academichic

15 September 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:
All remixed except skirt which is old

• Green Top – BR Outlet
• Scarf (worn as blouse) – gift from Kimberly
• Brown Skirt – Gap
• Woven Brown Belt – Forever 21
• Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction, via DSW
• Earrings – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

It is still much warmer here than I would like it to be and I am getting sick of my summer wardrobe!  One of the easiest ways to remix clothing is in the layering, but as I have mentioned before, this is more difficult to do in warmer weather.  Interesting color combinations are another great way to change the look of a remixed item.  Yesterday I paired blue-green and red-orange for a casual complimentary color scheme, but in the end it was my layered neckline that I liked best about the outfit.

This got me thinking about ways to creatively layer pieces and to bring more interest to the neckline of some of my go-to knits.  I love the pattern on this scarf, sent to me by the lovely Kimberly of Fab Finds Under $50, and have often thought how great it would be to have a skirt or blouse with this pattern on it.  So, partially inspired by E.’s scarf tacked to cardigan from several months ago, I tucked this long rectangular scarf around the neckline of my shirt and used the belt to hold the ends in place.  As I got dressed this morning, I was worried about the scarf slipping around all day, but so far, so good.

Neckline – Scarf Shirt, originally uploaded by academichic.

Big Ben, London, originally uploaded by 13bobby.

We recently received this email from a reader who is embarking on a graduate year abroad in London:

While I’m familiar with London and workwear there, I’m having a hard time bridging my Washington DC work outfits (read: boring, governmental) with London style and the casualness of being a student again. I’ve read your posts about international conferences and school/research abroad — I was wondering if you’d be willing to take a stab at this topic? I am starting to wonder about what to choose for that crucial orientation / first day of school outfit. Classes start in October, so I think I have to fast forward to fall. England + October = not very warm. :)

First of, how exciting! A year in London! While we know what we’d recommend for a first day back outfit here on our home turf, we’re not certain we can answer that for the UK. So, dear readers (especially those of the British variety), would you be so kind as to chime in with your advice and tips on academic fashion in your corner of the world? In particular, what would you recommend for a stylish orientation outfit in the fall? Thank you!

Last week, when I wore my favorite denim pencil skirt, which I have remixed for all seasons, I wrote about wanting another pencil skirt to add into the rotation with my denim stand-by and my newer grey chino pencil skirt.  I love that both of these can be dressed up or down and can be worn with any color and across at least three seasons.

I have found, much to my surprise, that the pencil skirt is a very flattering shape for me and it has become one of may favorite pieces for a professional look.  I wear my denim, black cotton, and grey cotton skirts all the time – as I am sure you have noticed.  I have also gotten some good wear out of my pinstripe pencil skirt, but this is a much dressier look (perfect in place of a suit for conferences or interviews), and I love to wear my blue felt skirt in the winter. Now I want more!

Many of you left comments asking for recommendations on where to find a classic and versatile denim pencil skirt and requesting that I share my fall pencil skirt wish list with you.

Well, first the denim pencil skirt:

I love mine!  I bought it almost two years ago at Gap after trying on a number of denim skirts at several different stores.   I remember I also really liked one at Banana Republic, but the Gap one was significantly cheaper.   Gap doesn’t currently have the same skirt (mine was called trouser, or something of the like) but, they do have one that looks like it would serve the same purpose.  Ann Taylor Loft also seems to have a few options that look promising.

I recently purchased a black/grey denim skirt from Old Navy.  I do like this one, but it will by no means be replacing my beloved Gap skirt.

Now, for my pencil skirt wish list:

I hope this list gives all of you some shopping ideas for yourself, but as my birthday is just over a month away, this list also serves as a birthday wish list for my mom!

The J Crew Corduroy Skirt:

I love the slim sleek cut of this, making it very professional and even dressy, while the corduroy allows it to be a perfect fall teaching skirt.

I have always loved corduroy – over the years as corduroy has come in and out of style, I have stayed true to my favorite material.  I have many corduroy pants, a couple corduroy skirts, my share of corduroy jackets, and even a few corduroy accessories, including a few totes, a pair of flats,  some slippers, and a headband.  I think I could more than qualify as a member of the Corduroy Appreciation Club!

Moving on from the corduroy tangent, my next wish list item…

The Banana Republic Classic Pencil Skirt:

This is dressier than the black skirt I own and I love the pockets and the wide, high waist band.  I’m not sure how this one would actually fit  but I can imagine it looking great with both summery sleeveless blouses and thicker winter sweaters with tights.

The Banana Republic Classic Skirt:

Now, this is technically not a pencil skirt but I have found that some BR “A-line” skirts actually fit me more like a straight skirt.  I haven’t tried this one on either, so I’m not sure how those pleats in the front would work for me but I love that it comes in navy!

The Ann Taylor Plaid Skirt:

I took this picture from the website but can’t actually find this exact skirt for sale.  This is really stepping outside my comfort zone when it comes to skirts, but I do  love that it is plaid and purple!  Let me know if you figure out how to purchase it.

I would also like to note that New York & Company has a ton of very affordable pencil skirts in several fabrics and cuts and with some fun color choices.

What item will make several appearances on your fall wish list?   A.

24 August 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

All remixed again and again.

• Cream Cardigan – J Crew
• Teal Tank – BR Outlet
• Turquoise Necklace – Limited
• Grey Skirt – Old Navy
• Brown Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction, via DSW
• Bag – China Town, NYC

Endnotes:

As E. said, today was the meet and greet brunch for our department.  For me however, this was followed by a TA meeting, lunch with new graduate students, a workshop on managing stress (I just managed to feel more stressed about my stress) and finally to work a table at the graduate student resource fair.   It’s been a long day – hence the nighttime photo!

I knew I wanted to wear something I would be physically comfortable in all day, but also something that would make me feel confident and most like myself.  Today I was once again asking quite a bit of my outfit,  wanting it to covey my commitment to my studies and teaching, approachability, preparedness, and a sense of fun.

Teal on Teal, originally uploaded by academichic.

As I got dressed this morning and traveled to school, I found myself thinking about all of your great comments on Friday’s post.  Many of you commented that you feel you are always dressing for a number of people and are constantly aware that you are being judged on your appearance, but many of you all expressed that fashion and style can be freeing, empowering, and influential.  While I will continue to think about these ideas, and hope to continue this discussion here, today I did try to remember that ultimately, I am dressing for myself.  However, I do think that by feeling that I looked approachable likely made me exude an approachability to those around me and similarly, by feeling that I looked prepared and committed I was probably more confident in my various meetings.

I was very intrigued by reader N. who claimed that some of her undergraduate professors were “AWARE of their self-presentation and use it as a tool in the classroom (to discuss identity, class, gender, etc. ).”  I love the idea of this and have been thinking quite a bit about how I might put this into practice.  Any ideas on this?

I also loved the idea expressed by reader Krissie about wanting to be “the best, most fully rounded people we can be.” Academia can often be very insular (and isolating) – there is a strange disconnect from the outside world, which I find particularly problematic for the humanities.  I do think my interest in fashion and personal style is one of the many things that makes me a more well rounded individual and thus a better scholar.  This blog is an important creative outlet for me but also a form of field study!

Please keep all your great thoughts coming!  A.

New Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic.

10 August 2009 – Analogous Florals, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Floral Blouse – American Eagle
• Grey Denim Skirt – Old Navy
• Lace Cami – BR Outlet
• Black Flats – Urban Outfitters
• Green Belt – Tie from H & M Shirt Dress

Endnotes:

I love the analogous color pairing of blue and green and sport it often.   Here I am letting my blouse do all the mixing work for me, but have pushed the green blue mix a bit further by choosing a bright blue (almost teal) cami and a green tie-belt rather than my usual neutral staples. I also would just like to note, the albeit subtle, pattern mix happening between florals.

Analogous florals, originally uploaded by academichic.

We recently received this reader question in our inbox:

Can you wear grey pants in the summer?
Before I go ahead, is there any pointers you might have?  Any help would be appreciated.

What a great question! Gray pants do have something fall or wintery about them and tend to be a rare item in summer fashion lines. However, if you have a beloved pair of gray trousers you want to keep wearing year-round, there are good ways to do that. Here are some clever outfit ideas from some of our favorite wardrobe_remixers on Flickr, who demonstrate just how to work that gray pant into your summer wardrobe:

blousier, originally uploaded by Julie Mack.

The very stylish Julie Mack wears a medium gray pant with this soft pale blue blouse. The light color and fabric of the blouse lightens up the outfit all together, making the pants appear more summer appropriate as well.

Trick: Pair a more somber gray pant with a light and breezy summer blouse!

Mamichan, from whom we seem to draw endless style inspiration, wears her gray summer culottes with a darker top and flats. Although the hues are darker and the cuts more tailored, the pale gray of the pant as well as the just below the knee length make it an unmistakable summer outfit.

Trick: Choose a paler gray or a summer cut such as a culotte, capri, or cigarette pant!

daily wear 07-23-09, originally uploaded by Darling Dexter.

25 June 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

29 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed

• Purple Cardigan – Gap Outlet
• Yellow and White Stripped Skirt – H & M
• White Tee – Gap
• Sandals – H & M
• Earrings – F21

Endnotes:

Today’s shades, purple and yellow, are true complimentary colors – straight form the crayon box.  Purple is one of my favorite colors and I also really like the way it looks with my hair and skin tone.  Yellow, however, is a whole other story!  I like yellow on my walls, in my flowers, and in theory, I like it in my wardrobe too. In practice, it just isn’t for me.  I have yet to find a shade of yellow that I am willing to wear near by face.   When we first introduced these color challenges, I quickly identified some holes in my own closet color wheel and most of them were in the yellow to red family.  I purchased some yellow bangles and let that complete any combinations that would require yellow.

Yellow and Purple, originally uploaded by academichic.

Are there any colors that you love on other people or on the hanger but never on yourself?

29 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.