Dump Your Frump!

I've had a lot of time this summer to think about things I'd like to improve with this new school year.  A lot of it was the typical stuff, like being more organized, making my assignments more engaging, and all that good stuff.  But also on the list? Dumping My Frump.

I'm an avid reader of tarabitesback, a blog written by a wonderfully witty woman.  She also started a new blog with some friends that's called Dump Your Frump.  It's supposed to be for busy mom's on the go who were tired of using being tired as an excuse to run around in sweat pants and flip flops.

I've not nothing against a good pair of sweat pants and flip flops, but once I started reading their posts, I realized that while I'm not yet a busy mom on the go, I am, in fact, a busy art teacher on the go, and my wardrobe for the last few years has been...well...yeah...

If I had to describe my working wardrobe, I think the word "frumpy" would most definitely apply. This is not okay.  Often times last year, while I waited outside of the door of my classroom for my students, I'd often catch myself checking out all the cute young World Language and English teachers who walked by.  Totally trendy, comfortable, professional clothes.  Then, I'd look down at myself: black t-shirt, green cargo pants, sneakers.  Not okay.

Honestly, I was kind of okay with it until the second time I was stopped by administration asking for my hall pass.  Really awkward when you have to convince one of your higher ups that you actually work there...

But dressing professionally and being the art teacher are two things that don't really mesh well.

First: My budget.  Hello? I'm a teacher! I don't have cash to blow on the newest trends every month.  I almost don't have enough cash to pay my monthly bills- so fashion always takes a back-seat.

Second: My job isn't exactly conducive to "nice" clothes.  I can't tell you how many things I've had to wash and rewash- or toss all together- because of paint/glaze/ink stains.

Third: COMFORT!  I think I might sit down for 20 minutes of my whole 7 hour day.  I teach in two different rooms- one is hot all year round.  The other? I lose feeling in my fingers it's so cold.  And don't even get me started on how badly my feet hurt trying to break in a new pair of shoes at work.

I know what some of you are thinking: SMOCK.

Yeah, I had that thought, too.  I even searched a bit online with the intent of purchasing one.

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(To me, this blue trash bag says, "Let's hide the bodies" rather than, "Let's make masterpieces!")

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(Pretty great if all you're going to do is gaze lovingly at the things you're holding all day long- but not so much if you actually plan on using your arms for anything.  With this smock, at lest, I know my hip-and-thigh area will be clean as a whistle!)

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(What a gem.  Disposable sleeves!  Essentially the opposite of the shot above it....now only if there were a way to combine the two...)

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(Wow! Ask and you shall receive!  How environmentally friendly and completely practical!  Plastic disposable sleeveless apron sold with disposable sleeves! Genius!)

Are you starting to see my problem?

However, after a few hours of searching, I did find this:

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(Nice! A marriage between the disposable sleeves and bodice, which isn't disposable or plastic.  Good coverage of all essential extremities and then some!  Easy button down front and- yes- even pockets!)

I must say, I'm impressed with this find.  And while the cost is not exactly cheap ($42.95 plus shipping and handling) it's by far the nicest, most practical smock I've been able to find.  Believe it or not, on my amazing salary, I actually need to save up for this little extra item.  It's been placed in my amazon cart and will wait there until I'm good and ready and rich enough to afford it.

Are there any other art teachers out there having as tough a time as me with their daily wardrobe?