As Seen on TV. . . Dots Within Blouse

Hello Readers!

Any Community fans out there? Yes? (I love that show too!)

If you watched the latest episode of Community, Geography of a "Global Conflict", then perhaps you noticed this quirky blouse, worn by Annie (the original Annie):

Dots Within Blouse by Sariah from Anthropologie

I previously saw this blouse on Anthropologie's website but, from the pictures, I couldn't tell what it would look like in real life. Here's the picture from the catalogue:

Not that TV is necessarily real life. . . . but the show gave me a better idea.  Here's a screenshot:

Go Annie Go! The color is more of an intense evergreen, rather than the faded green in the catalogue.

It seems that Anthropologie is a store that a lot of stylists/wardrobe consultants choose for many of the shows I enjoy. . .Community, Glee, Grey's Anatomy, Switched at Birth, The Secret Life of the American Teenager- the list could go on and on. Have you spotted any familiar clothing on TV lately?

Now Open for Business. . . My Etsy Shop!

Greetings Readers,

I have very exciting news. . . my Etsy shop, EclecticAndElegant, is now open for business! As of today, I have 2 items listed in my shop, but there will be more listings in the near future.

Until then, please feel free to browse the current listings in my shop and send any questions or suggestions my way! I am still very new to the Etsy experience, from the perspective of an Etsy seller- but I am so excited to be a part of that lovely community!

Here is a little preview of my listings:

shoe clips

red suede Escada heels (vintage)

The Best Monday Ever!!!

Last Monday was the last day of Special Occasion speeches in both of my sections of Public Speaking. The last day of speeches. . . the last day (of the semester) that I would need to get to work early to print evaluation sheets, check out and charge a video camera and its accessories. I wasn't in the best of moods when I arrived in class (stress, lack of sleep, etc), but the first speech of the class would change the rest of my day and turn around my attitude for the rest of my week.

One of my students chose to commemorate our particular class, and during her speech she said many wonderful things, and thanked me for my efforts AND presented me with flowers and card from the ENTIRE class. A bouquet of flowers, and a card! This was something that I never expected to receive as a teacher- but my students caught me by surprise!

When I began teaching, I dreamt of not only giving students skills and knowledge as communicators- I also hoped that I could create a meaningful experience of community and learning, and my student's speech confirmed that my dreams became a reality!

Thank you to all of my students in CMM 120 for an amazing semester!

Retail Details:

Sterling Silver and CZ Necklace: Juicy Couture

Light Grey Cardigan: Banana Republic

Light Blue Shirt (under the cardigan): Banana Republic

Navy Blue Skirt: Anthropologie

Grey Tights: Jessica Simpson (Macy's)

Silver Flats: Nine West

Roses and Card: Courtesy of my students in CMM 120, Section 16

Ms. H. . . The Teacher

I. LOVE. TO. TEACH!

For those who already know me, you probably already know this- but I want to tell the rest of you how much I enjoy this endeavor. I spend many summers, including this past summer, teaching swim lessons- but this semester I get to teach Public Speaking to two sections of undergraduate students. I absolutely love the teaching process (lesson plans, office hours, providing feedback, etc), but my biggest surprise (so far) has been how awesome my students are.

While I am sure that many Teaching Assistants, during their first semester of teaching, think very highly of their students; I am convinced that I have the best bunch of students enrolled in Public Speaking at my university. But really, I do have the best. :) Over the past few weeks I've learned about their interests, hobbies, social lives, and even their goals and aspirations. For the most part, they are on time, participate in class discussions, greet me with smiles and sometimes waves when they see me on campus, and they care about each other. Each of my classes has created a feeling of community- this is probably what I love most about my students. I could talk about their wonderfulness for hours, but- since this IS a fashion blog, I will move on.

In addition to the awesomeness of my students, another part of my job that I enjoy is dressing, or learning how to dress, like a teacher. My previous roles as a teacher took place in aquatic centers, so I've come a long way from my days of a swim suit, flip flops, sunscreen, and sunglasses. It's been fun mixing and matching trousers, sweaters, blouses, shirts, skirts, dresses, tights, shoes, etc- but for the most part I've been rather conservative. This week, on Monday, I decided to try something a bit braver, and a bit bolder. This look is inspired by the equestrian look that I am beginning to see more and more often this season (I much prefer this look over the dreadful pirate-y look from a few falls ago).

Anyways, I am curious. . .

What do you all think of this outfit? Is it a hit or a miss? (Pictured above, without coat, and below, with coat).

Winter-white cropped coat: Old Navy (2 winters ago, but they have a similar one this fall)

White silk pleated blouse: Banana Republic (Summer 2007, from way back when)

Shamrock-green cashmere blend sweater: American Eagle Outfitters (thank you Mom!)

Chalkboard-grey lace-trim tank: American Eagle Outfitters

Black skinny dress pants: The Gap (this season)

Black sliver-wedge heel boots: Anne Klein (from Bergner's

**Extra Credit Question (in honor of upcoming Mid-Term exams on campus)

What would YOU do if you saw your instructor running down the halls like this:

Would you:

a) Avoid eye contact and keep moving, away

b) Capture the moment using the camera/videocamera on your phone

c) Call Campus Security

d) Join in on the fun, and also run down the hall

Thank you Margaret H. for taking these photos!