Right Amount Of Give

Today I've teamed up with Rachel of Chicago Chic, Cara of Cara Loren and PBandJ Boutique to present to you the 'Right Amount of Give' with Henry & Belle jeans.

Sweater:  J.Crew, Collared Top:  Forever 21, Jeans:  Henry & Belle c/o PB&J Boutique, Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs, Shoes:  Zara (old, identical pair here, LOVING these), Bangle: C.Wonder (similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

When I was asked to do a denim campaign I was super excited but a little reluctant at the same time.  If you're anything like me, it can be a long, laborious process to find the perfect-fitting jeans.  When I'm in need of some new denim, I typically find myself entering the fitting room with 10+ pairs.
This brand was new to me and I knew nothing about the fit, but I'm the type of person who loves to try something new and to my delight, the jeans fit like a glove!  It was as if they were made for my body.  The material is super-soft and comfortable, and I found the length to be perfect + no bagging in the behind, no muffin-top.

I decided to go with the Ideal Ankle Skinny in white.  Whites and brights are my favorite for summer, and an ankle length jean is best for showing off those sexy summer sandals.

I love the sassy suspenders that Rachel paired with her super-skinny superiors {try saying that 5x fast}.  She is seriously working those jeans!

Cara is looking boho chic in her Micro Flares.  Love a girl who is in touch with her inner flower child.

Aside from falling for their perfect-fitting denim, I also fell for Henry & Belle's mission statement about their modern muse:
"She’s a particular type of woman, the kind who believes that looking out for others is just as important as looking good. The kind who likes to stand out, but refuses to stand by."

And it's more than just a statement ~ a portion of all Henry & Belle sales go to various charities.  The 'Right Amount of Give' Campaign allows you to choose how the charitable proceeds are spent, and gives you a chance to hear directly from the individuals they support.
Gotta love a great product with a great cause!

**Be sure to visit Rachel {HERE} and Cara {HERE}**

Snapshots From Key West

{glasses and bills swaying in the breeze}

{colorful bar stools}

{palm-lined streets}

{beach locks made manageable thanks to Bandiez Couture paired with my new necklace that I wore with EVERYTHING}

{a friendly alarm clock}

{scalloped seersucker shorts that were a huge hit on our sunset cocktail cruise}

{sunset key}

{festive decor outside of Bo's Fish Wagon}

{the bright lights of Sloppy Joe's ~ one of the many places to quench your thirst on Duval Street}

...until next year, Key West...

Light As A Feather

Dress:  Anthropologie (last year, a little pricy, but best alternative that I could find, top version here), Sandals:  J.Crew, Bag:  Louis Vuitton (awesome alternative here under $60!), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Bangles:  Forever 21, Earrings:  Tory Burch

 

This dress may go down as my favorite of all time.  The color and texture are perfection and it is by far the most comfortable garment I have ever put on my body.  Normally a shapeless dress does not work for me, but there is something about this dress that compliments a straight figure.  Best part, you could eat a six-course meal and no one would be the wiser.  Gotta love a dress that hides the after-dinner bloat! 

**Click HERE to find the winner of my Stella & Dot love bracelet GIVEAWAY ~ thank you to everyone who entered!

Back To Reality

Dress:  J.Crew, Bag:  Madison Elizabeth (similar here), Shoes:  Zara (old, similar option here for under $45!), Necklace:  Nordstrom, Sunnies:  Forever 21 (love this Ray-Ban version)

Hello readers!  Sorry for the short hiatus.  Sometimes you just need to disconnect for a bit.  My husband and I had a wonderful time in Key West.  It was hard to get ourselves on the plane to come back, but all good things must come to and end.

The weather was absolutely spectacular ~ 85 to 90 every day with minimal humidity, and the gulf water was like a bathtub.  The perfect opportunity to pull out all of my favorite summer frocks.  

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we decided not to check any bags.  This was a huge challenge for me, a girl who usually packs one bag of shoes alone, but I'm glad my husband forced me to do so.  It made going through the airport quick and easy and forced me to bring only what I really wanted to wear. {I thought about posting a packing tutorial but decided my suitcase was definitely not neat enough for that.} 

The dresses I packed were easy throw-on-and-go pieces, and the shoes I packed were neutral.  I only brought ONE PAIR OF HEELS, a nude pair of sandals, and my Tory Burch espadrilles.  I picked up this beautiful statement necklace at my local Nordstrom a few days before leaving, and I'm so happy I did.  I literally wore it with everything.  I feel that it can take any outfit up a notch and it was under $40!

Sandals:  J.Crew

{a beautiful Key West sunset}

More vacation pictures to come later in the week!

Five Things

I'm currently en route to Key West with my better half for some much needed sun, sand and relaxation. We decided to {almost} totally disconnect for the duration of our long weekend getaway so I left my laptop at home {gasp}!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram!

 
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Until I return, I leave you with this...
I was tagged a few weeks ago by Taylor of Whiskey Ginger to participate in the "5 Things" posts that have been going around, and thought it would be a great opportunity to share a few things you may not know about me.  Here goes:


1.  When I was 9, I was diagnosed with scoliosis {a curvature of the spine}.  The curves ~ I had two making my spine resemble an "S" ~ got so severe that I had major spinal surgery when I was 13 where they fused 2 titanium rods to my spine.  I have a scar that extends from my neck down to my tailbone.  I also have perfect posture!

2.  I met my husband at a bar on my best friend's 21st birthday.  We hadn't known each other previously which is kinda crazy because we grew up less than a mile away from each other.

3.  I HATE scary movies.  They terrify me.  It may be a bit of an irrational fear, but they seriously give me nightmares.  I'm also afraid of the dark.  When I'm home alone at night, I go to sleep with almost every light on in the house.

4.  I'm addicted to reality TV.  Specifically, the Real Housewives {all locations}.

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5.  In addition to my teaching certification, I also have a degree in business and my real estate license.  I change my mind frequently and still do not know exactly what I want to do with my life ~ I like to keep my options open!

Short & Sweet

Blazer:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Shirt:  Anthropologie (very old, similar here, short-sleeve option here) Skirt:  H&M (LOVING this one for just $23!!), Shoes:  Enzo Angiolini (old, similar here), Clutch:  Madison Elizabeth (similar here, LOVING this one), Watch:  DKNY (love this two-tone one ~ perfect for summer!), Earrings:  Tory Burch

Hello and happy Monday!  I'm keeping it short and sweet today.  I had a crazy weekend and this week will be even crazier as my husband and I are preparing to leave for Key West. 

You may wonder why it takes me so long to pack ~ well ~ for the first time in my life, as per my husband's instructions, I am traveling with nothing but a carry on!!!  That's right, no 50lbs. of checked luggage.  His insistence came about because last year when we went to Key West, our luggage was not on our plane.  We had to wait for the next plane from NJ to FL that was carrying our luggage.  

I do like the idea of not having to check bags and wait at the baggage claim, but I'm not so crazy about the idea of packing only one pair of shoes.  We will see how it goes! 

...And don't forget ~ one week left to shop my STELLA AND DOT TRUNK SHOW and to enter my GIVEAWAY!!

Bright Trench

Trench:  Bloomingdales (very old, similar here), Top:  H&M (similar here), Skirt:  Anthropologie (old, loving this one), Shoes:  Valentino, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Here is the look from my guest post over on My Fancy Pants yesterday ~ thank you again Rosalyn for having me!
This skirt has proved to be a wardrobe staple for me.  It was easy to transition through all 4 seasons, {last worn here, here} and I get tons of compliments every time I wear it.  I think this is my favorite pairing thus far.  My bright orange trench matched it perfectly, and was just what I needed on a cool spring day.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Blog Swap

Today I'm delighted to introduce to you Rosalyn and her amazing blog, My Fancy Pants.  When she asked me to collaborate, I was more than happy to oblige.  She always manages to look so polished and classy while juggling a husband and 4 children!!  Enjoy her post below and be sure to swing by her blog to check out mine!

Hello Classroom Couture readers! My name is Rosalyn and I am a mother of four and a registered nurse, who started blogging as a way to hang up my scrubs and my "mom" jeans, and express my style.  I love bright colors and patterns and like to mix prints..sound crazy? I named my blog "My Fancy Pants" because people always look at me like I'm overdressed. Maybe some days I am, but oh well..that's what makes me happy and life is too short to always wear sweats!

Wearing:
J.Crew Pants (HERE)
J.Crew top (HERE)
Michael Kors watch (Similar)
Gap Denim (HERE)
J.Crew Heels (Similar)
Toms Sunglasses (HERE)
Martine Sitbon bag (old)

Thank you so much Margo for having me as your guest today and make sure to read Margo's post today on My Fancy Pants

Fashionista In Flats

Blazer:  Zara (old, similar here), Shirt:  J.Crew, Jeans:  J.Brand (old, similar here for $10!!!) Shoes:  Anthropologie, Clutch:  Unknown (similar here, drooling over this one), Ring:  c/o Left of Right, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, then you know I feel there are few things more enjoyable in life than putting on a fabulous pair of heels and struttin' my stuff.  However, I've also expressed to you the importance of a great pair of flats for my line of work.  

One major misconception about flats is that they are more comfortable than heels.  This is not always the case.  I actually find it difficult to find a pair of flats that are comfortable to walk around in all day without developing blisters on my toes or my heels.  

When browsing the Anthropologie website last week, these minty-fresh loafers caught my eye, and I'm so glad they did.  The leather is SUPER-SOFT and they also have a substantial sole {another feature sometimes hard to find in flat shoes}.  Not to mention, the color adds the perfect pop of color to any outfit.

{Not graceful.  Not coordinated.}

Stop by Le Petite Pear today to see my "Fashionistas in Flats" feature ~ thank you Sam for featuring me!

Spring Break

Top:  Joe Fresh (old, similar here ON SALE!!!), Skirt:  J.Crew ~ also ON SALE!, Shoes:  Christian Louboutin (budget-friendly version here), Bag:  Target, Necklace:  Oia Jules, Earrings:  Forever 21

I'm on spring break this week ~ WOO HOO ~ and I feel like a free woman.  However, I do have a mile long "to do" list.  On top of the list is cleaning out my closet and switching over to my summer wardrobe.  This is a chore that I thoroughly enjoy because I love rediscovering all of the clothes that have been packed away all winter.  It also gives me the opportunity to take inventory and see what items I would like to add to my wardrobe.  

I'm loving this tweed skirt that I picked up on sale at J.Crew a few weeks ago because it's unlike any other skirt that I own.  Most of my skirts are your basic pencil skirt {body hugging, knee length}, and my others are mostly a-line.  I love the length of this skirt and the fact that it doesn't totally cling to my bod.  The tweed makes it casual, while the metallic thread gives me the ability to dress it up a bit.

Quick story about this gorgeous Oia Jules necklace ~ I won it in an instagram giveaway hosted by the lovely Rosie {@rocat22}!!!

PS :: Don't forget to check out my Stella & Dot Trunk Show and enter my GIVEAWAY.

Stripes: The New Neutral

My outfit details:  Blazer:  H&M (old, similar here, here, here), Dress:  ASOS, Clutch:  Anthropologie (old, similar here for $25!!), Shoes:  Christian Louboutin (budget-friendly version here), Belt:  Madewell, Bangles:  Forever 21, Watch:  DKNY (LOVE this one), Earrings:  Tory Burch, Aviators:  Ray-Ban

Today I'm so excited to have teamed up with a fabulous fashionista, Tara of Mix and Match Fashion, to shine a spotlight on one of my favorite spring staples ~ the striped blazer.  Not only is Tara a fellow NJ native, but she is also a teacher!  I've been reading her blog for a while now and I just love the way she pairs colors and prints to brighten even the dreariest NJ winter days.  She has also mastered the art of looking stylish on a budget. 

This blazer is perfect not only for work, but also adds easy interest to a casual outfit.  I tend to think of stripes as a neutral and I love how Tara paired hers with a cute graphic tee, bright pants and an even brighter clutch.  

I must have been feeling nautical when I threw mine over this cute navy frock and added some pops of poppy.

We both chose a nude patent pump to complete the look ~ as I always say ~ great minds think alike! 

Be sure to visit Tara's blog HERE.

...And of course, don't forget to check out my STELLA & DOT TRUNK SHOW and enter my GIVEAWAY!

Casual Chic

Shirt:  Zara (old, similar here), Jeans:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Shoes:  Tory Burch, Bag:  Unknown (similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Nails:  Essie "Go Ginza"

Happy Wednesday readers ~ we are half way through the week.  The weather situation seems to be improving in NJ.  I guess as soon as Easter came, Mother Nature could no longer deny us of temps above freezing.

 This is the outfit that I wore this past Sunday.  We had a very low-key Easter celebration this year with my in-laws ~ a fun egg hunt for my nieces and nephews followed by a late lunch, and we were on our way.  A good day to break in my new Tory Burch espadrilles {that I'm absolutely obsessed with}, and pull some more springy clothes out of the closet.  My mother-in-law received this colorful clutch as an Easter present and I instantly saw it as an opportunity to borrow.  It added the perfect amount of pizazz to my casual ensemble!

If you haven't already, be sure to check out my STELLA & DOT TRUNK SHOW and enter my GIVEAWAY. 

Stella & Dot Trunk Show + A GIVEAWAY {closed}

Happy Monday readers!  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.  I'm thrilled to announce today that I've partnered with Stella & Dot, the fabulous jewelry company, to host an ONLINE TRUNK SHOW where you can buy all you favorite Stella & Dot items AND possibly win this gorgeous LOVE BRACELET in our GIVEAWAY.

Stella & Dot's unique pieces have been featured on TV shows, in Lucky, In Style, Vogue and US Weekly magazines, and have adorned the ears, arms and necks of many celebs!

A favorite of mine are the BARDOT HOOP EARRINGS that one of my girlfriends gave me a few years ago.  They are super light-weight and go with everything.

Some of my favorite items:

Click HERE to shop my trunk show!

How To Enter the GIVEAWAY {closed}:

MUST be a follower of Classroom Couture via GFC.

Leave a comment on any post between now and April 22nd to enter. 

**All purchases through my trunk show will give you an additional entry into the giveaway.

Congratulations to giveaway winner:   Jessica {Jeans & a Teacup} ~ I will be emailing you shortly!