academichic

25 January 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

I love how Sara has worn her wool school boy blazer, her cord blazes, and her shrunken tuxedo jacket with everything from jeans, cords, dress-pants, dresses, and even summer skirts.

25 January 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

25 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• White eyelet top – TJMaxx
• Jacket – Gap, thrifted
• “L” pendant – Anthropologie
• Leaf pendant – gift from husband, Etsy find
• Shorts – DKNY, thrifted, chopped by me
• Black tights – from Romania
• Boots – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

Renee Sturme’s blog (formerly known as Fashion Fillers) was one of the very first style blogs I ever read. I was instantly intrigued by this beautiful Dutch girl (who’s picture I stumbled across in the wardrobe_remix pool on Flickr) with gorgous long curls and a compelling style composed of vintage and modern pieces. I loved her thrifted and somewhat mismatched aesthetic and how she interspersed it with cutting edge and über-modern elements. But mostl vividly, I rememer one of the first posts I read on her blog in which she talked about living in a small town in the Netherlands, where she definitely stood out for her eclectic wardrobe and where she was seen as somewhat of an oddity for the way she dressed. (She’s meanwhile based in Amsterdam). I was so impressed by this then (I think) sixteen year old who had such conviction in her sense of identity and style that she wasn’t afraid to stand out and be an individual challenging the status quo. Thus, Fashion Fillers appealed to me for various reasons: it represented a wardrobe made of mostly thrifted items that still managed to look stunning and up-to-date; it pushed me to become more creative in my own mixing of seemingly incongruous elements; and it encouraged me to define my own sense of style without apologizing for it.

I still check in on Renee’s blog regularly and I still find all those above mentioned components to be present in her posts. Her blog has undergone some changes but the ambitious and creative individual behind each text and outfit is still unchanged. I look forward to following her for a long time still.

So for my tribute outfit, I pulled out some Renee inspired items like the structured blazer and the cutoff jean shorts. Just like Renee loves to mix fabrics and registers in her outfits, I juxtaposed the formal blazer with the cutoff denim and the structured lines of the jeans and jacket with the looser fit of the delicate eyelet top. Layered necklaces (also a Renee classic) finish the look.

This outfit is definitely out of my usual comfort zone but there is something about it that really appeals to me and I’m finding it really exciting to push my boundaries and try something on that is outside of my usual style. Being away from campus on this research sojourn abroad has definitely allowed me to experiment with my look and wardrobe more and I think I should be taking full advantage of this situation.

Stay tuned for a DIY on making your own pair of 90s throw back cutoffs tomorrow. S.

25 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

We recently celebrated the one year anniversary of our site and are now looking forward to a whole new year of academichic. As a last farewell to Year One, we thought we’d give the past another glance by looking back to those initial style bloggers who first inspired us when this project began. We’re devoting this entire week to saying thank you and paying tribute to some of those creative voices who were there at the very beginning of academichic. Join us as we celebrate some of those initial sources of inspiration…

We recently received this image accompanied by a reader question in the mail:

They’re soft, cushiony, and uber comfortable with only a 2 inch heel, and make me feel Victorian and prairie-ish (a top combination for me).

But now I have no idea how to wear them. I was thinking green, blues, and reds, but can I wear them with black tights? Grey tights? Should I always wear brown tights? Should brown always be in my outfit somewhere? Do boots like these require cream/ivory instead of starker, true whites?

What a beautiful pair of boots in both style and color! We think you’re right to consider using them to create Victorian or prairie-inspired looks. The relative heaviness of the boot could ground a floatier summer skirt or dress, especially when paired with a chunky sweater.

As far as color combinations and tights go, we’re pretty firm believers in the notion that neutrals go with everything, so experiment freely with your combinations. While brown tights might work well to create the illusion of a longer leg line, other colors can be used to create interest as well. Purple, burgundy, hunter green, or navy tights could add a layer of richness without breaking up your proportions too dramatically. As for neutral pairings, E. is an especially big fan of lighter, warm browns with gray and has paired her cognac boots with gray sweater tights.  And, when done purposefully, black and brown can make a striking combination as well. And don’t forget the possibility of textured or patterned tights! Create a bit of drama with floral or lace tights that just peek out from beneath your skirt or dress.

These boots can certainly stand up to a multitude of stylings, so be adventurous! We’d love to see what you come up with.

First Day of School, 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Grey Jacket – Banana Republic
• Cardigan – Banana Republic
• Cinnamon Pencil Skirt – J Crew
• Tights – Gap
• White Scarf – sister M.’s
• Wedges – Kenneth Cole, via DSW
• Earrings – Gift
• Blue Tote – Emilie M., via T.J. Maxx

Endnotes:

This is what I wore for the first day of school on Tuesday.  I was introduced to my students, had a meeting with faculty, and some campus walking to do.

peep toes and tights, originally uploaded by academichic.

Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

Blue Tote, originally uploaded by academichic.

First Day of School, 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

20 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Embellished tee – Made by E
• Skirt – Boden, thrifted in San Fran
• Mocca tights – drug store
• Yellow pumps – Gianni Bini
• Tiny bird earrings – Xmas gift from A

Endnotes:

This week I received a goodie package from the US. Besides containing a bunch of my favorite treats and my favorite coffee, it also held the most gorgeous selection of birthday and Christmas gifts from A. and E. I can’t even express how happy this little treasure chest from home made me, it was full of familiar goodies and little surprises and it made me realize how wonderful these two friends of mine are. Today I’m premiering two of the delightful items delivered in said package: these adorable bird earrings and this amazing hand-embellised tee from A. and E. respectively. I couldn’t love either item more since they show just how much thought they put into it and how well these two know my style.

I know I’ll be wearing both these items frequently, so be warned! This is just the first incarnation of it. Since both items have very much of an Anthropologie feel to them, I played that up by wearing my Boden skirt that reminds me of the Anthropologie aesthetic. A messy side braid and quirky yellow pumps finish the look.

Embellished Tee by E., originally uploaded by academichic.

Tiny bird earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’ve also been meaning to do a hair update for a while now, so here it is as an addendum; A while back I posted about my experiment with going No Poo and also washing my hair less frequently, since I read that curly hair needs much less washing than straight hair. The No Poo worked great for a while and then went drastically down hill. My mistake was using a Silicone conditioner, which some of your comments definitely warned against. I couldn’t stop thinking that my hair smelled all the time and looked greasy much quicker, which alternately forced me to wash it more often, which was the opposite of what I wanted to do.

So I have switched to an organic sulfate-free shampoo which cuts out the pesky ingredient that the whole No Poo routine is based on. It’s a bit pricier of an option, but it’s worked wonders. (I also switched to a No Silicone conditioner, which was actually no pricer than my regular conditioner). My curls look their best thus far and I still only wash my hair about once every 5-6 days. It’s more manageable and frizz free than it’s ever been and I swear it never smells. It takes me so much less time to style it and I spend less time getting ready since I’m not washing my hair every other day. For those of you who expressed interest in the No Poo experiment, I felt like I owed you an honest update – it looks like an amended version of that works for me. But as with everything style-related, only experimenting and trying things out for yourself will tell what’s best for you individually. So good luck and happy experimenting! S.

21 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

20 January 2010 – First Day of School, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Plaid dress (worn as blouse): Converse, from Target
• Belt: jersey tie from another dress
• Wool skirt: Gap, hand me down from SIL
• Patterned tights: Hue, from TJ Maxx
• Ruffled Pumps: AM, via DSW
• Apple: Trader Joe’s

End Notes:

While I’m still on a break from teaching responsibilities this semester, I am returning to the classroom to finish off my last coursework requirements. I had my first seminar yesterday, and I dithered for a while beforehand about what constituted appropriate first day of class, PhD student style.

This course is with a new professor, so I wanted to make a good first impression and establish myself as an advanced grad student but without looking like I was trying to assert classroom authority. Thus, while I would likely have worn a structured jacket for my first day teaching, I decided to eschew it yesterday in favor of a skirt and “blouse” pairing that — I think — injected a bit of trend into an otherwise staid combination.

20 January 2010 – First Day of School, originally uploaded by academichic.

Patterned Tights, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m glad I did, too, because I also ended up having two former students in this class with me. (Because my program has hefty coursework requirements and because upper level seminars tend to be mixed with grad students and undergrad seniors, this situation of former student turned fellow student is actually not that unusual. Doesn’t make it any less weird, though.) Ah well. Much awkwardness can be glossed over if you at least know that your outfit is non-awkward.

And yes, it’s the return of the Converse plaid dress, back in action after a brief hiatus due to very cold weather and a lack of inspiration. When I first pulled this skirt on over the dress, I was worried about bulk and bunching. However, because this wool skirt has a lining and a good bit of weight and structure, it actually smoothed everything over just fine. As an added bonus, I didn’t have to worry about my shirt untucking when I sat down or reached for something.

Like an apple.

Happy new semester! And don’t forget to check out other great first day looks submitted over at the Fashionable Academics First Day Virtual Conference!

20 January 2010 – First Day of School, originally uploaded by academichic.

20 January 2010 – Running in Style, originally uploaded by academichic.

• W’s Infinity Knicker – Pearl Izumi
• W’s Barrier Short Sleeve Baselayer – Pearl Izumi
• W’s ELITE Barrier WxB Jacket – Pearl Izumi
• W’s Streak Shoses – Pearl Izumi

Pearl Izumi Blue, originally uploaded by academichic.

S. and A. Half Marathon, originally uploaded by academichic.

Running Rainbow, originally uploaded by academichic.

Pearl Izumi Jacket, originally uploaded by academichic.

Pearl Izumi Pockets, originally uploaded by academichic.

19 January 2010 – Pick a Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Blue-green scarf: very old, origins unknown
• Blue ombre scarf: Chinatown
• Patterned scarf: Chinatown, gift from SIL
• Orange pashmina: France, gift from SIL
• Gray dolman sleeve cardigan: Ann Taylor, gift from MIL
• Belt: Gap Outlet
• Mustard top: Forever 21
• Jeans: Target
• Wedges: thrifted

End Notes:

Baby e. and I made a trek to the library yesterday (via stroller and foot, respectively) to begin collecting books for a new semester. I wanted to look put together, should I run into professors or other grad students, but given the gray, foggy weather I was loathe to change out of my jeans and slouchy cardigan. A scarf held the promise of finishing off the outfit nicely, but I ran into a bit of trouble when trying to decide which scarf to wear.

So I tried four.

I continue to be amazed by just how much a scarf can change the whole feel of an outfit. The bright blue ombre scarf gave the look a more playful feel:

19 January 2010 – Pick a Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

The orange patterned pashmina worked nicely as an analogous color combination with my mustard top, and while I’m usually a fan of close, warm pairings I just wasn’t feeling it yesterday:

19 January 2010 – Pick a Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic

The thick, patterned scarf — mixing olive green, peacock blue, mustard, and brown — did elevate the outfit and add a certain richness. But, perhaps because the tones were too close to the gray of the cardigan, I felt a little dark and dowdy.

19 January 2010 – Pick a Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic

And so, I settled on the blue-green scarf, as shown in the top-most photograph. It created an interesting color pairing with the mustard and still popped against the gray. Still, I’m fairly confident that I’ll return to this outfit at some point and switch out scarves for one yesterday’s rejects. Which one do you like best?

20 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Navy cardi – H&M
• Eyelet top – from my grandmother’s closet
• Red tank – Old Navy
• Jean capris tucked into boots – Younique Jeans
• Boots – Banana Republic
• Scarf – thrifted in Romania recently

Endnotes:

One thing I am actively going to try to incorporate in my wardrobe this year is pattern mixing. This adds inordinate depth and richness to an outfit when done just right. We outlined some of our thoughts on wearing pattern and mixing patterns in our Fashion 101 post of last spring, which you can find here. This year, in addition to keeping those tips from last year’s Fashion 101 in mind, I am also taking cues from probably my favorite store ever. If there were only one store left in the world, I’d want this one to be it: Anthropologie…

I love Anthropologie’s deliberate mix of florals and stripes, of vintage-inspired with modern. As this year progresses, I’m going to push myself to experiment with different patterns and prints worn not just together in the same outfit, but actually next to each other or layered on top of each other, as with this scarf and eyelet top.

I’m not sure why this pairing works so well, but I think it does. Probably because neither print is too overwhelming and because the orange and white floral pattern of the scarf echoes the red and white floral pattern of the eyelet top (orange and red are analogous colors, so they make a very soft and harmonious match). Whatever the methodology behind pattern mixing, Anthropologie sure has it figured out and I’m determined to tap into some of that wisdom myself. So stay tuned.

To easily access all our pattern mixing outfits in the archives, just click on the “Mixing Patterns” category on the sidebar!

Pattern Mix, originally uploaded by academichic.