4 August 2010 – Kind of Neutral

Posted on | August 4, 2010 | 11 Comments

4 August 2010 – Kind of Neutral, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Top: Target
Belt: Old Navy
Skirt: Banana Republic Factory
Ring: c/o Lala B Jewelry
Bracelets: gift
Sandals: Jeffrey Campbell, via Rue La La

End Notes:

For this week’s color module on neutrals I really wanted to push myself to combine neutrals in a new-to-me way. So, I steered away from my preferred navy+brown+gray or black+brown combinations in favor of playing with neutrals that have a bit more of a specific color cast to them: an olive-heading-towards-gray top, a violet-heading-towards-gray skirt, a gray belt, and cognac sandals.

Neutrals, originally uploaded by academichic.

Perhaps because I grew up in Hawaii, where, as a teenager, mainland style rules like “no white after Labor Day” were as foreign as the idea of actually wearing a belt and closed toed shoes, I went off to undergrad blissfully unaware of the supposed taboo against mixing neutrals. As I struggled to figure out how to dress for multiple seasons for the first time, I remember distinctly thinking — thanks to my color theory exercises in 2D design! — that I should be able to wear my brown cardigan with my black long sleeved shirt. After all, a neutral color is created by mixing multiple colors together, so that means it should be able to “go” with any color, including another neutral. So, I wore my black shirt and brown sweater together and one of my roommates — a Texas debutante — almost had a heart attack. She — and I, by extension — was only saved by someone else pointing out that JCrew had recently started styling models wearing black and brown together.

Because, you know, if JCrew does it then it’s a-okay.

Anyway, that was the beginning of my neutral mixing, and I have since unsettled many a sister-in-law and friend by blithely wearing black and navy, brown and gray, or black and brown together.

On the other hand, to make a bad pun, I’m kind of neutral about this whole outfit. I think it’s an interesting play on neutral tones and it’s a little different for me, but I’m not sure if I’m totally sold on it. Still, these color wheel modules are doing what they’re supposed to: encouraging me to experiment with new pairings and to figure out how to successfully translate theory to practice, even if the practice is a little shaky.

4 August 2010 – Kind of Neutral, originally uploaded by academichic.

3 August 2010

Posted on | August 3, 2010 | 13 Comments

3 August 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Skirt – Gap
Tank- H & M
Belt – BR Outlet
Shoes – Banana Republic
Necklace – gift
Earrings – island souvenir
Cardigan – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

Like E. and S. both said themselves, mixing neutrals is no real challenge for me. I love my neutrals and love to mix them and was in fact crowned “our neutral-on-neutral queen” by E. last fall. I’ve never shied away from black and brown, wearing it for both casual days and teaching days, and frequently pair navy with brown, with grey, or cream. But, I think my favorite neutrals palate involves mixing shades of grey, brown, and beige as I have done many, many, many, times before.

3 August 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

I like that nothing in this ensemble exactly matches. With the cardigan on I am wearing at least 6 different shades or either brown or grey (including beige). The cardigan spent the entire day in my bag because it is ridiculously hot here in Academichic Central – so hot, even the over-air-conditioned campus buildings didn’t require an extra layer.

My favorite part of this outfit is hands down my new suede shoes! I have been watching these shoes at Banana Republic since early this Spring, waiting for them to go on sale. By the time they were within my price range, my size was gone (online and at the three stores withing driving distance from me) so I added them to my ebay search but had pretty much given up on them. Then I got a text from L. last week telling me she had found them in my size on super sale! She picked them up for me and gave them to me when we saw each other in NYC last week. I couldn’t wait to get home and build an outfit around them. These shoes might just give the beloved brown wedges a run for their money as most worn shoes this fall!

Grey Suede Shoes, originally uploaded by academichic.

I often see things for E. S. or L. when out shopping and once in a while have even just picked an item up for one of them on occasion. It’s so much fun to have three other shoppers out there who know my style (and size and proportions) so well, but also a bit dangerous for the wallet!

Do you have anyone out there with an eye out for clothes or shoes you will love? A.

3 August 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

30 April 2009

Posted on | May 1, 2010 | 8 Comments

30 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Argyle Sweater – Banana Republic Outlet
Grey Skirt – Old Navy
White Ruffle Blouse – Gap
Belt – made by me with Blue Onion Flower Pin
Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction, via DSW
Earrings – American Eagle

Endnotes:

Yesterday was my last day of teaching for the semester! I still have 40 final exams to grade, but nothing to prep. So I now have a little over a month off of teaching before summer courses start and I will be teaching everyday! I’m most excited about this time off from teaching because it means I can finally devote more time to dissertation research. But, I also hope to be able to get in a bit more cooking, gardening, and other things that tend to fall by the wayside when the workload is heavy.

Floral and Argyle, originally uploaded by academichic.

This outfit is essentially the same outfit I wore this Fall, but I swapped out my solid beige cardigan for my argyle one. I love that this cardigan contains all of the colors of the soft neutral palette created by the first version of this ensemble. I was also excited to pull out my hand-made floral belt for my last look of florals month! A.

J-Crew inspired flower ribbon belt, originally uploaded by academichic.

9 March 2010 – just add tights

Posted on | March 9, 2010 | 18 Comments

9 March 2010 – just add tights, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Long Cardigan – Banana Republic
Grey Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
Teal Cami – BR Outlet
Boots – Banana Republic, via ebay
Tights – Talbots
Earrings – souvenir

Endnotes:

I wore almost this exact ensemble back in October. I loved this combination of tan sweater with this grey printed jersey dress and pop of teal so much it even made it onto my year-one top 10 list. I have no problem repeating outfits I like, especially when I’ll be seeing a different group of people, but I usually don’t post them the second (or third) time around.

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.

Sources:

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

Endnotes:

My sister brought this cream circle scarf to me from Ireland at the begging of December and I have been wearing it non stop ever sense! it is one of the coziest things I own and I love to throw it on when I am just lounging around the house. I have also worn it while out and about as my winter scarf but it wasn’t until I a paired it with this charcoal short sleeved sweater – another one of the coziest things I own – that it felt like an essential part of the ensemble. I wore the scarf all day!

4 January 2010 – Winter Escape, originally uploaded by academichic.

These pictures were actually taken this weekend about 30 miles outside of academichic central. it was a beautiful day in a beautiful place and I found myself very happy to be cozy but stylish duds! the snow covered forest at sunset made for a great backdrop, but it kind of makes it difficult to see the many neutrals I have layered here – cream, navy, charcoal, black and brown – but trust me they are all there, in happy coexistence.

Neutrals, originally uploaded by academichic.

I have to admit, while I immediately loved the feel of this cozy number, I was at first skeptical of the appearance of the circle on me. I am not a big fan of large cowl necks and I worried that it looked like my head was being swallowed, but as it turns out i am a big fan and wouldn’t mind getting my hands on another one or two! What are your thoughts on the circle scarf?

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.

Sources:

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

Endnotes:

While S. and E. started scarf month off by celebrating old favorites, I’ve decided this week that I will show off the many scarves I have never featured in a post. Most of these I wear on a regular basis but have yet to photograph, but today’s scarf is new and this is its premiere! I am also premiering these little retro, green square earrings – a gift from E. who thrifted them in Hawaii. I love how the shape repeats the gingham pattern of the scarf and adds a single pop of color to my neutral ensemble.

Squares, originally uploaded by academichic.

This scarf comes from Nepail by TDM Designs. As E. has mentioned before, we love Nepali scarves because they are all made from natural, eco-conscious materials and because Nepali by TDM Designs works directly with craftswomen in Nepal, helping to provide them with a sustainable income and offering educational and health care services to their families.

They have so many gorgeous scarves to offer, some of which are rather fancy, but I adore this small simple black and white gingham number. My favorite part is the way the texture and size of the checked print change and the ends.

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.

Are you giving the European-loop a try? A.

3 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

4 January 2010

Posted on | January 4, 2010 | 15 Comments

4 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Cardigan – BR Outlet
Blouse – BR Outlet
Jean Skirt – BR Outlet
Sweater Tights – Banana Republic
Wellies – Banana Republic
Belt – Ann Taylor
Earrings – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

It wasn’t until I wrote up my sources that I realized almost everything I am wearing is from either Banana Republic or the Banana Republic outlet. This is not the first time this has happened, of course.

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.

I bought this floral blouse the day after Thanksgiving for a whopping $7. It’s rather outside my comfort zone in both fit and pattern and not something I probably would have ever tired on with its original price tag still attached. The cardigan on the other hand, purchased on post-Christmas sale, was a bit more of a splurge, but I’ve had my eye on it for a while. What better way to wear two new patterned items, than together? My tights are patterned too!

Pattern Mixing, originally uploaded by academichic.

In time, I’ll be revealing more of my great post-holiday finds. For now, a few thoughts on post-holiday shopping: hit the store early for more selection; if you have time, go back later in the week to see what you missed and push yourself to consider items outside your comfort zone; visit a Banana Republic, Gap, etc outside of the mall, or in a office district where there isn’t much weekend traffic (often you will find these locations deserted after the holidays and thus have the best selection); skip the bargain stores because their stuff is always cheap; buy things you would normally pass up but keep all the tags on until you’ve had a chance to reevaluate all of your purchases (try things in different combinations with items in your existing wardrobe). What are your post-holiday shopping strategies?

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.

Sources:

Ruffly Floral Scarf – Anthropologie
Long Brown Cardigan – Urban Outfitters
Black Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
Tights – Gap
Belt – NY & Co.
Shoes – Kenneth Cole Reaction

Endnotes:

Today I am sporting ruffles and flowers together! Both fall outside my normal comfort zone. Like E, I have been embracing ruffles more and more this season, but always paired with stripes or other hard edges.

peep toes and tights, originally uploaded by academichic.

When I saw this scarf at Anthropologie, I immediately thought of S. (although this is definitely my color palette) and was ready to pass it up, but little sister L. convinced my to try it on and play around with it. I decided a what better way to introduce an new aesthetic than through an old favorite – the scarf.

Flowers and ruffles!, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m letting this new wardrobe addition have center stage so belted it over my black jersey dress and chocolate-brown long cardigan. I think the pockets may be my favorite part of today’s outfit.

1 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m thinking I might like this scarf even more with my new jeans and a simple v-neck tee, so I’m excited to give all the ruffles and flowers another go soon! Are you trying anything new this season? A.

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.

Sources:

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

Endnotes:

Now, I don’t want you to think that I am complaining about the sun for even one second, but . . . it has made taking outfit pictures a little challenging. I love you just the same, Sunshine!

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.

My mom bought me this sweater vest over a month ago for birthday. Little sisters M. and L. (she rocks the vest often) and E. (I’m pretty sure she doesn’t own a single vest) have all been encouraging me to try the vest for years now…

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.

I still couldn’t figure out how to wear it – hence the month delay on its premier. I like it with the skinnies and dark sweater underneath and also imagine it becoming a great layering piece as the weather gets colder.

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?