It’s true that there is still some summer left, but things are beginning to wind down…
THE STORY
…That means that it’s time to start at least thinking about fall and getting back into a routine. For me, that means going back to work and getting my daughter ready for back to school.
Since I’m a teacher it’s a bigger transition then it is for many of you, however I think summer has an entirely different vibe for all of us. Schedules are more relaxed, the days are longer and we do more traveling so when fall does roll around we have to get accustomed to more structure, a more hectic schedule and less daylight in which to get everything done.
You’d think that after almost 30 years of teaching I’d have this whole getting back into a routine thing down to a science. The truth is though, it’s rough. During the summer I go to bed and get up whenever I feel like it, I eat whenever the urge strikes, and I pretty much come and go as I please. Obviously once I go back to work that freedom all comes to a screeching halt; it can be pretty jarring to the psyche.
Although I’m by no means a pro, I do have some helpful suggestions for easing back into a regular routine. These are just tips that over the years I have found to be useful when trying to get my work groove back:
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. If you’re like me and morph into a night owl when you find yourself with unstructured time, resetting your sleep schedule is critical. I’ve found it to be more effective if over the course of a few weeks I gradually move my bedtime and wake up time back to an earlier time. Doing it gradually is the key.
- Make sure that your morning routine is the same as it is on a regular work day. Get up, have your coffee, take a shower…whatever it is that you normally do, do it now so that you’re used to it.
- Eat at the same times that you do when you are in your regular routine. When I’m on summer break I usually don’t eat until early afternoon. However, during the school year my lunch break typically falls around 11:30 so during the last several weeks before school starts I try to at least have a small snack at that time.
- Plan ahead. Think about when you will have time in your schedule to do things like getting groceries, running errands and working out once you are back in a regular routine. Start practicing doing necessary tasks at the times you will have to do them.
- If there are any projects that you are working on around the house that you want to have done before fall sets in get on it. Break the job into smaller chunks and work on a piece or two of it a day. You don’t want that unfinished project hanging over your head during the cold dark months ahead.
- On the other hand, take it easy on yourself. Get done what you can in the time that you have and then let it go.
- Finally, although it may sound counter-intuitive, give yourself some down time. Take a few minutes each day and enjoy the calm and quiet; go out to lunch or coffee with a friend; take a nap…do whatever it is that makes you feel at peace.
THE OUTFIT
One of my favorite looks is a skirt or dress paired with sneakers. Over the last several months that look has been having a definite fashion moment although I’ve been doing it for years. If you’re a regular reader you know that my hands down favorite sneakers are my adidas Superstars which I have with both the black stripe and the gold stripe. I love the fact that they are leather and they are crazy comfortable as well. I love mixing unexpected pieces together and one of the easiest ways to do that is to finish off an outfit with sneakers. My adidas add that little bet of edge to everything from a pencil skirt, a girly chiffon or satin skirt to my velvet suit.
I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of all white sneakers for months now and I found them in the adidas Nizza Trefoil that I’m wearing today. Unlike my Superstars, they are all white canvas with the trefoil logo on the side. My Superstars are obviously versatile and work with just about everything in my closet, but I wanted a pair with no other colors; just simple basic white. So far they seem to be just as comfortable as my other pairs of adidas and they give off the same cool sporty vibe that I love. Pairing them with my floral print mini skirt and basic black tee made for a perfect casual cute look for a day of running errands.
Like our schedules our fashion choices usually shift gears in the fall as well. Maybe it’s all of the back to school vibes that are happening or the approaching cooler weather, but fall seems to be the perfect time to add new pieces to our wardrobe. I’m loving satin right now…whether it be skirts, slip dresses or cami’s. I currently have my eye on this cute satin skirt with the sporty adidas stripes; yes, adidas has a satin skirt and a tulle skirt as well. This cropped hoodie is another piece on my wish list. Seriously, how cute would it be paired with a sleek pencil skirt and a pair of leopard pumps?
When you think adidas, you might just think sports and athletic wear. But my friends, the adidas style game is strong and well worth checking out so I’ve included some of my favorites. Seriously, how cute is the tulle skirt? It would be so good paired with a chunky knit sweater and ankle boots. The print jacket, cropped hoodie and satin track jacket (those sleeves though!) would be athleisure perfection with a pair of skinny dress pants and pumps don’t you think?
THE TIP
Add a quality pair of sneakers to your closet if you don’t already have them. And if you do, add another pair because it’s always good to have options! Try pairing them with unexpected pieces like a flirty chiffon skirt or maybe something satin or velvet. Sneakers are an easy way to up the cool factor of just about any look.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Sneakers: adidas; Skirt: American Eagle (Similar); Tee: TJMaxx (Similar)
