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

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | 

Bo ~ Bo's Bodacious Blog

Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin

Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Blog /Instagram

Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom

Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

Jennifer - Overflowing with Thankfulness

Instagram| Blog

Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |

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.

A Romper for the Warmest Days

 

Warm days and summer vacay is coming to an end, but there are still warm days ahead especially in some parts of the world.  This adorable sky blue romper from Shein, is absolutely perfect to add to your summer closet.  It's comfortable, roomy, easy to throw over a bathing suite for a beach day, or style it with a bodysuit like I did, and accessories to elevate the outfit.  I ended up wearing this to a nearby beach town, and it was perfect for browsing shops, grabbing coffee, a beachside lunch and even hitting a short little hike.  Although I try to minimize my fast fashion purchases each season, I don't feel bad with an odd one here and there, especially when I get to share it with my daughters.  I feel like this will be in our closets for a few summers and it's already been worn many times and let's face it, the price is right.  To counter act that, these adorable earrings were a b-day gift from my daughter purchased at a local boutique and they sold out immediately.  

This is my last week at our cabin and then it's back to reality, work, routine, and structure.  I am back at school on Monday, Aug. 18th and teachers arrive the week after and students start on Tuesday, Sept. 2nd.  

Are your kids back at school?  What does this fall look like for you?

No Fuss Beach Outfits

 

Today I am sharing what I've been wearing to the beach over the past week.  Summer finally arrived at the very end of July and we hit the beach four days in a row, and even got out of the water with our boat and did some wakeboarding.  Now we are back to a week of rainy weather and overcast days.  I keep things super simple when heading to the beach or on the boat as you can from the outfits I am sharing today.  This year I didn't buy anything and I've been focusing on wearing what I already have in my closet for my time at the lake.  For fall however there is some key pieces I want to add and I need to do a deep clean of my fall/winter wardrobe.  Let's jump into simple outfits that are on repeat.

Skirt & Button-down

A button down over a bathing suit always looks super cool and low-key, don't you agree?  

Crochet top & Cut-offs

I love the peek-a-boo detail of wearing crochet tops or dresses.  Beach perfection.

Simply Stripped

A classic combination that never goes out of style.  I love the thinker stripes on this knitted tank and because this top is knit it can be easily dressed up with a blazer over top for work, or worn casual like in this beach outfit.

Perfectly Pink

This cute little pink dress is the perfect all around summer dress! You throw it on over a bathing suite and you are ready to hit the beach, famers market, coffee, ice cream or grab a lunch at a cafe. I wear it all the time and it works for all different occasions.  I am also a fan of the cute little key-hole in the middle, so cute but not too much.  

Note, I always have my trusted sun hat and sunnies, along with my other essentials of sunscreen, water bottle, towel and a book.  Oh and one more thing, now that the kids are older and we don't need to carry ALL the things to the beach, we just dress and hop on our bikes, carry our Tommy Bahama chairs on our backs like a backpack and we are ready to go.  If you don't know what the Tommy Bahama beach chairs are, I tell you they are the BEST.  Super comfy to sit on, have patted straps for you to carry as a backpack, have two good sized pockets for your phone, book, sunscreen and the other pocket is like a little cooler for your drinks.  We've had ours for a decade almost and they are still in mint condition. Worth the investment.

What are you looking forward to in August?

Lavender Haze, Summer Days & Cocktails

Hey friends!  Summer around here has been 'meh' in terms of weather.  Very cool, smokey, windy  and inconsistent.  That being said, summer is still my favorite season.  I spend most summer days at our lake, wearing the classic tee, shorts and hat combo, see here, I get  excited when I come into the city and get to dress up a little bit!  My love for lavender is still going strong and this time I paired it with the cutest little white shorts that I was gifted in my hand-me-down bag from my sister.  These have a great textured fabric, they are a little bit heavier than linen shorts, no ironing needed, and ideal for a summer day at the office.  I will be wearing them on those hot days at the end of August and beginning of September when I return to work.  I love this smock top, with puffy sleeves that I've had a few years now, and although I usually don't do matchy-matchy, I fully committed to this look, by adding my lavender sandals and my cute phone purse that was in my summer 2025 FabFitFun box, along with gold accessories including the anklet also from my box.  

You guys, I still like getting my FabFitFun box.  I don't buy a lot of things, especially beauty products and accessories, so it's a fun way for me to try new things and over the years I've discovered many products that I love and have re-purchased, or I've gifted to my girls. I love the mix of beauty, home decor, accessories and this upcoming fall box even has a cardigan that I am so excited to choose during customization!   Overall it seems to still be a good investment and makes me excited. I buy the annual subscription with my birthday money so its a gift that gives all year long.  If you are interested in trying it out here is a $20 off coupon using my link !

The items in my FabFitFun Summer 2025 box.

• OLEHENRIKSEN® Double Rewind Retinol Serum 

• innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum
• First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA – Fresh Strawberry
• In The Roundhouse Sicily Stripe Set of 4 Dip Bowls
• Our Spare Change Isla Pearl Earrings

• Set & Stones Shelly Anklet

• Marlyn Schiff Arielle Ring - Gold

And one more thing, each summer I try a new cocktail and this year, sticking with this theme, I am obsessed with the Lavender  Vodka Lemonade from Kitchen Spicez!  Yummy!  It's not sweet, it's refreshing and has the lavender gives it the nicest lavender coloring!  I researched lavender syrups and ended up ordering this one on Amazon and it's perfect!  Cheers friends!

Lavender Vodka Lemonade

● 2 oz vodka
● 4 oz fresh lemonade
● 0.5 oz lavender syrup (store-bought or homemade)
● Lemon wheel and lavender sprig (for garnish)
● Ice cubes

 Instructions:

 Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
 Add vodka, fresh lemonade, and lavender syrup to the shaker.
 Shake gently for about 10 seconds to combine and chill.
 Strain into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
 Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of lavender.

Thanks for stopping by today and share your thoughts on subscription boxes and summer cocktails or mocktails.