It’s a busy few weeks leading up to Christmas break in Mrs. Stinedurf’s class…
THE STORY
…as I squealed about mentioned last week our local news meteorologist is visiting my class this coming Wednesday, and this past Friday we went on a mini field trip. Our school is located not even ten minutes away from one of the bigger Christmas attractions in Pennsylvania. Yes, our tiny little podunk corner of the world is known for something other than “the world’s largest shoe store”. Don’t believe me on that one? Google “world’s largest shoe store”…it’s the first thing that comes up. And I kid you not, we are number 1 on the list of the top 8 Christmas towns in Pennsylvania. See, we do have more than mullets and Walmart goin’ on up in here.
Annnyyway…on Friday the kids, my aids, the principal and I went to Santa’s Christmasland and then to Yumberries for frozen yogurt make your own sundaes. And yes, I fed my little lovelies ice cream before lunch; that’s because I’m the fun teacher. On a side note, I always feel remiss when I talk about my class and mention my aids and my principal; yes, I work with them, but first and foremost they are my friends. They are a fabulous little group of women who love my kids as much as I do and the words “aid” and “principal” just don’t do them justice.
We had such a great time! Sadly, even though we live right down the road, only four of my kids had ever been to Christmasland so it was truly magical for them. And most of my kids still believe in Santa (seriously though, who doesn’t?) so we waited in line so that they could sit on his lap. One of my girls was terrified of Santa, but got in line anyway. When I told her that she didn’t have to, do you know what she said? She said, “Mrs. Stinedurf, today’s my day to be brave.” And ya know what? She did it, she loved it, and she was so proud of herself afterwards. It’s moments like that that make it all worthwhile. And honestly, those are words to live by; “It’s my day to be brave.” I’m pretty sure that should most definitely be on a t-shirt.
For obvious reasons, I can’t include shots of my kids, but aren’t the displays gorgeous?
THE OUTFIT
Full disclosure: I did not wear the heels on the trip. Leopard flats just, oh, I don’t know, made more sense. Flats or heels, leopard with the plaid was a requirement. Mixing leopard with plaid, or just about anything really, is my favorite print mix and probably one of the easiest to pull off. The blue faux leather moto jacket added the just right layer of warmth since we’re still having a tropical Christmas season here in Pennsylvania. The jeans are Rockstar Skinny Jeans from Old Navy. Typically, if I’m going to wear skinny jeans, these are my go to. Rockstars are stretchy enough to be comfortable (I do size up though, because I hate things that are too tight), but don’t look like jeggings, which I despise. And what visit to Christmasland would be complete without some serious neck and arm bling?
THE TIP
Treat leopard as neutral. Seriously, think of it like black or tan. It works with any color, any print…really it does. Leopard is one of the easiest prints to use if you’re a print mix virgin. Try leopard shoes, a clutch or belt with your favorite print…I really think that you’ll love it.
LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Jacket: Forever 21 (Similar, Similar); Shirt: Old Navy (Similar, Similar); Jeans: Old Navy; Shoes: Target (Similar, Similar)
That sounds like an awesome field trip…I know I would have loved it! And I love your plaid and leopard together 🙂
It was great fun! Thanks Tara. 🙂
What a lovely, uplifting story about your class and in particular that girl being brave! Good for her!
Love so much about this outfit; the leopard print of course, the plaid, the jacket, the bling - it all comes together in one rockin’ outfit!
And the decorations are pretty awesome too!
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Petite Silver Vixen recently posted…Building Colour & Pattern in Winter Wardrobes | The Fabulous Jacket | Raspberry & Leopard Print
Awwww, what a wonderful story. I love it!!! So happy for her and you! You look so stinkin cute, btw! When we meetin’ up?!?
We need to soon Rachael! I think Columbus is the halfway point…I believe a personal day from work on a Friday might be in order…
My kids all make me smile every day, but that girl is a particular favorite. She never fails to say something that is just amazing!
What a fun field trip and a wonderful story! I love your plaid and leopard! You look great!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Jill recently posted…What to Wear to a Winter Wedding
Thanks so much Jill! I have so many fabulous stories thanks to my kids…I’d bore you guys to death if I wrote about them all…lol!
That trip does sound like magic - what a great teacher you are. Love those heels! xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Patti recently posted…Vintage Maxi Skirt And Bling: Visible Monday
Aww…thank you Patti! I’m blessed to spend my days with such great kids. 🙂
love this look and great jacket. The rockstars fit you perfectly, sizing up is the perfect solution. ( and why is it that the number that means so much to us when we were young is able to be tossed when we are older, I never would have ” sized up” in my 20’s but now, all the time, Freedom 50 and loving it
Linda A Cassidy recently posted…Bee-Do, Bee-Do, A One in a Minion Evening
I agree on the sizing…with age comes wisdom!
What a wonderful story! Sometimes kids say the smartest things.
Oh, and now I know where you live! It’s far but a straight ride west on I80. With my new motorcycle available for long trips, I plan to visit a blogger-friend in the Spring who lives in Columbus, OH. I’ll pass through your neck of the woods on the way. If you’ll let me, I’ll drop in and buy you a cup of coffee.
Shybiker recently posted…Favorite Blog Post
I would love that! Let me know when you’re passin’ through! 🙂
Nice outfit! Love your style tip for the leopard print shoes. I just bought a pair on Friday from aerosoles and I can wait to rock them.
I’m sure you’ll love them…you can do so much with a great pair of leopard shoes!
Awe! I didn’t expect your story to end with such a touching moment! What a sweet girl! And I can totally sympathize with her about being scared of Santa…When I was a kid, I was afraid to sit on Santa’s lap because he was wearing hearing aids. lol. But it was my day to be brave too and I sat on his lap 🙂
http://elementsofellis.com/
Elements of Ellis recently posted…BLACK MAXI DRESS
Me too Kacie! Somewhere there is a photo of me when I was little, sitting on Santa’s lap with tears streaming down my face…lol!
Absolutely LOVE this look. So chic and festive. Looking good!
P.S. The leopard heels are the BEST!
~Whitney
http://www.whitneynicjames.com
Whitney Nic James recently posted…Personal Style | Denim and Sheer Blouse + Onecklace
Aren’t they Whitney!
Every day is a good day to look brave. Hunt down that old Billy Crystal “you look mahhhvelous dahling!” song and listen to it a few times. Because yes.
Leah B. recently posted…OOTD & Music Monday: Salute to Fashion Santa
Wow…I totally forgot about that song…that’s a blast from the past!
A great Country look, though I’d never manage the shoes. I love your hair colours too. #CreativeMondays
Thank you so much! I did rock the flats on the field trip though! 🙂
I have a blue leather biker jacket very similar. Love the blue and your check shirt is gorgeous. You jeans fit you perfect too. I love how you’ve teamed the look with a pair of leopard print heels.
Lorna Mai recently posted…The Best Way To Christmas Shop
Thank you Lorna!
Thanks for sharing the Christmas pics. Is it not called Kraynak’s anymore? I too am a lover of plaid and leopard mixed together. You look fab as always!
Darlene Fadem recently posted…I Went On a Thriftventure With…
Yep, it’s still Kraynak’s. Actually Kraynak’s Christmasland, but around here you usually hear either just “Kraynaks” or “Christmasland”. I bet you’ve probably been there, haven’t you? Don’t forget, the next time you’re in this neck of the woods let me know so that we can get together! Have a fabulous holiday! 🙂
I will definitely let you know when I am back in town! Have a great holiday!
Darlene Fadem recently posted…The Essential Sweatshirt
You too Darlene! 🙂
Love the white display with the snow leopards (how gorgeous!).
Next year .. I must be diligent in finding a pair of leopard heels. I have leopard flats, but no heels 😛
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Perfectly Plaid
The displays are really beautiful…the white was one of my favorites!
You look amazing as usual! Love that plaid shirt and your statement necklace is gorg!
That field trip sounds so wonderful - as much as I love Christmas - maybe I’ll have to convince someone to take a road trip with me there someday!
Tea
http://www.whatmamawear.blogspot.ca
Tea recently posted…Sweater-dress and Inspiring Bloggers Link up
Thank you so much Tea! You should take a road trip…if you love Christmas it is truly beautiful to see. 🙂
Love your pattern mixing! Leopard & plaid are two of my favorite prints to mix & match
http://michellespaige.com
michelle recently posted…GIFT GUIDE: UNDER $100
Leopard and plaid is definitely at the top of my list of print mixes. 🙂
Love how you paired the tartan with leopard print with blue leather! It totally works!
xoxo - Ana Luiza
The Northwest Blonde
Ana Luiza recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide: For Him
Thanks so much Ana Luiza!
Love this look! Obsessed with your jacket!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Elise recently posted…Burgundy Jumpsuit
Thank you Elise! It does get a lot of love. 🙂
Aw I love that you gave some of your students some magic for the day and it’s neat some got to experience a new place and Santa. Love the outfit, I need to try and mix plaid and leopard together sometime.
Thank you for linking up to “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me”
Rachel xo
http://garaytreasures.com
Rachel recently posted…Fashion show for the Truck drivers+ Pink Blush look 2
Leopard and plaid are perfect together…you’ll love it! It always makes me happy when my kids get to see or do something that they might have missed out on otherwise. 🙂
Hi Debbie, I’m new to your page and found you through THT link up and am very happy to find you. I love your outfit and must add my link where I’m wearing the sister jacket http://www.annasislandstyle.com/2015/11/paisley-print-skirt-and-blue-biker.html
Needless to say I love, love, love your blue jacket too and think you’re right about leopard print acting as a neutral. I have shoes very like yours too, by the way. Such a great post about your outing with the children and what a great quote “It’s my day to be brave” - sometimes children just sum things up perfectly.
Anna
Anna’s Island Style
They do…kids often say the best things. You’re jacket is fabulous, the color is so vivid!
Beautiful trees Debbie. I adore this outfit, love the whole look 🙂
Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays
Love the holiday pics and your story, great! The royal blue is a lovely color and I am a big fan of the moto jacket!
Thanks for linking up to Turning heads Tuesday
Happy Holiday
Jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
What a great look, so versatile from the fall to the spring! Thank you for linking up with #reasonstodress !
Angie recently posted…Working in Italy – THE CARPI FASHION SYSTEM
love your look and you have a great jacket. .love your hair !
http://chicglamstyle.com