academichic

23 April 2010 – Faux Floral, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Top: Anthropologie
• Belt: Gap Outlet
• Skirt: Banana Republic Factory
• Jacket: Banana Republic Factory
• Orange pumps: Dolce Vita
• Silver bangles: ?

End Notes:

I bought this really lovely top on sale at Anthropologie while visiting my sister-in-law in New York.

Top Back, originally uploaded by academichic.

Top Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

I am a sucker for an Asian inspired — especially Japanese — print. Florals are frequently conceived of as a nostalgic print, but for me it’s Japanese-inspired prints in particular that remind me of the textiles in my nisei grandfather’s home in Honolulu.

Of course, this top, with its loosely Japanese-ish motif, was made in India for a primarily U.S. consumer. On some level, I don’t think it pretends to be anything else. I don’t think that someone would ever mistake this top as being fashioned from vintage kimono fabric. Nor, in this age of globalized fashion, would someone presume that I am from Japan or have visited Japan based on my shirt. Asian-inspired prints have a comfortable niche presence in western fashion.

There’s a lot to unpack here, but I want to limit my ruminations for the moment to a history of “exotic florals” with less than exotic origins. In early nineteenth century France, shawls were one of the fashion accessories that denoted a woman’s class and taste. Two kinds of shawls were very popular: embroidered “Canton shawls” and paisley “Kashmir shawls.” The social currency associated with these shawls came in part from their far-flung origins, not only because it cost more to bring them to Europe but because the “Orient” had a kind of mysterious allure in the western mind.

But here’s where it gets a little more complicated. Those Canton shawls? Sure, they were made in China but they were made specifically for European and American consumption. The embroidered designs are distinct from those on textiles made for Chinese consumers, and the motifs changed over time to accommodate shifting European tastes. And the paisley Kashmir shawls? As early as 1810 French manufacturers were developing a hearty industry of imitation Kashmir shawls. Somewhat ironically, the fashion periodical Journal des Dames et Modes actually chastised French manufacturers for their lack of inventive power in paisley shawl-making. This irked the leading shawl-makers, the Ternaux brothers, and they launched a government-backed initiative to produce original shawls inspired by Kashmiri designs but “more in conformity with French taste.” Wild, no?

And that, dear readers, is your history lesson for the day. Bring that up the next time conversation lags at a dinner party.

23 April 2010 – Faux Floral, originally uploaded by academichic.

22 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Blue Blazer – F21
• Pinstripe Skirt – Gap
• Green Ruffle Tank – Old Navy
• Green Flats – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

I had good intentions of giving florals a fair shot today, but stripes once again won out.  I tried adding floral accessories for a bit of pattern mixing, but I like the mix of the double stripes better.  I promise I’ll try harder tomorrow!

Double Stripes, originally uploaded by academichic.

I love both this full skirt and this short-sleeved navy blazer and have worn both many times, including a few times paired together.  In fact, I have worn both so much that they have both seen much better days.  The skirt has a small tear in the front that I expect will only grow and the blazer is continuing to fade and loose its shape.  So, I am now on a mission to replace these wardrobe staples.  Today starts my official quest to find a lightweight full skirt in a neutral color and a short or 3/4 sleeved navy blazer.  And, I am enlisting your help!  If you find anything that you think fits the bill, leave a comment here or shoot me an email.  I’ll be sure to report back on my own finds.  A.

22 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

7 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Blazer: Banana Republic Factory
• Tank: Target
• Bermudas: thrifted pants, chopped by me
• Booties: Civico10, via DSW
• Necklace: Chattanooga craft fair

End Notes:

In a preemptive move to prevent cavities from all those sweet, floaty skirts I’ve been sporting lately, I trotted off to campus yesterday looking kind of like a school boy in oxford booties, bermuda shorts, and a navy blazer. Good thing I finally remembered to put on a necklace once I was out of baby e.’s reach.

Polished Garnet Necklace Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

This not quite a shorts “suit” since the top and bottom don’t match, but I readily admit that I am kind of a fan of the fancy shorts + blazer combination. There are lots of reasonable arguments against this pairing, such as, “There are only about three days of appropriate weather for such an outfit in a given year!” Or, “If a situation is casual enough for shorts, why wear a blazer?” That’s fair. But I appreciate that bermudas have a similar trim, sharp shape as a pencil skirt, but with more ease for walking (and squatting, too, since I have baby e. around).

And, okay, I admit it. I am really tempted to go to my local thrift store, find a pantsuit and chop off the pant legs, maybe even into a shorter-than-bermudas length. Just to see. I think it would be a funky but put-together look for spring and summer gallery openings or a date night on a bike with my husband.

I don’t know. Maybe I just like this because it’s like my inner nerd suddenly got to dress itself. Geek chic, FTW!

7 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Pre-Travels Jacket, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Pin-Striped Blazer – J Crew
• White Sleeveless Shirt – Gap
• Skirt – Anthropologie
• Belt – NY & Co
• Boots – Banana Republic, via ebay
• Earrings – Forever 21

Endnotes:

I promise new outfits and the packing post are coming – get back in the swing of things has proved more challenging than expected.  So, for now, I have one last outfit to share from before by trip to Europe.  I was traveling through our Fashion 101 on Jackets and Blazers, put this ensemble together the day before I left.

I bought this J Crew suit jacket on super sale a couple years ago.  I love the tiny purple pinstripe on the navy ground and the light blue pinstriped lining.  I also love the slim fit of this jacket.  Yet, I always struggle with how to work this piece into an outfit.

Pre-Travels Jacket, originally uploaded by academichic.

26 March 2010 – Supermom Blazer, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Knit blazer: C&C
• Embellished tank: JCrew
• Ponte pants: Ann Taylor
• Green sneakers: Payless

End Notes:

If I have any complaint about my main closet blazers, it’s that my arms’ range of motion is limited. I’ve always considered that to be part and parcel of blazer-wearing but my eyes (and arms) have recently been opened to a style innovation of epic proportions: the KNIT BLAZER. World of fashion, why did it take so long for us all to realize that stretchy fabric could be used to craft structured pieces? This knit blazer has great fit and, thanks in large part to the pieced back, holds it shape beautifully.

26 March 2010 – Supermom Blazer, originally uploaded by academichic.

And it’s machine washable. Gah. Extra mom points.

I used a gift card to purchase this relatively pricey C&C blazer, but affordable alternatives are currently on offer elsewhere. Gap has a two button knit blazer in black or heather gray, Forever 21 has a curvy black ponte blazer, and Modcloth has a beautiful knit jacket with gorgeous little details.

Today’s outfit was intended to go from a meeting on campus (I switched out the sneakers for heels) to a playdate for baby e. with some friends. Unfortunately, a very, very flat tire happened in between. But, in case you were wondering, there is enough stretch in this jacket to help your brother unscrew your extremely tight lug nuts. So, that’s empowering, right?

26 March 2010 – Supermom Blazer, originally uploaded by academichic.

Seriously, world, what other wardrobe staples can we start making in stretchy fabrics? I’m sold on structured but stretchy pants, and jersey dresses that have shape. What else could we do? A knit pencil skirt that isn’t clingy? A knit trench coat? What would you most like to see in stretch?

23 March 2010 – Versatility Thy Name is My Navy Blazer, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Navy Blazer: Banana Republic Factory
• Salmon top: Target
• Colorblock skirt: Banana Republic Factory
• Wedges: thrifted

End Notes:

Even though this week’s Fashion 101 is supposed to encourage us to push our blazer comfort zones, I simply had to pay homage to my absolute closet workhorse: my three quarter sleeved, navy cotton jacket.

Everything about this jacket — its cut, its sleeve length, its washability, its color — make it incredibly versatile. I think I’ve worn and blogged it more than just about any other item in my closet.

I’ve worn it over t-shirts and blouses…

…with trousers and jersey dresses, even when hugely pregnant…

…with shorts, wide leg pants, skinny jeans, and ruffles.

So for a beautifully sunny and warm March day, I used it to pull together a somewhat unusual color scheme of warm coral and cool lavenders. And for someone who is occasionally crippled by fear of failure (all hail formal education’s blitz on my ego) that is precisely what makes this blazer so great. I can try something a little outside my comfort zone underneath — an unfamiliar color pairing, mixed patterns, a bold pattern, an unusual shape, etc. — but once I throw this jacket on those risks become manageable while maintaining visual interest.

Do you have a go-to blazer or jacket? What makes it so versatile for you?

23 March 2010 – Versatility Thy Name is My Navy Blazer, originally uploaded by academichic.

I (E.) thrifted this like-new black pinstripe blazer several years ago, shortly after beginning graduate school. I guess I figured that since I was a grown-up I needed a grown-up jacket.

Thrifted Pinstripe Jacket, originally uploaded by academichic.

It’s in great shape, has nifty satin details — covered buttons, piping on the pockets — a subtly patterned lining, and a classic high, two-button stance with a notched lapel.

Jacket Details, originally uploaded by academichic.

Of course, since then, this blazer has had precious little wear, though it’s made predictable appearances at conferences and the occasional in-class presentation. Like I said in our Fashion 101 post on jackets and blazers, this is the kind of blazer that still makes me a little nervous, that I still tend to think about in very limited ways. So, what better way to kick off a week of blazers than challenge myself to re-imagine this jacket in a variety of outfits? Click through the jump to see four incarnations — from professional to casual — of this wardrobe basic.

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1 September 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed except for brooch.

• Navy blazer: BR Outlet
• Mustard top: Forever21
• Gray bermudas: thrifted, chopped
• Brown wedges: thrifted
• Leaf brooch: courtesy of Vintage Threadz on etsy

End Notes:

Having just returned from a four day trip to New York for a wedding and with baby e. in the midst of a growth spurt, I was still bleary-eyed when I rolled out of bed this morning to get ready for a meeting on campus. On days like today, it’s nice to have a foolproof outfit to fall back on. Today’s is an homage to a look I put together in late April, playing with a structured jacket over a fluid top. It’s simple, but the contrasting shapes and the sophisticated color palette make it a guaranteed confidence-booster. (Granted, in April this top wasn’t quite so drapey, but thankfully the basic premise remained the same. Even better, I realized I can still breastfeed in this!)

Vintage Leaf Brooch, originally uploaded by academichic.

This sweet leaf brooch came courtesy of Vintage Threadz etsy shop. Giovanna stocks her shop with great vintage finds, especially accessories. I’ve never been much of a brooch wearer, but I loved the delicacy of this little leaf and think it will be perfect to wear into fall. Plus, how can I not be intrigued by brooches after all the excellent examples that S. has consistently provided? I figure it’s about time to give a new accessory a chance. What about you? Is there a certain type of accessory that you have always avoided? What would it take to convince you to give _____ (brooches, hats, pearls, belts, bracelets, cocktail rings, scarves, etc.) a chance?

1 September 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

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.

2 June 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed

• Jacket – F21
• Dress – BR Outlet
• Belt – BR Outlet
• Sandals- Steve Madden
• Headband – Limited
• Earrings – Gift

Endnotes:
It’s still hot here, so a flowy jersey dress was an easy choice this morning.  Once again, I am attempting to make my jersey appear more structured, and thus more professional, by adding this wide belt, heeled sandals, and a cropped blazer.

2 June 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Eye Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

Louie, originally uploaded by academichic.