9 March 2010 – just add tights
Posted on | March 9, 2010 | 16 Comments
9 March 2010 – just add tights, originally uploaded by academichic.- Long Cardigan – Banana Republic
- Grey Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
- Teal Cami – BR Outlet
- Boots – Banana Republic, via ebay
- Tights – Talbots
- Earrings – souvenir
I decided to re-post this ensemble because the addition of tights, makes it a perfect outfit for this week’s Fashion 101 on Tights. I don’t think the these particular tights change the look of the outfit all that much (particularly since only a small amount of them shows between hemline and boot top), but combined with my teal scarf and rain trench, they did make the ensemble a little more weather-appropriate.
Somehow, I don’t actually own a pair of solid brown tights. Instead, I have several different textured pairs in varying shades of brown. So, this winter when I have been doubling up on my brown tights. I love to layer my think ribbed tights over a sheer houndstooth pair creating an interesting pattern and rich color and providing a little more warmth.
Layered tights, originally uploaded by academichic.
Tight layering has been long been a favorite trick of all of us Chics. I have layered black over hot pink to tone down the color; purple over grey to richen the color, and various pairs for warmth. How have you layered your tights?
9 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.
4 February 2010 – Winter Escape
Posted on | February 4, 2010 | 21 Comments
4 January 2010 – Winter Escape, originally uploaded by academichic.- Circle Scarf- Ireland, gift from sister M.
- Charcoal Sweater- New York and Company
- Cream Sweater – F21
- Belt- New York and Company
- Navy Skinny Cords – Banana Republic
- Black Wellies – Banana Republic
4 January 2010 – Winter Escape, originally uploaded by academichic.
Neutrals, originally uploaded by academichic.
4 January 2010 – Winter Escape, originally uploaded by academichic.3 February 2010
Posted on | February 3, 2010 | 15 Comments
3 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.- Scarf- Nepali by TDM Designs
- Black Pencil Skirt – Banana Republic
- Black Henley- Gap
- Black Tights – Target
- Brown Belt – BR Outlet
- Brown Boots – Banana Republic, via ebay
Squares, originally uploaded by academichic.Like E. yesterday, I chose a simple European-loop tie (folded in half with the lose ends pulled through the loop created by the fold). I wanted to really show this scarf off, so I built a simple outfit of classic black pencil skirt, black tights, and black henley and then added brown accessories for a bit more visual interest.
3 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.4 January 2010
Posted on | January 4, 2010 | 15 Comments
4 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.- Cardigan – BR Outlet
- Blouse – BR Outlet
- Jean Skirt – BR Outlet
- Sweater Tights – Banana Republic
- Wellies – Banana Republic
- Belt – Ann Taylor
- Earrings – Banana Republic
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.
Pattern Mixing, originally uploaded by academichic.
4 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.1 December 2009 – Flowers and Ruffles
Posted on | December 1, 2009 | 20 Comments
1 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.- Ruffly Floral Scarf – Anthropologie
- Long Brown Cardigan – Urban Outfitters
- Black Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
- Tights – Gap
- Belt – NY & Co.
- Shoes – Kenneth Cole Reaction
peep toes and tights, originally uploaded by academichic.
Flowers and ruffles!, originally uploaded by academichic.
1 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.
1 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.16 November 2009 – Two Dresses Redux
Posted on | November 16, 2009 | 26 Comments
16 November 2009 – Two Dresses Redux, originally uploaded by academichic.Sources:
- Gray dress- Target, remixed
- Black shirt dress – H&M
- Gray tights – DM
- Black rushed flats – Kenneth Cole, remixed
- Earrings worn as necklace – TJMaxx, remixed
- Vintage onyx and pearl ring – gift from mom, remixed
Endnotes:
I went into H&M this past weekend to get a pair of tights, when I spotted this black shirt dress on clearance for 15 Euros. Having just relayed my love of shirt dresses to you, I was still on a shirt dress high and decided I had to ’splurge’ and get this one. I’m glad I did because I can already envision all the ways this will remix with my current items.
Earrings necklace, originally uploaded by academichic.For today, I created a monochromatic look by layering this black dress over my gray jersey dress. To keep with the monochrome, I turned these two onyx earrings into a necklace by stringing the first one on a silver chain and the second one onto the first earring for a cascading effect (A. inspired me to try this after seeing her repurpose earrings as necklace pendants several times).
Vintage Ring, originally uploaded by academichic.My mother’s onyx and pearl ring and black flats with gray tights complete the monochromatic ensemble. While this may have been simple and subdued in color, I think it’s the details that make this outfit stand out; the ruching on the shoes, the jewelry, and the deep pockets on this dress (who doesn’t love a dress with pockets?).
Shoes, originally uploaded by academichic.And while we’re on the subject of colors, thanks to some of you for pointing out that fuchsia is spelled *fuchsia* and not fuschia. I’d like to pretend that it was my subconscious Germanization of the spelling, but that would be a lie.
To recap, since fashion blogging, I have learned the correct spelling of the following words:
- Polka-dot (not Polk-a-dot)
- Corduroy (not Chorduroy)
- Fuchsia (not Fuschia)
and I have also spent way to much time thinking about Gray vs. Grey.
S.
16 November 2009 – Two Dresses Redux , originally uploaded by academichic.4 November 2009
Posted on | November 5, 2009 | 20 Comments
4 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.- Sweater Vest – BR Outlet
- Green Sweater – BR Outlet
- Skinny Jeans – Banana Republic
- Boots – Banana Republic, via DSW
- Necklace – Gift from Sister, M
- Bakelite Earrings- Banana Republic
- Bag – Urban Outfitters
I wear these brown plastic earrings often but have never really pointed them out. As a historian of modern and contemporary art, I need to just point out their fabulous material – Bakelite!
Bakelite Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.I love the way sweater vests look on other people and do think it generally fits with my style, but I hadn’t been able find the one that worked for me. They were to short, too long, too tight, too loose, had too much hardware,etc. and then I found this one! It’s the perfect length, has the perfect v-neck, tiny buttons, and the great braided weave detail.
sweater vest, originally uploaded by academichic.What are your thoughts on the sweater vest? Are you a fan or is it too preppy for your style? Any suggestions for what to pair it with?
A.
4 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.22 October 2009
Posted on | October 22, 2009 | 14 Comments
22 October 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.- Long Cardigan – Banana Republic
- Grey Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
- Teal Cami - BR Outlet
- Boots - Banana Republic, via ebay
- Socks – BR Outlet
- Amber Earrings – gift
I love J Crew but often find some of their pieces harder to work into my daily wardrobe. What about you? Do you have a favorite store? What is it that keeps you going back?
A.
22 October 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.19 August 2009 – Soft and Simple
Posted on | August 19, 2009 | 6 Comments
19 August 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.Sources:
- Eyelet top – TJMaxx, remixed all the time
- Long cardigan – Free People, remixed
- Skinnies – thrifted, remixed all year round
- Flip-flops – Target, remixed
- Earrings – gift from husband, remixed
- Book – Perrot: Fashioning the Bourgeoisie
Endnotes:
Today’s outfit is a monochrome one for this week’s color review. After looking once more at all the beautiful color combinations we received from our readers for our Color Symposium, it felt pretty bland to go for a mostly-white outfit today. But once I saw it all come together, I was struck yet again with how lovely monochrome outfits comprised of neutrals are. Something about a mostly white ensemble appears especially simple yet elegant. So I’m becoming more and more a believer in neutrals and monochromatic outfits made of neutrals – something to add to my back-to-school shopping list. I’m longing for rich fall browns, sophisticated grays, and pretty ivories and off-whites. So while A. is testing out my usual take on color, I’m finding myself increasingly drawn to her signature looks of neutrals. S.
Color Review Symposium Part I
Posted on | August 19, 2009 | 9 Comments
We have been experimenting with our Fashion 101 modules on Color around here and have been very fortunate to have some of you partake in these challenges as well. We love being inspired by our readers and have loved receiving your submissions to our CFP. Here is a selection of the wonderful outfits created by you, putting our color theory into practice:
Neutrals:

While here at Academichic Central we are struggling to beat the heat with cool neutrals, our lone all-neutrals submission came from a far away reader in a winter climate. We love how Missy P made her winter white really pop by pairing it with layers of rich brown form head to toe.
Neutrals with a Pop:

We are all jealous of Missy P’s beautiful coat collection, particularly this striking red wool coat which provides the perfect pop in a mix of cozy neutrals. What a great way to add some color to a dreary winter day!

In Dawn’s own words: “I decided to mix navy, black & cream with red, and felt fabulous breaking one of the central commandments of style!” We adore this fabulous example of why some rules are just meant to be broken!
Two-Thirds of a Triad:

This beautiful predominately neutral look – made extra special with the addition of two pops of color – is a perfect example of the two thirds rule- Esstea explains: “I love how just those two little bursts of color played off each other and made the neutral charcoals and blacks look zippier.” We couldn’t agree more!

We also love this take on the two-thirds rule: Pairing the brightest pink in her closet (red) with her darkest navy denim (blue), Esstea creates yet another stunning color combo. Very chic!

Water Girl put together a two thirds of red-blue-yellow triad, writing: ”I love blue and red together, but always struggle with making sure I don’t look like a 4th of July firecracker”. Well no problem here! This belted jacket and pretty skirt combo are nothing if not chic and put-together!

Krissie’s take on the blue-yellow-red triad combined blue and yellow in this elegant professional look. Taking her cue from A’s DIY flower and ribbon belt, she finished off this ensemble with her own version in rich brown hues.
Complimentary Colors:

Orange and blue, complimentary colors often sported by both S. and E., seemed to be by far the most popular complimentary color submission. Here Krissie is employing the little trick of letting a pattern do the color mixing work for you with this beautiful abstract print skirt.

Redcactusflower was inspired by E.’s recent orange and blue outfit to wear a color combination she wouldn’t normally try. We love the sleek look of this ensemble with the structured tan skirt and the unexpected burst of orange from this gorgeous bauble necklace.

Clare’s casual version of a blue and orange complimentary look is bold and summery. We love the slight variation on the ‘true’ colors with her choice of red-orange and blue-green and we’re also mighty impressed by how not even an arm cast can dim her sense of style! Rock on, Clare!
Jessica took a different approach to the same red-green complimentary color combination by pairing a pink top with a mint green floral skirt. The delicate beaded necklace of pinks, browns, and greens brings this entire outfit seamlessly together.

keep looking »Thank you, all, for your wonderful submissions! We’ve really enjoyed being inspired by you and hope that our readers will find equal enjoyment in perusing these beautiful pictures and stunning color combinations.













