Flying to Texas

It may be silly, but I tend to get excited about the little things. This was the case for Saturday's outfit of the day. I was flying to Texas, and wore a graphic tee that I had purchased months before. It was navy blue, with "Bon Voyage" written in white cursive lettering. Of course I saved the top for this specific occasion! I was so excited for this trip, it made the tee that much more special. 

In my mind, there is nothing more cute than a graphic tee to travel in. You're comfortable, but you're also trendy. These are two attributes I focused on when deciding what to wear while traveling. I styled this top with one of my Nigerian necklaces, and my favorite Express jeans. The necklace had matching navy blue beads, and yellow and green beads to add a splash of color. 

I decided to wear my cognac leather booties for two reasons. One, they are the most comfortable booties that I have ever purchased. And two, they are easy to slip on and off. These are important things to consider when thinking about what shoes to wear to the airport. Easy slip on shoes make going through security quicker and easier.

Before my trip, I decided to get a mani/pedi. I am not big on French manicures, but decided to get one done. It looks clean cut and goes with everything. I recommend this look when traveling. It is the equivalent to packing neutral colored clothing, that can be worn in various ways, and for different occasions. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Bon Voyage Tee: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet). Faded Medium Wash Blue Mid Rise Jean Legging: Express. Cognac Leather Booties: Aldo. Polar M400: Polar. Necklace: Nigeria, Africa. Jet Set Logo Tote: Michael Kors. Ray-Ban Aviators: Ray-Ban/Sunglass Hut.

I am so excited to be down in Texas! Have a great week.

Christmas Wish List

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!! 

I hope that all of you were able to spend some quality time with your loved ones these past few days. I had a relaxing first week of vacation, at home, with my family! I was able to spend a lot of time outside with my German Shepherd. Her and I loved running in a big park, instead of the city streets. Now, its time to head down to Texas. Tomorrow morning I will be flying to Houston, to spend time with my boyfriend's family. I am so excited to spend New Years Eve in the South!

During this holiday season, I am sure many of you received gift cards, like I did. Below I have made a wish list of items I would love to purchase with them.

This 'Kerrington' Crossbody Bag, from Tory Burch, made my list because I love this beautiful print. This impressionistic, brightly colored pattern is perfect for the Spring and Summer. I know, I know...those seasons are no where in sight. However, this unusually warm weather has me thinking about these warm colors!

This elegant  V-Neck Cape Blouse, from Express, is the perfect balance between dramatic and basic! I would pair this over-sized top with tight jeans. It is comfortable enough to wear to work, and fabulous enough to dress up, in the evening, with jewelry. 

I have had my eye on the Perfect Boyfriend Multifunction Stainless Steel Watch, from Fossil, since it arrived. The gradient colors of this face go amazingly with the stainless steel, and rose accenting. I have a rose gold watch from Fossil, and have been on the look out for the perfect stainless steel one. 

I fell in love with these Fabrice Round Toe Pumps, from Nine West, the moment I saw them! I would love to wear these, and dress up a casual outfit. I think that the burgundy and navy coloring pair so nicely together; and the chunky heel is a popular trend at the moment.

This Metal Logo Stud Bracelet, from Tory Burch, is beautiful. I love the simplicity of this piece. It is great for every day wear, or for dressing up an outfit. This timeless bracelet is stylish worn solo or stacked with others.

I hope you all enjoyed your holidays! Let me know what your gift card wish lists are.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Gift Guide for Last Minute Shoppers

Happy Friday! If you are an educator, you might be fastly approaching your school vacation-yay! My two week vacation began today and I am so excited! I am going to miss my boys, but I am also excited to have some down time to recharge. I am a huge planner, and have my vacation time all mapped out in my head. For my first week off, I will be spending time here, with my family. Then, I am heading down to Texas to spend time with my boyfriend's family. I plan on relaxing, reading, exercising, and hopefully shopping. I cannot wait!!

Now that it is Friday, we have exactly one more week until Christmas. It's really beginning to feel like the holidays (even though there is no snow)! If you are a last minute shopper-don't stress! I have made a last minute Gift Guide for Her! These gifts are not only adorable, but most of them are on sale. Best of all, all of these items are under $50! Happy shopping!

1. Vera Bradley's Turn Lock Wallet in Marrakesh Motifs- Currently $49.00 $24.50 at 50% off!

2. Vera Bradley's Kiss Kiss Coin Purse in Midnight Houndstooth- Currently $22.00 $11.00 at 50% off!

3. G.H. Bass & Co. Factory Outlet's Dreamy Suede Slipper- Currently $90.00 $24.99!

4. Teavana's New Baroque Gold Handled Mug- Currently $21.95 $10.97!

5. G.H. Bass & Co. Factory Outlet's Stefanie Pom Pom Hat- Currently $40.00 $9.99!

6. The Paper Store's Sterling Silver Massachusetts Pendant Necklace- Currently $24.99!

7. Teavana's New Stackable Dottie Red Tea Tins- Currently $12.95!

8. Fossil's Monster Bag Charm- Currently $48.00!

9. Fossil's Luggage Tag- Currently $28.00!

10. The Paper Store's Camel Oversized Plaid Blanket Scarf- Currently $24.00!

Let me know some of your favorite places to shop for others! Until next time, thank you for reading Cute Teachings!

Over the Knee Riding Boots

It's no secret that I love a good pair of suede/leather shoes. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I believe that they are items worth splurging over. Not only will shoes made from quality material last, but you will look and feel better in them! Us nannies, and other working women, need shoes that will with stand the wear and tear that you will encounter from every day use. Plus, your feet are going to feel much better at the end of the day if they are in comfortable shoes. And for girls who are constantly on their feet, or on the go, comfort is an important quality to have.

In my mind, you can have the most stylish outfit in the world on-but if you finish the look with beat up shoes, the look is left looking sloppy and incomplete. No matter how cute a synthetic shoe may look, it wont last as long as a good quality leather boot or suede flat. Of course, you are going to need to spend more to get more. Sure you may find a great leather boot on sale for $60. Great! But if you buy a man-made boot for $25, the most you are going to get from that shoe is exactly that...$25 worth. Now, I am not saying to spend on your money on pricey boots. Find a pair you love, save, and keep an eye out for a great sale. It is a good idea to spend a little more on a high quality product; because you are much less likely to have to replace it sooner.

This "spy and save" method is exactly what I used for my new black over the knee riding boots. When I graduated college, four years ago, I decided to buy myself a nice pair of black leather riding boots. They were $150, and even though that may be a lot for a new college grad, I decided that I deserved them after all my hard work. I am so glad that I treated myself! To this day these boots are still intact and can be seen in some of my previous posts. My once dressy boots are now perfect for nannying! They are in great shape, but I do not need to worry about getting scuffs because they have been worn in.

About two months ago I decided that I wanted a new pair of black riding boots. For me, a pair of brown riding boots, black riding boots, brown booties, and black booties are staple items to my wardrobe. I know that I get my moneys worth because I live in them from November to April. Therefore, I decided to keep an eye out and not make any impulse purchases. I knew that I wanted my new boots to have certain qualities. I want them to have some form of quilted leather, like my older pair. I also wanted a flat sole, so I would have no problem wearing them every day. And I wanted them to be over the knee, because I had never owned a pair like that before.

I have mentioned before that I love to purchase my leather boots from G.H. Bass & Co. They have amazing high-quality products. The best part is, their website has a tab, at the top, for their Factory Outlet! This is great because, not only are the prices already marked down from their regular store, but they are always having additional sales and promo codes!

G.H. Bass & Co. Factory Outlet is where I found my new leather over the knee riding boots. They were exactly what I wanted, but were $330. I decided that amount was out of my price range, and that I was going to wait and hope that they went on sale. Thankfully they did! They went on sale for 80% off. However, the holidays were approaching and I did not want to spend $90 on myself, so I waited even longer. I am so happy that I did, because they later had an additional 20% off the sale price! In the end I spent $70 for a pair of $330 leather riding boots. You know what people say, "patience is a virtue." 

Maybe leather/suede shoes are not your splurge item. We all have things we love, and our own fashion rules that we have for ourselves. My point is, find an item you love. Put money aside, wait for a sale, and then treat yourself. Because we all deserve to have nice things that make us feel happy. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Over the Knee Riding Boots: G.H. Bass & Co. Factory Outlet. Knit Top: Express. This top is from last year. Similar patterned tops found here and here. Plaid Scarf: Forever 21. Similar blue plaid scarves found here and here. Dark Wash Jean: Express. Studded Tote: Aldo. Similar tote found here and here.

Thank you so much for reading! I appreciate all the views, and positive feedback.

Until Friday!

Friday in Layers

Another week has come and gone, and its Friday again! I am feeling so much better than I did last week, which made this week fly by. Thank goodness that I nanny such amazing boys! We spent all afternoon at the park with my sister, and the two girls she nannies. The kids had so much fun! There was so much laughter and smiles, it became contagious. Days like these, I think of how lucky I am. I have a job that I love so much, that I do not count down the days to the weekend. 

As my fellow New Englanders know, we have had amazing weather this week! Most days have been in the fifties, and I am loving it! When the weather is nice, I love to wear a light jacket, or vest, and dress in layers. No one likes walking around with a heavy jacket when you do not need one. Chances are, it will leave you feeling sweaty and silly.

I leave for work early in the morning, and come home late at night. Since I live in Boston, I park at a garage that is a ten minute walk from my apartment. It has recently been chilly in the morning, comfortable during the day, and colder in the evening. For this reason, I decided to wear a light sweater, layered with a heavier knit sweater. Then, just to make sure I was warm on my walk home, I wore my favorite green jacket. This jacket is light weight, so I usually wear it during the fall. 

With nannying, you never know the different adventures that you are going to have with the kids. You can start your morning off at the library, spend the day at the zoo, and end at the park. It is always smart to dress in layers. That way, you are able to add or remove clothes through out the day, depending on your activities. This outfit was perfect for just that. 

    

OUTFIT DETAILS: Jacket: Forever 21. Similar Forever 21 green jacket found here. Gray Pullover Sweater: GAP. Similar sweater located here, here, and here. White Knit Sweater: CHAPS. Similar CHAPS sweaters/clothing can be found at Khol's. I love their sweaters and flannels! Dark Distressed Jeans: Express. Brown Leather Riding Boots: G.H. Bass. Similar boots found here. Turn Lock Wallet: Vera Bradley. This color is currently not available. This wallet is sold in various other solid colors here. Necklace: Nigeria.

I hope that you enjoy your weekend! Thank you for reading!

A List of My Essential Winter Accessories

Happy Sunday! If you live in New England, this weekend was a beautiful one. We had sunshine and 50 degree weather! My boyfriend and I were stuck inside with the flu, but I was able to take my German Shepherd on short walks, and run to the nearest CVS to retrieve our saving grace-Theraflu. By the looks of it, I got there just in time! The medicine shelf was almost bare and the lines were long stretched, filled with red nosed people holding tissues.

As I was walking home I felt silly. Here I was, a New Englander, dressed in a winter coat, gloves and a winter headband...and it was 50 degrees! People were going to think that I was from out of town. But all that got me thinking about winter and what I love about it. The snow, hot chocolate, snuggling and the festivities are all wonderful! Winter in the North can be so much fun if you have no where to go, and someone to spend time with. Winter begins at the end of the month, and while you may have that special someone to help keep you warm, I created a list of my favorite winter accessories that will also do the treat!

1. Scarves 

The reason I say scarves instead of scarf is because I believe that every girl's wardrobe should have at least two or three. I personally own many scarves because they are one of my favorite accessories. They are able to complete an outfit while keeping you warm. It is good to have a light scarf, a blanket scarf, and-if you're lucky enough to be/know a knitter-a homemade scarf.

Plaid Blanket Scarf: Nordstrom

Woven Scarf: H&M

2. Mittens/Gloves

Mittens are adorable, however if you are working, then it might be best to invest in a nice pair of gloves. You will be able to use your fingers freely while still keeping warm.

Suede Gloves: H&M

Leather Gloves: H&M

3. Duck Boots

I know that a lot of Northerners buy their duck boots from L.L. Bean and get the Bean Boot. Well I like L.L. Bean, I prefer the duck boots from G.H. Bass & Co. I have owned a pair from both stores and I find that the boots from Bass are much warmer. Many of their boots have faux fur, wool, or flannel interior.

Northern Duck Boot: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

Sea Duck Boot: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

4. Winter Hat/Headband 

Ivory Faux Fur Pom Thick Knit Beanie: Express

Embellished Head Wrap: Express

5. Vest

Quilted Vest: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

Puffer Vest: G.H. Bass & Co.

6. Riding Boots

As I have stated before, I believe that purchasing leather boots is a great investment. If you buy synthetic, they will most likely only last one season and wont keep you as warm. 

Leather Riding Boot: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

Leather & Suede Riding Boot: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

7. Warm Coat

Drape Collar Blanket Coat: Express

Puffer Coat: G.H. Bass & Co.

9. Leg Warmers

Leg warmers have also been one of my favorite winter essentials. I love the look that they give when they are popping out of your boots. I find many of mine at TJ Maxx and Marshalls. 

Leg Warmers: Target

10. Warm Socks

Wool Blend Socks: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

Cable Socks: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet)

Although winter does not begin until later December, now is the time to start purchasing these necessities. It is better to buy things like this before you actually are cold and need them. I hope you all stay healthy! As always, thanks for reading!