A boot to suit...

It's no secret that I love an ankle boot (or two). I saw this luscious pair on the Oasis website and had to snap them up. They arrived promptly and were even better in reality. They have a chunky heel, making them infinitely more comfortable when running around (something that is synonymous with teaching in the current climate). The exterior material is a two-tone suede and leather combination. They are easy on the feet and I can already tell that I'll be wearing these to death. Not a problem though, since they'll keep my tootsies warm and dry in the colder months ahead.

 

Get shirty...

I think long shirts are fantastic; they can be dressed up with a pair of skinny jeans/trousers and killer heels or dressed down with leggings and flats/canvas shoes. I wear these floral beauties to work with smart, slim trousers and heeled ankle boots. They're so fun and my students can spot me a mile off (is that a good or bad thing?). Anyone who is a regular reader will know that if I really like something, I'll buy it in several colours.  These were purchased from Warehouse where you can find many timeless, well-made pieces that are good quality too. So join me and dare to wear these vibrant shirts that are popping up all over the place!

 

All about the base...

There are certain products that I'm reluctant to change, simply because getting them right is a pain/labour of love. Switching to a new foundation is definitely up there because finding the right shade is a holy grail type mission. I decided to wave goodbye to my powder foundation and go back to a liquid after many, many years. I have skin that gets a sheen as the day goes on so I wanted something that worked on this. More importantly, I wanted something that didn't clog pores or exacerbate my problem areas. I decided to go with Clinique and so began the painstaking journey! I initially got given a sample pot in Beige (Stay Matte range) and that was far too light for my skin tone. I then tried Sand which gave me an instant light tan (not the effect I was after). Not to be defeated, I went back to the counter and declared that a shade between these two would be perfect. There was nothing suitable in this range, so the helpful assistant suggested Fresh Honey in the Anti-Blemish Solutions range. If something has 'anti' and 'blemish' in the title I'm all over it! This was the best fit so my voyage of discovery was over. I'm happy to say that I've stuck with this shade and if it copes with most situations, conditions and time frames, I'll be a loyal customer (until the next change!).

Pomp and prom...

Our leavers had their prom this week and it was a truly lovely occasion. They ate, danced and enjoyed the camaraderie for the last time before they went their separate ways. The boys donned suits, looking incredibly dapper in the process and the young ladies sparkled and wowed. Not to be outdone, us teachers made the effort too. I wore this very elegant floor-length navy gown. The laced and lined bodice was a perfect fit and the floaty layered skirt moved gracefully. The waist sash/belt did a great job of bringing these two components together. I received so many compliments and felt a bit like a red-carpet diva. I hope I have many more occasions to wear this beautifully understated gown.

 

Getting lippy...

Something about the spring and upcoming summer always makes me want to try out new lipstick shades. I tend to stick to a lip stain in the colder months and don't veer away from this too much; I guess we just want our creature comforts when the evenings are dark and the wind is biting. However, the warmer months ignite my more adventurous side and I find myself perusing the make-up counters with more interest. As a result, I ended up purchasing this lovely La Créme Colour Drenched lipstick by Too Faced, in an alluring shade of 'pink chocolate'.  On the website it's described as "obscenely rich" and "oozing with lip-conditioning hydrators, including white lotus flower". It's a warm pink colour and literally melts onto the lips, and doesn't have the drying sensation that some matte lipsticks can leave you with. To top it off, the packaging is so so pretty!

Stripe hype...

I adore the over-sized shirts that have popped up all over the place. I like to button this stripey black and white one to the top and accessorize with a statement necklace.The shirt also has a curved back hem which is something else I love. The Capri trousers that I go back to again and again stop above the ankle so I'm able to don these cute boots too. The boots and shirt are from H&M.

Spangle in bangles...

   The half term holiday has just finished and I managed to squeeze in a trip to India. That's right. India. In seven days. I am slightly discombobulated from the whirlwind week but full of post-holiday joy. There was little time to shop (and I'm someone who always finds time for retail shenanigans) but I managed to purchase these lovely bangle sets. They work very well together and could be worn as single pieces too. 

Mustard must-have!

   This 'colour block' top always gets compliments from colleagues and students. It offers a little ray of sunshine in an otherwise bleak, wintry landscape. I like to accessorize it with a statement necklace and pair it with slim-fitting Capri trousers. My trusted court heels finish the look off nicely.

The top was found on Asos.com but the brand is Warehouse.

The trousers are from Next.

The heels are from Jones Bootmaker.

Blazers in bloom...

I'm a huge fan of blazers that have been given a twist. Take these floral numbers from Warehouse - so nice, I bought them twice! The lapels are wonderfully 'floaty' and the shape is very feminine. They're not so structured and look great teamed with a smart pair of trousers and heels. The print is eye-catching and all of the aforementioned give the faithful blazer an update.

Bags of appeal...

   I find that one bag isn't enough so I like a different one for different occasions. I rarely carry a 'typical' handbag outside of work as my staples at these times are cross-body bags. They force me to only carry the essentials and they look cute. I bought these from ASOS as they're sturdy and surprisingly roomy inside. The chain detail and quilted finish also add a chic twist. They can even be turned into big clutches by stuffing the straps inside.

Nailing festive glamour...

So it's Christmas eve and I've taken a break from wrapping presents to share my eye-catching ‘press ons'. After priming my nails, these little gems were simply applied. I've had endless compliments and I think they offer an alternative to festive red or gold nails.

No fuss. No faff.

That leaves you with plenty of time to get back to wrapping.

 Elegant Touch is the brand and Kaleidoscope is the shade/pattern.

Lip service...

T'is the season of bright lipsticks that can be seen from outer space. If the thought of dazzling your students with blazing reds, pinks and oranges is too much, here are two pretty alternatives. On the left we have Plum Rose and on the right is Pink Mauve. They are bright enough to add a pop of colour but not so much that they prove a distraction.

 They are a little on the pricey side (£19.50 each) but what good is a Chic Teacher without a few indulgent items in her handbag? When the colour meets your lips, it's like a marriage made in heaven and the lipstick is long wearing. Well that's what you can tell yourself when scrutinising the monthly bank statement!

Put a ring on it...

   If your digits need a makeover, beautiful and bold rings are the way forward. They add another dimension to your look and show the world that you're a ‘blingy' kind of gyal. I've even used them in the classroom as a teaching resource. On a basic level, learners can describe the ring(s) by selecting adjectives and thinking about the texture. Students could also introduce themselves using jewellery (and other random objects). For example: Like this ring, I am solid and sturdy. I am also quite flamboyant like the eye-catching flower. Unlike this ring, I am full of warmth. The youngsters may also be encouraged to build a narrative/drama around the ring.

Or, you could simply wear rings to accentuate your fashionista credentials.
Here is a selection of my favourites:

Creative collars...

Why not add a point of interest to a plain shirt? A chunky necklace that sits under the collar is a fantastic way to beautify a formal shirt:

Many of my colleagues also know how to put the ‘chic into teach'. I cornered one of them today because she is no stranger to getting creative with her collars:

The wonder of the wedge...

I find wedges a great alternative to heels and surprisingly comfortable for work. Us teachers clock up quite a distance, running between various locations in school (yes, we do actually venture out from behind the desk) and wedge heels don't slow me down! I have a slight arch so heels have never been a problem for me. An added bonus is that they give me some extra height as I do seem to be placed with some ludicrously tall students.

Here are a couple of my favourite pairs. They look far more intimidating than they are:

Be brave - get some wedges in that classroom!

Go forth and be bold...

It takes the bold and the brave to wear an eye-catching trouser, or just the extrovert. Either way, printed trousers are a huge trend at the moment and I don't see why this can't make it to the classroom. 

   They can be dressed up to look smart-casual so that they're more fitting for a professional environment. I team mine with a pair of court shoes and a simple vest and cardigan.

   I did wonder if they'd prove too distracting for my students but so far they've been a hit. Apologies in advance for the terrible ‘clothes selfies'.

From Warehouse

From Dorothy Perkins

Today's teacher wardrobe choice...

This is what I threw together for work today (I'm wearing my favourite boots but they were unceremoniously chopped out).  The flowery skirt was a recent purchase and adds a ‘pop' of colour to a neutral outfit.  It reminds me of spring/summer; very welcome during this dreary January!

These boots are made for walkin'...

I love a good boot and I wore my favourite pair to work today.  They keep my tootsies warm in these colder months and the heel isn't that high at all; I feel perfectly comfortable in them after being on my feet all day. They look good with a skirt or slim-fit trousers and provide me with some extra height (much needed since some of my older male students are ludicrously tall).

Where do you stand on the shoe vs boot debate?