academichic

29 October 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Scarf: gift from sister-in-law
• Leather jacket: gift from father-in-law, from Argentina
• Olive top: Target
• Skinnies: Ann Taylor
• Pumps: Madden Girl, via DSW

End Notes:

My father-in-law purchased this leather jacket while on a business trip in Argentina and then gave it to me as a Christmas gift several years ago. I think we were all surprised when I opened it. I was surprised because owning a leather jacket had never really crossed my mind at that point, but I was all kinds of enamored with the buttery texture and cropped fit. My sisters-in-law were surprised that their dad had even purchased such a thing. And my father-in-law was surprised that he had scored a purchasing win.

InStyle Trends: Leather Jackets, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sometimes I’m still surprised that I own a leather jacket. But, now that leather moto jackets are again everywhere for fall (behold, InStyle’s fall trend page above), I’m making that trend work for me by pairing sleek and sexy with drapey and autumnal. It’s equal parts biker and hippie, and since I’m neither it all works out.

29 October 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

In my dream world — the one where there are lots of academic jobs and a position at your ideal institution opens up right as you’re finishing your degree — I can imagine myself applying to at least two different kinds of college teaching jobs. I would be interested in teaching art history at an art school, and I would be interested in teaching at a small (likely faith-based) liberal arts college. Were I to land on-campus interviews in either of these scenarios, the type of school itself would certainly play a role in what I might choose to wear, with definite adjustments for the season, the geographic location, the “feel” of the school, etc.

As always, the usual caveats apply. This is meant to generate ideas, not offer didactic advice. Bodies are not neutral, so how your body is perceived socially will certainly impact how the clothes you put on them are received. And confidence is the best accessory, so if wearing a really sharp, tailored suit is what makes you feel polished and accomplished…then I say go for it. As I’ve already mentioned, I will most likely go suit shopping — at the very least for great, professional separates — if and when I go on the traditional job market.

But let’s indulge in a little make-believe and pretend that a) my dissertation has magically written itself; b) I suddenly have two interviews and I want to wear something besides the traditional pants suit; and 3) the hiring cycle fits with out current season. Let’s say that School #1 is an art school in the Midwest and School #2 is an evangelical liberal arts school on the East Coast.

For School #1 I might wear something like this:

Knit Blazer and Trousers, originally uploaded by academichic.

This is not a suit. It is, however, a professional-looking ensemble that is also eminently movable. While trapeze jackets might not be on-trend right now, I think they have a classic quality about them that plays nicely against the more structured trousers and fine gauge sweater. And, importantly, because it’s a ponte knit, it passes the arm swing test with flying colors. I imagine that this could be important since I definitely lecture with wild gesticulations. I like that this has some of the components of a pants suit, but there’s a little twist on proportions, shapes, and color that personalizes the outfit without being distracting.

Polished Garnet Necklace Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Speaking of colors, I love that the eggplant jacket and amber necklace warm up the otherwise harsh black. I kind of feel like a Rothko painting, and that seems appropriate for an art school setting without being (I hope) cliche. (On a more practical note, currently these pants are hemmed for sizable heels, but for a real on-campus interview, I would wear pants hemmed to wear with a lower black heel or wedge.)

For School #2 I might wear something like this:

Skirt and Blazer, originally uploaded by academichic.

Honestly, I would prefer to wear a skirt suit to an institution like this one, but a similar feeling can be created by wearing a blazer over a sheath dress. A benefit to this is that there are less pieces to mess with and no tucking issues to fret over. Despite my previously articulated misgivings about this blazer, I think it works out okay in this iteration since I’m visually raising my waist anyway with the dress. It’s a relatively classic — rather than trendy — cut, and it also adds some textural interest to the outfit overall. I kept my jewelry simpler: diamond studs and a jade ring worn as a pendant for a teeny little pop of color that is more in tune with my aesthetic than the brooches or scarves many advice columns suggest. And yes, I did roll up my sleeves. I think some of you will tell me this is a no-no, but I feel so much more like me and so much less liable to fidget. Hey, I know my weaknesses. (These shoes are not one of them. I’ve walked a mile straight in them without issue.) Overall, I feel really powerful in a great fitting dress and jacket, and a bold shoe only cements that confidence.

Knockout, originally uploaded by academichic.

Neither of these outfits are going to go down in the annals of Academichic as E.’s Best Look EVER. They aren’t fashion Statements with a capital S. But an interview outfit should make me the star, not my clothes, and I think that both of these remain true to my personal style while also being appropriate for their respective scenarios. After all, no one’s going to hire my closet.

Sources:

• Pashmina scarf – small shop in Romania
• Blue cardigan – vintage, was my grandmother’s
• Jeans – thrifted
• Boots – Banana Republic
• Cropped coat – from “free” pile in dorm
• Tote – Kenneth Cole
• Bird earrings – gift form A.

Endnotes:

These pictures are from a little while back when my friends were in town and we spent one day visiting Regensburg, Germany. Regensburg is a beautiful old city in Bavaria that dates back to the Stone Age and that definitely merits a visit if you’re in the Southern Germany area.

Unfortunately, our weather here has been cold, rainy, and gray for the most part of May, so back out come the sturdy boots, the heavy coat, and the thick scarves. Good thing I came across this warm yet cropped (and therefor less wintery) wool coat in the ‘free’ pile in my dorm foyer. It’s proven just right for this cold spell we’ve gotten.

Little Bird Earring, originally uploaded by academichic.

Pattern Mash, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m now hoping for nicer weather since my husband just arrived in Germany and we’re spending some time here, some time in Prague, and then a little time in Romania in the coming weeks. I would love some nicer weather to really enjoy our sightseeing and traveling together. We have never been to Prague before, so I welcome any tips and suggestions any of you might have!

For now, I leave you with a few images from gorgeous Regensburg and I hope to report back with more beautiful backdrops to future outfit shots and hopefully some more bike adventures (weather permitting) to contribute to the LGRAB Summer Games as well. S.

First Day of School, 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Grey Jacket – Banana Republic
• Cardigan – Banana Republic
• Cinnamon Pencil Skirt – J Crew
• Tights – Gap
• White Scarf – sister M.’s
• Wedges – Kenneth Cole, via DSW
• Earrings – Gift
• Blue Tote – Emilie M., via T.J. Maxx

Endnotes:

This is what I wore for the first day of school on Tuesday.  I was introduced to my students, had a meeting with faculty, and some campus walking to do.

peep toes and tights, originally uploaded by academichic.

Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

Blue Tote, originally uploaded by academichic.

First Day of School, 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

10 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Corduroy jacket – Ross
• White nursing cami – Target
• Gray skinnies – thrifted, skinnied by me
• Purple scarf – Chinatown
• Vintage flower pin – courtesy of Blue Onion Marketplace

End Notes:

I loved S.’s take on adding a little whimsy to an outfit, and while I would hardly describe my style as “whimsical,” I wanted to challenge myself to add a little playfulness to a look. Yesterday was the perfect opportunity to try. With a teething baby on hand and errands to run, it was one of those days where I just needed to put clothes on and I lacked the creative juices to make it a look.

10 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Enter, from stage left, one of the beautiful vintage flower pins — graciously sent to us from Blue Onion Marketplace — that I finally managed to get my hands on. I tried pinning the flower to my jacket, but ended up feeling a little silly. But when I attached it to my floral scarf…ah! Perhaps the bulk of the scarf helped to mitigate the otherwise admittedly large scale of the flower. Or perhaps it was just better overall placement. I kept everything else slim and sleek, letting the flower and scarf play the starring role for the day.

And I don’t know if I’ll give the flower pin all the credit, but yesterday ended up being not half bad.

10 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

  

1 June 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Fuschia top – Banana Republic, remixed
• Patterned Cardi – J.Jill, remixed
• Pink scarf – H&M
• Trouser jeans – Old Navy, remixed
• Yellow pumps – Gianni Bini, remixed a ton
• Cord jacket – thrifted (pictured below)
• Green tote – Kenneth Cole, remixed (pictured below)

Endnotes:

So I left the crazy Midwest heat behind for the cool and breezy winds of California – how ironic! It seems wrong to see E. and A. sweating it out back home while I bundle up with jackets and scarves here on the West Coast. And you all have been very helpful in suggesting layers, it’s been the perfect way to manage the temperatures since being here. As you can see, I have lots of layers on today and am ready to add or remove them as needed. 

It’s been a wonderful day for me, and once more, I’d like to thank you all who gave me such great suggestions for things to do and see here. I spent the day in the Haight area of San Francisco, taking in the beautiful sights and browsing the many gorgeous vintage stores. While most of those were more eye candy for me (a bit out of my price range, but so lovely to admire), I hit the jackpot at the Haight Street Goodwill. Thanks, Sal, for the tip! I walked in and instantly saw the many treasures just waiting to be appraised. I walked away with a couple of goodies and without breaking the bank!

Then, with purchases in tote, I walked around to gawk at all the gorgeous homes and stunning architecture on all the side streets.

 

1 June 2009 – San Francisco, originally uploaded by academichic.

If I lived here, I’d never need style inspiration from any source other than my daily commute. Who needs fashion magazines when the houses showcase the most amazing color combinations and are chic beyond belief. S.