Saturday, January 26, 2013

The English Teacher

English Teacher1English Teacher3English Teacher7English Teacher4English Teacher8English Teacher9English Teacher11

 ______This skirt that you see is actually a kilt that I'm wearing backwards.  It was my mom's a long time ago and it's made from real Scottish sheep.  The wool part of the sheep, I mean.  Not the whole sheep.  Hopefully, sheep aren't just put through giant sheep grinders and boom, kilt production ensues.  That would be rather saddening.  But yeah, authentic vintage kilt right here, and it's even itchy.  You know if it's itchy it's authentic.

______The first thing I associate with a plaid skirt is school.  So of course, channeling my inner English teacher was a must.  In reality, I would probably make the most awful English teacher ever, mainly because I can't spell or pronounce most English words that a middle schooler can (Thai restaurant? I thought it was pronounced "thigh" restaurant); then again, I have this totally rad teacher for Honors Lit who confessed that he can't spell many things, so I'm sure I'd turn out all right.  What a brave soul he is to admit such a thing in the first place!

English Teacher6English Teacher5

______I think I'm getting a hang of my schedule now, so that's good, but I do wish I could stop being so anxious about it all the time.  One of the classes I'm taking is a film photography class, and film photography is so different from normal photography.  Obviously you can't see what you took after you took it, so there's no way to know if you need to re-take it or correct something, plus there's making sure you get all the chemicals right when you're developing, and then there's getting a little sad when certain pictures don't turn out at all and you just wonder if you'll ever get it right.  I'm also taking a 3D design class and we're working with all sorts of new power tools and materials I've never used or even tried.

______That being said, I think the reason why I've been getting anxious and nervous about my classes this year is because, well, I'm afraid of not succeeding.  There are so many new things.  So many unfamiliar things. So many words I've never heard of that other people can utilize as if it's their second language.  So many things I've never tried, never been good at... Which of course means that I have indeed already failed a few times at these things.  I'm not used to that.  I'm not used to failing.  I'm not used to being entirely horrible at something.  I'm at least somewhat decent at most things.  I'm passionate about photography, so it's frustrating that I can't get perfect film pictures on the first or second round through.  I've at least had some familiarity with the other art classes I've taken in the past--I've painted before, even if not with oils, and I've drawn before with most materials, so those classes weren't as difficult to transition into.  It's almost a little hard to stay positive lately.

______Alas, I can only pray that next week will be smoother, and maybe I'll learn some more things.  Better things.  Try to stay positive, my dear citizens!

English Teacher

PS) You can find a different wording of this post over here at Ashley's blog, Twenties Girl Style!

Ruffle top: Isabell de Pedro, secondhand
Kilt: vintage authentic Scottish kilt
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell, Christmas pressie
Earrings: Charming Charlie

54 comments:

Katrina Bay said...

so neat and classy! perfect combo!


pumpskicks.blogspot.com

<3

The Dragonfruit said...

I really should break down this comment into parts so you can make sense of it.
1) Your outfit! An authentic kilt! Oh my goodness, that is amazing :D Haha, "you know if its itchy its authentic." So, so true. You would make a fun English teacher I believe ;)
2) Oh Ali, Ali, Ali...why oh why don't we live closer? I have a feeling we'd be rather close. Your writing always makes me empathize with you. I'm right there with you girl. When it comes to trying things, I always want to be the best at it - okay, not even best, but CAPABLE. You know? I hate making a fool of myself and not doing well at something. But you can do it, I'm sure you'll catch on quickly. You're a smart, lovely gal and you will succeed!
3) You are already awesome. Seriously, your nickname should be Awesome Ali! Haha, I think that is what I shall dub you from now. Love ya Awesome Ali! ;)

Enter to win an $80 voucher to MsDressy!
Trendy Teal

Keit said...

Blahh, I know what you mean. I used to be downright horrible in every activity in my University, because I hated them all :D
But your activities seem ultra interesting. The film photography is very hard, so I don't think being horrible at it is that of a surprise. It takes a lot of time to get the hang of it. And I think all these new challenges, although hard, are better than staying in one place and doing nothing. :P
The kilt looks indeed, very unique and pretty with those shoes! ^^

Unknown said...

lovely look dear :)

http://mastylee.blogspot.com/

Katie Aman said...

Ooo, your shoes make me do that thing where my heart leaps in my chest a little bit. They are amazing!! And I love that you're wearing a kilt. Don't worry about classes too much-from what I can see on your blog you are so talented and no one is perfect at things on the first try! Sounds like some interesting classes though!

Ana having fun said...

Hi!
Thanks for your comment.
Anxious for your next post. =)
don't forget to stay in touch:

http://theduplicity.blogspot.pt/

with love,
Ana

Anonymous said...

You look amazing! I am all over that kilt and how you styled it.

Your courses sound amazing but like they require a lot of focus. That was me last semester. Everything was interesting but it required a lot of concentration and I just couldn't follow and it never clicked for me. I ended the semester with lower marks than usual but with a wonderful sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that I worked as hard as I could.

So hopefully something clicks for you but if it doesn't, just remember that that's a-okay. You rock girl! Keep being gorgeous and witty and fun!

Sam said...

Hi Ali...that plaid kilt skirt is amazing, it must be so warm too made from cozy wool. I think its a very elegant preppy chic outfit. All the best with your classes, I am certain you will excel at them all!

Francesca said...

You look gorgeous as usual, and that skirt is so cute! When I read your post title, "English Teacher" from the Bye Bye Birdie musical popped in my head, haha.

I understand how you feel, I'm going to try tennis instead of my usual spring sport, track. I'm afraid I'll be terrible! But you never know how things are until you try! I'm sure you will be great at your courses, but even if you aren't then that's fine, at least you gave it your best and now you know that that's not for you! :D

Isquisofrenia said...

oh i adore the skirt , i got a dress kinda like that soon for sale too
but anywyas you look amazing and the brogues so cute, jc always the best!

Halie said...

That skirt rocks.
http://halielandry.blogspot.com/

A Very Sweet Blog said...

fabulous skirt and ruffle top! they both look awesome on you. so glad your new schedule is working out. that class sounds great! :)
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

joy said...

Woah that's a kilt?! That is so cool, haha it's even authentically itchy ;) And the blouse is so gorgeous, the ruffles are like waterfallls oh so pretty. I feel you, the idea of not succeeding can be so scary but I believe in you! It's already so hard to make sure the composition/lighting/focus/other stuff is right for a digital and you rock at that! I'm sure even professional photographers won't always get perfect film pictures for the first or second time. You can do it Ali!

LyddieGal said...

Film photography can seem really hard at first - I was terrified of loading my film on to the reel for processing for, like, ever. Being alone in the pitch dark room fumbling around trying to get the film on stressed me out so much!! And I ruined so many rolls not getting it on quite right.

Give it time, and you'll get better, you will learn to look at the light and how to gauge the exposure.

I think a film photography class is a really useful thing, digital does become a bit of a crutch since you can shoot and shoot and adjust on the fly.

Film will definitely make you a better photographer.

If you have a chance, you should try out a pinhole camera. I LOVED using that thing... exposures took minutes rather than fractions of a second, so you could make some very surreal photos.

Unknown said...

lovely photos. i am an english teacher (specifically esl) and i can't spell a lot of things. :)

Jen Hsieh said...

If you were an English Teacher, all your students would be going after you. Girl, you're rocking the teacher look. I also love the fact that you're wearing a backwards kilt. So much respect right now considering you pull it off flawlessly.

Have fun with your film photography class! I took one in college too and I was obsessed with it - it's incredibly different than digital and I always feel more connected to the pictures I take when I have more control over the settings and the development. It's like in-person Photoshopping. :P

But try not to be too anxious about this semester - just take it one day at a time and remember to be as confident as possible. Sometimes it's all about just having the right attitude and believing in yourself. Practice (and passion) make perfect so you've got this in the bag. <3

Alysha said...

I am loving this look, especially your skirt/kilt! And I love the pictures that go with the text here, they are so so perfect :D

megcasson said...

so gorgeous, i love that skirt.

www.kindoflovely.com

Lauren said...

You seriously looks so beautiful!! I really like that skirt on you xo

mymy said...

You look adorable, this outfit is lovely :)

xx

http://www.mymymode.com

Brie Bemis @ Sophistifunk said...

obsessed with your shoes!

xox brie

Cecille said...

I'm in love with your skirt!! so classy, and the colours, beautiful!!
www.cecilleblog.blogspot.com

Alissa said...

Oh my gosh this is seriously adorable! I adore it, that skirt is sooooo cute!

Jessi said...

Just found you on twenties girl style! I absolutely love your style. That kilt is worth the itchiness! You look darling. And I just can't get over your shoes! Want to follow each other?
-Jessi
haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com

thanias said...

LOVE Your look :) Classy and Elegant

xx,
http://www.outoftheblog.blogspot.com/

Julie Khuu | Haute Khuuture said...

Killer combo love! Pleats and ruffles, so girly and chic!

Thank you for the visit love! On the blog this week- Snippets from my trip to Sundance! Hope to see you back soon!

xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!

Haute Khuuture Blog

ANDYSTYLE said...

nice outfit :)

Unknown said...

such a beautiful skirt and love the story behind it :)

Mili from call me, Maeby

Becky said...

wow, you look stunning! :)

Love,
The Fashion Nerd

Debra said...

Hi Ali! Firstly, I LOVE your whole outfit. Nice touch adding those shoes! :) Secondly, just wanted to tell you to stay positive. Film is WAY different than snapping a pic on a digital camera. BUT...have patience & keep trying dear. You will get it! :) Best wishes for a successful semester sweetie.

Debra@stylewisebydebra.blogspot.com

Amy said...

Love that skirt, adorable!
http://coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

This is such a cute outfit...I love it!

Marie McGrath (The Joy of Fashion) said...

Ok, so first of all, you look adorable. I absolutely love the plaid skirt and how you paired it with those shoes. Simply adorable!

Second, I'm so so sorry to hear you have been having a bumpy week. I think its totally understandable for you to feel that way considering that you are trying so many new things that you haven't had practice doing before. I can completely relate because I always get very depressed when I don't get things right the first or second time, even more so if everyone else seems to do it well. Keep your chin up, I have complete confidence that with a little practice you are going to become amazing in just about everything you try. You can do it!

Lily Fang said...

You are just so classy. I love the sweet top and cute shoes!
I feel the same way about trying new things, but the best part is that you have no standard to live up to since you've never done it before! I know you're used to being decent at things, but don't worry. You'll catch on soon!
Feel better, I'll pray for you!

Elvis Presley said...

Really nice skirt =]


Yellow Blog [blog design]
http://yellowblog.storenvy.com
One-of-a-kind templates for $39 (also, "valentines2013" = 10% OFF)

Unknown said...

It's good to challenge yourself! I know it's really hard to feel like you don't know what you're doing, and HECK I hate putting myself in situations like that. I mean, my school has a PE requirement and I just signed up to take restorative yoga, though I'm about as flexible as a brick house. But hey, trying new things is good! And growing is good, and failing can be good for us in the long run too, because you learn. I am rambling now, but HEY, this is a beauuuutiful outfit and you are beauuuutiful!

mochaccinoland said...

u are immaculate & perfect like a mannequin <3

xoxo
mochaccinoland.blogspot.com

FASHION TALES said...

I love skirts like this. The brogues are lovely with this. xo/Madison

Anonymous said...

Me encanta el look, los zapatos osn ideales!!!

http://stylearua.blogspot.com.es

Virginia said...

you look supper! that skirt is amazing!
kisses pretty!

c said...

Amazing style!

<3

stephidu75@voila.fr said...

cute outfits

http://steph-annieblog.blogspot.fr/
http://steph-annieblog.blogspot.fr/

Sin12012 said...

So classy ! :D

xo ,
Ana Catalarrana
http://sinbowtie.blogspot.com

A Mode World said...

Adore the tartan skirt. xA

Erin said...

You look amazing in this kilt! It's so gorgeous and such a hard thing to pull off-but you do it effortlessly!

xx

Erin @ http://www.truffles-ruffles.com/

Annie said...

That plaid skirt is SO cute on you! Good luck with your classes :)

Annie
The Other Side of Gray

Lindsey Louise Bales said...

oh gosh, you have a wonderful and classy style! just adore this look and the skirt here!

lindsey louise

hellomrrabbit.blogspot.com

melissa said...

great oxfords

Life's a shoe said...

great look! so pretty and polished!

Unknown said...

I love love this outfit. You can't go wrong with a good schoolgirl uniform inspired outfit. I love that the plaid skirt is a real Scottish kilt too! I also loved your idea about the kilt production machine where the sheep go in and kilts pop out! Your shoes here are pretty amazing too. Such a cute little outfit.

Your comments on my blog are always so sweet! Thank you! I'm finally catching up with all the people I need to get back to, but I want you to know I really appreciate the support!

Adriana said...

I love your skirt! You look great =)

-Adriana
My blog :)

Mary M. said...

Such a preppy and cool look, I love your style!!

Unknown said...

i like this outfit :) it's something that i would wear too :)

Unknown said...

Oh I love the skirt and shoes!!
beautiful!!
xo
Ylenia
Ambitieuse.net