September Countdown...

School time is getting so close, and for the first time September has become just another month to me. It's so weird to see all the commercials, flyers, sales and everything happening, and not be a part of it. I've been applying for jobs all week, but no call-backs. I guess either my resume is horrible or I don't have enough experience compared to the other applicants. It's hard being fresh out of school, of course I don't have experience. All I can do is keep trying and hope for the best. I'm also taking another course this fall, maybe ESL or Reading. It's so hard to choose which one to take, each principal is looking for something different, something that compliments what they already have in their school! Keep on keepin' on.

And just cuz... I saw this awesome jacket over at esprit. Would be so cute for September/October school days. If only, if only. It's actually faux-leather, but doesn't look plastic or stiff. It's $119.50 and available in sizes from 0-14. Awesome.

Applying and Shoes!

I just finished submitting applications for a full-time kindergarten position, and a position that is Grade 6/Prep cover/Special Ed cover. Both sound awesome, but I would love, love, love to be in a Kindergarten class. My first practicum was in a JK/SK with an awesome teacher and there was just so much that I wanted to do but never got to. It's such a wonderful age and the opportunities for fun, meaningful learning are endless. The posting closes in 5 minutes, so here's hoping I hear back soon! School starts in two weeks, so it would be a huge panic-y rush to get ready, but I would be so excited it wouldn't matter! *fingers crossed*

The best thing to do after stressful applications (three applications took me 4 hours!), is to look at shoes! I love shopping for shoes, but sometimes find the non-leather ones are cheap and not stylish! :( Never despair, the easiest solution... is more shopping! Win-win.

Four cute options, all from Aldo, all under $80!

I'm loving these lace up booties that seem to be all over the place this fall. This wedge version makes it easier to wear when teaching! Nothing like sore feet to ruin your ability to manage a classroom with ease.

Yard duty anyone? These cute boots would keep your feet snuggly warm for those late fall/early winter treks around the school yard, yet keep you looking cute! Check out that bow. Adorable. I wouldn't recommend them for the middle of winter days though! You need serious boots for that.
Having a spare pair of shoes in the class is a trick I learned during my practicum. You never know when you're going to need them! These flats suit the bill, cute, go with anything and comfy. I'd also keep a pair of sneakers in the class because you never know when you're going to be asked to cover a phys. ed. class, recess duty or just need to get the kids out for a walk around the yard!
These are not something I'd wear every day, the heel height is not treacherous but I prefer wedges or flats to be more comfy! But don't count them out for meetings, parent-teacher conferences, work shops, PD sessions or for the many parties and gatherings that occur throughout the year!

Well, that made me feel better... how 'bout you? Now, I just need to get one of those jobs so I have a reason to buy these cuties! Happy Shopping!

Teaching Outfit of the Day.

I want to share my love of shopping and fashion, as well as my adventures in finding cute vegan clothing (no leather, suede, silk or wool here). Today I made an outfit from Oldnavy.ca to celebrate the opening of the Canadian website for Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic!

Teachers know that layers are key to dressing comfortably. My first placement classroom was always hot in November, in March the classroom was freezing. This cardigan suits the bill, and is cute and affordable as well.

I love mixing up the colours too, keeping it fun and young. This cami is cute and interesting. Plus I love yellow and purple together (works for teaching complimentary colours too).

Comfortable pants are key! Cords are great because they are easy to wash, comfortable and cozy for the chillier months. Plus, corduroy just belongs in schools. Grey is a great alternative to black or tan, just to mix it up.

Top it off with a cute trench, so perfect for fall. I love black for jackets, it just looks smart and timeless!

Even better, the whole outfit comes in at $141 Canadian! Awesome for an entire outfit including jacket. :) Happy shopping.

Busy-ness.

Well, I've actually been pretty busy this past week. I had my interview on Thursday and went in for the first day of training on Friday! Then I worked at my other job Saturday and today. I'm having this weird hesitation in quitting my job, moving into the new one. I like most of the girls I work with, but it's so far from home that I can only work on weekends. It just doesn't make sense for me to stay somewhere so far. Also, I'm finding that the clothes are pretty, but don't really suit what I would wear outside of work a lot of the time, meaning I'm spending my whole paycheque just to stay in dress code! It's weird being in so many transitions at once, and I think that the job was the one steady thing. I am excited to start this new job, it's a short bus ride away from home, I'll get many or most weekends off (instead of working every weekend!), it's a bigger store so I'll be working with more people (more fun and less drama). I go back again on Tuesday, so hopefully I feel more at ease by then and able to turn in my two weeks notice to my other job!

Window shopping.

So one of the reasons I wanted to blog is because I love window shopping online, imagining all the lovely wardrobe items I might have one day when I'm teaching. I also love to window shop and imagine friends and family that would be suited for particular items, so it's not like I'm being selfish... maybe.

So today I found some bags that would be great for teaching, roomy enough to carry the essentials (wallet, sunglasses, keys), homework and marking, lunch and snacks (we all know the staff room is not exactly vegan or waistline-friendly).

Vegan Queen: I just found this high-end bag line this week, but I'm already in love! So gorgeous.

I'm loving the City Bag in blue/white. Great for spring/summer, when wearing crisp, colourful clothing!

It is $855 and can be found here at The Green Loop. Obviously that is a lot of money, but I know lots of people who drop that much on LV, Coach or other designer bags, so why not be stylish and love the animals while you're at it?

Matt & Nat are another great animal-friendly brand, and while still a bit expensive, they are much more affordable than the Vegan Queen bag. I love this Lindstrom bag in Red. Why not get noticed when you're carrying a great bag?

It's even on sale in Red (and Cement/White) for $159, and available in Black for $265. They are available from Matt & Nat. It would even qualify for free ground shipping! Awesome.

Aldo also has great synthetic bags, available for even better prices! They go on sale at the end of every season too, and if you sign up for their emails, you can get info on when the sales start.

This Havermale is $55, and the classic, structured shape combined with the taupe colour is great for fall and winter. Available here.

Of course, not every day are we carrying around loads of papers and marking to be done... right? *cough* Well, we can pretend... so here's a few bags that are great for dinner, movies or other social activities outside the school!

I found this cute cross-body bag at Nine West for $29! What a steal... I love cross-body bags for shopping and hanging out because they leave your hands free for drinks, browsing, texting, whatever... From here.

Another I love from Nine West is this animal print lovely... here.

I think that's enough for today! I wonder if virtual window shopping burns calories? In a perfect world...

Ask, and ye shall...

Well, after applying to 900,000* non-teaching jobs, I got a call-back! Interview on Thursday, hope it goes well. Way closer to home than I am now, and that means potential for working weekdays! I like to shop and dream about the wardrobe I might have one day when I'm a teacher and can afford and have a reason for wearing nicer, dressier clothes... Sigh, one day.

*may be slightly under-estimated.

Summer Break

It's kind of a strange situation, the first summer of my life where September doesn't mean going back to school. I graduated with my Bachelor of Education this summer, which means after 5 years of university, I'm finally qualified to teach! Too bad the job market for teachers is ... well, less than desirable. If only I spoke French... but since I don't, I'm resigned to spend this year in limbo. Maybe I'll get a long-term supply position, but most likely I'll spend the year volunteering, taking Additional Qualification courses (I already completed my Special Education), and applying like crazy to other, non-teaching jobs.

I wanted to start this as a way to keep my sanity as I make my way through the year. Right now, I work one day a week in a retail store, but I'm looking to find something more full time. I want to help my awesome boyfriend with our household expenses... not to mention the retail therapy I love so much!