academichic

Sources:

• Tank: Target
• Necklace: gift from husband
• Bracelets: bangles from Banana Republic Factory, cork bracelet from Honolulu swap meet
• Skirt: thrifted
• Belt: thrifted
• Wedges: Reaction by Kenneth Cole, via DSW

End Notes:

Can you Dress Your Best and give a round of applause to your familial heritage? Because that’s how I’m ending my DYB this year.

I’ve always taken great pride in the fact that I am hapa, half Japanese and half Caucasian. Because I grew up in a predominantly Asian culture, I perhaps feel more bonded to my Japanese heritage, but I’ve also come to cherish my Scottish and English roots and my old, old New England settler connections. To have two such different and unique histories wrapped up in my own family continues to be a fascinating thing for me.

But even though I may strongly conceive of myself as hapa, as mixed race, not everyone perceives me that way. Most people in Hawaii, many of whom are mixed race themselves, recognize me as being hapa, though they might jokingly give me a hard time for my paler skin or tall stature that makes me stick out amidst the predominantly tan, short population. Since moving to the mainland, however, I’ve found that such recognition is, ironically, more mixed. Some people recognize me as being “not white” and ask, “What are you?” Some people take guesses. I’ve been told that I look like Michelle Wie and Lucy Liu. Once, someone asked if I was part Mexican. Many people just assume that I’m full white.

All of this — the categorization that happens based on physical appearance, the notion that visible recognizability is a necessary part of assuming a particular identity, the very conception of “race” in general — is incredibly fraught and something that I wrestle through in my own academic work. But I know that, for me, my body plays an important role in reminding me of my heritage and seeing my future in the fat cheeks and flat nose of my son who, for all other intents and purposes, looks more like his Caucasian father.

So today I’m celebrating being hapa. I’m celebrating the height I got from 6’4″ father along with the freckles and big ears that are all from his side of the family. And I’m celebrating my big cheeks, dark hair, and yellowy undertones in my skin that come from my mother’s side. So hooray for shoes that are purple and tan even though the skirt is salmon and the shirt is navy. Hooray for a hot pink belt rather than a brown one. Hooray for silver and cork bracelets, worn together. The mixing is what makes it interesting.

Sources:

• Jersey Dress: 5/48 via Filene’s Basement
• Shirt: Bebe
• Camisole: Gap Outlet
• Belt: American Apparel
• Shoes: Ciao Bella via DSW

Endnotes:
This is an example of how to convert a dress into a skirt by using a belt to hide the bottom of the shirt as if it were tucked in. I can’t wait for summer when I can wear this dress without anything over it, but for right now a little more coverage is needed. Like the dress I was wearing last week, this one is almost too short, but at this point in the year I’m so tired of my wardrobe that I’m starting to reach for things that I would otherwise hold off on wearing to school. I’ve been reaching more and more towards jersey materials and especially to jersey dresses for their comfortable fit and flexibility. Having a range of stretchy wide belts helps to accomplish tricks such as this one. Do you have any tricks for wearing specific clothing items to look like something else?

Sources:

• Wrap Dress: Banana Republic
• Tank (under): BR
• Scarf: Filene’s Basement
• Shoes: Bandolino via DSW
• Rose Pin: grandmother’s
• Necklace: by me

Endnotes:
I’ve written before about building an outfit around one element and this is how this look came together as well. It was all based on a pin that was my grandmother’s, which I cherish for its connection to her as well as what it stands for.

Let me explain. This pin, which is made of both yellow and rose gold, was my grandmother’s favorite. I distinctly remember her wearing it on the lapel of her blue suit when we would go out for lunch on Sundays, and it was always the first thing I’d pick out of her jewelry box when I was little and would snuggle up in her bed in the morning and go through her things the way little kids do. The reason I love it even more is because of the story that goes along with it: She was a young woman in her 20s living alone in Toronto when she needed to have her wisdom teeth removed. She decided that to reward herself for going through the ordeal alone she would buy a nice piece of jewelry – and this is what she bought. I think I like this story so much because it reminds me of how strong, independent, and young she was, and also because sometimes we do need to reward ourselves for the things we go through in life. Whether it’s a fancy dinner out with friends, a weekend trip, a piece of jewelry, or a bowl of ice cream and a night on the couch, I think that it’s good to every once in a while say to myself, “Nicely done, L., nicely done.”

In this outfit I’m using this fantastic pin to hold the bottom of my wrap dress together since I wasn’t too keen on flashing my slip around school. I kept up with the rose theme and added in a pink tank and this flowy scarf that is tiny florals on one side and stripes on the other. It’s hard with wrap dresses to wear a belt, but I’ve done this before with a lighter scarf that just goes on top of the built in ties and is loosely knotted.

When’s the last time you did something nice for yourself?

L.

Sources:

• Shirt: Banana Republic Factory
• Skirt: ???? via London Fashion Weekend
• Belt: Old Navy
• Shoes: Bandolino via DSW
• Necklace: gift

Endnotes:
Speaking of pattern mixing, does this count for abstract and stripes? I bought this shirt over the winter but haven’t had a chance to wear it yet, so I was excited that this outfit came together. I was about to start this post by saying that I was ‘sorry’ this outfit is so matchy-matchy, but then I stopped myself because I’m not sorry. I grew up with the mandate that clothes had to match pretty perfectly, and I distinctly remember that most of my middle school wardrobe consisted of easily interchangeable black, white and grey skirts and tops primarily from The Limited and Express. I suppose I learned these basic mixing skills from my mother, and I (a pretty type A organized person) agonized over shades being the same and had strict rules for myself about what colors went with other colors. These guidelines carried through high school and college and for the last six years for the most part, and honestly it wasn’t until I started blogging that I began to mess with these “inviolable” rules.

I wasn’t kidding when I said that wearing that orange shirt had rocked my world or that pairing navy blue and black revolutionized my sartorial universe, and while I appreciate that this venue has made me push my own boundaries, I still love when things match or when one color is picked up in my accessories or carried through multiple elements of the same ensemble.

I am uncomfortable when sea foam green finds itself next to moss green, bubble gum pink and fuchsia bother me when they abut. For me the exciting part of this outfit was both that the hot pink of the shirt happened to be nearly spot on with the hot pink of the skirt AND that I was mixing a pretty busy pattern on top with a minimalist stripe in the skirt. It’s funny to think about how many dressing rules we hold on to from a very early age and how those now outdated rules still affect our sartorial choices. What guidelines to do you still cling to?

L.

Sources:

• Long Sleeved T: Splendid via Nordstrom Rack
• T-shirt: concert
• Blazer: Max Studio via Filene’s Basement
• Black Trousers: Ann Taylor
• Pink Boots!: Polo (borrowed from sister)

Endnotes:
Thanks so much to my co-bloggers for their kind words and their rockin’ outfit tributes! You three definitely know me well and pink was certainly the order of the day for a rainy birthday in London yesterday. I love pink. How can you not smile when you’re wearing pink rainboots? Who cares if it’s raining, my boots are hot pink!

I also am wearing one of my favorite T-shirts. Yes, Britney Spears has done some highly questionable things and titling a song “Hit me baby” is definitely not a move in the right direction for women, however, she has done a lot for pop, she shares my affinity for pink, and if nothing else, I can wear this shirt with a certain amount of irony. If you can’t laugh at yourself sometimes, what’s the point, right? Anyway, I love this shirt.

To celebrate my rainy day I went to the graphic art show up at Somerset House, which is also home to one of my favorite museums, the Courtauld Gallery. Pick Me Up did just that and the variety of up-and-coming graphic artists represented was inspiring. Some of my favorites were definitely Jules Julien, Victo Ngai, and Tom Gauld.

But my absolute favorite was Stefanie Posavec, who does graphic representations of novels and literature. The one on the left below shows the first chapters of famous novels charted by sentence length. Each new sentence turns the line 90 degrees and the length of the line is proportional to the number of words in each sentence. Notice how long the lines are in Faulkner (bottom left)! On the right below is her representation of one novel broken down into chapter, paragraph, sentence and finally the fan at the end of each line is a represenation of how many words are in the sentence. The color coding is either the character or the subject depending on what book she’s doing. I’m sorry these images aren’t great, but I really wanted to share her with you all.

Happy Birthday L.!, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Skirt – Limited
• Shirt – Banana Republic
• Scarf – Banana Republic
• Flats- “swapped”
• Necklace – antique, gift

Endnotes:

I’m taking a little break from blogging this month, but I’m making a special exception for a special occasion – L.’s birthday! Per Academichic tradition, I’m wearing an L-inspired outfit in honor of her special day.  When thinking of L.’s style, the first thing that came to mind was bright pink.  L. wears pink florals, pink dresses, pink cardigans, pink tights, and I’m positive she is now jealous of my new pink pencil skirt.  L. is my pencil-skirt buddy (especially while our two co-bloggers are pregnant) – I think she wear’s pencil skirts almost as often as I do.

Happy Birthday L.!, originally uploaded by academichic.

I also think of L.’s style as being very classic.  She rocks a crisp button down like nobody else.  L. actually tried on this white wrap shirt first but passed it to me when it was a little too big.  It’s been sitting forgotten in my closet for a while, but ‘ll be looking to L.’s outfits in the future for inspiration.  I added this thin purple, tan, fuchsia and teal scarf as a belt and tied it in a loose bow, a signature L. accessory.  I also pulled out my antique locket for another touch of pink.  L’s collection of vintage/heirloom accessories is rivaled only by her shoe collection. I knew I wanted to wear flats, but had to settle on patent grey – the closest thing I have to metallic.

Locket detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

I am so glad L. joined our little blog.  I think she brings a unique style and a unique voice, but more importantly it has provided an easy way to stay in touch with a good friend.  I miss having L. here in Academichic Central – to run with, to drink afternoon coffee with, to workshop papers with, to shop with, to talk life with (the list could go on).  Luckily we have phones, gchat, and planes! L. is a loyal and dedicated friend with a huge heart.

Happy Birthday dear friend!!  XOXO -A.

Happy Birthday L.!, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Dress (as skirt): thrifted (J. Crew)
• Shirt: Banana Republic
• Scarf (as belt): thrifted (Smithsonian)
• Tights: Target
• Shoes: Ciao Bella via DSW
• Necklace: gift

Endnotes:
This is a variation on something I wore in early January and is an example of one of the amazing things that a belt can do: turn a dress into a skirt! I thrifted this grey J. Crew dress and thought that I wasn’t going to be able to wear it until the spring because it was a) short and b) the ruffle around the neck made it hard to wear anything over it. I decided that the short factor would be at least slightly mitigated by same color tights, but the ruffle was baffling me. I searched for something that had a big enough scoop neck that the ruffle, at least in front, could peek out and was loose enough in the back that the ruffle there wouldn’t look too weird. To make my dress into a skirt I tucked the loose ends of my shirt into a scarf I tied like an obi belt and voila!

I also liked how the teal necklace complemented the pink shirt, and the layering with the ruffle was definitely attention getting as I even got two compliments from colleagues! I had a lot going on up top so the all grey bottom and black flats were more muted.

I’m happy that this super comfy dress has the potential to be winterized. Next time I think I’ll try something under it to see if the jumper look works. With a fresh 4-inches of snow last night it doesn’t look like I’ll be breaking out the spring clothes for a while yet! How have you winterized more springy dresses?

~L.

Sources:

• Shirt: Banana Republic
• Sweater: BR Outlet
• Skirt: BR
• Belt: J. Crew
• Purple Tights (under): Target
• Magenta Tights: no idea!
• Shoes: Gucci via DSW

Endnotes:
Like S. I had a little urge to wear something in recognition of Valentine’s Day, but I didn’t want to look like I was being too thematic. I knew I wanted to layer dark purple tights under my magenta diamond patterned ones, in what is kind of a reversal of my previous look where I layered dark purple fishnets over the magenta tights. This look is definitely a more solid statement, but the purple peeks through enough to make my legs look almost iridescent in the light.

I like to wear something bright on Mondays since my students are usually tired AND today it is actually about 40 degrees, which has put me in the mood for color and spring! Have you noticed how dark your wardrobe becomes in winter? My purple cardigan darkens the overall outfit but contrasts a little with my bright turquoise shirt. The pink belt makes the outfit super matchy, but I don’t care. I like it. I feel a little bit like Rainbow Brite in this get-up, but I just couldn’t bare to remix my neutrals even with a pop of color – I needed to go all out today. Come to think of it, maybe I am Rainbow Brite. We did come into being in the same year!

Regardless of my true identity, I hope the first thing people notice besides my tights are my new purple wedges! I scored these the last time I was at DSW and they were literally hundreds less than what they had been. I figured that it was a sign from the shoe-gods that these had survived months on the shelf and were in my size. Happy Valentine’s Day to me!

I didn’t even notice that someone had pried the little gold interlocking Gs off the back until I got them home. Oh well, I’m not one for labels anyway. How have you spoiled yourself today?

Lola Jeans, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Shirt: Banana Republic Factory
• Sweater: BR Factory
• Scarf: gift
• Belt: BR Factory
• Jeans: c/o Lucky Brand Jeans
• Shoes: Frye

Endnotes:
The bright sunshine pouring through my window this morning prompted me to throw on the brightest items I could find to top off these amazing new Lola Skinny Jeans (generously provided for review by Lucky Brand). I have to warn you that I’m going to gush because I honestly really like these jeans. The moment I unwrapped them, I put them on and they fit perfectly. I got the “short” inseam length (30”) and it is exactly right. As you all know, it is nearly impossible finding jeans when you’re a) 5’3”, b) athletically shaped (i.e. you have a butt and thighs), and c) have a smaller waist. Anything that fits my thighs inevitably gaps around the waistband and is always too long… but not with these jeans! They are also real denim with a very small touch of stretch, and the lower leg isn’t too tight. Like E., I wore these repeatedly and they didn’t stretch out much in the waistband (which is incredible). They are “mid-rise” so when I sit down I need some coverage, but I like where they hit on my hips and in front. I have worn them a lot in the last two weeks, and I’ve washed them once, which I personally find is a big test for jeans – how will they fair in the dryer? Having dried them on low settings, they snapped back into great shape. All in all I’m very happy! The “mossy waters” color is great for daytime, but I’d love the dark indigo wash for dressing up and evenings out.

Pattern and Lola Jeans, originally uploaded by academichic.

Aside from the jeans, this outfit reflects my 2011 resolution to play with patterns and try to incorporate more prints into my wardrobe. The abstract inkblot pattern and the polka dotted scarf may seem busy except that the similar palette of purples and pinks makes things cohere. I love this scarf, which was a Christmas gift from my mother, because it has every color that I love: turquoise, purple, fuchsia, green, golden yellow, and blue. At first I didn’t have the sweater on, but since it is still in the negative numbers outside I figured that a long sleeved shirt and scarf were not going to cut it. The solid color of the sweater also keeps the competing patterns at bay. How do you mix patterns in your wardrobe?

~L.

Lola Jeans, originally uploaded by academichic.

Happy Birthday E.!, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Tank: J. Crew
• Belt: J. Crew
• Black Skinnies: Anne Taylor Loft
• Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW
• Bangle: Accessorize
• Chalk: Prang Hygieia Assorted Chalk

Endnotes:
Happy Birthday E.! I hope you’re soaking up the sun and surf out in Hawaii with your family to help celebrate your special day! In E.’s honor I used my new colored chalk to make my own little slice of paradise in my classroom (seriously, if you still have a chalk board in your room you MUST try this chalk, it’s amazing). Unlike my attempt to pay homage to A., this outfit for E. came together like clockwork (although my jumping pose took a few tries!)

Happy Birthday Levitation!, originally uploaded by academichic.

I found this mustard yellow top, one of E.’s favorite colors, and immediately knew that I’d wear it for just this picture. One thing that E. has taught me is that staying away from supposedly off-limits colors based on your skin tone or hair or whatever is nonsense.

Embellished Mustard Tank, originally uploaded by academichic.

Another part of my wardrobe that is 100% thanks to E.’s encouragement is my love for skinny pants. She was the first of the three of us to find our now ubiquitous black pants from Anne Taylor, and without her help psyching me up and making the style work for me, I never would have been brave enough to make my “athletic” body embrace this trend. Plus, thanks to all her experimentation and commentary on proportion and elongating or shortening different ratios of leg-to-torso, I now know how to “raise” my own waist with belts, or tucking things in, or wearing higher waisted trousers. Finally, patterned flats.

Patterned Flats, originally uploaded by academichic.

I knew I wanted these to be part of my outfit for two reasons. First, because E. sports some pretty fab pattered shoes (and these ones too) and secondly, because E. is never afraid to wear heels to add on to her already impressive height. While tall girls have been told to wear flats and short girls have been told to wear heels for eons, I support her challenge of these norms and happily wear flats despite being “petite” (aka, under 5’4”). If E. can wear heels, I can wear flats!

My attempt at an "E" pose, originally uploaded by academichic.

Nevertheless, all this is to say that what E. has really taught me is to love and enjoy myself for all that I am. She is comfortable in her own body, confident, stylish, intellectual, witty, and hard working. E. definitely proves that fashion and brains (and a rockin’ sense of humor) can go hand in hand! It was from watching E. and A. dress for classes and department functions that I was bitten by the style bug myself. E. always looks so pulled together and adds some trendy too. She is classy, but a little edgy. And beyond having terrific fashion sense and taking joy in daily dressing, E. (and husband N. too) has shown me great generosity and kindness. Thank you E. for your friendship and guidance over the last few years. Much love and Happy Birthday! xo L.

P.S. how do you do that jumping thing so well???