatch).  The ladies today need to understand that you can look put-together, elegant, professional, casual, and, even, sexy in a great dress, BUT it has to be the right one.  I own a lot of different types of dresses that have different patterns, represent different eras, cut in different silhouettes.  Just because the "young women stores" that you are shopping in have this item on a mannequin, does not mean that your body shape will look good in the dresses in the store.  Shop for your body, not what is in the store or trendy at that time. (My sister has also done some on the scene cultural research about the skin tight skirts that EVERYONE thinks they can wear.  Amazing research, Bianca).

Look folks, my dress fits and covers my parts.  What a find!!!

And, listen, the "number size in the tag" doesn't matter.  In your little teeny bopper stores, I sometimes wear an 8(oh a 9) or even 10 (or 11). Really?? When in real women stores I wear like a 4.    It is all arbitrary.  Who really cares?

I truly blame you Britney Spears for the sexualization of this younger generation of women.   If we are out and you have some time, ask me about it.  I have a whole thesis on this.  (but I will not get on my soapbox right now.  This blog server won't have enough memory for this rant).

Overall Grade:  B (As i walked into the building, I heard " Did a rainbow throw up on you?, Did you wrestle with Good and Plenty's and Was there a paintball game this morning?"


Sincerely, 
Miss B.

Day 34 - Oh the scarf.. Can I pull it off?

I have a student that wears a scarf almost everyday.  They always look so nice on her, but can I pull it off?  She wears them around her neck and they look great.  My cousin wore hers around her arms almost like a shawl.  Could I try that?  Who knows?  I always feel that a scarf should only be worn in the winter when it is cold out, but who am I to not try a new fad?  So....

Here is my attempt at the scarf fashion.  Of course it has bows on it.  (An awesome find at Gabriel Brothers for $4.99).  I am concerned that this for a few reasons:  1.  A scarf.   2.  I am wearing a jacket, (also out of my norm, but why not just go all out)  3.  How many patterns can you do under the scarf and what kind of fabric is appropriate? I went with the short sleeved sweater and skinny black pants.  The outfit itself is pretty boring (so I hid behind the cardboard man), and I am not sure that the scarf matches, but who cares?

Overall Grade: C (I am not sure that a scarf is for me)

Well I tried.



Miss B.

Day 33 - Open toed boots and long legs??

Chilling at my desk, getting ready for the day.

 I am really not sure what this trend means.  Yes, i own a pair of open toed boots, but how functional are they. ..Really?  You can't wear them when it gets super cold and who wears boots when it is super warm out.  I think that I liked the price of these (Steve Madden $15.00) more than I liked the functionality of the shoe.

I love tight season.

 I do think that they look pretty cool with my multi colored glitter striped tights which are a new addition to my tight collection.  I guess that I am lucky because I have long legs and you get  alot of the tights even over the boots.  (Or maybe you might think that is a bad thing because the pattern is sort of obnoxious, but I love it).  I am sure that some people think that my skirt is too short, but I justify it by the opaque nature of the tights.  (I will use this theory throughout the winter time, not saying that I want to wear short skirts, it all goes back to that long leg thing)

Overall Grade:  A  (Just look at the legs and shoes....)

Miss B.

Day 32 - Let's talk about....

Knitting.  I really enjoy knitting.  It is soothing and relaxing.  The only issue that I have with it:  i can only make a scarf.  i could probably make a scarf that would wrap around the world, but I don't know any other pattern and wish I could make something else.

I do have an extensive collection of scarfs, all different colors, yarn textures.   I sorta wish maybe they were blankets, or sweaters or hats.  My friend Rachel crochets and makes amazing crafts..to this I am very jealous.

 I also just give them away.  I will make scarfs and then just hand them to my friends.  But in no way in a timely manner.

So put your order in now.  (but just because I like to knit doesn't mean I do it alot).  I did promise a student one at the beginning of the year, and that never happened. 

Basically this is rambling about nonsense, but at least your neck will be warm...But it will probably be the winter or 2015.

Miss B.

Day 31 - Another throwback

Symmetrical.

Adding some fun with checkered tights.

We just got a heat wave.  From super freezing to a beautiful fall day.  This week is crazy.  So I decided to wear my super mod dress.  Another throw back item (not vintage), but the essence of mod.   This dress is not very fitted, but airy and fun.  I like the shape that this creates (especially the days that you want to just be sloppy, but look like a supermodel).

Up hair- do, just because I am lazy.  The ballerina look is something that I go for. (Maybe I should invest in a tutu)

I always wonder:  What era was i really supposed to be born in?  I can't wait to wear my mom's sweater dress from the 60's.  It is Forest green with hot pink stripes.  Vintage and amazing. Just wait.


Overall Grade:  A (Just solely for awesomeness)

Miss B.

Day 30 - Using the system

One of the best things about being in a high school teacher is that you don't have to always wear professional clothes.  There is always a reason to wear a T-shirt.  Canned Food Drive, supporting a club or team, etc.  Case in point:  Spirit Week.   In honor of spirit week, and especially twin day, a few of us have decided to "use the system" and take a break from profession and wear a Valley T Shirt.  A handful of teachers are rocking these amazing tie dyed spirit shirts.   Sometimes you just need to move away from the fashionable and go with the practical.

Just doing a little clean up.

The only issue with dress down days is that you might get confused with students and/or students talk around you like you are a student (whoa mamma).    I will probably get my mac and cheese for student prices.  SCORE.

OVERALL GRADE:  INCOMPLETE (cannot be graded against the other graded outfits.  Completely different tier)

Miss B.

Day 29 - "Yeah that really doesn't match"

 There is something great about starting the week on a Tuesday (so Tuesday is technically Monday, but not really because it is Tuesday, so the week goes way faster).  It is also 70 degrees out which is amazing for the Burgh in October. 

Keep the non-matching alive

Getting coffee is fun

I was told that I didn't match early on today.  I really thought that the white pinstripes were just a neutral, but I guess I am wrong.  I got stripes going every which way.  Love it.

But I will still embrace the fact (and laugh a little) that I really truly thought that this was completely acceptable and even boring.  

I love coffee.

Overall Grade:  A- (just because the minus looks like the beginning of a stripe)

Miss B.

Day 28 - Inservice

Sorry, friends.  It will make tomorrow that much better.

Good things come to those who wait.

Miss B.

Day 27 - Urbanspoon

I love food.  I love trying new foods and new restaurants.  A great resource for finding restaurants in any city is urbanspoon.com .  This website is a available for any city.  It also ranks restaurants in each city and neighborhood in a specific area.  Other than just an overall ranking, it breaks down by neighborhood, type, price, etc. 

My goal is to at least go to one or two of the top 10 overall in the Burgh.  As of today, I have been to only 2 (but the number 1 is Burgatory and I have frequented that place many times.  Kudos to me)

The other aspect of urbanspoon that is helpful is that anyone can write a review.  These reviews are short and sweet and not usually focusing on the food as much as the ambiance, service, and other things that you usually talk about. 

If you are visiting a city, it has a cool search called "restaurants near" which pulls all the best places from a hotel, theater, school, other landmarks.  This was helpful when I visited Atlanta (although we didn't use the suggestion, we had many options.

Check it out:  urbanspoon.com

Miss B.

Day 26 - Hot weather and Hot Pink

8th period face.  Anyone see a trend?

I had a dress picked out for today, but when i woke up late and had half of my toes polished (I scratched off the other ones), I wasn't ready to wear the open toes that I  had chosen sooooo here is what you get.  The go to "Bow" and some hot pink pants.  (I am lucky that I had already ironed these bad boys because if not the choices would be limited because ironing is something I rarely do.  I will do it if necessary.  I will not leave the house a wrinkle mess, but ironing is on the tier of vacuuming in my world.  Only needs to be done when truly necessary)

You can't copy my style.  :)

As for my shoes.  I went on a binge on zappos.com last summer and looked at that site for hours.  These shoes struck me for a few reasons.  1.  They were on sale.  2.  They were hot pink.  3. They almost tell a story.  4.  They say the word Rock n Bowl.  (Who wouldn't want a pair of shoes about bowling?)  They are fun and obnoxious at the same time, but still make me happy.


Miss B.

Day 25 - Black and Brown..To do or not to do??

Leopard?  Don't mind if I do?

Did I just say those two things together?  Can you wear black and brown together?  Well you know what,  just did.  I really don't see this as an issue.  Two neutrals together, why not?  I think that there are other combos that are more risky than two really boring colors.  My pants actually are pinstriped with black and a little bit of red.  (So my red sweater is complimentary, not just a joke)

This is one of my favorite sweaters.  Cashmere and short sleeves.  I bought this a few years ago and wish that I scooped up all of the different colors.  I like the vintage look of it and it is not super warm, just a great additional layer and a vibrant red.  (My favorite color)

Always motivational.

Overall Grade:  B (Nothing to call home about)

Miss B.

Day 24 - Color burst in the rain

I don't have a lot to say.  (Not good on Day 24)

Garden gnome on my head

Slouchy boots.

Blue ribbed and a weird angle

Well here it is.  I really wanted to wear this red dress but didn't want to just go with black tights, so I put my hand in my Bag O tights and came up with these blue/purple numbers.  I am not sure if they match, but I really like the binding burst of colors that don't match or compliment each other in any way.  I am not going to write a lot because I want you all to just take it in and form your own opinion. 


Overall Grade:  B (but colorful)

Day 23 - Mary Poppins Monday

I have broken out the tights.  Along with my selection of shoes, I have a wide variety of tights. (I guess today's pick is technically pantyhose, but I am going to lump them in with tights..  Like it.)  It has been cold enough here that bare legs are gone until next year which probably is a good thing because even if I try super hard, I still have the whitest legs ever.  Basically, THANK YOU for the cold and rain and the ability to show my legs off, but can at least cover the blinding Snow White action that is going on.   These tights are just a sheer black with polka dots.  They are on the "subdued" side of the collection.

Love the red.

Watch out Mary Poppins!

Polka dot and people. Mismatched.

And not on the subdued side is my amazing Mary Poppins sweater.  (Also seen on Miss Pilsbury of Glee).  I really like this sweater.  Each Mary is embroidered and not screen printed.  This is Forever 21 find last year.  After I saw it on Glee, I had to have it and little did I know it was from Forever 21.  (I have since stopped watching Glee because it has gone down hill, but still love Miss Pilsbury's conservative and colorful wardrobe).  And why not a red sailor skirt.

Just coming back with a bang on this rainy Monday.  I just might have a spoonful of sugar for lunch.

OVERALL GRADE:  A (I think this is more my style)

Miss B.