24 May 2010
Posted on | May 24, 2010 | 18 Comments
24 May 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.Sources:
- Dress – Banana Republic Outlet
- Teal Tank – Banana Republic Outlet
- Sandals – Charlotte Russe
- Earrings – Gift from E.
Endnotes:
This entire outfit probably cost me less than $30 – mostly thanks to Banana Republic Outlet. E., baby e., and I hit the outlets last week during a sale and armed with extra coupons. We both made out with some great finds. I picked up several jersey dresses as I walked through BR but once I made it to the dressing room, most where either too tight, too short, or too shapeless. I’m not convinced this is the most flattering dress on me but it sure is comfortable! And, for about 9$ I figured I was willing to play around with it. I love the color – a bit outside my usual color comfort zone – and think it will allow for some fun color combinations. Today I added teal but am thinking the berry might work well with dark purple or grey, and maybe even maroon for a very close analogous pairing.
Berry and Teal, originally uploaded by academichic.
I’m also thinking a nice wide belt could change the shape up a bit and probably make it a more flattering fit. Or, maybe I’ll try layering it under a full skirt, making it into a wrap top. For 9$ I think it was a pretty good buy with quite a bit of potential. Any other suggestions for color combinations or silhouette alterations?
24 May 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.Experimenting with Tights and Peep-Toes
Posted on | March 11, 2010 | 15 Comments
Experimenting with Tights and Peep-Toes, originally uploaded by academichic.- Tan Cardigan – Banana Republic
- Grey Tee – Banana Republic
- Scarf – Old Navy
- Brown Cord Skirt – Old Navy
- Grey Tights – BR Outlet
- Brown Lace Tights – Gift from S.
- Brown Ribbed Tights – Talbots
- Pink Peep-Toes – Seychelles, via DSW
- Brown Peep-Toe Wedges – Steve Madden, via DSW
- Navy Peep-Toes – Off Broadway
Some things I learned along the way:
- tights with toes that match the pattern of the rest of the tights work best
- your bright toe nail polish will show through thinner tights
- any combination is worth a shot
First for the navy peep-toes – I think these rather dressy navy shoes just don’t work with the rest of this outfit, so for me, it wasn’t a fair test. I tried them with brown and grey tights and liked the way the shoes worked with both tights but not so much with the overall ensemble.
I tried these lightly ribbed brown tights with all three pairs of peep-toes and (aside from the Navy) I think these tights are the safest but also the most boring option. They looked better with the pop of pink, but I still didn’t love the brown corduroy skirt on brown corduroy-like tights. I would wear either of these, but do to a bit of experimenting, I now know there are more fun options!
Pink with brown tights, originally uploaded by academichic.
Brown with brown tights, originally uploaded by academichic.One such fun option…
I’ve had these lacey brown tights for a while now (thanks S.) but unfortunately they don’t get much wear, because I’m never quite sure how to use them. I initially thought the brown lace tights with pink peep-toes would be a ridiculous combination, but I was pleasantly surprised. I still think its a bit too busy for my tastes and don’t know that I would actually wear it, but I do wonder how it would look with a different skirt.
Pink with lace tights, originally uploaded by academichic.Like with the ribbed brown tights, I felt the brown lace tights with the brown wedges made for just too much brown, but would again give this a try with another skirt or dress.
Brown with lace tights, originally uploaded by academichic.My favorite combinations came from the grey tights. I pulled these out mostly because I thought they would make the best pairing with the navy shoes, but loved the look with both the brown wedges and the pink pumps. I like that the grey is a different color form the skirt, breaking up all that brown, and that it picks up on the grey tee and the dark grey in the scarf.
Brown with grey tights, originally uploaded by academichic.The grey tights with brown wedges felt the most me (a mix of neutrals) but I went for the pink with grey because I love these shoes and don’t wear the nearly enough!
Which is your favorite? A.
Pink with grey tights, originally uploaded by academichic.24 February 2010
Posted on | February 24, 2010 | 28 Comments
24 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.- Pink Button Down – J Crew
- Scarf – Old Navy
- Navy Skirt – J Crew
- Tights- BR Outlet
- Shoes – Anthropologie, via ebay
pink pattern on pink pattern!, originally uploaded by academichic.Since this is getting so long already, I’ll save my next installment, in which I will suggest we are all dressing in drag, for tomorrow! In the mean time, I would love to hear for you. How much do you change your style depending on audience and situation? I’m not talking about the difference between pencil skirt for the office and jeans for the bar – but rather how do different crowds of people, and your desire to connect with them, influence your style? A.
24 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.Scarf Giveaway #2
Posted on | February 12, 2010 | 337 Comments
Many of your responded so positively to E.’s and A.’s use of the Neck Scape by Etsy seller BabyEtte, that we are “tickled pink” to be able to offer you this fleecy pink version as our second scarf giveaway. We are Neck Scape converts here at Academichic and we know you will be too, once you give one a try!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment telling us how you would style this Neck Scape (for ideas visit BabyEtte on Etsy). For a second chance to win, leave us a separate comment telling us what item of clothing you would like to see us celebrate next month (belts? shoes?). Contest is open until Sunday at Midnight US Central Time. We will randomly chose a winner to announce on Monday. Be sure to check back, as we will also be offering a “consolation prize.” Good luck!
8 February 2010
Posted on | February 9, 2010 | 22 Comments
8 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.- Scarf – NY China Town
- Navy Sweater – Gap
- Denim Pencil Skirt – BR Outlet
- Pink Long Sleeve Tee – Gap
- Brown Boots – Banana Republic, via DSW
- Earrings- Gift from reader Kathleen
Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.Start the tie as you would a “European loop” by folding the scarf in half and laying it over your neck. Instead of pulling both ends through the loop created by the fold, only pull one end through.

Once you have pulled one end through the loop, twist the loop and pull the second end through this newly created loop.
7 January 2009
Posted on | January 8, 2010 | 19 Comments
7 January 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.- Navy Sweater – Gap
- Scarf – Gift (Old Navy)
- Jeans – Gap
- Bracelet – Gift from S.
- Clogs- Dansko
Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.I imagine I will wear these Danskos (or a replacement pair) forever! In Sal’s words: They are all “mine” so “what’s yours?” A.
7 January 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.16 December 2009
Posted on | December 16, 2009 | 8 Comments
16 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.- Black Sweater Vest – BR Outlet
- Black Henley – Gap
- Pink Button Down – J Crew
- Black Pants – Banana Republic
- Earrings – Gift
I layered the pink button down over a black henley so I could roll up the sleeves but still have a little extra warmth for the cold day and the cold classroom. I like the line of tiny buttons created by the three buttoned tops.
Buttons, originally uploaded by academichic.
eye earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.
16 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.30 November 2009
Posted on | November 30, 2009 | 6 Comments
30 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.- Navy Peacoat – Gap
- Grey Sweater – Gap
- Plaid Scarf – gift from Scotland
- Jeans – Gap
- Pink Sneakers – Asics Tiger, via Urban Outfitters
Pink Sneakers, originally uploaded by academichic.
Plaid, originally uploaded by academichic.
30 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.27 August 2009
Posted on | August 27, 2009 | 12 Comments
27 August 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.- Black Blazer - Forever 21
- Black Tank – Banana Republic
- Denim Pencil Skirt – Gap
- Fuchsia Shoes - Seychelles, via DSW
- Green Bracelet- Gift from S.
I have praised this old denim pencil skirt of mine many a times for its comfort, versatility, and chicness. I am now on the lookout for similar skirt to enter into the rotation and am looking forward to the slightly cooler weather when corduroy will be a more appropriate option.
Pink Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic.I like the layers of black on black and think the varying textures give my monochromatic top-half some added visual interest and sophistication. A.
Black on Black on Black, originally uploaded by academichic.18 August 2009 – Ode to S.
Posted on | August 18, 2009 | 7 Comments
18 August 2009 – Ode to S., originally uploaded by academichic.- Yellow-Green Top – BR Outlet
- Sleeve-less White Blouse – Gap
- Purple Belt – Gap
- Grey Pants – Banana Republic
- Pink Shoes – Seychelles, via DSW
Endnotes:
I think split complimentaries is one of the hardest color schemes to pull off and I managed to make it more challenging by trying to wear it on a day when I needed to be office appropriate for a series of meetings.
The complimentary colors I am working with are yellow-green and red-violet but I have split the red-violet into pink (red) and purple(violet). This is a whole lot of color for me – and bright color at that!
I am considering this color combination a little ode to S. on her two-week wedding anniversary. I think she is the ultimate queen of bright colors, which she manages to mix in ways I would never think of but always look stunning on her. Pink and purple are also S.’s wedding colors and these fabulous pink shoes are the shoes I purchased for to wear for her wedding.
I think I plan to wear these shoes a lot and know that I will always think of S.’s special day when I do. I think it is only appropriate that I premiere them as part of my regular wardrobe on a Tuesday!
Happy 2 week anniversary S. and T.! -A.
Pink Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic.























