Meet the Teacher: What I Wore & What I learned

Tonight marked my 8th (!!!) Meet the Teacher night. I simply cannot believe I'm no longer the 'new kid on the block'... what a weird feeling.

Highlights include:

- I got a few of my "wish list" kids.
- Kids who wished to have me for their teacher got me.
- Some of my former darlings came back to see me. This is one of my FAVORITE things.

- I got a handmade bracelet from one of my sweeties.

- I saw some excellent Hello Kitty earrings.

- One friend taught me how to snap and point properly. Took me a few times, but I think I've got it.
(To clarify, when I say friend or talk about accessories, these are obvi first grade sweeties.)

Outfit
Pearls: Gifted from Daddy
Shirt: Thrifted Nine West
Skirt: Thrifted
Shoes: Crocs
(Did you read about my new Crocs?)

Things I've learned:

- As much as I want to... I can't spend time with everyone like I'd like.

- Having kids and parents sort supplies is bombtastic. Do that every year.

- Directions on the SmartBoard- I'm a genius.

- Kids always get added at the last minute.

What I would have done differently: 

- Helped the rookie down the hall a little more. I forget what it's like to be in her shoes.
 

Um.... teacher face???

Here's hoping to my best year in first grade, always remembering what it's like to be the newbie, and never letting go of First Grade Jitters. Pretty sure my nerves mean I care.

How putting on a "costume" changed my attitude

As of today, school officially starts in seven sleeps. And without fail, my back-to-school jitters are kicking in. By nature I'm a bit of a worrier and this year is no exception. Each year I get jitters just like my first grade darlings and it's to be expected after a summer of carefree fun and fashion. The way I dress in summer and the way I dress during the school year... I feel like I'm not the same lady and the clothes come from a costume closet. 



Here's an interesting tidbit about me...Some days I have to put on a teacher 'costume'.  My college professors were worried I wouldn't speak loudly enough and I would struggle with management. But I found a trick... if I dress like a teacher, I act like a teacher.

My first year of teaching was less than ideal. In fact, I struggled with classroom management (aka student behavior).  One little tweak in my wardrobe helped change my attitude. Instead of wearing whatever fun clothes I wanted, I began dressing professionally. I immediately noticed a positive change in my behavior and my students' behavior. Although many early childhood teachers advise against dressing up my philosophy is: clothes are washable.

(Also, do not judge the clothes on the floor behind me. I like to keep it real, people)

I usually start the year off strong and always dress professionally for conferences, meet the teacher, and anything dealing with parents. Throughout the year, I integrate my fun clothes but much like Miss Nelson from Miss Nelson is Missing... I have my alter-ego for when my darlings get out of hand. Shhhhh.... help me keep it a secret. Otherwise this trick may lose its magic.


For now, my teacher clothes are still in the closet... So enjoy some summertime Jana. I like her wardrobe more than Mrs. C's.

BlissDom 2013 - What I Wore

Don't you worry your pretty little heads - I am working on a total recap but there's so much to mentally absorb that I'm working like molasses in winter.

One of my biggest worries about BlissDom was "What in the crap am I gonna wear?!" Someone hit the nail on the head- "Wow. A Fashion blogger, you must have felt a lot of pressure when packing." Um. YEAH! Plus the fact that I'm a mental spazoid. Oh well- now you get to see what made the cut.

I didn't actually wear this at BlissDom but I did wear it in the car and it's too good to leave it out...

Shirt- Third Man Records in Nashville
Vintage Belt - Thrifted

Skirt- H&M via thrift, c'mon Oklahoma, get with the program and get me a frakkin' H&M

Denimish leggings- Walmart

Boots- Target via Instagram Store, StylishTreasures

 
This outfit was what I wore for the Photo Walk, Newcomer Meet and Greet, and Opening Ceremony. In hindsight, I wish I would have changed after the Newcomer session but you live and learn. Next time, I'm bringing more clothes. 

Union Jack shirt- Forever 21
(p.s. This was an AWESOME conversation starter. So glad I wore it.)

Cardigan- Ann Taylor the Loft
Black Pants- Gloria Vanderbilt, via Ross

Boots- Instagram store


Day 2-Day Outfit

Shirt- H&M Via Instagram store, tongueincheekycloset

Skirt- Forever 21
Fishnets-Walmart
Boots- Instagram
Glasses- Firmoo

Girl's Night Out, Day 2 Night- Definitely dress up! Snazzy yourself up because odds are, you won't feel under-dressed. Also, bring some kind of cute clutch. I left mine at home and had to make a mad dash to Target. Also- Sorry this picture is fuzzalicious. It's what we've got.

Dress- Kohl's
(I also wanted to share with you the new exclusive 10% off code for kohls.com. You can use code BLOGS10 through May 10th.  It can be used to stack savings with one other department level code as well.)
Belt- Target via Goodwill thrift

Fishnets- Walmart
Shoes- Thrifted (featured in How to fix your thrifted shoes) 

and I'm awesome because you can't even see them. Whoops. Sorry.



I. LOVE. this. photo! Credit to the hub. I even have a legitimate 'fashion blogger smolder' going on.
I wore this the last day, Day 3.
I loved when Danika commented, "You've got a really great boho/country look going on".
Yes! People at BlissDom got me. They understood what I was doing. My people!
Black shirt- Forever 21
Grey Cardigan- Ross
Bubble Necklace- Amazon
Earrings- Amaranth Collection
Bangles- Thrifted and Garage Sales
Belt- American Eagle
Skirt- Walmart

Boots- Instagram StylishTreasure store

 
This was my last BlissDom outfit. They had a Girls' Night In and told us to wear what we're comfortable in.
Initially, I was going to wear pajamas, but my husband said maybe I shouldn't and I'm SO GLAD he did because how embarrassing would it have been to take pictures with Jeremy Sisto and Ana Gasteyer in my pajamas.
Shirt- thrifted SWAT

Scarf- eBay

Raspberry skinnies- Ross

Shoes- Ross

And I loved this hair. I can dig a topknot but I had to put my own Jana-fied spin on things.

What do I wish I'd done differently?

• I wish I could have brought my clutch instead of having to buy a new one. 
• I wish I would have changed on the first day between the Newcomer Meet and Greet and the Opening Ceremony.
• I wish I'd been a little fancier for Girls' Night Out.

I kept reading "dress like you're going on an interview". That really freaked me out. My interview clothes are stuffy. Boring. Black. Get the job clothes. I don't dress like my interview clothes. My advice is:

•  Wear comfortable shoes. Even to Girls' Night Out. Something you can walk in during the day and something you can shake it in at night.
• Pack plenty of clothes. Extra. You want options and you'll probably wear 2 outfits a day. 
• be slightly trendy- I heard, "This place is like Pinterest come to life!" It's true.
• BE YOURSELF!

I seriously had an incredible time. Words simply cannot convey the awesome.

What do you think? Do you have questions? Wanna know more? Which look was your favorite?

Sequins Are Always Nice...

I sure love sequins and sparkle.

 

 

 

 

 

What I'm wearing:

Giganto Men's Shirt- Thrifted - Also worn in the Spookhouse as a straight jacket

Sequin Vest - Thrifted

Shiny Black Pants- Kohl's Vera Wang

 Vintage Black Bow Shoes - Thrifted

Pearl Necklace- Gift from Daddy

 Get your fashion on

Whatchu wearin' girrrl? - aka What I Wore Wednesday

Hey, mah people, new and old. I'm so glad you're here today! If you know me in real life, sometimes I do voices. I do a mean cockney Brit accent. I also do, "white girl ghetto". Please don't be offended. It's all for silliness sake and politically correctness isn't my forte. It's been said, "I missed my calling" and I should have gone into acting. But really, isn't that what teachers do every day? Anyway, I know you're dying to see what this trend-setting gal wore to teach .... so let's get to it.

Oh, and for those of you who enjoy my "bloopers" stick with me to the end.... it's a big payoff. ;o) 

 

 

 

Vintage 80s  Sweater - Thrifted

Black Skirt- Thrifted

Leggings - Wal-Mart

Pixie Boots - Thrifted

 And now.... This face.

You're glad you stuck around, right? That face is priceless and golden. And in case you're wondering, yes, that is a playground in the background. I have good friends who are willing to do a fashion shoot after school.

MAJOR p.s. Have you entered my Statement Necklace Giveaway on Heather's Cookies for Breakfast? You totally should!

Get your fashion on...