academichic

Sources:

• Scarf – Echo
• Sweater – Banana Republic
• Tee – H & M
• Skirt – Banana Republic
• Boots – Steven Madden Intcye, via ebay
• Belt – Ann Taylor
• Bangles – gift

Endnotes:

This week we are celebrating/investigating belts!  Belts and scarves form a significant part of my daily wardrobe.  If we did a survey of all of my posted outfits, I bet we would find that an easy majority involve a scarf, a belt, or both.  The first time I saw a belted scarf, I knew it was for me.  The belted scarf has since become one of my signature looks.   I wear this paisley scarf all the time, but always with the long ends of the triangle tied up under the wide point.  Then, I saw Kendi wear a similar scarf and knew I had to try it.

For me, I think part of pulling of this particular belted-scarf iteration, means embracing the skinny belt.  I tend to opt for the wide (usually stretchy) belt more often than not, but I think the lightness of this scarf calls for a thin belt.

Do you belt your scarves?  All scarves, or only particular styles?

As I alluded to in my post yesterday, the Banana Republic spring line was chock full of lilac, grass green, plum, olive, indigo, key-lime, and every shade of purple and green in between. Since green and purple (and purple and turquoise) are two of my favorite colors, this outfit was my front runner. On the hanger I wasn’t sure how the safari pocket shirtdress would work for me, since it was short, but had full coverage up top and long sleeves. Also, I wouldn’t have thought of a saturated army green as a “spring” color necessarily, but the feather-light silk and cute details definitely got me thinking about green grass and budding leaves. Rolling up the sleeves and undoing the top few snaps also helped lighten the look.

The purple “dip-dye ruffle scarf” is “blackberry cream” in BR terms, but I would definitely call it “crocus” after those first spring flowers if I were on their naming committee. I purposely tied it so that the most deeply colored part was in front, but the scarf covers an array of shades. Finally, the real kicker for me was this awesome flower belt. I ended up buying it since even in the store I was able to style it in several different ways, and I’ve already worn it twice since this photo was taken! They don’t have the belt online, but this is a similar sandy-colored belt. The darling flats are also in-store only right now, but the olive green is close to these flats (that are now on sale!).

Do you like this look more than the one I put on the BR facebook page?

~L.

While my first thought of “spring dressing” is airy skirts and soft colors, my spring style harbinger is definitely the cropped pants and heels combination. I love a little ankle pant with heels. Although these Sloan Fit pants bill themselves as a cropped length, I think I would have liked them hemmed just a teensy bit higher. But I was very impressed by the so-called “power stretch” capabilities of the pants, which gave them both great recovery and a very nice drape over my hips and thighs. Plus, I made up for any shortening of the leg line in these mile-high gold pumps, which are indeed the same ones that S. wore in her first outfit.

On top, I wanted some volume to play against the slim pants, so I went with a blousy, button-front navy silk tank. I think this tank could also work great unbuttoned and layered (and even belted) over a dress. The twisted straps and scoop back are additional playful details that make it special. Finally, I finished it all off with a light spring scarf in blues and coral, similar to this one. I really wanted to claim every single scarf I saw at Banana Republic that day, and this one was no exception.

To be honest, this one was probably my least favorite of the looks that I came up with, but I guess you’ll have to wait out the rest of the week before you pass judgment. In the meantime, you can help me imaginatively brainstorm what the next “fit” of Banana Republic pants should be called. Usually I’m a “Martin” girl, but now I’m willing to consider the “Sloan.” S. is a “Jackson” fit lady, and I don’t know if any of us really like the “Logan.” What’s next? I’m thinking they’ll name a pants “Sullivan.”

1 February 2011 – Outerwear, originally uploaded by academichic.

1 February 2011 – Outerwear, originally uploaded by academichic.

For my trip to a coffee shop on this sunny winter day, I paired it with jeans a thick cotton top, and my wedge boots for a polished casual look (ps I’m still loving my Lucky jeans).  I added this beautiful cornflower blue scarf made by and gifted to be by my mother in law.  I love the color, length, and width of this scarf and am beyond impressed with how perfect the pattern is!  I see this one quickly becoming a favorite of the bunch.

Scarf from Mother-in-Law, originally uploaded by academichic.

Banana Republic Teal Tote, originally uploaded by academichic.

This teal leather tote was a Christmas gift from my mom and I have been carrying it everyday that I don’t need to go to school or lug my computer to a coffee shop.  It’s the perfect size, I love its slouchy profile, and of course I think teal goes with everything!  I’m also a lover of bags (I have more bags than shoes) but tend to use one purse and one school bag for weeks at a time and then switch it up, so I that might make for less interesting documentation.   How do you rotate your coats and bags?  Do you have one coat/jacket for each season?  Do you match your purse/bag to your outfit?  Tell us about your outerwear collections!

1 February 2011 – Outerwear, originally uploaded by academichic.

27 January 2011, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Navy Sweater – Gap
• Grey Skirt – Banana Republic
• Purple Tights – BR Factory Store
• Scarf – Old Navy, gift
• Olive Pumps – Urban Outfitters

Endnotes:

Today was one of those days when I pulled half my wardrobe out before deciding on this rather simple outfit (yes, it is still strewn across my bed and floor).  I knew I wanted to take advantage of our small heat wave (high of 40 degrees today) and wear heels instead of boots.  Once I had picked my shoes  I decided to pull a bold scarf and then build a simple outfit around that.  I ended up wearing my purple tights only because I couldn’t find my navy ones, but I think I like the bold mix of fuschia, olive, and purple grounded with navy and grey.

27 January 2011, originally uploaded by academichic.

27 January 2011, originally uploaded by academichic.

I think this last-minute and rather fortuitous color combination worked much better than Tuesday’s outfit, which was though out the night before…

Pop of Colbalt Blue, originally uploaded by academichic.

Pop of Colbalt Blue, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Sweater Dress: Banana Republic Factory
• Belt: Anthropologie
• Tights: Italy
• Shoes: BR
• Blazer: Anne Taylor Loft
• Scarf: thrifted
• Bracelet: Accessorize

Endnotes:
I’ve been on the hunt lately for dresses because life is so much easier when I can just match tights, belt, shoes and dress rather than several layers of separates. Basically, it’s the end of January and I’m feeling lazy! I scored this sweater dress (very similar to E.’s great burgundy dress) at the BR factory outlet recently and was trilled that it was on sale. I was a little worried that it was a tad short for teaching, but like E. said with her new yellow skirt, I decided that with tights it was fine. Even as a petite woman I’ve been finding it really hard lately to find dresses or skirts (that aren’t pencil skirts) that come to an inch or two above my knee rather than three or four inches above my knee. Is anyone else having that problem? I thought I’d treat maroon as a neutral and pair it with navy blue and brown (a combination with which E. has also dabbled). I added the blazer because it’s still freezing out.

This scarf is something that I thrifted when I was 5. Yes, you read that correctly. I remember going to the church fair with my grandmother and picking this one out specifically because of the gold details and the brilliant blue and orange. I guess it was only a matter of time before a few of my friends asked me to join their style blog (wink wink). The combination of the diamond patterned tights and the more scrolling floral motif of the scarf also counts towards my new quest to mix patterns!

It has languished in my dress-up box since I was about 10, but I recently was digging through the attic at home and salvaged a few items (including this costume jewelry pin) from my treasure trove. What items do you still have in your wardrobe from when you were a kid?

~L.

Golden Girl, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Scarf: Chinatown, gift from SIL
• Top: Banana Republic Factory
• Skirt: Anthropologie, gift from sweet friend!
• Navy tights: Banana Republic Factory
• Boots: Steve Madden Iriss, via eBay

End Notes:

Guess what I got from Christmas as a joint gift from a sweet friend and my mother-in-law? Yup, the Field Skirt from Anthropologie…in gold! Many of you suggested this skirt when I was dreaming of winter-weight full skirts in December, and I have to say, you were right. This skirt is a great color, it has pockets, and it’s very easy to wear. It’s a little shorter than I usually wear my full skirts, but I think with the tights and boots it all works together and is still classroom appropriate.

I gravitated back to one of my favorite color combinations here: mustard with navy, green, and touches of cognac leather. I love how the patterning in the scarf seems even richer against the navy and gold. It’s a delicious palette for a chilly day and a little splash of color in the midst of all this snow!

I still have lots of ideas for wearing this skirt, so you’ll surely be seeing some remixing in the near future!

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.

Tartan and Cords, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Sweater: Theory via Off 5th
• Scarf: gift (from Scotland)
• Belt: Fossil
• Watch: Tissot
• Corduroys: DKNY via Filene’s Basement
• Boots: Florence, Italy

Endnotes:
Snow day! Well, not really since I work at a boarding school, but wow did we get a lot of snow yesterday. I bundled up in boots and a scarf to keep out the cold and channeled cozy feelings while watching the flakes fly. As I’ve said before, part of my desire to embrace skinny style pants was the ability to tuck these into boots without lots of bagginess or ballooning around the knees.

Brown Boots, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m not a big boot wearer with skirts, but I am breaking myself into the pants and boots look both for utilitarian purposes (warmth, walking in the snow, etc.) and stylish ones as well. I suppose that this outfit qualifies as mixing neutrals since the basis is grey and brown with the only real color coming from the muted oranges, blues, and yellows of the tartan scarf. I love this scarf and it was a gift from my best friend when she returned from a trip to Scotland years ago. Just this year I’ve started to wear my outdoor scarves as regular daywear as both accessories and to warm up outfits that might otherwise be drafty. For instance I’ve been using scarves to help sweaters, such as this crewneck cardigan, become turtlenecks.

Tartan, originally uploaded by academichic.

I like the result because unlike a true turtleneck these ones can be removed or loosened throughout the day to accommodate the wild temperature swings between my apartment, office, and classroom. I love the colors in this tartan, and I think that is what my friend was attracted to as well. However, today I had a colleague come up to me at lunch and ask if I was a Buchanan because she was and recognized the tartan that I was wearing. I had no idea which clan’s tartan I was wearing, but it got me thinking about a kind of cultural appropriation that we don’t often think of. S. brought this up in April last year with a post about wearing gold jewelry and being asked if she was a gypsy. A. also wrote on this regarding how purposeful appropriation operates in terms of camp and kitch, and finally E. brought up the point that our bodies are not neutral and they too contribute to certain assumptions that are made about the clothing we wear. While asking someone who is white, has red hair, and is wearing a tartan if she is descended from a particular Scottish clan is different than these other examples, it made me wonder about all sorts of cultural assumptions that we make about the people around us. In this case, I was being identified as “same” not “other”, and the woman was very excited that she had potentially found a member of her extended family. This piece of tartan was originally used as a unifying feature of a clan and as this story illustrates can be seen as means for community building even today. I was surprised at my colleague’s question and it reminded of the things that both my clothes and my body might say about me intentionally or not. I know that style, fashion, and clothing in general does not spring to life out of a vacuum and instead is influenced by other cultures, periods, regions, and ethnicities. My intention in reflecting on this is to question why or how being asked if I was Scottish because of my scarf is the same or different from someone remarking that S. looked like a gypsy because of her gold earrings?

~L.

Tartan and Cords, originally uploaded by academichic.