It’s been a while since I’ve joined the Visible Monday crowd, and I thought it might be a good excuse for showing my Back-to-School outfit. It’s always such a jerk back to reality, going from the Labour Day Long Weekend into teaching two 90-minute classes, as I did last Tuesday. Before long, it will be Thanksgiving (remember, we Canadians do that at the beginning of October), then Remembrance Day, then I’ll be up to my eyeballs in research papers and exams, and it will be time to stop for Christmas before starting another year/term.
Whoa there! Just slow down! Let’s take it one week at a time, and for now, it’s still late summer on the West Coast, time to be ready to switch between crisp mornings with a hint of chill and almost sultry afternoons. These are the weeks when my kids would invariably lose a sweater or hoodie on the school playground, needing it for the morning walk to school but forgetting about it completely in the noon heat.
I play the same layering game, but I try to be more mindful of bringing the top layer back home . . .
And I try to dress, at least that first day, to show my new students that I’m approachable, somewhat au courant, perhaps even worldly, with maybe a little street awareness if not quite savvy, and that I take my work seriously — all without trying to deny my age, which, quite frankly, I see as an asset in terms of accruing experience and knowledge, no?
You’ve seen this dress on its own before. It’s light and cool enough for the classroom’s afternoon heat — all silk, lining included, by Designers Remix (Charlotte Eskildsen).
The jacket is in its 3rd year now and has more than earned its keep as a quick way of lending a bit of authority — Smythe.
For a better view of the pink Fluevogs, see this post, written waaaay back in August 2007, or this one, from 2010. I love that I’m still wearing these, albeit only several times a year, 9+ years after I bought them!
That puts me in good company at Patti (Not Dead Yet Style) has set her title/theme this Visible Monday as Reworking Old Faves. It certainly makes dressing easy! Be sure to check out her post, and have fun visiting the many bloggers who are making themselves visible this week. Especially don’t miss Une Femme, with one of the most imaginative style posts I’ve ever seen —she rocks the classic glam in Rome!
What a great mix! I think you've nailed the serious + contemporary formula dead on. And those pink Fluevog….sigh. Wish I'd been aware of the brand back when those were available.
Thanks, Sue, and yes, I think you'd find a few uses for pink pointy-toed kitten heels. Fluevogs rule, no?
Wonderful look for teaching, mater – authoritative as you say, and very approachable. The lifespan of your Fluevogs is impressive! And they are terrific with this dress. Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday – it's great to see you.
Thanks, Patti — Visible Monday's always fun.
A really great look. Perfect for conveying just the attributes you've listed.
Thanks, Lorrie — were you in the classroom last week?
You have paid attention to your " first day " and the result is very pleasing and you look professional, yet approachable. Not scary at all. Well done!!!
Thanks, Mette. That's what I was aiming at.
You look terrific! I love the shoes…seriously great and perfect with your dress. The black jacket gives the authoritative feel. Great for teaching.
It's turned out to be so useful, that jacket. Thank you!
Chiming in a bit later here , but I must say you've got fabulous legs mater!
Looking great on your first day.
Aw, shucks, Lesley — you're making me blush. . . Thanks! 😉
Hello Sista' – good to see you full frontal, clothed of course. You have managed to embody all the qualities you were looking for in this outfit. And the shoes must look dynamite with this ensemble. You deserve a great big shiny red apple. Or two. Or cheesecake.
I'll take the cheesecake, thanks! 😉
Love those pink shoes! I think you looked wonderful for back to school. Were any of your students as nicely dressed?
What a good question, Debbi — actually, it was obvious that quite a few had paid attention to what they wore for those first classes.
A perfect example of what a classic blazer can do for an outfit…professional and classy! Very nice!!
It makes such a difference, just slipping that blazer on, really! thank you! Always happy to find a new commenter here.
You look so pretty. Also, of course, about 24:). Great back to school look.
Aw, you and Lesley, with your flattery. . . 😉 Thanks
I don't recall ever seeing this dress before and it is a lovely choice for the first day. I only have one face to face class this semester, teaching 5 additional courses online. That face to face class is precious to me.
Terri, how do you manage 6 classes? How many students in each? That has to be a crazy amount of marking. We teach 4/4 at my uni, and I grumble . . .
The print on that dress is lovely and, as I'm sure you know from my posts, I am a big fan of blazering up on the first day of classes.
My favorite pair of Fluevog boots are ones that I purchased at the beginning of 2006. I love how much wear I get out of them and plan to continue to get out of them.
I do know that about you, and I agree. Nothing quite like it (short of a suit, which would be way too much, especially in September's heat).
It's so gratifying to find shoes (or any other clothing item) that lasts for years, not just in terms of holding together, of durability, but also in having a style that you still like that many years later. It always reassures me about my innate style persisting beyond and over the trends and whims of fashion.
Hi Mater, I remember those shoes! Have I really been reading your blog for 5 years, or did I just read through your archives at some point? In any case, you look great! By the way, whatever happened to 'My Shoes Wednesday'? I KNOW you haven't stopped buying shoes!! ;0)
You look lovely and I love the combination of the dress, the pretty shoes and the blazer. Perfect transition from summer to fall, between serious studiousness and approachability, accommodating of both mother nature and professional obligations…. well just marvelous.