9 Sept 2010 – Hello, High School, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
- Black Sheath Dress: Banana Republic Outlet
- Magenta Elastic Belt: American Apparel
- Black Wedges: Bandolino via DSW
- White Flower Pin: Gift
- Turquoise Bag: ILI via Helen’s Leather
Endnotes:
The first day of school is finally upon us! I must admit, after the five trying days of faculty meetings and five exhausting days of pre-season, I was beginning to forget why it is I took this job and uprooted myself all the way to New England: the students! I realized that especially when it comes to secondary school education, it really is all about the students. We are here to be role models for them, to excite them about new subjects, and to push them to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. I know it is a cliché, but I felt like I gained energy from being around them, and once the campus was buzzing with excitement, I could hardly wait for classes to begin, which they did today. Of course since it was the first day of my first year of teaching I had been figuring out an outfit in my head for weeks (and it seems so were the folks at Fashionable Academics who have put together this great compilation of several first day ensembles). Everyone told me that setting the right tone in your classroom could dictate how the entire year unfolds… talk about a lot of pressure on one outfit!
9 Sept 2010 – Setting the Tone, originally uploaded by academichic.
As E said, the lovely contributors of Scholar Style Guide have undertaken a week dedicated to the workhorses of their wardrobes. For me, this outfit encompasses several can’t-live-without items. The black sheath dress was a recent purchase at the Banana Republic Outlet store. It was the only one on the rack and fortunately it was my size. E. might have said good-bye to the Little Black Dress in favor of the Little Navy Dress, but as the Beatles said, “You say goodbye, and I say hello.” Hello little black dress! I have a feeling this one will be the basis for several variations as it lends itself well to colorful pairings while still looking sleek and professional, which happens to be the tone I was going for on this first day. The wide elastic belt is another staple that spends more time on me then it does hanging in my closet. I have a purple belt that is the same as this magenta one. I also have a grey stretchy belt that gets a lot of business. For this outfit I wanted to look polished, but also show some of my clothing personality – which as E mentioned when I first joined Academichic involves a lot of hot pink.
Black Wedges, originally uploaded by academichic.
My new black wedges gave me a little height; although, let’s be honest, most of my students are still taller than I am. The flower on the toe made me think to wear this white flower pin that I’ve had for ages and have never worn. Unlike Carrie Bradshaw whose flower pins sometimes seem to dominate her outfit I hoped that this little pop of white would soften what was otherwise a very dark outfit.
White Flower Pin, originally uploaded by academichic.
And finally, the new school bag. I will post more on this later, but I wanted to share my new bag with you all, as it was the most perfect graduation gift from my mom.
Turquoise Bag!, originally uploaded by academichic.
The leather is soft, the color is amazing, it is big enough to hold my laptop, books, and folders, but not bulky. It also has both handles and a shoulder strap (see second picture). Between the belt, the pin, and my fantastic new bag, I felt confident, energetic, and, really happy to be in the classroom in my new role as secondary school teacher. Good-bye grad school, and Hello high school!
- L.
This look is very trendy and super cute! It reminds me of Carrie’s outfit from Sex and the City (must be the flower).
http://www.afashionfixation.blogspot.com
Love this! Super cute LBD with perfect pops of color in the accessories. Beautiful!
Love the bag and the dress is timeless – perfect outfit. I work in higher ed and would love to see the professors dress more like this. :)
This outfit is so happy it made me smile :)
This is a great first day ensemble! I think your turquoise bag and my bright green bag could be friends!
That blue bag is lovely. I like the color a lot.
That belt does look great. Maybe I should look into one…
Also, pardon my decorative arts nerdiness, but is an interesting table behind you. Is it antique?
Best of luck in the new job!
What a great wardrobe workhorse!! I have a similar black sheath and I love how great it looks by itself AND with whatever styling details I decide to throw on top, as you’ve done here.
I taught high school English for four years before returning to grad school, and unlike a lot of people who leave the profession, I REALLY enjoyed it. One thing I’ve noticed in my experience is that some teachers are energized by being in front of the class and some are drained by it… and the good ones are almost always the ones who are energized by it. I’m so glad for you (and your students) that you were thrilled to meet them!
Incidentally, I worked in an office for my first two years of grad school, and I found that really draining. Now that I’m teaching AND studying I’m hoping that the energy I gain from being in front of the class nicely facilitates my study, as well.
Best wishes for your first year teaching!!
You’ve styled some great classic pieces with fun pops of personality! Between your post and Liz’s recent ones, I’m beginning to think I should invest in more sheath dresses. :)
Ok, but that bag! Yowza. The style, the color, the workhorse-ability – it’s practically perfect.
May you continue to feel energized in the classroom!
-Anne-Marie
I love the way you styled this dress! The whole look – belt, flower pin, flower shoes – is a great example of what a wonderful canvas a little black dress can be.
You look fantastic! I love the bag so much and That dress looks like it’s made for you. Great first day outfit!
You look great! Your accessories really take this outfit to the next level. Hope you had a great 1st day!
you look so wonderfully classy in this outfit!!
Great post, thanks. I really love it! %WEBSITE%
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