18 February 2010 – Academichic on ‘GDR Chic’

Posted on | February 18, 2010 | 18 Comments

18 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Purple tank – BR Outlet
Purple cardi – H&M
Pendant – Anthropologie
Jeans – thrifted
Boots – thrifted
Vintage scarf – Vintage Threadz on Etsy

Endnotes:

I have thus far used a scarf to add a pop of color to a monochromatic outfit, to create a monochromatic color scheme, and to forge an analogous connection, so it should only follow that I tackle a complimentary color scheme today. This little yellow scarf joins the purples of my tank and cardigan to make for a bold and bright complimentary color mix. I find smaller square scarves to be a bit of a challenge but this lightweight vintage piece adds the perfect dash of color to brighten up my neckline. A. once wore this same sunflower scarf around her tote, which is a great way to make use of those gorgeous diminutive scarves that can be somewhat of a challenge for every day wear.

Complimentaries, originally uploaded by academichic.

Now I want to digress a bit today and point out an interesting article from a day ago in the New York Times featuring German photographer Ute Mahler. Mahler worked as a fashion photographer for a magazine called Sibylle in the GDR (East Germany during the divide) and in this brief interview she sheds some light on the role of clothing and artistic expression under a totalitarian regime. Mahler also makes the poignant distinction between fashion and style – in brief: external vs. internal forces of expression – and how in a society that restricts the former, the latter will invariably still thrive.

I wanted to point this out because it addresses a role of clothing we sometimes overlook – clothing as a means to subvert, challenge, or resist. And I don’t mean to resist or challenge mainstream trends or dominant looks of a given era. I mean a resistance on a much grander scale that challenges and subverts political agendas or reigning ideologies.

This article got me thinking, do I use clothing to make a political statement? I know I consciously make statements about my career, age, marital status, and financial income with the way I present myself to others, but what other statements do I make? Am I ever consciously using clothing as a way to resist or challenge something I don’t believe in? No easy answers come to mind other than the somewhat humorous example of A. and I having cross-dressed for a ‘gender bender’ party that certainly had implications beyond just dressing up as the opposite sex and having a good time. While I don’t have an obvious or simple conclusion for this post, I thought it was worth bringing this topic to you if for no other reason than to acquaint you with a really talented photographer and artist. And I more than encourage and welcome your thoughts on the matter. S.

18 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

CFP: Color Modules Done by You!

Posted on | September 10, 2009 | 2 Comments

A little while ago, we reviewed our Fashion 101 Color Modules using our summer wardrobes. After reviewing the first two modules, we put out a CFP asking you, our readers, to submit any images showing how you put those modules into practice. We received many fabulous entries, showing just how stylish and color savvy our readership is. Now we’re looking for examples inspired by our second portion of the review, which covered Triads and Analogous Colors and Split Complementaries and Monochrome color combinations.

If you played along and created outfits showcasing the above color combinations, please send us an image and a brief description at the below address. We look forward to your submissions!

20 August 2009 – Humanity Draped

Posted on | August 20, 2009 | 10 Comments

20 August 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed except for brooch used as button:

Brown shrug – Target
Brooch as button – souvenir from San Francisco
White tuxedo front top - J.Crew
Brown skirt – ON
Gray wedges – Report, via Solestruck.com
Brown beads – thrifted

Endnotes:

The last time we experimented with monochromatic color schemes, I played around with outfits comprised almost entirely of greens, blues, and pinks. This time around, I’m more drawn to grays, whites, and browns. I blame it on the lack of layers in the summer. It’s easier to construct an outfit comprised almost entirely of one color when you can add depth and visual interest with layers and overlaps. Although it is somewhat chilly this morning and I can gleefully pull out my chocolate brown shrug. To keep it closed and snug, I’m using a hand-painted wooden brooch as a make-shift button.

On a fashion side note, I’m currently reading a fascinating work on nineteenth century fashion by Philippe Perrot (Fashioning the Bourgeoisie. A History of Clothing in the Nineteenth Century) and in it, he classifies the ancient world as “humanity sewn” and “humanity draped”. Just picture a starched suit vs. a loose toga or sari. Perrot analyses clothing as semiotic signs and culturally charged symbols and draws fascinating conclusions by studying garments as seemingly unimportant as undergarments and tie slips.

Putting a bit of a playful spin on this, I was wondering which category I’d fall under: sewn or draped? Our profession is filled with ‘humanity sewn’ but I fancy myself as a bit of a ‘draper’. This cardigan is the perfect example of a loose and flowey garment that I still find to be professional and work-appropriate. In my personal life, I chose a very drapey, Grecian-inspired wedding gown. For my fall wish-list, I’d love some more of these draped creations, like the Anthropologie Possibilities sweater or cozy pashminas to wrap around my shoulders. What about you? Sewn or draped? S.

19 August 2009 – Monochromatic Teal

Posted on | August 19, 2009 | 9 Comments

19 August 2009 – Monochromatic Teal, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All endlessly remixed

Teal Tee – F21
Light Teal Tank – Gap
Denim Pencil Skirt – Gap
Brown Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction, via DSW

Endnotes:

While I am no stranger to monochromatic neutrals, I find putting a monochromatic non-neutral-color outfit together rather challenging. Part of this is that I just don’t have the clothes in my closet for a head to toe of any non-neutral color because I don’t have much in the way of colorful bottoms (I used my one brightly colored skirt to create a monochromatic blue ensemble in the winter). The other issue is that one of my new favorite tricks is to add color with my shoes but I hate matching my shoes to my outfit (unless they are a neutral).

However, even when I gave into a neutral bottom half and focused on the top, I still found this a difficult look to put together. I decided to pick one of my favorite colors because it gave me numerous pieces to choose from. Once I had decided on teal I just stared pulling everything teal out and found that this tank was pretty close to just being a lighter shade than the tee.

The real stretch for me came with the accessories. My instinct was to either add a pop of another color or to break the teal up with a neutral. I never would have thought of putting these turquoise beads with this top but I am actually really pleased with the result.

Teal on Teal, originally uploaded by academichic.

Jewelry Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

19 August 2009 – Soft and Simple

Posted on | August 19, 2009 | 6 Comments

19 August 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Eyelet top – TJMaxx, remixed all the time
Long cardigan – Free People, remixed
Skinnies – thrifted, remixed all year round
Flip-flops – Target, remixed
Earrings – gift from husband, remixed
Book – Perrot: Fashioning the Bourgeoisie

Endnotes:

Today’s outfit is a monochrome one for this week’s color review. After looking once more at all the beautiful color combinations we received from our readers for our Color Symposium, it felt pretty bland to go for a mostly-white outfit today. But once I saw it all come together, I was struck yet again with how lovely monochrome outfits comprised of neutrals are. Something about a mostly white ensemble appears especially simple yet elegant. So I’m becoming more and more a believer in neutrals and monochromatic outfits made of neutrals – something to add to my back-to-school shopping list. I’m longing for rich fall browns, sophisticated grays, and pretty ivories and off-whites. So while A. is testing out my usual take on color, I’m finding myself increasingly drawn to her signature looks of neutrals. S.

Color Review Symposium Part I

Posted on | August 19, 2009 | 9 Comments

We have been experimenting with our Fashion 101 modules on Color around here and have been very fortunate to have some of you partake in these challenges as well. We love being inspired by our readers and have loved receiving your submissions to our CFP. Here is a selection of the wonderful outfits created by you, putting our color theory into practice:

Neutrals:

While here at Academichic Central we are struggling to beat the heat with cool neutrals, our lone all-neutrals submission came from a far away reader in a winter climate. We love how Missy P made her winter white really pop by pairing it with layers of rich brown form head to toe.

Neutrals with a Pop:

We are all jealous of Missy P’s beautiful coat collection, particularly this striking red wool coat which provides the perfect pop in a mix of cozy neutrals. What a great way to add some color to a dreary winter day!

In Dawn’s own words: “I decided to mix navy, black & cream with red, and felt fabulous breaking one of the central commandments of style!” We adore this fabulous example of why some rules are just meant to be broken!

Titi wears clothes took this neutrals ensemble and gave it two pops of color, and an analogous one at that! We love the little peak of yellow under the gray as well as how the green bag stands out against this sophisticated dark color palette.

Two-Thirds of a Triad:

This beautiful predominately neutral look – made extra special with the addition of two pops of color – is a perfect example of the two thirds rule- Esstea explains: “I love how just those two little bursts of color played off each other and made the neutral charcoals and blacks look zippier.” We couldn’t agree more!

We also love this take on the two-thirds rule: Pairing the brightest pink in her closet (red) with her darkest navy denim (blue), Esstea creates yet another stunning color combo. Very chic!

Water Girl put together a two thirds of red-blue-yellow triad, writing: ”I love blue and red together, but always struggle with making sure I don’t look like a 4th of July firecracker”. Well no problem here! This belted jacket and pretty skirt combo are nothing if not chic and put-together!

Krissie’s take on the blue-yellow-red triad combined blue and yellow in this elegant professional look. Taking her cue from A’s DIY flower and ribbon belt, she finished off this ensemble with her own version in rich brown hues.

Complimentary Colors:

Orange and blue, complimentary colors often sported by both S. and E., seemed to be by far the most popular complimentary color submission. Here Krissie is employing the little trick of letting a pattern do the color mixing work for you with this beautiful abstract print skirt.

Redcactusflower was inspired by E.’s recent orange and blue outfit to wear a color combination she wouldn’t normally try. We love the sleek look of this ensemble with the structured tan skirt and the unexpected burst of orange from this gorgeous bauble necklace.

Clare’s casual version of a blue and orange complimentary look is bold and summery. We love the slight variation on the ‘true’ colors with her choice of red-orange and blue-green and we’re also mighty impressed by how not even an arm cast can dim her sense of style! Rock on, Clare!

Titi wears clothes also sent us a complimentary color submission, one that is often more difficult to pull off given its very ‘Christmassy’ associations. There’s no danger of that with this outfit, which beautifully pairs a blue-green shirt dress with a maroon hobo bag. Excellent casual elegance!

Jessica took a different approach to the same red-green complimentary color combination by pairing a pink top with a mint green floral skirt. The delicate beaded necklace of pinks, browns, and greens brings this entire outfit seamlessly together.

Thank you, all, for your wonderful submissions! We’ve really enjoyed being inspired by you and hope that our readers will find equal enjoyment in perusing these beautiful pictures and stunning color combinations.

18 August 2009 – Ode to S.

Posted on | August 18, 2009 | 7 Comments

18 August 2009 – Ode to S., originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed except belt

Yellow-Green Top – BR Outlet
Sleeve-less White Blouse – Gap
Purple Belt – Gap
Grey Pants – Banana Republic
Pink Shoes – Seychelles, via DSW

Endnotes:

I think split complimentaries is one of the hardest color schemes to pull off and I managed to make it more challenging by trying to wear it on a day when I needed to be office appropriate for a series of meetings.

The complimentary colors I am working with are yellow-green and red-violet but I have split the red-violet into pink (red) and purple(violet). This is a whole lot of color for me – and bright color at that!

I am considering this color combination a little ode to S. on her two-week wedding anniversary. I think she is the ultimate queen of bright colors, which she manages to mix in ways I would never think of but always look stunning on her. Pink and purple are also S.’s wedding colors and these fabulous pink shoes are the shoes I purchased for to wear for her wedding.

I think I plan to wear these shoes a lot and know that I will always think of S.’s special day when I do. I think it is only appropriate that I premiere them as part of my regular wardrobe on a Tuesday!

Happy 2 week anniversary S. and T.! -A.

Pink Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic.

18 August 2009 – Split Complementaries

Posted on | August 18, 2009 | 9 Comments

18 August 2009 – Split Complementaries, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed:

Blue-green tank – BR
Yellow-green tank – BR
Jean skirt - Urban Outfitters
Flip-flops – Target
Bangle – Big Lots
Red button pendant – Brookberrys on Etsy
Earrings – gift from husband

Endnotes:

I started this week’s color review with a more easily crafted monochromatic look yesterday, but decided to go for the challenge and attempt a split complimentary color combo today. Split complimentary color mixes take a bit of thought (at least for me they do) but tend to be well worth the time spent staring at your closet interior. The result seems to be bold yet soft, if that’s possible. It’s bold because the complimentary colors play off each other and make the other color look intense. But at the same time, using the adjacent colors to a true compliment softens the effect and creates a nice, harmonious color mix. In this case, the two complimentaries at play are red and green. But instead of wearing true green with red, I am wearing the two colors adjacent to it on the color wheel: blue-green and yellow-green with my pop of true red:

When we last reviewed these color pairings, I successfully pulled off one split complimentary outfit that has been one of my favorite color mixes to this day: yellow-orange and red-orange with a pop of true blue. Maybe as the week progresses, I can pull off one more… S.

Fashion 101: Color Review Session 4

Posted on | August 16, 2009 | 10 Comments

Color Wheel of Clothes, originally uploaded by academichic.

When we first explored the color wheel and experimented with various color combinations, we found it to be extremely helpful in lending us new eyes with which to see our wardrobes. This was so useful the first time around, that we decided to revisit the color modules and to challenge ourselves to a review session using our summer wardrobes. We have recently reexamined Neutrals and Neutrals with a Pop, Complementary Colors and the Two-Thirds Rule, Triads and Analogous Colors, and are now left to go over Monochrome and Split Complementary Color Combinations.

To read more about this color mix lesson, click here…

(more…)

14 August 2009

Posted on | August 14, 2009 | 10 Comments

14 August 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Green top – Old Navy, thrifted
Green and blue scarf – J.Crew, remixed
Charcoal walking shorts – Gap, remixed
Flip-flops – Target, bought as back-up shoes for recent wedding
Earrings – gift from husband on wedding day!
Dog – Indie, remixed daily :)

Endnotes:

For today’s analogous color mix, I’m venturing over to A.’s side of the color wheel and wearing green and blue together. It’s not a combo I often wear, but one I should definitely give more consideration. This outfit began with this bright green puffy-sleeved tunic that I thrifted while visiting my friend A.P. recently. We managed to squeeze in a bit of thrift store shopping as a nod to our olden days together and it was great. When I first picked up this top, I thought it was way too loud and way to puffy-sleeved, but I tried it on anyway. Both A.P. and I loved it on and I love it even more today. So if I may be pedantic for just a moment: judging clothes on a hanger is often misleading. Try stuff on!

To create an analogous color play, I added this blue and green scarf around my very messy hair today. I’m also excited to wear my new earrings, which T. gifted me on our wedding day.

And yet another wedding item: my flip-flops. I bought these as a back-up shoe in case my heels became too uncomfortable after hours of standing or if I had to drive the MG home and needed a more sensible shoe. I didn’t need to resort to them, but it was still worth the $12 investment to have them on hand just in case. I can’t imagine anything worse than worrying about blisters and achy feet when you’d want to be enjoying your wedding day. Plus, it provided a nice little excuse for me to peruse the shoe section at Target, which is always a (pretty affordable) treat. S.