19 February 2010 – In Search of Individuality

Posted on | February 19, 2010 | 20 Comments

19 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Scarf – vintage, from my grandmother’s closet
Green top – ON, thrifted
Blazer – J.Crew
Black skinnies – thrifted
Boots – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

First, some outfit remarks: This particular silk square scarf is actually from my grandmother’s collection. She decided that she doesn’t wear these kinds of bright colors anymore so she passed it down to me. It’s got a funny vintage carriage design on it with two carriage drivers in the center. This is not a design or motif that I would necessarily pick out for myself, but I realized that it doesn’t actually matter much what’s on the scarf as much as which colors are used for it. Once the scarf is folded, bunched, or tied, there’s often little more that a burst of color to be noticed. (See exhibit B here).

Today I pulled out this homage to 19th century transport because I really wanted that green edge to add to my green top + navy blazer combo. I tied the scarf using the ascot method and added black jeans and boots.

Scarf detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Ok, now on to the recent discussion we’ve been having over here. I really enjoyed E’s distinction between style and fashion and would like to add, that like E, I tend to use both high fashion and street style photography as a launching point (rather than an exact blueprint) for my own outfit creations. I would like my style to be a blend of different influences and aesthetics, not necessarily identifiable as a certain ‘look’ or ‘trend’. This is one of the reason why thrifting appeals to me so much; so many of my thrifted finds are unique and different and when I put together a stellar ‘thrifted’ outfit, I feel most successful in having performed Style rather than Fashion.

Which brings me to the topic of thrifting – I had asked in my last post about the ways that I – or you – use clothing or style as a means of resistance. And several of you pointed to thrifting as a conscious act of resistance against conspicuous consumption, or, as reader Lisa put it, as “an obvious rejection of our throw-away society”. I was struck by this comment because thrifting used to be a need-based practice for me while growing up. My clothes came from thrift stores because that’s all we could afford. It was by no means a political act back then. But as my financial circumstances have changed, the motives behind my shopping second-hand have as well. Now I thrift because I love the search and the hunt, but also because I really believe in the political practice of reusing, recycling, repurposing, and making things last.

It’s funny how resisting during totalitarian regimes would mean sneaking in foreign goods, which usually reflected the latest trends and the most modern creations, while resisting capitalism has us reaching for the old and the discarded. While these may appear like completely disparate practices, I’m struck by the similarity in the objective of both practices: it seems like both acts are done in search of individuality and out of a desire to be unique. And that bring me back to where we started – the question of Style vs. Fashion. I believe the reason so many of us prefer the term style blogger over fashion blogger is because we perceive the first to be more about expressing individuality and creativity rather than just following the masses. And as history has shown us, no matter what the political context, there is a certain irresistibility to standing out and perceiving oneself as unique and contrary to the status-quo. I guess wanting to be unique is not so unique after all. S.

19 February 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

28 January 2010

Posted on | January 28, 2010 | 20 Comments

28 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Button down – vintage, thrifted in Germany
Skinnies – thrifted in Germany
Gray wedges – Report, via Solestruck.com
Purple cadi – H&M

Endnotes:

This week we’re looking back to some of our first blogging inspirations. One of the first wardrobe_remixers I bookmarked was Future Lint. Here’s a girl who does not shy away from color, pattern, or from crazy vintage pieces… and I love that! I also happen to think that anyone who dresses up as a pregnant cheerleader is someone I’d like to hang out with. Future Lint describes herself as a lover of thrifting, biking, and DIY’ing, so she had me from the get-go. I used to be much more conservative in my thrifting approach, and as E. once mentioned, often looked for pieces that didn’t look thrifted. When I discovered Future Lint’s photostream, I realized how much fun thrifting and vintage shopping could be. Here was a girl with a wardrobe that just begged to be noticed: full of fun details, eye catching color combinations, awesome one-of-a-kind pieces, and overall cheerfulness that I found contagious.

So when I came across this crazy vintage shirt on my last thrifting expedition, I instantly thought of Future Lint. This seemed like the kind of shirt she’d wear and wear beautifully, but I found myself a bit intimidated by it. It’s just so colorful and loud and I was tempted to put it back. Only I couldn’t, I sort of fell in love with it and even found myself reasoning that this was something Anthropologie might sell…right? Do you see it?

Shirt detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Well, I am so glad I had a Little Future Lint sitting on my shoulder and nudging me to buy it because I love this shirt. It makes me happy just to be in the same room with it. Stay tuned for lots more outfit combinations with this one. For starters, I let it take center stage with a pair of black skinny jeans and gray wedges. And the purple cardi is dark enough that it almost works like another neutral thrown over it.

It seems like my running theme of this week is ‘thrifted fabulosity’. All of my initial style blogger crushes have that one thing in common: they’re all thrift and vintage goddesses, making fabulous outfits out of previously loved clothing. I forgot about that for a while and it wasn’t until I came abroad and found myself on a really tight budget that I truly rediscovered my love of thirfting. In addition to thrifting, I also want to follow these ladies’ example in DIY’ing more this year. I’m going to attempt to be more handy with my own acquisitions, not letting slight alterations deter me from overlooking a great find. So thanks, ladies, for reminding me what got me so excited about blogging and participating in the style blog community when we first got started! I have one more vintage and thrift goddess to celebrate tomorrow, so check back for my conclusion of Tribute Week on Friday. S.

28 January 2010 – With Cardi, originally uploaded by academichic.

18 January 2010 – Mod

Posted on | January 18, 2010 | 17 Comments

18 January 2010 – Mod, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Dress – vintage, thrifted in Munich
Navy cardi underneath – H&M
Necklace – Anthropologie
Watch – Coach, on loan from mom
Gray wool tights – drug store
Boots – Banana Republic

Endnotes:

Today I’m wearing this awesome vintage dress that I thrifted over the weekend. I love the Mod look of it and wanted to keep with that ‘theme’ by adding knee boots, a long necklace, and my hair in a high knot. Many of you have asked about thrifting and vintage buying tips when responding to our question of what you would like to see more of in Year Two of Academichic. I am definitely no voice of authority on the subject of vintage, but I do love thrifting. I love that it’s easy on the budget; that it’s a sustainable way of shopping that allows for repurposing and reusing rather than adding to our landfills; and that it’s a great way to score unique pieces that have a bit of a history and mystery to them. Lastly, I also just love the process. For me, the hunt for that treasure is as much fun as the end result itself.

18 January 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to dig or look for that needle in the haystack, than thrifting may be more of a nuisance that a treat for you. But if you similarly enjoy the hunt, then hit up those flea markets, thrift stores, or consignment shops in your area. When buying used and deeply discounted, I am far more likely to try on things outside of my usual ‘look’, as was the case with this Mod dress. Because I’m more likely to impulse buy and end up with things that I won’t need or wear, I ask myself the ultimate test question:

Do I love this so much that I would wear it out of the store right now if I could?

This usually helps me keep my thrifting in check and my purchasing to a reasonable amount. We would love to keep discussing this topic with you in future posts and we would love to hear from you what it is that you’d like to address in terms of thrift store shopping or vintage buying (the latter being something we’re relatively inexperienced in). Leave us a comment with either your tips or your questions on this topic, we look forward to hearing from you! S.

18 January 2010 – Mod, originally uploaded by academichic.

19 November 2009

Posted on | November 19, 2009 | 12 Comments

19 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Navy cardigan – H&M, remixed
Navy tank – Old Navy, remixed
Wrap skirt – Boden, thrifted, remixed
Navy tights – my mom’s from the 80s
Gray wedges – Report, via Solestruck.com, remixed endlessly
Ring worn as pendant – C&A

Endnotes:

This outfit was designed around this gorgeous Boden skirt that I thrifted this past summer in San Francisco. It is the one patterned skirt that I chose to bring with me to Germany and I’m so glad I did. This morning, it hung there in my closet just begging to be pulled out and worn. To keep it as the outfit’s focal point, I added only navy around the skirt – tights, top, cardigan in navy and, of course, my beloved gray wedges.

Inside out braid, originally uploaded by academichic.

In an attempt to be more creative with my hair, I followed the wonderful video tutorial of Orchid Grey on how to do a braided thingy that wraps around your head and ends in a side-knot. (Here are some images of it when perfectly executed). I left my hair in a low side ponytail rather than in a knot because I was happy with it like that, but will have to try the knot next time.

I just discovered Orchid Grey and I’ve already bookmarked it as a new favorite. The author, Julie, has a wonderful sense of style and the most amazing hair. I want to copy both her wardrobe and her hairdos. I admit it, I have a slight case of Single White Female going on here, but I think you’ll understand if you go check out her site. S.

19 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

22 September 2009 – Thrifty

Posted on | September 23, 2009 | 13 Comments

22 September 2009 – Thrifty, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Wine cardi – The Limited
Pieced top – Eloise, thrifted
Gray jeans – thrifted
Brown wedges – thrifted

End Notes:

As A. mentioned, we went on a little thrifting trip yesterday afternoon. I’ve managed to move one more size closer to my pre-preggers state, and given how swimmingly my first post-partum thrifting excursion went I felt fully justified in seeing if the thrifting fairies would do their magic once more.

(Preggers readers, I cannot adequately praise the confidence-boosting power of a pair of great fitting pants or a non-elastic waist skirt when you are in your fourth trimester. And I will happily pay $4 for a pair of jeans that may have a shorter longevity in my closet but make me happy in my stretched out skin.)

Top Detail, originally uploaded by academichic.

Perhaps one of my favorite benefits of thrifting is the opportunity to try a look or a piece out that I am uncertain about. Take this top, for example. I surprised myself when I pulled it off the rack for a second look. While I like the color, it’s not something that I would have gravitated towards in a retail store. The low price, however, prompted me to feel a little bolder, a little more willing to try incorporating something different into my wardrobe without worrying too much about financial repercussions. And I’m glad I did!

Are you more experimental in your choices when thrifting? Or does your aesthetic remain the same as when you’re shopping retail?

7 September 2009 – Old School

Posted on | September 8, 2009 | 18 Comments

7 September 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

All remixed but earrings.

Nursing tank: Old Navy
Belt: Gap Outlet
Floral skirt: thrifted
T-straps: target.com
Vintage flower earrings: Vintage Threadz on etsy.com

End Notes:

I don’t usually do vintage chic, but yesterday’s outfit had some kind of old school feeling going on. Maybe it was the fact that my mom had t-straps like this almost thirty years ago or that the lime-and-coral color combination in the skirt’s print had a little bit of a seventies vibe, but it seemed natural to belt the skirt up high and to pair these vintage flower earrings — another treasure from Vintage Threadz on Etsy — with the whole thing.

Vintage Flower Earrings, originally uploaded by academichic.

When I first snagged this skirt at a local thrift store, I only wore it with brown. It seemed a safe choice with such a bold, colorful print. This past winter, however, before the baby bump really popped, I wore it with rich plum and saturated blue green. (I’m realizing, somewhat belatedly, that the reason the blue green makes sense — in the scarf in February and in this tank top currently — is because it serves as a complementary color to the red orange flowers in the skirt.)

It’s easy to fall into a rut when trying to pair things with a particularly bold print. Now that I fit into this skirt again, I’m taking suggestions for what to partner with it. What would you like to see? Just how versatile can a salmon and chartreuse floral skirt be?

7 September 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

4th Trimester Style: Minding the Gap

Posted on | August 28, 2009 | 21 Comments

A couple of weeks ago I recapped my experience of trying to dress stylishly through my 6 months of “obvious” pregnancy. Now post-bump I am picking my way through the new style challenges of the so-called “4th trimester” as all my internally displaced organs rearrange themselves and my hips try to decide if they ever want to return home. So many of you have been very kind and gracious in complimenting me on the quick recovery of my waistline, and I certainly appreciate your encouragement. Still, in the interest of intellectual honesty, you should know…

I am a long way off from fitting back into my pre-preggers pants and skirts.

Oh, yes, good readers, I have some significant jiggly below my stomach that seems to be in no real hurry to leave. Between having a torso of epically long proportions and carrying low throughout my pregnancy, my post-preggers body has managed, weirdly, to achieve a flat abdomen with all the squish hanging out below. I’m serious.

Ultimately I remain relatively unfazed by this state of affairs. My body is recovering from some pretty dramatic stuff, and having my beautiful son in my arms is worth a pooch below the belt. Still, the fact remains that the clothes that made me feel best pre-preggers — my favorite jeans, my denim skirts, my beloved trousers, and my sleek pencil skirts — must remain relegated to the basement for a while longer.

So that left me with a couple of choices:

Resign myself to wearing only stretchy fabrics and maternity pants for the next three months
Obsess crazily about crunches and carbohydrates in an attempt to hasten my return to pencil skirts
OR fill this style gap with new (or new-to-me) clothes

I chose the third option and, a few weeks ago, ventured out to the my neighborhood thrift store with a budget of $30. An hour and many garments later, I left with a pair of gray trousers to cut into bermuda shorts, two pairs of jeans, three tops, and a pair of wedges. Seriously, it was like Christmas.

But here’s the thing. Those pants and jeans? They’re two sizes larger than my pre-preggers size. At first it was a little bit of a blow to my ego to pull jeans from the rack that my post-baby hips absolutely refused to fit into. But then…then I slipped on this pair of jeans and did a happy dance in front of the mirror.

Three Cheers for the Thrifting Fairies

They fit perfectly and, in doing so, made me feel like I had my pre-preggers body back early. I mean, if they can make my legs look three days long I could care less what number is stamped on the tag. And as if the thrifting fairies weren’t already being exceptionally kind, the jeans were 7 For All Mankind — my first time owning this coveted brand — and cost only $8. And those pants-turned-bermudas? They’ve become a sleek, go-to staple in recent weeks. And that other pair of jeans? With some minor alterations, I have a custom-fit pair of harder-to-come-by straight leg jeans.

So while I’m still committed to getting back into shape, this little thrifting trip has made a world of difference for my postpartum self-esteem. Again, I’m dressing the body I have now, and dressing it in “real” clothes. Clothes with waistbands. Clothes that are flattering. Clothes that, perhaps most importantly, let me delight in being a mom, without fretting or feeling guilty about worry over my body. To me, that’s worth much more than $30 at Goodwill.

11 June 2009

Posted on | June 11, 2009 | 14 Comments

11 June 2009 , originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Brown tee – H&M
Skirt – Boden, thrifted in San Fran last week!
Red espadrilles – BR Outlet, remixed
Necklace – Anthropologie, remixed

Endnotes:

This skirt is one of the goodies I thrifted at the Haight Street Goodwill in San Francisco last week! It looked very Anthropologie-ish to me, and sure enough, both E. and A. exclaimed the same thing when they saw it. It’s made by Boden (a UK company), and they offer quite the selection of cute skirts and dresses in all sorts of wonderful colors and prints online.

And speaking of cute colors and adorable prints…I got a sneak peak at E.’s nursery yesterday! And I couldn’t love it more! It made me want to be baby e. so that I could just curl up in there and be happy. I think you’re all going to love it when she reveals some pictures of it soon. S.

Question to Readers: San Francisco Travel Tips?

Posted on | May 27, 2009 | 12 Comments

Earlier today I wrote about my packing plan for Munich, but before I take off across the ocean, I venture out to a closer destination next week: San Francisco! I’ve been there once before but am not very familiar with the city and would love any tips on must-see things or on any good thrift stores or used book stores I could peruse while there. Thank you so much for any tips you may have! S.

24 March 2009

Posted on | March 24, 2009 | 14 Comments

24 March 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Navy button-down – H&M
Black skirt – Old Navy, remixed
Red belt – TJMaxx, custom-fit by me with belt hole puncher
Red wedges – Etienne Aigner, thrifted
Earrings – gift from T, thanks!

Endnotes:

These awesome red wedges were my thrift find I mentioned while on Spring Break a while ago, and it’s finally warmed up enough that I can wear them. I have been finding a ton of wonderful shoes while thrifting lately, which makes me think that the shoe-thrifting fairies are smiling down on me.

Which is nice, since the sleep fairies and the work fairies have been pretty MIA lately. I think they’re all off partying it up, while I’m struggling for inspiration in my work and losing sleep over it at night. What do you do when you can’t fall asleep? Any suggestions? How do you quiet your mind at the end of the day, when your brain just won’t stop running although your body’s begging for rest? Words of wisdom are welcome! S.