As always, when I write a post such as this I’ll start with a disclaimer…
THE STORY
…if you aren’t interested in a post relating to politics than skip to the outfit. If you are inclined to lecture me on the fact that this is “just a fashion blog” and I should keep my opinions to myself, then perhaps you’d be better served clicking to a less offensive corner of the Internet.
This is too important. This is too close to home. I will not, I cannot, remain silent.
I became a teacher because…
…I wanted to spend my days teaching children who had the same kinds of difficulties as my baby brother whom I never had the opportunity to know.
…I wanted to see the look of joy on their faces when they realized I was right when I told them, “You can do it”.
…I wanted to provide them with a place they were accepted and loved unconditionally; where they could learn new things without fear of ridicule.
…I wanted to help them to see that they were special, unique and valued no matter what anyone else told them.
…I wanted them, if for only seven hours a day, to feel safe.
I did not become a teacher because…
…I wanted to teach my children how to run for their lives from the very building in which they were supposed to be safe.
…I wanted to teach my children what areas of the room were the safest to hide in if someone came to the door to kill them.
…I wanted to see the looks of fear and tears welled up in their eyes after watching the active shooter training video and explaining that yes, it can happen to us.
…I wanted to be unable to answer all of their “What if…”questions so they weren’t so afraid.
…I wanted to have the knowledge in my head that due to the nature of some of my students’ disabilities escaping just quite simply is not going to be an option for all of us.
…I wanted to fear that every morning that I walk into work could potentially be my last.
…I expected the government to suggest that my continuing education training include operating a firearm so that I could protect my students.
…I wanted to take a bullet for one of my kids.
But I will. And that my friends, is the problem. I shouldn’t have to. We need to wake the hell up. We as a country have failed our children. I know it, you know it, they know it. If change will come by following a group of high school students to the gates of hell and back, then I for one will proudly be right there with them. #NEVERAGAIN
THE OUTFIT
This floral maxi dress is actually a Summer sundress although the majority of times that I’ve worn it I’ve styled it layered with a sweater. This summer I wore it as it was intended, paired with Birks, but alas, it only made the ‘gram.
The colors in this dress make it super versatile. I’ve layered it with a blue sweater (which I linked to above) as well as a white off the shoulder sweater, but it would also work with black, pink or olive. The gray sweater that I’m wearing it with today I picked up at Walmart of all places in about a gazillion colors several years ago. I would have to say that this sweater (and the other colors) get the most wear throughout the Winter. They’re comfortable, not too bulky and work with so many things. Bonus points because they are just long enough to cover the butt.
The Birkenstock boots were well worth the investment. I purchased both the black and the tan on 6 p.m. on sale (which they are now too) and I wear them a lot. They’re not only super cute, but they are almost as comfortable as my Birk sandals with a similar cork footbed.
THE TIP
Don’t compartmentalize pieces in your closet by season. Sure, some things like say, swimwear and wool sweaters are purely single seasonal. But many of your pieces can be functional all year long. Layering is the key. Sweaters over or under and leggings as well can make a Summer dress or skirt cozy enough for cooler temperatures. For additional warmth, over the knee boots can be your best friend when your looking to take a Summer dress out for a spin in the snow.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: Similar; Sweater: Similar; Boots: Birkenstock via 6 p.m.
