Winter Blues

Custom Made Sweater: c/o eShakti | Necklace & Bracelet: c/o Rockbox (click here to sign up) 

Shoes: Cole Haan old (similar) | Bag: Old Navy (similar) | Sunglasses: Chanel old

I hope you had a lovely holiday season with family and friends, and you were able to relax a bit. :)

As you can tell by the background, this California girl isn't on the West Coast anymore! My husband and I travelled to northwest Ohio for Christmas to visit his family and friends. It's been fun, but I'm freezing and ready to get back to my puppies!

Moving on to the outfit. I was initially exposed to eShakti when Brooke of KBstyled posted a gorgeous dress that had been handmade specifically for her measurements, and I thought to myself, "What a fabulous concept!" When this sweater found its way to my computer screen, I couldn't resist myself - the color, the buttons, the fabric, the draping ... I could go on. 

A little bit about eShakti - they are an online clothing company that custom makes your order for you.  But really, how special is this concept? To know that your item was made specifically for you!? The only thing I've ever had custom made was my wedding dress and that was pretty pricey. eShakti's prices are excellent for what you are getting, and they have such a fantastic array of items to choose from - from sweaters to dresses, you can't go wrong with any choice! 

I absolutely love how this look turned out with the blue accenting the all-black outfit. The necklace, bracelet and bag add just the right elements to balance everything out. 

New Year's Eve Dress

Dress (c/o Pink Slip Boutique) | Shoes (similar) | Clutch (similar) | Bracelet (similar) 

This dress from Pink Slip Boutique couldn't be more perfect for my New Year's Eve dress! The chiffon skirt and sheer straps are incredibly flattering and the Aztec sequin print makes it perfectly festive to ring in the New Year! I'm even going all out with this outfit and adding not one, but two pieces of jewelry to the mix! I know - stop the presses! These earrings were specially handmade for me for my rehearsal dinner before our wedding, and the bracelet really is the perfect addition to any outfit. 

But really, could you love this dress anymore? Pink Slip has so many cute items that I can't wait to use my Christmas money to buy! I'm thinking this, this and this will be making their way into my wardrobe here very soon :) You can grab these items online, too, with an extra 10% off by using the code: MrsM 

Black Jeggings: A Staple Item for Every Teacher

You can find similar jeggings here (these are the ones I own), here, and here. 

If you don't already own a pair of black jeggings, I think it's about time you go grab some! 

I will tell you right now that during the winter, I pretty much wear my black jeggings ALL THE TIME. First reason being, I'm not allowed to wear jeans to school and black jeggings are the second best thing. Second, they are COMFORTABLE. Third, they can be dressed up or dressed down!

If you follow me on IG, you know that I cherish my black jeggings like nobody's business - I literally own 3 pairs of the exact same pants. I've included some recent looks that showcase the casual and dressier side of these (in order of most casual to dressiest) :)

How do you style your jeggings?

Favorite November Teacher Outfits

I LOVE this look! I am such a fan of pairing blacks, browns, and grays.

(Who made up that silly rule about no black and brown anyhow?)

Dress & Booties: Old Navy

Belt: Free People

Tights: Target (best tights EVER!)

Vest (similar), Long Sleeve, Booties: Old Navy

Skinnies: Citizens

Scarf: Local Shop

Tank: J. Crew

Sweater (similar): Anthropologie

Scarf: Gift from Amsterdam

Jeans: Citizens

Tank: J. Crew

Sweater: Lucky

Boots: Earth Brands

Skinnies: Citizens

Sweater & Jacket: Lucky

Booties & Long Sleeve: Old Navy

Scarf: Local Store

Booties: Old Navy

Sweater: J. Crew

Scarf: Anthropologie

Sweater: Anthro

Tank: J. Crew

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Shoes: Earth Brands

Scarf: Ali Express ($12!)

Shirt & Sweater: Old Navy

Sweater: Target

Tank: J. Crew

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Boots: Nine West

Huck: Priceless :) 

Cropped Sweatshirt: J. Crew

Tank: J. Crew

Jeans: AG

Shoes: Earth Brands

Scarf: Anthropologie

Belt: Free People

Sweater, Dress, Booties: Old Navy

Happy December everyone! I hope you guys had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends :) My parents and one of my brothers came down to Los Angeles to spend the holiday with us, and we had such a lovely time. I don't get to see my family as often as I would like to, so whenever I do get to see them, I pretty much drop everything and spend as much quality time with them as I can! We went on multiple beach walks, beach bike rides, made meals together, and even sat on the beach to watch a November sunset (and threw the football around a bit!).

Can you believe that November flew by as fast as it did? I feel like it was skipped over and that Halloween was just yesterday! These are some of my favorite November looks to hopefully inspire you in the coming weeks!

Looks like sweaters and scarves weather to me! What is your go-to Fall/Winter piece?

Favorite October Teacher Outfits

Sweater: Anthro

Pants: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Earth

Scarf: Local Boutique

Sweater: Anthro

Jeans: Nordstrom

Shoes: Italy

Skirt & Blouse: J. Crew

Shoes: Nordstrom

Scarf: Local Boutique

Vest & Blouse: Old Navy

Jeans: Nordstrom

Shoes: Italy

Sweater & Blouse: J. Crew

Pants: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Earth

October was another month of warm weather, but I refused to let that stop me from dressing for Fall (ish)! Here are some of my recent looks that have made their appearance on my IG. 

Do you like my J. Crew sweater and Earth shoes? You can read my reviews of them here and here. 

Happy November!

An Evening Out

Shoes: Viva Diva Boutique

Jeans: J. Brand

Blouse: Macy's

Jacket: Viva Diva Boutique 

Beach living is usually associated with comfy, casual style - and I'll be honest, I own too many sandals to count. But occasionally, I will get dressed up to go out for the evening with my husband. This is one of my favorite, easiest fall looks for a night on the town - it's dressy, a bit edgy and still comfortable. It can be taken from warmer, early evening weather to the cooler, later hours of the night with the simple addition of a gorgeous jacket (like this one!). 

Earth Brands: The Perfect Teacher Shoes

Shoes: Earth Brands

Sweater: Anthropologie

Tank: J. Crew

Necklace: Bali 

Whether it be chasing little ones around on yard duty or acting out scenes from Shakespeare, you are pretty much always on your feet as a teacher. 

Thus, I have fallen into a deep (expensive) obsession with Earth Brands shoes - one my husband wishes I didn't have! I first bought a pair of Earth Brands flats over the summer because the soles literally felt like pillows were hugging my feet. They were amazing! And if you follow me on Instragram, you know I wear them constantly. 

As the story goes ... I had to buy more. So when I saw this adorable pair of boots online, I snapped them up! They are more than I could have hoped for.

*An incredible added bonus about Earth Brands? For every pair of shoes you buy, they plant a tree!! A tree! The hippie in me now has full justification for purchasing many more ... 

Oh, and isn't this Anthropologie sweater just to die for?