Favorite Outfits of 2018

January 7, 2019 by Virginia 18 Comments

favorite outftis of 2018_casual style_work style_teacher style

As a blogger, I find looking back over the past year of outfits a very encouraging thing. It’s fun to see how my style has evolved and to remember how excited I was when I came up with an outfit combo or to realize, in looking back, how often I now copy the same outfit formula. It’s helpful for me to look back over my favorite outfits of 2018 and I hope it will also be helpful for you.

As I shared in my last post, 2018 was a year of big changes for me. (Thank you so much for all the kind comments on that post…it’s hard to be vulnerable that way but you all met my feelings of failure and struggle with compassion and understanding, for which I’m truly grateful.) In April 2018 I succumbed to my teaching over-exhaustion and gave up on the blog. At that time I wasn’t sure if I would ever pick it back up again. I continually tell new teachers to make time for the other things you love because a happy, balanced teacher is a better teacher. But, we all get into situations where it seems like there is no way out. I ignored my own advice about keeping balance because I was so darn exhausted. Ultimately, my way out was to leave teaching and finally, in August 2018 I had the head-space and desire to pick up blogging again.

The crazy thing in looking back is that what I remember about last winter and spring is how my exhaustion killed my creativity, but many of my favorite outfits from 2018 came during that time! I still re-wear many of them!

And so, without further ado…here are my six favorite outfits from 2018.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click and/or make a purchase through those links, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you! It helps keep my blog up and running, so thanks! See my Privacy Policy for more details.

Number 6: Leopard Shirt dress and Leather

cute teacher outfit_leopard print dress and leather_Leopard shirt dress_studded mid-heels_valentino dupe_statement necklace_work outfit — Leopard Shirt dress | Similar Leather Moto Jacket | Similar Studded Pumps

I was so excited to find this leopard shirt dress at such an affordable price and loved how it paired with my leather moto jacket!

Original post HERE

Number 5: Black, White and Orange

shein fall favorites-orange-coat-with-gold-buttons-tie-neck-striped-top-work-outfit-inspiration — Orange Coat | Bow Blouse | Leopard Pumps

This was my absolute favorite work outfit of the year. I love how the white edged blouse pairs with the white ankle pants. The orange coat is the perfect affordable pop of color and my leopard pumps make every outfit fab!

Original post HERE

Number 4: Over-the-knee Boots at Work

Spring Floral top_white skinny jeans_over-the-knee boots for work_Steve Madden Osana Boot_teacher fashion_teacher outfits — Similar Floral Blouse | Similar Taupe Over-the-knee Boots

Ah yes, this was when I finally found my perfect pair of OTK boots and was bold enough to wear them to school! You too can wear OTK boots to work!

Original post HERE

Number 3: Crop Top for Work

Layer Crop top for work_stripe trumpet sleeve_teacher style_orange pencil skirt

…when I learned that layering a crop top over a longer top can make it appropriate for work!

Original post HERE

Number 2: Layering a Blouse Over a Dress

creative valentine's day outfit_pink bow top chicwish_lace dress — Lace Dress | Pink Bow Top

…When I found one MORE way to wear my favorite lace dress by turning it into a skirt for Valentine’s Day!

Original post HERE

Number 1: White Skinny Jeans for Work

white skinny jean teacher outfit_long caridan_leopard pumps_teacher style blogger_cute teacher outfits — Similar Olive Cardigan |Similar Leopard Pump

This has got to be my absolute favorite, most-copied work outfit ever. It’s amazing how easy it is to change up this outfit combo.

The monotone white base allows for infinite outfit combinations. Change out the heels or the cardigan and you have a slightly different outfit. It makes sense that this is also my most popular post from last year.

Original post HERE

Reflecting on my favorite outfits of 2018

Here is what I realized when I looked back at my 2018 favorites:

My obsession with leopard print is no joke, lol! Half of the outfits above include some form of leopard print.
Layering pieces gives them new life! (I layered the crop top over a collared shirt and the pink bow top over a lace dress and totally expanded the ways I could wear those pieces!)
Shein has become one of my favorite retailers. Four of the six outfits above include pieces from Shein and many of the outfits that didn’t make the cut also included Shein pieces. Their shipping has gotten quicker, exchanges easier and products better quality.
I really like a white base, either skinny jeans or a white skirt.

It was so fun for me to look back over at my 2018 style! As you reflect back over your style this year, what do you see? Is there an item (like my leopard pumps) that you just wanted to wear over and over again? Do you notice that you’re drawn to certain colors? I’d love for you to share your own style reflections from 2018 below!

(And if you’re interested in last year’s top five outfits, go HERE!)

Thanks for stopping by!

-Virginia

Shein Fall Favorites for Work

October 22, 2018 by Virginia 35 Comments

You guys, I’m going to admit – I’m a little obsessed right now with ordering a ton of things from Shein and trying them on. Luckily this little obsession has resulted in a ton of new Shein fall favorites for work. It’s is so affordable. Plus, I am getting better at picking my correct size from the beginning (more on that here) and they are getting better at shipping items quickly. It’s increasingly easy for me to place a large order from Shein and have confidence that the money won’t be wasted.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click and/or make a purchase from those links, More to Mrs. E will make a small commission at no cost to you. For more information, see my Privacy Policy. Thank you for supporting the retailers that make this blog possible!

Two of the items in this outfit are from my most recent Shein haul and man…almost everything in this haul was a WINNER! I couldn’t wait to try them and wore them to work the next day.

Shein Fall Favorites from Haul #1

You can see my try-on session from my first recent Shein Haul on Instastories HERE. I like being able to know more about the quality of the fabric and how and item fits, so that’s why I did the Instastories.

These items will be featured on the blog soon, but for now:

Again, for fit and sizing info see the Instastories reviews HERE.

Shein Fall Favorites from Haul #2

As I said above, I couldn’t wait to wear this great orange coat and bow top. I loved the outfit I created so much that I cornered husband when he came home and asked him to shoot some pics of the outfit really quickly!

Let me know if you’re interested in seeing them tried on and I will do another Instastories!

Some tips when ordering from Shein:

You can see my full post on tips for ordering online in THIS POST. I include a section specifically on Shein, but for now:

Check the measurements and read the reviews – This will help you order the correct size. Rarely do I actually order the size I typically wear in US clothing.
Expect that not everything will be perfect. Usually with a large order I send at least one item, maybe two, back. Of course, I’m fine with this because I got the fun of trying it out and then I can send it back and try something else without having to spend more money! Shein has free returns (and they’re easy). So, as long as you’ll remember to send it back, there’s really no risk in ordering.

Get the Look

Bow Top, Shein.
Black Tank, Old Navy. (worn underneath top)
Orange Coat with Gold Buttons, Shein.
White Ankle Pants, The Limited (old). SIMILAR | SIMILAR
Gucci Dupe Belt, Amazon.
Leopard Heels, Nordstrom (old). SIMILAR | SIMILAR
Corley Earrings, Kendra Scott (c/o).

Have you tried Shein? What are some of your favorites from Shein for fall?

For more Shein favorites, see here, and make sure to follow me on Instagram for more Instastories try-on hauls! Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Virginia

Teacher Back-to-School Outfit from Forever21

August 29, 2018 by Virginia 21 Comments

When it’s time to go back to school there are some stores that I rely upon to provide great quality clothing and it isn’t usually Forever21. Forever21 is geared towards a younger crowd and the material hasn’t always been long-wearing for me. It still holds a place in my work wardrobe, but mainly for sweaters and some blouses (though that is proving more difficult with the crop top trend). However, Forever21 has surprised me lately and I’m excited to share this fun jumpsuit that is perfect for a teacher back-to-school outfit! And, not to be left behind, this amazing white collared shirt is, in fact, a bodysuit!

This post does contain affiliate links, which means that if you click and/or make a purchase through these links, I may make a small commission. For more information, see my Privacy Policy. Thank you for supporting the retailers that make this blog possible!

Forever21 as a Young Teacher

When I first started teaching I wasn’t actually used to shopping. I was a thrift store girl out of necessity and honestly, I hadn’t ventured too far beyond Department stores like JCPenney or Sears because the “regular” stores in the mall scared me! They were so unfamiliar.

Living on my own was such a growing experience. Work took up an unhealthy amount of time and I lived almost an hour away from my family. I did, however, finally have spending money and “free” Friday nights. After spending all week holed up in my apartment planning lessons and grading, by Friday night I was ready to get out! I’m a homebody at heart but even homebodies need to get out every once in a while!

Though it seems like a small thing, going to the giant mall 10 minutes from my house and wandering through all the stores, taking my time looking at items, was when I really started to develop independence. And that, friends, is how I discovered Forever21!

Old Favorites

I am the kind of shopper that usually has to start at one side of the store and go “in order,” all the way around until I see everything. (This often drives my sister and husband nuts!) Forever21 is not the kind of place where I can do this very easily. Early on, this store was a staple. However, most of my purchases were flimsy fabric or had loose threads that just didn’t hold up over time. That being said, some of my favorite items come from Forever21 and they HAVE stood the test of time.

This blue peplum top is an absolute favorite in my wardrobe. I may not wear it a great deal on the blog (just because I can’t always find a look-alike) but I wear it all the time in real life.
I shared this dress right when I started the blog (I know! Horrible pictures!) and it’s still one of my favorites.

One thing I’m realizing about retailers I had abandoned is that I may need to give them a second chance. Quality is not just in a name, but in the fabric and sewing, etc and many of my old faves are upping-their-game.

Back-To-School Forever21 Favorites Today

Twelve years have passed since that first year of teaching when I discovered Forever21 but last week I found myself wandering through again. I came across SO MANY great pieces that would work well for a teacher back-to-school outfit, in particular for fall. I have often found the Forever21 Contemporary line to be great quality but this visit I found so many items even beyond that line with soft, thick fabric. That was the case with this jumpsuit.

I tried this jumpsuit only because I loved the fabric. It’s so soft and I thought maybe, just maybe, it would fit. Sure enough, the fabric is stretchy and so soft, making it very comfortable. I ended up sizing up a little less than I usually do because of the stretch. I bought a M and I love how it feels. Plus, how cute would your little one be in a matching jumpsuit!?

In general, size up with Forever21.

At the mall I was seeing Brick-colored cargo jackets all over. This one is so affordable. The arms are a little tight but try it on in-store and size up. It’s a great price!
Finally…you guys, these corduroy pants are amazing! They are so soft and they are stretchy! I tried them on in a large and they totally stretched to fit. They are SO comfortable and would make a great pair of pants for school, especially for those of you who can’t wear jeans to work!

Bodysuits at Work?!

Last but not least, this top! Last year I found myself wishing I had a white collared shirt that wouldn’t bunch up under my Lularoe Pencil Skirts (also great for the classroom) and in my search for a solution I discovered these bodysuits from Express. They’re pretty spendy but if you follow me on Facebook, you’ll know that Express just had a sale where they were 50% off! I definitely grabbed a few. The Small (my normal size) was a bit too snug in the chest so I sent that one back and kept this Medium. I love it so much.

The bodysuit is a great option under this jumpsuit because it doesn’t bunch up under the jumpsuit. Plus, it removes the need to figure out a way to tuck it back in if it rides up during the day. That’s not easy to do with a jumpsuit but with this bodysuit, there is no need!

Grab it now or sign up for Shopstyle and set an alert for when it’s back on sale!

Would you wear this bodysuit to work? What about the jumpsuit?!

Teacher Back-To-School Outfit Details

Jumpsuit, Forever21. (cute matching little girl jumpsuit)
White Fitted Bodysuit, Express.
Gucci Belt Dupe, Amazon. (more below)
Studded Black Flats, Nordstrom (old). similar here and here.
Accessories: Hoop Earrings | Elisa Necklace c/o | Two-Tone Watch

Thanks so much for visiting!

~Virginia