academichic

Sources:

Blazer – MaxMara, hand me down
Striped sweater – Gap, thrifted
Jeans – ON Maternity
Boots – Banana Republic
Necklace – thrifted
Bike – 70s Peugeot Mixte via Craigslist

Endnotes:

E. is not the only one embracing stripes during her pregnancy. It seems like stripes are everywhere this season and after seeing the lovely Miss James rock them all the way to the end of her pregnancy, I became convinved that they were not to be eschewed just because of that extra belly roundness. In fact, how cute is this…

{image courtesy of Bleubird Vintage}

I’ve also been restocking my patterns because I’m really liking the rich effect of pattern mixing as of late. Although I wear a lot of pattern and don’t shy away from loud or bold prints (E. and A. have joked that I have a bit of a 70s couch aesthetic when it comes to pattern choosing), I don’t often brave the mixing of those. I’ve been clipping lots of pattern mixing images to my desktop inspiration folder and am looking forward to getting more adventurous with pattern this year. A sneak peak into my inspiration file…

{Clockwise from top: Dear Baby, Rockstar Diaries, Lucky Magazine}

It seems that stripes work particularly well with florals, as these clippings demonstrate. Since I own a fair share of florals, this should be a cinch. Do you mix patterns? How do you go about making sure the final result is interesting and rich without seeming overwhelming and dizzying?

On a more serious note, I’d just like to express my great sympathy for all those affected by the Tsunami that hit Japan this morning and then made its way to Hawaii and is continuing towards the coast of California. My heart goes out to everyone in those areas and I’m saddened by the loss of so many lives already. May you and your loved ones stay safe! ~ S.

Sources:

(Above)

• Purple cardigan: Old Navy
• Pale blue tee: Forever 21
• Belt: Old Navy
• Navy skirt: Gap
• Tights: Target
• Wedges: MIA Modern Wedge, via DSW

(Below)

• Sweater dress: Banana Republic, gift from MIL
• Necklace: Avalon Exchange
• Obi belt: from another dress
• Navy diamond tights: Banana Republic Factory
• Wedges: MIA Modern Wedge, via DSW

End Notes:

The above outfit is a fair and accurate representation of the kinds of outfits I’ve been wearing to teach in lately. I really think that I’ve worn that crinkle navy skirt at least once a week for the last two or three weeks, although I haven’t always taken the time to snap pictures. I like that this skirt has a fullness that’s not too overwhelming and plays well against the structure of a wide belt. Long time followers may have picked up that I have not been tucking in my cardigans for several weeks now, a move that is somewhat atypical of me and my love of high-waisted skirts. Well, readers, the reason, quite frankly, is that I was using a wide stretchy belt to bisect some squishy tummy, and the extra fabric below the belt helped to camouflage the fact that I was working on this:

Why yes, that is a baby bump. I enjoyed having my little secret for a couple of months, but now that I’m in my second trimester, I’m ready to start belting to reveal rather than conceal this burgeoning development (funny, I wore this dress when I first started showing with baby e. as well). For today’s look, I used my belt to create a surprising but spring-ish color combination of magenta, salmon, navy, and gray. I nicked this obi style belt from another dress (a dress which, due to the fact that I got it at an after Christmas sale and then found out I was preggers soon afterwards, you will not get to see blogged for quite a while), and I like how the texture plays off of the sweater dress and “goes” but does not quite match the coral colored beads I picked up at my local consignment store. I’ve amassed a significant collection of colorful belts over the last year or so (a purple sash and seafoam, gold, navy, and green belts) and, believe it or not, I’ve enjoyed the color combination possibilities they engender even more than their waist-defining capabilities.

P.S. Dear wondering readers, those jeans I wore at the end of last week are my Old Navy maternity jeans (demi band, straight cut — not currently available). I’m sorry to disappoint.

P.P.S. Baby E. — soon to be Big Brother E. — isn’t entirely sure what’s going on yet, but he wanted to be in today’s photo shoot nonetheless.

Before I say something about the outfit, I just wanted to note that I’ve loved the discussion on the background of Banana Republic’s name and the cultural nostalgia imbued in the company’s campaign. Thanks to my co-blogger E, I’ve learned a few new things myself this week. And thanks to those of you who chimed in with comments and further suggested readings on the topic!

In addition to questions regarding our collaboration with a large retailer this week, we’ve received several comments and emails expressing surprise at our decision to take on sponsorship. As sponsorship seems to function in different ways on different blogs, it might help if we clarify what it is that we’re looking to do so that those concerned about the future of academichic may find their questions answered. Readers who have expressed apprehension at the possibility of us changing our styles to reflect a company or sponsoring retailer may rest assured that this is not what we are looking to do. We’re simply looking for sponsorship in the form of a small ad (as seen with the sample on our sidebar) that would allow us to incure a bit of monthly income to offset some of the costs of this blog…our Pro Flickr account, the shipping on the almost weekly giveaways we host, and some of our camera equipment and accessories.

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All the Pretty Little Horses, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Denim trench: Old Navy, hand me down from SIL
• Scarf: Chinatown
• Glovens: Target
• Striped top: BCBG, thrifted
• Belt: from a Loft dress
• Skirt: Anthropologie Field Skirt
• Leggings: Target
• Socks: Smartwool
• Shoes: BC Footwear Atmosphere Wedge

End Notes:

Like A., I took advantage of the warmer weather over the weekend to snap these pictures of my “light” outwear. Simply put, I adore this denim trenchcoat (even if it’s bunching my skirt in this picture…oops). It’s a funny old thing. And not cool, vintage old. Just my sister-in-law had it freshman year of college and I adopted it after graduation old.

But it’s a timeless shape in an unusual fabric, and what with denim and chambray making a comeback over the past few seasons, I’ve loved having this as one of my outerwear staples. Additional bonuses include:

• The longer length means it provides some extra modesty when biking in skirts that get hiked up.
• It can accomodate a couple of layers underneath, but then nips everything in at the waist with the belt.
• The dark denim is a classic wash, but it still gives this familiar silhouette some statement appeal.

BC Footwear Atmosphere Wedge, originally uploaded by academichic.

Though not technically “outerwear,” I have to also give accolades to my new cold weather “mom” shoes. What are these things? They’re part Wallabee, part wedge, nice and supportive but still with a little funk. I can wear them to run errands in wide leg jeans with baby e. or on Sunday walks to the park with a skirt. Brilliant.

P.S. Here’s my first remix of my new favorite skirt. Remember its debut?

Soccer Mom, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Cardigan: Loft
• Tank: Forever 21
• Gold belt: thrifted
• Pants: Banana Republic
• Taupe Wedges: Ralph Lauren
• Necklace: Tickette, birthday gift from Husband N.

End Notes:

Today was my first day of the semester. I know, I know. Where’s the skirt? Where’s the dress? Well, one of my personal style rut-preventers of the year is to try and recapture some of my former love for trousers. And I figured that I might as well get things off to a running start by wearing these black wool trousers to kick off the semester.

Now, when I was wearing this outfit I felt very nautical work chic. I had a little navy and black neutral mixing going on, a gold belt, and some killer taupe patent wedges. And for a classroom setting, I thought I had a nice mix of conservative, authoritative pieces with little punchy bits of personality in the accessories.

(Also, I was secretly wearing magenta socks.)

Socks Surprise, originally uploaded by academichic.

But when I took pictures of the outfit, the first thing that came to mind was…soccer mom. I think it’s the pale shoe with the wide leg pant, plus the striped tank.

And yet, I still decided to post these. I want to remember that not every outfit is meant to be shot for a catalog. Some outfits make me feel fantastic on the ground, when it counts, even though they might not look all that stunning up on the internet. I felt powerful and competent wearing this, and I don’t want a bland picture to take that away from me.

Besides, I’m fully planning on being team mom when baby e. plays soccer some day.

Soccer Mom, originally uploaded by academichic.

Literal Necklace, originally uploaded by academichic.

22 December 2010 – Flower Child, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Cardigan: Pretty Good, Marshalls
• Tunic: Tucker for Target
• Earrings: Target
• Belt: thrifted
• Jeans: Gap, swapped with A.
• Wedges: thrifted

End Notes:

I promised a reader that I would remix this Tucker for Target tunic one more time before I left for the holidays. This is for you, Jessie!

I think I might still have some residual 30 for 30 in my system, since all of these items are pieces I’ve worn in the not too recent past. But, I love how the tunic’s print and the wide leg jeans both have a boho retro vibe, and how belting and blousing the tunic and cardigan give a new length and shape to everything.

My to-do list for our imminent departure to Houston and then Honolulu is still pretty hefty, but check back soon for a fun twist on a packing post. (Which, honestly, hinges on whether or not I can fit husband N., baby e., and myself into two carry-on bags again…)

16 December 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Wrap Sweater – Thrifted
• Skirt – Banana Republic
• Ruffle Blouse – Gap
• Tights – Gap
• Wool Pumps – Urban Outfitters
• Earrings – F21

Endnotes:

The day I wore this (before the ground was covered with ice and snow) I spent way too long in front of the mirror testing out the many suggestions you all had for how to wear this cardigan wrap thingy.  I just couldn’t make any of the interesting pinning, belting, or tucking options work and felt a bit messy with it hanging open, so when I realized I was running quite late for my office hours I simply tied the long pieces in front of body.  I was actually fairly happy with the result – it’s less bulky and a perhaps a bit more effortless (only in appearance that is) than the belted version and a bit tidier than wearing it open. Overall a polished look of ease and comfort – my favorite!

16 December 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

16 December 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Tilted, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Dolman cardigan: Ann Taylor
• Dress: Target
• Tights (two pairs for warmth): Hue
• Socks: vintage, my moms from college
• Boots: Steve Madden Iriss
• Coat: JCrew

End Notes:

Remember how my mother-in-law kidnapped my boots and sent them to the cobbler? I picked them up yesterday and, you guys, I’m in love. They’ve been reheeled and conditioned, and they look and feel fantastic: soft and supple with their pretty cognac shine back and noticeably more comfortable to walk in now that the heels have been replaced. It only cost $25, which, considering the amount of wear I’ve gotten out of these boots, is a great investment. Have you had experience having your shoes resoled, altered, or colored at a cobbler? What else can these magical people do? How do you decide if a shoe or boot is worth getting resoled?

You all had some great suggestions for different ways that A. could tie her drapey cardigan a few days ago, and I applied one of those ideas to my own dolman sleeve cardigan. I pinned the open bottom corners together and then shrugged into the cardigan with the pinned bits behind me, thus forming more of a cocoon shaped sweater. I actually really like this, as it does a better job of showing off both my waist and the sweater’s dramatic shape.

With my coat on, I feel a wee bit British prep school in this burgundy, navy, and camel color palette, but I’m okay with that. Sometimes I need to prove to myself that I’m capable of wearing navy with colors other than mustard.

7 December 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Blazer – Gap
• Ruffle Top – BR Factory Store
• Grey Sweater – Target
• Skinny Jeans – Banana Republic
• Boots – Banana Republic
• Earrings – Morocco, gift from a professor

Endnotes:

At the half way point of the 30 for 30 challenge, I realized I still had several items on my list that I had yet to wear.  I knew yesterday’s sweater and this blazer might be a challenge, which is exactly why I included them on the list.  But, I added the skinny jeans because I thought they would be a go-to item.  I just keep finding myself opting for either my skinny cords or ponte pants over the jeans.  I’ve written about my struggles with jeans in the past and, while I have come to embrace skinny pant, I still haven’t found the perfect fitting skinny jean.  These jeans look great when I am standing just right, but have the tendency to sag, thus exposing more of my waist/rear than desired and creating an unflattering droop in the crotch (yes, I did just type that for the world to read).  So, I’m still on the hunt for that perfect pair!

Meanwhile, I’m playing with layers!  I’m mixing textures and patterns and even lengths with this short blazer over a long sweater.

patern mixing: plaid and organic dots, originally uploaded by academichic.

I have to admit, I felt a bit like a young Rococo gent with these ruffles cascading from my jacket paired with a cropped pant silhouette.  Funny how the most “feminine” (in contemporary definitions) aspects of this outfit are what remind me of the 17th century “masculine” ensemble.  Yep, I’m knee deep in a chapter draft and gender performativity is on the mind!

Morocco Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

I finished this look off whit these beautiful earrings – a gift from Morocco!  A.

7 December 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

6 December 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Teal Wrap Sweater – Thrifted
• Belt – Gap
• Maroon Top – Banana Republic
• Black Ponte Pants – Ann Taylor
• Boots – Banana Republic, via ebay

Endnotes:

Sometime last year I thrifted this wrap, open cardigan thingy. I loved the color and was intrigued by its shape, which I imagined could have endless possibilities.  Well, those possibilities are escaping me!

I wore it once last winter with one end tucked into my waist band behind me and the other end tossed over my shoulder.  It made for a fairly dramatic and less-than-functional sweater.  Other than that, it has sat in my closet.  Until today that is!

6 December 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

I took the long pieces, gathered them in front and belted them.  It was still a fairly dramatic look, but with a bit of flow and ease to it too (see windy out-take below).

So, now I need your help.  You know my list – any ideas how else I could wear this sweater thing?  (note: the long ends are too short to wrap around my waist and tie behind my back).

6 December 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.