Retro Inspired Grad Look

It’s my first day of summer break! While I have quite a bit of work to do over the summer to prepare for next school year (for those of you new to my blog, I’m a high school teacher) a mental break right now is highly needed.

Last night was graduation and yours truly was the host. I’ve helped out at past graduations, usually tasked with reading the student’s names aloud so they can come and accept their diplomas. But, this year my senior class asked me to not only read out names for diplomas but to host the entire event. Those who know me very well know that I have a slight fear of microphones, to put it mildy. Back in college when my friends were all into karaoke bars (the kind where you book a private room for singing, food and drinks) I would happily sing aloud to my heart’s content as I love to sing, but never ever into a microphone. I would avoid that like the plague. So the seniors asked me to host and because it meant a lot to them and they wooed me with very sweet words when asking, I said yes.

For this hosting gig/graduation in general, I wore a dress that I got a few years ago for my friend’s bridal shower. It may have been made and purchased in 2013, but the cut, print/pattern of it is a total retro throwback.

I can’t really decide if this dress is more 60s or 70s. Maybe late 60s/early 70s? Anyway, the color scheme, print, and neckline totally give me that feeling. I paired it with neutral accessories (shoes and purse/clutch) and gold jewelry.

Dress: Love21 via Forever21
Purse: Urban Expressions via DSW
Shoes: DSW
Watch: Michael Kors
Earrings: Tory Burch via Nordstrom

I love this flap clutch; it is so cool! I’ve always wanted the kind that opens up and has a space like a normal clutch, but then there’s also a zipper on the flap so you can fit a lot more stuff inside because it is the depth of the entire purse. The purse has a very thin, gold chain (more gold!) which is easily tucked inside so you can carry it as a clutch. The only annoying part is that the chain keeps getting stuck to the magnets.

The collar of the dress leads into 2 material straps which I loosely tied together.

To continue with the retro feel, I always feel like yellow gold completes the look. Of the metals, I always think of yellow gold as a classic look in the retro sense especially. I love these Tory Burch logo earrings. So simple, yet so stylish. I bought these last year when I bought my best friend a pair as a gift. It was one of those “one for you, one for me” purchases that I’m sure we’re all guilty of!

And that completes my look! For my makeup, I used some regular staples and a rediscovered product for my cheeks and eyes which I will be sharing with you all in an upcoming post.

Graduation went smoothly and my friends said I didn’t sound nervous so that goes into the win column!