Sources:

• Dress: J. Crew (thrifted)
• Sweater: Zen via Filene’s Basement
• Belt: Anthropologie
• Shoes: Tahari via endless.com
• Necklace: gift

Endnotes:
I’ve worn this dress a lot since I bought it at a consignment shop this winter (same place that A. picked up her fab new blouse!), and I’ve consistently struggled with what to do about the ruffle around the neckline.

Well, genius that I am, I decided at 7:00am yesterday morning that the back part of the ruffle had got to go, so I took out my trusty scissors and happily took out the stitching holding on the back half. Why I hadn’t done this earlier, I’m not sure. Why I chose to do it at 7:00am in the morning while still a little delirious, I’m also not sure about. Regardless of the mysterious ways my addled morning-brain works, I’m happy with the results.

I’ve also had this sweater for a while and it was just about to go in the “swap-heap” before it was rescued for this outfit. It seemed good in theory to have a lightweight, cashmere, mushroom-brown cropped sweater, but in practice it has proven less practical. I’m not sure that this one outfit will totally redeem it, but it will at least survive until next fall because (drum roll) I’m packing up my winter clothes this weekend! I’m doing this in preparation both for spring (to finally arrive) and for a clothing swap I’m organizing next week. No better time than a season shift to clean out the old closet! A. and E. are hosting a swap soon as well, so keep your eyes out for some upcoming weekend workshops on the topic!

Finally, getting to the title of my post – I know I wear belts a lot, and I completely blame A. for this habit. I told you during belt week that belting is the gateway drug to becoming style obsessed (in a non-self destructive, good kind of way). However, my waist is not always happy being squished, and depending on how much I’ve consumed, my belts can get a little bit tight — until I found this belt on clearance at Anthropologie when A. and I were shopping in Boston. I know that plastic is generally not good for the environment, but stretchy, forgiving materials are very good for my post-winter but pre-spring training body, and this belt is plenty stretchy and very comfy.

Does your body noticeably change over the course of some seasons?

Sources:

• Dress: Neiman Marcus outlet
• Buttondown Shirt: Banana Republic Factory
• Belts: J. Crew
• Tights: Target
• Shoes: Corso Como via Shopstyle.com
• Necklace: Mass MoCA store

Endnotes:
This is a belated “Belt Week” outfit that I had been meaning to wear, but didn’t get around to until today. Despite the fact that it is a full week into March, it still feels like we are firmly in winter at the moment, and so this cashmere dress is getting another outing before spring really comes to New England. I found this dress on super sale at an outlet and it is by far my favorite fall/winter dress because it is so cozy and warm. After a week of aggressive belting my waist was pretty tired, and I wanted to try what E. called “surrendering the waist”… but I didn’t quite get there. I did, however, surrender the tights after I had gotten into my classroom and realized that I was experiencing what Sal of Already Pretty calls “Segmented Worm Syndrome” with my present outfit and needed to let something go.

My full slip, which I wore over my shirt, managed to hold down the tails of the shirt and also give me some more piece of mind about going bare legged when I really hadn’t planned on it. I know if I had stepped outside I would have frozen from the waist down, but I just couldn’t wait until spring break! Anyway, the belting for this is something I’ve wanted to try since I went nuts at J. Crew this fall and bought several of their skinny belts on sale that I had been holding out for. I connected my silver and gold ones for this and let them naturally cross in the front and hang lower on my hips than I usually do.

I wore both gold and silver jewelry as well as silver shoes to complete this very simple outfit. I really like how the double belting worked out and I’d love to know how others have incorporated multiple belts into one outfit?

~L.

Sources:

• Dress (as skirt): thrifted (J. Crew)
• Shirt: Banana Republic
• Scarf (as belt): thrifted (Smithsonian)
• Tights: Target
• Shoes: Ciao Bella via DSW
• Necklace: gift

Endnotes:
This is a variation on something I wore in early January and is an example of one of the amazing things that a belt can do: turn a dress into a skirt! I thrifted this grey J. Crew dress and thought that I wasn’t going to be able to wear it until the spring because it was a) short and b) the ruffle around the neck made it hard to wear anything over it. I decided that the short factor would be at least slightly mitigated by same color tights, but the ruffle was baffling me. I searched for something that had a big enough scoop neck that the ruffle, at least in front, could peek out and was loose enough in the back that the ruffle there wouldn’t look too weird. To make my dress into a skirt I tucked the loose ends of my shirt into a scarf I tied like an obi belt and voila!

I also liked how the teal necklace complemented the pink shirt, and the layering with the ruffle was definitely attention getting as I even got two compliments from colleagues! I had a lot going on up top so the all grey bottom and black flats were more muted.

I’m happy that this super comfy dress has the potential to be winterized. Next time I think I’ll try something under it to see if the jumper look works. With a fresh 4-inches of snow last night it doesn’t look like I’ll be breaking out the spring clothes for a while yet! How have you winterized more springy dresses?

~L.

In last year’s Fashion 101 on tights, I offered an example of how merely switching out tights could change the entire appearance of an outfit. This year, I thought I’d try out the same idea again, but with a different dress and shoe combination.

(As an aside, I really love the substantial ponte knit and demure shape of this little gray sheath, but it’s significantly shorter than what I usually wear. I don’t think I’ll be teaching in this dress until I let the hem down, but even for running about town over the weekend I felt…abbreviated.)

In any case, onward. The photo above shows the gray dress paired with gray tights. The monochrome scheme does mitigate my hem length issues, and I love how the browns of the belt and boots warm everything up. A touch more interesting than wearing black tights, but still cool and simple.

Next up, patterned tights. Meh. This is probably my least favorite look, not because I don’t like my patterned tights, but because I think they were the wrong value for this medium gray sheath. I think a darker patterned tight would have worked a little better, no?

Given my love of grellow, I definitely wanted to try pairing this soft gray dress with punchier saffron tights. I love the idea of these tights in theory, but sometimes when I wear them I get a little self conscious about maybe looking like I have Muppet legs. Here, though, I think they work well with the warm cognac boots to create a little bit of punch without breaking up my leg line too harshly.

I think this gray and red combination is one of my favorite iterations. Maybe it’s because I feel like I’m channeling some Tania from What Would a Nerd Wear and her “gred”. There’s something classic but fresh and the tights look purposeful, not like a tacked on afterthought.

Finally, blue tights. I was prepared to not like this…but I really do. I don’t usually think of cobalt as being a “spring” color, but there’s a lot of it around this year and I think it’s a little unexpected with the gray and navy.

Do you have a favorite?

Three Firsts, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Shirt Dress: American Apparel
• Blue Dress (under): Even via Off 5th
• Belt: Anthropologie
• Scarf: gift
• Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW

Endnotes:
So many firsts in this post! First time remixing/layering dresses, first time tucking my scarf into my belt, and first picture in my classroom. Even though I’m not participating in Kendi’s 30 for 30 (as A. and E. are) this time around, I have been inspired by all the layering and remixing that my co-bloggers are doing. I’ve never tried the layering a dress over something longer, but I own a few cotton dresses that have shrunk and become short enough that I’m reluctant to wear them to school, and I thought they might work for just this experiment. I tried to ease myself into this by keeping to block colors and neutrals.

Three Firsts, originally uploaded by academichic.

The scarf-tucked-into-the-belt look is one that A sports frequently and I’ve attempted it before, but never with any success. The key for me was finding a scarf that was thin enough that it didn’t feel like it was adding a lot of bulk to my front.

Belted Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

Finally, as I’m sure you’ve noticed I took my pictures today in my classroom. A few of you commented last time I posted that you wished that I could take pictures in natural light, and believe me I wish for that too! I’m really torn about this right now – Like E., A., and S. have all discussed, I’ve kept my style blogging quiet. My family and close friends know, but it’s not general information that I give out. Especially since I’m just starting a new job with many time consuming commitments, I didn’t want people to think that blogging was taking up time that I should be grading or prepping or giving extra-help – and it doesn’t, generally. However, I also believe that when working in a boarding school (or really in any walk of life), one must make time for personal commitments and have outlets beyond the campus. For me at this moment style blogging is a respite from all school related stresses. I guess my reluctance also comes down to the fact that we’re not just talking about colleagues knowing about Academichic – there are students involved too, and I’m very apprehensive about them finding out and questioning my professionalism. Anyway, all this was to say I also wish I could take pictures in natural light, on the beautiful campus that surrounds me, in front of the fall foliage and ancient brick walls that form my new home. However, I’m not ready for my pupils to know about my leisure activity, and so I’ll be taking photos inside for a while longer. For other bloggers out there, do you have similar struggles about revealing your site to others?

9 November 2010 – Grellowvy, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Cardigan: NY&Co, edited by me
• Navy tank: Target
• Belt: thrifted
• Skirt: Target
• Wedges: thrifted
• Pearl ring: vintage, grandmother’s

End Notes:

Day 2 of 30 for 30.

If gray+yellow is grellow, then can my favorite gray+yellow+navy be “grellowvy”? Or “nagrellow”? Or “gravellow”? Basically, whenever I pull out a gold/mustard/yellow-orange garment out of my closet, my hands grab navy as an accompaniment. It’s practically compulsive at this point.

I would promise you that I won’t wear this mustard cardigan again with navy during the rest of 30 for 30, but I don’t know if I can handle that kind of color reassociation therapy right now.

9 November 2010 – Grellowvy, originally uploaded by academichic.

Fall Complements, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Grey Sheath Dress: Banana Republic
• Blue Cardigan: Cable & Gauge via Filene’s Basement
• Silk Scarf: Hermes (gift from mom)
• Blue Suede Shoes: Banana Republic
• Necklace: gift

Endnotes:
As you can tell from my blue-green palette the inspiration for this outfit was to complement the gorgeous fall colors that surround me in my New England setting. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to take any pictures outside like A’s most recent shoot in Academichic Central, so you’ll have to use your imagination to see me in front of this red-orange tree.

Fall Foliage, originally uploaded by academichic.

This is the debut post for so many things that I totally love I’m not even sure where to start! This grey sheath dress was on super sale at BR this summer and because it is lightweight wool I had to wait until the fall to break it out. It fits like a dream. In addition, I had finally purchased (with the help of several rewards gift cards) my blue suede shoes after drooling over them for months. Turns out they weren’t even selling the blue ones in stores, so had to order them online. Fortunately I’d already bought the grey flannel ones (I refuse to apologize for my shoe habit), so I knew what size I needed (FYI – BR shoes run big – these are a 7.5 but I usually wear an 8 or 8.5). Between the wool and the suede I had fully embraced the New England fall.

Blue Suede Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic.

I had tried this scarf tied as cummerbund look this summer and I liked it. I was reminded of the joys of belting over a sweater last week when dressing for A’s birthday tribute since she is a pro at belting. For this outfit I folded my favorite vintage scarf, double knotted it in the back, and tucked the ends in. It ended up making a cool wave-like knot in the back (and it stayed secure all day as well).

Wave Knot, originally uploaded by academichic.

I also finally figured out how to make the sweater thing work – don’t button it unless it’s fitted! Maybe you all had figured this out already, but I was consistently stymied in my previous attempts. This sweater had some stretch to it, and pulling it across also meant that it showed my shape more, which I liked. The blue in the scarf allowed me to wear my new favorite shoes and a piece of jewelry I rarely put on.

Scarf and Necklace, originally uploaded by academichic.

The teal of the lotus flowers was a dead-on match with this beaded torsade. I’m not sure if this outfit qualifies as mixing neutrals because of the grey and navy, but I loved wearing this ensemble and will likely try to do a redux of some kind. I wish I’d been able to take a picture with some of the lovely orange leaves that have changed color up here because they were a beautiful complement to my sea-blue outfit. Nothing says fall like blue suede shoes and crisp colorful leaves, right? What in your closet makes you think of Fall? Do you have a new favorite piece for this season?

Sea-blues, originally uploaded by academichic.

Silk Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Button down: Banana Republic Outlet
• Scarf: vintage Hermes
• Belt: ?
• Grey pinstriped slacks: Banana Republic Outlet
• Silver Shoes: Corso Como via Shopstyle.com

End Notes:
This outfit was inspired by a resolution I made to finally wear this beautiful vintage Hermes scarf that my mother had given me for Christmas. My mother often wears gorgeous brightly colored silk scarves tied around her neck and shoulders and folded in half with the point down the back. However, I was in search of some more innovative ways of incorporating this piece. I’m not sure that what I came up with is revolutionary, but it worked for me. I folded it diagonally and gathered it into a narrow strip. I decided to put this inside my collar, sort of like a man’s cravat, and then loosely tie it at the chest.

Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

Keeping it inside my collar served to make the look more sleek, as it seemed too bulky outside. I also like that it is kind of a faux necktie. My fitted shirt is another workhorse of my wardrobe and is the type of staple that I stock up on when I find one that I like. This one was at the BR outlet in a Petite XS (a rare size!) and fits perfectly, so of course, I bought two in white and one in black. You cannot go wrong with a crisp, fitted white button down!

2010 Academichic – Grey Pants, originally uploaded by academichic.

I have had these trousers for a while, but they were too long when I purchased them. In a time saving maneuver I decided to try Singer Instant Hems ‘n Cuff Tape which is an iron-on adhesive that holds fabric together. These only needed to come up one cuff length so there wasn’t too much weight pulling at the tape. I think if I’d needed to take up more, I would have reinforced the hem with some quick stitching. Finally, metallic shoes for everyday.

Silver Shoes and Lotus Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

9 September 2010 – Workhorses, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Grey (and black and light grey) Pencil Skirt – Banana Republic
• Grey Tee – J Crew
• Belt – Old Navy
• Scarf – Echo
• Shoes – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

It’s days like today I find myself wishing I lived with a professional photographer or had the time to grab a friend to act as photographer and find a cool location.  I really loved this outfit and felt great in it all day, but couldn’t capture it on camera the way I wanted to.  Rainy mornings and an early call time on campus don’t make for good photography days, but with the help of a good wardrobe workhorse I can still pull together a great professional ensemble on these mornings and confidently head out for a long rainy day on campus.

This is actually the blog premier of this specific skirt, but I own this skirt in two other colors and wear all three of them all the time!  These Banana Republic “classic pencil skirts” are made of a mix of cotton, viscose, and spandex, giving them a just the right mix of stretch and structure.   I’ve had the black version the longest and have worn it in all weather – with tights and boots and with a tank and espadrilles.  I have worn it for a huge range of occasions including my first day of school last week, an engagement party earlier this summer, and even a funeral (not pictured).  I love that I can wear it high around the smallest part of my waist with a pair of killer heals or slung low with a pair of flats.

9 September 2010 – Workhorses, originally uploaded by academichic.

23 August 2010 – Rainy Days and Mondays, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• T-shirt: American Apparel
• Skirt: Calvin Klein Outlet
• Belt: Old Navy Outlet
• Shoes: Madden Girl via DSW

Endnotes:
One final post regarding our color wheel challenge. Since I had been putting this outfit together in my head for days, I wanted to share my monochrome blue-green ensemble. This outfit is very simple, but with the addition of a belt and heeled shoes it manages to look polished despite the easy T and skirt combo. This is another one of my super girl-y feeling skirts because it moves so well. It is surprisingly heavy since the pleating hides where several panels of material are added and you can’t see the many inner layers that help give it such a swishing motion. I was determined to get a picture of this skirt in mid-twirl, and I seriously almost fell over from dizziness at the end of this photo series! Oh, the things we do for Academichic.

23 August 2010 – Twirl!, originally uploaded by academichic.

23 August 2010 – Twirl!, originally uploaded by academichic.

23 August 2010 – Twirl!, originally uploaded by academichic.

The belt you might recognize as the same as E’s and A’s (although hers is teal) and it is one of the workhorses of my wardrobe. I wear a lot of grey and grey goes with everything, so the purchase of a stretchy grey belt was a necessity for me. I used to be very wary of mixing neutrals including metallics, so the brass buckle made me a little anxious. However, thanks to my co-bloggers I’ve realized that things like that don’t matter very much and I can still wear silver jewelry despite the color of my buckle. These shoes were also a major addition to my wardrobe this year and have proven very useful. I like the small heel because they are comfy enough that I can wear them all day, but give me a little height and my legs a little length.

23 August 2010 – Grey, originally uploaded by academichic.

It has taken some adjustment, but I’m getting used to how delightfully cool the weather can be in New England even in summer – I’ve taken to carrying a light cardigan with me and don’t have to wear tanks all the time. Lately it’s not only been cool, but also quite rainy, which somewhat inspired this marine blue pairing. If I’d had my whole wardrobe at my disposal, I would have tossed on my grey cardi or my navy blazer from Ann Taylor Loft (not the same as A’s, but similar!). As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve just moved into my new apartment, but I’m still bouncing around New England visiting relatives and friends, and hence, I don’t have access to my whole closet all the time. I have really enjoyed color wheeling for the last four weeks, and I do think it will make me think more about my options when it comes to colors and combinations. However, I’m looking forward to school starting so I can share my daily teaching outfits with you all. This week I’ll be deciding what to wear for my first day of faculty meetings – exciting!