Sunday, June 27, 2010

Up, Up, and Awhiteshirt

Draft:
Earlier Drafts:
I celebrated my oldest brother's college graduation in these pumps.
I practically sleep in these boyfriend jeans.  I've worn them over and over again.

Composition:
headband (J.Crew)
white button-down shirt (Gap)
boyfriend jeans (Gap)
nude heels (Nine West via Piperlime)

Usage:
I snapped these photos minutes after hauling my suitcase out of my car, up my front stairs, and onto my second floor landing.  Before changing into sweatpants and collapsing on the couch, I wanted to capture my latest traveling wear for you road tripping warriors: a simple outfit for a blissfully uncomplicated day of airport hopping and airplane reading.   (Speaking of reading, today while awaiting a flight in Charlotte, I completed Dave Eggers' Zeitoun.  Anyone else read the book or plan to?)

I just returned from a week spent between Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia.  I am sunburned and exhausted and energized.  Travel has that effect, doesn't it?  It yields a sort of tired vitality.  As such, my contented mood matches the time-worn dynamism of the classic white button-down.  The shirt is well-loved, yet resilient.  It's a sartorial staple that revives itself season after season.  I rely on it and these periodic jaunts to new scenes for similar reasons: both remind me to pare down my wardrobe and lifestyle to the basics, and, in so doing, they refresh my (out)look and my spirit. 

The girls and I don't normally post on Sundays, but our travel plans converge this weekend.  Katie and I return from our getaways, and Liz begins a week of relaxation.  Our post schedule won't change, never fear.  However, we are planning to showcase the new dressing ideas we've gathered from the fresh sights and faces.

Prompts:
  • I depend on this simple white button-down for airline travel.  What are your favorite garments for plane hopping?
  • I mentioned my latest read, Zeitoun by Dave Eggers.  Which books have made your summer list?
  • Where are your favorite vacation destinations?  What types of clothing do you pack for the locations?

5 comments:

Katie from Interrobangs Anonymous said...

The white shirt looks so refreshing on you. And I like it paired with the lighter jeans - it gives a much more relaxed and summer-y look than a dark wash would.

I just started reading "The Disappearing Spoon, and other true tales of madness, love, and the history of the world from the period table of elements." I mentioned a while back on the blog that I wanted to read it, and I was offered an advanced reader copy! Only on chapter 2, but I like it so far.

And as for any packing, anywhere, any time? Layers, layers, layers. And a tiara. You never know when you're going to need a tiara.

Raquelita said...

I love those pumps, my dear! They are fantastic with this otherwise very casual outfit!

I always freeze on planes, so, like Katie, I'm all about the layers. I usually wear or bring tights and a drapey cardi.

Ryan said...

What an effortless, adorable look! This is really great, it looks very cute and fashioable while looking saying, "Hey, I don't care, because it's freaking hot in the South." I was just in Charleston, and honey, it's not just hot, it's oppressive. Congrats on still looking fly despite the humidity!

Scholar Style Guide said...

You look great! I also dress in all kinds of layers for travel because I hate being cold.

Just finished my run along the beach and am catching up on my blogreader... so here from the OBX, I'd like to also add-- you look like Jennifer Grey again! In a totally positive way! : )

-Liz

Scholar Style Guide said...

Thanks for the comments!

Katie, congrats on the advanced reader copy! Lucky! Enjoy the reading. :)

Phew, y'all are right about the extreme fluctuation of temperatures. I went from sweating bullets outside in the 100+ degree heat to freezing my toes off on the airplanes. Layers are always a good idea.

Thanks for telling me I look effortless, fStL. I did not *feel* effortless, but, hey, fake it 'til you make it?

Liz, ever since I cut my hair I've received Jennifer Grey-related remarks. Especially when I don't blow-dry my curls. I feel ambivalent about it. She didn't like her nose, after all.

- Anne-Marie