1 June 2010

Posted on | June 1, 2010 | 20 Comments

1 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Green Tank Dress – Gap Outlet
Navy Tank – Gap
Teal Belt – Old Navy
Earrings – F21
Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction, via DSW
Wooden Bangle – gift from S.

Endnotes:

I found this kelly green tank dress at Gap Outlet when shopping with E. It’s similar in style to E’s. homemade one, but the tank is the same color as the solid colored skirt part, which is cotton and lined. The tank has an unfortunately placed pocket that I just couldn’t get over, yet also just couldn’t pass this one up, so decided I would take it home and make it work. I immediately arrived home pulled it out of the bag and created five possible outfits from it and then text-ed E. to share my success. You will no doubt be seeing this dress remixed several times this summer – I will be sure to post a picture of the dress as it came next time.

I was drawn to the dress primarily because of it’s color. I love almost all shades of green but find this kelly green (with a bit of blue undertone) to be one of the more flattering on me. I made a tight analogous pairing between the skirt and teal belt and another, more distant, analogous pairing with the belt and tank.

analogous colors, originally uploaded by academichic.

I folded the bottom of the ruffly navy tank under so that it ended around where the original tank portion of the dress ends and then belted it into place. I like that it still looks like a tank dress, rather than a skirt and top.

I wore this ensemble to attend a few graduation parties over the weekend. The rest of the weekend I mostly spent in either running clothes or gardening/construction clothes. Here is a little sneak peak of my latest summer construction and garden project. It’s become a bit of an obsession, so I will save the details for a post of it’s own – check back later this week!

Summer Project Sneak Peak, originally uploaded by academichic.

1 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

15 April 2010

Posted on | April 16, 2010 | 12 Comments

15 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Green Dress – Banana Republic
Teal Belt – Old Navy
Brown Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction, via DSW
Wooden Bangel – Gift from S.
Wooden Earrings – Island Souvenir
Earring as Necklace – NY & Co

Endnotes:

I seem to be having some trouble with my photography skills lately, so the below image is a much better representation of the beautiful analogous color combination than either of the full body shots.

Green on Green, originally uploaded by academichic.

I bought this dress on super markdown (it had a couple stains) at Banana Republic a couple years ago, but have rarely worn it. I was so excited about the dress because I love the color and the cut. Unfortunately, while I love the color on me, there is something about the cut that just isn’t right, so I haven’t ventured to wear it too much. But, once again a belt has swooped in to save the day! I spent some time looking at myself in this dress in the mirror trying to figure out what wasn’t working and I realized it was that the faux-wrap part of the dress hit me too high. I often have issues with proportions in dresses because I have both long legs and a long torso so things are often too short and the seems often hit me in the wrong places. My small waist and large butt/hips/thighs don’t help matters. I added this wide belt to visually lower the placement of the wrap. The belt slightly overlaps the wrap making it look much wider. The belt also adds a fun pop of color, making this an all over more exciting ensemble.

New Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic.

I ran a half-marathon last weekend and then decided to do a total toning course a couple days later, so my legs are sore and my toes need special attention. I assumed flats would be the most comfortable option, but for some reason of all my shoes (besides maybe my thick soled flip flops) these wedges proved the best option. I wasn’t convinced they worked that well with my green and teal color combo, so I added wooden accessories to tie them in.

Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

Turns out, I am in love with this dress again – it’s fun and professional and is appropriate for both the classroom and my walk across campus in 80+ degree weather. Plus, during a busy week, there is something to be said for an outfit primarily comprised of one piece!

15 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

13 April 2010

Posted on | April 13, 2010 | 17 Comments

13 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Floral Blouse – BR Outlet
Belt – NY & Co
Green Skirt – Thrifted
Brown Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction
Necklace – Gift from A2

Endnotes:

So, I’m finally getting around to participating in this month’s self-imposed challenge to wear more florals. Like E., I’ve had my misgivings about floral prints and tend to be drawn towards stripes, argyles, paisleys, and plaids, that is, when I venture to wear any pattern at all. Yet, I have found myself drawn to all the beautiful floral items out this Spring and am hoping to pick up a few new pieces to expand my floral collection.

Of the few floral items I do own, most tend to be more subtle like this neutral blouse with a pattern of budding white vines. I picked this top up at the BR Outlet precisely because it is so far outside my bod both in terms of print and shape. I wore it once this winter under a cardigan, but since then have not been able to figure out how else to style it – I’m not crazy about the way it fits. I decided to leave it unbuttoned and cross the sides over and tuck them into my skirt – I love the v-necked wrap-shirt result .

13 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

I paired the blouse with my grass green skirt and brown accessories because I loved the color combination. I don’t the the pairing would have worked nearly as well if I had left the blouse buttoned and billowy as intended. The slimmer silhouette on top balances out the full flowy skirt. I added my large enamel pendant for a bit of floral mixing. The abstract budding vines nicely echo the pattern in the blouse.

Mixing florals, originally uploaded by academichic.

I don’t know how many floral based ensembles I can create with my current wardrobe, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. Are you a florals person? Are you tempted by the Spring trend?

14 February 2010 – Cozy Sunday Scarf

Posted on | February 14, 2010 | 7 Comments

14 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Green Hoodie – J Crew
Teal Scarf – NY China Town
Jeans – Gap
Clogs – Dansko
Hat – Gap Outlet

Endnotes:

After a full Saturday and another overnight dumping of snow, I needed something simple and cozy for just a trip to the grocery store and back. I often throw on jeans and a hoodie on Sundays but today I took a yet another style clue from S. and tossed a scarf around my neck and under the hood.

Scarf and Hoodie, originally uploaded by academichic.

I love this color pairing of bright grass green and teal. It’s an analogous scheme I find comforting, using two of my favorite colors, but I think it has an unexpected playful quality. While, sometimes a hoodie, jeans, and danskos are all I’ve got in me, the easy addition of a brightly colored scarf is a quick fix for an otherwise blah outfit.

14 February 2010, 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.

14 December 2009

Posted on | December 14, 2009 | 21 Comments

14 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Olive Sweater – H & M
Grey Wrap Sweater – NY & Co
Teal Scarf – NY China Town
Skinny Jeans – Banana Republic
Boots – Banana Republic, via DSW
Belt – BR Outlet
Earrings – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

I love this outfit! I often think I love an outfit, but then something happens – the belt shifts around, the skirt rides up, the shirt looks bunchy, it photographs horribly, etc. But this outfit I loved when I put it on, loved as I wore it, and love it in the photographs. It is warm and cozy but I think still stylish and elegant in its casualness. I think its slimming. I think it’s playful. I think it’s creative and subtle. I love the mix of charcoal and brown and the mix of olive and teal and the way all these colors came together. I love the addition of the brown bakelite earrings.

Bakelite Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

It feels strange to so unabashedly write such positive things about my own appearance. Like many of Sal’s readers, I find that I am rather self-conscious about any form of self-love. It’s so much easier to pick an outfit apart, find its flaws, find your flaws in the way you are wearing it. Posting a picture of yourself everyday is undoubtedly a self-centered act, but for me its often not a self-praising act. As S. mentioned last week, style blogging can make you feel very self-conscious and vulnerable and I have more than a few outfit posts that make me cringe to see them now. So, when I find myself looking at one I love, I’m gunna let you know it!

14 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

7 December 2009

Posted on | December 7, 2009 | 8 Comments

7 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Fuchsia Jersey Wonder Wrap – Blue Onion Marketplace
Grey Tee – American Eagle
Jeans – Gap
Green Flats – Banana Republic
Earrings – Gift from S.

Endnotes:

I haven’t been feeling 100% the past few days so spent most of my weekend in my PJs or sweats. But, when friends wanted to stop by for coco last night, I thought I should try to look presentable. I pulled on my new jeans and a long sleeved tee, but instead of going for a sweatshirt or oversized cardigan, I decided to give this wonder wrap a try.

I’ve had this jersey mystery in my closet for a while. I loved how S. wore hers, but have been struggling with pulling it off quite the same way. I decided to pretend it had no sleeves and use it as a giant jersey pashmina. I love the color and the fabric and I think it works well tied behind my back like this.

the back, originally uploaded by academichic.

I also tried wearing it with the extra just hanging loose in front, but preferred it tied neatly away. The jersey wonder wrap is on clearance over at Blue Onion Marketplace (and it just might be a future giveaway). If you have one, let us know how you are wearing it!

Speaking of Blue Onion Marketplace, congratulations to our three winners! We would love to know how you wear your flowers too!

7 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.

9 November 2009

Posted on | November 9, 2009 | 17 Comments

9 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Teal Cardigan – BR Outlet
Short-Sleeved Argyle Sweater – J Crew
Brown Skinny Belt – Ann Taylor
Denim Pencil Skirt – BR Outlet
Corduroy Blazer – Marshals
Earrings – Banana Republic
Wedges – Gap Outlet

Endnotes:

Today’s outfit was totally inspired by my desire to wear argyle – a preppy pattern I love but don’t actually wear that much anymore (except my ridiculous collection of argyle socks). The argyle print was one of the many reasons the birthday gift scarf from S. was so perfectly me! The lovely turquoise and olive diamond pattern reminded me of this old J Crew short-sleeved sweater.

9 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

When I first got this sweater years ago, I wore it all the time. However, as my style has shifted some, I’ve struggled with how to wear it in a way that still feels like me. So, I amped up the color palette and went a little layering crazy and ended up with this cozy analogous spectrum of greens and blues, accented by what better than caramel corduroy!

What pattern do you love but struggle to work into your daily wardrobe?

Tights and wedges, originally uploaded by academichic.

3 November 2009

Posted on | November 3, 2009 | 15 Comments

3 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Green Blouse – BR Outlet
Wool Skirt – BR Outlet
Black Sweater – Banana Republic
Boots – J Crew
Tights – H&M
Earrings – Gift from Sister L.

Endnotes:

After a busy weekend, during which I accomplished very little school work, I spent most of yesterday in sweats trying to get some writing done. We have discussed this questions of what to wear when working from home before. The three of us weigh in differently. I personally find a day in sweats every once in a while to be very productive – as was the case yesterday. After such days, however, I find myself dressing up a bit more than usual.

Today’s outfit are all pieces I have worn before but I made a few temporary alterations to make some of the items feel different. I pressed the collar of this ruffly green shirt inside to make a mandarin collar. My black cardigan is actually a black wrap sweater, but I tied the strings behind my back, under the sweater. I also hiked my skirt up a little and belted it. Just these little adjustments help make my closet more interesting to return to everyday.

How do you change up the look of an old standard?