You can't go wrong with black and white...

Graduation always signals the end of the year for me so  you can bet your @$$ I was happy that day finally arrived.   It's also one of those "special" occasions where I either wear a skirt or a dress. In this case, a skirt which I usually prefer because I can mix and match the tops. I am so much more comfortable in my holey jeans and t-shirts. But then again, I hardly wear monkey outfits like this so it's like what Pee Wee Herman says, "Take a picture, it'll last longer!"


The top is from Anthropologie. It's actually a "tank top" with a draped cowl neck with ruching (see product details here). It's cut on the bias and is kind of cut like a swingy a-line but more fitted (thank goodness because if it was cut wider and wore in untucked, I'd look like I was prego or something).

The fabric is jersey and drapes quite nicely. Again, I wouldn't wear this out, but tucked in (even in jeans). The color is also pretty for spring and summer.

I paired the green top with a black and white giraffe print pencil skirt from Ann Taylor Loft (Fk yeah, bought on sale and with a $20 off coupon; see product info here). The salesgirl at the store recommended wearing the skirt with a bright color such as coral, red, orange (no to all!) or even purple or magenta. She said a bright color would make the skirt "pop" which is true. But I wanted something different so I chose green. I used an old patent leather belt (an old one that came with an older dress) and my black cockroach killer pointy toed heels.  BTW, the skirt sizes in this style run big, so that size that I normally thought would fit me was huge so I happily went one size down. It's probably "vanity sizing" but it made me feel better. :)

One of my former students (Class of 97 can you believe it?) went up to me on the field and said I looked "fly"(fly for my age, ha ha). Her baby sister graduated that day and I've known the family for 17 years (this is the one who had a recent debutante party), so it was super nice that she was able to catch me amidst the chaotic madness on the field. It was great seeing her again but most of all seeing all of the proud parents and the jubilant students as they tossed their mortarboards in the air at the end of the ceremony.

Only five weeks of vacation but hey, I'm not complaining!