22 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
- Scarf: gift from college roommate, from Spain
- Necklace: Target
- Gray sweater: Forever 21
- Slim knit pants: Ann Taylor
- Pumps: Steve Madden Girl
End Notes:
This was one of those days when I had very little time to switch roles from baby e. caretaker to PhD student in seminar. Thankfully, I now have a new weapon in my mom style arsenal: these ah-mazing slim knit pants from Ann Taylor, purchased on sale over President’s Day weekend. (Note: what follows is pure, non-sponsored gushing.) These pants are like heavy leggings with structure. They have a waistband, fly, pockets, and belt loops, but they’re just about as comfortable as yoga pants with a modern fit and polish that can go from sitting on the floor reading Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? to sitting in class reading The Sleep of Reason: Primitivism in Modern European Art and Aesthetics. The heavier weight and straight cut make them more than forgiving and create the illusion of a long, slim leg line. I’m in love.
Scarf and Necklace Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.
Admittedly, a gray sweater and black pants (no matter how fantastic the fit) make for a somewhat boring outfit. So before I handed off baby e. to his dad and rushed off to class, I threw on a scarf and multi-strand necklace. Usually, I eschew necklaces — especially statement necklaces — when wearing a scarf. But today it seemed to make sense to layer on the neck accoutrements. I folded the large square scarf into a triangle and tied it like an oversized cowboy kerchief. The resulting droop left an open enough neck that a chunky necklace — albeit one in a subdued palette — could fill some space without being cluttered.
If I wear this scarf and necklace combination again, I think I’d shorten the necklace even more to be a bit more visible above the scarf. Of course, now I’m also tempted to try this with a bright statement necklace like my favorite orange baubles.
22 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.
LOVE this outfit! Gray is my favorite neutral, and the teal pops so well.
I haven’t worked up the courage to pair a necklace and scarf yet, but this post may have been the inspiration I needed!
I, too, shy away from the necklace + scarf combo, but this looks great on you! And those pants look pretty much perfect.
I love this color against the grey top. I’ve also been wanting to try the necklaces and scarf combo. I love how it turned out!
All of these simple, yet chic looks that you are doing work very, very well!
Love the pants! They look great on you. I tried on a pair at Uniqlo (Jil Sander did a ponte knit pair for about $40), and this post is making me want to buy them. Awesome.
This is my first comment (as a longtime lurker!)… I think this is a fantastic, easy, non-frumpy working mom look. I just paid an arm and a leg, or at least an arm, for the Citizens of Humanity Avedon “slick” jeans/leggings which are just fabulous, but yours look very similar for probably half what I paid!
Beautiful fit, and I love the blue scarf against the gray.
Those pants look great on you.
Chic perfection. I use gray and black often, with colorful accents by scarves and necklaces. Tip, next time, if you shorten the neclace, there may be too many places for the eye to rest–the necklace hiding a bit in the scarf is understated, adds a sparkly glow, and looks like you “just threw it on” – y’know, casual elegance, not contrived. Gives the scarf support, not competition. Love your clean, classy, chic style!
Oooh, I’ve heard tell that ponte pants are the best thing since night baseball … and these truly look fabulous on you!
You look amazing! I love, love, love your combination of colors and textures … the drape of your scarf offers such a sophisticated contrast to the rest of your outfit. I’m a fan! :)
I’ve been struggling with wearing necklaces and scarves together – I always find that the necklace snags the scarf. However, I suspect that’s largely due to my wearing a lot of pendants on chains, which have more snagging-prone components. I think I’ll have to give this iteration a try.
Knit pants? Okay, I gotta get me a pair or two. I love the pop of turquoise of this understated outfit.
Not only are the pants fabulous (I mourn my need for tall pants, AT only has tall online and not where I can try them on), but you are looking especially great today considering that you recently gave birth to a tiny person. Hooray!
So simple, yet SO stunning!
Thanks everyone!
@MissRobin: Thanks for the tip. You’re certainly right that I want to maintain the casual chic element. In this case, it really WAS just “thrown together!”
@Amy: These pants actually have a long inseam — 34″ — as the regular length. I don’t know if that’s long enough for you or not, but just thought I’d throw it out there!
I love this look on you E but I wasn’t sure how it would work on me….
Well, I’m glad to say that I tried it. I’m hooked! I love it on me because I have wide shoulders and a short torso. The “V” drape of the scarf does a nice visual trick. I’ve instantly become leaner. And as you said, it does perk up what would otherwise be a boring outfit (In my case, black sweater & dark jeans). Thank you for this post! :)
Great outfit!!
your outfit had inspired me to pull out all my scarves and start pairing them with outfits!
I have considered, but never bought a specific article of clothing based on a blog post, but after thinking about those pants for days (really soft, non-leggin, forgiving skinnies could that even be possible) I headed to AT last night. This is my first attempt at skinny pants (I’ve had 2 babies in 3 years and my thighs just haven’t been the same).
AMAZING DOESN’T EVEN COME CLOSE TO DESCRIBING THEM! I only have a 29″ inseam so some modification will be needed, but I snagged the only pair in my size in a 100 mile radius. Two words of caution: 1. They run large and stretch a lot – I went down a size 2. They are hard to find (no 2, 4, 6 online in any length).
But if you can find these pants BUY THEM without hesitation (and they are even machine washable).
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE RECOMMENDATION!
It’s only fair that I pass one along. I just fell in love with the Gap’s new cardigans. They are soft (and again machine washable – important for moms) and on sale for $30 now. http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8993&vid=1&pid=691510&scid=691510162 (and no this is not a paid endorsement).
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