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4 August 2010 – The Color Purple, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Tank: Gap Outlet
• Wrap: Banana Republic Outlet
• Belt: BR Outlet
• Shorts: BR
• Shoes: Frye
• Necklace: South Moon Under
• Bag: Liberty of London
• Rings: family heirlooms

Endnotes:
It seems like the title “neutrals with a pop” is roughly how we here at Academichic tend to dress on a more regular basis, and this casual outfit falls firmly within my usual aesthetic. The ruffled top is the same as the one A. wore with her striped tank, but this one is taupe rather than grey and likewise goes with everything.

4 August 2010 – The Color Purple, originally uploaded by academichic.

We actually purchased these at different times, but like A. said, we shop together a fair amount and channel each other’s style easily. I removed the belt/sash that came with it in favor of this brown skinny belt because I wanted it to be more prominent. It also compliments my brown shoes.

Brown Frye Flats, originally uploaded by academichic.

You probably recall the frenzy around Frye boots a few years ago, but they also make a variety of other shoes including these darling flats. I loved them so much and found them terrifically versatile for both work and casual attire that I bought them in black as well. My mother has always told me that if you find something that you really like and it fits well, buy it in several colors! My purple tank top is an example of this philosophy and is only one of the myriad colors that Gap has on offer right now. I love these tanks and own them in an array of different colors. I’ve used them in layers, as undershirts, with cardigans, or just hanging around the house. The bright colors are excellent for bringing “pop” to any outfit and the price (around $4 on sale) makes it possible to get a variety of hues. Once I had settled on purple as my accent color I remembered this sweet little Liberty bag was in my closet. Since I would only be carrying around a wallet and cell phone today, I thought I’d use it as my purse.

4 August 2010 – The Color Purple – Accessories, originally uploaded by academichic.

Oh, how I relish these summer days without bags full of books, laptops, and papers! If you love florals and prints (as seen featured on Academichic in April this year), Liberty makes fabrics full of gorgeous colors, and as you probably remember recently collaborated with Target on a line of clothes and accessories. My necklace and rings were gifts, as is much of my jewelry in general. These rolling rings are my mother and grandmother’s from Cartier. They are totally classic and have obviously stood the test of time. I like to stack them because the thinner banded one is actually a little big for my finger and the thicker one holds it on. Although this ensemble all together is a little dressy for where I am currently, these slate-blue shorts are strictly casual.

4 August 2010 – The Color Purple, originally uploaded by academichic.

I would probably not wear them in the classroom or on campus because the length is a bit shorter than I am comfortable sporting in any kind of professional setting. What is your most comfortable length? Is it different for shorts versus skirts?

30 July 2010 – Complements, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Top: thrifted
• Cardi: Target
• Shorts: Ann Taylor
• Ring: c/o Lala B Jewelry
• Sandals: Jeffrey Campbell, via Rue La La

End Notes:

In the last few days I went to New York, sans camera, for a whirlwind two and a half day dissertation research trip. I overlapped with A. for half a day, came home, and am now about to embark on a road trip to somewhere-in-Oklahoma for a family reunion with my in-laws. I will say, though, that take-offs and landings (and the very long lead up to both wherein you are not allowed to have tray tables down or lap tops out) is prime outfit-planning time.

I really struggled with putting together a complementary color scheme though, which is a little unexpected since I have worn them before, even when it’s not part of a challenge week. For some reason, though, I was really having a hard time. I think part of the problem was that I initially wanted to stay away from saturated complementary colors and instead play with complements in softer hues: lavender and yellow or peach and blue or something like that.

But you know what? Let’s be honest, I’m a saturated color kind of girl, and I know that I can wear mustard and royal purple well separately…so why not together? I’ll tell you why. Purple and gold are pretty quintessential school colors. Eep. No one wants to walk around looking like a college mascot. Still, I think the ruffles on the purple top and the play of proportion with a longer top and cropped cardigan, keep things from looking too school spirit-y.

La La B Ring, originally uploaded by academichic.

Jeffrey Campbell Sandals, originally uploaded by academichic.

Plus, school mascots don’t wear chunky rings and cutout wedge sandals, right?

Is there a color combination you now avoid because it brings back memories of school colors? Or rival school colors, I suppose.

30 July 2010 – Complements, originally uploaded by academichic.

26 July 2010 – 0.666667, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Cami – Target
• Ruffled tank – JCrew
• Belt: Old Navy
• Skirt: refashioned from a Gap Outlet clearance dress
• Wedges: Naturalizers, via DSW

End Notes:

We’re taking a little refresher course on the color wheel as summer winds down, and I’m starting by revisiting the realm of the so-called “two-thirds” color combination.

Did we ever admit to you that we totally made up the term “two-thirds color combination”? It’s not something gleaned from years of art historical study. Instead, it’s a theoretical structure for an observable phenomena, namely, the fact that A., S., and I all gravitated towards color combinations that we had no other means of explaining. I’ve long been a fan of blue and yellow together, for example, and S. has embraced orange and purple for years. We realized that these pairings could be understood as part of a larger color scheme, two-thirds of a “triad.” Think of the three primary colors — red, yellow, and blue — and then pick two of them. Voila. Two-thirds combo. Or think of the three secondary colors — orange, green, and purple — and pick two of those. Again, two-thirds combination.

I think the most valuable point of the two-thirds idea is that your gut color instincts can have quite a lot to say. (But what makes me a nerd is that I have an insatiable desire to contextualize that instinct within some bigger theoretical framework. Give me structure!)

26 July 2010 – 0.666667, originally uploaded by academichic.

More interestingly, I’m foregoing my two favorite two-thirds combinations (blue & yellow and purple & orange) in favor of trying out a less-used alternative: blue and red. There is something so fresh about pale blue with bright red. I think this skirt and shoe combination would have worked well with a white top for an utterly romantic feel, but I do like how the dark gray pushes the look more towards cool quirky chic.

In my self-indulgent daydreaming as I pieced this outfit together, I thought of Zooey Deschanel in one of those cotton commercials. And then I realized that I wasn’t actually thinking about Zooey Deschanel at all, I was thinking of Kendi of Kendi Everyday, who herself recently had a “fabric of our lives” moment and whom I have subconsciously elevated to cute brunette style icon of my mind. Hence, the spinning:

Twirly Times, originally uploaded by academichic.

22 July 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Top: thrifted
• Pants: Banana Republic
• Shoes: Lauren by Ralph Lauren, via Macys

End Notes:

Do you ever have one of those “off” weeks? Not a bad week per se, but just one where you’re stymied in all the small stuff, your words don’t seem to be coming out right, you can’t seem to get on top of the laundry, and all the books you need are checked out of the library? I’ve just realized that when I get into one of these “real world” ruts, my style tends to follow as I gravitate towards tried and true silhouettes and combinations in my wardrobe.

I’m a huge proponent of dressing to make yourself feel powerful and put-together, and so on most days when I need a pick me up I’d be most likely to turn to my ubiquitous navy dress or floaty cream skirt. But today I thought I’d try taking the opposite approach. What if I wore something that’s not on my list of “go-to” items? What if I wore something that I kind of have to psyche myself up for a wee bit? What if I pushed myself past my style comfort zone in order to force myself to be assertive, to be positive, and to take ownership of a so-so week?

22 July 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Caylin Wedge, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, originally uploaded by academichic.

So, out came these light gray pants that I haven’t totally figured out what to do with, and a boldly colored top in a longer length, and tall shoes. And look! No tucking in and no belt. If that’s not taking away a safety net, I don’t know what is, right? And I have to admit, now I feel all super-hero-y and proud of myself for trying something a little different rather than depending on my standards, as flattering and valuable as they may be.

Do you see a correspondence between an uninspired week and uninspired style? What do you do to get yourself out of a style rut?

22 July 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

20 July 2010 – Turquoise Two Ways, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Above:

• Ruffle cardi: Ann Taylor
• Belt: Forever 21
• Skirt: Target
• Cage heels: Target

Below:

• Gray tank: Target
• Necklace: bracelet-turned-pendant
• Belt: Old Navy
• Skirt: Target
• Sandals: Target

End Notes:

I cannot entirely explain my affection for this turquoise tulip skirt. This is a pretty different silhouette than my usual fare of full skirts or structured pencil skirts: it adds fullness to a place that I usually prefer to skim on over and is shorter than many of my skirts as well. At one point while wearing this, I panicked and wondered if I was wearing the skirt equivalent of so-called “harem pants”.

But perhaps it is precisely the freshness of the silhouette to my wardrobe that has me reaching again and again for this skirt. (Plus, I figured that I could take a page from Dress Your Best week and acknowledge my birthing hips.)

On one hand, this tulip shape plays well with other stand-bys in my summer mom casual wardrobe: a simple tank, a belt, and colorful sandals. The skirt is breezy and quirky and a fun color to boot.

20 July 2010 – Turquoise Two Ways, originally uploaded by academichic.

Orange Sandals, originally uploaded by academichic.

On the other hand, the different-for-me shape also inspires different-for-me outfits, like the edgier look up top. Although there’s a lot going on — cage heels, draping, and ruffles — the relatively subdued color palette, with just a sole pop of color, pulls everything together. I actually really love of the play of soft lines up top, cut through by a strong belt and finished with the graphic geometry of the cage heels.

Cage Heels, originally uploaded by academichic.

If a single garment in your closet could be a style muse, I think this skirt might be mine of the moment. It is familiar enough to be a staple and just different enough to encourage experimentation. Do you have a garment that inspires you to try new things in your style? What is it?

10 June 2010 – Simple Duds for Simple Days, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Tank – J Crew (on super sale)
• Navy Shorts – J Crew
• Sandals – Charlotte Russe
• Earrings – F21
• Bangles – Various

Endnotes:

I’m having trouble getting posts up lately because I am spending most days make-up-less in shorts and a tee-shirt or tank (that is when I am not in running shorts, dirty gardening clothes, or sweats) because it’s HOT here and I’m just prepping for my summer course at home or at a coffee shop with breaks to run and tend my new garden (details coming soon I promise).    I’ve actually taken a couple outfit pictures of myself in said shorts and tee but never feel like they are post-worthy.  Often on these kinds of days, I could care less about color combinations, summer trends, or really even proportion.  I know this is not what a “style blogger” is supposed to say, but it’s my dirty truth!  Truth: I wear sweats for many hours of the day and I have no problem going to Home Depot in dirty work shorts or the grocery store in my running clothes (pre-run only).

Today I wore a new tank from J Crew clearance and threw on a handful of bangles to dress up my shorts and sandals uniform, and the result was cute enough to post.

Bangles, originally uploaded by academichic.

Outtake, originally uploaded by academichic.

10 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

1 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Green Tank Dress – Gap Outlet
• Navy Tank – Gap
• Teal Belt – Old Navy
• Earrings – F21
• Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction, via DSW
• Wooden Bangle – gift from S.

Endnotes:

I found this kelly green tank dress at Gap Outlet when shopping with E. It’s similar in style to E’s. homemade one, but the tank is the same color as the solid colored skirt part, which is cotton and lined.  The tank has an unfortunately placed pocket that I just couldn’t get over, yet also just couldn’t pass this one up, so decided I would take it home and make it work. I immediately arrived home pulled it out of the bag and created five possible outfits from it and then text-ed E. to share my success. You will no doubt be seeing this dress remixed several times this summer – I will be sure to post a picture of the dress as it came next time.

I was drawn to the dress primarily because of it’s color.  I love almost all shades of green but find this kelly green (with a bit of blue undertone) to be one of the more flattering on me.  I made a tight analogous pairing between the skirt and teal belt and another, more distant, analogous pairing with the belt and tank.

analogous colors, originally uploaded by academichic.

I folded the bottom of the ruffly navy tank under so that it ended around where the original tank portion of the dress ends and then belted it into place. I like that it still looks like a tank dress, rather than a skirt and top.

I wore this ensemble to attend a few graduation parties over the weekend.  The rest of the weekend I mostly spent in either running clothes or gardening/construction clothes. Here is a little sneak peak of my latest summer construction and garden project.  It’s become a bit of an obsession, so I will save the details for a post of it’s own – check back later this week!

Summer Project Sneak Peak, originally uploaded by academichic.

1 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

9 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Top: Old Navy
• Belt: Gap Outlet
• Skirt: Ruche
• T-straps: Target.com
• Leaf brooch (as pendant): Vintage Threadz on etsy

End Notes:

(Although I didn’t snap any pictures with it on, I did have my workhorse navy blazer thrown over this for part of the day.)

Sometimes I feel like I have a little bit of a style identity crisis in the spring. When I’m in the midst of all these beautiful flowering trees — all fluffy white and pale pink with slim gray branches — I get it in my head that I want to be a flowering spring tree. So I blame it on pollen inhalation that I’m breaking my usual mantra of “only one poofy piece per outfit” and instead wearing ruffles and a full skirt. I may be slightly overwhelmed by the sugary sweetness of this all in a few days, but right now I’m just happy to be channeling the star magnolias baby e. and I saw last week at the local botanical gardens.

(Ooh, did you see how I just snuck a gratuitous baby e. reference in there?)

And stores like Ruche and Anthropologie only further my seasonal desire to be all floaty and romantic with their gorgeous lookbooks of models in dreamy locales looking like they’ve tumbled down a fashionable rabbit hole. In any case, I feel like this happens to me every spring and I temporarily inhabit another style sphere altogether. Perhaps I shall term this “seasonal style disorder,” and the only treatment is a steady dose of structured jackets and reasonably architectural wedges.

Leaf Pendant, originally uploaded by academichic.

9 April 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

29 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Ruffled cardigan: Ann Taylor
• Pale purple cami: Target
• Khaki skirt: thrifted, The Limited
• Wedges: thrifted
• Cork bangle: don’t recall

End Notes:

I seem to be recently obsessed with soft neutrals. I mean, gray has been my favorite neutral for some time now, but I’m fine tuning this fascination even further as a new devotee of what I shall call “putty” (like this ruffled cardigan) and “smoke” (like the flowing top or color block skirt with purple undertones I wore recently). In my mind, both of these shades of gray have great potential as spring neutrals — they’re storm clouds, bare bark, fuzzy new leaf buds, and wet river rocks — as long as they’re paired judiciously.

I don’t know if I’ve paired gray and khaki together before. It’s not a natural neutral combination for me, and yet I think that this could be the key to enabling my participation in this season’s khaki trend.

Actually, can we talk about khaki for a moment here? It’s everywhere this season, in both safari and preppy incarnations. I still have vivid memories of those Gap ads in 1998 with the swing dancers wearing white tops and khaki pants. None of my friends in Hawaii wore khaki, but I remember buying a pair of khaki pants for a trip to visit mainland colleges as it somehow seemed essential to my social success. I don’t think I ended up wearing them very much, though, once I began undergrad.Then again, I wasn’t the most popular kid at college. Can I blame that on my inability to wear khaki pants seriously?

My point is, this is the first major trend repetition that I have self-consciously participated in and it’s kind of making me feel old and it’s reviving old uncertainties about the viability of khaki in my wardrobe. Except now, instead of worrying that I’ll look like a preppy high schooler I’ll worry that I look like a stereotypical suburban soccer mom. Am I the only one with such formative memories of khaki?

Anyway, while I continue to debate the merits of the new slimmer fitting, ubiquitously cuffed, repeatedly cargo-pocketed khaki pant of spring 2010, I’m counting on the classic shape of this thrifted pencil skirt to keep my neuroses at bay. It’s a tall order, but I think the gray cardigan will help.

29 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

15 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Ruffled cardigan: Ann Taylor
• Striped top: Old Navy
• Skinny belt: thrifted
• Wide belt: Target
• Cropped pants: Old Navy
• Ruffled pumps: AM, via DSW

End Notes:

Today’s outfit is a reinterpretation of an outfit that I wore (and loved) earlier this month. I once again paired a patterned top with the ruffled cardigan, and so I automatically reached for my newly thrifted skinny black belt that I wore the first time around.

15 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

(A brief digression. I’d like to announce that today’s outfit is a major style breakthrough for me. Yes, world, I have overcome my irrational fear of horizontal stripes. Somewhere along the way, probably due to watching too many episodes of What Not to Wear, I became afraid of horizontal stripes. I was convinced that they could only do my figure harm. But with stripes everywhere again this season, I decided that it was time to break free of my fear and try it out. And surprise. I think I might like them.)

15 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Anyway, I kept the cardigan unbuttoned and tried on my skinny black belt. (My trick when belting over unfastened layers is to actually button part of the cardigan, belt, and then unbutton and rearrange. I’ve come to appreciate having that vertical strip of top creating the illusion of length.) While the skinny belt worked fine, and gave the outfit a nice bit of polish, it admittedly got a bit lost among the stripes.

15 March 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

So I pulled out my wider black belt and tried that instead. I appreciated how this wider belt was more visible, drawing attention to my waist and creating some visual rest in the outfit overall. Because my torso is so long, I tend to find that wider belts work best, allowing me to “fake” a higher natural waist and longer leg line.

But since this week is all about pushing the ways in which we use belts — rather than falling back on tried and true approaches — I thought I’d try one more option: belting under the cardigan. The results are pictured up top, and that’s the option I went with today. Although it may not necessarily be the most flattering in traditional terms, I liked how this combination played with softness and structure without being too predictable.

For an absolutely invaluable breakdown of the power of belting, check out Audi’s guest post on Already Pretty on the why’s and how’s of belting.