Sources:
- Scarf: c/o Echo Designs
- Shirt tunic thing: thrifted, J. Crew
- Jeggings: Target
- Wedges: Target
End Notes:
I recently picked up this kind-of-a-tunic, kind-of-a-short-shirt-dress thing at my local Goodwill. S. has a khaki shirtdress that she has styled chicly a number of times on this blog, usually by layering underneath and wearing the dress almost as an open trench of sorts. S. is also one of those people who honest to goodness looks good with khaki against her skin. Khaki and my complexion do not play nicely with each other, so I bought this tunic thinking that I would over-dye it prior to wear (maybe olive green? but I’m taking suggestions).
(As an aside, a maternity tip for those who care: when shopping — whether new or thrift — during the first half or so of pregnancy, I am fairly strict about only buying tops and dresses that will be conducive to nursing in the “fourth trimester” when I’ll still need some extra space in the midsection. This tunic has a button front placket and a slightly gathered skirt, so it fit the bill perfectly.)
But…obviously I couldn’t wait. To mitigate the “wow, your dress is the same color as your skin” issue, I used a bright red, patterned scarf to add some saturated color next to my face. I tied the long, narrow scarf two ways, once like a man’s tie, and once in a doubled loop.
I ended up liking the doubled loop best, and I loved how the contrast of textures — silk with cotton — and connotations — utility and luxury — made for an outfit that was neither too costumey nor too serious.
See? Be very quiet. I’m tracking down some very important dissertation research and it can be skittish. In the meantime, tell me if and how you wear khaki. I seem to run into this issue frequently in springs past.
16 May 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
- Khaki shirt dress – Target
- Green tee – H&M
- Purple cord skirt – AE, remixed
- Red-orange belt – Gap, remixed
- Orange gladiators – AE, remixed
- Wood and leather necklace – AE
Endnotes:
Ever since I thrifted this orange shirt dress a while ago (and realized how wonderfully versatile they are), I’ve been on the look out for another shirt dress in a neutral color to add to my wardrobe. Ideally, I wanted one in navy or black, I’m not really a khaki wearer. But when I found this one for $8 on clearance at Target, I decided that I was willing to compromise. Added persuasion factor: it was the last one left and in my size. It was meant to be.
And the khaki color does make it feel somewhat Safari-ish, which is one of this spring’s looks, so who am I to fight it? I think the wooden and leather necklace along with the French braid also add to the Safari-ish feel. Although, what I’m more excited about is that I’m wearing a triad (a rare but always fun color combo!).
Wood and leather necklace, originally uploaded by academichic.
And while I’m thrilled about my new shirt dress, the triadic color combo of today’s outfit, and the BBQ graduation party I’m going to this afternoon, what’s I’m most thrilled about is that I completed my third and final comprehensive exam and I am done with all of my requirements but my dissertation! I’m not quite ABD* (since I still have to get my dissertation proposal written and approved), but I, along with A., am now ABP! I couldn’t be happier about this! S.
*ABD = All But Dissertation (and yes, that’s official terminology although it sounds silly).
**ABP = Coined by E. and stands for All But Prospectus, which is where A. and I both are in our academic career right now.
