Black Faux Fur Vest

Happy Sunday! No matter where you live, I hope you had amazing weather this weekend, and were able to get outside! New England had a warm weekend, and I took full advantage by going on runs with my German Shepherd. Running is my favorite way to unwind and clear my head, and the weather was perfect for it. The Boston Garden was beautiful to run through, and the hills on the Commons were a great challenge! Hopefully this great weather is here to stay!

One of my all-time favorite things about warmer weather, is the ability to wear a vest as a jacket! Layering with a vest is a great way to complete a look, without overpowering the outfit. During the winter it stinks when you have a cute outfit, and need to cover up with a big coat! Instead of being fully covered, a vest can complement your look.

My new obsession is faux fur vests! They have similar great qualities as a puffer vest, but help dress a look up. This black faux fur vest from Target is incredibly soft. I felt comfortable and stylish, while taking a walk on this breezy Sunday. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Cropped Faux Fur Vest: Target. Fitted Faded Denim Shirt: Express. Scuba Side Panel Legging: Express. Polarized Ray-Ban Sunglasses: Sunglass Hut. Watch: Fossil. Similar rose gold watches from Fossil: Jacqueline Rose-Tone Stainless Steel Watch and Perfect Boyfriend Multifuntion Rose-Tone Stainless Steel Watch. Black Leather/Leopard Satchel: DSW. Similar purse: Sole Society Rockie, Leopard Haircalf Catchel, and Leopard Hex Crossbody Bag. Over the Knee Boot: G.H. Bass & Co. Similar boot: Tiberia Over the Knee Boots. NINE WEST IS CURRENTLY HOSTING A BOOT & BOOTIES SALE!! BOOTIES FOR $49.99, BOOTS FOR $59.99!!

As always, thank you for reading!

Monochromatic Gray

Good afternoon! I know a few of you, hopefully many, had today off! Thankfully, today was warmer than this weekend. New England finally came out of the negative degree (Fahrenheit) weather and hit a "warm" 10 degrees today! When you live in colder cities, you take what ever you can get. 

After being shut indoors all weekend due to the cold, I decided to step outside for a breath of fresh air. With all the gray clouds and light flurries, I became inspired to wear one of my favorite chic looks: head to toe in gray. I know that, for many Bostonians, blacks and grays are a "go-to" when it comes to fashion. However, for those of you who may be a little weary of wearing such dark tones, I have a few suggestions. 

When making a certain color the focal point of an outfit, I would not wear all the same shade, but rather take a monochromatic approach. Monochromatic colors are all the colors (tints, tones, and shades) of a single hue. Here I wore a monochromatic gray cape, and then played on the various gray shading by layering with a gray turtle neck and gray wedged booties.

I also chose to break up my gray outfit by mixing in some shades of black, and mixing prints. I personally am a huge fan of pattern play (mixing of prints), and try to do so as frequently and as smoothly as possible. Here I broke up my color block cape with a striped turtle neck, making my outfit less monotone. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Color Block Cape: Express. This cape has since gone on clearance, and can only be found in select stores. Similar clearance capes at Express: Reversible Southwestern Print Blanket Cover-Up, Gray Southwestern Stripe Blanket Cover Up, and Southwestern Fringe Blanket Cover Up. Teresa Stripe Turtleneck: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet). THIS TURTLENECK IS CURRENTLY ON SALE FOR UNDER $10! Black Mid Rise Jean Legging: Express. THESE JEANS ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE FOR 40% OFF! Icon Charcoal Suede Bootie: White Mountain. Studded Clutch: Forever 21. Similar studded clutches: Studded Envelope Clutch (CURRENTLY ON SALE), Gaslusol (CURRENTLY ON SALE), and 'Gloria' Studded Faux Leather Foldover Clutch. Bangles: Lia Sophia. LIA SOPHIA IS CURRENTLY HAVING A BLOW OUT SALE. EVERYTHING IS 45% OFF! Lia Sophia bracelets can be found here.

As always, thank you for reading!

Marl Circle Hem Pocket Cover-Up

They say a Sunday well spent brings a week of content, and I could not agree more! Personally, I feel best when I wake up early, exercise, and do a little cooking/meal prepping. Being productive makes me feel relaxed, which is exactly how I spent this Sunday. After cooking breakfast my German Shepherd, boyfriend, and I, walked to The Fens for a little playtime! On days that I'm running around I want to feel comfortable, and over-sized cover-ups and sweaters are my go-to items. 

One of my favorites is my marl circle hem pocket cover-up from Express. I love to wear this oversized cover-up with a pair of jean leggings. I like the way the tight jeans contrast the baggy sweater. These versatile items are one of my favorite pieces, because they go well with so many items in my closet.  Whether you wear this cover-up with casual boots or heeled booties, your favorite jeans or a beautiful scarf, this cover-up will complete any daytime look.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Marl Circle Hem Pocket Cover-Up: Express. Tee: Express. Similar tees: Blue Soft Woven Short Sleeve Pocket Tee and Express One Eleven Grey Stripe London Tunic. Dark Wash Mid Rise Jean Legging: Express. Duck Boots: G.H. Bass & Co. Similar duck boots from Bass: Eastport Duck Boot. Premium Leather Crossbody Saddle Bag: Aldo. Similar leather crossbody bags from Aldo: here, here, and here. Head Wrap: Hand made in Vermont. Similar head wraps: here and here. Plaid Blanket Scarf: The Paper Store. Similar blanket scarves: Reversible Double Plaid Blanket Scarf (Red) and Reversible Double Plaid Blanket Scarf (Black). Greenwich Sunglasses: Nora NYC. USE MY PROMO CODE "MYNORANYC" TO RECEIVE 10% YOUR PURCHASE!!

As always, thanks for reading!

First Snow Storm of the Season

Happy Friday! If you live in New England, then you're experiencing crazy weather! This winter has been a warm and mild one. All week long we were running around without a jacket due to the fifty degree weather! Last winter was completely different. Boston broke it's record of amount of snow with 108.6 inches in total! Definitely earning us some bragging rights. However, after this unusually warm and sunny weather, we ended the week with a snow storm! How exciting?!

I woke up this morning and couldn't wait to finally wear a scarf and my Bass duck boots! I love the cold. There is something so magical about the first big snowfall. The ground is pure white; not brown from footprints and plows. The trees are perfectly sprinkled with powdered, and look beautiful against the white sky. Everything looks peaceful. Especially when you have no where to go, and someone to stay warm with. After a short day of nannying, I grabbed my boyfriend and walked around our neighborhood. Boston was so quiet, with barely anyone out from work. Walking around this afternoon only confirmed that I am a winter girl at heart.  

Being so in love with winter, I am all about the winter essentials and accessories. When I need to head out in the snow I always wear my Bass boots! Duck boots are big in New England; especially Bean boots from L.L. Bean. When there's snow on the ground, duck boots can be seen on almost every pair of feet. I have personally owned both Bass and Bean boots. I find that the Bass duck boots are not only warmer, but more affordable. Furthermore, they have various styles and coloring that change every winter. I have owned blue leather, green leather, and now brown leather duck boots from G.H. Bass & Co. The only downfall to these boots is that they do not run in half sizes. This is a little bit of a problem for me, being a size 6 1/2. I decided to go down a size because the 7's were too heavy to walk around in. Other than this detail, I love these boots!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Harlequin Duck Boot: G.H. Bass & Co. (Factory Outlet). Dark Wash Mid Rise Jean Legging: Express. Plaid Top: Old Navy. I purchased this shirt a few years ago. You can find other Old Navy plaid tops: here. Vest: Khols (Brand: Sonoma Life & Style). This vest was given to me as a gift a few years ago. You can find other great vests: Chaps' Printed Vest, G.H. Bass & Co.'s Cheyenne Faux Shearling Vest, and A&F's Hooded Puffer Vest. Plaid Scarf: Forever 21. Similar plaid scarves: Country Outfitter's Katydid and Land End's Oversized Square Scarf. Faux Fur Pom Thick Knit Beanie: Express. This hat comes in a few other colors and can be found on this page.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the snow!

How A Nanny's Survives A Sickness

Many women-especially nannies, mothers, and educators-have their favorite items that they live and die by when they get sick. Whether it be a favorite super food, blanket, or pair of pants-we all have our special products that keep us going, when we're feeling less than 100%. Because when you have a job that keeps you on the move, life doesn't stop for you.

For the last few days I haven't felt well; which got me thinking about what comforts me when I am sick. Keeping theses things in mind, I have pulled together my own Sickness Survival Kit for you. Hopefully, when you are feeling worn down, tired, or sick, these things will help you feel better!

Comfortable Pajamas

Most importantly, you need a good night sleep! Try, try, try to go to bed early. As hard as that may be. When you are sick, there is nothing better than a nice pair of PJ's to help you catch up on sleep! Typically I like wearing pajama pants opposed to pajama shorts. My favorite material of pajamas to sleep in are fleece and flannel. In my opinion, they are the most comfortable and best-feeling material. 

1. Cloud Fleece Sleepwear, Cowlneck PJ Set-L.L. Bean

2. Cozy PJ Set-L.L. Bean

3. PJ Salvage-Thermal Pajamas-Nordstrom

Medicine

Out of all the over-the-counter medicine, these three are my favorite! If I could only take one, it would be Theraflu. This thing works wonders; and the Lipton tea makes it taste great. I talked with my doctor, and you are able to take DayQuil or Ibuprofen while taking Theraflu. Combining Theraflu with one of those fever reducers keeps me growing throughout the day! 

Tea

I love to drink tea!  I enjoy loose leaf tea from Teavana. They have a large selection, but I lean more towards the warm flavors such as almond, cinnamon, or pumpkin. But when I am looking for tea in a tea bag, I always choose Yogi Tea. The Stress Relief tea with kava is my all time favorite! It's great to drink at night, even if you aren't sick. It tastes delicious and definitely helps me unwind. 

Snacks

When we're sick, we usually don't like to eat much. We lose our appetite or food just doesn't seem to have flavor. I find that when I'm sick, I love to eat berries and carbs. I am a huge fan of blueberries and Thompson's Lite Multigrain English Muffins.  

Comfy Pants

For the days that you can't call in sick, jogger pants can be a real life saver. They are extremely comfortable, but also very trendy. They are also very easy to dress up, while still looking and feeling comfortable.

1. Contrast Trim French Terry Jogger Pant-Express

2. Nep Knit Contrast Trim Jogger Pant-Express

Now that New England is starting to get snow, people all over are getting sick. Make sure you stay rested, eat healthy, and dress warmly. Have a great week! And as always, thanks for reading Cute Teachings.

Oversized Sweater

Happy Friday! It has been my first week back nannying since vacation. I had a great transition back, and I am so happy to spend time with the boys! We had a lot of fun this week, mostly playing Star Wars. Who wouldn't love that? I hope, no matter what job you have, that you had a great week. 

 Now that the cold weather is finally upon New England, I have all my winter essentials in my closet. One of those winter essentials includes an oversized sweater. Well, many oversized sweaters, actually. For all those cold winter days, there is nothing better, or as cozy, as a warm oversized sweater. Not only do they keep you warm, but they can keep you comfortable and stylish on lazy days. 

During my years in college, I loved to go thrift store shopping. You can find great pieces for only a couple of dollars! This off-white sweater, I am wearing, is one of my thrift store finds. It is not even suppose to be an "oversized sweater", but is actually just a size too big for me. (Food for thought when shopping for sweaters, and trying to achieve different looks.) 

OUTFIIT DETAILS: Cognac Leather Ankle Boots-Aldo. Medium Wash Low Rise Barely Boot Jean-Express. My Parshmina Scarf was a gift. Links to similar scarves here and here. 

Although I am unable to find the sweater I am wearing in this outfit, I have found other oversized sweaters that I absolutely love. They are listed below...

H&M-Oversized Turtleneck Sweater

H&M-Knit Turtleneck Sweater

Zaful-Ethnic Pattern Oversized Sweater

SheIn-Apricot Batwing Long Sleeve Supersoft Pullovers Sweater

Thank you for reading! I appreciate all of you.