Class with Ty

Saturday, January 21, 2017

Wardrobe Roundup: January 15-19, 2017

From the start my blog was dedicated to combing my love for vintage fashion with a touch of modern flair. Since then, it has evolved to sharing my travel experiences, entertaining ideas, and home decor. I realize I've neglected the "fashion" part of my blog for some time now, so I've decided to start a "Wardrobe Roundup" series dedicated to giving you a "daily dose of teacher style." Enjoy!

Sunday, January 15th- Top: Banana Republic
Pants: The Limited
Shoes: Kate Spade
Frames: Super

Monday, January 16th-Top (dotted): J. Crew, Sweatshirt: H&M
Pants: Anthropologie
Boots: Cliff
Necklace: Anthropologie
Frames: Maryll Eyewear (France)

Tuesday, January 17th-Dress: COS
Boots: Lucky Brand
Bracelet: J. Crew

Wednesday, January 18th- Sweater: Massimo Dutti
Pants: Zara
Scarf: Zara

Thursday, January 19th ("Casual Day")- Top: Zara
Blazer: Zara
Jeans: American Eagle
Shoes: Nike

Friday, January 13, 2017

Kicking Off The New Year...

2016 was one hell of a year, and not in a good way. For reasons both personal and professional, it was one of my most trying years ever. But here we are, nearly two weeks into 2017 and I'm. Still. Here.

I didn't make any New Year's resolutions. I can't remember the last time I did that. Instead, I'm going to try (my best) to continue a resolution I made to myself in November of last year; I will try to start my day with a positive thought and end my night by doing the same. It has worked WONDERS for my spirit and for my peace of mind.

This new year started with a small get together for one of my "girlfriends groups" (I have about three of them, and yes, they all have names.). I had a chance to break out my new cheeseboard (which I'm ridiculously excited to use, almost embarrassingly so...). We kept it low-key with snacks, desserts, and games at my place. I always enjoy getting together with my girls, they've become my "family" here in Kuwait and I appreciate having them in my life. Good friends, good food, good times.

Today's lesson: Tell your friends you love and appreciate them often.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Late Post! (Holiday Edition)

Since living abroad, I'm never "home" during the holidays. And by home, I mean my second home in Kuwait. I usually travel for about two weeks and have never felt the need to decorate my apartment for the holidays (after all, I could always use that money for shopping while I'm traveling!).

This year, I was feeling a bit homesick so I got into the holiday spirit by decorating. It reminded me of all the years spent getting the tree "just right" with my mom (which meant hours of placing the bows in just the right places and setting out her dozens of angels). I didn't go overboard with the decorations, but I wanted to host a small get together for a few of my girlfriends which meant I simply HAD to decorate.

I went with a pretty neutral theme...small hints of gold and natural elements like pine cones, wood, and of course, lots of candles. Maybe next year I'll go all out and actually buy a tree!

Today's lesson: If you can't be with family for the holidays, practice some of your family traditions (like decorating, or baking holiday cookies). Feels just like "home."

Tabletop, with my favorite (inexpensive) candle.

Simple centerpiece for my dining room table.

Small touches of gold and pine cones in the living room.

Presents by the entryway. (Empty wrapped boxes are a great decorating idea, and they're inexpensive!)

Garland (2) from West Elm. I added a few ornaments at the top instead of a traditional bow.

Wreath details.

Kept it simple with just a few ornamental details on the wreath.

Garland above the kitchen cabinets.

Gifts for my girlfriends. Mugs from Williams Sonoma with their traditional peppermint bark inside.

Mini cheesecakes and Sprinkles red velvet cupcakes.

Holiday cookies and fudge from Dean & DeLuca.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Quick Escape

As a teacher, you know your year is busy when you feel like it's May and it's only November. My ever-growing "to do" list greets me every morning and puts me to bed at night. I check things off only to replace them with something else. Some days I just want to set fire to the thing.
But before I reach for the matches, I remind myself that I live in the Middle East. Flying to Europe or Dubai, or in this case, Doha, Qatar, is just a quick flight away. While I didn't do much during my two-day trip but relax, sometimes a quick escape is just what I need to keep my sanity (Lord knows teaching sixth through tenth graders certainly doesn't help!).

Today's lesson: Sometimes you can't do it ALL. Unplug for a couple of days, recharge, and come back stronger than ever.

View from breakfast. (This won't mean much to most, but living in a country with very little greenery, you come to appreciate this!)

The morning light is AMAZING! And my hair is doing whatever it wants, as usual.

Morning cappuccino.

Enjoying the Villaggio Mall. Yes that's a man-made river, complete with gondola rides.

The ceiling of the Villaggio Mall makes you feel like you're walking outside.

The Torch Hotel.

Lounging poolside. Doing absolutely nothing. SO necessary.

At the airport in Doha, Qatar. Of course I had to stop and talk to this guy.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Into the Gray...

I've lived in my current apartment in Kuwait for a little over two years. Thankfully, my employer pays for my rent and the apartment came fully furnished, down to the kitchen utensils (and some pretty hideous paintings of cats on the wall). I've made small purchases here and there to make it feel more like "home" and less like a pit stop, since I'm unsure just how long I'll be here. The biggest change, and best decision by far, has been to change the wall color in my living room space. While at first I loved the white walls, they were too difficult to keep clean and I needed some color in my life. I went with a charcoal gray called "Matrix." I'm finishing one room at a time (and yes, the painters will be back to touch up their mess-ups). Who knows, maybe I'll be here long enough to show you every single one.

Today's lesson: Make your house your HOME, no matter the length of your stay.

Living room, before.

Prepping to paint!

Basket: On clearance from Pottery Barn, Laterns: Ikea, Blanket: West Elm.

Wooden Accessories and rug, West Elm (from several seasons ago).

Tabletop. Clean and neat. This tray helps me keep everything organized.

My new wall color! Basket weave lamp, Ikea.

Living room, after.

Knickknacks on my bookshelf.

Lamp, West Elm (similar here).

Storage, Ikea (I clearly didn't measure the space and should've purchased a larger piece!)

Mirror, Ikea. Sculpture, West Elm.

Morning light.

I love the way the light creeps in every morning. Perfection.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Accessories Overload

Hi, my name is Ty and I may have a slight problem. I may or may not be an accessories junkie. I can never seem to have enough statement (and dainty) necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets. Let's not forget my growing collection of hats, scarves, and brooches. I love them all…vintage and modern styles. I like to mix and match textures and prints and I don't follow any fashion rules (I don't even know what those are!). My accessories icon would have to be Iris Apfel, her collection is ahh-mazing! She wears what she wants, from high-end pieces to flea market finds. Some of my favorite pieces came from the monthly antique market just outside of Atlanta, GA, and I LOVE a good sale.

When I travel, I try to purchase at least one item to add to my collection. From silk scarves in Milan to chunky necklaces and bracelets in Paris, to vintage pieces from New York. I don't buy on impulse; a piece has to truly be a standout for me to bring it home with me. Enjoy a few pieces from my collection below! What are your can't-live-without accessories?

Today's lesson: Forget the rules! Wear what you like.