When
jcpenney contacted me about doing a back-to-school-themed post, I jumped at the chance. It's been years since I've had a first day back, but the bookworm in me still gets excited every August.
Top: Courtesy of jcpenney // Shirt as skirt: Thrifted, $1 // Shoes: Dolce Vita via Gilt, purchased with credit // Ring: jcpenney, $10
The challenge was simple: create an outfit inspired by a school picture from childhood. While I couldn't find any first day photos, I did find a relic from picture day, which was just as important an occasion.
This gem dates back to 1994. As you can see, I was going through my grunge phase at the time. Just look at that flannel! I would have made a good little second-grade Seattleite.
While shopping, this
gorgeous yellow number was the first thing to catch my eye. I reminded myself to focus! This top bore no resemblance to my inspiration. Then... a lightbulb! It dawned on me how cool this pattern would look paired with red plaid. The only trouble was, I don't have any plaid skirts. Then I remembered a post on
the Concrete Catwalk awhile back in which Jessie fashions a button-up shirt into a skirt, so I gave it a shot. Paired with some strappy black sandals (the next best thing to combat boots), I thought this look captured the rebellious spirit of my bygone style while still looking grown-up.
Tell me about your best (or worst) back-to-school look in the comments section of this post for a chance to win a $50 gift card from
jcpenney! Open to US residents only. Entries will be accepted through Wednesday, August 31st at noon central time.
