25 February 2010 – (No) Sense of Self

Posted on | February 25, 2010 | 10 Comments

25 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Gold scarf – gift
Burgundy sweater – Calvin Klein
Green cord skirt – thrifted
Gray tights – drug store
Burgundy pumps – vintage Etienne Aigner, thrifted

Endnotes:

Yesterday I had a meeting on campus that called for a semi-formal ensemble. It was one of those meetings where you can’t show up in jeans but is still casual enough that a suit would look like overkill. My attempt at semi-formal business ensemble resulted in this pairing of a burgundy sweater with a green cord tulip skirt, gray tights, and burgundy pumps. And, as a last nod to scarf month, I opted for a gold shawl wrapped à la Orchid Grey around my neck.

While a button down or trouser pants might be the more conventional approach to business-casual, I find this skirt and 3/4 sleeve sweater version to be more representative of me and my style as a whole. And since I wanted to feel at ease and confident, I chose something that would let me feel comfortable to the extent that I would not think about my clothes and just focus on my words. And this outfit did just that.

Shoes, originally uploaded by academichic.

Which is a nice lead into A’s question that she posted yesterday: How do we dress differently for different contexts or audiences? In her words: “How do different crowds of people, and your desire to connect with them, influence your style?” I noticed that without even trying, I automatically reached for a more conservative and professional outfit the moment I found myself back on campus and among professors and undergrads, in a subconscious yet undeniable attempt to align myself with the former group over the latter. While abroad and away from campus, I have been experimenting with cut-off shorts, wearing plenty of jeans, and often living in my hoodie. My living situation abroad has me staying with people a few years younger than myself and I find that I’m increasingly dressing as to “fit in” with this younger and trendier crowd. I like how that’s given me the freedom to experiment with new looks and styles and I kept thinking that I would want to bring that style back home with me, but now I’m wondering how well that translation of trends to my more professional persona on campus will work. While I aim to dress according to a personal sense of style and aesthetic, this oscillation between two cultures and lifestyles has shown me just how context-driven and malleable my performance of self is. S.

23 October 2009

Posted on | October 23, 2009 | 24 Comments

23 October 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Ruffle Cami – Gap
Pinstripe Skirt – J Crew
Blue Cardigan – BR Outlet, birthday gift from mom
Belt – Target, altered by me
Sweater Tights – Banana Republic
Shoes – Off Broadway

Endnotes:

Pencil skirt, cardigan, and heels have become my go-to professional uniform. Today’s outfit is basically a recreation of a look I wore several months ago to mark the end of the intense course I taught this summer. Here I have made it weather appropriate by adding the grey sweater tights and a bit more colorful with the mix of bright blue and maroon.

Layers, originally uploaded by academichic.

This afternoon I will be moderating a discussion after offering m thoughts on a campus-wide lecture given by a prominent activist. I figure, this time, it’s ok if I am one of the most dressed up people there.

I have to say, before our recent “roundtable” discussion about interview-appropriate wear, I would have worn something pretty similar to this for an interview. Now, I think I would definitely loose the sweater tights and belt, but I think I would still wear the rest. Does it need a suit jacket or a button down to be interview-appropriate?

Shoes and tights, originally uploaded by academichic.

For the love of the pencil skirt

Posted on | September 1, 2009 | 11 Comments

Last week, when I wore my favorite denim pencil skirt, which I have remixed for all seasons, I wrote about wanting another pencil skirt to add into the rotation with my denim stand-by and my newer grey chino pencil skirt. I love that both of these can be dressed up or down and can be worn with any color and across at least three seasons.

I have found, much to my surprise, that the pencil skirt is a very flattering shape for me and it has become one of may favorite pieces for a professional look. I wear my denim, black cotton, and grey cotton skirts all the time – as I am sure you have noticed. I have also gotten some good wear out of my pinstripe pencil skirt, but this is a much dressier look (perfect in place of a suit for conferences or interviews), and I love to wear my blue felt skirt in the winter. Now I want more!

Many of you left comments asking for recommendations on where to find a classic and versatile denim pencil skirt and requesting that I share my fall pencil skirt wish list with you.

Well, first the denim pencil skirt:

I love mine! I bought it almost two years ago at Gap after trying on a number of denim skirts at several different stores. I remember I also really liked one at Banana Republic, but the Gap one was significantly cheaper. Gap doesn’t currently have the same skirt (mine was called trouser, or something of the like) but, they do have one that looks like it would serve the same purpose. Ann Taylor Loft also seems to have a few options that look promising.

I recently purchased a black/grey denim skirt from Old Navy. I do like this one, but it will by no means be replacing my beloved Gap skirt.

Now, for my pencil skirt wish list:

I hope this list gives all of you some shopping ideas for yourself, but as my birthday is just over a month away, this list also serves as a birthday wish list for my mom!

The J Crew Corduroy Skirt:

I love the slim sleek cut of this, making it very professional and even dressy, while the corduroy allows it to be a perfect fall teaching skirt.

I have always loved corduroy – over the years as corduroy has come in and out of style, I have stayed true to my favorite material. I have many corduroy pants, a couple corduroy skirts, my share of corduroy jackets, and even a few corduroy accessories, including a few totes, a pair of flats, some slippers, and a headband. I think I could more than qualify as a member of the Corduroy Appreciation Club!

Moving on from the corduroy tangent, my next wish list item…

The Banana Republic Classic Pencil Skirt:

This is dressier than the black skirt I own and I love the pockets and the wide, high waist band. I’m not sure how this one would actually fit but I can imagine it looking great with both summery sleeveless blouses and thicker winter sweaters with tights.

The Banana Republic Classic Skirt:

Now, this is technically not a pencil skirt but I have found that some BR “A-line” skirts actually fit me more like a straight skirt. I haven’t tried this one on either, so I’m not sure how those pleats in the front would work for me but I love that it comes in navy!

The Ann Taylor Plaid Skirt:

I took this picture from the website but can’t actually find this exact skirt for sale. This is really stepping outside my comfort zone when it comes to skirts, but I do love that it is plaid and purple! Let me know if you figure out how to purchase it.

I would also like to note that New York & Company has a ton of very affordable pencil skirts in several fabrics and cuts and with some fun color choices.

What item will make several appearances on your fall wish list? A.

4 April 2009 – England Day 2

Posted on | April 4, 2009 | 8 Comments

4 April 2009 – England Day 2, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Pinstripe Skirt- J Crew
Purple Top – H & M
White Sleeveless Blouse – Gap
Cardigan – BR
Belt – Ann Taylor
Shoes – Seychelles, via solestruck
Earrings – F21

Endnotes:

The conference is officially over now and I am exhausted. Once again, I think I was one of the most dressed up people there today but I felt comfortable and confident as I delivered my paper, fielded questions, and approached various scholars and introduced myself. I also had a nice talk with an editor who was in a suit, so I felt on equal footing, at least fashion wise.

I am glad I chose not to wear the silk top and really like the way my earrings added a bit of an artsy touch to a the more professional pinstripe skirt and cardigan. They also nicely tied in the green shoes – although I’m sure no one else took note of this!

I learned a lot these past two days and can’t wait to debrief with S. and E. when I get back to academichic headquarters but for now I am headed out for much needed dinner and drinks with a lovely group of Swedes!

Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Earrings and Pinstripes, originally uploaded by academichic.

3 April 2009 – From England

Posted on | April 3, 2009 | 4 Comments

3 April 2009 – From England, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Cap SLeeve Blazer – F21
Trousers – BR
Coral Sweater – Gap
Lace Cami- BR
Green Heels -Seychelles, via solestruck

So sorry for the horrible quality of these pictures – the lighting in my hotel room is quite awful! Today was the first day of papers at my conference in England. I was by far the most dressed up and the most colorful. I don’t mind being the dressiest person in the room, I am quite used to it actually, but I may rethink the silk top for tomorrow.

I was so excited to wear these fabulous shoes and personally think they made the whole outfit. However, I have to be honest – I wore my tan wedges to walk the mile and half between my hotel and the conference location and carried the rather high heels in my bag.

Tomorrow is another long day of conference proceedings, but the following day I will finally have a chance to explore!

Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Packing Update!, originally uploaded by academichic.

Academichic Travels: An International Conference with A.

Posted on | April 2, 2009 | 10 Comments

Like E., a couple weekends ago, I am headed to an academic conference where I will present a paper, participate in a roundtable, meet with editors, and network with other scholars. However, I am traveling internationally and will be gone a bit longer so my spread is a bit bigger and the plan a bit more complicated! In addition to packing for more days, I have a few essential items that unfortunately take up a bit of room – namely my running shoes and blow-dryer and straightener. While I too prefer not to check bags whenever possible, I’m not going to attempt it for this trip. So, in addition to carefully packing my checked luggage, I have taken a few precautions in packing my carry-on bag.

The Preliminary Carry-On Spread (I tend to throw many a thing in at the last minute):

The Carry-on, originally uploaded by academichic.

Yes, that is my straightener! I seriously would be devastated if it didn’t make it. I’ve also packed: face wipes- so I can do a quick refresh after the overnight flight; makeup and hair product- all other toiletries can be easily and cheaply replaced; and an emergency outfit plan (see below).

Now on to the real stuff!

The Spread:

Black Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
Grey Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
Pin Striped Skirt – J Crew
Skinny Jeans – Gap Outlet
Dress Pants – BR
Long Beige Cardigan- BR
Long Grey Cardigan – BR Outlet
Pin Striped Blazer – J Crew
Cap Sleeve Black Blazer – F21
Coral Cardigan – Gap
Purple Cardigan – Gap Outlet
Purple Tee – H & M
Green Sweater – BR
2 White Sleeveless Blouses – Gap
Green Tee – Old Navy
Black Tee – Macys
Brown Boots – BR, via ebay
Beige Wedges – Gap Outlet
5 Camis – Various
Running Clothes – Various
Running Shoes -Saucony (not pictured)
Underwear, socks, spanks (not pictured)

(more…)

Academichic Travels: A Conference with E.

Posted on | March 19, 2009 | 14 Comments

I know, I know, you just saw me go through the whole packing rigmarole last weekend. But while last week’s suitcase was ready for a casual weekend and an afternoon outdoor wedding, today’s bag looks quite different. I’m heading to an academic conference where I’ll be presenting a paper and hopefully hobnobbing with some Very Important Scholars, and that means that I need to look professional and memorable all at the same time.