14 June 2010 – Deep Thoughts on Fashion Blogging

Posted on | June 14, 2010 | 42 Comments

14 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Sunnies – drug store
Silk scarf – 1 Euro find at Vienna flea market
Eyelet top – TJMaxx
Brown cardi – TJMaxx
Skinnies – S.Oliver
Flats – Palladium
Pendant – Anthropologie
Earrings – gift from husband

Endnotes:

These are my last travel photos from Cluj, Romania. As you can see, I wore more of the same ‘uniform’ I’ve been sporting throughout my trip to Prague and Romania. I pretty much switched between two pairs of skinny jeans, rotated through a variety of loose, comfortable tunic-like tops, and wore the same tried and tested pair of Palladium flats each day…

This look works really well for me because I’m somewhat of a straight-up-and-down rectangle, so tunics, empire waist tops, and loose blouses work really well with my shape. Someone with more of an hourglass figure might do well to pack tops that define a waist and show off some curves, but for me, it ends up working quite well to highlight my thin legs in skinny jeans and not bother trying to create curves where there are none. When I’m just trying to get dressed quickly and comfortably, that is. Style savvy-readers like Sal mentioned trying travel outfits on at home before packing and I have definitely approached my packing in that well-planned way before. But when time is short and I just want to throw things in my bag that I know will work, I stick with simple pieces that work with and not against my figure. And with well worn-in and tested shoes. Even if it means that I wear pretty much a version of the same outfit each day. When I’m traveling, I want my surroundings to be my focus and not my outfits.

To vary my looks a wee bit and to make me feel like I’m adding a dash of style to my ‘travel uniform’, I packed a bunch of scarves and used those to add color, texture, and diversity. Scarves are great because they’re so light and small that you can pack a whole lot of them without sacrificing much luggage space at all…

I have actually been feeling a bit like a ‘one trick pony’ since so many of my outfits have been of this skinnies + tunic + flats variety and even wondered whether to post them or not, but then A.’s last post really struck a chord. I liked her honesty in saying that she doesn’t always look put-together, nor that she tries to always look put-together, and that she questions whether style bloggers ought to admit that or pretend otherwise. I have often thought about this myself (being of the not-always-so-put-together-as-I-may-like-to-pretend variety) and it seems to me that what sets fashion blogging apart from magazine spreads and professional models is the portrayal of a somewhat more realistic approach to style, fashion, clothing, and wearability. (Although the spectrum of fashion blogging runs broadly enough that arguments could be made both for and against this). Our site has always been about showing what we would wear on campus, to teach in, on research days, for office hours, or for any other given activity that we would realistically engage in. Thus, it follows that I shouldn’t have to edit out those images of me repeating the same jeans and top for the sake of creative documentation. At the same time, showing off the same look over and over defeats the purpose of creating a platform that seeks to inspire creativity and innovation in one’s approach to dressing.

If you’re still with me and I haven’t lost you with my ramblings, I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Where do you see the role of fashion blogging fitting in? Is it more of an art form and should a good blogger strive to create the kind of unique, often extravagant, and decidedly varied looks found in the pages of your favorite glossies, or rather, is it about documenting the everyday, albeit at times repetitive and perhaps even lackluster outfit creations of regular people? (And yes, I realize that I’m creating a somewhat oversimplified dichotomy here, but you get what I’m saying…)

So which type draws you in more?

Close-up, originally uploaded by academichic.

14 June 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

And as I leave you to ponder those questions, I will offer you a few more images of gorgeous Cluj… Hope you enjoy! S.

Cluj, Romania, originally uploaded by academichic.

Spotlight on: N.E.E.T. Magazine

Posted on | March 16, 2010 | 5 Comments

We have long been aware of N.E.E.T. magazine but we thought we’d bring it to your attention just in case you’ve not yet discovered this wonderful online publication. Not only is this publication free and available in its entirety online for your ocular consumption, it has also made it its mission to promote eco-friendly independent designers and artists, everyday style enthusiasts, bourgeoning photographers and writers, and in their own words “grassroots creativity”. It regularly features Etsy sellers offering handmade goods or independent small businesses and each issue also includes amazing photography, DIY posts, articles, and best of all: links! The advantage of an online magazine is that you can just click on something you like and go directly to the source. So just in case you needed something else to do while procrastinating online, we thought we’d share this little gem with you. Enjoy!

All images courtesy of N.E.E.T. Magazine.

3 January 2010 – Happy Birthday E.!!

Posted on | January 3, 2010 | 11 Comments

3 January 2009 – Happy Birthday E.!!, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Black Cardigan – BR Outlet
Blue Jersey Dress – Old Navy
Black Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
Grey Layering Tee – Banana Republic
Brown Belt- BR Outlet
Brown Boots – Banana Republic, via ebay
Purple Tights- BR Outlet

Endnotes:

Happy Birthday E.!!!

In the four birthday’s I’ve known E. I don’t think I have ever gotten to celebrate over a drink with her. One of us has always been out of town still for the holidays. One of these days, I swear I’m going to buy you a birthday drink!

Like S., I think of E. in slightly cropped skinny pants and a swing coat slouchy, cardigan, or bloused tee. I was also inspired by E. to buy a pair of skinny jeans, and eventually start wearing them paired with something other than chunky boots and a long tops. But, I also think of E and the master of the dress (particularly the jersey dress). I was taking style clues from E. long before this blog started and I think the most important look I have taken from E. is the day dress. I bought my first jersey dress (this black one) with E.’s help and that was only the beginning! (E. also hemmed this blue dress for me).

E. Birthday Tribute, originally uploaded by academichic.

In my mind E’s signature look is the cardigan layered over the jersey dress. She has worn this look over and over, while always keeping it fresh and interesting. In one of her first posts for Acadmichic she layered two jersey dresses over a wool skirt and then topped the whole thing off with a chunky cardigan. I thought it was genius! So this is a tribute to E’s love of the day dress. I also adore E’s color blocking and the way she can elevate any ensemble with the addition of purple tights!

Layred Dresses, originally uploaded by academichic.

I hope you are having a wonderful time in Hawaii! I can’t wait to see you when you get back!
Love, A.

Happy Birthday E.!, originally uploaded by academichic.

24 December 2009

Posted on | December 27, 2009 | 7 Comments

24 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Grey Wrap Cardigan – NY & Co
Black Henley – Gap
Green Ruffle Top – Old Navy
Skinny Jeans – Banana Republic
Black Patent Belt – Forever 21
Earrings – Hand-me-down from sister M.

Endnotes:

Happy Holidays dear readers! I have been traveling through the Midwest visiting my and A2′s families.

We spent Christmas Eve with my family and we were having too much fun to worry about capturing the perfect outfit-post picture, so these family snapshots will have to do.

I think all of my sister’s looked adorable – unfortunately the pictures are limited (no picture of sister R.) and I’m not positive where all their fabulous pieces are from. As you can see, the love of belting runs in the family!

24 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic

I wore my favorite comfy wrap cardigan and dressed it up with big black earrings and my holiday-perfect ruffly green top. I layered it all over my black henley for warmth and wore my skinnies so I could sit on the floor to open presents and play board games – a practical yet chic holiday ensemble.

I hope you are all enjoying your holidays! A.

24 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

2 December 2009

Posted on | December 2, 2009 | 13 Comments

2 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Brown Vest – American Eagle
Black Belt – Gap, from Sal
Plaid Shirt – Urban Outfitters
Cords- Gap Outlet
Orange Flats – Old Navy
Earrings – Gift

Endnotes:

When I was younger I wore plaid all the time – almost as often as I wore overalls (yes, I did spend much of my childhood looking like a farmer and or train conductor). Then in junior high, I wore flannel shirts and corduroy because my older sister was testing out grunge. I also wore a plaid uniform for 12 years! So, when I made it to college I gave up plaid for quite some time. I’m always finding myself drawn back to plaid, as much as I try to pull away.

Belted Vest, originally uploaded by academichic.

I now own a few plaid throws, scarves, and even a plaid belt, but only recently have I started trying on plaid shirts and even skirts! In fact, there are a few plaid items on my Christmas list, including this plaid jacket, which looks suspiciously like the pattern from one of my grade school uniforms.

Floral and Plaid, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’m still not sure how to style this new plaid shirt without falling back into either junior high grunge or childhood farmer, so I’m taking another cue from J Crew and belting my puffy vest and pairing it with flowers and a slightly dressier bottom half.

I know, I know, I’m belt crazy! What can I say, it’s what I do! :)

2 December 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

23 November 2009 – S. Birthday Tribute

Posted on | November 23, 2009 | 9 Comments

23 November 2009 – S. Birthday Tribute, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Green Shirt Dress – H & M
Black Jersey Dress – BR Outlet
Black Henley – Gap
Black Belt – from Sal
Black Boots – J Crew
Flowers – Blue Onion Marketplace
Earrings – Gift

Endnotes:

Last month E. and S. wore outfits inspired by my style to celebrate my birthday. Now it’s S.’s turn! HAPPY BIRTHDAY S!

I think both E.’s description of S.’s style as whimsical and S.’s own designation of her style as preppy romantic perfectly encapsulate S.’s creative and colorful approach to clothes, which I adore.

I am often inspired by S. to push myself in terms of both color and pattern, but today I am paying tribute to what has become one of S.’s signature looks – the layered dresses. S. has worn her shirt dresses over simple jersey dresses to create a sophisticated and rich look. And while green may not be S.’s signature color, she wears it beautifully, especially paired with black.

I also love how S. brings a touch of whimsical charm to her outfits, particularly through the flower brooch, which I am always a little hesitant to wear. She does it so well and even managed to layer two rather large flowers without letting them overwhelm the ensemble, so I’m giving it a shot with these two flower brooches from Blue Onion Marketplace.

I’m also wearing my hair curly for S.’s birthday because I love her curly hair and all the creative ways she styles it.

I miss you S., especially today! I wish I could be with you to celebrate your special day! I’m thinking of you! Love, A.

S. – style flowers, originally uploaded by academichic.

9 November 2009

Posted on | November 9, 2009 | 17 Comments

9 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Teal Cardigan – BR Outlet
Short-Sleeved Argyle Sweater – J Crew
Brown Skinny Belt – Ann Taylor
Denim Pencil Skirt – BR Outlet
Corduroy Blazer – Marshals
Earrings – Banana Republic
Wedges – Gap Outlet

Endnotes:

Today’s outfit was totally inspired by my desire to wear argyle – a preppy pattern I love but don’t actually wear that much anymore (except my ridiculous collection of argyle socks). The argyle print was one of the many reasons the birthday gift scarf from S. was so perfectly me! The lovely turquoise and olive diamond pattern reminded me of this old J Crew short-sleeved sweater.

9 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

When I first got this sweater years ago, I wore it all the time. However, as my style has shifted some, I’ve struggled with how to wear it in a way that still feels like me. So, I amped up the color palette and went a little layering crazy and ended up with this cozy analogous spectrum of greens and blues, accented by what better than caramel corduroy!

What pattern do you love but struggle to work into your daily wardrobe?

Tights and wedges, originally uploaded by academichic.

4 November 2009

Posted on | November 5, 2009 | 20 Comments

4 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Sweater Vest – BR Outlet
Green Sweater – BR Outlet
Skinny Jeans – Banana Republic
Boots – Banana Republic, via DSW
Necklace – Gift from Sister, M
Bakelite Earrings- Banana Republic
Bag – Urban Outfitters

Endnotes:

Now, I don’t want you to think that I am complaining about the sun for even one second, but . . . it has made taking outfit pictures a little challenging. I love you just the same, Sunshine!

I wear these brown plastic earrings often but have never really pointed them out. As a historian of modern and contemporary art, I need to just point out their fabulous material – Bakelite!

Bakelite Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

My mom bought me this sweater vest over a month ago for birthday. Little sisters M. and L. (she rocks the vest often) and E. (I’m pretty sure she doesn’t own a single vest) have all been encouraging me to try the vest for years now…

I love the way sweater vests look on other people and do think it generally fits with my style, but I hadn’t been able find the one that worked for me. They were to short, too long, too tight, too loose, had too much hardware,etc. and then I found this one! It’s the perfect length, has the perfect v-neck, tiny buttons, and the great braided weave detail.

sweater vest, originally uploaded by academichic.

I still couldn’t figure out how to wear it – hence the month delay on its premier. I like it with the skinnies and dark sweater underneath and also imagine it becoming a great layering piece as the weather gets colder.

What are your thoughts on the sweater vest? Are you a fan or is it too preppy for your style? Any suggestions for what to pair it with?

4 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

20 October 2009 – Secrets Revealed

Posted on | October 20, 2009 | 16 Comments

20 October 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Sleeve-less White Shirt – Gap
White Tee – H & M
Blue V-Neck – H & M
Black Pencil Skirt – Banana Republic
Brown Belt – Ann Taylor
Brown Wedges – Kenneth Cole Reaction
Silver Hoops – Banana Republic
Necklace – Gift from A2

Endnotes:

Here at Academichic Central, we had a bit of a heat wave today. While I was happily settling into my fall wardrobe, it’s nice to be able to wear my favorite wedges with bare legs (perhaps one last time).

New Shoes!, originally uploaded by academichic.

As I got dressed this morning, I thought of E.’s earlier post on the “surface spectacle,” in which she describes a process of tucking and securing that is eventually hidden by a seemingly seamless surface layer. I am all about layering! I consider my self a bit of an expert at it, actually. I love the look of visible layers like the tuxedo pleats under my sweater, but am also a seasoned user of the invisible layers.

I have layered this sleeveless tuxedo shirt under many a things, but it certainly works better under some items than others. Because it is a square cut (all wrong for my proportions) and not all that long, under a shape-hugging sweater like this, it needs to be held in place. So, I wore a white tee-shirt over the sleeveless shirt and then tucked both into my secret weapon…

Layers, originally uploaded by academichic.

Now, as you well know, I love pencil skirts and have found them to be rather flattering for me. This black pocketed beauty is the one I was pining over last month when I praised the pencil skirt. While the cut of the pencil skirt works well for me, anything that fits my lower body closely poses a problem. I have hips and thighs and they are NOT all muscle! My secret solution – SPANX! That’s right, I wear spanx and I love them. The way I see it, I am not trying to change my body with this little garment (they are extremely comfy, by the way), rather, the smooth surface spanks create, allow me to embrace my hourglass/pear figure and flaunt those hips!

So what’s your secret?

Belted pencil, originally uploaded by academichic.

A.’s Weekend Catch-Up Part 1

Posted on | October 6, 2009 | 5 Comments

A.’s Weekend Catch Up Part 1, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

On A.:

Skinny Jeans – Banana Republic, remixed
Black V-Neck Sweater – Banana Republic, remixed
Grey Jacket – Old Navy
Grey Tank – H & M, remixed
Blue Scarf – Old Navy
Tan Wedges – Gap Outlet, remixed

On L:

Prince Tee – Urban Outfitters
Black Cami – American Eagle
Scarf – Gift
Skinny Jeans – Old Navy
Grey Converse – Gift

On Dad (below):

Flat Front Jeans – Banana Republic
Olive Polo – Ralph Lauren
Grey Fleece – Columbia, via department store
Loafers – Johnston & Murphy

Endnotes:

This past weekend my parents and my youngest sister where in town to celebrate my birthday early. On Thursday night, I took them to an LGBT graduate student happy hour I helped organize.

I wore my new skinny jeans that I love and this fabulous 3/4 sleeve jacket, which my mom bought for me over the summer, and which I have been dying to wear but waiting for the weather to cooperate. I layered the jacket over a black v-neck sweater and that over a grey tank and finally finished it off with the bright pop of blue in the scarf. I also premiered my new haircut!

Scarf and Jacket, originally uploaded by academichic.

Little sister, L. wore a somewhat similar ensemble of skinny jeans, grey tee, and colorful scarf. As I’ve bragged before, L. has a great sense of style! With a significant age difference and being in rather different places in our lives, we have pretty different styles, but among other things we do share a great love of scarves and an even greater love of layers!

L.’s simple outfit of jeans and a T-shirt is made special in the details – the sippers at the bottoms of her jeans, the grey (rather than black) Chucks, the beautiful scarf, and the fact that said T-shirt is a tribute to Prince!

L.’s Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

Prince Tee, originally uploaded by academichic.

Both my sister and my parents were quite the hit at happy hour! They were even invited to and attended a late night drag show where the whole family had a blast! A.