Nailed it.

Do you ever start off on your trip down Pinterest lane and think, "I shall wear that"? However, when the time actually arrives to wear that, you botch it something terrible and hope the original pinner never sees the monstrosity that you have created in their name? Or, conversely, you take a pin and nail that sucker to the wall and say, "haha! In Style would say I totally wore it better"? Yesterday, I think I created the latter of the two outfits (the masterpiece, not the monstrosity).

I began with this pin. (I wish I was not allergic to wool so that I could own this beautifully colored blazer that Jessica has on, but I must settle for the cotton cardigan version instead.) I thought I would wear my striped skirt (not dress) with my camel-colored cardigan (not blazer) and brown boots. However, I somehow landed on this new burgundy-colored cardigan from Target (thanks to one of those alluring Cartwheel coupons--curse you, Cartwheel). Based on how many students and teachers complimented today's outfit, I decided to pat myself on the back and say, "job well done, self."

I considered calling myself a narcissist just now, but you know what? No. I told one of my former students who needed a pep talk to repeat the following self-affirmation every day while looking in the mirror: "I am beautiful, and I write well." Perhaps, I should take my own advice and remind myself, "I do not always botch my pinspirations. In fact, I am beautiful, and I dress well." Ladies, affirm yourselves today. (I considered deleting that last sentence because of its seemingly perverted undertones. Instead, I decided to point out its weirdness and leave it be.)

If you follow me on Instagram, you already saw the outfit, but it kind of deserves a blog post. (Here I am, tooting my horn.) And something other than a shameless mirror selfie. However, I can only do so much.

The Look: Cardigan: Target (exact on sale for $15!) Top: Target Belt and Skirt: NY & Co. (skirt: 1 / 2 / 3) Boots: Ralph Lauren via DSW (brown and cognac option for $70)

I also wore the skirt these ways: