Sources:

• Dress: Banana Republic outlet
• Sweater: BR outlet
• Belt: American Apparel
• Shoes: Pucci (gift from mom)

Endnotes:
That’s right – this week I had my last day of classes for the year, which means I’m almost done with my first year of teaching high school English!!! I remember at the beginning of the year when I was a) a new teacher b) training for a marathon and c) blogging for the first time and honestly I’m not sure how I got through all that. But, here we are, early June and I’ve survived – thanks in large part to the support of my friends (and co-bloggers) and family. Thank you to everyone who helped me through this year of massive transitions and first days – and that includes all of you who wrote encouraging comments! As our Dean of Faculty told me during the first week (when I may or may not have been crying in his office), “Every day is a first day in your first year of teaching.” And he’s right. Every time I stepped in my classroom this year, it was the first time I was teaching that lesson or discussing that book. As the year went on, I learned how to gauge my students more, and I could anticipate how each section was going to react to certain things and could begin to tailor things a little more. Having one year under my belt, as it were, makes me so excited for next year, when I’ll have a much better idea what to expect!

Anyway, back to the clothes. I wanted to wear something on my last day that would remind me how far I’ve come this year – and would include things that I love: anything pink and fabulous shoes. The base of this outfit is the same as what I wore on the first day of school. I switched in a bright green cotton cardigan for the turquoise one I ended up wearing the first day (not pictured), and moved my stretchy belt to the outside. This is definitely one of my matchy-matchy outfits since the pink and green are perfectly reflected in the pink and green of my fantastic satin Pucci flats.

The learning curve of a new teacher is pretty much exponential, and I feel so great coming out of this year with all the knowledge and ideas I’ve gained and cannot wait to implement new things for next year. I’m pretty sure that’s the best way possible to end a year – excited for the next year to come. Not that I’m not going to enjoy my summer. Oh, boy. Summer. Here I come! What are you all up to for the summer???

L.

Sources:

• Shirt: Ninety via Filene’s Basement
• Camisole: Banana Republic Outlet
• Necklace: made by my aunt
• Belt: mom’s closet
• Skirt: Juillet via Neiman Marcus
• Shoes: Crown Vintage via DSW

Endnotes:
Dear DSW,

Thank you for my $10 birthday month gift certificate. I bought these shoes and I love them.

Sincerely,

L.

But seriously, if you’re a shoe junkie like me and live near a DSW outlet then it is definitely worth signing up with them (and no I’m not being paid to say that – but I would accept payment in shoes if anyone reading this is from DSW!). I know rewards programs are really ploys to make you spend more money, but I love that DSW sends me gift cards in the mail to spend on shoes. Only shoes.

I bought these at the end of March and was envisioning this exact outfit when I was debating the purchase. I know that I’m about two years late on the oxfords trend, but that’s what happens when you only shop sale and clearance (with very rare exceptions). I like the contrast of traditional men’s pieces (oxford shoes and button down shirt) with the ultra femme floral and eyelet lace skirt. I was inspired by other bloggers like the lovely Monkeyface, who wears her oxfords with jeans, with skirts, and even with red socks! You should also check her out because she’s a talented photographer AND a witty writer AND has amazingly perfect hair. I think I have a bit of a blog-crush :)

In other news, last Thursday night my mother and I went to the Boston Ballet’s opening performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and let me tell you, it was spectacular (look at the video on their website for a glimpse)! The costumes, made of diaphanous chiffon, were gorgeous and ethereal. The music was mellifluous. The glittering wings on fairies and donkey head for the character Bottom were fine and delicate and in contrast bumbling and hilarious. It’s the first time I’ve actually laughed at the ballet! Also the first time I was sipping on champagne while watching – who knew you could do that?!

Sources:

• Dress: Banana Republic
• Belt: J. Crew
• Scarf: vintage (from mom)
• Shoes: vintage Calvin Klein (from mom)
• Purse: Lauren Merkin via Neiman Marcus (gift from mom)
• Necklace: from mom
• Ring: gift from mom

As for my attire, I had been trying to think of a way to wear this purple scarf (which my mom had bought at street market in Paris a million years ago), but the deep fringe stymied me and it seemed like it was not for everyday wear. For this more formal event I wanted to wear it over my shoulders, but didn’t want it just hanging loose down my front. The trick was to belt it and put the belt backwards so just the pink patent leather showed and the buckle was hidden behind the back.

It was a wonderful evening with my mom, and as you can see, I take much of my style sense – and much of my clothing, jewelry, and looks, for that matter – from her! Thanks mom, I love you!

Sources:

Dress – Gap, thrifted
Cardi underneath (for warmth and sleeves) – ON
Belt – Gap Outlet
Damask tights – Anthropologie
Wedges – vintage, thrifted
Necklace – thrifted

Endnotes:

What’s back, white, and damask all over? My tights! I got these from my mom from Anthropologie for Christmas (in a size up so that I can still fit into them as my waistline expands), and I think they’ve quickly become my favorite pair. But as much as I love them, I do find them a bit tricky to style. I tried them on with different dresses and I even attempted a few pattern-mixing looks, but all of it ended up looking too busy for me. Ultimately, I think that the easiest way to showcase a pair of really bold and patterned tights is against a simple and solid backdrop. In this case, I pulled out another trusty black dress, added black beads and black wedges, and just snuck in a pop of color with my red-orange belt.

A reader asked about wearing colorful or patterned tights on Monday, to which reader Kara replied:

I think a good way to ease into the brights is to pair them with knee high boots and a knee-length skirt so you only have maybe two inches of the tights showing. It tones it down a bit, but still uses the tights as an accessory (and warmth!).

I completely agree with that tip. As you can see from the demonstration below, I have worn these tights before with a simple black dress and black boots. In that incarnation, only a bit of the damask peaked out and the effect was much more subtle. Pairing the same tights with a black dress and with black wedges, in this case showing much more leg, let’s the tights take more of a center presence. So if you have colorful or patterned tights that you want to work into your wardrobe but are hesitant about, start small. Let only a bit of the tights peak out from between a hem line and your boots.

Also, a side note on the layering here. You may not be able to tell but this is actually a short sleeved dress. It’s too cold to wear without the added sleeves in the winter but when I tried adding a cardigan on top, it all ended up looking very bulky. Because of the tulip shape of the skirt, I prefer the more fitted upper bodice and defined waist look on top. So I layered a cardigan underneath the dress, essentially adding sleeves to it. I then used A.’s trick of layering a fitted camisole over the cardigan to keep it from bunching and shifting and to add a smoothing layer over the buttons and texture of this front closure garment. In the end, I was plenty warm with a cardigan, camisole, and dress layered over one another and with these thick wool tights. This outfit may not look like it, but it’s quite the warm and cozy little get-up.

And the bonus? I love the fact that the damask pattern is carried out on the back of the legs as well, giving your outfit that extra something as you’re walking away. ~ S.

Puffer E., originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Jacket: Via Spiga, via Marshalls
Fleece lined tights: Target
Boots: Target
Wool dress: Banana Republic, thrifted in Hawaii for 99 cents!
Dolman cardigan: Ann Taylor
Belt: Gap Outlet

End Notes:

Like A. and S., I too found my puffy coat at Marshalls. I had done a lot of puffy coat shopping online: stalking JCrew puffers on eBay, looking at discounted coats on Overstock and Bluefly, and wondering if I just should just buy the Gap version. In the end, I’m happy that I wandered into the coat section of Marshalls, because I found this wonderfully warm, down Via Spiga coat on clearance. I immediately fell in love with the dramatic collar and THE BELT.

Puffer E., originally uploaded by academichic.

Yes, I still feel a little bit like a giant marshmallow when I wear it. But the belt helps. A lot. Also, when it keeps me warm on minus-something degree days, all of my Hawaii blood sings for joy and I don’t care that much about silhouette.

Underneath it all yesterday, I wore my new favorite dress: a black seasonless wool stretch dress from Banana Republic that I thrifted while in Hawaii for 99 cents. Ah, I love Savers. I knew I was going to be wearing some pretty chunky boots to get to campus that day, so I balanced things out on top with my dolman cardigan, pinned behind my back as I’ve done a few times before.

Underneath it All, originally uploaded by academichic.

Finally, I’d like to ask for some help with snow boots. I like my Hunter Wellies, especially with their liners, but I find them a little bulky, not quite as warm, and I’ve been disappointed with their grip in icy snow. I bought these snow specific boots at Target my first winter in the Midwest. They were cheap, they kept my feet warm in the snow, and they were not hideous. I’ve been wanting to upgrade to something that’s just as warm but just less…bulky. Yet, I’m still at a loss as to what exactly I’m looking for, both on a technical and aesthetic level.

Help!

Clompers, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Polkadot blouse – thrifted
• Flower brooch – Vintage Threadz on Etsy
• Dress – Banana Republic Outlet
• Belt – Banana Republic
• Boots – Banana Republic
• Blue tights (over thermal pair of black tights) – TJMaxx

Endnotes:

This is the same little black dress that I wore just the other week with a red cardigan and red accessories. This time, I spruced it up with blues. The beauty of a LBD is that you can transform it dramatically by adding different splashes of color, accessories, or layers. Because of its versatility, I have quite a few LBDs and I never regret buying them.

This one has a higher waistline and so it’s working really well with my growing bump (as the waist sits above the belly). I layered this silk polka dot blouse underneath and played off the color in the blouse with the blue tights, belt, and little flower brooch. I love this blouse, but it has an awkward cut and is a little too short. I would never wear it on its own but it makes for a great layering piece.

When it comes to finding things that aren’t perfect but catch your eye and add a dose of fun to your closet, I highly recommend thrift stores. Since everything is so inexpensive, you can take a risk, buy something that isn’t perfect and try your hand at altering it, or get something like this that is fun and whimsical but only works in certain ways.

To help this piece perform as a base layer, I borrowed a little trick from A. She explained it here (using a tee instead of a cami). I took a fitted camisole that’s elasticated and snug and layered it over the too-short and boxy blouse. The cami layer smoothed and held the blouse in place and kept it from shifting and bunching underneath my dress. Without the cami, I would have probably been tugging at my blouse and fixing it all day, but with the cami, everything stayed in place as needed. Thanks for the tip, A!

Do you have any good wardrobe tricks to share? Alternately, what’s your favorite way to spruce up a little black dress? – S.

Pink and Purple, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Sweater: BR Outlet
• Belt: America Apparel
• Dress: BR Outlet
• Magenta Stockings: ?
• Fishnets: Gucci
• Shoes: Mudd via DSW
• Yellow Brooch (below): costume jewelry

Endnotes:
This outfit is my experimentation with another kind of layering – tights! Ever wondered how to make your fishnets last through the winter season or make them seem more work appropriate? Layer! And it’s warm too.

Layered tights?!, originally uploaded by academichic.

This outfit definitely took shape from the bottom up. I knew I wanted to don my purple fishnets (a gift from my sister) over my magenta tights, but I wasn’t quite sure how the rest of my outfit was going to take shape. I suppose it was a little lame of me to wear black, falling into the trap of black-with-bright-color that both Audi of Fashion for Nerds and Sally of Already Pretty wrote about previously this year. However, with magenta tights and purple fishnets I thought that I already presented a lot for people to absorb and adding more colors/shades might detract from the glorious aura that was emanating from my legs. My thought process also was that having separate pieces, even if both were black, would be too much. After I’d picked the dress, I knew that either the purple or magenta stretchy belt from American Apparel would be included, and at the last minute I thought that I might need a cardigan (despite the fact that my apartment and the main building are both grossly over heated).

Pink and Purple with Broach, originally uploaded by academichic.

Also as I was dashing out the door I thought to add a little shine (and a little complementary coloring) by putting this yellow sparkly rhinestone brooch on the hem of my dress. I didn’t want to over load the top and thought that maybe the contrast right next to the tights would be cool.

Bling Bling, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m not sure it was the best for this outfit, but I’ll definitely think about putting brooches in more non-traditional places in the future. Finally, I think I may have made a breakthrough at my school. Not to brag, but I had so many people tell me they loved my tights today! Maybe it was the cheerful colors or playful nature of the outfit (although really, with any other tights this would be a standard, bright but conservative combo), but it was amazing the number of people who commented. Anyway, wearing this outfit made me smile all day long!

Two questions I have for readers are: How have you layered tights? and How do you avoid or embrace the “black-and-bright-color” look?

~ L.

Sources:

• Black Shirt Dress – BR Outlet
• Belt – Old Navy
• Scarf – Nepali by TMD Designs
• Shoes – Steve Madden Girl, via DSW
• Earrings – F21

Endnotes:

I started thinking about my birthday outfit earlier this week and decided it was a good excuse to dress up a bit.  I love this black wrap shirt dress.  The top fits me perfectly and the shirt sleeves and collar make me feel crisp, sharp, and thus polished.  The full bottom makes me feel playful and of course, I love the pockets!  The black can be a bit hash and boring so I added a few pops of my favorite colors – the teal belt, the vintage green ring, blueish-green and violet earrings, and the sea foam green scarf.

I initially planned on wearing my green flats or my grey wedges with this look, but once I slipped this crinkly patten pumps on, I had to wear them!  They make my legs look a mile long and take this simple black dress to the next level.  Normally, I would probably not wear this combination to school, but hey, it’s my birthday!

7 October 2010 -My Birthday Suit, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m used to the weather being a bit cooler on my birthday and wearing boots, scarves, cardigans and blazers.  The weather in Academichic Central was beautiful yesterday, warm and sunny for most of the day, but cool enough in the morning and evening to warrant the addition of this fabulous scarf from TDM Designs.

7 October 2010 -My Birthday Suit, originally uploaded by academichic.

7 October 2010 -My Birthday Suit, originally uploaded by academichic.

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.

17 September 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Dress: Banana Republic Factory
• Belt: thrifted
• Pumps: Steve Madden

End Notes:

Although I may have recently expressed my preference for the versatility of a little navy dress over a little black dress, I still think there’s something very timeless and chic about a well-fitting black sheath.

For my first day of having my students all to myself (this is where I rub my hands together and cackle, right?) I wanted to keep things sleek and minimal without being severe. I eschewed separates in favor of my trim little black dress. The fit is spot on, the pleated neckline is a subtle but rich detail, and the kind-of cap sleeves give it something of a retro feel.

Belt and Pleats, originally uploaded by academichic.

You had to know that I was going to wear a colorful shoe, right? I’ve realized that I am far less likely to hide behind a podium when teaching if I’m wearing a bright shoe. A bold heel deserves a bold presentation style.

17 September 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

For some reason, I don’t usually think of pairing black with cool analogous colors, but I think the skinny green belt and teal shoes added just the right amount of oomph. I admit, though, that when I glanced myself from the waist up in a mirror prior to leaving for campus I nearly despaired. Did I look to school marmy? Too prim? Too severe? Should I just throw on a string of pearls and be done with it? But then I remembered that I was wearing turquoise shoes and everything was okay.

And…isn’t my alleyway magical? And anti-gravitational?

Anti-gravitational Alley, originally uploaded by academichic.

9 Sept 2010 – Hello, High School, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Black Sheath Dress: Banana Republic Outlet
• Magenta Elastic Belt: American Apparel
• Black Wedges: Bandolino via DSW
• White Flower Pin: Gift
• Turquoise Bag: ILI via Helen’s Leather

Endnotes:
The first day of school is finally upon us! I must admit, after the five trying days of faculty meetings and five exhausting days of pre-season, I was beginning to forget why it is I took this job and uprooted myself all the way to New England: the students! I realized that especially when it comes to secondary school education, it really is all about the students. We are here to be role models for them, to excite them about new subjects, and to push them to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. I know it is a cliché, but I felt like I gained energy from being around them, and once the campus was buzzing with excitement, I could hardly wait for classes to begin, which they did today. Of course since it was the first day of my first year of teaching I had been figuring out an outfit in my head for weeks (and it seems so were the folks at Fashionable Academics who have put together this great compilation of several first day ensembles). Everyone told me that setting the right tone in your classroom could dictate how the entire year unfolds… talk about a lot of pressure on one outfit!

9 Sept 2010 – Setting the Tone, originally uploaded by academichic.

As E said, the lovely contributors of Scholar Style Guide have undertaken a week dedicated to the workhorses of their wardrobes. For me, this outfit encompasses several can’t-live-without items. The black sheath dress was a recent purchase at the Banana Republic Outlet store. It was the only one on the rack and fortunately it was my size. E. might have said good-bye to the Little Black Dress in favor of the Little Navy Dress, but as the Beatles said, “You say goodbye, and I say hello.” Hello little black dress! I have a feeling this one will be the basis for several variations as it lends itself well to colorful pairings while still looking sleek and professional, which happens to be the tone I was going for on this first day. The wide elastic belt is another staple that spends more time on me then it does hanging in my closet. I have a purple belt that is the same as this magenta one. I also have a grey stretchy belt that gets a lot of business. For this outfit I wanted to look polished, but also show some of my clothing personality – which as E mentioned when I first joined Academichic involves a lot of hot pink.

Black Wedges, originally uploaded by academichic.

My new black wedges gave me a little height; although, let’s be honest, most of my students are still taller than I am. The flower on the toe made me think to wear this white flower pin that I’ve had for ages and have never worn. Unlike Carrie Bradshaw whose flower pins sometimes seem to dominate her outfit I hoped that this little pop of white would soften what was otherwise a very dark outfit.

White Flower Pin, originally uploaded by academichic.

And finally, the new school bag. I will post more on this later, but I wanted to share my new bag with you all, as it was the most perfect graduation gift from my mom.

Turquoise Bag!, originally uploaded by academichic.

The leather is soft, the color is amazing, it is big enough to hold my laptop, books, and folders, but not bulky. It also has both handles and a shoulder strap (see second picture). Between the belt, the pin, and my fantastic new bag, I felt confident, energetic, and, really happy to be in the classroom in my new role as secondary school teacher. Good-bye grad school, and Hello high school!

- L.