16 February 2010

Posted on | February 16, 2010 | 31 Comments

16 February 2010 , originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

black dress – H&M
black tights – from Romania
black boots – Banana Republic
Pedant – Anthropologie
Scarf under belt – thrifted in San Fran
Belt – TJMaxx

Endnotes:

This look was inspired by one of the Hermès scarf-tying tips found in their online tutorial. While most of their knots were familiar to me, I came across this idea and was pleasantly surprised: layering a scarf under a skinny belt to make an interesting scarf/belt obi is another great idea for sprucing up an otherwise ‘blank canvas‘ look. So this past weekend, I pulled out my black shirt dress, added black tight and boots, and went grabbing for my scarves and skinny belts. I tried several scarf + belt combinations until I settled on this one, really liking the analogous combination of the orange fabric with the red leather.

Scarf + Belt detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

I tucked the ends of the scarf underneath the scarf sash, so that they didn’t stick out at the back (as shown in the Hermès image above). I then belted the scarf obi in place and was pleased to discover that the belt helped keep the scarf from shifting or moving even while walking around with a coat thrown on top of it. This was such a simple way to add a point of interest to a monochromatic outfit and I think the scarf adds so much more depth and richness than just the belt on its own. I am definitely going to experiment with other belt + scarf combinations, creating blue and green analogous pairings or perhaps bolder complimentary color mixes the next time around.

What do you think, would you give this one a try? S.

16 February 2010 , originally uploaded by academichic.

31 December 2009 – Happy New Year!

Posted on | December 31, 2009 | 16 Comments

31 December 2009 – Happy New Year!, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:
All remixed except boots:

Bolero – gift from Santa in Romania
Black tank – Limited, thrifted
Skinnies – Celebrity Pink, thrifted
Boots – thrifted in Romania for $4

Endnotes:

Happy New Year’s, everyone! I hope that where ever the strike of midnight finds you tonight, you are having a wonderful time with your loved ones. Here’s to 2010 being a good one! *toast*

I have no special plans for going out tonight and therefor am dressed more for comfort than for glamour. I plan on enjoying the evening at home and then meeting my husband for a Skype date and virtual champagne toast at midnight. Usually I am a big fan of going out on New Year’s Eve because it provides the perfect excuse to don one’s most outrageously sparkly, shimmery, and otherwise extravagant clothing. Will you be donning something fabulous like that tonight? What are your plans for this evening?

Bolero detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Boots, originally uploaded by academichic.

I also just wanted to say thank you to all of you who read our site for your continued support and input over this past year, your comments and feedback have made this project so worth it! See you all in 2010! S.

Happy New Year!, originally uploaded by academichic.

29 December 2009

Posted on | December 30, 2009 | 11 Comments

29 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Inside:

Purple Cardigan – Gap Outlet
Grey Tee- Banana Republic
Brown Belt – Gap
Scarf – BR Outlet
Jeans – Banana Republic
Wellies – Banana Republic

Outside (below):

Coat – Old Navy
Hat – Gap Outlet
Bag – Urban Outfitters

Endnotes:

Two of my favorite post-Christmas activities are shopping and museum-going. While I do both of these things fairly regularly during the rest of the year, the post-Christmas experience is always my favorite. I’ll write more about shopping in a later post this week, so on to museums.

29 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Yesterday I visited one of my favorite art museums – the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. I like visiting museums during holiday break for several reasons: I’m usually going to old favorites (ones I visit once a year), I get to take my family members on a guided tour, there are always more curious children there than usual, I get to enjoy the experience and not feel like I need to take notes!

29 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

So, while E. was enjoying unseasonably-cool weather at the Rothko Chapel, I was enjoying seasonably- normal freezing weather in Minneapolis in my new coat and hat (post-holiday shopping finds).

What’s your favorite post-Christmas activity? (I also love to play board games, see movies, go sledding and ice skating, and play with my nieces and nephews). A.

29 December 2009 – Outside, originally uploaded by academichic.

24 December 2009

Posted on | December 27, 2009 | 7 Comments

24 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Grey Wrap Cardigan – NY & Co
Black Henley – Gap
Green Ruffle Top – Old Navy
Skinny Jeans – Banana Republic
Black Patent Belt – Forever 21
Earrings – Hand-me-down from sister M.

Endnotes:

Happy Holidays dear readers! I have been traveling through the Midwest visiting my and A2’s families.

We spent Christmas Eve with my family and we were having too much fun to worry about capturing the perfect outfit-post picture, so these family snapshots will have to do.

I think all of my sister’s looked adorable – unfortunately the pictures are limited (no picture of sister R.) and I’m not positive where all their fabulous pieces are from. As you can see, the love of belting runs in the family!

24 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic

I wore my favorite comfy wrap cardigan and dressed it up with big black earrings and my holiday-perfect ruffly green top. I layered it all over my black henley for warmth and wore my skinnies so I could sit on the floor to open presents and play board games – a practical yet chic holiday ensemble.

I hope you are all enjoying your holidays! A.

24 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

25 December 2009 – Happy Holidays!

Posted on | December 25, 2009 | 8 Comments

25 December 2009 – Happy Holidays!, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:
All remixed except for bolero:

Bolero – gift from my Romanian Santa
Purple beads - F21
Fuchsia top – BR Outlet
Batik skirt – was my grandmother’s
Woven belt – F21
Boots – Dillards

Endnotes:

Happy Holidays!

I’m spending Christmas and New Year’s in Romania, eating lots of my grandma’s delicious food and catching up on some reading for pleasure. For Christmas Day yesterday, I decided to dress up wearing a skirt I stole from my grandmother’s closet a while ago and my new bolero from my Romanian Santa. Clearly, this Romanian Santa has a good sense of style. This little shrug is going to gets lots of rotation in my closet.

Bolero, originally uploaded by academichic.

I love the juxtaposition of slightly delicate and dainty pieces of clothing like this crochet bolero or a full floral skirt worn with a pair of sturdy and somewhat rugged boots. In general, I’m really finding myself increasingly drawn to outfits that are made of unexpected pairings and juxtaposed aesthetic sensibilities; tough and delicate, formal and casual, modern and vintage… and so on. I anticipate that this kind of approach to dressing will increasingly characterize my style in the coming year.

Whatever you’re doing (or are wearing) today, I hope you’re having a lovely Holiday Season with your family and friends! La mulți ani! S.

25 December 2009 – Happy Holidays!, originally uploaded by academichic.

Academichic Style Workshop: Holiday Party Dressing

Posted on | December 18, 2009 | 22 Comments

Dressing for parties during the holiday season is an endeavor full of unique opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, holiday parties are the perfect time to pull out fabrics, embellishments, and colors that you might not normally wear. Satin! Sequins! Red! On the other hand, determining the requisite formality of a given event — and picking an outfit to fit — can be a challenge.

A. and E. decided to have a little fun with a holiday party style workshop, trying out looks that would be appropriate at the holiday parties we’ll be (and dream about) attending.

Cocktails with colleagues:

Sources:

On A.:

Plaid shirt: Old Navy little boys
Ruffled black tank: Banana Republic Outlet
Patent leather belt: Forever 21
Pencil skirt: Banana Republic
Teal pumps: Seychelles, via solestruck.com

On E.:

Sequined tank: Target
Beaded cardigan: Banana Republic
Bermudas: thrifted, self-shortened Purple tights: Banana Republic
Black pumps: Madden Girl, DSW

End Notes:

Going out on the town for a holiday cocktail with friends is a great excuse to slip a little extra pizazz into an outfit. A., for example, rarely wears red during the rest of the year. But even she can’t resist donning this cheerful red plaid flannel shirt (from the little boys’ department of Old Navy, no less!) and dressing it up with a black ruffled tank, pencil skirt, and teal pumps. E., meanwhile, pairs up the only two sparkly tops she owns — a beaded cardigan and a sequined tank — for some festive fabulousness. Purple tights beneath bermuda shorts keeps an otherwise monochrome outfit from being too dull.

Party with Professors:

Sources:

On E.:

Ribbon tee: self-made
Jacket: Forever 21
Black ankle pants: Old Navy
Ruffled pumps: AM, via DSW

On A.:

Green ruffled blouse: Old Navy
Black wrap sweater: Banana Republic
Pencil skirt: Banana Republic
Tights: Forever 21
Pumps: DSW
Brooch as necklace: Vintage Threadz on etsy.com

End Notes:

Party-ing with professors (or bosses, as the gainfully employed might do), calls for outfits that are festive while remaining tasteful. This is not the time for too-short skirts or too-low tops. That’s not to say you need to be stuffy, however! E. puts a fresh spin on a pantsuit, wearing pants in a trendier length and pairing an embellished top with a structured jacket. A.’s green and black ensemble would be perfectly appropriate in a classroom, but the bright color and ruffle make it a sweet choice for a holiday evening as well.

Dinner with Donors:

Sources:

On A.:

Ruffled navy dress: JCrew
Black patent belt: Forever 21
Black clutch: grandmother’s
Black tights: Forever 21
Black pumps: Madden Girl, via DSW

On E.:

Gray ruffled “shrug”: “Scrunchy” scarf from Nepali by TDM designs
Black strapless dress: Ann Taylor
Black tights: Target
Black ruffled pumps: AM, via DSW

End Notes:

Alas, neither A. nor E. will be attending a holiday party that merits extra-fancy dress. But we can dream, right? Holiday parties that call for cocktail attire are the perfect time to pull out a bridesmaid dress that may be languishing in the back of your closet. E. wore this strapless dress as a bridesmaid last summer. To ground the floatier fabric for winter, she used a couple of safety pins and some ribbon to fashion a temporary shrug our of the soft cashmere “Scrunchy” scarf from Nepali by TDM Designs. Ruffles that help keep you warm and hide those pesky tan lines? Brilliant! In her chic navy dress (which she incidentally wore to S.’s wedding!), A. proves that rich jewel tones can be just as appropriate for evening as black. Black patent accessories add a little extra glamor to a dress that’s proven to be remarkably versatile through several seasons.

What will you be wearing to your holiday parties this year?

Lace Skirt Weekend Remix

Posted on | December 14, 2009 | 30 Comments

Lace Skirt Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources (for all 3 outfits):

Black nursing cami – Target
Lace skirt – Ann Taylor, super clearance
Black tights – Target

Cream long cardigan – Target
Black belt – thrifted
Mini polka dot blouse – Banana Republic Outlet
Boots – Banana Republic
Black suede ruffled pumps – AM, from DSW

End Notes:

Congratulations to Jen and Denise on winning the ripple scarves from our latest give away!

Several years ago I snagged this lace skirt for $15 or so at an Ann Taylor post-Christmas sale. I thought it was beautiful, I knew it was flattering, and…I had absolutely no creativity when it came to wearing it. I think I wore it to dinner, once, with a black sweater. Yippee. I decided that it was high time that this skirt got some real wear, and I challenged myself over the weekend to come up with three different ways to style it.

Lace Skirt Weekend Remix, originally uploaded by academichic.

For the first round, I tried to make the admittedly dressy skirt a little more casual. I like the juxtaposition of the slouchy cream cardigan with the fancy lace, but I think in a future iteration I’ll nix the boots in favor of another pair of black shoes.

Lace Skirt Weekend Remix, originally uploaded by academichic.

For round two, I let the skirt add a fun, flouncy layer to my black wrap dress that recently emerged from a tragic run-in with the dryer (I know, I know! I do so many loads of laundry now and it totally slipped my mind that it was in there. I’m now on the market for a new black wrap dress.) The too-short dress is still very flattering on the top half, and layering the skirt underneath added needed length. Even better, it added interest. Because of its gored design, the skirt has a lot of movement, lending some pizazz to an otherwise staid monochrome look.

Lace Skirt Weekend Remix, originally uploaded by academichic.

Round three is, I think, my favorite. I loved how the ruffles on the pumps echo the flare of the skirt. I loved the subtle pattern mix of lace and mini polka dots. I loved how the belt gives just enough structure in the mid-section. It lets me be a little glamorous without taking myself too seriously.

Polka Dots and Lace, originally uploaded by academichic.

AM Ruffled Black Suede Pumps, originally uploaded by academichic.

Now, that I’ve pushed past my mental creative block with this skirt, I’m itching to keep playing around. Next up? Adding some color!

30 November 2009

Posted on | November 30, 2009 | 11 Comments

30 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed except vintage brooch:

Maroon top – a.n.a., thrifted
Skinnies – thrifted
Poncho – F21
Scarf – TJMaxx
Boots – Banana Republic
Vintage clutch – AIG Kanis, Oxfam Munich
Vintage brooch – vintage shop in Munich

Endnotes:

I wore this outfit this past weekend for more sightseeing with T. followed by dinner with friends. I’m glad that some of you commented that I don’t seem to be wearing the same stuff over and over again albeit the restrictions of my small ‘abroad wardrobe’. I am starting to feel like I wear the same things over and over, like these dark skinnies tucked into the boots or this blue scarf, or even this maroon shirt that I wore twice last week: to Salzburg on Wednesday and in the above picture on Saturday.

To keep the same items from feeling too repetitive, I’ve found that experimenting with accessories goes a long way; even just intertwining the same old blue scarf with the same old pink scarf to create a blue and pink scarf can breathe new life into something.

With this outfit, I kept it from feeling too much like this almost identical version by wearing my black boots instead of my brown ones, by looping the scarf under the collar and pushing it up to create a turtleneck effect (rather than over the collar like last time), and by adding that touch of ‘whimsy’ with this cute vintage brooch.

Two birds on a branch brooch, originally uploaded by academichic.

I wasn’t much of a fan of gold jewelry until recently, but I think the gold of this bag’s lock plays nicely with the gold bird brooch and there is something bold about adding some shiny gold touches to a rather simple ensemble, don’t you think? S.

Vintage brooch, originally uploaded by academichic.

Vintage clutch detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

27 November 2009

Posted on | November 28, 2009 | 17 Comments

27 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:
All remixed except newly found vintage purse:

White tuxedo front shirt - J.Crew
Jersey dress – Banana Republic
Purple cardi - H&M
Brown woven belt – F21
Purple tights – Rewe
Boots – Dillards
Clutch bag – “AEG Kanis” found at Oxfam in Munich

Endnotes:

Yesterday’s outfit was an exercise in layering and staying comfortable and warm. While you can add layers for warmth in a way that doesn’t reveal all the different items you have on, I always find it more fun to play with layers that show themselves. Experimenting with different necklines is one of the easiest ways to add warmth while also producing striking visual interest.

Layering detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Yesterday’s outfit looked far more visually complex than it was, since it was really just neutrals (brown and white) with a pop of color (purple). But the interest came from the mix of pattern (in the dress) with textures (the ruffle in the top, the woven belt). While mixing patterns can seem a bit scary, I find that mixing textures in a simpler and far less intimidating approach to achieving visual interest in one’s outfit.

27 November 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.

My favorite part of the ensemble was this newly acquired red leather clutch, which I came across at the Munich Oxfam for only 6 Euros. I want to say it’s vintage but I’m never quite sure about these things. I just know that it appears old, I couldn’t find the brand when I searched for it online, and it came with a little key for the lock, which I only found hidden in one of its pockets after I had arrived home.

Vintage bag , originally uploaded by academichic.

I now leave you with a couple more shots from the Munich Christmas Market at Marienplatz. If you ever visit Austria or Germany and can time it to coincide with the Christmas Market season (mid November – December), I promise you will not regret it! S.

Munich Christmas Market, originally uploaded by academichic.

Glühwein, originally uploaded by academichic.

25 November 2009 – Salzburger Christkindlmarkt

Posted on | November 27, 2009 | 11 Comments

25 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed:

Maroon top – A.N.A., thrifted
Black tank worn as vest – Limited, thrifted
Pink scarf – H&M
Blue scarf – TJMaxx
Skinnies – thrifted
Boots – Banana Republic
Green tote – Kenneth Cole

Endnotes:

Happy Thanksgiving, American readers! I’m still recovering from the coma inducing food binge of yesterday, so I’m thinking that something with a really forgiving waistline is in order for today’s outfit. The day before Thanksgiving, T. and I took a day trip to Salzburg and spent a considerable amount of time at the Christmas market there. Because we did drag ourselves away from the food and the Glühwein occasionally, I wore my flat boots to be able to comfortably walk around as much as needed. I wore my skinnies tucked into boots, since I’m really loving this look this winter. Sal did a great post on the art of tucking just recently, so if you’re having doubts or need some pointers on how to approach this trend, do check out her most helpful post!

25 November 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.

I then wore this tank top as a vest (a trick I tried once previously) and intertwined two scarves for a cozier and fuller effect. I really liked the two-scarves look and think it would be really fun to try with a patterned scarf and a solid, or for the more daring, with two patterned scarves to create a really visually interesting result. Is this something you’ve tried out before?

25 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

And for a final note on the hair, I’ve been loving the “Dutch braid” to the side look, as rocked most fabulously by Julie of Orchid Grey. For this windy day trip, I pulled the braid and my remaining hair into a topknot. If you’re wondering how to do a topknot, check out Kyla’s great how-to video. Kyla makes me wish I had straight hair so that I could recreate her amazing bangs-and-topknot look, just see her great site Blue Collar Catwalk for case in point.

And now, I leave you with some shots of the Salzburger Christkindlmarkt, while I try to figure out what I can still fit into today. Oh, delicious Thanksgiving dinner, how you weak havoc on my waist line…. S.