why hello there

 dress: GAP outlet

shoes: LC from Kohl's

Hey strangers. Long time no see. I sure did miss you. My last weeks of summer vacation were equal parts lazy and busy. You may be thinnking, "hey, that makes no sense but trust me, in the context of Aubrey, it makes perfect sense."

School started yesterday and I welcomed 32 quiet, wide-eyed 5th graders into my newly redecorated classroom. New bullentin boards with pretty paper and borders, new desk configuration, reorganized library. Blood, sweat, and tears, my friends, went into my room preparation. Okay so not really but it did take many many hours on a ladder with a staple remover. I didn't fall of the ladder once or staple myself. I wanted to high-five myself when one student commented that he liked the organization of the room. After two days, they are less wide-eyed and definitely less quiet. I got a hug this afternoon and I knew they were starting to warm up to me. I like the first week of school everything and everyone is so bright and shiny.

My color combo is totally ketchup and mustard isn't it. sigh. I realized this as I got to school. Thankfully no one called me on it.

bad habits

This dress is an example of a relapse into an old bad habit. I used to ALWAYS buy clothes that were a size or two too big. And by used to I mean just a couple years back. I suppose I was trying to hide my shape in shapeless, oversized clothes that hung poorly on me. Around the time I started blogging I gradually began buying clothes that fit me well. That coinciding with blogging and seeing tons upon tons of pictures of myself in many, many different outfits...it has helped me so much to learn what looks good on me. Granted, my judgement fails me at times :) I wanted this dress and convinced myself that an XL would work if I belted it and covered it with a cardigan. I was wrong. I have worn it twice now and it's not working. I've got it cinched back on both sides and the fit is just off. I could have just deleted these but thought I'd throw them online. Maybe it will keep me honest...and away from clothes that don't fit.

dress: Jason Wu for Target clearance

sweater: JCrew resale

sandals: Lauren Conrad clearance

belt: Target

water marbled nails