3 June 2010 – Nanny Diaries

Posted on | June 3, 2010 | 22 Comments

3 June 2010 – Nanny Diaries, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

On H.:

Top: Gap
Navy skirt: Gap
Flip flops: Rainbow

On E. (below):

Top: F21
Belt: Gap Outlet
Skirt: refashioned from an old pair of jeans
Wedges: Kenneth Cole Reaction, via DSW

End Notes:

You may have noticed that baby e. has been making more photo appearances at academichic lately. Since I have been taking this intensive French translation course, baby e. has been going through some mom-withdrawals and has been adamant about keeping physical separation to a minimum whenever I am at home.

Or maybe he’s just angling to break into the style blogging world.

Aunty H. and baby e., originally uploaded by academichic.

In any case, I’ve been delighted to have a series of “nannies” for baby e. — relatives and dear family friends — staying with us in succession for the next few weeks. Sister-in-law H. is with us for a few days now, and she and baby e. have entertained each other while I’m slogging through French translations. Of course I had to photograph H.’s outfit today since it’s one of my favorite color combinations: yellow and navy. H. agrees that while bright yellow might be an intimidating color, it’s frequently much more flattering than pastel yellows. Plus, the pattern of the top intersperses this saturated yellow with white, adding visual interest.

3 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

(Look! Baby e. and I are in a shower of sunshine!)

Meanwhile, I thought I’d employ the tried-and-true “throw on a non-sequitur shoe” approach. There is no real reason that a purple and tan patterned wedge should work with a bright orange eyelet edged top, but I think I was emphatic enough to force the issue. Kasmira of What I Wore Today is a fantastic example of the power of the non-sequitur shoe. While I have to make a conscious effort to eschew the safe option of my tan wedges, I have to admit that picking my red wedges or orange pumps when a neutral shoe would have sufficed is an almost sure-fire way to make an outfit “special.” Do you buy into the idea of the non-sequitur shoe?

Wedges, originally uploaded by academichic.

Category: Color Combinations, Research Casual, Skirting the Issue, Visiting Lecturer

Comments

22 Responses to “3 June 2010 – Nanny Diaries”

kjlangford
June 3rd, 2010 @ 8:19 pm

I’ve been coveting these shoes of yours. I wear a pair of teal flats that really shouldn’t go with anything but somehow do.
Angeline
June 3rd, 2010 @ 8:42 pm

Super-cute! I definitely love a different shoe…it’s so far away from the rest of your outfit and can get away with all kinds of stuff. I’m still building up my fun-shoe supply, but you’re giving me some great ideas!
gina/huzzahvintage
June 4th, 2010 @ 1:48 am

that second, super focused expression on baby e is priceless!
Vanessa
June 4th, 2010 @ 3:05 am

That photo of you and baby e. is too cute!
Ericka
June 4th, 2010 @ 4:49 am

I am a non-sequitur shoe person. My Fluevogs especially. Even if they don’t conventionally “go” with an outfit, the charge and cheer I get from looking down at my feet through the day makes it work for me. I love color, and sometimes the only place I can put in some crazy color is my feet.
Sally
June 4th, 2010 @ 5:03 am

I love the idea of the non-sequitur shoe – and am always impressed when you and Kasmira pull it off – but always have trouble myself. I’m matchy at heart!
Elle Sees
June 4th, 2010 @ 5:11 am

Shoot, I wish I could look all nice while taking care of a darling little one. I bet she didn’t stay like that for long! Haha
EmilyKennedy
June 4th, 2010 @ 6:07 am

I love the non-sequitor shoe, but I don’t conceptualize it that way. I think in my vision, so many things just go together. For example, I rather like purple and orange together, particularly mixed with tan and denim. None of it seems unusual, but maybe I’m just weird like that.
fashiontheorist
June 4th, 2010 @ 6:08 am

Ever since I woke up one morning and realized that I had more black shoes than any sane person should have (and most of the rest were beige or brown) I’ve become a fan of colorful – and therefore often non-sequitur – shoes. I also love shoes that are non-sequiturs in terms of style register – towering platforms or stilettos with a casual skirt (or jeans) and tee, particularly!

Anyway, purple and orange make great sense as a color scheme. Two-thirds of a triad, right?
Ris
June 4th, 2010 @ 6:10 am

I love those shoes. I think non-sequitur shoes can make an outfit. I have a pair of green heels that I get compliments on all the time. They really dress up a little black top and jeans!
Kasmira
June 4th, 2010 @ 8:57 am

“Non-sequitur shoe” is a new term for me! I usually throw in a non-matching shoe because I find the rest of my outfit boring or too sweet. Outrageous (or just slightly “off”) shoes can save an outfit from ordinariness.
Frances Joy
June 4th, 2010 @ 9:16 am

Do I ever subscribe to the “non-sequitur shoe” idea! I wear a lot (too many?) neutrals, and a funky shoe just pops. And if I’m wearing brights, why not just take it the step further and mix it up with something crazy?
Jane W.
June 4th, 2010 @ 9:33 am

I’m more a of a non-sequitur jewelry person, because my feet require “comfort shoes,” to borrow Nordstrom’s euphemism. Baby E. is beyond cute. I love the little furrowed brow in the second picture.
Lisa
June 4th, 2010 @ 11:44 am

Little E is so adorable! I just had to comment! So, so cute! And always smiling or looking at the camera! Enjoy this stage…it goes by so quickly!! It seems like just yesterday that my child was this age.
Lisa
June 4th, 2010 @ 11:46 am

I love the non-sequitur shoe, especially in the example you gave.

I’m curious what non-sequitur jewelry would look like?

Shoes can easily be contrasting…jewelry I find a little more difficult to contrast and still make it look good. I find that I always end up using jewelry and accessories that match.

Would love a tutorial, though!

Maybe that is a future challenge to Academichic…non-sequitur accessories!! :)
Jenna
June 4th, 2010 @ 3:06 pm

I have a little 4-month baby. Would love to know where little e’s outfit is from. Thanks!
YG
June 4th, 2010 @ 6:50 pm

Ladies,

I am new to this site, and I must say that I love the concept. As I embark on my 8th year in graduate school, I heartily agree that academic attire needs a fashion overhaul.

But as I review some of your older posts, specifically those marked for “teaching,” I wonder if some of the outfits you feature are a bit too casual . . ? My biggest challenge as a teaching assistant was to get my students to take me seriously, being so close in age to them. I earned their respect, in part, through professional dress. I worked hard to separate myself from them through clothing. Now, as a grad student/professor, I continue to see the value of professional dress in the classroom.

That said, I still know the financial difficulty grad students face. A stipend does not allow for a large clothing allowance, so it becomes necessary to shop at your Targets, Old Navys, and Gaps, where the clothes are cheaper – and often less professional.

Any thoughts on the level of professionalism that should be expressed via clothing in the classroom?
Fia
June 5th, 2010 @ 8:52 pm

Love “non-sequitur shoes,” love the term, too. This outfit is so summery. Really great.
Aury
June 5th, 2010 @ 9:36 pm

Those shoes are soo gorgeous! Loved the outfits!
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June 11th, 2010 @ 11:06 am

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June 18th, 2010 @ 1:58 pm

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July 5th, 2010 @ 6:27 am

[...] be worn with pretty much everything you own, despite colour. Kind of a cross between E.’s non-sequitur shoe (from Academichic) and Sally’s go-to flats (from Already Pretty). Comfortable and attention [...]