16 November 2009 – Two Dresses Redux

Posted on | November 16, 2009 | 26 Comments

16 November 2009 – Two Dresses Redux, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Gray dress- Target, remixed
Black shirt dress – H&M
Gray tights – DM
Black rushed flats – Kenneth Cole, remixed
Earrings worn as necklace – TJMaxx, remixed
Vintage onyx and pearl ring – gift from mom, remixed

Endnotes:

I went into H&M this past weekend to get a pair of tights, when I spotted this black shirt dress on clearance for 15 Euros. Having just relayed my love of shirt dresses to you, I was still on a shirt dress high and decided I had to ’splurge’ and get this one. I’m glad I did because I can already envision all the ways this will remix with my current items.

Earrings necklace, originally uploaded by academichic.

For today, I created a monochromatic look by layering this black dress over my gray jersey dress. To keep with the monochrome, I turned these two onyx earrings into a necklace by stringing the first one on a silver chain and the second one onto the first earring for a cascading effect (A. inspired me to try this after seeing her repurpose earrings as necklace pendants several times).

Vintage Ring, originally uploaded by academichic.

My mother’s onyx and pearl ring and black flats with gray tights complete the monochromatic ensemble. While this may have been simple and subdued in color, I think it’s the details that make this outfit stand out; the ruching on the shoes, the jewelry, and the deep pockets on this dress (who doesn’t love a dress with pockets?).

Shoes, originally uploaded by academichic.

And while we’re on the subject of colors, thanks to some of you for pointing out that fuchsia is spelled *fuchsia* and not fuschia. I’d like to pretend that it was my subconscious Germanization of the spelling, but that would be a lie.

To recap, since fashion blogging, I have learned the correct spelling of the following words:

Polka-dot (not Polk-a-dot)
Corduroy (not Chorduroy)
Fuchsia (not Fuschia)

and I have also spent way to much time thinking about Gray vs. Grey.
S.

16 November 2009 – Two Dresses Redux , originally uploaded by academichic.

15 November 2009 – How do I wear thee, let me count the ways…

Posted on | November 14, 2009 | 18 Comments

15 November 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:
All remixed:

Pink cowl neck top – Nine West
Khaki shirt dress – Target
Brown woven belt – F21
Brown tights – DM
Boots – Dillards
“Dance” pendant – It’s All About The Print on Etsy

Endnotes:

As E. is in the process of pointing out with her shirt dress challenge, shirt dresses are very versatile garments. (Read: you get a lot of bang for your buck!) I have worn this khaki shirt dress as a trench of sorts layered over another dress, for a more casual look over a button-down shirt, as a way to tone down a triad over a skirt and tee combo, and today, over this bright pink cowl neck top for a dressy-casual approach. I’m now excited to see what E. does with her shirt dress for more inspiration of how to ‘remix’ this favorite item.

And speaking of remixing, Jentine just wrote a lovely post on why ‘remix’ is such a kinder term than perhaps other alternatives. Well put, Jentine! S.

Dance, originally uploaded by academichic.

25 August 2009 – Shifty

Posted on | August 25, 2009 | 16 Comments

25 August 2009 – Shifty, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Black shirt dress – Old Navy
Brown leather belt – Gap Outlet
Brown wedges – thrifted

End Notes:

Our recent recommendations on accessorizing a black shift dress made me all nostalgic for my little black wool shift dress. I love the silhouette of a great-fitting shift, and it’s a look that I missed while pregnant. Sadly, that wool LBD is not at all conducive to breastfeeding, nor does it hold up well to spit up, meaning that it will be relegated to storage for a little while longer. But, that doesn’t mean that the, er, spirit of the shift dress need be absent.

This morning I pulled out this slim shirt dress from my pre-preggers storage bin and buttoned it on with hopeful anticipation. And let me be honest. What you see in the photograph is the result of some thoughtful finagling, namely, wearing a black nursing cami underneath, leaving the top three buttons undone to accommodate my new breastfeeding bosom, and moving the waist of the dress up to hide my remaining baby bumpage by adding a wide belt.

Shifty Eyed, originally uploaded by academichic.

It sounds very complicated when I type it all out like that, but in reality it took only a few minutes of tweaking and slipping on a new-to-me pair of wedges to make me see something akin to my pre-preggers style (and body) in the mirror…just altered to meet the demands of my new life. Is it strange that I get a little creative adrenaline rush from my wardrobe trompe-l’œil?

Thrifted Wedges, originally uploaded by academichic.

Reader Question: what to wear to Graduation

Posted on | July 13, 2009 | 13 Comments

We recently received this question from a fellow academic, who is about to graduate:

I was wondering if you could help me with a fashion problem. I’m graduating from university in a couple of weeks and I have no idea what to wear! We will be wearing the usual academic robes with hood on the outside and I’ve been told I should wear a button up shirt underneath to attach the hood to. The problem is that I’m not much of a shirt person so don’t really have any in my wardrobe. I was thinking of wearing a shirt dress instead but I don’t know if this is appropriate.

Congratulations on your upcomming graduation! We love the idea of a shirtdress instead of a button-down shirt! We all fancy a good shirtdress and, between the three of us, own a variety of cuts, colors, and fabrics.

We have two suggestions for the big day: first, find a shirtdress that feels special to you (just make sure it has buttons) and second, wear a fabulous pair of shoes!

Click below for our recommendations….

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14 June 2009

Posted on | June 14, 2009 | 15 Comments

14 June 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Green plaid dress – thrifted
Orange belt – Gap, remixed
Orange gladiators – AE, remixed
Bangle – Big Lots, remixed
Beads – AE, remixed

Endnotes:

Another dress to round out this dress-intesive week. It’s still hot and humid and the less layers the better! (Although I think I should have put this sleeveless number into rotation earlier as to avoid this lovely farmer’s tan I’m sporting. Please be so kind as to ignore it.)

To be somewhat innovative with yet another dress outfit, I decided to go for a more unusual color combo (to me, at least) and add orange shoes and belt to this mostly green dress. Orange and green? Why not! The Irish may not be so pleased, but I think I like it for today.

What are some of your more creative color combinations? Are there any colors you absolutely would not wear together and why? S.