8 August 2010 – Black and Blue

Posted on | August 8, 2010 | 8 Comments

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?

27 July 2010

Posted on | July 27, 2010 | 20 Comments

27 July 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Jersey Wrap – BR Outlet
Striped Tank – American Eagle
Jeans – Banana Republic
Red Flats – Target
Dog – Camp

Endnotes:

After a wonderful visit with S. and T., an elegant wedding, and a relaxing weekend, A2, Camp, and I had to make the 10 hour drive back to Academichic Central. I wanted to be comfy in the car but needed something a bit more spiffy then sweats for the pre-car ride brunch with friends. I chose my cuffed skinny jeans, which have stretched out to a relaxed fit, a tank and this new jersey wrap. I picked this piece up on super sale at BR Outlet and love it! It’s so comfortable, is a lovely shade of grey, and has a fun ruffly lapel thing going. The belted waist doesn’t hurt either.

My pattern of choice has always been stripes and this summer I have been loving this blue and white striped tank.

Blue Stripes, originally uploaded by academichic.

I always find myself drawn to white and blue in the summer and have to stop myself from going overboard with the nautical influence. I think the classic paring of red and blue makes this simple outfit a bit more sophisticated and just happens to be a 2/3 color combination. I have a feeling these red shoes will be getting quite a bit of color-wheel play in the next few weeks!

Red Shoes, originally uploaded by academichic.

What’s your summer pattern or color paring of choice? Do you too go nautical when the weather warms? Or maybe bohemian, or safari?

27 July 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

22 July 2010

Posted on | July 22, 2010 | 20 Comments

22 July 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Top: thrifted
Pants: Banana Republic
Shoes: Lauren by Ralph Lauren, via Macys

End Notes:

Do you ever have one of those “off” weeks? Not a bad week per se, but just one where you’re stymied in all the small stuff, your words don’t seem to be coming out right, you can’t seem to get on top of the laundry, and all the books you need are checked out of the library? I’ve just realized that when I get into one of these “real world” ruts, my style tends to follow as I gravitate towards tried and true silhouettes and combinations in my wardrobe.

I’m a huge proponent of dressing to make yourself feel powerful and put-together, and so on most days when I need a pick me up I’d be most likely to turn to my ubiquitous navy dress or floaty cream skirt. But today I thought I’d try taking the opposite approach. What if I wore something that’s not on my list of “go-to” items? What if I wore something that I kind of have to psyche myself up for a wee bit? What if I pushed myself past my style comfort zone in order to force myself to be assertive, to be positive, and to take ownership of a so-so week?

22 July 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Caylin Wedge, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, originally uploaded by academichic.

So, out came these light gray pants that I haven’t totally figured out what to do with, and a boldly colored top in a longer length, and tall shoes. And look! No tucking in and no belt. If that’s not taking away a safety net, I don’t know what is, right? And I have to admit, now I feel all super-hero-y and proud of myself for trying something a little different rather than depending on my standards, as flattering and valuable as they may be.

Do you see a correspondence between an uninspired week and uninspired style? What do you do to get yourself out of a style rut?

22 July 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

17 June 2010 – Suggested Readings

Posted on | June 17, 2010 | 14 Comments

17 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Plaid tunic button down – Zara
Gray tank – Hanes
Skinnies – S.Oliver
Orange sandals – American Eagle
Scarf – Echo Design
Silver cuff – gift from dad

Endnotes:

So here’s another incarnation of my ‘uniform’ look that I last wrote about. Except I’ve switched out the flats for orange sandals. This for two reasons: I like how the orange sandals pick up the shades of orange in the plaid button down tunic without being too matchy-matchy, and my much worn Palladium flats have finally been retired after four years of faithful service and many many miles together. They tore at last and I’m putting them to rest in Europe, where we have shared many a pleasant trip together. Thank you, Palladium flats, you were a wise purchase indeed.

So it was in this comfy reiteration of the same look I’ve been sporting for a while now that I enjoyed yesterday’s day despite the rain and clouds.I took cover in one of my favorite bookshops in Munich – the five floored Hugendubel on Marienplatz – and cozied up in their top floor cafe with a hot mint tea, a good cycling book, and some intermittent people watching on the square below…

Cycle Readings, originally uploaded by academichic.

Rainy days in Munich, originally uploaded by academichic.

The second challenge for the LGRAB Summer Games included reading a book on cycling, so I began that task with Mark Beaumont’s The Man Who Cycled The World. Beaumont writes about his adventures riding over 18,000 miles on his bike in 194 days and 17 hours (making him the new world record holder). This book is his personal account of that incredible and often painful yet undoubtedly amazing journey on his bike.

I love reading books about the sports I enjoy, such as running and now cycling. (So the girls over at Let’s Go Ride a Bike didn’t really need to twist my arm with this one). But I’ve never been one to get all technical and read about the mechanics of said sport. Rather, I really love a good adventure memoir that focuses on the thrill, excitement, and discovery resulting from engaging in a given activity. I also like historical or theoretical readings on the development of a sport, which trace the social response to and understanding of said activity. Some of my favorite reads on these topics are:

Running:

McDougall, Christopher. Born to Run. A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World has Never Seen. Knopf, 2009.

(This one made me seriously think that I should be running ultras. It just made me fall in love with the art of running all over again.)

Murakami, Haruki. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. Knopf, 2008.

(I put it down and vowed to also run one marathon a year for the rest of my life. So I’m not really going to be able to do that, but I still think the book is beautiful and brilliant).

Cycling:

Mackintosh, Philip Gordon and Glen Norcliffe. “Men, Women and the Bicycle: Gender and Social Geography of Cycling in the Late Nineteenth-Century.” Cycling and Society. Eds. Dave Horton, Paul Rosen and Peter Cox. Burlington: Ashgate, 2007. 153-177.

Oddy, Nicholas. “Bicycles.” The Gendered Object. Ed. Pat Kirkham. New York: Manchester University Press, 1996. 60-69.

Simpson, Clare S. “Capitalising on Curiosity: Women’s Professional Cycle Racing in the Late-Nineteenth Century.” Cycling and Society. Eds. Dave Horton, Paul Rosen and Peter Cox. Burlington: Ashgate, 2007. 47-65.

(All really great and accessible articles on the social development of cycling and the gendered aspects of said activity, especially in the early stages on bicycle development).

Aesthetics and Sport in General:

Gumbrecht, Hans Ullrich. In Praise of Althletic Beauty. Harvard University Press, 2006.

(A beautiful and moving book on the aesthetics of athletics. I read this for a class on aesthetics a few years back and have since reread it for pleasure. Gumbrecht is a professor at Stanford University and I had the pleasure of meeting him shortly before coming to Germany. I had him autograph my book. Yes, I’m an academic groupie).

Do you have any great adventure memoirs you’d recommend? What are some of the books (aesthetics or athletics related) that have moved you? I’d love to get your reading tips! S.

17 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

14 June 2010 – Deep Thoughts on Fashion Blogging

Posted on | June 14, 2010 | 42 Comments

14 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Sunnies – drug store
Silk scarf – 1 Euro find at Vienna flea market
Eyelet top – TJMaxx
Brown cardi – TJMaxx
Skinnies – S.Oliver
Flats – Palladium
Pendant – Anthropologie
Earrings – gift from husband

Endnotes:

These are my last travel photos from Cluj, Romania. As you can see, I wore more of the same ‘uniform’ I’ve been sporting throughout my trip to Prague and Romania. I pretty much switched between two pairs of skinny jeans, rotated through a variety of loose, comfortable tunic-like tops, and wore the same tried and tested pair of Palladium flats each day…

This look works really well for me because I’m somewhat of a straight-up-and-down rectangle, so tunics, empire waist tops, and loose blouses work really well with my shape. Someone with more of an hourglass figure might do well to pack tops that define a waist and show off some curves, but for me, it ends up working quite well to highlight my thin legs in skinny jeans and not bother trying to create curves where there are none. When I’m just trying to get dressed quickly and comfortably, that is. Style savvy-readers like Sal mentioned trying travel outfits on at home before packing and I have definitely approached my packing in that well-planned way before. But when time is short and I just want to throw things in my bag that I know will work, I stick with simple pieces that work with and not against my figure. And with well worn-in and tested shoes. Even if it means that I wear pretty much a version of the same outfit each day. When I’m traveling, I want my surroundings to be my focus and not my outfits.

To vary my looks a wee bit and to make me feel like I’m adding a dash of style to my ‘travel uniform’, I packed a bunch of scarves and used those to add color, texture, and diversity. Scarves are great because they’re so light and small that you can pack a whole lot of them without sacrificing much luggage space at all…

I have actually been feeling a bit like a ‘one trick pony’ since so many of my outfits have been of this skinnies + tunic + flats variety and even wondered whether to post them or not, but then A.’s last post really struck a chord. I liked her honesty in saying that she doesn’t always look put-together, nor that she tries to always look put-together, and that she questions whether style bloggers ought to admit that or pretend otherwise. I have often thought about this myself (being of the not-always-so-put-together-as-I-may-like-to-pretend variety) and it seems to me that what sets fashion blogging apart from magazine spreads and professional models is the portrayal of a somewhat more realistic approach to style, fashion, clothing, and wearability. (Although the spectrum of fashion blogging runs broadly enough that arguments could be made both for and against this). Our site has always been about showing what we would wear on campus, to teach in, on research days, for office hours, or for any other given activity that we would realistically engage in. Thus, it follows that I shouldn’t have to edit out those images of me repeating the same jeans and top for the sake of creative documentation. At the same time, showing off the same look over and over defeats the purpose of creating a platform that seeks to inspire creativity and innovation in one’s approach to dressing.

If you’re still with me and I haven’t lost you with my ramblings, I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Where do you see the role of fashion blogging fitting in? Is it more of an art form and should a good blogger strive to create the kind of unique, often extravagant, and decidedly varied looks found in the pages of your favorite glossies, or rather, is it about documenting the everyday, albeit at times repetitive and perhaps even lackluster outfit creations of regular people? (And yes, I realize that I’m creating a somewhat oversimplified dichotomy here, but you get what I’m saying…)

So which type draws you in more?

Close-up, originally uploaded by academichic.

14 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

And as I leave you to ponder those questions, I will offer you a few more images of gorgeous Cluj… Hope you enjoy! S.

Cluj, Romania, originally uploaded by academichic.

10 June 2010 – Cluj, Romania

Posted on | June 10, 2010 | 10 Comments

10 June 2010 – Cluj, Romania, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Teal scarf – souvenir from Prague
Green top – Old Navy, thrifted
Skinnies – S. Oliver
Flats – Palladium
Shades – drug store

Endnotes:

After the day in Sibiu, T. and I spent some time in Cluj, Romania. I continued my pattern of dressing comfortably for lots of walking and sightseeing. Wearing those flats was a good idea too since we ended up walking up a somewhat steep hill for this gorgeous view of the city. Coffees with a view – bliss.

To add a bit of interest to my outfit, I looped this teal and silver scarf around my neck, creating an analogous color mix with the green top. I used to think analogous color mixes to be a little ‘too close for comfort’ but after doing our Fashion 101 series on colors, I’ve become quite enamored with this subtle yet beautiful color combo. I picked up this teal scarf in a little shop in Prague on my recent trip there as a little keepsake from my travels and it was nice to already pull it out and enjoy it.

Analogous Color Mix, originally uploaded by academichic.

Yesterday, I noted how I often like to peek in thrift stores for some unique yet affordable souvenirs from my travel destinations. And just today, I came across this awesome post from the creative Tricia Royal, founder of wardrobe_remix and writer of Bits and Bobbins. Check out this cool collage she’s working on using the colorful price tags of thrift store items…

I wish I had kept all my tags over the years, especially since the collection would include pieces from all over Europe, Canada, and the US. Tricia is actually looking to collect more tags from all over the world if possible and is asking for anyone willing to send thrift tag donations her way. If you thrift often or on occasion and would like to support this art project, read the full details here on Bits and Bobbins. It looks like my tags will be making their way to New York to find stardom in the art world soon. S.

10 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Coffees in Cluj, originally uploaded by academichic.

9 June 2010 – Sojourn in Sibiu

Posted on | June 9, 2010 | 5 Comments

9 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Polka dot bouse – Gap, thrifted
Navy tank – ON
Scarf – courtesy of Echo Design
Jeans – S. Oliver
Flats – Palladium
Green tote – Kenneth Cole
Earrings – gift from A.
Sunglasses – drug store

Endnotes:

These photos were taken one day last week spent in Sibiu, Romania. I posted some pictures of Sibiu the last time I was there in September of last year and I took a bunch more on this trip because it’s just such a beautiful and picturesque city.

Since I knew I would be doing a lot of walking on this trip to Romania, I packed sensibly – comfortable flats, sunscreen, and shades were on top of my list. (But more about my packing later). T. and I spent a good deal of our day in Sibiu walking around and exploring the city with intermittent coffee breaks keeping us juiced up and energized. Since we didn’t have much time on this particular visit, we didn’t enter any museums, but I did briefly pop into a promising looking thrift store…I just couldn’t resist.

Traveling/Thrifting, originally uploaded by academichic.

I love a good thrift store at home and I love it even more when traveling because it’s the perfect way to find some unique treasures or some very cheap souvenirs. T. actually suggested I go in when we passed it, which I’m taking as a sign of true love. He really knows me by now. And that’s where a large tote really comes in handy. While carrying a smaller purse is great in terms of weight, when I’m traveling, I need a big bag to hold my essentials, some handy wipes, any postcards and gifts I pick up, an umbrella (a proven way to ensure that it won’t rain!), and, of course, my camera. And, on this trip, the couple of goodies I picked up at said thrift store, which I’m excited to reveal sometime soon.

Are you also a well stocked traveler or do you like to keep things loose and breezy? S.

9 June 2010 – Old City of Sibiu, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sibiu, Romania, originally uploaded by academichic.

30 May 2010 – Prague On Two Wheels

Posted on | May 30, 2010 | 8 Comments

30 May 2010 – Prague, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Black tunic – thrifted
Gray ruffle sleeve tank – Filene’s basement
Scarf – H&M
Skinnies – thrifted
Flats – Palladium
Sunglasses – Shop in Romania
Bag – Old Etienne Aigner

Endnotes:

T. and I were fortunate enough to enjoy two glorious days in Prague on our way from Munich to Romania. Neither one of us had been there before and I’m confident in saying that this won’t have been our last trip to this amazing city. Sorry, Salzburg, I think I’ve found a new favorite.

I was feeling pretty inspired by how much fun we’d had on our ‘bike date’ in Munich, that I wanted to try the same in Prague. But given that we didn’t know the city, didn’t speak the language, and didn’t feel too comfortable navigating the town on bikes with maps in hand, we decided to do the next best thing to riding around on our own – book a guided city tour on bikes! I think all the social riding talk going on at Let’s Go Ride a Bike has had me looking for ways to ride with a group or with T. much more than usual. There is just something so enjoyable about grabbing bikes, a few friends, and spending the days outdoors. (You can read about my other LGRAB Summer Games participation posts here, while E.’s entry is to be found here.)

Prague Bike Tour, originally uploaded by academichic.

T. was more than enthusiastic about my suggestion and so we spent our first day in Prague exploring the city on two wheels with a knowledgeable guide. We booked our tour with City Bike. I would highly recommend them to others; our tour guide was well informed, patient (while we stopped and took many pictures), funny, and excited about sharing his city with us. The bikes were in good shape, the group size kept to no more than ten (we had seven in ours), and we were rewarded with a free local beer (or water) at the end of the ride.
We were also told that the average walking tour in Prague covers about a 2 km stretch throughout the old city, while the standard 2.5 hour bike tour covers 12 km of the city. We were able to see far more of the city this way, covering points of attraction further out and at further distances from each other than one would be able to do on foot. And as I already mentioned, our guide was more than gracious with allowing us plenty of photo stops along the route…

As for our outfits, I wore my stretchy skinnies because they’re great for bikes even without chain guards (they’re such a snug fit). I added a comfortable cotton tunic top and a loose scarf (more sun and tan-line protection around the neck line), my trusty flats, and sunglasses. My Etienne Aigner bag can easily be thrown over my back messenger-style, which was a wise choice seeing as how my bike didn’t have a basket. T. wore jeans, sunglasses, and this awesome ‘bike evolution’ shirt I found on Etsy a little while back.

Prague Bike Tour, originally uploaded by academichic.

After our two-plus hour bike tour, T. and I dismounted our bikes beaming from ear to ear. We had such a great time getting our bearings this way and were so glad that we had decided to splurge on a guided bike tour of the city.

Prague Bike Tour, originally uploaded by academichic.

Thanks, Trisha and Dottie, for really pushing me to think of creative ways to work social cycling into my day, I’m not sure that I would have considered this outing if it hadn’t been for my reading of the Summer Games on your site. And now I’m definitely on a roll…I’m thinking of working a bike tour of a Romanian city into our schedule here. Stay tuned and ride on! S.

30 May 2010 – Prague, originally uploaded by academichic.

28 May 2010

Posted on | May 28, 2010 | 6 Comments

28 May 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Knit blazer: C&C
Striped tank: Target
Skinnies: Ann Taylor
Oxfords: Civico10 from DSW

End Notes:

Whew. As A. mentioned yesterday, I started a summer course this week: an intensive French translation class. I’m still getting the hang of this new schedule and trying to figure out when snapping a picture can fit into my daily rhythm. But, between biking to and from campus every day this week and translating an excerpt of an article on a Jean Luc-Godard film, I’m feeling pretty good about my productivity levels.

I enjoy the fact that in the spring and summer my range of style references seems to expand as I apparently vacillate between full, billowy skirts and more “geek chic” looks, like this one. The skinnies and tank were easy to bike in, but once I arrived at my classroom I could throw on this knit blazer to stave off the dreaded summer air conditioning freeze-out and feel a little more put-together.

Is your style repertoire influenced by the seasons? I’m not talking about only wearing wool in winter, but do you perhaps find yourself to be a Katherine Hepburn trouser lady in the winter and a devoted dress lady in the summer? A spring hippie? An autumn prep?

I love the idea of having a personal style that allows for (and maybe even encourages?) these kinds of excursions into other style milieu. I think it starts to tap into some of the power that clothes have on both personal and social levels (however intertwined those two may be). So I shouldn’t feel schizophrenic for wearing vintage Hawaiian print one day, a retro-style dress the next or trying to edge-ify khaki, but instead embrace it as part of the creative potential (both aesthetic and generative) of getting dressed.

28 May 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

28 May 2010

Posted on | May 28, 2010 | 8 Comments

28 May 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Eyelet top – thrifted, sleeves altered by me
Gray tank – Hanes
Jeans – Old Navy Flirt jean
Flats – Palladium
Bracelet – Chinatown, San Fran
“L” Pendant – Anthropologie
Heart pendant – gift from husband

Endnotes:

As A. already mentioned, we’ve all been pretty busy lately. I’ve been out of commission since my husband arrived in Europe and we’ve been spending time traveling, leading us to Romania, where we are now. I did take some outfit (and cycling) pictures along the way, which I will start posting whenever I have some down time.

These pictures were snapped on our last day in Munich, while we were still pup-sitting and enjoying the city on a rare sun filled day. We spent the day walking around a ton (again) and so I naturally wore comfortable flats (again) with jeans and a loose eyelet top.

Eyelet detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Shoes, originally uploaded by academichic.

You may remember this top from when I first wore it back in January and asked for your opinion regarding the sleeves. I had just thrifted it and wasn’t too sure about the somewhat mariachi-like volume of the eyelet sleeves and asked whether I should leave them or cleave them. The votes came in pretty divided but I decided that the most important thing about style is to feel good and confident in one’s skin (and one’s clothes, by extension) and since I just wasn’t feeling the sleeves as they were, they had to be altered…

The beauty of thrifted items – I generally don’t spend too much money on them and so I’m more willing to take risks altering things that don’t seem quite right. For 4 Euros, I was willing to gamble the outcome of my chop job. I simply cut the bottom portion of the sleeves off, cutting along seam that was hidden beneath a layer of eyelet draping over it from the top section. Overall, the new version isn’t as dramatic and eye-catching as the original, but it’s much more me and more likely to be worn now. I can see this eyelet top being a reoccurring summer staple as the weather warms up and I’m looking for low maintenance but cute summer tops to pair with skirts or jeans. S.