academichic

Sources:

• Shirt: Banana Republic
• Sweater: BR Outlet
• Skirt: BR
• Belt: J. Crew
• Purple Tights (under): Target
• Magenta Tights: no idea!
• Shoes: Gucci via DSW

Endnotes:
Like S. I had a little urge to wear something in recognition of Valentine’s Day, but I didn’t want to look like I was being too thematic. I knew I wanted to layer dark purple tights under my magenta diamond patterned ones, in what is kind of a reversal of my previous look where I layered dark purple fishnets over the magenta tights. This look is definitely a more solid statement, but the purple peeks through enough to make my legs look almost iridescent in the light.

I like to wear something bright on Mondays since my students are usually tired AND today it is actually about 40 degrees, which has put me in the mood for color and spring! Have you noticed how dark your wardrobe becomes in winter? My purple cardigan darkens the overall outfit but contrasts a little with my bright turquoise shirt. The pink belt makes the outfit super matchy, but I don’t care. I like it. I feel a little bit like Rainbow Brite in this get-up, but I just couldn’t bare to remix my neutrals even with a pop of color – I needed to go all out today. Come to think of it, maybe I am Rainbow Brite. We did come into being in the same year!

Regardless of my true identity, I hope the first thing people notice besides my tights are my new purple wedges! I scored these the last time I was at DSW and they were literally hundreds less than what they had been. I figured that it was a sign from the shoe-gods that these had survived months on the shelf and were in my size. Happy Valentine’s Day to me!

I didn’t even notice that someone had pried the little gold interlocking Gs off the back until I got them home. Oh well, I’m not one for labels anyway. How have you spoiled yourself today?

Unseasonable, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Dolman cardigan: Ann Taylor
• Top: Forever 21
• Necklace: c/o Beadle Bop
• Belt: thrifted
• Skirt: thrifted
• Tights: Banana Republic Factory
• Wedges: MIA, via DSW

End Notes:

It’s not secret that I have lots of issues with “seasonality.” Having grown up in a one season climate, I didn’t really understand that there were certain fabrics, prints, or even cuts that were deemed more appropriate for one time of year over another. While I do understand and appreciate that, say, wool trousers are better suited for winter than summer, I continue to feel a certain freedom to, say, wear a full white cotton skirt in February, should the mood strike.

All that to say, yes, I am wearing a flower necklace while there is still crunchy gross snow on the ground. And I’m okay with that.

I’ve really enjoyed reading all of the comments on S.’s post on gender and jewelry and A.’s post on jewelry as sign. It’s so interesting to read about all the different cultural traditions, connotations, and practices relating to jewelry. My own family does not have much of a jewelry tradition. I have a little Hawaiian “E” initial pendant that was my grandmother’s, but really other than that, my familial jewelry connection and associations are minimal. I’m not sure how much of this is particular to my family and how much is further connected to issues of ethnicity and class. I remember my mom and most of my Japanese aunties having very subdued taste in jewelry. This has changed a bit in the past few years with a growing interest in “beading,” but still, I got some good-natured ribbing for how big my earrings and necklaces were on past visits home to Hawaii.

Really, if we’re going to psychoanalyze this, let’s be honest. I am maybe a little homesick right now, and wearing a flower necklace lets me pretend that I’m wearing a lei. Take that, winter.

Happy Go Lucky, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Cardigan: H&M
• Necklace: Forever 21, via consignment store
• Top: Banana Republic
• Jeans: c/o Lucky Brand Jeans
• Wedges: MIA Modern Wedges, via DSW

End Notes:

You know what I hate the most about jeans? The second day, when they get all saggy in the butt and you have to keep doing the little hike and hop wiggle.

But guess what? This photograph of the Lola skinny jeans, generously provided for review by Lucky Brand, was taken on the second day of wearing it and…no saggy butt. The denim has just a touch of stretch, but it’s substantial and frankly seems to have some magic thigh smoothing properties.

My only caveat is that, as a long torso girl, the Lola does not quite fit the bill as a mid-rise jean for me. I could use another half inch to an inch in the rise, especially on days when I’ll be moving around a lot. But, for nights out on the town, these jeans, with their dark wash and slick fit, would be a top option.

For the rest of the outfit, I decided to play the military cardigan against a rich, multi-strand gold necklace. It’s a little nod to European nineteenth century military portraits of kings and commanders in brass buttoned jackets with an excess of gold fringe and ornaments everywhere.

You know, like this guy:

Ivan Makarov. A Portrait of General N. G. Kazankov. 1861

Can you see it?

Sleek, originally uploaded by academichic.

Soccer Mom, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Cardigan: Loft
• Tank: Forever 21
• Gold belt: thrifted
• Pants: Banana Republic
• Taupe Wedges: Ralph Lauren
• Necklace: Tickette, birthday gift from Husband N.

End Notes:

Today was my first day of the semester. I know, I know. Where’s the skirt? Where’s the dress? Well, one of my personal style rut-preventers of the year is to try and recapture some of my former love for trousers. And I figured that I might as well get things off to a running start by wearing these black wool trousers to kick off the semester.

Now, when I was wearing this outfit I felt very nautical work chic. I had a little navy and black neutral mixing going on, a gold belt, and some killer taupe patent wedges. And for a classroom setting, I thought I had a nice mix of conservative, authoritative pieces with little punchy bits of personality in the accessories.

(Also, I was secretly wearing magenta socks.)

Socks Surprise, originally uploaded by academichic.

But when I took pictures of the outfit, the first thing that came to mind was…soccer mom. I think it’s the pale shoe with the wide leg pant, plus the striped tank.

And yet, I still decided to post these. I want to remember that not every outfit is meant to be shot for a catalog. Some outfits make me feel fantastic on the ground, when it counts, even though they might not look all that stunning up on the internet. I felt powerful and competent wearing this, and I don’t want a bland picture to take that away from me.

Besides, I’m fully planning on being team mom when baby e. plays soccer some day.

Soccer Mom, originally uploaded by academichic.

Literal Necklace, originally uploaded by academichic.

On the Move, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Scarf: gift from SIL, Chinatown
• Cardigan: Old Navy
• Tank: Old Navy
• Belt: thrifted
• Skirt: Banana Republic Factory
• Tights: Hue
• Shoes: Mia from DSW

On baby e.:

• Cardigan: Anthropologie, gift from a sweet friend
• Pants: Target
• Shoes: Target

End Notes:

All of the chics are still off enjoying time with family, but I thought I’d check in briefly to let you all know that I’ve enjoyed looking at your outfit suggestions created from my limited packing list and they’ve helped to keep me clothed in non-boring outfits since we’ve been in Houston! Thanks!

My days have been filled with cooking (and eating) delicious food, playing “telephone pictionary,” laughing and telling stories, and watching baby e. learn how to slide backwards down carpeted stairs. We’ll be back in the swing of things soon. In the meantime, I hope that many of you have been able to spend equally delightful time with those you love.

Red Ruffles, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Sweater: Elizabeth
• Scarf: thrifted
• Belt: J. Crew
• Skirt: J. Crew
• Tights: Kensie via Filene’s Basement
• Shoes: Tahari via Endless.com

Endnotes:
Another day of ruffles for me! I’ve had this sweater since college and haven’t worn it much because the ruffle always made me feel a little clown-ish. However, now that ruffles are all over the place I thought it deserved another try. Adding the volume of the scarf helped to offset the edging around the v-neck, which also made me feel a little more secure.

Red Ruffles and Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

The skirt is classic J. Crew and I’m not usually a fan of lighter colored shoes with tights, but for some reason my beige wedges were calling to me after I’d put on these delicious ribbed sweater tights (made of bamboo fiber!).

Tights and Scarf, originally uploaded by academichic.

I wasn’t sure what to do about making a waist for myself since the skirt sat pretty low, but had button details and tabs around the band. I didn’t want to tuck in my sweater, so I decided that the sweater could cover up the top of the skirt and I’d belt higher up in my silhouette to lengthen my legs and cut some of the bulk from my looser sweater. I took this inspiration from S. who did a great post in the Spring of 2009 about proportions and creating a waist using a skinny belt.

Red Ruffles, originally uploaded by academichic.

How do you create a waist when wearing a bulky or non-fitted sweater? ~ L.

Farewell, 30 for 30, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Cardigan: Gap
• Tee: Forever 21
• Belt: thrifted
• Pants: Ann Taylor
• Wedges: thrifted

End Notes:

It was tempting to try and end my 30 for 30 experience with some fabulous, exciting, innovative outfit.

Clearly, this is not that outfit.

But I do think that this look encapsulates what I most hoped to achieve by participating in the 30 for 30: to be able to put together polished, livable outfits with a limited closet during a month and a half where time was also severely limited by academic demands. This is easy and simple and machine washable and, quite honestly, the kind of outfit that is sometimes harder to put together than ones built around complex color schemes or pattern mixing.

I’m actually a little scared to have full closet access again. I so welcomed the structure of a minimal closet that I fear I might be overwhelmed when the flood gates of options burst open. Of course, since I’m leaving for a 20 day trip to Houston and Honolulu in just 10 days (eep!), I’ll be dipping back into this skill set in no time. 15 for 20? In a carryon? We’ll see.

Finally, in homage to our fearless 30 for 30 leader Kendi, I present to you: a backlit lens flare outfit shot. Except mine is taken in my backyard while baby e. took a nap.

Thanks for your thoughtful, funny, and encouraging comments throughout the 30 for 30. As soon as I turn in this dissertation prospectus draft I’ll recap all 30 looks.

10 November 2010 – Not in the Plan, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Blue v-neck: Forever 21
• Necklace: Forever 21
• Knit blazer: C&C
• Belt: thrifted
• Shorts: thrifted and chopped
• Wedges: thrifted

End Notes:

Right, so wearing a t-shirt and shorts — sans cardigan and tights — was not really in my plan for 30 for 30. But it’s WARM here today. Midwest weather, you baffle me. So while I left the house this afternoon to run errands wearing my knit blazer (below), I ended up taking it off because I just didn’t need it.

This is a double dose of boxy+slouch, not usually a combination that I go for. But today it worked for an easy, put-together look that made me feel a little bit like Katharine Hepburn. If Katharine Hepburn ever wore a t-shirt and shorts, that is.

10 November 2010 – Not in the Plan, originally uploaded by academichic.

10 November 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• T-shirt: Banana Republic
• Wrap Shirt: BR Outlet
• Trousers: BR
• Shoes: Tahari via Endless.com
• Belt: J. Crew
• Necklace: gift

Endnotes:
Unlike E. and A. I am not participating in Kendi’s 30 for 30 Challenge this time around, but will certainly jump in the next time this challenge comes our way. That being said, this outfit is a remix of several items that would definitely qualify as top choices for my 30 for 30. The ruffled wrap shirt is perfect mid-weight for this seasonal transition time of year. It also allowed me to try out a metallic leather skinny belt I had recently purchased at J. Crew.

10 November 2010 – close up, originally uploaded by academichic.

I’d been eyeing their variety of skinny belts for a while, and finally, most recent paycheck safely deposited, I sprang for a gold one and a silver one (remember, my mom always says to buy things in several colors if you really like it!). Don’t forget to ask for the “Educator’s Discount” at the register — 15% off can really help (Ann Taylor Loft also does this if you sign up)! Anyway, I was a little apprehensive about wearing heels with skinny pants, but I ended up really liking the extra length they gave me. What do you all think about heels with skinny or “cigarette” style pants?

~L.

10 November 2010, originally uploaded by academichic.

9 November 2010 – Grellowvy, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

• Cardigan: NY&Co, edited by me
• Navy tank: Target
• Belt: thrifted
• Skirt: Target
• Wedges: thrifted
• Pearl ring: vintage, grandmother’s

End Notes:

Day 2 of 30 for 30.

If gray+yellow is grellow, then can my favorite gray+yellow+navy be “grellowvy”? Or “nagrellow”? Or “gravellow”? Basically, whenever I pull out a gold/mustard/yellow-orange garment out of my closet, my hands grab navy as an accompaniment. It’s practically compulsive at this point.

I would promise you that I won’t wear this mustard cardigan again with navy during the rest of 30 for 30, but I don’t know if I can handle that kind of color reassociation therapy right now.

9 November 2010 – Grellowvy, originally uploaded by academichic.