This summer, I've been all about mixing and matching these sets to create new outfits, and I have to say it is so much fun! It's a great way to get lots of use out of a single outfit, and it's also a fun way to mix and match with different prints and fabrics.

This top is from a set I bought from Gal Meets Glam last summer that I've been using in lots of different outfits this summer. One way I loved using it is with denim. This would also look super cute with some cut off jean shorts.

The skirt from the set is a neutral color, so it works with pretty much any crop top. Here I paired it with a high neck crop top.

Pleated skirts are one of my favorite styles right now, and this one is so bright and fun. It pairs perfectly with the top from my two piece dress set. Honestly this top would go with almost any midi skirt, it's so versatile.

Here are some more two piece sets I am hoping to get my hands on! The mix and match possibilities are endless!

What are your thoughts on two piece dress sets?
xoxo
Laura

The post Three Ways To Style A Two Piece Dress Set appeared first on Love Grows Learning.

But this weekend, we were feeling adventurous! Armed with our masks, purell wipes, and gloves, we made the twenty minute walk to our downtown area. We hit the bakery first, getting a bag of croissants to share later (chocolate croissants are hands down my favorite pastry… although I also grabbed a hazelnut croissant to try out as well). Then we headed to Starbucks to pick up my all-time favorite beverage, their iced green tea (a perfect balance of citrus and minty flavors… yum! I'm sipping the leftovers of it right now as I write this post)!

It's interesting, because at the beginning of the quarantine, I was terrified to go anywhere. The grocery store was a scary place, and I didn't feel safe with all those people touching everything I was about to touch. But our little outing yesterday felt just fine! Yes it was a hassle to disinfect my Starbucks cup, grapple with my mask and ponytail, and make sure I had a clean glove at the right time. But the stores were practically empty, and they had a well thought out system with very minimal interaction. Sure, I threw all my clothes into the laundry and scrubbed myself off in the shower the moment I got home, but it made me hopeful that society will find a way to continue life, even with these strange new conditions.

The weather is starting to warm up, which means we are almost to my favorite time of year… summer! I know many would disagree, but I love love love the heat. I was thrilled to pull out shorts and a tank for our walk, and couldn't help but pair some blue and purple pastels for a happy, fun look. I actually got this tank on Amazon, and while I wasn't sure about it at first, it's become one of my favorite workout tops. I love how loose and long it is. And you can knot it if you want a cropped top.

So I would call our adventure a success! And we now have some delicious croissants in our freezer waiting to be eaten!

Where are you excited to (safely) venture out to?
xoxo
Laura

The post A Weekend Adventure appeared first on Love Grows Learning.

Bring on the sweatpants, oversized sweatshirts, sherpa hoodies, leggings, bike shorts, and tie dye please!

One item that I wasn't sure I would like when I got it was this lounge jumpsuit. I'm so glad I decided to purchase it. It's one of my go-to items when I'm done for the day or getting ready to relax with a movie. The one I have is old from Zella at Nordstrom, but I found some similar ones available.

Crop sweatshirts are certainly having a moment right now. There are so many fun colors of these out there, and they are so cute paired with high-waisted leggings and sweatpants. I bought this purple one, but I have a feeling I'll be going back to find some more soon!

What is your favorite loungewear item?
xoxo
Laura

The post Loungewear to Live In appeared first on Love Grows Learning.

I have definitely been enjoying being able to wear leggings and sweatpants every day while working at home. I’ll throw on a nice blouse for Zoom meetings, and make sure my hair and makeup is done. I can hear some people asking: Hair and makeup? Why bother? Well, I did my hair and makeup every day when I was teaching in the classroom, and if my appearance is one teeny tiny thing that I can make consistent for my students during this crazy time, then it’s worth it. Here are some Zoom shots of some typical outfits I’ve been wearing. (Just picture leggings or sweatpants on the bottom half!)

With warmer weather starting up, I’ve also been pulling out some of my summer dresses. Turns out this is a super comfy option that looks professional on top with no extra effort! Here are some of the dress styles I’m loving for days with stacked Zoom meetings.

What has your workwear style been like lately?
xoxo
Laura

The post Zoom Tops and Blouses: The New Workwear appeared first on Love Grows Learning.

You know that feeling when you go out for yard duty and realize you were so so unprepared for how cold it is outside?

I have spent many a morning recess thinking “I should have worn that extra sweater!” or “Why did I think I would be fine without long underwear?”

I have concocted many crazy ideas to help warm up on the chilliest of mornings. I actually have an electric heat pullover that I wear under my sweaters on super cold mornings. In fact, I should probably do a post that lists all of my hacks for staying warm during 8 am yard duty.

So how can you dress when you know you'll be in and out of the classroom, and that the temperatures will be all over the place? You need an outfit that can adapt with you for those days that start out freezing, but somehow warm up 30 degrees by the end of the day.

And for those of us who live in Northern California, those days seem to last most of the school year!

I've found that layering is really the only way I can stay comfortable all day. Being warm is very very important, so I like to add in a proper coat and a hat most chilly mornings. But once the classroom warms up and I get going with the teaching, I start shedding layers!

Bye bye coat. There goes the hat. See ya sweater.

Layering options help me maintain that “just right” temperature all day long, and let me feel prepared for just about anything the weather might throw my way!

Outfit Breakdown

Here I went with….

• Grey peacoat (My JCrew Factory one sold out, but it's based off of this gorgeous JCrew Chateau Parka)

• White jeans (a staple for me year round. I like these H&M ones because they are so affordable, I have several pairs I rotate through)

• Striped turtleneck, becuase let's be honest, I consider blue and white stripes a “neutral” (similar here)

• Cozy sweater vest – I was so so excited about this item. I wasn't sure I would wear it a lot, but I've ended up getting so much use out of it! (similar here)

• Knitted hat – this one has a cute pointelle pattern so it's not as chunky and overstated as other winter hats which can be nice (similar here)

• Lace up boots, which are another wardrobe stable, as these are actually comfortable and have that perfect not too high, not too low heel. These are from Anthropologie (similar here)

I love pairing neutrals with more neutrals, and putting together different fabric textures. I also love how the sweater vest sticks out under the coat – if you're going to layer, show it off! Then off come the layers, and you're ready for whatever temps the day decides to throw at you!

What are your go-to layers on cold days?
xoxo
Laura

The post Winter Layering Can Actually Be Cute appeared first on Love Grows Learning.