4 August 2010 – The Color Purple, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
- Tank: Gap Outlet
- Wrap: Banana Republic Outlet
- Belt: BR Outlet
- Shorts: BR
- Shoes: Frye
- Necklace: South Moon Under
- Bag: Liberty of London
- Rings: family heirlooms
Endnotes:
It seems like the title “neutrals with a pop” is roughly how we here at Academichic tend to dress on a more regular basis, and this casual outfit falls firmly within my usual aesthetic. The ruffled top is the same as the one A. wore with her striped tank, but this one is taupe rather than grey and likewise goes with everything.
We actually purchased these at different times, but like A. said, we shop together a fair amount and channel each other’s style easily. I removed the belt/sash that came with it in favor of this brown skinny belt because I wanted it to be more prominent. It also compliments my brown shoes.
You probably recall the frenzy around Frye boots a few years ago, but they also make a variety of other shoes including these darling flats. I loved them so much and found them terrifically versatile for both work and casual attire that I bought them in black as well. My mother has always told me that if you find something that you really like and it fits well, buy it in several colors! My purple tank top is an example of this philosophy and is only one of the myriad colors that Gap has on offer right now. I love these tanks and own them in an array of different colors. I’ve used them in layers, as undershirts, with cardigans, or just hanging around the house. The bright colors are excellent for bringing “pop” to any outfit and the price (around $4 on sale) makes it possible to get a variety of hues. Once I had settled on purple as my accent color I remembered this sweet little Liberty bag was in my closet. Since I would only be carrying around a wallet and cell phone today, I thought I’d use it as my purse.
Oh, how I relish these summer days without bags full of books, laptops, and papers! If you love florals and prints (as seen featured on Academichic in April this year), Liberty makes fabrics full of gorgeous colors, and as you probably remember recently collaborated with Target on a line of clothes and accessories. My necklace and rings were gifts, as is much of my jewelry in general. These rolling rings are my mother and grandmother’s from Cartier. They are totally classic and have obviously stood the test of time. I like to stack them because the thinner banded one is actually a little big for my finger and the thicker one holds it on. Although this ensemble all together is a little dressy for where I am currently, these slate-blue shorts are strictly casual.
I would probably not wear them in the classroom or on campus because the length is a bit shorter than I am comfortable sporting in any kind of professional setting. What is your most comfortable length? Is it different for shorts versus skirts?
That’s a great color combination, my favorite neutral is that grey that’s just on the edge of purple…or purple that’s just on the edge of grey.
I love that ruffle sweater with the skinny belt!
XOXO,
http://outfitidentifier.com
I love your fun purse!
To the tune of shorts length – I’m an at the knee or just a hair above it girl. My legs are the one thing about my body that I dislike and that will not change no matter how much exercise I do. Since I’m incredibly short, 4’8″, there isn’t a pair of pants/shorts/skirt/dress in the world that fits right off the rack, I find myself tailoring/DIYing jeans into shorts to meet my length preference. I love how my increasing facility with a needle and thread has allowed me to create precisely the clothes I want. It’s liberating!
I like the color combination. Especially how the purple tank brings out the purple tones in the gray cardi.
Regarding lenght. My comfort level on a professional setting is the same for shorts and skirts. Right above the knee is the highest I’ll go.
I love your cardigan belt combination! My friend and I often shop together and actually stood in the BR dressing room together and paired that cardigan and belt! Very cute :-)
These are the cutest shoes! I like some of Frye’s sandals, but hadn’t seen these flats. They look really versatile.
Ooh, I just love those Frye flats, and the color of that taupe cardi wrap is so rich, even though it’s a neutral. I love this!
For professional settings, I actually have different standards. For example, to teach, I don’t wear shorts, and skirts don’t venture more than an inch above the knee, although during the winter I might make an exception if I’m wearing a dark skirt with matching tights. During my office hours, however, I would wear anything I would normally wear around my department, so I might wear a pair of longer shorts (i.e., just above the knee), a shorter skirt (maybe 2 inches above the knee), or a sleeveless shirt.
P.S. I should note I am at a university with a large Asian population (primarily Chinese and Korean) and–by in large–Chinese and Korean women will wear shorter skirts and higher necklines than Western women do. Two inches or more above the knee is not uncommon in many Asian professional settings and my students’ skirts are often quite a bit shorter than that, so I feel quite conservative in my just-above-the-knee skirts.
I love your shoes!!!
Ohhh, those Frye flats are simply stunning! I’m always on the hunt for a pair of well-made and versatile flats. Those look like they fit the bill. Anyone know where you can find Frye flats in a store?
mid-thigh for shorts, but I would NEVER wear them on campus.
[...] is a remix of several items that would definitely qualify as top choices for my 30 for 30. The ruffled wrap shirt is perfect mid-weight for this seasonal transition time of year. It also allowed me to try out a [...]