No…not that season. I’m talking a season that probably only special education teachers and perhaps a few other observant educators are aware of…
THE STORY
…IEP season, as those in my neck of the woods not so lovingly refer to it. It’s kind of like deer season, but (hopefully) without the bloodshed. What’s an IEP you may (or not) be wondering? It is a binding legal document that each and every special education student has; the Individualized Education Program. As I said, each special needs student has one, and the special education teacher is responsible for writing every IEP for every child on her/his roster. That means that I personally am responsible for writing 15 such documents, the vast majority of which have due dates in October; hence IEP season. Each individual document ranges between 25 and 40 pages depending upon the particular needs of the student. Let’s see…that’s 15 students times an average of 32 pages…you do the math.
And why am I rambling on about IEP’s? That would be because as I type this I have another window open on my computer with my IEP writing program. I’m approximately 1/3 done on my fourth IEP. Ya…my fourth IEP. Which means I am literally buried under a terrifyingly deep pile of paperwork right now. Therefore, my only story today is that real life demands my attention and I’ll see ya on the other side…for now enjoy the outfit and enjoy the link up!
THE OUTFIT
I was really excited about this month’s Ageless Style Link Up theme, “How to extend your wardrobe by wearing pieces in different ways”. A few months ago when I styled a kimono as a top, I had said I wanted to try styling a kimono as a dress and this was the perfect opportunity to give it a spin.
This floral number was at the top of the list when I thought of styling a kimono as a dress since it is substantially longer than my other kimonos. When I first wore it back in August, I also styled it with these same boots, but wore it more traditionally over shorts and a tee shirt. In my mind, the red ankle boots were the obvious choice, although red pumps would dress it up even more. On a side note, can you believe that I don’t own a pair of red pumps?! Obviously this time a few tweaks were involved since I was wearing it as my central piece as opposed to as a top layer as a kimono is intended.
Since it is sheer, I had to add a layer underneath and my lace dress extender like this one, was perfect for the job. I wrapped the kimono much like one would a wrap dress and then added a wide belt. The final touch was a few well placed safety pins to secure it closed and that was it…super easy! Styled this way, I think it looks like it actually is a wrap dress as opposed to a kimono.
THE TIP
Think outside of the box. Try coming up with a new and inventive way to style a piece in your closet. Just because a piece is meant for one purpose that doesn’t mean you can’t use it for another. No rules…remember? 🙂
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!!
Kimono: Shein (Similar); Boots: Aldo (Similar); Choker: c/o Ettika
Ana ~ Mrs. American Made blog, bloglovin, instagram, pinterest, twitter, facebook
Cathy ~ Cathy V Style blog, instagram, facebook, pinterest, twitter
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, twitter, bloglovin
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style blog, facebook, instagram, pinterest, bloglovin, twitter
Nicole ~ High Latitude Style blog, pinterest, twitter,facebook, google, instagram
Paula ~ Dimples on my What blog, facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, twitter
Shelly ~ The Queen in Between blog, instagram, bloglovin, Pinterest, facebook
Yvonne ~ Funky Forty blog, twitter, facebook.com, bloglovin, instagram, pinterest
Brilliant, brilliant and more brilliant!!! I kinda had Nancy do the same thing…more in the G-rated version…ha ha!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie filogomo recently posted…Change Up with your Accessories
I’m on the hunt for a Kimono that will fit little me! This looks great on you Debbie and I love your hair up! xx
Wowwowwow! I think this is my favorite outfit of you! Fantastic! The colors, the boots, your hair! Just love it.
Goodluck with your IEP!
Nancy Baten recently posted…STYLED BY……….JACQUI
Wow - and wow! Gorgeous look on you! Love your hair up.
Gail recently posted…5 Over 50 Challenge: Hats
Love this look!!!
Jaymie
Holy cow girl, you look like you’re wearing an expensive gown not a kimono!!! Wow! This is just gorgeous on you.Love your creativity.
I totally understand IEP season, as the school counselor I used to be in charge of all the staffings too. Now I coordinate and write all the 504 plans.Ugh, the joys of education! But we wouldn’t have it any other way now, would we?
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann recently posted…TBB Asks About Fall
sorry about all the paperwork, but for such a worthy reason. Love the look as a dress. I also think in the winter over leggings and a top would be smashing
Wow, I feel intimidated just reading about your workload - I don’t suppose you get October off from teaching, eh? Love, love this kimono as dress look, and the jewelry too. Thanks for linking, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Patti recently posted…Stripes All The Way: Visible Monday
Oh, this looks so pretty and romantic! Great idea and one I need to try. I love it with the bright red boots, but can definitely picture it with red pumps. You need to get on that! I love all my red pumps and find them quite versatile. Loved this month’s theme.
Jennie recently posted…Shake up Your Wardrobe by Wearing Pieces in New Ways
Debbie,
Love your kimono dress!
As the mother of a special needs daughter I am very well aware of the IEP season.
It is a lot of work on you , the teachers, and the parents to draw up a written plan for a child who needs many voices to advocate for them.
ROBIN LAMONTE recently posted…How to Style a Mini Dress
Love the kimono as a dress, especially with the red boots. I hope you got all your work done too! 🙂
Oh my goodness, Debbie, this kimono! It has captured my heart and I will have dreams about it! I love how you transformed it into a dress. And the red booties are perfection! And now I am sending you lots of calming vibes and writing energy for all of those IEPs. I seriously thought that one IEP was about 4-5 pages long. I had no idea! EGADS! Go get ’em, you brilliant, wonderful lady!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee on the Edge recently posted…Wednesday Wish List: Sweater Dresses from DressLily
What I love about this outfit ~ the red boots! So unexpected (well maybe not for you), but I would have dragged out a tired o’l pair of black something .. lol
Monica.
Such a lovely look! It really suits you!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Sooooo pretty! The red boots really set it off.
My daughter used to stress over IEPs when she was in special ed. I don’t think she understands how incredibly proud I am of her and how hard she and her teachers worked.
Love this look, Debbie. I need some red boots 🙂 Thanks for sharing at Welcome To The Weekend Blog Hop.
Claire recently posted…World Smile Day: Welcome To The Weekend Blog Hop…
Okay this is such a fabulous outfit. I love the bright floral and those red boots are such a great pop of color!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. Great idea. It looks stunning!
nicole recently posted…Misook studded skirt and shirt review
I love the kimono with the red ankle boots! Your hair looks so pretty pinned up. Beautiful!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com