9 March 2010 – Urban Cowboy

Posted on | March 9, 2010 | 14 Comments

9 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Gray sweater – AE, hand me down,
Plaid button down – thrifted
Jean shorts – thrifted and chopped by me
Sweater tights – drug store
Boots – Dillards
Bracelets – Big Lots

Endnotes:

It’s no secret that I’ve fallen a bit in love with shorts this winter. But while the J.Crew models seem to be easily pulling off shorts and bare legs with their winter cardis and jackets, I live in a city where no such skin exposure is plausible.

So if I want to do the shorts and sweater combo, I have to make sure to add a sturdy pair of tights in there as well. Enter: the sweater tights. Possibly one of mankind’s best inventions along with chocolate and This American Life podcasts. They’re soft, cozy, and actually much more insulating than a pair of trousers or jeans.

Since we’re featuring tights this week for our Fashion 101 course, it’s only fitting that I start my posts with my favorite kind of tights. While sweater tights don’t come in fun patterns or peek-a-boo fishnet materials, they usually do have a nice texture that give them some added interest and they are also far more snag-proof than their lighter and thinner counterparts. And not to mention oh-so-cozy and warm.

As for a side note on the shorts – I wanted a pair of shorts that would be similar to my trouser shorts, so I went to the thrift store back home looking for a pair. I found there to be a slight problem with cutting up a pair of existing jeans in my closet – they’re cut to be fitted and thus are much snugger around my thighs than a pair of shorts ideally would be (this works well for a trouser shorts look but is a little too tight for my taste when it comes to also wearing them this length).

So I thrifted a pair of shorts that fit well and felt nice and roomy without worrying about length too much. I then cut off about 2 inches to make them my desired length. These were also cuffed initially, and while I like that on the J. Crew models above, I was aiming for a more rough fringed finish à la Renee Sturme or Christina from Second Skin (see examples below).

If you’re looking to show off your tights this winter, why not try a pair of shorts one day instead of a skirt or dress? Don’t have a good winter pair? Thrift a pair of shorts (you can always adjust the length yourself) or DIY a pair of old jeans you no longer wear. S.

11 February 2010

Posted on | February 11, 2010 | 21 Comments

11 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Pink Sweater – Banana Republic
Black Sweater Vest – BR Outlet
Shorts – Banana Republic
Tights – various
Scarf – H & M

Endnotes:

This is yet another experimental outfit! There are multiple sources of inspiration for today’s look. Obviously, much of this ensemble is inspired by S. S. has been rocking the shorts and tights look all season and I’ve loved it on her.

My mom gave me these tweed trouser shorts a few years ago for my birthday. I wore them in that rare weather window when tweed was appropriate and it was warm enough to wear shorts with flats and a sweater, but they have been mostly sitting in my closet. I decided to given them a try with tights. I wanted to make sure this was a dressier take on the shorts trend, since today is a teaching day for me, so I paired them with black pumps.

Scarf Bow, originally uploaded by academichic.

While I love this vest and have worn it a few times already, I’m still fighting a bit of a vest learning curve. I like how the vest with shorts makes for a school-boy inspired ensemble. I layered the vest over another sweater (over a tee) for warmth and doubled my tights.

I think the scarf adds quite a bit of needed visual interest to this outfit. I love the pattern on this scarf and am always trying to find new ways to incorporate it into an outfit. This loose bow to the side was inspired by the pages of the most recent J Crew catalog. It felt rather fussy when I first tied it on, but I think paired with such an otherwise structure outfit it works well. have you jumped on the tights and shorts bandwagon yet?

11 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

11 February 2010

Posted on | February 11, 2010 | 16 Comments

11 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Pashmina scarf – small shop in Romania
Brown cord jacket – thrifted
Pale pink top – TJMaxx
Tweed shorts – thrifted
Thermal tights – Romania
Boots – Dillards

Endnotes:

E. and I must have been on the same wave length when we decided to pair a shimmery scarf with a brown corduroy jacket. This gorgeous orange and red pashmina has gold thread woven throughout it, which gives it a sparkly finished look, making it a bit more formal and elegant than your average scarf. But the brown corduroy blazer is such a decidedly day-wear item that it mitigates the formality of the shimmery scarf and creates a look that is somewhat posh but still library friendly.

This pashmina is also large enough that it functions as a make-shift turtleneck collar when worn underneath the jacket. Last time I wore it, I belted the ends to keep them from shifting around too much. This time, tucking them underneath the jacket keeps this look in place and secure.

This outfit started with this shimmery pashmina and the brown cord jacket and was really color-driven in its creation: I wanted to keep with the rich brown and orange hues so I added my brown boots, these tweed shorts, and a pale pink top that almost functions like a neutral (it doesn’t compete with any of the existing colors). This is one of those looks that really came out as I envisioned it: warm and rich in its color scheme and casual and comfortable in function. The ideal pairing, n’est pas? S.

11 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

DIY: Denim Cut-Off Shorts

Posted on | January 26, 2010 | 17 Comments

Ah, the winter shorts. So contradictory and impractical of a trend that it’s spread like wildfire. Even J.Crew can’t help pairing their shorts with blazers, classic cardigans, or crisp button downs (just see above for proof). So who am I to fight it? I actually love the winter shorts trend because it’s just like wearing wool tights with skirts or dresses only better; No worrying about your skirt flying up in the wind or your dress static-clinging to your nyloned legs. You get the best of both worlds.

Since I’ve been getting so much mileage out of my recently purchased tweed shorts, I decided to take a pair of scissors to an old pair of jeans and gift myself a second pair of winter shorts. A denim cut-off pair. I think it was around the mid nineties that I last turned a pair of jeans into cut-offs, so I proceeded with caution and recorded the transformation for your benefit as well. In just a few easy steps, you too can be the proud owner of a pair of denim cut-offs…

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12 January 2010 – Free Pass

Posted on | January 12, 2010 | 20 Comments

12 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Gray fleece coat: Forever 21
Black shirt: thrifted
Leaf print shirt: H&M
White shorts: Old Navy
Tights: Target
Ruffled pumps: AM, via DSW

End Notes:

When I was in elementary school, my favorite aunt used to take me shopping on my birthday and buy me these wild outfits that were a far cry from my usual fare of solid tees and neutral shorts. On year she gave me these lime green shorts and a coordinating tee shirt with silver glitter swirls. Another time, I received hot pink printed shorts and a lighter pink tank top. They were a little much for my rather reserved nine and ten year old self, but something about them being birthday outfits gave me a boosted self-confidence and a sense of invincibility. When you’re the birthday girl, after all, no one can say anything mean about you being a flash of chartreuse.

So since today is Academichic’s first anniversary, I thought I’d invoke birthday style privileges and try out something outside my usual style box and regard of rules. Namely, white shorts in winter with black tights. Frankly, folks, I wouldn’t wear this to campus nor am I sure that I’ll ever try this again. But I feel delightfully giddy about inhabiting a different style sphere today and I’m full of new inspiration for another year of style blogging. It’s funny what giving yourself a “free pass” can accomplish mentally.

(Plus, I’m wearing the same leaf print shirt that I did a year ago in my first post!)

12 January 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Thank you, again, to all our readers for your interest and support over the past year. We hope you’ll stick with us for more machine-washable style in 2010!

12 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

10 January 2010 – Short(s) Story

Posted on | January 10, 2010 | 23 Comments

10 January 2010 , originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Cropped jacket – thrifted
Maroon top – thrifted
Tweed shorts – thrifted
Silk leggings – gift from mom
Boots – Banana Republic
Cluster of pins – thrifted

Endnotes:

One of my favorite purchases this winter have been these tweed shorts. I had been eyeing the shorts+boots trend from afar for a while and was excited to find the perfect pair of shorts to try this look myself. Trying trendy items can be a bit scary – you worry about how it will look on you and don’t want to spend a lot of money on an item you might only wear one season and then decide that it’s not your style after all. It’s no surprise that shows like What Not To Wear and fashion magazines often urge shoppers to invest in ‘classic’ and ‘timeless’ pieces. But sometimes it’s just more fun to buy something ‘timely’ and of the season. Two things I always look for when making such a purchase are:

1) Price – my budget is tight as a graduate student so I will only pay as much as I won’t regret having ‘lost’ if I change my mind about the said trend item a season later.

2) Fit – no matter how cute/stylish/cutting-edge an item is, it has to fit my body well or else I’m likely to feel double out of my comfort zone. Fit is key!

These shorts made the cut on both accounts and quickly won their spot in my heart as a new favorite. Thus far, I’ve worn them styled the following ways:

Today’s look with the cropped jacket was inspired by a recent post of Jess’s on What I Wore. A cluster of thrift shop and flea market sourced pins add that touch of whimsy I’m so fond of and keeps the ensemble from feeling too serious. Which of these stylings is your favorite?

Assorted pics, originally uploaded by academichic.

Alternately, when it comes to embracing a ‘trend item’, what words of wisdom do you live by? What is your list of criteria for said item to find its way home with you? S.

10 January 2010 – Short Story, originally uploaded by academichic.

6 January 2009 – Insider/Outsider

Posted on | January 7, 2010 | 13 Comments

6 January 2009 – Insider/Outsider, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Cardigan: Pretty Please, from Marshalls
White nursing cami: Target
Wooden beads: Hawaii
Navy shorts: Target
Cork slippers: Hawaii drug store

End Notes:

After flying overnight — baby e. was a champ! — I am back home in the frigid Midwest, trying to remember how to layer for stylish warmth. It was a wonderful visit with family and friends, and even though baby e. won’t remember this trip it was exciting to introduce him to the people and culture that have been formative of my identity.

For the past several years, my trips back to Hawaii have sparked mini wardrobe-identification crises. Hawaii’s culture is very laid back, and I grew up with a wardrobe (and friends and aunties with wardrobes) comprised primarily of shorts, rubber slippers, and t-shirts. When I went off to college, I took that “look” with me as a signifier of my cultural affiliation. I was the “Hawaii girl” in surf company brand shirts, jeans, slippers (aka “flip flops”), and the occasional fabric flower tucked behind my ear. Now, having lived on the mainland for nine years, my style has evolved to reflect new tastes as well as my personal and professional aspirations.

6 January 2009 – Insider/Outsider, originally uploaded by academichic.

So, when I return to Hawaii, which wardrobe makes an appearance? Do I bring along a little structured jacket that screams “mainland”! Do I dress to announce my status as a cultural insider? Does the fact that I have to ponder this mean that I’ve relinquished that status? I remember a couple of years back when I wore what I considered to be a very casual outfit of a gray tee, brown bermudas, and a turquoise bead necklace. My mom took one look at me and asked why I was so dressed up.

I haven’t completely figured out where I stand on all of this, nor do I think that the relationship of dress to culture is transparent or direct. But I was quite happy with the balance of this outfit that I wore on one of our last days in the islands: crisp pieces with a draped, light cardigan, wooden accessories, and the ubiquitous slippers. Regardless of whether I “passed” as a local girl or everyone presumed that I was a tourist, I can recognize the value of embracing a hybrid style.

Besides, what post-colonial scholar doesn’t love a third space?

6 January 2009 – Insider/Outsider, originally uploaded by academichic.

22 December 2009

Posted on | December 22, 2009 | 11 Comments

22 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:
All remixed:

Navy tank – ON
White button down – J.Jill
Navy vest - Cecil, thrifted
Silk scarf as belt – erre, thrifted
Tweed shorts – Tally Weijl, thrifted
Boots – Dillards
Necklace – Anthropologie

Endnotes:

Remember these shorts? I’m sure you do, since I wore them twice last week. But I’m starting to think that the old adage should not be ‘if you love something, let it go’, but rather, ‘if you love something, wear it again and again’. S.

22 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

17 December 2009

Posted on | December 17, 2009 | 23 Comments

17 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed but vest:

Striped top – J.Crew
Tweed shorts – Tally Weijl, thrifted
Black silk leggings – old, gift from mom
Boots – BR
“L” pendant – Anthropologie
Scrabble pendant – It’s All About The Print on Etsy (worn backwards)
Vest – Boy’s Tracht (German folk costume) vest, thrifted

Endnotes:

Yes, same shorts again! I love these and I have no qualms with wearing something I love two days in a row. This time I’m wearing them over a pair of silk leggings, which my mom got me years ago to layer for warmth underneath pants (I don’t think she had shorts in mind), and with another thrifted goodie: This navy wool vest that is part of a boy’s Tracht ensemble (the German folk costume that involves Lederhosen and such). I was inspired by the fabulous Archibald Maximilion over at wardrobe_remix who has a child’s vest that she wears in a number of wonderful and creative ways.

Boy’s Tracht Vest, originally uploaded by academichic.

E. has noted many a times how thrift shopping allows one to steer away from a comfort zone and try things one normally wouldn’t. How right she is. When thrifting, I feel like I can take a chance on items I wouldn’t normally buy because of the affordability and the altogether adventurous nature of thrifting. There is also the element of the thrifting space – it’s usually a large shop with men’s, women’s, and children’s items all in promixity of one another, so I’m far more likely to venture into the men’s section or children’s section as I browse.

How about you? Do you shop exclusively in your designated department or do you look for pieces in unlikely places as well? Are there any particular items for which you go specifically to a department that is not your own? S.

17 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

16 December 2009

Posted on | December 16, 2009 | 21 Comments

16 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:
All remixed but shorts:

Navy cardi – H&M
White eyelet top – TJMaxx
Tweed shorts – Tally Weijl, newly thrifted
Sweater tights – DM
Boots – Dillards
Purple beads – F21
“L” pendant – Anthropologie

Endnotes:

I have long been pining for a pair of tweed shorts to wear over sweater tights with boots. But seeing as how I didn’t pack any shorts with me, I thought I was doomed to sit out this trend until my return to the States. Oh, woe is me!

But then I came across the most amazing thrift store here in Munich and within five minutes of being inside, I spotted the perfect pair of tweed trouser shorts just as I had dreamt about on many a lonely nights. And they were to be mine for only 4 Euros. This was good, but also very very bad. Because now that I have discovered this magical thrift store, I am bound to return many times and my resolve of being frugal is quickly dwindling. Oh, woe is my wallet!

Tweed Shorts, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sorry, I think I’m spending too much time buried in my nineteenth century literature and I’m developing a flair for the dramatic. But I really am excited about this shorts-over-tights look and if you need any more style inspiration for this one, just check out how all of these lovely ladies have styled their shorts this season. Today I’m also loving layered necklaces and that it’s Braid Wednesday.

Necklace detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Braid Wednesday, originally uploaded by academichic.

While it’s unseasonably warm in the library here and I could probably even pull off the shorts without sweater tights look, it’s decidedly freezing outside. So here’s a note on outerwear: A cute coat is great but will likely loose its charm once you’ve lost feeling in your frozen derriere. A warm and functional coat is a must in my book. I am now wearing this awesome one from Tahari, courtesy of my mom and dad. Thank you! It’s similar in cut to my black wool one but closer in feel to a sleeping bag and something I would recommend to anyone living in a cold weather climate or not commuting by car: invest in a good down coat! They’re not all dowdy and you don’t have to look like a marshmallow, just check out Sal’s great post for ideas and inspiration if you’re in the market for one this winter. S.