Last Day of Classes!

Draft:

Earlier Drafts: 
I debuted these boots on Tuesday, and I've worn this dress differently here and here.

Composition: 
faux turquoise beaded necklace (Kohl's)
brown and white print dress (Target)
long oatmeal cardigan (Target)
cognac faux-leather wide stretch belt (Charlotte Russe)
brown tights layered over gray tights (NY&Co)
cognac leather riding boots (Steve Madden, gifted)

Usage:
Today's the last day of classes for me this semester!  This means I'm collecting final research papers from my students, attending my final grad class of the term, and heading to our end-of-semester graduate student potluck.

I wore this outfit on Tuesday, though, for the second to last day with my students.  I know it's not too innovative to wear my new cognac boots with a brown ensemble, but a long cardigan is a step into new territory for me.  I was a big fan of this look from S. at Narrowly Tailored, so when I saw these long cardigans on sale at Target for $15, I finally picked one up and promptly ripped off her styling techniques to put together my own outfit.  I liked how the long cardi gave the outfit a bit of a "wrapped in a blanket" type feeling, and though it's a lot of brown, I liked how the cognac belt and boots complemented the chocolate brown of the dress and the tights.  I put the turquoise necklace on to serve as a pop of color, but I'm not that thrilled with what it adds to the outfit.  I kind of think I should have just embraced the brown and worn some brown beads instead.

My students are expected to evaluate their participation at several points throughout the semester, so they submitted their last self-evaluations on Tuesday.  There is a space to add "comments," and normally, if they write anything at all, they use this space to explain why they don't talk much in class, to ask if coming to office hours counts as participation, etc.  Most of them leave it blank.  Yesterday, one of my quieter male students wrote "This class taught me a lot about writing," and one of my quieter female students wrote 2 or 3 sentences telling me she really appreciated my teaching style.  Neither of them has ever complained about a grade, or asked for extra credit, or done anything to suggest they might be fishing for favoritism, so their unexpected notes were nice to read.  During my office hours, the three students who'd scheduled appointments to talk about last minute questions for the final papers stopped in, and I was so pleased with how much work they're putting in.  I am genuinely looking forward to reading their papers after chatting with them briefly yesterday.

These interactions reminded me that while it's so easy to get frustrated by the handful of students who demand a lot of attention by sending unnecessary emails, complaining about grades, etc., it's important to keep in mind that those students don't speak for everyone.  Teaching this semester has been a constant struggle to try to re-learn some of the things I first learned as a high school teacher.  I remember now that oftentimes student silence is a sign that everything is going fine.  I generally aim for my courses to be ones in which students get out of them what they put in, so it is rewarding to hear that those students who are making the effort are learning.  I tend to begin to feel like my work is futile when one or two students want to pass the blame off on me for their underperformance.  Yesterday served as an important reminder:  If the students who wanted to learn from my class feel like they did, the class has been a success.

Since many of you teach in different capacities, I wanted to share this reminder with you as you gear up to grade final assignments or final exams.  Your students probably learned a lot more than you realize.  I think we can all remember a class we took in which our instructor would have had no idea how much we loved it or how much we learned from it.  I'm hoping I can keep that in mind as I grade their final papers and as I reflect back on my first semester with undergrads.

Prompts:

• How do you wear long cardigans?  Please share links!
• If you teach, what are some ways that you work toward keeping a healthy perspective on your success as an instructor?  Any other tips for keeping those critical students from getting to you?

Shifting Boot Signification

Draft:

Earlier Drafts: 
These distressed skinnies have gotten plenty of mileage this fall.

Composition: 
chunky cream sweater (Old Navy clearance)
polish (OPI Can You Tapas This?)
distressed skinnies (American Eagle)
cognac leather riding boots (Steve Madden, gifted)

Usage:
How great are these boots?!  Last winter I bought the pair of affordable Steve Madden slouch boots which have featured prominently on the blog because I wanted to experiment with tall boots for the first time in ages.  I had sworn off tall boots in 2004 when I wore (what I thought were) a tasteful pair to teach and one of my co-workers informed me that my high school students were calling them "dominatrix boots."  They had a round toe and a thick heel, but apparently a boot didn't need a pointy toe or a stiletto heel to classify as "dominatrix" so long as it was a knee high leather one.

Boots have come a long way since then, no?  There are so many options available now!  It seems like they've moved out of "trend" territory and have established themselves over the past few winters as a women's wardrobe staple.  The attitude toward them seems to have changed as they've become more widespread, and they seem to signify differently, too.  When I wore mine to teach in 2004, I thought it was acceptable because all the businesswomen in Chicago, near where I went to undergrad, wore them to work in the winter.  Apparently they were still unusual in my more rural school district in an area with a more moderate climate.  Now they're so ubiquitous that unless a teacher's boots have an especially pointy toe or skinny, tall heel, I don't think students even blink.  Though I guess that wearing them with short skirts still gives tall boots a different connotation.

I found myself reaching for those gray boots more and more, and one of my favorite features of wearing them was how they could turn a cozy, casual outfit into a chic look.  I wore them so often, in fact, that I decided to ask for a nice, high quality pair of cognac riding boots from my husband for Christmas.  I love everything about this pair.  They fit my fairly slender calves, the hardware details make them unique, the leather is buttery but sturdy, and I love how the zipper up the back is incorporated in the design of the boot-- it gives them just a touch of a bada** feel.  It also makes them super easy to get on and off.

I also think the boots might have super powers.  My husband has been encouraging me along and picking up the slack as I try to get through my hectic end-of-semester, and strapping these beauties on for the last few days of sitting in front of my computer helped me push through and finish a really complex thought experiment.  We joked about putting their box under the Christmas tree, but being able to wear them for these next few weeks is a great gift!

Prompts:

• Do you agree that tall boots signify differently now than they did even a few years ago? What factors do you think contribute to this change?
• Have you adopted boots as a wardrobe staple?  If so, how many pairs do you own? And which colors do you favor?  I've been surprised to find that my gray pair seem even more versatile than a black pair might have been.
• What do you pair with cognac leather?

Please Share Your Leather Care Advice!

Hi All!  I've just received these boots as an early Christmas present from my husband, and I can't wait to show you how fantastic they are in an outfit post.

However, I'm hoping you'll share your leather care advice so I can properly treat the leather before I take them out in the elements.  I've read online that some people use beeswax, and there are a lot of different treatments you can purchase at the store, so I am curious what method of weatherproofing has worked best for you.

If you have a treatment or a product that you've had good success with, please share it in the comments!  Thanks, and I hope you all have a great weekend!

-Liz

image via Piperlime (or as I like to call them, "Definitely Not Zappos")

Skirts on a Plane

Draft:

Earlier Drafts:
I've worn this skirt with these boots before.
I like pairing this simple black turtleneck with colorful accessories.

Composition:
black short-sleeved turtleneck (H&M)
burgandy skirt (American Eagle)
black opaque tights (Target)
boots (Dingo via Zappos)
military style jacket (Macys)

Usage:
After having a blast at my cousin's wedding, I had to fly back home - a trip I blame for my recent cold.  I usually opt for a minimalist, simple look while flying, though I've tried switching it up a bit.  I'm always freezing on planes, so I normally wear jeans, long-sleeved shirts, flats, and I usually tuck socks and a cardigan in my carry-on.  This time, though, I took a cue from La Historiadora de Moda from Fashionable Academics and from Anne-Marie on trying a non-pants outfit with boots on a plane.

This skirt is comfortable, and the opaque tights are surprisingly warm.  Anne-Marie was right about the boots with socks keeping you warm - worked like a charm.  I was shocked to find that this outfit kept me warm enough to take off my jacket for almost the entire flight.  I bought it in September but hadn't had an occasion to post it before.  Though this raincoat is one of my favorite items ever - and probably garnered the most comments of any piece of clothing I've ever owned - I really wanted a simple fall jacket to just throw on for a little extra warmth.  This military style jacket is versatile, on-trend (though that's never really a selling point for me, just a coincidence), and inexpensive.  Perhaps its key selling point is that it's made of sweatshirt-type material, making it comfortable enough to fall asleep in on a plane.

Prior to my trip, I thought that this outfit would be a fine travelling ensemble, but not a great one.  However, I found it to be a comfortable, cute alternative to my normal jeans-and-a-t-shirt look.  Also, getting a sweet compliment on it from my boyfriend when he picked me up also helped convince me to consider furthering my styling choices for air travel (though I suspect he would have said it no matter what I was wearing).

Prompts:

• Do you wear skirts on planes?  Boots?
• What do you look for when purchasing jackets?
• How important are current trends to you?

Blogging Break Needed

Draft:

Composition:
gray long sleever (Target)
red open cardigan (Express, gifted by my sister)
distressed skinnies (American Eagle)
gray slouch boots (Steve Madden)
gold lame skinny belt (Charlotte Russe-- to be debuted in sincerity soon)

Usage:
You guys, I really need to take a blogging break.  So I'm posting this outfit even though I don't think it is bloggable at all.

I hope all of you stateside enjoyed a restful, relaxing, and/or productive Thanksgiving weekend with plenty of good food and good company.  I don't feel rested or relaxed, but I've gotten a lot of work done, so I don't feel panicked, either, which is an improvement over my state of mind two days ago.  After spending a nice Thanksgiving with my sister and my husband's extended family, I began a marathon paper writing session.  This means there hasn't been a lot of fashion going on in this house, but I thought you might be interested in how I dress for an extended period of mental heavy lifting.  (Or maybe, even if you don't care, you're just begging for a new post to pop up your reader so you can take a break for 2-3 minutes, as I've been doing for the past few days.)

While I sometimes find that dressing up helps me "bring my A game" to my work, this particular paper has felt more like slogging along than showing off.  So I've been wearing comfortable clothes that allow me to settle in for the duration.  I get cold easily, so layers are important.  For some reason, I also insist on writing in really long sleeves.  One of my favorite things about this sweater my sister gave me is the length of the sleeves.  Its drapey, open fit also makes it feel a little bit like a blanket.  And while writing in boots might seem strange, my feet get cold really easily, and this look is definitely preferable to the puffy striped socks/red flats look I was rocking yesterday.

I also employ some other profoundly nonsensical practices when trying to get through a really difficult thought experiment.  I eat a lot of gummy peach rings and drink a lot of wild cherry diet pepsi (because the two balance each other out?).  Thankfully, this glucose/aspartame cocktail has been supplemented this time by several heapings of my grandmother-in-law's delicious stuffing.  When I get stuck, I ask iTunes to play me a random song, take a break while it plays, and then get back to work once it's finished.  Sometimes my mind is blank during these 3-4 minute breaks, and sometimes I have important thoughts.  Yesterday I had a great idea while I listened to "Toes" by the Zac Brown Band with my forehead resting on the table.  (Have you seen the movie trailer where Paul Rudd smashes his head on a table after getting bad news on the phone-- starting at 0:45?  I can't tell you how many times I have imagined myself doing that these past few days.)  Sometimes the song iTunes chooses makes me laugh, like when "(I've Got To) Stop Thinking About That" by James Taylor cued up.  I wish I could, James.

Since I fear I might have disappointed you with my uninspiring outfit or my random babbling about my paper writing, I'll leave you with a photo of Oscar acting like life is hard.

Prompts:

• What do you wear when it's time to settle in and get down to business?
• Do you have any tricks of your own that help you get through a difficult task?

Student Conference Attire

Draft:

Earlier Drafts: 
AM gave me this graphic tee as a graduation gift, these boots are one of my favorite cool-weather staples, and I wrote about working from home in these skinnies.

Composition:
Moby Dick tee (gifted from AM via Out of Print)
cream cardigan (Anne Taylor)
light wash skinnies (American Eagle)
gray slouch boots (Steve Madden)

Usage:
Starting tomorrow, I'm meeting each of my students for a student-led conference.  I've given them a set of requirements to prepare before the conference so they can come ready to ask me questions.  I want to avoid the type of conference where I do a lot of talking, the student does a lot of head nodding, and then he/she forgets everything we discussed.  I'm hoping that if they show up knowing what they want to get out of the meeting, setting time aside for conferences will be more beneficial.  We'll see how that goes.

I'm also working on creating an environment conducive to the type of conversation I want to have with each student.  Rather than asking them to come to my office, where some of them seem to be intimidated, I'm meeting them in the main library on campus.  I'm also planning to wear jeans to give off the "I'm also approachable and I want to help you" vibe.  The outfit above is quickly turning into one of my favorite casual iterations: interesting top+ cardigan+ skinnies+ interesting shoe.  I'm not planning to wear this outfit-- I'm not sure it's a good idea to wear this particular word across my chest while meeting with students-- but I'm thinking about wearing something like it.

I wonder what you all think?  Should I avoid skinny jeans? Graphic tees?  Should I wear something more "professional" on top to mitigate the jeans on bottom?  Would it be better to stick with more formal, dark wash jeans?  I'm really curious about your suggestions for this particular teaching moment, whether or not you've instructed undergrads before.

Prompts:

• What type of outfit would you suggest in order to facilitate the kind of conversation I've described above?
• Are there any specific items of clothing you think I should avoid-- either because they're too informal or for any other reason?
• Do you have any other tips for running student conferences?  I'm all ears (or eyes?)!

Back in the Saddle

Draft:

Composition:
white pleated button-down (Martin & Osa)
grey blazer (Gap)
plaid skirt (Loft)
grey tights (Hue)
riding boots (Etienne Aigner via DSW)

Usage:
On the last day of May I declared a personal hiatus from the formal classroom.  Today, five months later, I'm returning to school.  Although I'm only filling in as a substitute teacher, I'm excited and nervous to operate in an academic setting again.

Today I'm sporting equestrian-inspired footwear to commemorate jumping back in the academic saddle.  My skills may be rusty, but my enthusiasm for education has undergone a revival.  Giving myself a breather, exploring other employment options, and reacquainting myself with arts education have reminded me how much I enjoy learning.  Here's hoping that energy sustains me through this period of re-training.

Not only is this new teaching experience allowing me to exercise a dormant part of my brain, but it's also enabling me to explore a neglected section of my closet: professional clothes.  Months ago, when I felt overwhelmed by DIY house projects, I longed for this day.  Now I'm relishing the break from casual apparel and embracing professional attire.

I especially like that the changes in my employment coincide with the changes in season.  It infuses the "turning over a new leaf" concept with new meaning.  (And there's a bit of schmaltz to get you through Friday.)

Enjoy the weekend!

Prompts:

• I mentioned that my professional clothes have been on vacation until now.  Do you organize your closet according to context -- sorting clothes into "casual" and "professional" categories -- or do you cross-purpose your clothes to suit a variety of settings?
• Is this outfit overly themed?  Too, erm, suitable for a polo match?
• Teachers, what are your favorite go-to ensembles?

Thoughts on Fur

Draft:

Composition:
cream cotton bow-tie top (Halogen via Nordstrom)
faux fur vest (Old Navy)
orange print skirt (Tucker for Target, gifted)
brown tights (Merona)
suede and leather boots (Franco Sarto via DSW)

Usage:
Today I attempt to parse my fist-pumping affection for the current furlike garment revival.  I can't decide if I'm for the democratization of fur in its less expensive faux forms, or if I'm legitimately opposed to authentic animal-derived garments.  Perhaps both.  Except, if the latter holds true for me, then I'd have to ditch these leather boots on ethical grounds.  And, frankly, I like leather.  Why doesn't wearing leather make me uncomfortable in the same way wearing genuine animal hair makes me uneasy?  It's likely that the tanning process so de-characterizes animal hides that it renders them unrecognizable, making it easier for wearers like me to disassociate the product from the source.  Not so with animal fur.  I wore a faux rabbit hair vest to class once, and, upon hugging me, a student declared she had "caught a bunny."

Not only do ethical issues make me uneasy about wearing genuine fur, but the same issues make me wary about the mere semblance of the authentic.  To the extent that, when wearing faux fur, I feel it necessary -- albeit ridiculous -- to preface all garment-related (ok, and -unrelated) conversation with "Don't worry,this isn't real."  Which is what I did yesterday while sporting this Old Navy vest.  (I can confirm that framing smalltalk in such a way ensures awkward social situations.)  If the mere suggestion of the authentic makes me bristle, then why not consider prints like the one Katie interrogated yesterday problematic?  Sure, gesturing at animal-derived material via printed cotton is less threatening, but exactly which garments warrant moral unease?  Only the real animal-derived clothes, or the ones that gesture at the real too?

I ask because this weekend, between handing out candy to costumed neighborhood kids, my husband and I chatted about our favorite childhood Halloween get-ups.  A psychologist's son, my husband noted that he was restricted or spared from (depending on your interpretation) wearing costumes that referenced violence or included pretend weapons.  "Why?" I asked. "Fake weapons are, well, fake."  To which he responded, "The semblance of the real can be problematic -- even harmful -- too."  Fair enough.

Should the same principle apply to fur?

Prompts:

• Ok, no holds barred, where do you stand on the animal fur issue?  Do you wear genuine animal hair garments, faux animal hair garments?  Do you wear animal prints?
• If you don't wear genuine animal fur for ethical reasons, then please elaborate on them.  As I'm thinking through this issue, it'd be helpful to hear your rationale.
• Since I mentioned leather too, what do you think about wearing it?  I haven't sufficiently researched the processes for preparing either animal fur or leather, so I'm wondering if they differ in important ways.
• On a lighter note, blogging friends weren't kidding when they raved over the Tucker for Target line.  This skirt is ubercomfortable, and the print works in my wardrobe even better than I expected.  Huzzah!

Slight Alterations

Draft:

Composition:
burgandy skirt (American Eagle)
brown top (Wet Seal)
boots (Dingo via Zappos)
octopus necklace (gift from boyfriend via ModCloth)
purple cardigan (Marshalls)
glasses (Jill Stuart)

Usage:
This wasn't the outfit I planned to wear today.  The outfit I composed in my head didn't work in person.  I'm curious how/where others put together their outfits.  Most often, I consider options the night before, then really put it together in my head while in the shower or while eating my cereal and reading gossip columns serious news.  Then I try the outfit on, make adjustments as need (like today, when I scrapped the whole thing and started over again), and then add accessories.  It's still relatively warm here in SSG Headquarters (note: whenever I type that, I picture a fashionable Fortress of Solitude), and I decided to take advantage of it by taking the possible/probable last chance for bare legs.

Also, this outfit made me think about the many different appearances one may have on campus during the day.  Tuesdays are "Twelve Hour Tuesdays," meaning that I usually spend twelve hours on campus.  During that time, I'll usually throw on a cardigan, take it off, repeat as necessary.  Usually by around 7:00, my hair is driving me crazy, so I put it up.  Thus, you can generally see me on campus with some slight variety in my look.

Prompts:

• How do you compose your outfits?  Do you lay them out or plan them the night before?  Do you plan them in your head first or do you need to be in front of your closet?
• How do you change your looks over a long day (or do you at all)?

Mid-Semester Slump

Draft:

Earlier Drafts:
I've found this purple dress to be more versatile than I expected, I wore this purple patterned top early in one of my first posts, and this gray cardigan gets almost as much wear as my gray boots.

Composition:
black, purple, and gray patterned top (Target)
gray cardigan (NY&Co)
purple jersey dress worn as a skirt (Victoria's Secret)
gray leather slouch boots (Steve Madden)

Usage:
You guys don't mind me being a little blurry, I hope-- Katie and I were experimenting with new photo shoot locations on campus, and we liked this brick wall, but we didn't quite get the camera settings right for the lighting.  I wanted to share this look though, because it's my favorite kind-- a brand new look that incorporates items I've had for a while but never thought to wear together before. 

I've had a busy week, and I haven't been able to post for quite a while because my computer was getting repaired (thankfully, under warranty!).  I hope you've all been doing well since my last post and that those of you working/studying in academia are surviving that mid-semester slump.  I'm at the point in my semester where I have to make a daily list of things to accomplish and cross them off one by one.  If I don't do this, I start to feel really overwhelmed by how much I have going on during any given day and how much I have yet to accomplish before the end is in sight.  On the day I wore this outfit, for example, I was on campus from 8am to 9pm!  It was super rainy, too, so I was glad to be in a moveable, comfortable outfit that made me feel good even through the long day.

Happy weekend, all!  

Prompts:

• How frequently do you come up with new "looks" using items you've had for quite some time?  Do you get as excited as I do when you create a brand new outfit by "remixing"?
• What are your strategies for getting through overwhelmingly busy periods at work and/or school?  Do you cut back on your blogging/blog reading during those periods, or do you use blogs as your mental escape?  I've still been reading all of my blogs, but I haven't had a chance to comment as frequently as I usually like to.

Everyday Costumes

Draft:

Composition:
tan tank top (Old Navy)
blue and white peasant skirt (H&M)
brown boots (Dingo via Zappos)

Usage:
Weather here at SSG Headquarters has been abnormally warm through the first month of fall.  Recently, temps hit over 80 degrees.  When we're all dying to pull out our fall clothes, especially to boot up, the return of (or lack of departing) summer weather puts a damper on our seasonal aspirations.  Still, it being October and all, I didn't want to return completely to the carefree stylings of summer.  So I wore this long skirt, paired with a tank top for the heat, and insisted on boots for more of a fall feel.  Simple and cute.

This outfit is by no means over the top or really anything special.  However, I characterize it as "costumey" for me, as it doesn't really fit into my normal style.  This is the only long skirt I own, and it is the only peasant skirt I have ever bought or probably even considered buying.  I purchased the boots recently, looking for something outside my normal shoe comfort zone, and I quickly fell in love with this super comfortable pair that I've found goes with a lot of different outfits.  I thought of Anne-Marie when I bought them, and lo and behold, she owns a very, very similar pair.

I wear my hair straight about 80% of the time, but on this particular day, I thought that waves fit the western, laid back look.  I loved wearing this outfit, but it definitely diverges from my usual starched and simple style.  My boyfriend even commented that I looked like I belonged on a California campus, someone he (or anyone else) would never usually think about my wardrobe.

Prompts:

• How do you define "costumey" looks?  Looks that are just over the top?  Do you agree with my definition - looks that don't fit into your normal style code, and thus feel like "dress up"?  Or do you have another definition?
• Do you like trying on other looks?  How often do you experiment?
• What are some ways you've gone out of your style comfort zone?

Travel Switch

Draft:

Composition:
patterned dress (Target)
grey scarf (gifted)
grey boots (Old Navy)
navy bag (Target)
frames (United Colors of Benetton)
silver hoops (Fossil)
silver monogrammed bracelets (gifted)

Usage:
Sorry this post is coming to you late, readerfriends!  I spent yesterday traveling and returned home to a last-minute job interview, so I'm slow to begin today's tasks.  Not to mention, I didn't wear this outfit as planned during my weekend trip to Texas.  The switcheroo worked out well, except that I'm tossing my original, prepared-well-in-advance post about the dress's airplane-riding merits out the window.  Here's what went down:

Last week, I packed this dress and these boots for my return flight from Austin.  My suitcase contained enough tops and shorts to last me all three days of ACL, so this patterned frock was my intended leftover for a day of traveling.  So were the coordinated scarf, bag, and boots.  However, after arriving and inhaling that good ol' Southern humidity, I had a change of heart.  Wasn't an outdoor music festival the ideal venue for celebrating the last of summer's bright prints?  Why force fall colors and fabrics in 80 degree weather?  So, in favor of lingering in summer longer, I switched out my intended drapey burgundy tee and boyfriend jeans for this cheery frock.  I wore the boots with it, but I ditched the scarf and bag.  My motivation was simple: wear warm weather clothes while there's still time!

Are you like me, slow to retire summer's colors and fabrics, or would you have found a way to wear an autumnal look to the concert despite the weather?

Also, the change-up has me wondering about the evolution of my packing habits.  When traveling, I don't typically prepare outfits for each day.  Instead I prefer a mix-and-match method: in which everything in my suitcase goes with everything else in my suitcase, and I can pair according to each day's mood.  However, for this trip, I did prepare an outfit for each day; I planned each look down to the jewelry, in fact.  And it backfired!  I reverted to my old mix-and-match habits despite my attempts at sartorial organization.  Maybe I'm not meant for pre-planned ensembles?  Are you?  Under what circumstances would you pre-plan your looks for travel?

Prompts:

• When traveling, do you pack so that your clothes and outfits are interchangeable?  Or do you pack according to an outfit schedule and stick to it?
• When do you retire your bright "summery" prints and lightweight fabrics?  Are your choices temperature dependent or not?

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Draft:

Earlier Drafts:
After buying this linen blazer in Savannah, Georgia, I dubbed it one of my wardrobe workhorses.
These western style treads helped me kick off boot season.
This brown tote is too large for dinner outings, but perfect for airline travel.
These frames make me look like my mom.

Composition:
olive green strapless jersey dress (Cannot remember!  Likely snagged at TJ Maxx, since I bought it with my sister, and that's where we normally shop together.  After years of wear, it's tagless.)
linen blazer (Gap)
boots (Steve Madden)
brown tote bag (gifted via Target)
necklaces and green cocktail ring (F21)
frames (United Colors of Benetton)

Usage:
I have a hunch this ensemble was subconsciously inspired by one of my former English teachers.  It's uncanny how I've mimicked her in these photos.  Long, drapey base layer, slouchy jacket, layered jewelry, thick-rimmed frames -- even the way I'm standing in the left most photo, tall and with my weight on my left foot, recalls her usual stance at the front of the classroom.  It seems she's made an impression on me.  Do you ever find yourself adopting others' mannerisms or dressing styles as your own? 

My outfit may have been incidentally inspired by my teacher, but it was prompted by a plane trip to Texas.  Yesterday morning I hopped a flight to Austin, hot on Clare's heels.  Over the next few days I'll be visiting various family members and attending Austin City Limits Music Festival for the second time.  I'm so excited!

I'll cut to the chase, though:  I chose to wear this dress not because it's the most figure-flattering garment in my closet (it's obviously not), but because wearing it feels like being wrapped in a cozy blanket.  Which is exactly how I prefer to feel on a chilly, non-stop airplane ride.  I added the blazer for warmth -- and because it didn't fit in my suitcase -- not for aesthetics.  And the boots?  I wore them for practical reasons, too: I don't enjoy sporting open-toed shoes while jet-setting, and I especially dislike having to traipse barefoot through airport security.  So, yes, my feet are swathed in thick, unattractive (yet comfortable!) cotton-blend socks inside those booties.  Since my flight departed at 7 a.m., I'm hoping no one but the airport security officer saw them.

Assembling an outfit based on practicality is a departure for me, as is wearing a frock for airline travel.  I normally wear pants, as you can see here and here, but I kind of dig this new look (especially sans blazer).  What say you?

Prompts:

• What's your favorite item to wear for airline travel?  What's your footwear of choice?
• Have you ever worn a dress while traveling?  How'd it go?  Do you prefer the one-and-done ease of a dress, or the comfort of pants and jeans?
• About that first question: have you ever found yourself subconsciously mimicking others in your dressing habits?

Befuddled

Draft:

Earlier Draft:
I wore almost the same look (with tights) in the first outfit post on our blog!

Composition:
navy and white printed dress (Target)
gray woven stretch belt (Charlotte Russe)
gray slouch boots (Steve Madden)

Usage:
As I mentioned when I posted this look the first time, I think it makes me look wide.  I don't really care, because I like wearing a low slung belt once in a while, and I'm actually kind of disappointed in myself that I haven't found more ways to wear this belt since I got it.  I like the gray and navy color combination, and this dress feels like the right length to wear with these boots, so I enjoy wearing this outfit.  There are a few things that drive me crazy about it, though.  The fit and length of the sleeves is not good.  I wish they were an inch or two shorter and not so gapey.  I love the print on this dress, but the mis-matchedness of it drives me a little crazy.  The print does not line up on the sides, on the two pockets that are on the chest, or where the fabric changes around the neck opening.  (If I had ever studied clothes for real, I'd know what that is called, but I have no idea.) 

Yet, this outfit gets the most compliments, hands down, of anything I ever wear.  People I don't know compliment it.  People that have never said a word about anything else I've ever worn compliment it.  People who usually think I "try too hard" have complimented it.  One male classmate whom I adore, but who must be one of the least fashion conscious people in the entire world complimented it.  (He liked what he considered its celtic looking pattern.)  Sometimes the compliments are decisive, like when two of my officemates were chatting and one of them stopped mid-sentence to say "You look so cute today, it's ridiculous!"   On this most recent wearing, I also got "what a fun print," "this is my favorite outfit that you wear," "I think those boots look great with skirts," and "great belt!"  Usually it is women who compliment my style choices, but this outfit gets compliments from men and women alike.  Sometimes it's like people don't even know why they like it, and they issue a statement that might be punctuated like "Liz, I really like that outfit?"

I don't know why they like it so much, either.  I mean, I like it, or I wouldn't wear it.  It's fun to have an ensemble stored away that you know will elicit at least five compliments anytime you leave the house in it.  (I counted twelve on one of the days I wore it in the Spring.)  I just wish I understood why this outfit is so appealing to everyone, especially since I don't think it is stereotypically "flattering" to my body, and the top half feels like mismatched print mania.

Prompts:

• Can you help me?  What's so great about this outfit?  If I have "nailed it" here, I wish I knew why, so I could figure out how to apply these strategies to other outfits.
• Might there be other reasons for why the outfit gets so much attention?  Does it seem radically different than other things people are used to seeing me in? 

Boot Up!

Draft:

Previous Drafts:
I declared these boots the more stylish cousin to the ubiquitous Uggs, and I over-accessorized with this belt back when I bought it in the Spring.

Composition:
eyeglasses (Kate Spade)
black cami (Kohl's)
blue oxford shirtdress (H&M via sister's closet)
black leggings (Target)
gray leather slouch boots (Steve Madden)

Usage:
I have so many random things to say about this ensemble that I'm not sure where to begin... but I'll just jump right in.

Do you guys watch How I Met Your Mother?  I still DVR it even though I think it peaked a few seasons back.  When I prepared to put these boots on last week, I thought to myself "Time to boot up!" as a riff on Barney's "Suit up!" catchphrase.  This personal joke I had with myself seemed even funnier when I realized that one of the reason I liked this shirt dress the first time I saw it on my sister was because it looked like she was wearing a men's oxford shirt, which made me think of some of my favorite 80s movies.  Why are the women in those movies always sleeping in a man's oxford shirt? Wouldn't that be uncomfortable?  Or did my 8 year old self assume they were sleeping in those shirts, when actually they put them on after getting up from sleeping in nothing?

This was also my first attempt at wearing leggings, which I picked up for $5 at Target last week as an inexpensive way to try to develop my casual styling skills.  I found myself nodding my head when Sally suggested that black bottoms and colored tops don't always bring out the best in one another, so I worked to try to incorporate the black leggings into this look.  I left the top button undone to let my black cami peek out, and I grabbed my snake print belt to try to incorporate the gray of my boots and the black of the leggings into the overall look. 

I wore this look to a mostly social event for my department.  Our program's new director wanted to give each of the professors a chance to introduce their work to the grad students, which would also give us a chance to speak with them informally.  I thought it was a great idea!  Even though I know most of our professors from my years in the office, and I know their field specialties, it was still fun to hear them paraphrase their current research projects in their own words.  I also enjoyed looking around the room and thinking, "Look at all this great style in one room!"  I wish I had photos to share.

Chatting with the professors afterward also felt a lot less intimidating than trying to schedule an appointment to meet with someone because you admire her/his work.  I was able to arrange a meeting with the professor I've been trying to track down since she returned from leave, so my attendance was a success.  The friendly vibe of the event was underscored when our program's director came up to me during the socializing portion and said "Liz, I want to talk about this outfit."  Her opinion?  She felt like the dress was bright and thus read as "Spring" attire while the boots and leggings read as "Winter" attire, and she didn't "get" the inclusion of the belt.  LOL!  I tried to explain that I don't really dress for seasons as much as for temperature, and I admitted that it was probably still a little warm for leggings+boots, but that I was ready to try something new.  Her final verdict was that she liked the dress, and she liked the boots, but she thought I "had a lot going on here."  This made me appreciate my decision not to wear my clear acrylic beaded necklace, which I had considered before deciding that would be too much.   Then we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of pantyhose, tights, and leggings.  In case you were wondering, she's a fan of Hue.  : )

Prompts:

• Have you made the leap to boots yet?  After I wore them three days in a row during last week's cooler temps, my sister asked me, "Is this boots week on SSG?"
• Are the black leggings providing too stark a contrast here?  Might I have looked less seasonally confused if I'd worn charcoal or navy leggings instead?
• Have you ever worn a man's oxford shirt for sleepwear or loungewear?  Is this actually comfortable?

The Boots are Back in Town

Draft:

Earlier Drafts:
I wore these boots with a wrap dress and with a strapless top.
I sported these linen shorts during dinner with Katie and Liz.
I donned this chambray top with a skirt in need of alterations.
I paired this braided belt with a neon shirtdress.

Composition:
chambray peasant top (H&M)
heart charm necklace (F21)
linen shorts (Lulu's)
braided belt (Lulu's)
boots (Steve Madden via Marshalls)

Usage:
Is it boot season yet?  Reader Michelle wants to know!  Last Wednesday, during Wardrobe Workhorse Week, she wrote:

"One of my own workhorse preferences is currently singing its autumn siren call: boots! I know WWW is happening while SSG headquarters continues to endure the mid-Atlantic heat, but what take do you lovely ladies have on what might just be my fall favorite?"

We're with you, Michelle!  Despite the lingering summer heat, Katie, Liz, and I are anxious for the reintroduction of boots.  Like you, we consider boots some of our favorite wardrobe reliables, even if they are technically out of season.  Liz values her grey, slouchy numbers for their comfort and style.  Katie's looking forward to reviving these fabulous knee-highs, which she snagged on deep discount at the end of last fall.  And I'm itching to restore these cowboy kickers to my regular shoe rotation.

That's why I paired them with linen shorts for an outing at a local farmers market.  The weather was just breezy enough to merit the boots over these woven sandals, so I took advantage of it.  For an outdoor afternoon, the outfit seemed like the ideal transition between seasons: the long sleeves and the boots welcome autumn, while the shorts and the washed-out hues hang onto summer.

It appears a few notable dressers have the same idea.  Brooklyn Decker, for instance, wore a similar ensemble while strolling Manhattan streets, pairing worn-in waders with jean shorts for a bohemian vibe.  Katy of Kansas Couture recently sported boots with gauzy dresses here and here, too.  Since others are pairing leather leg-huggers with traditional summer-wear, it seems we're not alone in our bootsache.  (Lame? Maybe? "Bootsache"?)

Personally, I think boots are workhorses precisely because they can bridge dramatic changes in temperature.  Worn thoughtfully - and perhaps a tad ironically - they function as valuable cross-season footwear.  I've worn them with tank tops in August when my pedicures have suffered and, in the same month, when I've wanted to rough up my warm-weather frocks.  I've also worn them in the thick of fall with corduroys and sweaters.  So, in many ways, boots act like blazers in my closet: they make seasonal transitions smooth and stylish.

What's your take on boots? Is it time to break 'em out?

Prompts:

• When do you reinstate boots to your closet?  On a specific calendar date?  According to certain temperatures?  Or do you wear them year-round?
• Do you think boots are cross-season workhorses, or do you think they belong only in cooler weather?
• Does a boot's height matter to you when deciding whether or not to wear it cross-season?  For example, would you say 'yes' to an ankle boot in the summer but 'no' to a knee-high version?  What other factors make a difference?

Fashion Superstition

Draft: 

Composition:
red top (H&M)
brown trousers (Gap)
white cami (Old Navy)
black boots (Macy's)
sting ray necklace (gift from boyfriend)
watch (Fossil)

Usage:
Ah, back to school time.  Today was the departmental orientation for new graduate students.  Since I got my MA at this university, I considered myself already oriented, so I wasn't planning on attending.  However, I'm co-chairing a big, annual departmental event this year, so our grad organization's president asked my co-chair and I to say something about the event.  So I spoke, and I guess technically got (re)oriented too.

I have to say, I was surprised at how long it chose me to pick out an outfit.  I couldn't decide what kind of look I wanted to put together.  Departmental orientation isn't a formal event, and I knew many people who were speaking wouldn't get very dressed up.  And, after all, I would only be talking for about 2 minutes.  I did want to make a good (and professional) impression, though, and I echo Liz in that when I want to do well at something or feel less nervous about speaking in front of people, I want to look good to feel good.

This outfit may look plain.  It is a pretty basic look - fitted tee with a camisole to prevent excessive cleavage and neutral trousers with neutral boots.  However, I really, really, really like this outfit.  Why?  I was wearing it when I found out that I got admitted to the PhD program I will be attending (well, I had on a different cami, but close enough).

I'm a big believer in fashion talismans, as we know, and I do believe in fashion superstitions.  For example, if something bad happens to me while wearing something, I'll think twice before wearing it to a similar event.  And vice versa - I look at this outfit as a lucky one, and though it is simple, it is dear in my heart.  That's not to say that every time I have a bad day I have to throw away that outfit and burn sage.  But I definitely do associate certain memories, good and bad, with certain clothing.  It sounds ridiculous, but in college, after a certain guy broke my heart, I never wore the (very distinctive) socks I was wearing that day again.  Good thing I didn't have on a pair of Christian Louboutins.

Prompts:

• Do you associate good and/or bad memories with the clothing you were wearing when they happened?
• Do you have any fashion superstitions?

Quick Change: Black, White, and Brown

Draft:

Earlier Drafts:
I wore these boots with a wrap dress.

Composition:
black draped tube top (Shopmamie.com)
turquoise bib necklace (Shopmamie.com)
white chiffon skirt (thrifted)
white capris (Gap)
brown boots (Steve Madden via Marshalls)
brown wedge sandals (Nolan by Faded Glory via Macy's)

Usage:
Sorry I'm running late today, blogworld!  I'm at home writing my final essay for the semester, and I'm in need of socialization, even if it is merely virtual.  I haven't blow-dried my hair (yes, it's naturally curly!), I'm not wearing makeup, and I only just stopped to analyze this morning's dressing choices. 'phew'  So, here it goes:

I recently purchased this black tube top - one can never have enough black pieces, says I - and I've had fun experimenting with its silhouette.  Pants and shorts of any cut, like these white capris, seem to pair well with it.  By slimming the legs, they emphasize volume on top.  However, coupling the tube top with skirts requires a bit more creativity.  Some of my skirts are too short and don't make enough of a statement under the top's fabric; others, especially the A-line skirts, look too full under it.  So imagine my delight when I rediscovered this thrifted number hidden in the recesses of my clothes rack.  Several years ago, I located this white skirt while bargain-hunting with my mom.  I barely glanced over it, but she insisted that I purchase it.  Until today, I had yet to locate what seemed like the best top for it, so year after year this forlorn skirt ended up in my "To Donate?" pile.  Year after year I saved it.  Now I'm so glad I did - the tube top has redeemed the skirt, and I've created a fun new outfit from two hard-to-wear pieces.

In addition to experimenting with silhouettes, today's outfit also toys with a hotly debated fashion "rule:" Don't wear brown with black.  Katie questioned the validity of these so-called tried and true style codes several weeks ago when she challenged the No White Before Memorial Day standard.  You weighed in, concluding that rules were meant to be broken.  With this outfit, I echo you with a hearty "Here, here!"  I think women should pair brown - especially brown leather things and khaki-ish things - with black frequently and without reservation.

Here's a caveat, though: my husband, upon seeing my outfit, asked, "Does this mean I can wear brown with black too?"  What do you think?  If the brown-and-black palette works for women, does it also work for men when, say, they want to pair brown dress shoes with black suits?  I'm inclined to think that the black-and-brown palette looks sophisticated as long as it maintains enough contrast between the two shades.  For instance, these camel colored boots are not only separated from my black tube top by a neutral piece, but they also differ significantly in color from the black top.  My husband - and other guys -might achieve a similar look by executing palettes like this or this.  The point, I said, is to look intentional, not colorblind.  I could be wrong, though - do you think wearing black-and-brown well is a matter of contrast?

Prompts:

• Which fashion rules do you love to break?
• How do you wear black and brown together?  Do you think wearing them well amounts to maintaining contrast between them?
• Have you ever surprised yourself by creating favorite outfits from neglected or hard-to-wear pieces?  Tell us about 'em!

Out of Season

Draft:

Composition:
green blouse (Marshall's)
jeans (JC Penney's)
bracelet (gift)
boots (DSW)

Usage:
This is the outfit I wore on the day my last seminar paper was due.  I went to the office for a morning of proof-reading, footnote writing, and incredibly incoherent conclusions.  I like this flowy top because of the bright colors and jungle-ish(?) print.  Sometimes I belt it, sometimes I don't.  I wanted to be super comfortable in the midst of final madness, so I wore it unbelted.  This outfit has more of a fall feel, but even though it's springtime, but for the past week or so, it sure hasn't felt like it here.

I'm chagrined to admit that before about two weeks ago, I did not own a pair of knee high boots nor a pair of flat boots, only a pair of black ankle boots.  I love this classic and ubiquitous style, but one main factor derailed my 8-month long journey to find them: price.  Pairs that fit well were out of my price range, and though I knew I would get a lot of wear out of the boots, I still couldn't justify the cost.  I just couldn't bring myself to bite the bullet and buy them.  As I said in my profile, one of my biggest style hurdles, as I think it is for any graduate student, is income.  The cost of living near Scholar Style Guide Headquarters makes living within my means nearly impossible; the fact that I've managed to not go into debt over the past few years is almost miraculous.  So even "investment pieces" must be bought on sale.

So when I found these boots, marked down a total of about 80%, I immediately snagged them, even though I knew that I wouldn't get much use out of them until the fall.  Buying items out of season means that you can get great deals, but you don't usually reap the rewards until much later, and you're robbed of the rush that comes from taking your new items out for a spin soon after you buy them.  For me, though, the trade-off is more than worth it.

Prompts:

• Do you ever buy items out of season?  What kind of items do purchase during their off-season?
• What are some other ways that you dress for your budget?
• Do you shop at thrift stores?  I have shopped at thrift and vintage stores before, but I've never quite gotten into it.  Have any tips? 

How wearable is the wrap dress, really?

Composition:

Blue Cotton Wrap Dress (Target)
Gold Swing Jacket (New York & Company)
Leather Boots (Steve Madden)

Usage:
Yesterday was unseasonably warm for the beginning of April, and at the Admissions Office, it was also our busiest tour day of the year.  So I needed a professionally functional* outfit which would also ventilate me during the trek across campus for afternoon classes.  After consulting my closet on these concerns of outdoor temperature and professional visibility, I arrived at this combination: a lightweight wrap dress and a swing jacket.  The boots? They contributed an element of fun and prevented pumps-related blisters.

The jacket served its purpose well enough during the work day, and, as expected, I found myself shedding it mid-way through the afternoon stroll across the campus lawn.  The dress also performed well, a pleasant surprise given that yesterday marked my first time wearing it.  I appreciated its length - the hem hits just above the knee - and the fact that the wrap ties remained secure throughout the day.  (This is a recurring tiff between me and wrap dresses; despite my best knotting efforts, the ties devise a way to loosen themselves.)  All in all, I was pleased with the selection.

I'm wondering, though, do any of you question the perceived wearability of the wrap dress?  I do.  Critics praise the garment's ability to convey both modesty and style savvy, but I find that it, in fact, challenges both.  On the modesty front, I found myself checking the dress' upper panel every ten seconds to ensure that it had not gaped open and inadvertently exposed my undergarments.  Same story with the lower panels, especially on windy afternoons like today.  On the style front, and increasing the risk of the aforementioned scandal(!), the fabric constantly shifts.  To me, a garment that fails to stay in place during use does not make the wearer appear well-assembled.  I tried donning a camisole and a faux tank underneath the dress, but this move caused it to look bulky.  To me, these characteristics detract from the versatility of the dress.

I'm generally pleased with this look, even with this particular dress.  Perhaps I could use some tips for wearing it in the future.


*Based on the above ensemble, my definition of "professional attire" likely seems questionable, so let me clarify.  Our staff typically wears business suits and the like for weekend and large-scale recruitment events.  However, during regularly scheduled weekday tours, which are staffed by student guides on break between academic classes, the expectations for attire are more lenient.  Stay tuned for a future post about my recruitment event wardrobe.

Prompts:

• What's your secret for wearing wrap dresses effortlessly?
• How do you transition your outfits from workday professional to after-hours casual?