academichic

19 August 2009 – Superhero Split, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Red-orange cardi: BR outlet
• Red-violet nursing tank: Old Navy
• Gray bermudas: thrifted, chopped
• Patterned flats — well, well loved: Old Navy

End Notes:

If I was a superhero, I think my costume would use a split complementary color scheme. As I was reminded when I looked at my outfits from February, split complements can be one of the boldest color mixes out there, certainly suitable for superhero garb.

And while I am physically exhausted today, I still feel worthy of split complementary superhero-ness because — drum roll — I just returned from a successful three day road trip to and speaking engagement at my alma mater with baby e. in tow. Folks, if I wasn’t so sleepy I would go run a crazy victory lap, yipping, “I have a baby and my brain still works and I just managed to do a fairly normal job of balancing a networking event with being a mom and I even road tripped to make it happen and now I speak in run-on sentences because I am that proud of myself!”

So I’m celebrating this renewed confidence in my ability to make this whole Mama, PhD way of life work with a mix of red-orange, red-violet, and green. It’s one of those mixes that only work if you believe that it does, and today I’m believing. I’ll be ready to take on the world shortly, once I squeeze in another nap.

19 August 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

11 August 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Endnotes:

For this week’s color review, we’re experimenting with triads (as E. did today) and analogous colors. When it comes to analogous pairings, A. is the queen of greens and blues. I’m usually more drawn to the warmer color combos, like purple and red or red and orange. Today I’m meeting A. half way and combining purple with blue – a neither cool nor warm color mix that creates a beautifully balanced result.

As for the shoes, I’m going to join E. in raving about my new pointy flats although they’re no superb yellow snakeskin like hers but still pretty cool in their own rights. I had been wanting to add another patterned flat to my collection since I practically lived in my black and white damask ones this spring. I was also repeatedly inspired by E’s use of her patterned flats to spruce up many an outfit during her pregnancy when she felt like her shrinking wardrobe was becoming an increasing style challenge. Her patterned flats were not only comfortable but also gave her looks that pop of visual interest that she could not always count on from her clothes. Well, lesson learned: patterned flats is where it’s at.

And on a technical ‘cycle chic’ side note: I discovered today that it’s not very easy to hop on a bike when wearing a pencil skirt. Pencil skirts do not exactly allow for much hopping or peddling. This one allowed for more movement once I undid the bottom button, but I think in the future I may have to avoid narrow cut skirts for my bike commute. Fellow bike commuters, any tips or thoughts? S.

31 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Blue ruffle top: BR Outlet
• Gray bermudas: thrifted, chopped by me
• Japanese print flats: Target

End Notes:

This is my take on the two-thirds color scheme of red and blue, already demonstrated earlier in the week by S. (as French chic) and A. (as professional lady), both of them beautifully sidestepping the disastrous potential of looking like US Olympic hopefuls. My version is really a postpartum iteration of a maternity outfit that I rather liked: a cobalt blue tunic over a gray skirt with these ballet flats. Same color palette, different pieces. And I think I am in love with this rich blue and how it plays up my hair and skin color.

31 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Of course, I’m grounding the whole outfit with shades of my favorite neutral — gray! Per our recent post on the subject, I definitely think that gray pants can be worn in the summer, particularly if worn with brown or colored accessories rather than black. You will not find me parting with my charcoal gray in any season, really.

Finally, I have a longish post in the work, I promise, in which I tackle in greater detail some of the challenges and choices I’ve been facing as a new mom with a postpartum body and breastfeeding duties. I’ll be answering some of the questions left in the comments section then, too, so hang tight as I perfect the new art of typing one-handed with a sleeping babe in the other arm!

Japanese-Inspired Floral Flats, originally uploaded by academichic.

23 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Magenta shirt dress – Target
• Woven belt – F21
• Patterned flats – Old Navy, remixed

End Notes:

It’s been two weeks since I gave birth to baby e., but today was the first time that I ventured out on my own without him. Sure, I ended up leaving the house 45 minutes and one feeding later than I had originally anticipated, but at least I was clean and clothed. I was even — wait for it — wearing a woven fabric rather than the knits that typified my late maternity wardrobe. I know, it’s a big step.

This wine color is one of my favorites, and I’m thrilled to have a whole dress in this hue. Since the button-up front of the dress makes it highly conducive to breastfeeding, this will likely be a new favorite day dress. While I have several ideas on how to restyle this in the future, today I opted for the most straightforward route: a belt to give waist definition and patterned flats to add a little interest.

Patterned Flats, originally uploaded by academichic.

As my body continues to recover from pregnancy and adapt to breastfeeding, my wardrobe remains in a state of daily flux. Will this bottom fit today? Can I feed baby e. in this top? How badly will stains show on this dress? Is it dangerous to wear this necklace around little grabby hands? It’s a rather unglamorous approach to getting ready in the morning but it’s also a different kind of creative challenge. How can I be functional and look stylish all while negotiating a body that seems to be a different shape every day? When I think about it that way I am intrigued, rather than frustrated, and ready to tackle my closet again.

23 July 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

5 July 2009 – Last Spin , originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed:

• Fuschia scarf – J.Crew
• Purple tank - Banana Republic
• Cuffed skinnies – Abercrombie, thrifted
• Orange gladiators – American Eagle
• “Pride” necklace – garage sale find

Endnotes:

This morning, I took Nerp for one last spin around the neighborhood before heading back to academichic central for a few days and then on to visit my parents for a week. I figured I’d get one last ride in before being without a bike for a couple of weeks. I tell you, this cycling thing is addictive!

Since I spent a significant portion of my day in the car today, I needed an outfit that was no-fuss and accommodating to my schedule. Flat shoes for ease and comfort while loading and unloading my car and light layers to combat the heat were a must. So I drew my inspiration from the cute outfits A. and her sister L. sported just last week and put together this purple tank with my cuffed skinnies. I added a hair scarf for both the fun detail it provides and the function it serves in keeping my hair out of my face and off my neck in this brutal heat.

These flat gladiator sandals have become a staple in my summer wardrobe and I’m surprised how often I wear them given that they are a bright punchy orange. But if you follow this blog, you know that neither of us three shies away from a bright and colorful shoe! I used to think that all I needed was a black and a brown shoe for each season and I’d have my bases covered. But why stick to brown and black when there are so many more fun options out there?

We recently received a reader email asking us how we know when to pair a colorful shoe with our outfits and whether there is a good rule of thumb for how to combine colored footwear with colors in the garments. Before we try to develop a methodology of our own on this subject, I’d like to pose these questions to you: Do you play it safe with you shoes or are you also a fan of the colorful and patterned variety? If so, what’s your ‘rule of thumb’ when incorporating a colorful shoe into your outfit? And when do you make colorful footwear work and when do you decidedly steer away from it? S.

29 June 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed.

• Mustard top: F21
• Bermudas: Liz Lange for Target, thrifted and chopped
• Patterned flats: Old Navy

End Notes:

Today’s outfit isn’t all that interesting, minus the fact that this shirt has been an amazing grow-as-I-go piece. It started out blousey and now it’s a snug bump hugger.

29 June 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Perhaps it’s appropriate to pull it out today as I have officially reached the point in the pregnancy where I could give birth any day now…or I could hold out for another four weeks. It’s a strange in-between stage to be in and it lends itself to both working on projects I wasn’t sure if I would get around to and just trying to relax and rest a little more before baby e. shakes up our life in a wonderful way.

I’m realizing just what a concerted effort it will take to feel good about my appearance for the remaining weeks. My face has started to swell, I’m on the verge of needing a haircut, as the baby drops some of my maternity clothes don’t fit in quite the same way…and I think that’s where the psychology of style will have to come into play. So don’t be surprised if you see me wearing my favorite colors over and over again in these next few weeks or if certain key pieces make repeat appearances. As much as being creative with my clothes makes me feel confident, I think that sometimes the old favorites — the pieces that you know work — can be a powerful booster too.

Do you have a particular outfit that is a guaranteed confidence-booster? Or are you more likely to get your style high from putting together something completely new?

While you think about that, excuse me while I go chug another quart of water to help with this bloat!

        

4 June 2009 – San Francisco Day Three, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed:

• Pink scarf - H&M 
• White eyelet top – TJMaxx 
• Red-orange cardi – Zara 
• Navy cords – Limited 
• Brown cord jacket - thrifted
• Damask flats – Old Navy 
• Green tote – Kenneth Cole Reaction 
• Earrings – gift from mom 
• Silver heart pendant – gift from T. from Salzburg 

Click for more images and travel accounts…

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26 May 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed except for skirt.

• Navy blazer – Banana Republic Outlet (can’t live without it)
• Blue cami – Target
• Green jersey skirt – Target, gift from the mother-in-law
• Patterned flats – Target

End Notes:

This outfit is essentially the same as one I wore a few weeks ago, but with different colors stepping in. As the end of my pregnancy draws steadily closer and my bump grows steadily bigger I’m realizing more and more that color combinations are going to be the style component that keep me from getting utterly bored with myself. Fewer and fewer shapes and silhouettes will work, but fresh splashes of color can do wonders. At least, that’s what I’m betting on!

Again, I’m hardly lab appropriate in this, but I’m hoping that the idea of using unexpected colors to put a new spin on a limited number of silhouettes might ring true for our lab-bound ladies. I know I would get bored with jeans quite quickly and be looking for other, more colorful alternatives.

26 May 2009 – lab friendly, originally uploaded by academichic.

If I weren’t preggers this season I think I would be deeply tempted by a pair of what I term “fun color pants,” chinos in a bright hue ala JCrew, Gap, or Old Navy. I think the trick for keeping the pants from looking too juvenile or clown-like is to pair them with a top that has more grown-up details and to add some structure, whether in the top itself or by throwing a little blazer over it all.

What do you think, lab and non-lab readers alike? Are colored pants a no-no in your book or do you embrace them? What are your tricks for making them look sophisticated rather than silly?

Sources, part ii:

• “Jalapeno” pants – Old Navy Perfect Khakis, $29.50
• White top with eyelet detail – Anthropologie Drifting Cumulus Tee, $19.95
• Linen blazer – Forever 21 swing blazer, $16.50
• (Alternate top: Gap Eyelet Tee in turquoise, $29.95)

       

20 April 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Brown sweater – Gap 
• Grey sweater tie – from another sweater (like E., I keep all my ties that come with garments separate to mix and match as I see fit)
• Jean skirt – Urban Outfitters, remixed 
• Purple top – BR outlet 
• White 3/4 sleeve top – American Eagle 
• Damask flats – Old navy, remixed 
• Chandelier pendant – “It’s all about the print” on Etsy 

Endnotes:

Today’s outfit started with the shoes (it had to be flats!). As A. mentioned, we ran our marathon yesterday and it was awesome! The feeling of crossing the finish line of my first marathon was incredible! And thank you to all of you who left comments with good luck wishes before our big day! 

Post-race, I’m moving at a much slower pace. I’ve been walking pretty slowly and I’ve finally and slowly come to writing this post. But as tired and slow as I am, I feel wonderful. Also slow paced: my ideas for getting dressed this morning. So I copped out and turned to E. for style inspiration and copied this signature layering look of hers.  

20 April 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.   

I love the look of just the sleeves peaking out from under this tank, creating a seamless layer and extending the life of a summer item by adding sleeves to it. 

Necklace and neckline detail, originally uploaded by academichic.   

In addition, I’m wearing this cute pendant that I got from “It’s all about the print” on Etsy.  I got three, because they were only 6.95 a pop, and there was a ‘buy two and get one free’ March special going on when I purchased them. (I think that same offer was extended to April sales!) I liked all the different designs the seller had and I was smitten by them being made of Scrabble pieces.  I love Scrabble and love that my additiction is no longer just limited to playing the game – now I can accessorize with it as well. S.

Scrabble piece pendant, originally uploaded by academichic.