Style Can Be Taught.

It’s all about: Makeup

I love wearing make up to work. I know some might think that they don’t have the time in the morning to invest in wearing makeup. It really doesn’t have to take long. I have a basic five minute routine down pat.  With everything, there’s a fine line between appropriate and over the top.  And as teachers we definitely need makeup that can help us look fresh, last through the day, and withstand late day eye rubs.  It’s enough that we have to worry about dry erase marker on our face (apparently I had some on my face an entire period until at the end a very nice student let me know…), no need to worry about the makeup.

Get yourself some decent brushes (the black ones from Sephora are great) and try out these top five makeup recs*:

1.  I recently went to Sephora searching for the perfect fool-proof liquid eyeliner.  I want to do a cat-eye but fear that black could be too dramatic for the classroom.  I was happily introduced to this gel eyeliner from Tarte which goes on like liquid but is much easier to use.  It comes in lots of fun colors ( I chose brown) and has staying power, which is a must.  And it’s paraben and animal cruelty free. Bonus!

2.  I do believe that there are some “investment” makeup brands. Drugstore eyeshadow for example never seems to last. However, when it comes to mascara, I’ve found that good old CoverGirl LashBlast does the trick.  It’s under $10, lasts all day, and gives me nice full lashes.  And ladies, don’t fear the eyelash curler. It is your friend.

3.  This next rec comes courtesy of my freshman roomie, Kerry.  She understands the late nights that teachers pull and says that Tarte’s Dark Circle Defense concealer will do the trick. And, according to Tarte, it’s been clinically proven to reduce puffiness in four weeks!  I spend four weeks just teaching about Rome! So even though we know how hard teachers work, there’s no need to wear it on our face every day like a badge.

4.  Ladies, I hate to be trite but when it comes to blush, there’s just nothing better than Nars Orgasm.  This was one of those products that I would see over and over in the mags earning the best blush awards. I had to try it and now I’m hooked. 

5. I’m all about staying power and I’ve found that some eyeshadows in my makeup bag just don’t want to stay (mainly Sephora brand, which is why I usually invest in Mac and Nars). My sweeter than sweet husband once tracked down the first ever Sephora palette collection that sold out in stores. It comes with about 40 eyeshadows but they never seemed to last to the end of the day.  Feeling guilty about buying all new shadows, I decided to buy a primer that would keep the shadow in place.  The Shadow Insurance primer from Too Faced does exactly that. And now I need to find another excuse to hit the Mac counter….

* Did you notice that I don’t have any recommendation for the lips? That’s because I’ve never been one to wear color on my lips. I’m not against it, I just think I look like a clown in any color other than a soft pink and I prefer to play up my eyes. I used to use Mac Lipglass but I can’t stand having my curls get caught in my lips.  So I’m definitely looking for recommendations for some lip stains.  If you have, please let me know.

It’s all about: Secretary style

On my recent trip to San Francisco, I hit up the vintage store Held Over (thanks for the rec Ris!) where they conveniently sort their clothes by style.   This is how I discovered that my style is 70’s secretary.  Basically what this translates into for me is a lot of tie-neck blouses and dresses.  It’s funny though that being a teacher I’m attracted to the style of another profession that has historically been dominated by women.  Here are some of my picks for nailing the secretary style.

1.  Thanks to Joan Holloway, secretary-style has seen a resurgence.  What I would do for her wardrobe! Thanks to Banana Republic I won’t have to do that much since they are launching their much anticipated Mad Men collection. I do believe some BR give teacher discounts- I always ask!  I’m digging this cute floral number. It’s a splurge but can be worn inside and outside of the classroom.  I’d stick with one piece from this collection and mix with vintage.

2.  I’m really into prints and tie necks so when I find the perfect combination it’s a must.  This blouse from asos.com would be great on its own or under a cardi or blazer.  There are lots of options on asos, but I like to keep it somewhat reasonable and this one is $51.

3. No secretary is complete without her pencil skirt.  I love the ones at J.Crew but just can’t bring myself to spend over $100 (and that’s with the teacher discount). Ann Taylor, which also gives a teacher discount, has a fun pencil skirt for $88. It would be a great look for parent-teacher conferences.

4.  Of course, every outfit needs great accessories. And what secretary would want to be caught dead without her pencil.  This handmade necklace befittingly called the Ode to Joan Holloway made by Maya at Owliday Inn is the perfect complement to any outfit. 

5.  Shop vintage!  For one of a kind pieces, you really need to hit up your local thrift stores, ebay, and etsy. There’s a treasure trove out there and with some dry cleaning and tailoring, you can score a secretary look that’s totally your own.

It’s all about: The Desk

Some people dream of buying a brownstone. Others dream of world peace. I dream of having the same one classroom year to year. Sigh.  I’d love to invest in some great classroom supplies but moving from classroom to classroom doesn’t help. Neither does the fact that you never know if your pencil sharpener, stapler, mug, etc will be there the next morning or even two periods later. That’s just how it is. If it’s not glued down, there’s a chance it will disappear.  So if my dream of having my own classroom came true, this is what would be in it.  Ah, a girl can dream…

1.  I’m so bad at math. So this lovely corn calculator from the MoMA store would be great for computing grades.  It’s made of corn, biodegradable and best of all, it’s yellow!

2.  You can’t go wrong with Muji. I could go nuts here and can’t even pick out one thing.  Paper dividers for your desk, planners, pencils- all for under $10- oh my!  If it gets lost or stolen, not the end of the world.

3.  Since I’m dreaming here, I may as well indulge myself.  Keeping track of papers is definitely one of my organizational challenges as a teacher, especially not having one classroom to store them in. So if I did have my own classroom and money was not a concern, I’d totally get this paper organizer from Design Within Reach (or as my husband and I call it, DWR only at the Annex Sale if it’s 75% off…)

4.  OK, still dreaming here… but no one will dare steal this staple remover from Jac Zagoory Designs. I’m partial to the gorilla because I’m ape for apes, but I could go for the hippo. It’s unassuming but the hippo is actually the most dangerous African mammal.  

5.  Think any kid is going to lug around a concrete tape dispenser? I think not. Must have this concrete desk set from designer Magnus Pettersen- pencil holder, tape dispenser, and tray for paperclips. Concrete my friends. It’s just pure genius!

Missoni for Target? Yes, please!

I read fashion mags but I have to admit, it’s hard for me to keep up with all of the designers and what they are showing.  I do have a baby and lessons to keep me busy enough. But I do know that I have some favorite designers all of which I cannot afford- unless they do a collaboration with Target or H&M. Two designers who can do no wrong in my mind are Pucci (yet to do a collab with either stores) and Missoni.  The buzz has been building about the Missoni Target collab that launches this September and I was very excited to get a sneak-peek.  I’ll take one of everything!!!

Do’s and Dont’s of Making It Work in the Classroom

Every classroom has its rules. Without them, there would be chaos. Kids screaming, paper airplanes, spitballs. You get the picture.  So I’ve complied some rules for getting through the school year with style.

DO- remember that your lesson is the most important priority, not your outfit. So while I’m all about looking good on the job, I want my students to walk away talking about the amazing lesson, not my amazingly awesome (or bad) outfit.  

DON’T- let style suffer for comfort and function.  Believe me, I understand how important these things are. I’m not saying you should walk around in 4 inch heels all day but there are some options.  SAY NO TO DANSKOS. Please, just don’t do it.  They might be the most comfortable shoes in the world but they might also be the ugliest shoes in the world.  There are plenty of flats and comfy heels that you can wear- once you get to school.

DO- express your individuality and style, but within reason.  There are school outfits and there are going out/weekend outfits. They both have their place.  So go ahead and wear those purple tights or your monochrome pink outfit.  But save the see through lacy tops for da club.  Remember, after all, you are a teacher.

DON’T- dress like a student.  You can be on trend but in an adult way.  So that means no shopping at Forever 21… aw. It’s not so bad, really.  In my several years of teaching, I have yet to come in wearing the same thing as my students and I shop at H&M (for some reason it doesn’t seem too popular with my students).  You’re most likely not 21 or 16.  I recently purged all of my Delia’s purchases and you know what, it felt pretty darn good.

DO- remember to dress appropriately.  Now I know appropriate means many things to many people.  And in the case of us teachers, I think appropriate means several things, like the above mentioned Do’s and Dont’s.  But let me break it down a little bit further: no mini skirts, no cleavage, nothing see-through (remember the first DO…)

DON’T-  forget the details.  Before I leave every morning I make sure that there’s no vpl (visible panty lines), no bra strap or headlights showing, and no plumber’s crack.  I happen to have a long torso so I always check that if I’m writing on the board my stomach will be always be full covered.  It’s the little details but I know that when I’m going into the classroom I won’t have any distractions. And believe me, when kids start snickering and you start going through a check list of why they are laughing at you, this will make the list a little shorter (remember to always check your fly before the class starts!).

Good luck!

The inspiration.

Mrs. Blythe. 10th grade geometry.  While she was teaching me proofs all I could think about was how she could really use a makeover.  She was young and had a great figure but was totally not living up to her potential. All she needed was a good blow out and coloring, contacts to replace her 80’s style glasses (this was 1997 and she was probably around 30 ) and a totally new wardrobe.  I knew she’d be a total babe. Alas, I never had my opportunity and I still got an A (though she still works there- maybe there’s still a chance!).

We’ve all been to high school and so we’re all familiar with the stereotypes of teacherly style- or lack thereof.  I don’t want to fit that stereotype.  I’m not fashion obsessed and I wouldn’t want to come across that way to my students (this is not The Devil Wears Prada).  But I think it’s important for students to see professionals and adults in their life express their individuality beyond their own high school experience.  Once you become an adult you don’t have to sell out. And once you become a teacher you don’t have to wear Danskos.

So what’s the objective of this blog/lesson: To help teachers bring more style into their lives and classrooms.  In the true fashion of a teacher, RWBAT (Readers Will Be Able To)

- Demonstrate an understanding of how to dress appropriately for the classroom

- Gain new techniques for shopping one’s own closet

-  Learn about affordable stylish options for clothes and classroom decor

- Be able to balance comfort and function with style

- Gain confidence in the fact that being a teacher is the best job on Earth and we too can look great doing it!

I look forward to meeting all of my objectives!

My most favorite time of the year- Back to School Shopping!

After being out on maternity leave last school year, I have to admit I’m pretty excited about going shopping for some new clothes and accessories for the upcoming school year.  Here are some of the items on my list:

1.  Although J. Crew runs on the expensive side for my salary, they do offer a 15% discount for teachers.  I’ve bought several pairs of their shoes in the past and they wear well, definitely worth the investment.  My current object of desire: these J. Crew flats.  Classic saddle shoe and super comfy- perfect for being on your feet all day.

2.  Asos.com offers a great range of fashionable clothes in a wide range of prices. I slide the little price bar to under $100 and there’s a sizable selection.  And with free shipping and returns you can’t go wrong.  Since I spend most of my day with teenagers, I’m very conscious of skirt length, showing too much skin, and things being too tight. Luckily this dress seems to perfectly fit the bill: Midi-dress with tie neck.

3.  I’ve officially declared this year the “Year of the Jacket”.  I’ve had my love affair with cardigans but I’m ready for a change.  Blazers and structured jackets offer you the same layering possibilities as cardigans, which are essential in the classroom (it’s hot, then cold, then hot again).  I recently went to H&M and was pleasantly surprised with what they had for the fall.  If it’s a blazer with elbow pads- extra credit! Elbow pads just scream scholarly authority.  I scored a great oversized blazer at H&M for $25 (can’t find a pic online) but here’s a great one from TopShop, but pricier. But if you’re going to invest in one blazer, this could be it.

4.  I’ve been wearing “fashion belts” for over 10 years now and am still a firm believer in the power of the belt. Whether it is worn traditionally through the loops or belted around the waist, it’s definitely a classroom essential.  You never want to be caught exposing your tush while in the classroom (I often do a test run in the morning before work).  So I’m never without a belt but often you’ll see it belting a flowy shirt or a cardigan.  One belt fashion faux-pas: the hip hugging fashion belt that gives you a drop-waist look.   These belts from Urban Outfitters are affordable and add just the right preppy touch to any outfit. (Stay tuned for posts on how-to transform outfits with a belt)

5. Every teacher needs a good bag.  For many years I scorned the backpack. In fact, I refused to use one all throughout my post-elementary academic career and into my first year of teaching.  In my mind backpacks were just not cool and the thought of using one as a teacher just brought me right back to my own high school experience.  But after schlepping papers home (who knew they would be so heavy!) my husband basically dragged me into the North Face store and got me a bag that wouldn’t break my back.  But I’m ready for a change and I’m feeling this bag, also from Urban Outfitters. I love it in pink!