Academichic Year One: E.’s Top Ten

Posted on | January 15, 2010 | 13 Comments

e-top ten

Like A. and S., I found compiling my list of top ten to be a worthy exercise. As I sifted through old photographs I was struck by how quickly my own taste can change. There are quite a few outfits that I was happy with at the time but that I have no desire to wear again. (Perhaps, like A., I will undertake some outfit revisions in the coming year.) On the other hand, there are some outfits that I still love. These are some of them.

This was — for lack of a better term — a weird year for me to start style blogging. My body changed a lot this year: a growing baby bump, post-partum jiggles and shifts, and nursing mom…er, chest expansion. My style this year was not solely a means of self-expression. It was also about practicality and accommodation and, on my best days, about creatively celebrating whatever body I happened to have at that moment. And since I gave birth to baby e. in July, it’s appropriate that half of my top ten are from during my pregnancy and half are post-partum.

A few passing observations:

Yellow is my confidence color.
I clearly missed high-waisted skirts during pregnancy.
Unexpectedly, pregnancy confirmed skinny pants’ place in my regular wardrobe rotation.
My post-partum/mom style has been a great opportunity to experiment with different shapes and proportions.
I have not yet hit my limit for “too many” pairs of great wedges.

Academically, this upcoming year is supposed to be something of my coming of age as I finish off department requirements and move into independent research and writing. On the mom front, I’ll be starting to chase baby e. around and clean up even more messes. I’m excited to see how my style continues to evolve to reflect these changes, and I’m hopeful that I’ll get to share some of that with all of you.

4th Trimester Style: Minding the Gap

Posted on | August 28, 2009 | 21 Comments

A couple of weeks ago I recapped my experience of trying to dress stylishly through my 6 months of “obvious” pregnancy. Now post-bump I am picking my way through the new style challenges of the so-called “4th trimester” as all my internally displaced organs rearrange themselves and my hips try to decide if they ever want to return home. So many of you have been very kind and gracious in complimenting me on the quick recovery of my waistline, and I certainly appreciate your encouragement. Still, in the interest of intellectual honesty, you should know…

I am a long way off from fitting back into my pre-preggers pants and skirts.

Oh, yes, good readers, I have some significant jiggly below my stomach that seems to be in no real hurry to leave. Between having a torso of epically long proportions and carrying low throughout my pregnancy, my post-preggers body has managed, weirdly, to achieve a flat abdomen with all the squish hanging out below. I’m serious.

Ultimately I remain relatively unfazed by this state of affairs. My body is recovering from some pretty dramatic stuff, and having my beautiful son in my arms is worth a pooch below the belt. Still, the fact remains that the clothes that made me feel best pre-preggers — my favorite jeans, my denim skirts, my beloved trousers, and my sleek pencil skirts — must remain relegated to the basement for a while longer.

So that left me with a couple of choices:

Resign myself to wearing only stretchy fabrics and maternity pants for the next three months
Obsess crazily about crunches and carbohydrates in an attempt to hasten my return to pencil skirts
OR fill this style gap with new (or new-to-me) clothes

I chose the third option and, a few weeks ago, ventured out to the my neighborhood thrift store with a budget of $30. An hour and many garments later, I left with a pair of gray trousers to cut into bermuda shorts, two pairs of jeans, three tops, and a pair of wedges. Seriously, it was like Christmas.

But here’s the thing. Those pants and jeans? They’re two sizes larger than my pre-preggers size. At first it was a little bit of a blow to my ego to pull jeans from the rack that my post-baby hips absolutely refused to fit into. But then…then I slipped on this pair of jeans and did a happy dance in front of the mirror.

Three Cheers for the Thrifting Fairies

They fit perfectly and, in doing so, made me feel like I had my pre-preggers body back early. I mean, if they can make my legs look three days long I could care less what number is stamped on the tag. And as if the thrifting fairies weren’t already being exceptionally kind, the jeans were 7 For All Mankind — my first time owning this coveted brand — and cost only $8. And those pants-turned-bermudas? They’ve become a sleek, go-to staple in recent weeks. And that other pair of jeans? With some minor alterations, I have a custom-fit pair of harder-to-come-by straight leg jeans.

So while I’m still committed to getting back into shape, this little thrifting trip has made a world of difference for my postpartum self-esteem. Again, I’m dressing the body I have now, and dressing it in “real” clothes. Clothes with waistbands. Clothes that are flattering. Clothes that, perhaps most importantly, let me delight in being a mom, without fretting or feeling guilty about worry over my body. To me, that’s worth much more than $30 at Goodwill.

E.’s Maternity Style Recap: Highlight Reel

Posted on | August 4, 2009 | 20 Comments

Note: With my parents in town for the week, moments to snap a daily photo are limited. So, I’m supplementing our regular academichic fare with some ruminations on style during and immediately after pregnancy while it’s all still fresh in my mind. Bear with me. These will be lengthy!

In theory, the modern woman knows that a stylish pregnancy is possible, and perhaps, with the availability of maternity lines at Gap, Old Navy, and Target, even expected. From the very beginning I knew, at least on an intellectual level, that I wanted to maintain my sense of style throughout my pregnancy and that I never, ever, wanted to settle for any garment that even remotely resembled a circus tent. Yet theory alone — as we graduate student in the humanities so often find — does not a methodology make. Recognizing the specificity of the situation — accepting the fact that my body and this particular pregnancy were unique — was the first important step in embracing the challenge of dressing a body that seemed to be a different shape every single morning.

A few months ago the always-fabulous Allie of My Wardrobe Today did a guest post on Already Pretty with a really stellar list of practical recommendations for the preggers fashionista. Many of my thoughts overlap with Allie’s, so rather than review the generalities I wanted to instead point to the particulars by reflecting on some of my favorite outfits from my “obviously pregnant” months. Consider it an annotated image appendix of sorts.

(more…)

18 July 2009 – Neutrals with a Pop of Baby

Posted on | July 18, 2009 | 41 Comments

18 July 2009 – Neutrals with a Pop of Baby, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Beige cardigan: Pretty Good, from Marshalls
White nursing cami: Target
Cream skirt: BR Outlet
Metallic wedges: Target.com
Baby e.: self-made!

End Notes:

It’s been exactly one week since we brought baby e. home from the hospital. Ironically, today is also baby e.’s original due date. I suppose this picture can serve as my final bump picture.

Adjusting to motherhood has been just as exhausting and just as wonderful as everyone had predicted. Baby e. is a delight. I have been relishing the time that N. and I can spend with him as my gracious MIL and SIL have been in town to help us out.

I spent most of the week rotating through my trusty jersey skirts, but today I wanted to make one little contribution to our review session on neutrals and pulled out this airy cream cotton skirt that has a forgiving elastic waistband. The open front cardi — a just-before-baby buy — has a wonderful, snuggly drape and offers the necessary coverage-but-access for breastfeeding. This is a really light, soft palette for me, but, like S. discovered a few days ago it has a quiet sophistication about it.

And, of course, it makes the perfect backdrop for a little pop of baby.

18 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

8 July 2009 – Welcome Baby e.

Posted on | July 10, 2009 | 83 Comments

8 July 2009 – Welcome Baby e., originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Purple Top: F21
Pinstriped bermudas: Gap Maternity
Red Wedges: Naturalizer
Necklace: gift from Husband N.

Endnotes:

This is what E. was planning to wear to meet me for coffee after her doctor’s appointment on Wednesday afternoon. She packed a pair of flip-flops (or “slippers,” as she calls them) so as not to upset her doctor. Not all women can sport high wedges at almost 9 months pregnant. What her doctor doesn’t know, is that E. is not your average pregnant woman!

Back detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

But, as it turned out, E. never made it for our coffee date! Her lovely son, beautiful baby e. was born early Thursday morning! Little did E. know that this would be her “birthing-day outfit.” Luckily, those “slippers” came in handy for waddling around the hospital and made a perfect pairing with her hospital gown!

E., N., and baby e. are all doing well and should be home from the hospital soon. Here is a sneak peak at the gorgeous little guy! (I promise to post some pictures from my baby e. visit.)

Welcome to the world baby e.! We are thrilled you are here! -A.

Welcome Baby e.!!, originally uploaded by academichic.

8 July 2009

Posted on | July 8, 2009 | 13 Comments

8 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed.

Coral sleeveless sweater: Gap Maternity
Brown jersey skirt: ON
Patterned ballet flats: ON
Green jade bracelet: Gift from S. from San Francisco

End Notes:

Coral, as wise color analysts have frequently cited, is one of those (almost) universally flattering colors, yet it’s one that has not shown up that frequently in my own closet. I’m not sure why. I do love the color, especially in this more vibrant tone, and I love how it looks against my skin and hair. But, for some reason, I don’t have anything this shade of coral in my pre-preggers wardrobe and that’s something I’d like to fix post-baby.

I remember a few years ago Real Simple Magazine had an article on four universally flattering colors: eggplant, true red, Indian teal, and “mellow rose.” And you know what? Of all of those colors the only one I kind of have in my wardrobe is the teal. But before the temptation could strike to run out and stock up on “true red,” I was struck by how none of those colors really fit my own style. I’m sure eggplant would look nice on my skin tone, but it falls a little flat for me given my pull towards more vibrant colors. And the “mellow rose”…way to close to an unfortunate run-in with a pink dress in grade school.

I suppose what I’m getting at is that while there may be hues that are almost universally flattering strictly in terms of color theory, the associations that go along with that color may not be universally appealing. What do you think? Is a color just a spot on the color wheel or does it carry certain connotations with it as well? Do you like a color because it looks god on you? Or are there colors that you won’t wear because you just don’t like them — they remind you of your high school band uniform, your grandmother’s carpet, etc. — not because they don’t look good on you? How emotional are your wardrobe color picks?

8 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

6 July 2009 – The Summer Version

Posted on | July 7, 2009 | 13 Comments

6 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed.

Denim skirt: ON Maternity
Gray tank: ON Maternity
Wine cardi: H&M
Orange bauble necklace: Forever 21
T-Strap Wedges: Target.com

End Notes:

It was only after I put this on yesterday that I realized why it looked so familiar:

13 February 2009 – With Coat, originally uploaded by academichic.

I had essentially worn the same outfit this winter. But yesterday, nstead of February’s dark gray sweater, I wore a dark gray tank top. Instead of cognac boots I wore t-strap wedges. I think it’s funny that I even wore my orange necklace in the same alternate way (with an extra chain attached to alter the shape).

Orange Bauble Necklace, originally uploaded by academichic.

Oh, right. And I guess this time around I’m also almost 9 months preggers.

I suppose this means I have a consistent style through the seasons and through pregnancy! But I’m curious if any of you feel like your style changes with the seasons. Do you pull more to the hippie, bohemian side during the summer but are preppier in the fall? Do you embrace the retro look more in the spring and go mod in the winter? Or does your style stay fairly defined year-round? Do you have summer versions of favorite winter combinations?

6 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

2 July 2009 – The Business of Being Ready

Posted on | July 2, 2009 | 15 Comments

2 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed.

Navy blazer: BR Outlet, endlessly remixed
Magenta tank: F21
Pinstriped bermudas: Gap Maternity
T-strap wedges: Target.com
Earrings: gift from my husband

End Notes:

I’m a little shocked that I’m able to say this, but the weather has been behaving quite nicely in our little patch of the Midwest. So well, in fact, that I got to pull out this favorite navy blazer of mine today. All of us have praised structured little jackets to the skies at some point or another on this blog, and I know that many of you agree that a blazer adds a sense of polish and a boost of confidence that few other single items of clothing can elicit.

I don’t have a meeting today, nor do I have plans to see anyone I know. I’m still working my way through my “things to do before baby arrives” checklist, which requires mundane outings such as trips to Target, Home Depot, and the campus library. And yet, I am wearing a blazer. In my mind, it transforms my list of errands into a responsibility I should and can handle with composure and aplomb, rather than anxious fretting.

A month or two ago, A. and I did dress up for a meeting with an administrator who has frequently and frustratingly refused to take us seriously. One reader who is also in academia wondered if our efforts were in vain. “Do you think he can differentiate between your standby denim and this gray skirt?” she asked.

That question got me thinking a lot about who I dress for. Indeed, I don’t think that either that administrator or the cashier at Target will necessarily treat me differently if I wore this navy blazer instead of a navy hoodie. But I know the difference…is that reason enough? Is dressing for your own self-confidence and dressing to garner others’ respect mutually exclusive? I tend to think not. Is there a symbiotic relationship between the two? Does one lead to the other causally?

Most simply: who do you dress for?

Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

30 June 2009

Posted on | June 30, 2009 | 9 Comments

30 June 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed.

Black flutter sleeve dress: Liz Lange for Target
Wooden bead necklace: Hawaii
Wooden hoop earrings: Wet Seal
Brown suede slippers: Cobia

End Notes:

Thank you all for your kind words yesterday. I had a good doctor’s visit that afternoon and that evening my husband and I finished our final childbirth class. It’s amazing how just checking one more thing off a to-do list (in this case, “learn how to have baby”) can make a big difference in my subconscious mood!

Today just felt like a dress day, and this fluttery sleeve, swingy number caught my eye. The last time I wore it I was in Houston, attending a brunch in honor of my sister-in-law’s graduation. This time around I wanted to keep the same sweet feel to the outfit but I added a little more of a bohemian twist by pairing brown accessories in earthy textures — wood and suede — with the black jersey.

I have to say that wearing the little black dress as a summer day dress is still something that I have to carefully plot. Of course, fabric and cut do a lot to make even a black dress more summery, but accessory choices play a role as well. How do you wear your little black dress in the summer?

30 June 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

29 June 2009

Posted on | June 29, 2009 | 12 Comments

29 June 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed.

Mustard top: F21
Bermudas: Liz Lange for Target, thrifted and chopped
Patterned flats: Old Navy

End Notes:

Today’s outfit isn’t all that interesting, minus the fact that this shirt has been an amazing grow-as-I-go piece. It started out blousey and now it’s a snug bump hugger.

29 June 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Perhaps it’s appropriate to pull it out today as I have officially reached the point in the pregnancy where I could give birth any day now…or I could hold out for another four weeks. It’s a strange in-between stage to be in and it lends itself to both working on projects I wasn’t sure if I would get around to and just trying to relax and rest a little more before baby e. shakes up our life in a wonderful way.

I’m realizing just what a concerted effort it will take to feel good about my appearance for the remaining weeks. My face has started to swell, I’m on the verge of needing a haircut, as the baby drops some of my maternity clothes don’t fit in quite the same way…and I think that’s where the psychology of style will have to come into play. So don’t be surprised if you see me wearing my favorite colors over and over again in these next few weeks or if certain key pieces make repeat appearances. As much as being creative with my clothes makes me feel confident, I think that sometimes the old favorites — the pieces that you know work — can be a powerful booster too.

Do you have a particular outfit that is a guaranteed confidence-booster? Or are you more likely to get your style high from putting together something completely new?

While you think about that, excuse me while I go chug another quart of water to help with this bloat!

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