3 December 2009

Posted on | December 3, 2009 | 41 Comments

3 December 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:
All remixed:

Black turtleneck – Zara
White button down – J.Jill
Jean skirt – Urban Outfitters
Black tights – DM
Yellow pumps – Gianni Bini
Gold vintage brooch – vintage shop in Munich

Endnotes:

Chelsea’s recent writings on posting a less than perfect outfit really struck a chord with me. I love her attitude and admire her willingness to put herself out there like that, something that isn’t easy and often leaves one feeling vulnerable or self-conscious in such a public forum as the blogging world.

I can only understand her point too well. Often I love an outfit until I see it photographed and up on the site and then I’m suddenly struck with all the reasons why it doesn’t look that great. I cringe every time I look back at this picture and all I can think is, holy jolly green giant! Wear green much? But it took me a while to learn how to do monochromatic and that outfit was part of my learning process.

While I always welcome constructive criticism and have mostly only experienced comments of the constructive kind, there are the occasional hurtful remarks. Often those aim to tear down one’s “authority” by pointing to all the flaws of a given outfit (sometimes getting quite mean and personal; I’m not talking about you telling me that my scarf doesn’t go or something perfectly acceptable like that). But that’s the point, none of us are authorites on fashion nor do we claim to be.

That’s what I love about blogging and the blogging community. The majority of people are very supportive and encouraging and most (certainly not I) do not claim to be style experts. We just share a passion for clothing, aesthetic expression, color, proportions, vintage, modern trends, thrifting, or what ever else drives people to express themselves in this artistic community. So I will continue to post the odd “yeah…not so much” outfit because experimenting, pushing myself, and trying new things is about half the fun of being here. And thanks to all of you who always leave encouraging and constructively astute remarks, you make this learning process enjoyable! S.

Vintage Brooch, originally uploaded by academichic.

Category: Beltless, Color Combinations, Layers Upon Layers, Our Best Flatware, Skirting the Issue, Teaching Outfits

Comments

41 Responses to “3 December 2009”

Liz
December 3rd, 2009 @ 2:58 pm

I can relate to looking back and cringing. Even just from posts from a few days ago, but I agree it’s all about learning! Anyway, love your outfit today, the layered look and the yellow shoes!
Chelsea
December 3rd, 2009 @ 3:04 pm

Before I read the text, I of course checked out this faaaabulous outfit (we’re all picture-centric, right?). I would never think to pair a button up UNDER a turtleneck, but I just love the result! I am a sucker for high-collared shirts worn with your hair up… it just makes me feel fabulous :) I am filing this look away for future inspiration, for sure!

And, S., thank you so much for your wonderful comment on my post. I have not yet had the displeasure of being harshly criticized (due to the newness of my blog and small readership, I’m sure) on my personality, looks or outfits because of my blog, and I just went right into rescue-mode when I read what you wrote. I wanted to find out who those a-holes were that insulted you and give them a piece of my mind! You seem like such a caring person and to think some bozo got his/her kicks from knocking you down just makes me angry.

Anyway, thanks for furthering this topic on your blog. I am so touched that my words resonated with you!
Kelly
December 3rd, 2009 @ 3:07 pm

I really really love everything about this outfit. I can’t say it’s a surprise exactly, because it does seem like “you,” but it looks very fresh and new on you.
Clare
December 3rd, 2009 @ 3:11 pm

That brooch is fabulous, and this whole outfit is just stunning. Great post!
Nadine
December 3rd, 2009 @ 3:24 pm

Wait, are you saying THIS is a less-than-ideal outfit? Because I REALLY love it. I love black&white, and cotton shirts under knitwear, and denim, and I think your choice and placement of brooch is genius. Plus your hair and nails are awesome, and I love the red wall. Definitely a favourite!
Gloria Blackwell
December 3rd, 2009 @ 3:52 pm

I applaud you for taking the risk of putting yourself out there and presenting your outfit creations for us all to enjoy (I know I do, anyway). If someone has the nerve to write a negative/mean comment on your blog, they are losers. I mean, who would really waste the energy to type a negative comment, anyway? They are projecting their own insecurities onto you. Don’t take it personally! Your outfit is great and you are a charming and intelligent woman. Your blog is one of my favorites so don’t let a few bad apples spoil it for the rest of us! :-)
La Historiadora de Moda
December 3rd, 2009 @ 4:01 pm

Well, I have yet to see a post on this blog worthy of harsh or negative criticism. Of course, I don’t always love every single thing about every single outfit, but you all have lovely personal styles and what I don’t like, someone else may think is the height of being fashion forward.

One of the reasons that I do outfit posts is because in my pre-blogging days I hated having pictures of myself taken, and would pick at every fault in a photo far more than I would in the mirror. My blog has really helped me to get past that. I have yet to receive any negative feedback (besides what’s in my own head at times) on any of my outfit posts, but, like the bright side dweller, Fashionable Academics is still relatively new and I have a much smaller readership than you ladies.

Keep posting! You are somehow simultaneously whimsically adorable and effortlessly chic, and I love seeing what you put together.
Tizzle-T
December 3rd, 2009 @ 4:22 pm

Wow, you look great! What a stunning photo.
Luinae
December 3rd, 2009 @ 4:30 pm

The layered look is really lovely, can’t wait to recreate it with my own wardrobe!
What Would a Nerd Wear
December 3rd, 2009 @ 4:38 pm

this post is fabulous. one of the things i most like about your looks is that they seem real, not overdone, sometimes imperfect, entirely relatable, and approachable.
there is something that frustrates me about the inaccessibility of magazine fashion (not just that it’s expensive but that you simply don’t see people on the streets, in your university hallways, and at coffee shops dressed in heels with mini fishtanks in the bottoms).
one of my favorite posts of yours recently was where you said the outfit wasn’t quite right (it was a gray vest with a scarf round your neck), but you win some and lose some.
as “style” bloggers (an idea that still makes me giggle because i don’t feel particularly fashionable), we show what real people wear every day, in ways that are relatable and interesting. and not perfect, not styled, and often rushed for time. i love your looks and how they spark my creativity, even–and especially–when i think i might change it myself. that is what i have loved about blogging so far–a lot of imperfection that actually works better at inspiring because it is imperfect.
Frances Joy
December 3rd, 2009 @ 4:38 pm

I have to say that I am absolutely in love with your outfit. So much so, that I might have to copy it tomorrow. In love, I tell you!
vintage_mck
December 3rd, 2009 @ 5:11 pm

Thank you for providing me with an outfit inspiration for tomorrow! We have been “allowed” casual days on Fridays for the month of December and I was at a loss for what to wear! Beautifully executed!
Elena
December 3rd, 2009 @ 5:22 pm

I love everything about this outfit—classic but with a lovely pop from the yellow shoes and brooch!

I posted a coat I really no longer like today. Honestly, it may have been one I shouldn’t have went through with, considering I had mostly negative commentary…but somehow it felt important to post the good and the bad. Because that’s (my) life. :)
Starling
December 3rd, 2009 @ 6:00 pm

I deeply appreciate this post (and Chelsea’s, too). I get so tough on some outfits, even when I thought I liked them at the beginning of the day. I’ll keep this in mind next time that happens.

I also have to agree with everyone who’s saying how much they love this outfit. Love the pop of yellow!
Kyla
December 3rd, 2009 @ 6:07 pm

I love, love, love the button-down layered under the sweater. Fantastic!
Rose
December 3rd, 2009 @ 6:29 pm

This is one of my most favorite outfits that you have put on this blog! I love the yellow shoes and the the layered top.

I also want to thank you for sharing your thoughts on outfit posting. I recently received one of those critical remarks on my blog and it is hard. I know that I have put not my most favorite outfits or ones that don’t seem to work afterwards but have used them as a way to learn and grow in my own style.
Jess
December 3rd, 2009 @ 6:30 pm

I agree with Chelsea: I would never think to put a button down under a high-necked sweater, but I think this pic really shows such a combo can work out fantastically. Really eye opening.

And as a long time lurker and infrequent commenter I have to say I just can’t get over the shock that someone would post a negative comment on this blog. So not cool, especially when this, more than any other blog that posts outfits, provides what I consider to be a valuable service. Great job all of you and keep up the good work!
Christina W.
December 3rd, 2009 @ 6:33 pm

This post really hit close to home! I often harshly criticize my oufits when I’m getting dressed, trying on piece after piece even to the point of being a half-hour late to school. I’ve been realizing that it’s not about looking absolutely perfectly coordinated and more about having fun and being yourself while keeping up with the other aspects of your life.

So thank you for this reminder! This site is always an inspiration but this post was especially great!
Carol
December 3rd, 2009 @ 9:07 pm

Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your willingness to “put it out there”, despite the risk of garnering unpleasant feedback. I am very grateful for your all your effort … I’m learning so much and it’s delightfully entertaining. And anyways, I really like your outfit!
admin
December 3rd, 2009 @ 9:26 pm

Thank you all for so many great comments! I’m glad so many of you got a new idea from this outfit and I appreciate all of you who shared feeling similarly or understanding what I mean.

S.
Kim
December 4th, 2009 @ 4:39 am

I LOVE this outfit! It’s stunning.
Sally
December 4th, 2009 @ 6:03 am

I loved Chelsea’s post, too. What a star! And I totally agree that posting the misses as well as the hits is good policy … we all have our off days.

Though this certainly wasn’t one of yours! Love that popped collar.
Amy
December 4th, 2009 @ 6:17 am

I love this look, S! I was just eyeing a short sleeved turtleneck in my closet this morning and wouldn’t have thought to pair it with a white button-down. What a chic outfit!
Debbie
December 4th, 2009 @ 7:18 am

I just wanted to tell you how much I love your blog. I just found it recently and I’m getting so many good ideas here. In fact, today I’m wearing a new jean skirt that I just bought from Old Navy with a cardigan belted over it and the outfit was inspired by you! :-)
Erika
December 4th, 2009 @ 7:58 am

S, this is my favorite way you’ve styled this skirt. I like how the yellow shoes subtly bring out the yellow gold in the skirt buttonholes and on the brooch.
Sharon
December 4th, 2009 @ 10:03 am

That’s a really cute outfit with amazing proportions. It makes your waist look really small.
Mabel and Zora
December 4th, 2009 @ 11:03 am

I like your post and the outfit. It’s all pretty cute.
La Belette Rouge
December 4th, 2009 @ 12:41 pm

I am loving the short tee over the l.s. shirt look. It is one of my favorites. Can’t get enough of it.

Your posts are always lovely and thoughtful. You have a fantastic sense of style. And, truly, I do wish if people didn’t have anything nice to say they would just hold their tongue until the thought passed.
H.
December 4th, 2009 @ 1:13 pm

Love the nailpolish, too–it adds just one more teeny bit of color. And I think I’ve learned a lot from all of the A.C.s outfits: thank you so much! There’s really something to be said for the old rule of “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all,” but it seems to be easy to forget in the anonymity of the internet.
EmilyKennedy
December 5th, 2009 @ 9:46 am

Super cute outfit!

Also: really lovely post. Good thoughts, good points, good sense.
Lauren
December 5th, 2009 @ 10:04 am

What a honest, genuine post, S.

You look great! I love the jeans skirt with white/black and the pop of color on the shoes. I hope you are doing ok this week after T. has left. When I was long-distance with my now-boyfriend, those adjustment times were the worst. Hugs to you if you need them! :-)
Lauren
December 5th, 2009 @ 10:05 am

Oops, I mean then-boyfriend, now-husband. Take care of yourself.
Marie McGrath
December 5th, 2009 @ 10:48 am

Very pretty outfit! I specially love the pop of yellow from the shoes :)

http://www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com
Sabrina
December 5th, 2009 @ 12:11 pm

I also really enjoy this outfit, although I understand that when one takes fashion risks, it can feel risky and vulnerable. I’m just one nerdy academic, but you would look really styling if you wore this to teach at my school (where many people dress professionally but in a boring way, because we’re in an urban environment). Thanks for sharing your outfit! I really like all the outfits on all of you three, even though my own style is very different.
jentine
December 5th, 2009 @ 1:34 pm

Great post! Like I said to Chelsea, I think that daily outfit posting is an honourable way of fashion blogging, it shows the true learning curve. Because of my job, I can’t do outfit posts daily but I do love that you are pretty consistent with posting and honest.
But this outfit is a hit! I love the popped colla under the turtle neck, lots of preppy goodness!
M.E.J
December 5th, 2009 @ 7:01 pm

I absolutely agree with Nadine’s comment.
You girls have been a source of inspiration in so many ways!
This blog is great not only because it means real women with real bodies and real budgets showing great -remixed- outfits, but because it defies pre-conceptions about academics.
And I think it’s good the three of you decided to face the exposure this implies.
I must say, S., I love 9 out of 10 outfits you show.
I feel identified with you in different ways, like hair, style, willingness to try new garnments, bike commuting…
So both thumbs up for you, and my suggestion that you send rude comments to the trash bin right away!
LegacyOfPearl
December 6th, 2009 @ 12:10 am

I love your outfit in this post and also the way you posed. It is a **perfect** outfit IMHO, but I know what you mean about putting yourself out there! It takes courage. I keep cutting my head of the pictures and will consider myself a real blogger the day I can put a full picture. :)
angie*~
December 6th, 2009 @ 8:04 am

Hi S,

I just wanna say i love this outfit!!! You don’t seem to be having trouble putting outfits together even with your limited wardrobe! I saw this pic and went out and got myself a denim skirt. You guys are amazing. And you’re so pretty too!! Sorry i sound like a crazy person but you’re gorgeous!
catherine_sr
December 6th, 2009 @ 9:46 pm

This is a great post and I agree with your points. Part of the reason I love style blogging is that it is an extremely supportive community. Most people involved with style blogging aren’t out there to pretend to be experts (like bloggers in other areas… I also keep a blog on my experiences as a Taiwanese-American expat in Taiwan and I’ve gotten some ridiculous letters and comments from armchair specialists on race and politics). Keeping a style blog has improved my body image and made me more positive, not just about myself but also in the way I perceive others. But before I started posting photos to wardrobe_remix and blogging, I had to gear myself up for the vulnerability that comes with putting photos of yourself out there on the Web. And it’s something that I still struggle with every time I see photos of myself I don’t like in an outfit that turned out to be less great than I thought it was at first. It’s a constant push-and-pull — I obviously have pride in my sense of style if I keep a blog dedicated to that subject, but at the same time, I’m not always happy with the way I look and the negative voices are something I have to keep in check.
Kacie
December 12th, 2009 @ 10:32 pm

Lately, I’ve been toying with the idea of starting a lookbook styleblog of my own. Not because I think I have a great style — but because I DON’T think I have a great style, but I want to improve upon it.

I also think it might help me improve my self-image.

It’s a big leap! Definitely a vulnerable thing. But mostly worth it, right?
Happy Accident « from Sneakers to Stilettos
December 22nd, 2009 @ 12:00 pm

[...] a lot of inspiration from many other bloggers. First – S from academichic inspired me with the idea of a button up under a short sleeve turtle neck sweater. I guess that the yellow shoes idea may have come from her as well… although I was really [...]