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.

Sources:

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

Endnotes:

I have loved wearing my favorite brown wedges with tights this winter. They are my most comfortable and versatile heels and I wasn’t ready to give them up when the weather turned cold. I have worn them many many many times with my brown and grey houndstooth textured tights. I have also paired my navy peep-toe heels with my grey sweater tights and was rather pleased with the results, so today I thought I would experiment a bit with different tight/peep-toe combinations.

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.

Sources:

Pink Button Down – J Crew
Scarf – Old Navy
Navy Skirt – J Crew
Tights- BR Outlet
Shoes – Anthropologie, via ebay

Endnotes:

In our last few days of scarf month I am taking on E.’s challenge to me to do a little pattern mixing, so I have paired this bold hot pink and paisley scarf with my bright pink pinstriped button down. I like the result of a business silhouette with such bold and daring colors and patters. I felt professional enough to teach and attend a job-search-committee meeting but I also think I brought a little extra life to both of these activities!

pink pattern on pink pattern!, originally uploaded by academichic.

Now for a digression: This past weekend I took a group of students to an LGBT college leadership conference. I learned quite a bit and was reminded about many things I had learned long ago and have been excited to talk all about it with E. S. and lots of other people. But, here I want to reflect on how the whole conference experience, particularly the key note speakers and discussions with my students pushed me to think about clothing and self presentation.

While preparing to pack for the weekend I was struggling with what would be appropriate. E. asked me if I thought I would dress differently for such a specific crowd – LGBT college students. I think at some point in my life, I likely wold have chosen less “feminine” items and thought more about how I could easily convey lesbian through my appearance. I am now much more comfortable in both my sexuality and my physical appearance than I was back as an undergraduate, so that was not the issue (more on this later). Instead, I was caught up on the word “conference.”

These days conference conjures up some pretty specific attire, but this was not an academic conference and I was not a presenter, yet I did want to be distinguishable as an advisor (not an undergraduate student) and was aware that I might make some professional connections. I ended up choosing jeans with my wrap cardigan and skinny cords with a button down and was very happy with my choices all weekend.

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.

Sources:

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

Endnotes:

Today, to start out our Fashion 101 on trying out new scarf ties and new ways of styling scarves, I am sporting a rather simple outfit in order to showcase this new scarf tie I learned. I liked the pop of hot pink against navy from this past scarf-based ensemble and so wore the same navy v-neck sweater and similarly paired it with denim and brown accessories.

I am also wearing these sweet little star- or snowflake-like earrings made by and sent from lovely reader Kathleen.

Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

I am calling this tie “the pretzel tie” but I suppose “braid tie” would work too. This tie works best with a longer scarf and a two toned scarf really highlights the braid effect.

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.

You should end up with a braid- or pretzel-like knot.

Adjust and tighten until you like the way it is laying. Hope you enjoy this new tie!

7 January 2009

Posted on | January 8, 2010 | 19 Comments

7 January 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Navy Sweater – Gap
Scarf – Gift (Old Navy)
Jeans – Gap
Bracelet – Gift from S.
Clogs- Dansko

Endnotes:

Yesterday was a snow day! This doesn’t actually mean all that much for me since the university hasn’t started back (they never have snow days anyway), but A2 was off, so we made the most of it. We stayed inside in PJs all morning before getting dressed and heading to an afternoon movie. Afterward, we picked up E., N., and baby e. from the airport – all in all, a good day.

I stayed warm in this new (8$) sweater and one of my many new Christmas-gift scarves!

Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

A while back, in a post about her own tattoos, Sal asked Already Pretty readers what about their appearance was theirs alone? Many readers wrote in listing things they wore that might not be considered fashionable but that they love anyway. Right away I thought of my Danskos! I love these shoes! They are so comfortable and I think they are attractive too – I love the way they look with my new jeans. I have worn these for years and years – I had them well before I could even imagine myself in a pair of pointy-toed heels and well before I embraced tucking skinny jeans into boots. Danskos are also one of the many things S. and I quickly bonded over when we first met.

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.

Sources:

Black Sweater Vest – BR Outlet
Black Henley – Gap
Pink Button Down – J Crew
Black Pants – Banana Republic
Earrings – Gift

Endnotes:

Today I administered the final exam for my students. Apparently, this pink pinstriped shirt says “exam time” to me, as I just remembered I wore it for last semester’s midterm too. I think I like it because its professional in style but a little more fun because of the bright pink. I have been wanting to wear my black sweater vest again and apparently great minds think alike – S. and I both thought of the button down/vest combo.

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.

But my favorite part of the outfit, is by far these earrings. They were a gift from a professor I was a TA for years ago. I love wearing them with preppy professional looks as a surprising twist.

eye earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m not completely satisfied with how the pants work in this ensemble, but I do think the black on black keeps the outfit looking sleek. Hopefully I looked authoritative while simultaneously putting my students at ease.

16 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

30 November 2009

Posted on | November 30, 2009 | 6 Comments

30 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Navy Peacoat – Gap
Grey Sweater – Gap
Plaid Scarf – gift from Scotland
Jeans – Gap
Pink Sneakers – Asics Tiger, via Urban Outfitters

Endnotes:

Happy belated Thanksgiving! This year A2 and I hosted our first Thanksgiving. We had both her family and my family in town, making for a total of 19 people at Thanksgiving dinner!

After several days of cooking and entertaining I am beat and need to spend today doing laundry, running errands, and catching up on school work. Its all about comfort, warmth, and functionality today so I’ve gone for jeans, sneakers, and a my cozy wool peacoat.

Pink Sneakers, originally uploaded by academichic.

A few weeks back I asked for help finding jeans. Advice poured in and I took notes! With a little encouragement I decided to buy the Gap men’s jeans and couldn’t be happier. These are them with out alterations. I am still planning to take the waist in but today am just wearing them with a belt. I promise to post better pictures, as I have a feeling I will be wearing them rather often in the next few weeks.

Plaid, originally uploaded by academichic.

I also looked into several of the suggested styles and wrote down the name of a few promising pairs to try on the next time I make it out to Nordstroms. Thanks again for all the great jean advice! I hope some of the comments helped you in your jean shopping too.

30 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

27 August 2009

Posted on | August 27, 2009 | 12 Comments

27 August 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed

Black Blazer - Forever 21
Black Tank – Banana Republic
Denim Pencil Skirt – Gap
Fuchsia Shoes - Seychelles, via DSW
Green Bracelet- Gift from S.

Endnotes:

Today I will meet my students for the semester. I want to be sure to set myself apart from undergraduates without being too overdressed in comparison to my fellow TAs. The blazer, denim skirt, fun shoe combination seemed the perfect choice.

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 think the black blazer blazer gives this look a professional vibe while the fuchsia shoes hopefully signal to my students that I am the creative exciting TA. I loved wearing these shoes with lime green and purple but think they really sing when paired with an all neutral ensemble.

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.

Sources:

All remixed except belt

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.

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