2010 Academichic – Black and Blue, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
- T-shirt: Banana Republic
- Belt: Leather Report (via Southern Vermont Art and Crafts Festival)
- Pants: Ann Taylor
- Shoes: Ciao Bella via DSW
- Sweater (below): Banana Republic
Endnotes:
Along the same lines as the brown and black debate, I fully endorse black and dark blue pairings. I think the key to mixing your neutrals is doing so deliberately and with style. True, if you are wearing black leather shoes and a brown leather belt you will look mismatched if the rest of your outfit does not support these accoutrements. However, if you walk out the door in the morning with confidence and panache, your outfit is already a success in my book.
2010 Academichic – Black and Blue with Panache!, originally uploaded by academichic.
Yes, this pose sums up my “panache” for today! For this ensemble I took my favorite black skinny pants, a nice navy blue T-shirt, and my new oxblood red leather belt to set off this rather dark combination. My T-shirt is pretty standard BR and has been on sale in stores for a while now along with the tanks of the same style. I like the fabric because it is light without being sheer, and the bias cut emphasizes what little curves I have. This belt is a recent acquisition and was literally made for me. I was at a crafts fair this weekend and came across Leather Report, handmade leather goods by Bradley Barnes.
2010 Academichic – Black and Blue – Red Belt, originally uploaded by academichic.
After I had selected this gorgeous oxblood skinny belt (the only one of this color that he had!) he marked the loosest that I’d wear it and the tightest, punched the holes according to my measurements, and trimmed off the tail to a perfect length. While I know that experiences like this can’t happen on every shopping outing, it was somehow really special to know that this belt fits me and only me. He doesn’t have a website (not surprising given the personal detail he puts into each piece) but he will be at the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival in early October if you’re in the NE area and are looking for some nicely tooled leather.
2010 Academichic – Black and Blue, originally uploaded by academichic.
These are actually not the same pants that I wore to NYC, but are also Ann Taylor. I took the plunge as it were, into the skinny pant trend some time this spring. I was very apprehensive at first – How could they not make me look top heavy? Do I really want my hips so exposed? Aren’t these glorified leggings? However, I had so admired the combination of skinny black pants and cute flats as well as skinny jeans tucked into boots that I finally gave in and with the help of A. and E. purchased what have become a staple of my wardrobe. I have yet to find a pair of skinny jeans that I adore, but I’m working on it! As E. noted in her first post about these pants they are structured enough to hold their straight leg and give you fabulous line AND stretchy enough to allow for comfort and complete flexibility. Even more importantly for us petite women, they are exactly the perfect length!!! These are a 2 Petite and fit like a dream. I’ve found that Ann Taylor and Banana Republic petite sizing is pretty dead on for me at 5’3”. And finally shoes, which to me can really make or break an outfit.
2010 Academichic – Black Flats, originally uploaded by academichic.
These black flats are super comfy and the detailing of cut leather flowers and leaves takes them from plain to pretty. I love these flats, but for this outfit I would have really liked some navy blue heels. A. and I have often bemoaned the fact that navy shoes are hard to find and often associated with being a flight attendant. However, these blue suede shoes from Banana Republic have been singing their siren song to me for a few weeks. I’m almost tempted to cave and pay full price for them because I want them so badly, but I am forcing myself to hold out for a little longer to see if come fall/winter they will drop in price. Oh, how I want blue suede shoes! What pieces for Fall do you have your eye on? Have you adopted skinny pants?
I held out on skinnies until the recent cargo trend. Not sure why I love them as you’d expect the pockets to emphasize the thighs (somehow they don’t) but I bought 2 pairs. They’re perfect weekend jeans alternatives for Fall.
I am probably skinny pants’ biggest fan. I love how they’re seasonless and give my somewhat curveless figure some helpful hip action. Right now I’m addicted to Old Navy’s Skinny Ankle-Zip Trouser Pant as a marginally dressier alternative to jeans (fortunately there are only 3 colors so in one more pair I’ll be cured). I love the sound of the cargo version that sundaze is talking about, I may have to turn there next!
I got some great blue suede shoes when Lori’s Shoes had their four-hour flash sale the other week and things that were already on sale became on-sale-er. I had taken a picture of all my shoes and realized I had not a single blue pair!
Pants! You wear pants! Yay! Now I get to admire the fabulous outfits of a pants-wearer.
Your flats are adorable! I have been on the skinny jean bandwagon for a long while now. I love wearing my boots over them in the winter and not having wet snowy hems when I get to work (as the jeans are protected by the boots).
And really, petites at 5’3″. What praytell is a regular height? I’m so glad you wear pants and are tiny! I’m hoping some of your academichic style can be translated to someone 7 inches shorter. You gals give me much inspiration.
Those shoes are so cute!
I love those Banana pumps! BTW, they are 30% off for today, as a “work styles” promo they’re doing! Just got the email!
I have had arguments about the blue and black combo with people–I say it does “go”! As long as it looks “on purpose” which your outfit totally does!
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