13 March 2010 – Flower Power
Posted on | March 13, 2010 | 10 Comments
13 March 2010 – Flower Power, originally uploaded by academichic.Sources:
- Pale pink top – TJMaxx
- Blue cardi – H&M
- Flower belt – really old J.Crew, hand me down
- Striped skirt – Talbots
- Floral tights – H&M
- Gray wedges – Report, via Solestruck.com
Endnotes:
I couldn’t let Tights Week pass without pulling out my crazy floral tights. I got these this past winter and only wore them once because they’re somewhat of a tough item to style, but I stand by them nonetheless and think they are pretty fabulous. They’re just so crazy and fun and colorful, so practicality be damned.
Last time I wore them, I timidly paired them with an all black outfit. They’re so loud that I was afraid to add any other color or pattern, fearing the whole outfit would spiral out of control and into bright clown territory. But I think the black was actually too harsh and did more harm than good. One insightful reader suggested I try lighter neutrals, so that was my starting point this time around. This pinstriped skirt appears almost like a pale gray and the pale pink top, while not technically a neutral, serves the same purpose a beige or off-white top might do. With a base of light colors grounding the outfit, I took the plunge and added some brighter touches.
Flower belt, originally uploaded by academichic.
Pattern mix, originally uploaded by academichic.Not only did I try color this time – bright blue cardi, coral flower belt buckle – but I even ventured into pattern mixing territory (pinstripe and floral). While this may sound like a recipe for disaster, I actually think this works much better than my ’safe’ all-black version. What do you think? How else would you wear these tights? S.
13 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.17 February 2010
Posted on | February 17, 2010 | 24 Comments
17 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.- Grey Sweater – Banana Republic
- Brown Corduroy Skirt – Old Navy
- Grey Sweater Tights- BR Outlet
- Wellies – Banana Republic
- Floral Scarf – Anthropologie
Curly Hair, originally uploaded by academichic.
17 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.4 January 2010
Posted on | January 4, 2010 | 15 Comments
4 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.- Cardigan – BR Outlet
- Blouse – BR Outlet
- Jean Skirt – BR Outlet
- Sweater Tights – Banana Republic
- Wellies – Banana Republic
- Belt – Ann Taylor
- Earrings – Banana Republic
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.
Pattern Mixing, originally uploaded by academichic.
4 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.2 December 2009
Posted on | December 2, 2009 | 13 Comments
2 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.- Brown Vest – American Eagle
- Black Belt – Gap, from Sal
- Plaid Shirt – Urban Outfitters
- Cords- Gap Outlet
- Orange Flats – Old Navy
- Earrings – Gift
Belted Vest, originally uploaded by academichic.
Floral and Plaid, originally uploaded by academichic.
A.
2 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.- Ruffly Floral Scarf – Anthropologie
- Long Brown Cardigan – Urban Outfitters
- Black Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
- Tights – Gap
- Belt – NY & Co.
- Shoes – Kenneth Cole Reaction
peep toes and tights, originally uploaded by academichic.
Flowers and ruffles!, originally uploaded by academichic.
1 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.
1 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.23 November 2009 – S. Birthday Tribute
Posted on | November 23, 2009 | 9 Comments
23 November 2009 – S. Birthday Tribute, originally uploaded by academichic.- Green Shirt Dress – H & M
- Black Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
- Black Henley – Gap
- Black Belt – from Sal
- Black Boots – J Crew
- Flowers – Blue Onion Marketplace
- Earrings – Gift
I think both E.’s description of S.’s style as whimsical and S.’s own designation of her style as preppy romantic perfectly encapsulate S.’s creative and colorful approach to clothes, which I adore.
I am often inspired by S. to push myself in terms of both color and pattern, but today I am paying tribute to what has become one of S.’s signature looks – the layered dresses. S. has worn her shirt dresses over simple jersey dresses to create a sophisticated and rich look. And while green may not be S.’s signature color, she wears it beautifully, especially paired with black.
I also love how S. brings a touch of whimsical charm to her outfits, particularly through the flower brooch, which I am always a little hesitant to wear. She does it so well and even managed to layer two rather large flowers without letting them overwhelm the ensemble, so I’m giving it a shot with these two flower brooches from Blue Onion Marketplace.
I’m also wearing my hair curly for S.’s birthday because I love her curly hair and all the creative ways she styles it.
I miss you S., especially today! I wish I could be with you to celebrate your special day! I’m thinking of you! Love, A.
S. – style flowers, originally uploaded by academichic.18 November 2009
Posted on | November 18, 2009 | 14 Comments
18 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.- Black Cable V-neck – J Crew
- Houndstooth Trousers – Urban Outfitters
- Scarf – H & M
- Belt – Gift from Sal
- Boots – J Crew
It seems the limitations of language is always an issue when trying to avoid generalizations. My students always struggle with this. What pronoun should they use when writing about the viewer of a work of art? Their default is always “he.” Understandably, they don’t want to use the awkward “he/she” (problematic for its conformance to a binary anyway). I encourage them to be specific whenever possible. Was the work of art created for a monastery? Then, the viewer was probably male. Is it a contemporary art work you saw at the museum? Then, use YOUR preferred pronoun.
Similarly, I try to demonstrate to them that claiming a figure looks feminine says very little about the figure. Be specific. Tell me he has an elongated neck and red cheeks if that is what you observe. If you avoid associating these characteristics with the figure’s gender (or sexuality, as some students did) you leave yourself open to other possibilities — its cold outside, its a mannerist work, etc.
I started this discussion yesterday because I wanted to talk about the combining of different aesthetics often labeled “feminine” and “masculine” and was finding myself frustrated not to have better terms to use. I was reminded by reader AC to be specific! I loved her suggestion of using the terms “geometric” and “organic” to describe yesterday’s combination of stripes and flowers.
Houndstooth and Vines, originally uploaded by academichic.I think once again today’s outfit is the perfect combination of geometric (houndstooth) and organic (floral vine pattern) and of loose (scarf) and structured (belt). I like that none of these terms – geometric, organic, slouchy, polished, loose, structured, carry any gendered connotations. It’s actually quite difficult to find descriptive terms that are not gendered in connotation.
What terms do you like?
A
Belted Black and White, originally uploaded by academichic.9 November 2009
Posted on | November 9, 2009 | 16 Comments
9 November 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.Sources:
All remixed:
- Polka-dot dress - Target
- Purple cardi - H&M
- Black onyx earrings – TJMaxx
- Black boots – Banana Republic
- Turquoise flower pin – Vintage Threadz on Etsy
Endnotes:
This look comprises two of my favorite elements: (small – not large!) polka-dots and floral. I love how this turquoise and pearl vintage flower brooch gives this darker look a pop of color and a touch of whimsy. This flower brooch comes from Vintage Threadz on Etsy, and as I just popped over there for the URL , I saw that everything appears to be 25% off right now, so I thought I’d let you know!
Flower pin detail, originally uploaded by academichic.This outfit reminded me a bit of the style aesthetic of Julie Powell/Amy Adams in the recent film Julie and Julia. The film was good, but to be honest, I wasn’t too thrilled with the Julie bits. I’ve read both books which influenced the film and I really loved both of them, so I highly recommend taking the reading route if you’re interested in the Julia/Julie business. But what I did love was Julie/Amy’s style in the film. Whoever put her wardrobe together did a wonderful job of blending young professional with whimsical charm.

I’m pretty certain that almost every outfit came with some kind of cute or whacky brooch and there was a lot of adorable lace/pattern/buttons detailing going on. I also loved the strand of pearls layered with the gold necklace and pendant.

Can you spot the terrier brooch if you look just past the huge lobster in her hands?
I don’t think I’d wear a terrier pin per say, but I do love that Julie/Amy’s wardrobe is all about having fun. That unexpected detail here, that somewhat childlike accessory there, it all seems to suggest that it’s alright to be a little quirky and have a little fun when getting dressed. S.
Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.15 October 2009
Posted on | October 15, 2009 | 21 Comments
15 October 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.Sources:
- Striped Cardigan – J Crew
- Garland Tee – J Crew
- Denim Skirt – BR Outlet
- Sweater Tights – Banana Republic
- Black Flats – Urban Outfitters
- Earrings – F21
Endnotes:
This year for my birthday, my parents and little sister came to visit and my mom took me shopping!
My mom has a great sense of style and knows me and my style better than anyone. She loves shopping for her five daughters and over the years her favorites places to shop for us have become J Crew and Anthropologie. AS, she puts it, these are the places she can buy something unique or special for birthday and Christmas gifts. She usually let’s me buy my own staples.
At J Crew, she picked a few things out for me to try on, including this top and cardigan combo. I adored the cardigan right away but was a bit skeptical of the top. The top looked great on all the catalogue models and the flowers were just as beautiful in the store, but I wasn’t convinced I could pull it off. When paired with the slouchy menswear inspired cardigan, as suggested by my mom, the look was perfect.
Would you trust your mom to pick out clothes for you?
Cardigan and Top, originally uploaded by academichic.
Tights and Flats, originally uploaded by academichic.Are you a florals or stripes person? Or, do you rock the mix?
Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.27 September 2009
Posted on | September 28, 2009 | 9 Comments
27 September 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.- Purple Tee – H & M
- Brown Cami – Old Navy
- Skirt – Old Navy
- Belt – BR Outlet
- Sandals – Forever 21
My weather widget promises a cool, sunny week ahead so watch for corduroy and scarves coming soon!









