What I've Been Wearing Lately

Hello!  I am back after taking a week away to get caught up on life and sleep.  This weekend was exactly what I needed with the release of The Life of a Showgirl on Friday, going to the theater to watch the release of the album with my daughter, followed by two 9 hour nights of sleep, balanced with time outside enjoying the fall weather, getting some runs in, getting three galleries completed and into the hands of clients, and hosting friends for a no-fuss burgers on the BBQ supper.  Success!!!!  

                        

Now, let's take a look at what I've been wearing lately, specifically in the month of September.  You guys, September was like our summer!!!!!  I am so sad that summer ended up arriving so late int he season but it was HOT most of the month, and only in the last week have temps come down to a more fall seasonably cool temperature.  Needless to say, I was able to wear many of my summery things into September and then add a few fall-ish vibes near the end of the month.  I've officially switched out my summer clothes for fall this past weekend so follow along on IG to see my daily OOTD.

What brought you joy this weekend?  Are you excited about the new T. Swift album or indifferent (both and everything in between is totally okay here; but no unnecessary hate). This upcoming weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving so I am looking forward to the long weekend, as well as time to reconnect with some family.  Have a great week!

Ageless Style: Colors of Fall

 

It's the third Thursday of the month and that means a bonus post with the ladies of Ageless Style.  Today's prompt is brought to you by Jenn from My Joyful Life, and a fellow educator.  Since we already did 'back to school' outfits, she choose "Colors of Fall".  I am OBSESSED with brown and before buying these brown trousers, I had to think of all the pieces that were already in my closet or I was going to purchase, would be a good match.  But guess what?!?  BROWN  really is the new BLACK and these new pants were a great purchase from H&M, see my other recommendations for updating your fall closet here.  So many colors work well with it and I am only showcasing a few here today.  So let's jump right in.

Brown and Pink (because pink is my favorite).  Switch it out for blush or even amp it up with a fuchsia blazer.  I choose this tweed pink jacket with gold buttons, because it's a perfect weight for mild fall weather.

Brown and light blue.  I am still on the hunt for a cute blue cardigan but then I remembered this blazer and it's the perfect combo.

Brown & Lavender.  I think this combination is the one I least expected to work but I love how it came together. I love the idea of having this "spring-y" color all winter long.  

Monochromatic Browns.  Head to toe, shades of brown.  

Brown & Red.  Never be afraid to be bold in Red!!!!!!  Another purchase for fall from H&M, see link here.

That's a wrap.  What's your favorite look?  What should I pair with these trousers next?  

Make sure to link-up below, check out all the other blogs, and come back on Thursday, Oct. 16th for Mini, Midi or Maxi?!?

Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style

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Bo ~ Bo's Bodacious Blog

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Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
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Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom

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Jennifer - Overflowing with Thankfulness

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Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
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Joanna ~ My Slice of Life

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Quarter 3: Falling for Goals

Today's post is all about looking ahead and setting some goals.  While mostly I want to keep my goals the same, reading 20 minutes a day, prioritizing my relationships and physical health, as I have been, I do like to sit down and write these things out because it reaffirms what I want to accomplish and what is a priority for me.  This next quarter is actually pretty short and will run from now, mid-Sept. to mid-November, at which time I will update you on my holiday cheer bucket list which will mainly focus on holiday fun!

PERSONAL

*Give up fake eyelashes for 8-12 weeks.  I am so hooked, I don't know if I can do it.

*Create and send out Halie's thank you cards, our family holiday card, and make family calendars as Christmas gifts!

*Continue to get house cleanings once a month to help with maintenance. 

*Decorate for fall because it makes me happy.

*Morning Routine: I want to balance my early mornings with a few early morning workouts but also 3 days of enjoying a slow morning of coffee and reading.  This means that I would have to workout right after work and plan to leave work in good time.  

*Routine for blogging/photography:  I would really like to try a once a month coffee shop work date for myself.  I'd like to carve out 2-3 hours to enjoy a coffee, and maybe a treat, while giving dedicated time to blogging and/or planning content for my photography side hustle.  I also want to try different coffee shops in the city to see where I like to go and what works as a space for me.  

PHYSICAL

*Run the Step Up for Mental Health half marathon.

*Fall Workout routine:

       Monday: 5km speed/hill 

      Tuesday: Weights

      Wednesday: Rest

      Thursday: 5-7km run

      Friday: Spin

      Saturday: 10-12 km run

      Sunday: Rest

*Stretch 5/7 days in the evenings for 5-10 minutes.

FAMILY/RELATIONSHIPS

*Drive with Anya once a week taking her to different parts of the city.  

*Plan a trip to Regina to see Ashley.  

*Host our neighbors for a bevvie.  

*I want to have a couple of important one on one experiences with my dad, my mom and my grandma.

*Find a "FALL-ish" activity to do locally with the family, as a date or with girlfriends.

*Do an experience date with Logan or get away to the cabin just the two of us.

PROFFESSIONAL 

*Plan an early November Christmas mini session and take December off to just focus on family.

FINANCIAL

*No spend Sept. 15- Oct.30th for clothing.  I feel like I've updated most of the piece I really need in my closet for fall already by purchasing a few things such as a leopard midi skirt, a pair of brown trousers, a new cardigan, a polka dot top, a new black cami and brown loafers.  I am happy to take a pause and assess what is actually needed in my closet rather than purchasing things I see.

*Follow one month of spending and look at our current state of earnings vs. spending and assess them as a couple.  

*Begin Christmas shopping at the start of November as to not get overwhelmed.

That's a wrap on what I am focusing on this fall but I would love to hear from you.  

What are you most excited for this fall?  

What are your goals before the holiday season descends upon us?  

Have your goals changed and shifted from the beginning of the year?

Come back on Thursday for a special edition of Ageless Style and see how I styled our prompt of Falling for Color!

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Falling for Polka Dots

Weather I want to admit it or not, falling is approaching and I am leaning into fall's autumn hues.  I am currently obsessed with all things and shades of brown. This year I decided to upgrade a few pieces in my closet, as noted by my previous post here, and one of the pieces I ended up picking up from Winners was this darling preplum, polka doted top.  If it wasn't cute enough all on it's own, they were ahead and added these adorable little bows.  OBSESSED!  I know that leopard and plaid are often the patterns of fall, but polka dots are a great twist to classic patterns and the perfect way to make them extra stylish is to buy the print in a trendy color, like this brown.  Since it was a Winners find, I am linking up a few different options for you below.  I decided to pair it with a pair of white crisp pants because it's the perfect summer to fall transition option, but it also looks great with jeans and loafers which I'll be wearing to work for casual Friday.  Happy Monday and thanks for stopping by.

Shop This Post:

Brown Polka Dot Top: Melanie Lyn (sale alert); Shein; Reitmens

H&M White Slacks

Back to School 2025

I official had my first back to school day this past week, although I was back doing admin things the week before, the teacher school calendar for 2025-26 school year official started Monday, Aug. 25th.  I thought it would be fun to do a little Q & A of my life as an educator.

1.  How long have I been teaching?  

Going into my 18th year! (8 as f/t teacher, 4 as consultant, 6 as vice-principal)

2.  What grades have I taught? 

 PreK, K, Gr.1, Gr. 2, Gr.4, adult education as a consultant.  Most of my years have been spent specializing and honing my skills and passion for the early years.

3.  Start school before or after Labor Day?

I start before as admin and the kids start after.

4. Favorite subjects to teach?  

To children, literacy and science.  As a leader, I love being a mentor to new teachers.  It fills me with great joy.

5.   New outfit for the first day or no?
Totally depends.  We usually have some new things but I didn't grow up with a 'back-to-school' shopping trip and so my kids really don't either.  We might just buy one thing or create an outfit from what we already have.  Totally different every year.

6.  Wake up: eager beaver or slow poke?
EAGER BEAVER!  I love morning and often annoy my family with my morning energy. 

7.  Coffee, tea or pop?  

Coffee is LIFE!

8.  Backpack, tote, or messenger bag?
Lots of bags.  LOL.  When you are a teacher you always seem to be carrying endless bags.

9.  Favorite back to school supply item?
Colored pens and a organizer all the way.

10. Best part of the profession?  

The hugs that show that a child feels safe with you.  It's an indication that you've become their person.  I also love seeing adult students all these years later and chatting with them, seeing the incredible humans they've become, or running into their families and reconnecting.  

Summer finally arrived the week we were officially back to school.  So all week long I was dressing in my favorite summer outfits and it looks like that trend will be going forward into next week.  Today, is a holiday but tomorrow we get to welcome  the kids!!!!!  

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 

On a personal note I have one kiddo heading to her first year of University and the other one is off to grade 10.  If you have kids off to school, I am wishing them all the best and you as well.

Ageless Style: Four Back to School Outfits

 

Hello and welcome back to another installment of Ageless Style.  Where age knows no boundaries when it comes to style.  In fact, the older I get the more confident and comfortable I am in my own style, the choices I make and the budget I stick to.  This month is BACK TO SCHOOL looks with the ladies.  Most of you know that I am a full-time educator so it's back to school for me officially on Monday.  But 'back-to-school' effects many moms, their children and even if you are no longer in the "mommy" phase of life, it might just be habit and memory that this time of year signifies.  

I am sharing my matching vest and trousers that I finally purchased this spring, I know I was a little late to the party but I needed to find the perfect fit.  The set is sold out in my color but they have it in a brown that I think is even more on point for fall 2025 and it's on sale, see vest & trousers.  My Monday post was on the upcoming fall 2025 trends on a budget shee here.  Let's jump in and see  4 different ways I styled this set for late summer, into fall and even winter.  

Matching Set: Classic and add a brown purse to make it on trend for all of 2025!

Cute and Casual:  I layered a white tee and switched out my regular jeans with my denim skirt to make it a little more appropriate for work, especially mid-week.  This is the perfect outfit for a casual Friday at work and then meet up on a deck to bring in the weekend.  Actually, I just might do that tomorrow.  

Lacey Layers:  Lace is having a moment for fall 2025 and this lacey top is spot on.  Can you believe I almost donated it?!?  I am glad I held on, as it layers perfectly under this vest for a professional look, but is a little racier on it's own for a date night as the back doesn't have a lining.  

Cooler Days Ahead:  Whether I like it or not, cooler days are coming, hopefully not to quickly.  but when they do arrive, I think switching out lighter colors to a black monochromatic look with a twist.  I love this all black outfit with a pop of earthy tone that the vest provides.  Adding gold accessories also really stand out when showcasing an all black outfit like this.  Adding a leather jacket just gives it the right amount of edge, don't you think?

Now it's time to check out the other ladies and their early fall styles!  Also, remember to link-up below.  On Thursday, September 18th we will be back and styling Colors of Fall.  

Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style

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Bo ~ Bo's Bodacious Blog

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Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
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Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom

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Jennifer - Overflowing with Thankfulness

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Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
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Joanna ~ My Slice of Life

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Fall Style on a Teacher Budget

Hi friends.  Today I am sharing a few trends that I am on board with and a few options for you to purchase on a budget.  I just purchased a small haul from H & M to fill the void in my closet, but there are a couple of other trends that I am excited for and may look to bring in over time or will be shopping my closet for.  

MAIN TIP: You don't need to have everything, rather focus on a few pieces that you want to use to spice up your current closet.  Shop your closet first and then decide what you want to add.  A specific color, style, or accessory.  

#1 Browns & Earth Tones

Brown, specifically chocolate brown, is continuing to show up this fall.  Since I do want to update some of my work trousers, I did purchase one pair of dark brown trousers and a brown cardigan (cardigan's are also very popular this season).  Brown pairs well with blue, black, gray, hunter green and taupe.  Keep it neutral and think sky, water, forest.

H&M Buckle-Detail Dress Pants $29.99

#2 Lace & Leopard Prints

I am combing two trends in one.  I am seeing both of these  a lot in slip skirts. 

• Slip skirts with a lace trim.  I really wanted to add this to my closet but I am waiting to see if the leopard slip skirt is going to be a fit for me before I buy more, plus I already have a dark green floral pattern slip skirt in my closet which I may just use instead.  You can also think of lacey tops, lace trim camisoles, lacey socks or lacey print tights.

Dynamite Lace Trim Slip Skirt $30 (sale)

RW & Co Lacey Top on sale $19.99

                                                

• Leopard print slip skirts.  Leopard print is never out of style, but it's back in a big way this year.  So get a dress, pants, or skirt for the season.  Leopard print is super easy to style once you think of it as a neutral. I purchased the below skirt from H&M and am really hoping it works.  I'll be pairing it with a number of pieces including the  brown cardigan, red knit top for a bold look, crisp white tee, a graphic tee, leather jacket, cozy beige sweaters, and a black turtleneck. The list goes on!

H&M Leopard Print Slip Skirt $29.99

#3 Polo Style Tops

Think Ralph Lauren at the horse track but in a knit.  I purchased a knitted red and blue top that my daughter said gave her the "English riding" vibe and although it doesn't have a collar it still fits into this category.  I also found this gem on the H & M site and am very excited about styling it for casual Fridays with jeans, but also with a suede brown skirt, layered over a collard dress shirt, with a long denim skirt, over trousers, or pairing it up with a little tennis skirt on those dwindling warm summer days.  Also, I know my girls will be borrowing this from my closet so it'll get lots of wear.

H&M Loose-Fit Polo Shirt $34.99

#4 Lightweight Sweaters/Cardigans

Fitted cardigans from like 8 years ago are back big time and can be found in tons of colors like the ones below at really good prices.   I order a brown one, a blue one and I really would like to also add a gray one.  They are perfect as a layering piece over tanks, camisoles or dresses, or on their own as a top.  You instantly look put together when wearing a cardigan!  

H&M Cardigan $29.99

H&M Cable Knit Cardigan $34.99

I also, added a lightweight sweater that like a polo shirt can be layered with a collared shirt or a turtleneck, or work on it's own.  Sweaters that have a touch of "preppy" to them are having a big moment.  Think lady like, gold or special buttons or even broches.

H&M Red Knit Sweater $44.99

#5 Slouchy Bags and Oversized Tote Bags

I am kind of seeing both of these out in the world right now.  I am not purchasing one because I already have a suede (another big trend) brown slouchy like purse so I don't need to invest money into that.  That being said let's look at the two options.

•  A slouchy purse is perfect for completing any outfit and isn't too large but fits everything you need.  

Gap Suede Slouchy Bag $89.99

• The oversized tote bag is perfect if you are lugging a laptop on the go to meetings, a university student, or are a parent of a small child but don't want to carry a diaper bag.  So you decide, what's best for your situation.

Simons Large Square Tote Bag $89

There are lots of other trends out there such as dark denim for jeans, faux fur jackets, plaid,  dresses and skirts with tons of volume, etc.  In this post my goal was o stay with the average person in mind and what they might have in their closets and how they can incorporate a few new pieces to update their wardrobe for fall while being selective and sticking to a budget.  

One thing I will be splurging on are a few new pairs of shoes, including new loafers in a nuteral color like white or tan, and I would love to get a pair of Mary-Janes, and also I need to update my regular black heels.  Also, slouchy boots are having a moment and lucky for me I already have a pair!

Let me know if this post was helpful, what you want to see more of, or what trends you are excited about.  Over on IG I will be showcasing some of these pieces over the month of September so that you can see how I am styling them for fall 2025.