Chic for Cheap: Elementary School Art Teacher

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Hello lovelies.  I seem to have gotten behind on my Chic for Cheap posts, so today I'm excited to be taking on a challenge by reader Jessica who has just had a career change and needs some ideas for dressing for her new profession as a elementary school art teacher.  Here's the challenge in her own words:

"After a long career change and job search, I just got a new job as an art teacher for an elementary school in Manhattan. I am beyond excited, but having trouble figuring out what to wear! The students wear uniforms and teachers are encouraged to dress professionally (no jeans or sneakers). Office clothes sound terrible to me, especially if I have to bend down 100 times a day to talk to kids, or work with paint and other art materials. I love Anthropologie-like clothes and aprons, but can't afford an entire work wardrobe from there. Oh, and I am very tall and with a curvy figure. Can you help me?"

I can definitely see the challenge in dressing for this job position, but the great part is that as an art teacher it seems that you have some leeway to be creative and have a bit of fun with what you'll wear. Of course anything you pick will need to be classroom and kid-friendly...so the key pieces that come to my mind are:
Cozy but delicate cardigans (ideal for keeping warm in a cold classroom).
Statement earrings (something pretty and with a bit of color to add whimsy to your outfit).
Embellished tops (look for sophisticated details such as glass beads, sweet ruffles, or a single bow).
Figure-flattering pants (look for pants that give you room to move and interact with your students - machine-washable varieties are going to most forgiving in a classroom environment).
Pretty flats (since you're tall and will be on your feet all day, there's no use in torturing yourself with a pair of heels when a pretty pair of flats will do the trick just fine).

Some other ideas:

Pair a pretty dress with a classic blazer and scarf for a look that is feminine and professional. Jewelry doesn't have to cost a fortune — these pretty earrings are only $4. Play around with what you have in your closet currently and see what pieces you need to complete your own perfect Chic for Cheap look!

Congrats on your job Jessica! Have a fantastic school year. xo Ez

• V-Neck Cardigan in Wild Berry - Anne Taylor LOFT | $49.50
• Smoky Gems Earrings - Banana Republic | $35.00
• Wide-leg Trousers - Old Navy | $32.50
• Bohemian Getaway Tunic - Ruche | $32.99
• Zig Zag Railway Top - Ruche | $29.99
• Ribbon-Trim Ballet Flats in Pewter - Gap | $19.50
• Snake Print Ballet Flats - Charlotte Russe | $19.50
• Brazler Flats - Aldo | $22.49

A special tip for teachers: Anne Taylor LOFT has a special program with 15% off for teachers. Find details here.

Let's Hear it for the Boys: Oak Street Bootmakers

Today I received an email from George Vlagos, the visionary behind Oak Street Bootmakers and really fell in love with his site and the clear attention to detail and quality in his line of men's shoes and shoe accessories. All Oak Street Bootmakers' products are crafted by artisan's here in the United States and are designed for a lifetime of wear. See all the styles available on the Oak Street Bootmakers website.  xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 08. 31. 10

Image credits: 1. Grays, 2. pin 10a, 3. Theme 52 - Food, 4. Easter Egg Gift Card

Site for Sore Eyes: Fryd + Design

I came across the Fryd + Design blog last week when I spotted a link over on Lolalina (another fabulous blog not to be missed). I was immediately drawn into the gorgeous world of author Jeanette and the simple ways that she infuses her home and life with beauty and joy. You can literally feel the love she has for her family and home radiating out of the screen in each post. I truly can't get enough. Hop on over for a visit and feel your cares begin to melt away.  Don't forget to visit her shop while your at it.  xo Ez

All images ©Fryd + Design - Posted here with permission.

From Real Simple to Real Life

I'm going to out myself here and let you in on a little secret...I pretty much have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to decorating a home.  Sure I know what I like, and have a wishlist and inspiration files that go on for miles, but it's the translation part that I seem to muddle.  Because of my lacking in this area I've had a literal suitcase full of artwork and photos that I've been dying to hang since we moved into our home this past Spring, but have been too terrified to touch.  Enter the September issue of Real Simple Magazine.  In a gorgeous article titled: Artful Ideas for Every Room I came across my picture hanging solution (top photo).  Hurray!  It took a bit of measuring (usually a danger zone for me) but I managed alright and the end results turned out pretty good.  If I was starting all over again I would probably use fewer black frames (and I will probably re-mount our feather collection onto something other than linen so it stands out more), but at least my large blank wall is now a point of interest.  And what do you know...it actually was "Real Simple." 

Photo credits for the first image go to photographer William Abranowicz (my apologies for the less than stellar photo I took of it for this post).