Academichic Travels: E.’s College Reunion

Posted on | October 8, 2009 | 9 Comments

My husband N., baby e., and I are heading south this weekend to our old undergraduate stomping ground. We try to go back annually for homecoming weekend, but this year is also our 5 year reunion.

It’s an almost inevitable cliche, I suppose, that when packing for such an event I would reflect on how much life — and my style — have changed over the past 5 years. I would describe my undergraduate style as “simple.” A big part of that can likely be traced to the fact that, having grown up in very warm, very casual Hawaii, I really had no idea how to dress for the “mainland,” especially as temperatures dropped. So, I stuck with the basics: black tops and knee-length floral skirts, solid tops with simple necklines and jeans, a black cardigan over a black tank top with a denim skirt. Folks, believe it or not, I didn’t really start layering until after I graduated from college.

I still would not apply adjectives like “edgy” or “funky” to my style as a whole, but I do think that I’ve become far more adventurous in my choices and combinations. I’ve come to see my wardrobe as a creative outlet with real-life impact, and when I see old friends at this reunion I’d like to think that my clothes will say something about my increased self-confidence and contentment with my current life.

(And in case you were wondering, N. was my only college suitor, so I don’t have to worry about making a statement to an old boyfriend!)

So what am I packing for this reunion?

I decided to try something a little different this time and pack around a color scheme rather than discrete outfits. I know, I’m getting so reckless in my new state of motherhood. I chose a palette of browns and grays, purples with warm counterparts and pops of teal.

The List:

Gray skinny jeans – thrifted, skinnied by me
Eggplant jersey dress – formerly a maxi dress, chopped by me
Long gray cardigan – BR, gift from mother-in-law
Purple “grandma” cardigan – H&M
Teal nursing tank – Old Navy
Magenta nursing tank – Old Navy
Mustard blouson top – F21
Checkered button down – thrifted
Brown skirt – BR Outlet
Thin gray cardigan – Marshalls
Orange paisley pashmina (not shown) – gift from sister-in-law H.
Steve Madden Iriss boots – eBay
Brown wedges – thrifted
Pajamas, socks, nursing camisoles, and undies (not pictured)

The Plan:

I haven’t actually thought out every single outfit possibility. This actually works to my advantage since Southern weather at this time of year is just as unpredictable as Midwestern at any time of year. So, I’m bringing enough to layer up if necessary or to go lighter as the weather dictates. A few ideas:

Visiting campus and reunion lunch friends: wedges + gray jeans + mustard top + checkered button down

Family dinner and jazz dancing: eggplant dress + long cardigan + wedges

Brunch and soccer game-watching: boots + gray jeans + purple cardigan + nursing tank

I’m excited to see what I’m able to create on the fly, within this color-schemed pack. Wish me luck!

Traveling with E. - College Reunion

Category: Night Without Grading, Research Casual, Sabbatical, Taking Notes, Weekend Wear

Comments

9 Responses to “Academichic Travels: E.’s College Reunion”

Jen
October 8th, 2009 @ 10:49 am

Did you go to school in Texas, or maybe New Orleans?!

I’m from Texas, so I recognize the bluebonnets, but I went to school in New Orleans and know this weekend is homecoming / reunion weekend.

P.S. everytime you style those wedge boots, I remember to put a pair just like it on my wish list! Great boots!
stylefyles
October 8th, 2009 @ 11:19 am

that top picture is beautiful! the flowers are lovely!!! have fun!
A-C
October 8th, 2009 @ 1:42 pm

At least I know you didn’t go to *my* undergrad as our homecoming was 2 weeks ago. Either way, isn’t Southern living just wonderful? Have fun!
Alisha
October 8th, 2009 @ 2:06 pm

That’s a great picture of you in the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes! I recognize both of those flowers…did you go to undergrad in Texas? Those flowers are all over the state.
Luinae
October 8th, 2009 @ 5:39 pm

I can’t wait to see what you create- I love the colour of that yellow top!
Kari
October 8th, 2009 @ 8:02 pm

Hope that you have a wonderful trip! That’s neat that your style has evolved so much but in a way that’s very true to who you are. I imagine it would be very hard to not only move to an area with a different climate than Hawaii, but a very different dress code as well.
Sassy Molassy
October 9th, 2009 @ 9:06 am

This looks really fun. I love packing around a color scheme. Someday I’m determined to try it.
e.
October 11th, 2009 @ 6:38 pm

Jen and Alisha, good eyes! This picture was indeed taken in Texas, but it was on one of my spring breaks. As I went through my undergrad pictures this was one of the only ones of me by myself where you could see my outfit head to toe. I actually went to a little liberal arts school in Georgia.
11 October 2009 – Sister Time : academichic
October 11th, 2009 @ 6:57 pm

[...] I spent this weekend at my 5 year college reunion down South. Two of my younger sisters-in-law are currently students at my old undergrad, so we got to spend some time with them as well. [...]