9 Things Every Nanny Needs in Her Closet for the Fall

With fall in full swing, I have been thinking of all my nanny fashion essentials. I have been with my family for about nine months now.  I have not been with them during the fall yet, however, I have become aware of a few staple items that are always needed.  Now, this list does not need to only apply to nannies.  It can be for any child care provider, or any girl who finds herself running around all day! 

1.  A large purse with zippers and various straps.

Tory Burch's Robinson Pebbled Square Tote

Nine West's Jaelyn Fringed Tote

Fossil's Emerson Medium Satchel

A purse is always based on someone's personal preference.  However, during my time as a nanny, I have found that my bag of choice needs to have the following qualities: durable material, spacious but accessible, zippers for valuables, and various sized straps/handles. You need a bag that is up for any activity you and your children have planned for the day! It needs to help, not hinder you.

2.  A dependable pair of jeans.

Express' Faded Medium Wash Blue Mid Rise Jean Legging

Levi's 712 Slim Jeans

There is so much that goes into purchasing a pair of jeans, and most of us don't even realize that.  Do you like low rise, mid rise, or high rise?  What length do you need?  Short, regular, or long? What style do you prefer?  Legging, skinny, girlfriend, boyfriend, barely boot, boot, flare?  And then you need to know your size.  Every brand fits differently. Plus, let's be honest.  Who wants to spend their time trying on an armful of jeans?  It can be frustrating, to say the least.  

I personally always purchase my jeans from Express.  They move with me, last long, and feel great!  You're going to need to find a day to put time aside and go jean hunting.  If you look hard enough, you can find the perfect pair for you.  And don't be afraid to invest in a good pair!  Price doesn't always relate to quality, but I think that it does when it comes to jeans. God luck!

3.  A comfortable pair of sneakers.

New Balance's 574 New Balance

Converse's Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Colors

Nike's Roshe One Print

Personally I live in boots and booties for as long as I can.  However, I cannot deny the importance of a good pair of sneakers.  Nannies are on their feet all day.  We need shoes that make running around possible.

4.  A favorite zip-up/sweater.

Old Navy's Women's Compression Jacket

Express' Marled Ribbed Cascading Cover-Up

J. Crew Factory's Factory Shawl-Collar Cardigan Sweater

When it comes to sweaters, it is better to have one that can open and close.  You may be outside for part of the day, and then inside for the other part of the day.  With temperatures and weather always changing, especially in New England, it is good to have options!

5. A reliable watch.

Fossil's Jacqueline Three-Hand Leather Watch

Fossil's Vintage Muse Three-Hand Stainless Steel Watch

Fossil's Jacqueline Multifunction Stainless Steel and Acetate Watch

As you all may know, I nanny during the week and work retail during the weekend.  With all the running around I do, I trust Fossil as my brand for watches.  Their watches have a great balance of beautify and durability.  Plus, a lot of the watch faces' are funky and really stand out!  Not to mention that Fossil is one of the more affordable brands.

6. Sunglasses.

Francesca's Ready or Not Runway Sunglasses

Tory Burch's TY9041 Sunglasses

Express' Mirrored Retro Brow Bar Sunglasses

I mention sunglasses for two reasons.  The first is obvious-to protect and shield your eyes from the sun.  The second reason is to mask reactions.  Let me explain.  As nannies we need to be calm, collected, and not feed into the "shock value" that children may try to get from us.  With a nice pair of shades, you can keep your eyes from giving any thing away.  This is a nice little trick that I have picked up on during the summer!

7. A pair of leggings that will last.

Express' Sexy Stretch Legging

Express' Marled Stretch Knit Ankle Legging

Express' Scuba Side Panel Legging

I only shop at Express for my leggings.  They last forever!  To the point where I work out and sleep in my older pairs.  No more ripping at the seams for me!  And Express sells casual leggings and dressy leggings in various colors.

8. A hat.

New Era Boston Red Sox Women's 9FORTY Neon Tri-Blend Adjustable Trucker Hat

H&M's Wool Hat

Francesca's Ash Felt Floppy Hat

Whether it is a lazy day, a bad hair day, or you woke up late- it is always great to have a hat!  A hat is a great accessory.  It can make an outfit looked pull together, even when you're really just hiding messy hair.  

9. A comfy tee-shirt.

G.H. Bass & Co.'s Bon Voyage Tee

Express' Mind Over Matter EXP Core Graphic Tank

A comfy tee is always a great idea!  You will look cute and casual while running around with the kids.  They are also fun to layer and style with other pieces! 

Those are my nine fall closet essentials for the nannies and busy bees!  Let me know if you agree or have any additional essentials that always have to have in your closet.  Also, I am please to announce that I will be posting every Sunday and Wednesday nights now!

Until then, thanks for reading!

Outfit Inspiration: Dress & Poncho

Happy Sunday! Here's to another week of obsessing over what to wear! We've all had those moments...we try on clothes, change a million times, and then end up with the initial outfit we had on! It can become frustrating. Days like that I try to think of outfit inspirations I've drawn from other people. Whether it be from a magazine, show, or my favorite fashion blogger. 

The other day I had one of these moments of inspiration. I happened to stumbled upon this picture of my mother as a young girl. It instantly reminded me of the popular 70's trend we are seeing a lot of recently. I love my mother's knit poncho with fringe and how it falls over her dress. I am all about layering, and this is a new, creative way to do so!  From the moment I saw this picture, I knew that I would be recreating this outfit.

(My beautiful Mother, center.)

With the weather finally starting to cool down in Boston, I pulled out my favorite black knit poncho and leather boots this weekend! This poncho was gifted to me so I am not quite sure where it is from. However, I did find similar black ponchos...

1.  INC International Concepts Textured-V-Hem Fringed Poncho Sweater

2.  Alfani Cowl-Neck Fringe Poncho Sweater 

3.  Lace Poncho

As a rule of thumb, I always invest in leather boots. That is my 'must splurge' item! A girl needs a pair of boots that are going to last her for more than one winter. Us New Englanders need high quality boots that will keep us warm during those cold, snowy days. 

The boots that I am wearing are from G.H. Bass & Co.! As of right now, they do not carry the exact boot that I am wearing, but they do have similar styles. Furthermore, they are currently having an online sale of 40% off sitewide with promo code Fall40! Not to mention free shipping of purchases over $50! I personally just purchased these leather Quincy Quilted Riding Boots for under $63!! Money well spent!

I absolutely love my Side Slit Striped Mini Sheath Dress from Express! The side slit is a popular trend that we are seeing in a lot of this season. I loved this casual dress so much that I bought it in Black as well! It also comes in Heather Gray and Purple and Black Stripes (in-store only). It is comfortable and can be styled in various ways. Even though this dress is labeled as a 'mini dress' I would not say so. It falls right above my knee and I will definitely be wearing this dress while nannying. I will be posting different ways to style this dress at a later date, so stay tuned!

 My Jet Set Logo Tote is by Michael Kors. It is spacious and perfect for nannying! I can fit all my daily necessities, as well as the kids', inside this roomy purse.

I had so much fun recreating my mother's look! I hope you enjoyed! 

Until next time.

xo, Cute Teachings

Bloglovin'

I am so excited to announce that I am now on the website Bloglovin'!! Bloglovin' is a great website that includes, but is not limited to, many great fashion blogs. If you love blogging or following blogs, sign up to have a news feed including all your favorite blogs!

Have fun!

xo Cute Teachings

Hello, Fall!

Today officially marks the first day of my favorite season...fall! This is a season that is packed with fun activities, amazing flavors, and perfect weather!  However, as my fellow New Englanders can attest, the seasons and weather are always changing.  Before you know it, that pumpkin latte you've been savoring is replaced with a gingerbread one.  So let's bask in all that is fall, before we're piled in snow!

I wanted to take a moment and discuss my favorite fall accessory.  There is nothing I love more than a beautiful scarf! I basically live in them from September to April. The more patterns, the better! A nice scarf adds layers to an outfit and can pull your whole look together.  This year I am keeping my eyes peeled for a tan scarf, an olive green scarf, and a maroon scarf.  For lighter scarves I frequently shop at DSW, Express, Aldo, and Marshalls/TJ Maxx.  These places tend to have a large variety of colors and styles for an affordable price.

Aside from lighter scarves, I am in love with blanket scarves!  Last year, during Boston's harsh winter, my blanket scarf was my savoir.  Even though it wont be cold enough to wear a blanket scarf around your neck, I always love styling one as a shawl.  It's quick to throw on while car pooling the kids, and it can make a simple outfit pop!  Plus, who wouldn't love being able to pull off wearing a blanket all day? This look will leave you feeling comfy and cozy!

The Navy Plaid Blanket Scarf I am wearing is from The Paper Store. I tend to find all my blanket scarves there! They are usually under, or around, $30! Feel free to share your favorite fall fashion accessory with me! I would love to hear from you! 

Let's all raise our pumpkin flavored beverages and cheers to fall! 

xo Cute Teachings

  

Nigerian Necklaces

Now that the temperature in Boston is finally starting to drop, I want to mention my favorite accessories: my Nigerian necklaces. It can get a little hot wearing them during the summer, so I am excited for the cool air to come our way!  

I am very fortunate that my boyfriend comes from such an incredible family.  They have always been warm and welcoming towards me. His mother and father live in Nigeria and upon multiple different occasions they have gifted me these necklaces. They are absolutely gorgeous and I am in love with each and every one for different reasons!  They add a little special something to my outfits that make them different from everyone else's.

While I am working at Express I get many compliments on my necklaces. Customers frequently ask where I bought them.  And while I love having this 'strange' and 'different' flare to my outfits, I have researched where someone could purchase similar necklaces to mine.  I find all these necklaces beautiful and intriguing.

Multicolored African Necklace

Blue and White Agate Beaded Necklace Handcrafted in Ghana, 'Emefa'

African Green Agate Handcrafted Necklace with Ceramic, 'Life is Great'

Recycled bead necklace, 'Peach Allure'

Coconut shell and bull horn beaded necklace, 'Zebra'

While researching these pieces of jewelry I stumbled upon NOVICA.  It is a shopping website that is in association with National Geographic. They sell unique handmade products crafted by artisans from all around the world, through Fair Trade! I love this website and what it has to offered.  Hopefully you enjoy it as well!

I hope you all had a fabulous start to your week. Thanks for stopping by Cute Teachings!

Sunday at Express

Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope that you all had a fun weekend, and were able to relax today! It is important to take a breather from your busy life and enjoy some of your hobbies and interests. With this in mind, I made sure to have time to go on walks/runs with my German Shepherd and boyfriend this weekend. I had so much fun getting some fresh (almost fall) air and quality time. Hopefully you all were able to do what you enjoy, as well! Working two jobs makes my rest time so important and valuable but it is often scarce. Thankfully I love both my jobs and enjoy what I do. 

Today, I had a six hour shift at Express. It began at 9 AM and, with three cups of Nespresso, I was ready to go! I made sure to wear sandals in the earlier half of my shift because I would be doing mark downs. I spent the first three hours of my shift marking down clearance items that were on the floor and in the stock room. It was relaxing to have some "down time" to get work done, and converse with my fellow co-workers. That is one of the reasons why I enjoy working at Express, everyone is so nice! 

Later on in my shift, once I switched to selling, I changed into my lace-up leather boots. This made my outfit a little more dressy and pulled it together. I absolutely loved the extreme hi-lo tee that I wore today! It is unique and I always get compliments on it. In my opinion, the best part about this tee is that it flows behind you as you walk. It definitely leaves people staring. I decided to offset my basic black tee with crazy patterned leggings! They made my outfit fun on this misty day. It was the right amount of pop that I was looking to add.

My Black One Eleven Long Sleeve Extreme Hi-Lo Tee is from Express. My black and white patterned leggings were sold at H&M. Although they do not sell these exact pair anymore, they do have other Black & White Patterned Leggings. My sandals are made by Nine West but were purchased at Marshalls. My leather lace up boots were also purchased at Marshalls but are made by Boemos. My black tote was sold at Aldo, but is no longer available. I am a huge fan of their Handbags & Purses. I can always find something I like there! Finally, my necklace was passed down to me from my grandmother.

I hope that you all have a great start to the week tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by Cute Teachings!