A.’s Scarf Storage

Posted on | February 23, 2010 | 16 Comments

A.’s Scarf Storage, originally uploaded by academichic.

As promised, here is how I usually store my scarves. I say usually, because in all honesty, many often end up on the coat rack, a shelf in the closet, the top of my dresser, over the back of a chair, or on my bedroom floor. I keep 10 – 15 scarves on this fabulous scarf hanger and the rest in a basket.

Scarf Hanger, originally uploaded by academichic.

My sister gave me this hanger for my birthday one year and it has proved to be one of the most practical and well used gifts I have ever received. I hang it in the closet alongside my other hanging clothes. You can find a similar one at organize.com. Personally, I wish I had one, or even two, more.

Scarf Basket, originally uploaded by academichic.

I keep the rest of my scarves in a basket I purchased at Target. This works well for the scarves that are either too small, or too bulky, or too circular for the hanger. I have to admit, you can often find scarves cascading out of the basket, which I store on the top shelf in my closet, but I actually love to see the scarf waterfall when I open my closet door.

How do you store your scarves? A.

18 February 2010 – Academichic on ‘GDR Chic’

Posted on | February 18, 2010 | 18 Comments

18 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Purple tank – BR Outlet
Purple cardi – H&M
Pendant – Anthropologie
Jeans – thrifted
Boots – thrifted
Vintage scarf – Vintage Threadz on Etsy

Endnotes:

I have thus far used a scarf to add a pop of color to a monochromatic outfit, to create a monochromatic color scheme, and to forge an analogous connection, so it should only follow that I tackle a complimentary color scheme today. This little yellow scarf joins the purples of my tank and cardigan to make for a bold and bright complimentary color mix. I find smaller square scarves to be a bit of a challenge but this lightweight vintage piece adds the perfect dash of color to brighten up my neckline. A. once wore this same sunflower scarf around her tote, which is a great way to make use of those gorgeous diminutive scarves that can be somewhat of a challenge for every day wear.

Complimentaries, originally uploaded by academichic.

Now I want to digress a bit today and point out an interesting article from a day ago in the New York Times featuring German photographer Ute Mahler. Mahler worked as a fashion photographer for a magazine called Sibylle in the GDR (East Germany during the divide) and in this brief interview she sheds some light on the role of clothing and artistic expression under a totalitarian regime. Mahler also makes the poignant distinction between fashion and style – in brief: external vs. internal forces of expression – and how in a society that restricts the former, the latter will invariably still thrive.

I wanted to point this out because it addresses a role of clothing we sometimes overlook – clothing as a means to subvert, challenge, or resist. And I don’t mean to resist or challenge mainstream trends or dominant looks of a given era. I mean a resistance on a much grander scale that challenges and subverts political agendas or reigning ideologies.

This article got me thinking, do I use clothing to make a political statement? I know I consciously make statements about my career, age, marital status, and financial income with the way I present myself to others, but what other statements do I make? Am I ever consciously using clothing as a way to resist or challenge something I don’t believe in? No easy answers come to mind other than the somewhat humorous example of A. and I having cross-dressed for a ‘gender bender’ party that certainly had implications beyond just dressing up as the opposite sex and having a good time. While I don’t have an obvious or simple conclusion for this post, I thought it was worth bringing this topic to you if for no other reason than to acquaint you with a really talented photographer and artist. And I more than encourage and welcome your thoughts on the matter. S.

18 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

17 February 2010

Posted on | February 17, 2010 | 24 Comments

17 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Grey Sweater – Banana Republic
Brown Corduroy Skirt – Old Navy
Grey Sweater Tights- BR Outlet
Wellies – Banana Republic
Floral Scarf – Anthropologie

Endnotes:

First, for the scarf: I bought this scarf with a gift card and it was a deliberate attempt to break outside my comfort zone. This scarf is ruffled and floral and loose and billowy – not terms that usually apply to much of anything in my wardrobe. I premiered it a couple months ago by belting it over a a cardigan and simple jersey dress. Today I am attempting a new scarf style for me. I have seen many style bloggers wear their scarves this way (What Would a Nerd Wear for example) and usually like the result. So, when I saw this how-to video on Orchid Grey, I knew I had to give it a try.

Curly Hair, originally uploaded by academichic.

Now, for the hair. I have written here a couple times about my hair struggles. I have naturally curly hair but rarely like the way it looks curly, despite all of my experiments with various products and various hair dryer adapters. Because my hair is blond and somewhat fine, I have trouble using product – it weighs it down and makes it appear greasy and darker than its natural color. So, I straighten. I have been straightening my hair for years and I really do like the result. I have come to appreciate my short straight blond hair with its natural fullness s one of my best features. But, I do often see curly hair on others (including S. and Sal) and want to give it a try. My sister, L., is in town for a few days and helped me style my hair this way. It took a bit of time, a blow dryer, and a curling iron, but very little product. I loved the result – it felt natural but polished and styled (not just the mop of curls I usually end up with). Unfortunately, I don’t think it is something I could very easily replicate by myself. Next time she is in town, I’ll try to better learn the technique, but for now, it will likely be back to straight tomorrow.

17 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

14 February 2010 – Cozy Sunday Scarf

Posted on | February 14, 2010 | 7 Comments

14 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Green Hoodie – J Crew
Teal Scarf – NY China Town
Jeans – Gap
Clogs – Dansko
Hat – Gap Outlet

Endnotes:

After a full Saturday and another overnight dumping of snow, I needed something simple and cozy for just a trip to the grocery store and back. I often throw on jeans and a hoodie on Sundays but today I took a yet another style clue from S. and tossed a scarf around my neck and under the hood.

Scarf and Hoodie, originally uploaded by academichic.

I love this color pairing of bright grass green and teal. It’s an analogous scheme I find comforting, using two of my favorite colors, but I think it has an unexpected playful quality. While, sometimes a hoodie, jeans, and danskos are all I’ve got in me, the easy addition of a brightly colored scarf is a quick fix for an otherwise blah outfit.

14 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Scarf Giveaway #1

Posted on | February 5, 2010 | 366 Comments

For our first scarf giveaway, we are so excited to get to offer you one of the beautiful scarves from Nepali by TDM Design. We all love the gorgeous designs made by this eco-conscious and socially sustainable company and know you will too.

In addition to giving away this lovely light weight grey and purple stripped Francie Cashmere Scarf, TDM Designs is generously offering our readers a special %20 discount on Nepali Scarves. The discount code is aca20 – happy shopping!

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment telling us how you would style this scarf. For a second chance to win, visit Nepali by TDM Design and leave us a separate comment telling us which of their scarf lines you like the most. Contest is open until Sunday at Midnight US Central Time. We will randomly chose a winner to announce on Monday. Good luck!

3 February 2010

Posted on | February 3, 2010 | 15 Comments

3 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Scarf- Nepali by TDM Designs
Black Pencil Skirt – Banana Republic
Black Henley- Gap
Black Tights – Target
Brown Belt – BR Outlet
Brown Boots – Banana Republic, via ebay

Endnotes:

While S. and E. started scarf month off by celebrating old favorites, I’ve decided this week that I will show off the many scarves I have never featured in a post. Most of these I wear on a regular basis but have yet to photograph, but today’s scarf is new and this is its premiere! I am also premiering these little retro, green square earrings – a gift from E. who thrifted them in Hawaii. I love how the shape repeats the gingham pattern of the scarf and adds a single pop of color to my neutral ensemble.

Squares, originally uploaded by academichic.

This scarf comes from Nepail by TDM Designs. As E. has mentioned before, we love Nepali scarves because they are all made from natural, eco-conscious materials and because Nepali by TDM Designs works directly with craftswomen in Nepal, helping to provide them with a sustainable income and offering educational and health care services to their families.

They have so many gorgeous scarves to offer, some of which are rather fancy, but I adore this small simple black and white gingham number. My favorite part is the way the texture and size of the checked print change and the ends.

Like E. yesterday, I chose a simple European-loop tie (folded in half with the lose ends pulled through the loop created by the fold). I wanted to really show this scarf off, so I built a simple outfit of classic black pencil skirt, black tights, and black henley and then added brown accessories for a bit more visual interest.

Are you giving the European-loop a try? A.

3 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

February is Scarf Month!

Posted on | January 31, 2010 | 39 Comments

February is Scarf Month!, originally uploaded by academichic.

I can’t speak for S. and E., but I have a scarf addiction, its worse than even my bag addiction! I can say that all three of us love scarves and have rather large collections of scarves in all shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, and material. You will often find us sporting a scarf (or two) tied around our necks or used in place of a belt, as head protection, as faux-blouse, or as bag accessorizer. We belt them, layer them, knot them, and pin them. We probably love scarves as much as we love belts!

SCARVES!, originally uploaded by academichic.

So, we are declaring February “Scarf Month.” We often get questions about how we tie our scarves or how we know when to add a scarf and in what colors. For the next month we will be sharing all of our scarf tips, including great places to buy scarves, how to store your scarves, scarf tying how-tos, scarf DIYs, and a Fashion 101 on scarf styling. Each Friday in February we will also be doing a scarf giveaway!

Let us know if there is anything in particular you would like to see us address in “Scarf Month” and don’t forget to check back this Friday for our first scarf giveaway!

too many?, originally uploaded by academichic.

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.

29 December 2009

Posted on | December 30, 2009 | 11 Comments

29 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Inside:

Purple Cardigan – Gap Outlet
Grey Tee- Banana Republic
Brown Belt – Gap
Scarf – BR Outlet
Jeans – Banana Republic
Wellies – Banana Republic

Outside (below):

Coat – Old Navy
Hat – Gap Outlet
Bag – Urban Outfitters

Endnotes:

Two of my favorite post-Christmas activities are shopping and museum-going. While I do both of these things fairly regularly during the rest of the year, the post-Christmas experience is always my favorite. I’ll write more about shopping in a later post this week, so on to museums.

29 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Yesterday I visited one of my favorite art museums – the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. I like visiting museums during holiday break for several reasons: I’m usually going to old favorites (ones I visit once a year), I get to take my family members on a guided tour, there are always more curious children there than usual, I get to enjoy the experience and not feel like I need to take notes!

29 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

So, while E. was enjoying unseasonably-cool weather at the Rothko Chapel, I was enjoying seasonably- normal freezing weather in Minneapolis in my new coat and hat (post-holiday shopping finds).

What’s your favorite post-Christmas activity? (I also love to play board games, see movies, go sledding and ice skating, and play with my nieces and nephews). A.

29 December 2009 – Outside, originally uploaded by academichic.

14 December 2009

Posted on | December 14, 2009 | 21 Comments

14 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Olive Sweater – H & M
Grey Wrap Sweater – NY & Co
Teal Scarf – NY China Town
Skinny Jeans – Banana Republic
Boots – Banana Republic, via DSW
Belt – BR Outlet
Earrings – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

I love this outfit! I often think I love an outfit, but then something happens – the belt shifts around, the skirt rides up, the shirt looks bunchy, it photographs horribly, etc. But this outfit I loved when I put it on, loved as I wore it, and love it in the photographs. It is warm and cozy but I think still stylish and elegant in its casualness. I think its slimming. I think it’s playful. I think it’s creative and subtle. I love the mix of charcoal and brown and the mix of olive and teal and the way all these colors came together. I love the addition of the brown bakelite earrings.

Bakelite Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

It feels strange to so unabashedly write such positive things about my own appearance. Like many of Sal’s readers, I find that I am rather self-conscious about any form of self-love. It’s so much easier to pick an outfit apart, find its flaws, find your flaws in the way you are wearing it. Posting a picture of yourself everyday is undoubtedly a self-centered act, but for me its often not a self-praising act. As S. mentioned last week, style blogging can make you feel very self-conscious and vulnerable and I have more than a few outfit posts that make me cringe to see them now. So, when I find myself looking at one I love, I’m gunna let you know it!