J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer

Blazer:  J.Crew ~ FINALLY on sale!!!, Plaid Shirt:  J.Crew (similar here), Sweater:  H&M (similar here), Jeans:  Forever 21, Shoes:  Classiques Entier (similar here for $50!), Laptop Bag:  Target ~ under $30!!, Necklace:  H&M (similar here), Aviators:  Ray-Ban, Earrings:  Tory Burch

I was practically jumping for joy when I found this blazer ON SALE the other day in my local J.Crew store.  I have been coveting and stalking it for months now and had pretty much given up on ever seeing the price of the camel-colored version reduced.  I just couldn't bring myself to spend $200 on a blazer, but the price ~after an additional 30% off~ came to under $80!

Good things come to those who wait!

Jumping the Gun

Coat:  J.Crew (sold out, similar here), Dress:  Madewell, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Shoes:  Valentino, Belt:  Forever 21 (similar), Tights:  Anthropoloige

Every year I jump the gun and begin to buy spring/summer clothes in January as soon as they start to pop up in stores.  This is a silly habit for someone living in NJ because winter weather can last well into April!  This year, I decided to hold off and really think about the summer pieces that I need {want} in my life and how they would fit in my wardrobe.  One of my first purchases was this adorable Madewell Bistro Dress.  I think it's a great transition piece that I will get a LOT of use out of.  As you already know, I'm all about dresses that are work appropriate and cute to wear outside of the workplace.  This little striped number definitely fits the bill!  Stick around to see how I style it for warmer weather...

I know I briefly mentioned it last week, but I just wanted to say thank you again to Miloveda from Style Outlaw for the lovely post she did about my blog.

She is just darling!

East Coast, West Coast

Coat:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Faux Fur Stole:  Aritzia (similar here under $20!), Top:  Beyond Vintage via Anthropologie (very old, similar here), Jeans:  Citizens of Humanity, Shoes:  Valentino, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

For today's post, I teamed up with Anne Dofelmier ~ the fashionista behind the blog Daily Fashion Muse ~ to end the age old feud between the East and West Coasts {although I'm pretty sure that the feud only existed in the mid 90's rap scene}.  Anyhow, we paired up to show two different renditions of date night outfits.

Anne and I met at IFB and I'm so glad we did.  She came out to NY all the way from WA, and manages to blog on top of being be a stylist and a mother.  Love a woman who can juggle it all and still look so put together!   

The difference in climate alone had a huge impact on our outfit choices.  I love how Anne paired her romantic blouse and rosette skirt with a utility jacket.  Just the right amount of dressy and casual.

I'm counting down the days until I can don bare-legs and open-toed shoes!

Anne's outfit details:

Jacket: Asos (similar here), Top: Pleione (similar here in teal), Skirt: 2bRYCH (similar looks here and here), Shoes: BCBG old (similar look here), Clutch: Target, Bracelets: My Stella & Dot Website (Rhea Bangles, Harlow Bangle), Necklace: My Stella & Dot Website (Wesley Pendant), Sunglasses: old (similar here)

I decided to go with my cold weather favorite ~ coated denim ~ paired with a top that I haven't worn in quite some time.  This intricately beaded Beyond Vintage top was one of my savviest sale finds of all time.  It retailed for over $300 and I ended up finding it at Anthropologie for $50!!  It's so neutral that you can pair it with almost anything and it can dress up even the most distressed denim. 

Clearly, we both enjoy a sexy pair of studded pumps...

Be sure to check out Daily Fashion Muse!

February Funk

Jacket:  Zara (old, similar here, here for under $40!), Jeans:  J.Crew ~ on sale & extra 40% off!! Scarf:  c/o Echo, Bag:  H&M (old, similar here for $25), Shoes:  Valentino, Ring:  c/o Left of Right, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

When I was approached by Echo to style one of their scarves, I was totally psyched.  I've always been a huge fan of their scarves {I have purchased many over the years from Anthropologie}, and as I always say ~ a girl can never own too many shoes or scarves!

I was bursting with anticipation to see which style they would send.  To my delight I received this neon pink printed beauty which I would have flocked to myself had I seen it in a store.  

The colors are so vibrant and it looked perfect styled with another pair of my $15 J.Crew colored denim.  It was exactly what I needed to alleviate the February funk!

Also, be sure to check out my blogger spotlight feature on Style Outlaw ~ a blog written by the lovely Miloveda.

My Funny Valentine

Coat:  Forever 21 (similar here), Dress:  Forever 21 (very old, similar here), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Shoes:  Aldo, Necklace:  similar here, Tights:  Anthropologie

A Hot Mess

Blazer:  Ann Taylor (old, similar here), Sweater:  Express (similar here), Jeans:  Citizens of Humanity, Laptop tote:  Target{perfect size for the MacBook Pro 13"}, Pouch:  c/o Gigi New York, Shoes:  Valentino, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Belt:  Forever 21

I wanted to delve deeper into the events of last week after having a chance to sit and breathe for a moment over the weekend.

First and foremost, as I briefly mentioned on Friday, I had a WONDERFUL time at the IFB conference.  For all beginning bloggers out there, I would highly recommend attending.  I made a lot of useful contacts and met some genuinely wonderful men and women.  The panelists were fantastic and the workshops were super-informative.  For the first time since I started Classroom Couture, I actually feel as though I'm a part of something bigger!

On a not-so-happy note, last week before leaving for IFB I got in a pretty major car accident.  I'm TOTALLY FINE {uninjured} and so is everyone else involved.  It was a 4-car pile up on a major highway.  My car is totaled which stinks, but I'm completely aware of how lucky I am to have walked away unharmed.  This just put a little damper on my week {my neck and back were pretty sore} and added to my already chaotic life.  That said, I left for IFB sans my camera {and clean underwear, my iPhone charger, etc.}.  So I apologize that I don't have wonderful pictures to provide for you, but as the post title states I was truly A HOT MESS.

I've been asked by several readers to share some of the things I learned at IFBCON.  It's hard to narrow down the plethora of important information but here goes:

~Stand out! Stay true to yourself and your style.  Have a unique voice.  Be useful, be interesting, be clever.

~Don't be afraid to reach out not only to brands, but to other bloggers who share similar interests.  There is an entire community out there, and as I learned at the conference, bloggers are very friendly and supportive of other bloggers!

Lastly, I'd like to share a few words from Lisa Salzer {founder/CEO of Lulu Frost}, who I found to be extremely intelligent and inspiring:
"Don't let doubt hold you back...Success = opportunity + preparedness...If you're surrounded by people who don't think you can succeed, I suggest you find other people to hang out with."

#IFBCON

Top (outer):  Madewell, Plaid Shirt:  J.Crew ~ almost sold out (similar here), Jeans:  Forever 21, Shoes:  Christian Louboutin (budget-friendly version here), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace:  Gorjana, Earrings:  c/o Left of Right

LOVING my lion-head earrings from Left of Right ~ roar!

Happy Friday Everyone!  It has been a busy but exciting week for me.  I attended #IFBCON and learned a TON of valuable information about the business of blogging.  I also met many wonderful people who I know I'll stay in contact with for years to come.  Overall, it was such a positive experience and I'd recommend all bloggers try to attend at some point in their blogging career!

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 :)