Huh-lo, fashionistas!
If it’s Wednesday, it must be another “Style Perspectives” link-up with The Blended Blog girls. Today we are following Deena’s prompt…a graphic tee. She has the absolute best graphic tees. Deena gave all of TBB‘s contributors a homework assignment before she put together today’s post. From Thug Life Shirts, we were asked to select one graphic tee that represents us. If you have never window shopped the great tees at Thug Life (and I hadn’t), please head over there sometime. Would love to know which graphic tee among their many, many options best represents YOU.
I am out of town, and knew I would be when we would be sharing today’s look so I took my pics ahead of time. Kept thinking I would wear today’s outfit before I left home but that didn’t happen. So today’s look comes to you in three slightly different versions in the form of a flat layout.
Actually the only differences in these outfits are the shoes and the necklaces. My graphic tee is from Loft Outlet, ballet pink cardi from Loft Outlet, Sonoma striped skirt from Kohl’s, Mix No. 6 nude flats, black flats and black and white d’Orsay patent flats both from DSW. My necklace on the first look is an Origami Owl pendant. My pearls are from Charming Charlie.
I love my Origami Owl necklace but forget to wear it. With all of it’s cute iconic charms, my Origami Owl is kind of like a graphic necklace.
I have pearls because they represent the sorority I belonged to, Delta Delta Delta, (and a strand of pearls was a graduation gift from my parents). I like the expression that life is a gift. It certainly is. And on the reverse side of that charm, there is a tree of life, another image I like. The word ‘blessed’ is stamped inside the plate of the Living Locket, and I have added a cross, a heart with the word ‘family’ engraved, a little girl with a ruby stone to represent my three girls (Brennyn, Lauren and Cady) who are all born in July. Now I need a little girl with an aquamarine stone for my Lucia. And the letter C for my Prince Charming.
If you aren’t familiar with Origami Owl, please check them out here.
I also added my KEEP Collective bracelet to this outfit.
I thought this piece was kind of like a graphic bracelet.
My friend and fellow librarian Morgan is also a new mother and a KEEP Collective representative. If you are interested in learning more about the unique pieces offered by KEEP Collective, please click here.
Here’s a pic from last spring of my graphic tee with a denim skirt.
My denim skirt is from Macy’s and my boots from Cavenders.
While we are on the subject of graphic tees, graphic necklaces and graphic bracelets, let’s talk just a minute about graphic novels. These are the cartoon-type, comic books that a becoming ever-increasingly more popular among school children. Graphic novels are also called manga, originated in Japan and were first written for adults.
In a recent book order, I purchased all of the Caldecott Award winning and honor books for 2015. The Caldecott Medal is “awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children”. [source]
One of the honor books for 2015 was This One Summer, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki, written by Mariko Tamaki.
[source]
It was written on a 2.4 reading level, received 12 awards and reviews, in addition to the Caldecott Honor Award for its illustrations.
Almost as quickly as I put this new book on the shelf, it was checked out by one of my fifth grade girls. Then she was caught snickering over the book with a small group of girls at recess and the P.E. coach went over to check what they were looking at with such intent.
The coach confiscated the book after she looked through it and went to the office to show the principal.
Here are a few pages from this graphic novel.
Not sure if you can read this print or make out the pictures very well but the language is certainly not suitable for second graders or elementary students of any age. And the illustrations are no more appropriate.
I was so disappointed that an award that has historically been given to children’s picture books written for elementary school children has now been given to this graphic novel. I would never have purchased this book for my library had I known the subject matter. The overview provided by the jobber from whom I purchased This One Summer reads: “Rose and her parents go on vacation to Awago Beach like they do every year, but this year Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting and she turns to her friend Windy for help dealing with her troubled family life”. [source]
Even that summary is misleading. I should have read all of the reviews. I should have realized this book was 312 pages and not a picture book.
I have felt so badly about this purchase and having exposed this little girl to an inappropriate book because I didn’t research it carefully enough.
Anyway, the book has been pulled from my library and sent to a high school library for a more fitting audience.
Please be sure to stop by the blogs of the other TBB gals after you run by The Blended Blog to check out Deena’s interpretation of her prompt.
Fourteen bloggers each picked a look that defined their personal style. The featured blogger on the Blended Blog showcases her signature style (the prompt for that day) and then the other bloggers (on their personal blogs) show how they interpret it.
If you aren’t a blogger, please play along by posting pics of your great graphic tee onto Facebook or Instagram using
#theblendedblogstyle
Before I put this blog post to bed and call it a day, here in Houston, I want to share the collage of our looks from last week’s prompt – cardi, tee, jeans and statement necklace.
That’s me without a head again. I can’t seem to get my pictures the right size to feature all of me. Oh, well.
Hope you will share one of your fun graphic tees with us!
Off to bed. I am presenting at the Texas Library Association Annual Conference tomorrow morning and we found out today that 500 people are expected for our presentation.
What?
Keep your fingers crossed, please, that all goes well. And think a good thought for all of those in here in Houston who have been effected by the terrible flooding. More rain on the way tomorrow.
Hugs and kisses,
LISA
Look at those cowboy boots – you look great! I like the “look for a silver lining” – something to always remember at all times. That is so disappointing that the book was given the award. There should be more people like you that are so kind – and looking out for kids.
Lisa
Daily Style Finds
Leslie Roberts Clingan
You are so sweet, Lisa. I just hated knowing that I purchased a book that negatively impacted one of my babies (students). I don’t
think I have ever had that experience before. Not sure why sex and cursing has to be a part of everything these days. When I saw this
graphic tee, it really spoke to me.
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
LOVE this outfit! That personalized bracelet is so perfect for you with the ‘read’ on it. Surprisingly, I don’t have a lot of graphic tees!! I know, the shame!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Nicole
GREAT Tee – Love how put together you look with all of your accessories!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you! Had fun with this prompt.
Deena
Love how you linked this to a book and those colours are beautiful together
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you! That darn book was such a disappointment to me. Hated that I bought an inappropriate book for the kids at my school. But that
book is a goner now.
Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side
Love the outfit friend! Love that you paired it with so many different necklaces and shoes. I love shoes. Too bad about the book, boo!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Sarah. My nude flats broke (strap pulled out of the stitching) on my way to a doctor’s appointment and I had to run
to Payless to get some flip flops before I went to the appointment. Got them fixed for $3 so they are back in commission.
Christy
I love how you put your outfit together, cowboy boots included!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you! Need to remember to wear those cowboy boots!
Shaunacey
I just adore how your love for reading is evident in every thing you do! It’s seriously perfect because it’s so you!
You look so pretty in that pink cardi and I love the tee!!
Simply Shaunacey
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Shaunacey. My sister called the cardi “ballet pink”. Love all things book and ballet-related. And when kids are
mixed in, I am on Cloud 9.
Sharon
Looking good there sister friend! I only have a OKC thunder and a Sooner top and I guess they can’t qualify as graphic tees since they are made of the piko fabric 🙂 Hope you girls are staying dry! Love that Lucia and I are birthday buddies and our birthstone is so pretty. 😍
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I need to get that Origami Owl birthstone baby ASAP. I felt guilty wearing the necklace without having baby girl represented. We had crazy weather ever day that I was gone!
Or at least unpredictable. And now that we are home, the wind is CRAZY.
Andrea Nine
Oh my goodness, you look so stinkin cute!!! Cowboy boots were meant for you hot lady!! Sorry bout the book but happy with how adorable you are!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, sugar. I need to put those cowboy boots out where I remember to wear them. They are so much more comf than
a lot of my shoes. Love that it is “ok” to wear boots with dresses, tennies with dresses, heels with jeans these days.
Love that we are breaking all the rules I grew up trying to follow.
Whitney @ Whitney a la mode
I love that you created such pretty looks to go with a graphic tee. I like that the silver goes with the grey and the pink makes such a pretty combo!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Whitney. I did like this color palette. Remember that a little girl I knew growing up had a pink and gray bedroom and
I loved it.
Lana
Such a pretty outfit – and I hope we get to see it on you soon! That’s too bad about the book. I always enjoyed choosing Caldecott Award books for my boys. And I love your charm necklace – how special!
Andrea@WellnessNotes
I know it’s hard to believe, but I don’t own any graphic tees… BUT, getting one has been on my list for while! 🙂 I really like yours! All three outfit options as well as how you wore it last year are great!
Sorry the book was so misleading. But it sounds like you found a good, new home for it!
Carrie
Great tee, Leslie + I like how you wore with boot and how you will wear it with flats. Thanks for sharing about the Caldecott winner. I miss “school” stuff and appreciate when you share it! Reminds me of my passions.
Alison @ Puppies & Pretties
What a great look Leslie! Plus those boots *all the heart eyes*
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Alison. Anxious to break out my denim skirts again. I forgot I had them. And had forgotten my cowboy/girl
boots. Sometimes, I really need to stay out of the stores and just shop my closet!
Sheila @ Making the Most of Every Day
Love the flat lays! Origami Owl is big in homeschooling circles but I don’t have one. Yours is really cute! You look HAWT in the boots, skirt and tee!
~Sheila
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you! The flat layouts are better for me than trying to take pics of myself in the outfits with my silly phone. I
have to get a camera. Have to. My PC will not help with picture taking and I just hate seeing myself in the mirror with the
camera stuck in the middle of my outfit.
Laura
I was able to zoom in and read some of the graphic novel. From your description I can’t believe what is in it! How disappointing! Love your graphic tee and its message though. It’s something I’ve been trying to remember lately and such a good point!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I am glad you zoomed in to see what I was talking about with that graphic novel. I just don’t understand why we have to put sex (albeit oral)
and cursing in a book on a second grade reading level that has won recognition for the illustrations. Kind of spoils everything. As far
as my graphic tee message goes, I am trying hard to live by that, myself. My word for this year is CONTENT, and that kind of goes along
with looking for the silver lining. There is almost always something good with every something bad. Thank you!!!
Katie
Leslie, I just love you! This is the best shirt and I love how you tied everything into the book. I am surprised this book won as well. But the students are so in to graphic novels these days! They are not my fave!! Also I am loving how you style your outfit pics!! Great job!!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I knew you would feel my pain about this book. I am truly not THAT prudish or old fashioned but just never dreamed that a
Caldecott Honor book written on a second grade reading level (I kind of question that reading level determination, too) would
be peppered with sexual remarks and cursing. I thought Caldecotts were mostly awarded to picture books. Silly me.
Thank you for your sweet words about my outfit. I need to remember to look for that sometime allusive silver lining.
Ada
Leslie, that “look for the silver lining” tee is awesome. What an uplifting message. I love the outfit on the flat-lay. And those are some amazing Cowboy boots, too.
I am glad I was able to join in on the fun prompt too, with my new graphic tee which I love. Check it out. =)
I welcome you to stop by my blog. I recently started a linkup so join me this Thursday and every Thursday. The new linkup is currently live. This outfit is too good not to be shared. Thanks, Ada. =)
http://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2016/04/thursday-moda-8-and-festival-inspired.html
Have a great Monday! =)
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Hi friend! Thank you! Will stop by your blog now. I have been out of town for what feels like forever! Need to get back to blogging. Missed it.
I need to check out your graphic tee. I loved seeing some of the girls pairing theirs with blazers. Great inspiration.
Jennie
This graphic tee is too Cute! It looks wonderful with your pale pink cardigan and pearls. Your Origami Owl necklace is so sweet and a great piece. So fun seeing this tee with your denim and cowboy boots!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, sugar. So glad you stopped by. This was really an outfit composed from forgotten pieces…forget to wear my Origami Owl,
my cowboy boots, my denim skirt. Need to put this outfit on and wear it to work this week.
Elements of Ellis
Graphic tees are so fun and you did a great job styling yours! I’ve never checked out Thug Life Shirts but I need too 🙂 And I love your cowboy boots! I’m from a small country/western town so cowboy boots are a must there!
https://elementsofellis.com/