19 May 2010

Posted on | May 19, 2010 | 12 Comments

19 May 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Tank – BR Outlet
Cardigan – Gap Outlet
Denim Skirt – BR Outlet
Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction
Bangle – gift from S.
Necklace – Gift

Endnotes:

Last night, a little before midnight, I submitted a draft of my dissertation proposal to my dissertation reading group. It’s full of typos, ellipses, incomplete footnotes, and sketches of ideas, but it’s a draft!

My look-into-the-horizon-hero-pose that appears in both these pictures was unconscious but may say more about how I feel today then I realized. After a couple days in sweatpants in which I mostly left the house for coffee and bad-for-me food, it suddenly feels amazing to have “real” clothes on. Today I plan to take my car to the shop, send my little sister a package, mail the giveaways, do laundry, and meet some friends for a run – nothing all to exciting, but I find that whenever I submit a paper, take an exam, or finishing a pile of grading I emerge ready to reclaim my previous life as a human being. Each time I vow to not let school work shut out house work, exercise, family time, etc and I am getting better with the years of practice, but maybe one day in sweats with too much coffee and junk food and too many dirty dishes, only makes me appreciate structured clothes, fruit, and the dishwasher all the more!

19 May 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

11 May 2010 – Strong Legs = Strong Body

Posted on | May 13, 2010 | 9 Comments

11 May 2010 – Strong Legs = Strong Body, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Cardigan – Gap
White Blouse – Gap
Navy Shorts – Ann Taylor Loft
Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction, via DSW

Endnotes:

Today I am celebrating my strong legs and the strong healthy body they help me maintain. I haven’t been able to post for the past couple days for a variety of reasons, one of which is that a family member is in the hospital because a part of his body failed him. I love that we are celebrating the parts of are bodies that are beautiful, but like S. and E. in their posts yesterday, I want to celebrate my body for its incredible function!

The last time we featured our best, I talked about my legs and the many miles they have carried me in training and running numerous marathons and half marathons. My calves in particular have a nice muscular shape as a result of all those miles clocked and I have naturally long legs.

Legs, originally uploaded by academichic.

I am so thankful to my long strong legs for allowing me to be a runner! Running makes me happy and healthy. But, here’s the thing, unlike S., I didn’t loose any weight when I started training for my first marathon, in fact, I gained weight. Sure, I built and toned some heavy muscles, but I also ate may way through a ton or power- providing carbs. Regardless of weight or the overall appearance of my body, I am most thankful to my legs for helping me maintain a strong and healthy body – mostly the parts that go unseen, like heart, lungs, etc.

So, on Tuesday I dressed the beautiful form of my legs but was really celebrating their fabulous function and the overall strength and health of my beautiful body!

11 May 2010 – Strong Legs = Strong Body, originally uploaded by academichic.

3 April 2010 – Red Cardi Recap

Posted on | April 3, 2010 | 12 Comments

3 April 2010 – with Trench , originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Trench – vintage, was my grandmother’s
Purple top – Target
Red tank – Old Navy
Red cardi – thrifted
Jeans – “Flirt” jean from Old Navy
Flats – Palladium
Green tote – Kenneth Cole
Scarf – thrifted in Munich
Pendant – Sigrid Olsen, thrifted

Endnotes:

I’m wrapping up red cardi week and getting ready to allow other cardigans back in my life. For this last incarnation, I’m going for one of my favorite analogous color combinations: red and purple. I opted for a red and purple color block effect to add a bit of color to a simple weekend ensemble of jeans, flats, a trench coat and a tee + cardi mix.

Analogous , originally uploaded by academichic.

So I’m sure that you’ve noticed by now, that I wore this same red cardi all week. I decided to do this in an impromptu attempt to celebrate Spring finally gracing us with its presence. What better way to relish the nice weather than by wearing one of my favorite Spring time items in a favorite color?

3 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Many a style guides will tell you that a simple cardigan in a neutral is a ‘must have’ for any capsule wardrobe. While I agree that a charcoal, dark brown, or black cardi will likely never be amiss, I think it’s much more fun to have a solid colored cardi in a color you truly love. E. has a wine colored cardi that she’s named as part of her capsule wardrobe must-haves, and A. has found wonderful ways to create many an outfit with her pale blue one. If you were to choose a non-neutral cardigan with which to build a ‘basics’ wardrobe, which color would you love to have? (My second favorite one is a purple one that also gets much wear and were I to add a new one to the mix: how about a pretty coral?) S.

And now for the week in recap. . .

3 March 2009

Posted on | March 4, 2010 | 6 Comments

3 March 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Grey Open Cardigan – Pretty Good, from Marshalls
Green Sweater – Banana Republic
Brown Corduroy Skirt – Old NAvy
Beads – Limited
Tights – BR Outlet
Maroon Wedges- Anthropologie, via ebay

Endnotes:

I loved the simplicity of today’s outfit and remained comfortable and at ease sin it all day. It’s not often that I wear such a flowy and open piece with out belting it, but I have found that this cardigan works well with a structured straight skirt with a visible waistline.

17 July 2009 – Playing Catch Up, originally uploaded by academichic.

Today I layered the short sleeved cardigan over a longer sleeved sweater and was quite pleased with the color block effect on my arms.

Cardigan Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’ll also say something about tights here, since the weather may not cooperate with tights week (not that I am complaining by any means!!). Reader DJ asked how I managed to wear my denim skirt over tights with out the skirt riding up. I often layer my denim and corduroy over tights and I never wear a slip. Unfortunately, my only advice is to test it out. I have found that some tights/skirt combinations work well, while others don’t at all. These grey tights seem to work under everything and I think it is their medium texture – that is, they are not too smooth and shiny but also are not as textured as say my sweater tights.

22 February 2010

Posted on | February 22, 2010 | 7 Comments

22 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Cardigan – Banana Republic
Grey Skirt – Banana Republic
White Blouse – Gap
Boots – Banana Republic, via DSW
Belt – BR Outlet
Head Scarf – Gap

Endnotes:

I just came back from a fascinating conference on LGBT issues on college campuses, where I leaned so much and was pushed to think about so many issues, including clothes and self presentation. I can’t wait to share some of my thoughts from the weekend with all of you, but for now, I’m exhausted, my brain is fried, and my day is too busy!

For today I needed something simple but I wanted to wear a scarf in a way not all that typical for me (ie not belted, tied around my waist, or knotted at my neck) so I went for the head scarf. This is not nearly as creative or fun as S.’s hair scarf from earlier this month, but it did bring some color and pattern to an otherwise pretty plain ensemble.

Hope everyone’s week is off to a good start! A.

22 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

4 January 2010

Posted on | January 4, 2010 | 15 Comments

4 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Cardigan – BR Outlet
Blouse – BR Outlet
Jean Skirt – BR Outlet
Sweater Tights – Banana Republic
Wellies – Banana Republic
Belt – Ann Taylor
Earrings – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

It wasn’t until I wrote up my sources that I realized almost everything I am wearing is from either Banana Republic or the Banana Republic outlet. This is not the first time this has happened, of course.

These BR wellies were a Christmas present from my Mom and I can’t get enough of them. They keep my feet dry and warm yet are versatile and stylish too. All of the other BR items I’m wearing today were bought on sale! I mentioned the other day that one of my favorite post-holiday activities is shopping. I love the sales and the sense of freedom to experiment when things only cost $3!

Bakelite Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

I bought this floral blouse the day after Thanksgiving for a whopping $7. It’s rather outside my comfort zone in both fit and pattern and not something I probably would have ever tired on with its original price tag still attached. The cardigan on the other hand, purchased on post-Christmas sale, was a bit more of a splurge, but I’ve had my eye on it for a while. What better way to wear two new patterned items, than together? My tights are patterned too!

Pattern Mixing, originally uploaded by academichic.

In time, I’ll be revealing more of my great post-holiday finds. For now, a few thoughts on post-holiday shopping: hit the store early for more selection; if you have time, go back later in the week to see what you missed and push yourself to consider items outside your comfort zone; visit a Banana Republic, Gap, etc outside of the mall, or in a office district where there isn’t much weekend traffic (often you will find these locations deserted after the holidays and thus have the best selection); skip the bargain stores because their stuff is always cheap; buy things you would normally pass up but keep all the tags on until you’ve had a chance to reevaluate all of your purchases (try things in different combinations with items in your existing wardrobe). What are your post-holiday shopping strategies?

4 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

3 January 2010 – Happy Birthday E.!!

Posted on | January 3, 2010 | 11 Comments

3 January 2009 – Happy Birthday E.!!, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Black Cardigan – BR Outlet
Blue Jersey Dress – Old Navy
Black Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
Grey Layering Tee – Banana Republic
Brown Belt- BR Outlet
Brown Boots – Banana Republic, via ebay
Purple Tights- BR Outlet

Endnotes:

Happy Birthday E.!!!

In the four birthday’s I’ve known E. I don’t think I have ever gotten to celebrate over a drink with her. One of us has always been out of town still for the holidays. One of these days, I swear I’m going to buy you a birthday drink!

Like S., I think of E. in slightly cropped skinny pants and a swing coat slouchy, cardigan, or bloused tee. I was also inspired by E. to buy a pair of skinny jeans, and eventually start wearing them paired with something other than chunky boots and a long tops. But, I also think of E and the master of the dress (particularly the jersey dress). I was taking style clues from E. long before this blog started and I think the most important look I have taken from E. is the day dress. I bought my first jersey dress (this black one) with E.’s help and that was only the beginning! (E. also hemmed this blue dress for me).

E. Birthday Tribute, originally uploaded by academichic.

In my mind E’s signature look is the cardigan layered over the jersey dress. She has worn this look over and over, while always keeping it fresh and interesting. In one of her first posts for Acadmichic she layered two jersey dresses over a wool skirt and then topped the whole thing off with a chunky cardigan. I thought it was genius! So this is a tribute to E’s love of the day dress. I also adore E’s color blocking and the way she can elevate any ensemble with the addition of purple tights!

Layred Dresses, originally uploaded by academichic.

I hope you are having a wonderful time in Hawaii! I can’t wait to see you when you get back!
Love, A.

Happy Birthday E.!, originally uploaded by academichic.

24 December 2009

Posted on | December 27, 2009 | 7 Comments

24 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Grey Wrap Cardigan – NY & Co
Black Henley – Gap
Green Ruffle Top – Old Navy
Skinny Jeans – Banana Republic
Black Patent Belt – Forever 21
Earrings – Hand-me-down from sister M.

Endnotes:

Happy Holidays dear readers! I have been traveling through the Midwest visiting my and A2′s families.

We spent Christmas Eve with my family and we were having too much fun to worry about capturing the perfect outfit-post picture, so these family snapshots will have to do.

I think all of my sister’s looked adorable – unfortunately the pictures are limited (no picture of sister R.) and I’m not positive where all their fabulous pieces are from. As you can see, the love of belting runs in the family!

24 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic

I wore my favorite comfy wrap cardigan and dressed it up with big black earrings and my holiday-perfect ruffly green top. I layered it all over my black henley for warmth and wore my skinnies so I could sit on the floor to open presents and play board games – a practical yet chic holiday ensemble.

I hope you are all enjoying your holidays! A.

24 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

1 December 2009 – Flowers and Ruffles

Posted on | December 1, 2009 | 20 Comments

1 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Ruffly Floral Scarf – Anthropologie
Long Brown Cardigan – Urban Outfitters
Black Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
Tights – Gap
Belt – NY & Co.
Shoes – Kenneth Cole Reaction

Endnotes:

Today I am sporting ruffles and flowers together! Both fall outside my normal comfort zone. Like E, I have been embracing ruffles more and more this season, but always paired with stripes or other hard edges.

peep toes and tights, originally uploaded by academichic.

When I saw this scarf at Anthropologie, I immediately thought of S. (although this is definitely my color palette) and was ready to pass it up, but little sister L. convinced my to try it on and play around with it. I decided a what better way to introduce an new aesthetic than through an old favorite – the scarf.

Flowers and ruffles!, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m letting this new wardrobe addition have center stage so belted it over my black jersey dress and chocolate-brown long cardigan. I think the pockets may be my favorite part of today’s outfit.

1 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m thinking I might like this scarf even more with my new jeans and a simple v-neck tee, so I’m excited to give all the ruffles and flowers another go soon! Are you trying anything new this season? A.

1 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

16 November 2009

Posted on | November 17, 2009 | 19 Comments

16 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Striped Cardigan – J Crew, birthday gift from mom
Long Black Tee – don’t remember
Grey Long-sleeve Tee (not seen) – Gap
Grey Cords – Banana Republic
Brown Boots – Banana Republic, via ebay
Scarf – China Town, NY
Silver Hoops – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

Online shopping has long been one of my favorite forms of procrastination. Now, this online shopping rarely actually results in purchasing, but I do love to make mental wish lists, get ideas for how to style items I already own, and be reminded that there are things deep in my closet that are suddenly in style again.

I often clip photos of ensembles I like or new styling ideas I want to try out. These images most often come from J Crew — I think they offer really creative styling that I wouldn’t think of myself, but can imagine recreating in some way.

Lately, I am also really liking Banana Republic styling too. I loved this warm cozy layered look and decided I could recreate it with items I already own. I swapped in my teal and grey floral scarf for the red plaid (although now I am pining for a large plaid scarf) and my brown boots for thee black (I wanted flats and my black boots have heels).

My cardigan is much thinner and shorter than the rather bulky sweater coat featured in the BR version and I discovered that my bootleg grey cords are a little too bulky for tucking into boots, so now I may be adding skinny-leg cords to my Christmas wish list.

BR Inspiration, originally uploaded by academichic.

I loved the layering of the bright read plaid over the monochromatic stripes, but I think the teal and grey, while a subtler use of color also makes for an interesting contrast. I self-consciously avoid the terms “masculine” and “feminine” when describing the mixing of elements that seem to have different feels to them (ie stripes and flowers). I haven’t come up with an alternative way of describing this contrast, but want to steer clear of the essentializing language we so often see in the marketing of clothing.

Interestingly enough, the gendering of clothing has come up in several of the student papers I am grading this week. When attempting to do a visual analysis of a painting of an Italian nobleman, many students described his as effeminate because of the lace at his collar, the ring on his pinky, and the shinny black robe students misidentified as a dress. In my comments, I am reminding them that: 1) they should be careful about making essentialist generalizations about gender (their discussions went beyond the clothing) 2) they should remember that whether we consider clothing “masculine” or not is inextricably linked to culture, period, occupation, etc.

This reminded me of the great exercise reader N. uses in the classroom, in which she asks students to do a visual analysis of her clothing and then followed this with a discussion about interpreting clothing. I can’t wait to test this lesson out, but for now it’s back to grading for me.