SPRING UNIFORM (NOT FOR SCHOOL)

When I'm not teaching, I like to play the casual card harrrrd. I'm not a huge jeans fan (and putting them on right after lotion? I think I just vommed in my mouth), don't really appreciate tight t-shirts (sorry boys), and if I feel at all constricted by my clothing choices, then you'll really see what this TOR-nado can do!

It's really not so much a casual factor as it is a hide-in-plain view factor. I see a lot of students (or they see ME) out and about on weekends, and I like to play the whole  "IS that my teacher? Can't be...." game -- it usually works, hat and sunglasses included. Until you're at an IKEA that's wayyy outside your school district and you come to school on Monday to a student who says, "Hey, I saw you looking awfully lost at IKEA. At least it looked just like you." In that moment, I wished for a "No, that was my twin" moment, but alas, he's a boy....and that'd just make it weird.

ANYWHO -- with spring sort of, kind of here (Mother Nature, no thanks to you!), I have developed a bit of a uniform for my off-hours and it took me just about every day of my teacher-spring-break (which has less than half of the alcohol of a college one but twice as much sleeping!) to realize I was recycling the same options. It goes a little something like this -- cue the Polyvore set!

1. The basic of any off-teacher-torrie mode is a pair of black leggings. Yes, as, uh, pants. Here's the thing....well, we'll get to the thing in a second! I mean, they're 2/$10 at F21, so I buy in bulk like it's Costco for leggings!
2. A slouchy tank that hangs low and runs long (to save me from any potential "those aren't pants!" people giving me dirty sneers and glares.) I like a good, simple graphic on mine - nothing too basic, but nothing too loud. I'm loud enough on my own, folks...
3. A low-cut boot. I have the ones on the far left, want the red ones baaaad, and the middle pair is a classic Sam Edelman creation. I usually opt for heels/wedges even in my off-hours, but if I'm strolling the mall or walking the streets of the city (to really only stop by LUSH), then these boots are my fashionably comfortable choice.
4. Considering we haven't hit full-blown 60-70s every day weather, a nice jacket or bright scarf are both functional and fashionable choices. I have a jacket that resembles the top right (mine is leather with army green sleeves, though), and scored a sweater tunic similar to the one on the bottom right (mine is teal and black, though). Either topper is my go-to choice, so long as I'm not hanging out with the same person who saw me in it last (the horror!.....buuuuut we all do it!)
5. Love adding a headband to not only keep my flyaways at bay, but it adds a nice could-wear-to-coachella touch, especially if it's all floral like the one above (they sell them at UO for $16 and I swear I can pull it off in a cheaper DIY version! Later blog post? Mehh, if my DIY girl ever comes out of indefinite hiding....)

Obviously I have the occasional denim day or I throw on a maxi to go to dinner, but if it's a casual weekend day? You best believe this girl is in leggings! I'm never one to wear sweats in public, so this is my casual look at its best. It's a put together look without making me feel stuffy. Also, I try not to look like a total vagabond when out in pubic in the off chance a student (with their parents always in tow) wins at the "IS that my teacher?!" game (this happens more often than I'd like to admit!)

What are YOUR favorite go-to options?

This clothing is stormy weather approved......


-T