The End and The Beginning

Wow, I can't believe four years have passed. In that time I have done so many things the greatest of which was graduating from college. I'm finally done! I am officially a teacher and I hope to have my own classroom soon. In that time I have also gained a lot of weight from studying, stress, and a lack of time. One of my goals, besides getting a job, not only for this year but also for next is to reach my goal weight (I would tell you what that is but a lady never talks about her weight).
I'm hoping by the end of my first year of teaching I will be at my goal weight. To motivate myself I am planning on putting away a little money each month and rewarding myself with a new wardrobe for my rockin' new bod. Audrey, who writes one of my favorite blogs Putting Me Together, has an awesome series about building a wardrobe from scratch. I'm using some of those ideas to think about what I want in my new wardrobe.

Step #1: Identify Your Lifestyle Needs
Work: Right now I'm not sure what my work wardrobe will entail. However, I can see it going one of two ways: casual (t-shirt and jeans) or business casual. For a more business casual look I would focus more on trousers, skirts, and dresses along with nicer blouses, cardigans, and blazers. However, if I did teach at a more casual school, I would lean more towards blouses and cardigans than t-shirts to give off a more professional vibe to show who is in charge. In both cases, I would need some comfy flats and maybe even a heel or wedge if I feel brave (you are on your feet a lot!).

Weekend: I mostly lounge around the house on the weekends. If I feel really adventurous, I'll even run some errands. : ) This is also my time to hang out with friends. For all of these situations a t-shirt and jeans work just fine. Throw in a cozy sweater for the winter and I am set.

Special Occasions: The most I get dresses up is for church and the occasional wedding reception. More casual dresses and skirts work for this laid back girl. Although I would like to try to find some fun heels.

Step #2: Style Preferences
My Pinterest board was so helpful in figuring out what I like to wear. Although it can be a little overwhelming as well.

I like: A very feminine look with lots of lace, ruffles, bows, pearls, and floral prints. Pencil skirts and more flowy skirts (like tulle) usually with a button up or regular shirt tucked in and finished off with a cute belt. I like dresses with a defined waist (either built in or created with a belt) and an A-line skirt. I discovered a love for chambray with skirts, colored pants, or under sweaters. I like to mix prints like stripes with polka dots or gingham with polka dots. Casually I enjoy comfy sweaters with jeans (add a scarf and boot for fall/winter) and  jersey shirts/flowy shirts with cardigans, scarves, or puffy vests.

                                                                                             

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