Zinnias, Blazers, and Student Milestones

This semester I guided the research projects of senior capstone students in my major. Their semesters culminated with research presentations that were open to the entire campus community. Other faculty, students, and administrators often attend these presentations, so the stakes were high. I was so impressed with each student I guided. They were able to rise to the occasion of this high-pressure milestone in their degree matriculations.

The research requirement for our seniors distinguishes the campus (which is modeled to be a small liberal arts college) from its main branch. We pride ourselves on smaller class sizes and individualized instruction. The capstone represents a unique opportunity for students to delve into a semester-length project akin to what they might pursue in graduate study. It was my first time assuming the role of capstone instructor and the students I worked with were a great bunch.

On our last presentation date, we had a little pizza party and the students surprised me with a cake that included a thank you message (who doesn't love seeing their name in icing?!), as well as a card that contained a gift. I was so moved and humbled by their generosity and thoughtfulness! I nearly began to cry. But the surprise was enough to ensure I was able to keep it together, despite my overwhelming propensity for being a sap. I will really miss this graduating bunch, who I got to know so well over the course of our time together. I see in each of them such amazing potential and I am certain they will enjoy their very bright futures. The experience was a great reminder of why I chose this profession in the first place.

Because I knew they were going to be dressed up for their presentations, I figured I should up my own professional game. For me the easiest version of that means a blazer with a dress. I wore this ensemble for one of the sessions.

Outfit specs:
Leifsdottir dress (called Curled Zinnia from Anthro) (similar here; spring appropriate here and here)
Limited blazer (from Gabes)
Spanx tights
Tory Burch flats (20% off with code FRIENDS)
Vintage initial necklace

Sometimes it takes photos

See by Chloé Jardin print dress

To a Tee blazer from Anthropologie (similar)

Chloé lock flats (similar here)

Balenciaga Day bag in black

Misc. bracelets (Macys, Gabes, Kate Spade from TJ Maxx, Target, gift)

I really like shapeless See by Chloe dresses like the one above but I don't always want to look shapeless. So I tried to style it in a way that reigned in the billow with a blazer. I thought it worked pretty well until I saw how short my skirt looked. That's one of the perils of messing with a billowing dress... the length might shrink up on you. And I'm feeling a little long in the tooth to pull off mini. Black opaque tights would have been a lot better with this outfit. But in general, I don't think I'll be styling this dress similarly in the future.

Another quick pants outfit

To a Tee Blazer

Zebra top from Anthro (similar here)

J. Crew matchstick cords

Tory Burch Revas

Kate Spade Bon Shopper tote (loving this matchbook print version)

I wore this for errands and to stop in Anthro the other week. I am so behind on posts and outfits and life! I might just do an omnibus entry with some recent hits. Though first I need to have the breathing room to compose such an entry... I also apologize for my absenteeism among my fellow bloggers. My reader is stocked full of your recent posts and I am looking forward to when I can comb through everything.

Forested Blazer

Forested Blazer

I really really like this Anthropologie sale piece (called the Forested Blazer) but, (1) it is still too expensive (2) especially if it isn't an additional 40% off and (3) I can't envision how to wear it professionally. Casually, it is versatile. Professionally I struggle to envision how I can wear it. And if I am going to drop cash on a blazer then it should at least be somewhat conference-friendly.

Some fit info: I am wearing a medium which fit like a glove. I wonder if perhaps I should have tried the large too. Part of my likes the snugness but that also contributes to its casual vibe. I thought the quality was there, although not for its full retail amount. The prices of recent Anthropologie pieces have been exorbitant in my opinion (even on sale). If it makes it to second cut land, I might grab one. But I have the To a Tee blazer which is basically a more neutral, easy to wear version of this.