Casual Archives | More to Mrs. E

Colorful Multitasking Sundress from Amazon

May 20, 2019 by Virginia 25 Comments

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There is really something wonderful about finding a beautiful, colorful sundress that can be worn for multiple seasons and multiple occasions. This dress is one of those and it’s under $25 and comes in 19 styles. I had just received it in the mail when we had our first warm, sunny day in a week. Jeremy wanted to check out Spring Fest at our local beach and I thought, what better place to try out my new multicolored sundress than at a colorful carnival. We quickly, and awkwardly snapped a few photos and the bright colors just make me happy!

You may recognize THIS colorful sundress from last week’s review of recent purchases but today I want to tell you a little more about why you need one.

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A Dress for Different Seasons and Situations

Appropriate for Work and the Classroom

I have a hard time buying a piece of clothing that can’t serve multiple purposes. For example, I should be able to wear a top casually on the weekend and also be able to dress it up in some way for work. But any more, I find it very difficult to find a pretty dress that is affordable and appropriate for work. The cute sundresses I usually find in my price range (under $30) are either too short or too low-cut to wear to work. Even with a cardigan or blazer, a busty top is a busty top!

That’s why I’m so excited about this sundress. Not only is it long enough to bend over without anxiety, but even with the adjustable straps lowered, the cut at the neckline and the smocking keep the bust area covered.

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During the Spring

This colorful sundress is sleeveless but you don’t have to wait for the warmth to wear it now. All you need to do is layer. Because the neckline isn’t too low, it looks great layered under another piece.

During the spring while it is still cool, or for work, I would add a brightly colored cardigan (I discovered this one through Katie: see her wearing it here) or a denim jacket for the classroom. For a slightly more professional work environment, I would add a white blazer (my current fave).

School’s Out! Colorful Sundress for the Summer

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Then, when summer hits, you will find this colorful sundress is also perfect for your weekend beach trip or running errands around town. The fabric is light and the skirt is billowy without fear of flying up. I just know it will be nice and breezy to stay cool during a humid summer.

The smocked top makes a flattering fit and the adjustable straps allow me to raise or lower the neckline – perfect for when the summer humidity makes me dread any fabric clinging to my neck area.

So, for work, weekend, spring and summer, this colorful sundress can do it all! And, remember, it is only $22 and ships free (and fast) with Amazon Prime. If you love the concept but don’t love the retro pattern, check out the other options available. You’re guaranteed to find one you like!

Make sure to check out last week’s post for sizing info!

Get the Look

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Multicolored Sundress || Denim Jacket || Sandals || Earrings (very similar)|| Sunglasses (check codes at bottom of page for buy one, get one free!)|| Similar Clutch

Thanks so much for stopping by! A special shout-out to my teacher friends as you wrap up the school year!

Also, make sure to check out the great Memorial Day Sales going on right now!

Virginia

Spring in Technicolor: Vibrant Yellow Kimono

April 29, 2019 by Virginia 22 Comments

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The spring weather has finally hit New England and last Wednesday it was legitimately warm. The grass and flowers are soaking up the sun and the entire world is bursting forth in color, sortof like this vibrant yellow kimono. I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when the movie-makers hit the Technicolor switch! Color is slowly turning this wintry, monochrome world into a beautiful spring wonderland. One of my favorite parts of driving to work in the morning now is to look at the yellow forsythia popping out against the lush green grass. You could say that the forsythia inspired these photos!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click/make a purchase through the links, I will earn a small commission. For more information, please see my Privacy Policy.

Return of the Teacher “Maxxinista”

Last Monday I had a day off and wandered into TJMaxx. It’s funny how blogging can affect you sometimes. I’m so frequently shopping online that I haven’t stepped into a TJMaxx in forever. I felt a little guilty thinking about it because, from the beginning, TJMaxx has been one of my favorite places to shop because I can always find quality and trendy items at affordable prices. And yet, I’ve stopped shopping there because I can’t always link what I find! Shame on me!

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I had a good “return to my first love” this Monday. (For a run-down of what I love about TJMaxx check out my Top 5 Places to Shop for Teacher Clothes). Thankfully, I only walked out with a pair of shoes and a kimono (well…also these gummy worms. If you haven’t tried them…you should.)

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Vibrant Yellows and Greens

The colors on this vibrant yellow kimono make me jump with joy. When I did my anniversary round-up I was sad to realize that I’ve lost a lot of the bright colors in my wardrobe. This is my first step back into the technicolor world! I’ve been wanting a long-sleeve kimono for awhile now and just haven’t found the right one until now. The length is perfect, yellow and pink are two of my favorite colors, and I love how the sleeves are cut away so that I can wear it on cool summer nights as well!

So, when Jeremy got off work early and the sun was shining, I knew I needed to get some pictures of this casual spring outfit. I’ve been waiting for the right weather to shoot an outfit in the park by our house and, thinking of the bright forsythia against the green grass, knew that this vibrant yellow kimono was the right one.

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The trees were blooming, the sun was shining and I seriously had to resist frolicking in the park. It reminded me how important it is to do little things like take a walk in the park. Just being outside on a gorgeous day enjoying the technicolor of God’s creation in the Spring can fill your heart with joy! (Plus, the Vitamin D can’t hurt!)

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Get the Look:

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I can link very few of the items in this outfit but I show you anyway because maybe it will either 1) inspire you to try some color 2) inspire you to try TJMaxx again or 3) inspire you to try a kimono.

It’s all about inspiration this week! Plus, I will do my best to link similar options. There are actually a ton of bright yellow kimonos out there right now so I will link a whole bunch of those too!

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In Stock Still: Cognac Backpack || Statement Earrings (under $15!)|| Jord Watch (c/o see here) || Lipstick (I wear this EVERY day)

No/Limited Stock: The shoes are 4 years ago. Similar HERE and HERE || The thermal henley (great buy) was from Walmart in the fall. They only have a few left in-store. || The skinny jeggings were a Black Friday purchase. Similar HERE.

That’s it for this week! I hope your week is wonderful and that you are able to enjoy some time outdoors!

-Virginia

The Precious Gift of Time + Jord Wood Watch Giveaway

April 8, 2019 by Virginia 12 Comments

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Truth Time! I’m just going to start off by saying that instead of sitting here in the sun writing this blog post, I should be downstairs installing flooring. But you know what?! Sometimes you just have to give yourself some TIME! Since that’s what this week’s blog post is about and since I’m feeling particularly passionate about that right now, I’m going to give myself the gift of time and get this off my chest!

Where Does All the Time Go?

My Story: The Busy Teacher

I didn’t always let myself take that time. When I first started teaching, my life was modeled after those teacher movies. You know the ones I mean, where the teacher gives up everything in their life: health, family time, etc to focus all their energy and their daylight hours on their students. It was beyond exhausting, but I loved my life.

It wasn’t until years into teaching that I pulled my head out of the “sand” that was High School teaching and realized that my job had become my life. Where did the time go that I used to read or see family and friends? I was torn because I found so much meaning in what I did and couldn’t even imagine giving less than what I was giving. In fact, if you asked me then, I would have said that it wasn’t possible for me to be happy without giving everything that I had to my students.

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When I met my husband, he encouraged me to give myself more time for the other things I loved by going part-time in my job. Eventually, that led to the birth of this blog!

Our Story: Busy People

My story is one of an overworked teacher but it very well could be the story of an overworked lawyer, manager, or mom. We are busy people and busy people deserve an extra-special gift: the gift of time.

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I’m excited today to partner with Jord Watches to share a little more about how special this gift can be. Jord makes the most beautiful luxury wood watches. When they contacted me about this collaboration, I thought – is a beautiful, luxury wood watch something that teachers really need? Is this even something my audience would be interested in? (I eventually concluded yes: see note below on teachers.) But, the more I thought about it, the more I began to associate these watches with so much more!

NOTE: This watch was provided to me but all opinions are my own.

Give Yourself the Gift of Time:

Time is something so valuable and something that busy people are not always good at giving themselves. I am always cramming my life full of the things on my to-do list. Time is what I give myself after everything on the list is done. But what kind of life is that?

Time is always moving. Like the Swiss movement of these unique watches, it’s so smooth that you don’t even notice it’s gone until the school-year has ended, your little one has had their first birthday, or you look in the mirror to spot a gray hair (eek!). All the more reason for you to slow that clock down and give yourself the gift of time!

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Read a book! – Flop down on the couch or pull up a cozy seat in your favorite coffee shop and spend even just 30 minutes reading!
Get some Exercise – It will make you feel better!
Go get a mani/pedi – Hmm…that’s a good idea. I need to do that soon. One with massage chairs!
Have dinner with friends – Make time for the people you love while getting out of the house and eating food you don’t have to prepare!

When you choose these things for yourself, you are showing yourself that you value your health and happiness! These are the kinds of investments that will make you a better teacher, mom, lawyer, etc.

Give Your Spouse the Gift of Time

Take time to do things together. I said on Instagram back in February that I wanted to get back to exploring. The best memories and the best photos I have from my married life are the times when we took time to go do something together. Sometimes it was just taking a walk on the beach. Other times it was exploring a new town.

So, this weekend, Jeremy and I went to our favorite spot in town – the local bookstore/coffee shop, and we had coffee and breakfast together. It was so simple, but it was different and fun! We got to enjoy something we both love and talk about “our hopes and dreams” (that’s how my husband jokingly puts it).

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Whatever it is for you, invest in that time. Take a walk in the park. Go on a weekend getaway. These are times you will never get back! These are the things that will help you keep your life balanced!

Now, what does this all have to do with a wood watch?

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When you give the gift of time, you are choosing something valuable! By taking time for yourself, you are showing yourself that you are valuable. When you choose a luxury watch, you are doing the same.

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The Cora Polaris Walnut and Blue watch sent to me by Jord is unique and beautiful. It’s the perfect gift to give that special person in your life. It impresses me with its quality materials and craftsmanship. The natural walnut wood beautifully accents the rose gold metal and the tiny swarovski crystals in the watch face add an extra level of elegance. The design of the crystals on the midnight blue background even depict the Little Dipper.

I love that beyond it’s beauty, its also practical. The sapphire crystal glass over the watch face? Yeah, that won’t scratch (phew). And, as my husband quickly and excitedly pointed out to me, it has a swiss movement (smooth, no “ticks”) and is self-winding. There is no battery so you don’t have to worry about having to replace it! Your own movements, made while wearing the watch, make it wind itself! How rad is that!? Because of that, you’ll want to wear it regularly and the watch face sits a little higher on the wrist. You can even see the mechanisms through the openings on the front and back of the watch! “That’s a really nice watch!” my husband said. (He’s more the watch expert.)

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You can see more about the wood watch I chose HERE and if you love it but blue is just not your color, know that it comes in two other color options! In fact, there are so many great options on the Jord website for you to look at: leather bands, wood bands, even apple watch bands. Each wood watch is a one-of-a-kind gift because each piece of natural wood is completely unique!

When you choose to give a Jord wood watch, you are choosing value and you are showing yourself or your loved one that they too, are worth an investment.

Win the Gift of Time

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Yes, you say! That would make the perfect gift for my [insert husband, wife, friend, mother, you name it]! Well, guess what!? In addition to gifting me this beautiful watch to try out and share with you, Jord is offering my followers a chance to win $100 towards any Jord watch. It’s super easy to enter.

To enter the giveaway, simply click HERE, enter your email and fill out the form to tell us which wood watches are your favorite! That’s it!

The winner will receive a $100 gift code toward the purchase of any watch (or watch band!) in the Jord collection right after the giveaway concludes!
The contest runs until 4/21. After that, the winner will be informed via the email address they used to sign up.
Cant wait?! You’re in luck! All other entrants will receive a 10% off gift code just for entering!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

I would love for you to enter! Please also share this post with others you know would love the chance to win! The more the merrier!

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That Special Gift for that Special Someone: Wood Watches

To start picking out that unique wood watch for your loved one, try these:

Watches for Women HERE
Watches for Men HERE
Apple watch bands HERE

Get one for yourself. Get one for your spouse! In fact, what a great time to enter this giveaway because Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are coming up. It’s the perfect time to invest in a quality wood watch. Give them a timepiece that is both thoughtful and beautiful.

For that Special Teacher

A beautiful wood watch would be a great gift for the teacher in your life. I don’t mean you should search out that special high school teacher and fork over the big bucks to say thank you. No…but what about a mother, father, grandmother or grandfather who are still putting in time in the classroom?

Building clocks aren’t always reliable or they are in a place that the teacher just can’t see while teaching. A watch is a practical gift and every time he or she glances down to see whether the five minutes they’ve given their students is up, they will see how much you value you’ve placed in them by choosing a gift that is both practical and valuable.

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So you see…this wood watch is just the the symbol but it stands for so much more. Give yourself the gift of time well-spent, of time invested, of a quality timepiece. You deserve it!

And once you’ve come to realize how special and important that is, do it for someone else. Maybe it’s your spouse or your kids, but show them in whatever way is meaningful to you that they are valued.

Thanks so much for stopping by friends, and please share this giveaway with anyone you know may be interested!

~Virginia

Wooden Wrist Watch