In my younger days, I thought basics were so boring!  But as I age, I feel drawn to simple pieces, simple outfits, and even more simple beauty routines. These are the key pieces that I’m living in these days. Sure, sometimes I jazz it up with a hero piece, but just as often, I go toward what feels more minimalist chic to me. Whether you lean toward a minimalist aesthetic or are more of a maximum impact girlie, every wardrobe needs at least a foundation of great basics to function!   The Pieces Kut from the Kloth Jeans – So stretchy and comfortable, modern silhouettes (Kelsey and Meg ..read more

How gorgeous is this Kimbra Kimono from Johnny Was? I’m crazy over it!  The stunning floral patterns with animal print trim and the quality construction make it a piece that will be my wardrobe for years to come. And the best news is that it was a bargain at After Retail, a website that brings customers high-quality designer pieces at a fraction of the average retail cost!   I was offered a chance to pick out an item of my choice to try out the After Retail experience and I’m couldn’t be happier with my choice and the service I received. After Retail founder, Michael Weintraub, has d ..read more

Every teacher is always keeping an eye out for the perfect teacher dress!  What is a perfect teacher dress? It’s a dress that is comfortable and versatile and makes you feel confident, but is very un-fussy. Machine-washable is a must. Extra credit for sustainability!  For my body shape, age, and personal preference, my perfect teacher dress is midi length, 3/4 length sleeves, a V neck is great IF it’s not too low cut and doesn’t gap open (this one doesn’t). This Chapelle Dress from Seasalt Cornwall ticks ALL my boxes and it’s on major sale right now too!   Shop this Look:   ..read more

Hope all my dear readers had a wonderful holiday with loved ones! We had a very happy Christmas and are really enjoying some well-deserved time off from work. Every year I try to get a good picture of my husband and dog around the Christmas tree. They are the most impatient models ever, so if I get one okay photo, I’m pretty jazzed. I really love these adorable buffalo plaid Santa hats that my husband surprised me with. We wore them to cut down our tree and we wore them for walks on Christmas day. (Get them on sale now, and put them away for next year!) Shop the post:       Lovi ..read more

Can you believe this beautiful and chic 42 year old woman used to be a little freshman in my English class?  OMG, do I feel old!  It’s so wonderful to connect with old students and oddly enough it seems like no time has even passed when we meet up! Leslie (on IG @happily.leslie) is the BA&SH representative at our local Bloomingdale’s and she and my dear friend Kim of Northern California Style put together a little fun girl time for chit chat, giggles, and shopping! So much fun!! Shop BA&SH at Bloomingdale’s         I especially loved this sparkly dress, bu ..read more

Fall weather is my favorite and fall clothing is my favorite!  The weather is not quite cooperating yet in San Jose, but I couldn’t wait to share this super cute autumn ensemble.   Garnet Hill invited me to choose a few fall items to update my wardrobe!  Have you checked out their website lately? SO many stylish, quality pieces! I’m in love with this Wool-Blend Sherpa Coat and this organic cotton flannel shirt in Golden Sunset plaid! I’m also wearing my fav fall footwear, Franco Sarto Waxton Booties, and new Kut from the Kloth Kelsey Jeans. I finished off the look with ..read more

Who doesn’t love a matching set?  Especially when the pieces can be easily worn together or on their own? Shop the Look: Kasper asked me to pick out a matching set and I couldn’t be happier with this Kasper Cowl Neck Cap Sleeve top and Kasper Pull On Midi Skirt. As a teacher, comfortable, wash-and-wear, and versatile wardrobe items are the gold standard and this cute set fits the bill.     ICYMI, check out my pretty Kasper dress. I wore it on the first day of school! Fun & Fashion, Dawn Lucy About the blog: Fashion Should Be Fun is me talking to you, other middle a ..read more

As time goes on and my style matures, I find myself turning to modern basics more and more.  I look for pieces that are easy and comfortable and kind of effortlessly cool.  Part of it might be the California girl in me …?   It’s a California style sin to look too try hard.   Shop the Look:   I wore this outfit for lunch and shopping with the fabulous Cathy of Bay Area Fashionista. These are my favorite brand for jeans, Kut from the Kloth and this style is the Meg wide leg.  I can’t recommend this cut enough: it’s flattering, modern, stretchy, comfortable.&nbs ..read more

A third piece (blazer, cardigan, etc) always makes an outfit look more put together. Sometimes that’s tough in the summertime when a third piece needs to be cool and breezy, but I’ve found that an oversized linen button up works great! I have one in white that I’ve had for years and I added a black linen to my wardrobe now as well.   Shop this Look:   A few fab linen shirts to wear as a third piece:   What do you like to wear as a third piece in the summer? I also love a kimono or lightweight cardigan. ICYMI, check out my latest posts, my other new favorite third piece, a Lucky ..read more

I just got back from a wonderful trip to Washington state.  We explored all over and are thinking of retiring somewhere in the Pacific Northwest in a couple of years.  Before I left for my trip, I bought this Lucky Brand Utility Jacket and it was the perfect travel jacket! It’s a good light-to-medium weight and rolls up in the suitcase. The jacket is longish which is always a plus in my book and the green is flattering (not too yellow). In California this is an all-season jacket!  So really, I can’t recommend it enough.   Shop this Look: Turn on your JavaScript to view con ..read more