15 of 30, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Long Cardigan – Banana Republic
• Black Ponte Pants – Ann Taylor
• Teal Tee – BR Factory Store
• Scarf – Anthropologie
• Wellies – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

Over the holiday weekend I hit the halfway mark of the 30 for 30 challenge.  I have actually managed to wear the majority of my list (25 out of 30) already, although several things I have worn over and over and others only once or twice.

I had very few outfit’s planned before starting the challenge, which is perhaps why I have only managed used some items once.  But, I used some of my long ride home Sunday to plan out a handful of outfits to help me through the second half of the challenge. I’m determined to use every item on the list at least once!

On other note: Congratulations again E! I’m so proud of you!  A.

14 of 30, originally uploaded by academichic.

9 September 2010 – Workhorses, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Grey (and black and light grey) Pencil Skirt – Banana Republic
• Grey Tee – J Crew
• Belt – Old Navy
• Scarf – Echo
• Shoes – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

It’s days like today I find myself wishing I lived with a professional photographer or had the time to grab a friend to act as photographer and find a cool location.  I really loved this outfit and felt great in it all day, but couldn’t capture it on camera the way I wanted to.  Rainy mornings and an early call time on campus don’t make for good photography days, but with the help of a good wardrobe workhorse I can still pull together a great professional ensemble on these mornings and confidently head out for a long rainy day on campus.

This is actually the blog premier of this specific skirt, but I own this skirt in two other colors and wear all three of them all the time!  These Banana Republic “classic pencil skirts” are made of a mix of cotton, viscose, and spandex, giving them a just the right mix of stretch and structure.   I’ve had the black version the longest and have worn it in all weather – with tights and boots and with a tank and espadrilles.  I have worn it for a huge range of occasions including my first day of school last week, an engagement party earlier this summer, and even a funeral (not pictured).  I love that I can wear it high around the smallest part of my waist with a pair of killer heals or slung low with a pair of flats.

9 September 2010 – Workhorses, 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.

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!