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Ageless Style Link Up / casual style

Confidence Is The Key + Caite & Kyla Kimono & Distressed Jeans

Caite & Kyla kimono_boyfriend jeans

I ain’t gonna lie, when this all began and I realized that I was going to have to figure out how to teach my students from home I may or may not have crapped my pants…

THE STORY

…Obviously not literally, but still. I’m sure that I wasn’t alone in that moment of panic because just about every educator in the country was in the same boat. We are teachers for God’s sake; our existence revolves around the relationships and the joy that comes from the daily interactions we have with our kids in our classrooms…not on a computer screen.

I started out tentatively for two reasons. One, I felt woefully inadequate in regard to navigating the in’s and out’s of Google Classroom. And two, my kids weren’t super well-versed in it either. We had dabbled in it during the school year, but because of the nature of the kids that I work with and the wide range of abilities they have we didn’t use it often.

Initially I was emailing assignments to parents, but when it became apparent that we would not be returning to school this year I knew Classroom was the route I’d have to take. I wouldn’t say that I’ve become professional at it, but after much practice I am comfortable using it. It took some time, patience and a multitude of emails and long parent phone calls, but eventually we got the majority of my kids going with it.

But, and this is a big but (ya, I laughed a little in my head when I typed that), I missed being with my kids with every fiber of my being. And they missed me…and their friends…and just the simple joy of being together.

Enter Google Meet…

Oh, my friends. You have no idea how utterly and completely intimidated I was by setting up a Google Meet for my class. Sure, I have weekly faculty meetings and department meetings now via Meet, however setting up and running one of my one was a whole other situation.

Caite & Kyla kimono_boyfriend jeans

What if I couldn’t figure it out? What if I did it wrong? What if none of my kids showed up? What if I didn’t know what to say?

And then it hit me. I’ve taught for 30 years and I kid you not, it was just in the last 5 years that I got over my major Imposter Syndrome. I can now look you dead in the eye and say that I’m a damn good teacher. I am good at what I do. Sure, paperwork ain’t my thang, and I’ll wait until the last second to complete it, but I can teach the hell out of a group of special needs kids and build a super close rapport with every single one of them…and that’s what really matters.

Once I reminded myself of all of that, I was determined to dominate Google Meet. And guess what? I did. And guess what else? It may have been the single best thing I have done not only for them, but for my own mental health since this whole mess began.

Almost all of them show up. Every. Single. Day. My BFF who is also an aid in my classroom is right there with us. We laugh, we learn, we read out loud, we play games, we show each other our pets… On Friday we decided that we are going to add on more time together each day simply because we love being together. I feel like we are getting to know one another on an entirely different level and it’s a beautiful thing.

What’s the point of the story?

“Confidence is the key to getting what you need and getting where you need to be…”

Do the big things. Do the scary things. Do the things that you want to do even if you have no damn idea how to do them…the rewards far outweigh the risks.

Tell me…what scary thing have you done that was worth it in the end?

Caite & Kyla kimono_boyfriend jeans

THE OUTFIT

This month’s Ageless Style Link Up theme is “Mother’s Day Outfits” and I knew immediately that whatever I put together it would involve a kimono and denim, because that is my go to formula when I want to be casual with, but still special. And lucky me, my gorgeous Caite & Kyla kimono arrived just in time to put together a look.!

What can I say? Season after season, Caite & Kyla never ever disappoints! Their pieces are always crazy gorgeous, incredibly well-made and fit seamlessly with my boho aesthetic.

My big love for kimonos is no secret and I’m always on the hunt for a new one to add to my collection. When I saw the Love Kyla Filippa Kimono, I was in love! It’s a beautiful floral print in my favorite colors and the drape and flow of it are perfection! The silky soft fabric that they use for their kimonos always make them a no brainer for me. It seems like every season one of Caite & Kyla’s kimonos find their way into my closet like this one in beautiful fall tones as well as this one featuring all the blue tones.

Coincidentally today is also the lovely Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood’s birthday! When she invited me to her annual virtual birthday party I knew that the kimono would be perfect paired with my favorite Tomgirl jeans, a silky cami and pumps to dress it up…it would work for both Mother’s Day and a birthday celebration! And for any of you doubters out there that think this wouldn’t work for birthday party attire, check out this look that I wore last summer to my BFF’s 50th birthday party…kimono + denim + silky cami works every time!

Caite & Kyla kimono_boyfriend jeans Caite & Kyla kimono_boyfriend jeans

THE TIP

In my opinion, a kimono is hands down one of the simplest ways to dress up any look and make it special. Casual is definitely my jam, and like I mentioned above, the outfit formula that I turn to time and time again is: Kimono + Denim + Cami/Tee + Heels

Caite & Kyla kimono_boyfriend jeans Caite & Kyla kimono_boyfriend jeans

THE LINK UPS

Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas… BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN AND LINK UP WITH MYSELF AND MY LOVELY CO-HOSTS FOR THIS MONTHS AGELESS STYLE LINK UP!!Caite & Kyla kimono_boyfriend jeans Caite & Kyla kimono_boyfriend jeans

Kimono: c/o Similar;  Jeans: American Eagle (Similar);  Cami: Target;  Pumps: Nordstrom (Similar)

**Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post with Caite & Kyla. All opinions as always, are my own. Commission earned through shopping links in this post. 

Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest

Bettye ~ Fashion Schlub Blog, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

Daenel ~ Living outside the stacks Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter

Debbie ~ Fashion Fairy Dust Bloglovin, Blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter

Jennie ~ A Pocketful of Polka Dots Blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Bloglovin

Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style Blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter

Julia ~ When the Girls Rule Blog, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram

Kellyann ~ This Blonde’s Shopping Bag Blog, Instagram, Bloglovin, Twitter

Shelly ~ The Queen in Between Blog, Instagram, Bloglovin, Pinterest, Facebook

Shugunna ~ Nzuri N* Simplicity Blog, Pinterest, Instagram

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Nancy
4 years ago

I am glad it all worked out good in the end for you and your kids. Can imagine that is is especially for those kids dificult to be not in their usual routine!

Kellyann Rohr
4 years ago

Online learning and teaching is definitely an adjustment. I know your kids are thrilled to still have that connection with you!
Love this kimono, it is beautiful and definitely a piece I’d wear exactly as you have here – love those shoes too!
xo,
Kellyann

Amy Johnson
4 years ago

Thanks for sharing such a beautiful story of your virtual teaching. You look stunning in this outfit. That kimono is gorgeous.

mireille
4 years ago

Love this look! I am so glad Google meet is working out for you and your students. I think a lot of students probably think of it as one of the highlights in their day.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

Kimberly F. Malkiewicz
4 years ago

This outfit is perfectly you, Debbie. It’s fun that you upped the dressy factor with your pumps. Oh, I’m so thrilled you worked out Meet for your class. I’m sure it is a different level of learning. Isn’t it funny how the imposter syndrome can hang on for So. Long? You students are so lucky to have you (and you them)!

eva @StyleMyThrift
4 years ago

Oh! just saw this print on a dress! love the kimono! your overall vibe is so romantic, but not predictable!
great combo!
xo eva

Rena
4 years ago

Debbie,

I’m right there with you on the kimono love. And a floral one, I’m swooning. I think that the scariest thing that I’ve done is start a blog and then tell everyone I know about it. Talk about panic, LOL. Be well.

Karen B.
Karen B.
4 years ago

You sound like a wonderful teacher!!!! On a different note, your hair looks great in these pictures. The style looks especially good!!!

jodie filogomo
jodie filogomo
4 years ago

I love hearing how you worked through that Debbie!! It’s amazing what a difference it can make to see each other in person even if it is virtually!
As for the kimono, I’m a huge fan. I bet even more so with the summer I have ahead of me…haha…it’s been a hundred degrees most days here already!! So if I need a cover, I want something lightweight.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

Bettye L Rainwater
4 years ago

Yep, that kimono has your name all over it! Gorgeous! One of the “meetups” that’s going on in my school while our buildings are closed down is a weekly dance party. One of the DSPs has a DJ business on the side, and he sets up all his equipment and lights in his garage at home…and then the kids and adult clients join in by zoom for half an hour every Friday. Some dance, some just bop around on the sofa, but all seem to enjoy it. Last week was a Disney theme, so he played popular music they all… Read more »

jess jannenga
4 years ago

When I was choosing from Caite and Kyla this time, I did have a look at that kimono. I ended up getting the same print in a dress and a top. I love it! This long style and print looks gorgeous on you Debbie! I thought about this myself, teaching kids from computer. I thought, boy, that would have been interesting to do as a music teacher ! I can relate to those feelings.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

Sherry
4 years ago

This is such an excellent post on confidence. Thanks so much for sharing. This whole thing has been such an adjustment for the kids and teachers. LOVE this look on you!! Hope you have a great week!
https://justlivejoy.com/ready-for-a-quarantine-cinco-de-mayo/

Ada Furxhi
4 years ago

You are a phenomenal teacher and also e phenomenal writer. I love every time you write and what you have to say. I AGREE 100% that Confidence is KEY! I wrote that in my last 3 blog posts also, referring to my age, aging and turning 40. Also, you probably own at least a dozen kimonos but this is my favorite one you own. It is truly gorgeous and suits your pink hair so well. I was so happy to see this outfit you e-mailed to me for my annual blog birthday party. Thank you once again for participating. I… Read more »

Melissa Cuentas
4 years ago

Thanks for sharing your story, I think most teachers do feel the same way these days but there was the option of virtual classes which is temporarly but you can still see your students, and sure they miss the teacher as well! I adore this outfit! You look so gorgeous and your hair, I love it!!!

XO, Melissa

Shelbee on the Edge
4 years ago

Debbie, this kimono is so stunning! You know this is my favorite outfit combination always! I need to go check out this Caite & Kyla stuff. And what a wonderful message. You are rocking the virtual meet ups, my friend. Full disclosure from me, 7 weeks into this and I finally had my moment of break down. I didn’t shed a single tear for the past 7 weeks…until yesterday. And you know what did it? Freaking Google Classroom! I got so frustrated trying to figure out which assignments were for my kid (all of the 3rd grade teachers in his… Read more »

Leslie Susan Clingan
4 years ago

That is one stunning kimono. Love the way the fabric falls, and the longer length. So elegant!! And your jeans make me miss my destroyed pair that had happily/sadly become too big. I need to replace them. I am sure the relationship you have with your students transcends across the Internet. I would think, if they know you already, even slightly, they know your personality and your loving heart. And can feel very comfortable with learning from you in any media format. But trying to translate your lessons and instruction from the way you have taught in the past to… Read more »

Mica
4 years ago

What a fun kimono! It looks so nice with the distressed jeans 🙂 We have a few teachers in the family who I know were under a lot of pressure with the sudden change in delivery of the curriculum! I think they all managed really well though, especially the ones juggling their own kids too! I made sure to say thank you to my son’s teacher every time we spoke – it was important to let them know that their hard work was appreciated, especially as it will be a while before parents are allowed back in the classroom for… Read more »

Emma Peach
4 years ago

I’m glad you got it all sorted out. I really feel for all the teachers having to adjust to this strange new world. My daughter has had two 20-minute zoom sessions with her teacher and some of her classmates – she was really nervous about it at first but she actually loved it. I could tell how happy her teacher was to see their faces too. Isobel is going up to high school in September so she may go back to primary school on June 1st, we’re just waiting to see if the school can make that possible. I love… Read more »

Sheela Goh
4 years ago

Zoom has become my bestie. So too my PJ pants and fave red sweatshirt, the latter having made cameos in probably 50 meetings to date (and counting). I’ve personally witnessed Eve’s professors grapple with the technicalities of online teaching/virtual classes and it was cringe-worthy in the beginning, I can’t lie. But with time and the regularity of weekly sessions, it became SO clear that these teachers were 110% invested in making sure Eve (and all her coursemates) could continue expanding their knowledge base that I stopped seeing the glitches, and instead, saw only a group of young minds continuing to… Read more »

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