Back in Blue

Coat:  c/o Veronica Virta, Top:  J.Crew (old, loving this mock-neck version), Jeans:  Frame Denim, Shoes:  Valentino, Bag:  French Connection (old, similar), Hat:  Forever 21

I'm baaaack! 

I know, I know, it's been a LONG time since my last post, and so much has happened since. 

Over the past two months we moved, I went back to work and my baby girl celebrated her SIX MONTH BIRTHDAY. Everyone tells you it goes by fast, but that's a complete understatement.

But now I'm back ~ just in time for the holidays.

After being pregnant and not shopping too much over the past year, I had two main focuses on my wardrobe this season:

1. New jeans

2. A fabulous new coat

I checked denim off my list with my new obsession, Frame Denim. I find most of their styles fit me perfectly and picked up several pairs over the past few months.

As far as coats go, I have one black belted puffy coat that I wear almost every day and it's perfect for my new mom life (so easy to wipe down). But I wanted something a little nicer that I could wear to work and for holiday parties.

This beautiful blue number from Veronica Virta totally fit the bill. I love a classic tweed coat, and the bright hue gives it a contemporary twist.

I was so excited to hear they now have a NJ location at the Bridgewater Commons Mall (2nd floor, Bloomingdales wing) in addition to their online boutique ~ www.veronicavirta.com.

They have so many pretty pieces that are perfect to dress up or down.

Not too late, ladies, to give that last minute *hint* *hint* to the bf or hubby!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Le Flare

Top:  ASOS (old, great alternative here, loving this long-sleeved version for fall), Jeans:  Frame, Hat:  Anthropologie ~ on sale!, Bag:  Mar Y Sol, Shoes:  Anthropologie (old, similar here under $30!)

Since it's still technically summer, I thought this white + denim look was perfect for the transition to fall.

This is my first pair of Frame jeans and I think I'm in love. Seriously. 

I was worried about how my post-baby body would look in jeans, but these fit like a glove, giving me a much-needed confidence boost!

Happy Monday everyone!

Labor Day Macrame

Dress:  Forever 21 (sold out, other options here), Sandals:  Loeffler Randall, Bag:  Unknown (similar option here for under $30!), Earrings:  c/o Amelia Rose

This dress is so perfect for late summer {and for my work-in-progress post-baby bod}. It's easy throw-on-and-go, it's a dark color {formula spit up leaves a nasty orangish stain on anything light}, and it was under $30 {in line with my new baby-friendly budget}.

On another note, I had a reader recently ask me if I was going to continue to update my blog ~ a completely legitimate question. My answer is yes, I plan on continuing to update, but I can't make any promises about regularity.

Those of you who have been with me since the beginning know that my posting began to decline in frequency about a year ago {right around the time I found out I was pregnant}. I kept the secret from almost everyone until I was about 16 weeks. That combined with fatigue and nausea was my first reason for posting less frequently. 

As the months went on, and I got bigger and bigger, the challenge was looking good while not spending too much on a pregnancy wardrobe. I just didn't have the desire {or the budget} to do so.

Once the baby arrived I thought I would be back to my normal blogging frequency, and planned to incorporate my tiny fashionista into my posts. As you can see this didn't happen either. Reality is that most days I stay in PJ's all day. If I do get dressed, I wear one of five easy dresses that I don't mind using as a burp cloth, paired with minimal makeup and unwashed hair. 

My priorities completely shifted when I became a mother. To me, time spent prepping to look my best means less time playing with/enjoying my number one gal.

I go back to work in November, so my posting will hopefully become more regular then {I'll be forced look presentable every day}. I hope you'll stick with me in the meantime.

Happy hump day everyone!

Navy and Bordeaux

Jacket:  Tulle (very old, similar here for $45!!), Pants:  H&M (similar here ~ on SALE!), Bag:  Aldo, Shoes:  Madewell ~ on SALE!, Gloves:  H&M (similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

This jacket is so old that I'd pretty much forgotten about it.  I was overjoyed the other day when it re-surfaced ~ rescued from the dark depths of my coat closet.  I feel that the pleated peplum design and double breasted closure are so unique and regal-looking! 

Colored Denim

Blazer:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Shirt:  J.Crew, Pants:  J.Crew, Clutch:  Anthropologie (old, this one is on my wish list), Shoes:  Christian Louboutin (budget-friendly version here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Necklace:  Gorjana, Bracelet:  c/o Left of Right, Nails:  Essie "Topless & Barefoot"

We had one 60-degree day last week and I jumped at the opportunity for a warm(er) weather ensemble.  I had purchased these J.Crew pants in "bright papaya" {seen here, here, here,} around this time last year, and loved them so much that I found myself wearing them very often.  So of course I was elated to see them on super-sale a few weeks ago!  I snatched up several pairs in different colors ~ each between $12 & $15!  I've already filled my colored denim quota for the upcoming season without breaking the bank! 

Military-esque

Coat:  J.Crew (last year, simlar here on sale!), Turtleneck:  Gap (similar here), Printed Cords:  Madewell ~ on SALE!, Boots:  Anthropologie:  (old, simlar here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (obsessed with this new version!), Earrings:  Tory Burch

Feeling very military-esque today in my double-breasted coat and riding boots.  I added the fun floral cords to take the edge off!  

Have a wonderful weekend ~ TGIF!!

P.S. ~ please excuse the appearance of my blog for the next week or so.  It will be undergoing some much needed maintenance :)

Damask

Jacket:  Buffalo Jeans (old, similar here), Turtleneck:  J.Crew, Pants:  Forever 21 (similar here ~ on sale!), Bag:  Forever21, flats:  Zara (similar here)

Just a quick post today wearing my favorite printed pants {last worn here}.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week ~ happy hump day!

Two Things

Coat:  J.Crew, Turtleneck:  J.Crew, Skirt:  J.Crew ~ on SALE {see a pattern??}, Bag:  Anthropologie, Shoes: H&M (similar here), Tights:  Anthropologie,  Bangle:  Vintage (from my mother's jewelry box} (similar here), Nails:  Essie "Glamour Purse"

Ok.  There are two things that you need to know about me if you don't already:

1.  I HATE cold weather.  Strange given that I have lived in NJ my entire life.  Is this outfit winter appropriate?  For me, yes ~ this is the longest period of time that I will spend outside all winter.  Aside from taking blog pictures, it's a short walk to the car, and then a short walk from the car to work or wherever else I may be going.  Just group me in with the bears because I basically hibernate too.

2.  I LOVE a good sale.  I have to brag about my sale-shopper-skills right now.  Retail price of this outfit:  Coat $365, Turtleneck $85, Skirt $148, Total = $598.  Price I paid:  Coat $101, Turtleneck $29.99, Skirt $29.99, Total = $160.98.  Approximately 1/3 of the retail price!  Enough said.

Bow Peep

Coat:  Forever 21 (old, similar here ~ under $100!), Skirt:  Bebe (a wardrobe staple!!!), Sweater J.Crew ~ almost sold out (simlar here for $25!!), Shirt:  Madewell (similar), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Shoes:  J.Crew (old, great alternative here), Earrings:  Kate Spade, Watch:  DKNY (similar), Nails:  Essie "Glamour Purse"

It's certainly no secret that I'm a huge fan of bows, and often display them not only in my clothing but in my accessories too.  So when I saw these adorable Kate Spade earrings at Nordstrom, I just couldn't resist adding them to my collection.  They add such a feminine classic touch!

Mad for Plaid

Coat:  Bebe (very old, loving this one ~ on MAJOR SALE!!!), Dress:  Forever 21 (also very old, similar here,,here) Turtleneck:  J.Crew, Tights:  Anthropologie, Shoes: Valentino, Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (LOVING this newer version), Gloves:  Lord & Taylor (similar on SALE)

This is probably one of the more inexpensive dresses I own and I have had it for years. It has survived many, MANY closet clean-outs.  There is something about plaid that never gets old or goes out of style ~ and ~ as you probably know by now, I'm a sucker for work-appropriate dresses!

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Coat:  J.Crew (last year, very similar here ~ only $88, and here just $75!), Sweater:  Zara (similar here), Jeans:  AG via Anthropologie, Shoes:  J.Crew (old, LOVE this similar pair), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs, Belt:  H&M (similar), Bangle:  C.Wonder

Yesterday, my husband and I went to brunch with one of our favorite couples.  Whenever I think of brunch, the first thing that comes to mind is Breakfast at Tiffany's {which was also the theme of my amazing bridal shower}.  

I was definitely channeling Audrey when getting dressed yesterday.  I chose some of my favorite classic pieces ~ my cream military jacket paired with my mint bow pumps ~ that I know I'll be wearing for years to come!

Left of Right

Blazer:  Aritzia (similar here), Blouse:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Jeans:  Citizens of Humanity, Shoes:  Valentino, Bag:  Gucci (very old,liking this black hobo for under $15!!), Necklace:  Helen Ficalora, Earrings & Bracelets:  c/o Left of Right

I'm extremely picky about the jewelry I wear ~ especially when it comes to bracelets.  I will admit, I am a little self-conscious about my wrists.  They are very bony and gawky.  It's hard to find bangles that fit without feeling as though they'll fall off.  

I recently discovered Left of Right Jewelry and I'm OBSESSED.  They have a dazzling selection of earrings and necklaces, and bracelets that fit just right ~ AND ~ for a limited time receive 20% off your orders with code CLASSROOMCOUTURE20.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Turtleneck:  Gap (similar here), Plaid Shirt:  J.Crew ~ almost sold out (similar here), Vest:  Old Navy (great alternative here), Pants:  AG via Anthropologie, Boots:  Miss Sixty (very old, similar here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (LOVING this newer version) 

Jacket:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Pants:  Citizens of Humanity, Bag:  J.Crew (similar here), Nails:  Essie "Hot Coco"

Yes, I've worn the same turtleneck with the same boots twice this past week {to different places, of course}.  And yes, I have been wearing plaid possibly too frequently lately.  I guess it's true ~ you can never have too much of a good thing!

Oxblood Accents

Coat:  Forever 21 (old, LOVING this one), Dress:  Zara (last year, similar here), Tights:  Anthropologie, Clutch:  Aldo (similar here, LOVING this one), Shoes:  Madewell ~ on sale!!, Bangle:  C.Wonder, Nails: Essie "Hot Coco"

I purchased this dress at the end of the season last year form Zara {on sale} for $19.99.  It is probably my favorite winter, work-appropriate dress that I've ever owned.  I love the long sleeves, the hint of leopard and of course THE POCKETS!!!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Skating On Thin Ice

Coat:  Tulle (old, cute options here, here), Plaid Shirt:  J.Crew (almost sold out ~ similar here) Chambray:  Old Navy (old, similar here), Jeans:  Forever 21 (similar here), Boots:  Franco Sarto (old, LOVING this pair for just $59.99!!), Belt:  Forever 21, Necklace:  Gorjana, Earrings:  Tory Burch, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

My husband and I took our nephews skating this past weekend ~ *correction* ~ my husband skated with them while I watched.  He played ice hockey in high school and is extremely graceful and light on his feet.  My nephews who are 3 and 5 years old, take skating lessons and in my opinion are both on their way to the NHL.  I, on the other hand, have a hard enough time walking on solid ground.  And, no, they were not actually "skating on thin ice" as the post title implies, but "skating on a perfectly safe frozen solid pond" did not have the same ring to it.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Belated

Coat:  J.Crew {on sale!!}, Top:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Skirt:  Forever 21 (similar here), Shoes:  Valentino, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Tights:  Anthropologie, Gloves:  Lord&Taylor (simlar here)

As a result of holiday chaos, I failed to recognize Classroom Couture's 1st birthday!  January 2nd marked one year of blogging for me and it has been a wonderful year of change and growth.  I have learned so much, made some new friends, and just enjoyed the creative outlet that the blog has been for me.  Thank you so much for following and for your continued support ~ it truly means the world to me!!

As for year 2 ~ I plan on making some changes in the blog in upcoming weeks.  Just a little {much-needed} updating and restructuring.  Exciting things to come!

#YOLOMONDAY

Lady in Red

Coat:  Tulle (old, similar here), Top:  H&M (similar here), Jeans:  Forever 21 (similar here), Bag:  J.Crew (old, similar here), Shoes:  Christian Louboutin (budget-friendly version here), Belt:  Forever 21 (similar), Nails:  Butter "Royal Navy"

Back to the daily grind ~ at least it's already Wednesday!  And no, I did not wear this to work today, but I woke up wayyyyy too late to snap a picture so here's one from the archives.