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.

Sources:

Grey Sweater – Banana Republic
Brown Corduroy Skirt – Old Navy
Grey Sweater Tights- BR Outlet
Wellies – Banana Republic
Floral Scarf – Anthropologie

Endnotes:

First, for the scarf: I bought this scarf with a gift card and it was a deliberate attempt to break outside my comfort zone. This scarf is ruffled and floral and loose and billowy – not terms that usually apply to much of anything in my wardrobe. I premiered it a couple months ago by belting it over a a cardigan and simple jersey dress. Today I am attempting a new scarf style for me. I have seen many style bloggers wear their scarves this way (What Would a Nerd Wear for example) and usually like the result. So, when I saw this how-to video on Orchid Grey, I knew I had to give it a try.

Curly Hair, originally uploaded by academichic.

Now, for the hair. I have written here a couple times about my hair struggles. I have naturally curly hair but rarely like the way it looks curly, despite all of my experiments with various products and various hair dryer adapters. Because my hair is blond and somewhat fine, I have trouble using product – it weighs it down and makes it appear greasy and darker than its natural color. So, I straighten. I have been straightening my hair for years and I really do like the result. I have come to appreciate my short straight blond hair with its natural fullness s one of my best features. But, I do often see curly hair on others (including S. and Sal) and want to give it a try. My sister, L., is in town for a few days and helped me style my hair this way. It took a bit of time, a blow dryer, and a curling iron, but very little product. I loved the result – it felt natural but polished and styled (not just the mop of curls I usually end up with). Unfortunately, I don’t think it is something I could very easily replicate by myself. Next time she is in town, I’ll try to better learn the technique, but for now, it will likely be back to straight tomorrow.

17 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.

2 December 2009

Posted on | December 2, 2009 | 13 Comments

2 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Brown Vest – American Eagle
Black Belt – Gap, from Sal
Plaid Shirt – Urban Outfitters
Cords- Gap Outlet
Orange Flats – Old Navy
Earrings – Gift

Endnotes:

When I was younger I wore plaid all the time – almost as often as I wore overalls (yes, I did spend much of my childhood looking like a farmer and or train conductor). Then in junior high, I wore flannel shirts and corduroy because my older sister was testing out grunge. I also wore a plaid uniform for 12 years! So, when I made it to college I gave up plaid for quite some time. I’m always finding myself drawn back to plaid, as much as I try to pull away.

Belted Vest, originally uploaded by academichic.

I now own a few plaid throws, scarves, and even a plaid belt, but only recently have I started trying on plaid shirts and even skirts! In fact, there are a few plaid items on my Christmas list, including this plaid jacket, which looks suspiciously like the pattern from one of my grade school uniforms.

Floral and Plaid, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m still not sure how to style this new plaid shirt without falling back into either junior high grunge or childhood farmer, so I’m taking another cue from J Crew and belting my puffy vest and pairing it with flowers and a slightly dressier bottom half.

I know, I know, I’m belt crazy! What can I say, it’s what I do! :)

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.

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.

23 November 2009 – S. Birthday Tribute

Posted on | November 23, 2009 | 9 Comments

23 November 2009 – S. Birthday Tribute, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

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

Endnotes:

Last month E. and S. wore outfits inspired by my style to celebrate my birthday. Now it’s S.’s turn! HAPPY BIRTHDAY S!

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.

Sources:

Black Cable V-neck – J Crew
Houndstooth Trousers – Urban Outfitters
Scarf – H & M
Belt – Gift from Sal
Boots – J Crew

Endnotes:

It looks like my student’s visual analysis papers have led to a great discussion. Now if I could only get this discussion going in the class room! I have found all of your comments about the marketing of clothing, particularly the use of essentalizing gendered language and the heteronormativity of such marketing, so interesting!

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.

The last time I wore the striped cardigan, I noted the combination of slouchy and polished and when I wore A2’s jeans (which fit me like “boyfriend jeans” b/c they are a size bigger than my own) I called them girlfriend jeans — specific!

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?

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.

This visit, I also introduced my mom to the BR outlet, so she did buy a few staples as well, including this great denim pencil skirt, which I am sure you will see me wearing again an again. It was cold yesterday — a prefect day to pull out my sweater tights, but still warm enough that I could wear them with a skirt and flats.

Tights and Flats, originally uploaded by academichic.

When it comes to pattern, stripes and plaids are where I am at home. Florals and polka-dots are S.’s territory. I think I find most florals are just a little to girly or to soft for me to feel comfortable in, but I am leaning to love the mix of stripes and flowers – the slouchy collegiate with the polished frill. S. refers to this as mixing registers, something often done in the J Crew catalogues.

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.

Sources:

Purple Tee – H & M
Brown Cami – Old Navy
Skirt – Old Navy
Belt – BR Outlet
Sandals – Forever 21

Endnotes:

Saturday’s weather didn’t last long and it was back to almost 80 degrees here yesterday. I didn’t mind wearing sandals but I just couldn’t wear a tank top or summer skirt again. This lightweight cotton skirt in Fall colors seemed like a good compromise. I have always worn this skirt with either a shade of teal (to pick up the flowers), brown, or white. But, inspired by the more daring color play of both E. and S. with their floral skirts, I chose this bright purple and love the result. It think, combined with the thick leather belt, the color combination gives this extremely casual and inexpensive skirt a more sophisticated look and makes it all a little more autumnal.

My weather widget promises a cool, sunny week ahead so watch for corduroy and scarves coming soon!

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