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?

Professional Conference Attire

Draft:

Earlier Drafts:
I wore this jacket/belt combination over a dress in the spring.

Composition:
faux turquoise beaded necklace (Kohl's)
teal button-down (NY&Co)
navy blazer (Gap Outlet)
brown belt (Kohl's)
"mocha" trousers (Express)
teal mary janes (Seychelles)

Usage:
First, I want to thank you guys again for your thoughts on my student conference attire.  I'm looking forward to telling you how they went and what I wore next week, after I've had a chance to meet with all my students and upload some pictures.

For today, though-- on to a very different type of conference!  I recently gave a paper at an interdisciplinary conference at my own university.  I was very intimidated to share a panel with a fellow grad student who is on his second yearlong dissertation fellowship award, a professor who is currently working on her second book on a National Endowment of the Humanities fellowship, and another professor who is a premier scholar in the field.  It was also kind of nerve-wracking to give the talk in front of so many of my own professors. I knew they'd be stopping me in the halls to talk to me about it afterward (and they have).  I was completely prepared, though, and that always helps to calm my nerves.  My co-panelists' papers were really interesting, and I got some very helpful questions and comments about my own paper, so it was a definite success.

I kind of surprised myself by putting together this pants outfit for the presentation, given my recent reservations about pants.  Last spring, when I presented at an international conference, I wore a dress and swing jacket combination.  I came across the photo linked above in the "earlier drafts" section, which reminded me that I actually wore a different version of today's outfit to the first day of that conference.  This time, I thought I'd stick with something that had worked before while making it a little more "me."  I added the teal button down underneath, the turquoise beaded necklace, and what are quickly becoming my signature teal mary janes.  The belt was perhaps unnecessary, but despite how frequently I deploy this waist-cinching maneuver, this was the first time my husband has ever said "I really can't believe your waist is that small!" so I guess it made an impact.

I'm curious what you think about this outfit, but I'm also interested in how frequently you aim to give papers at conferences.  I realize that an article publication carries a lot more weight on the C.V. than conference talks, but while I'm still in coursework, I have very little time to work on revising the papers that my professors indicate have publication potential.  Plus, I'm wary about publishing something this early in my career and regretting its point of view later on.  I have plenty of time to revise seminar papers into conference papers, though, so my general approach has been to accumulate conference presentation lines on my C.V. until I'm ready to move on to getting an article published.  I'm really curious about how frequently you all aim to present at conferences, what types of conferences you're most interested in attending, and whether that has changed as you progress into your career.  I've discussed these things with my own professors, obviously, but we have such a diverse and interesting group of readers that I'm curious to hear your thoughts on the issue, too!

Prompts:

• How often do you give conference presentations?  Every year?  Every semester?  Every time you come across a CFP that matches the work you've been doing?  Only when another University pays you an honorarium to come and talk about your current book project?
• So far I've presented at a graduate conference, a very large, prestigious international conference, and this interdisciplinary conference at my own university.  What types of conferences appeal the most to you?  As a graduate student, did you work on getting accepted by the "prestigious" conferences or were you focused on getting any exposure for your work that you could find?  Or maybe both?
• Have these things changed over the course of your career?  Does my model of focusing on conference presentations now and shifting the focus to article publications in a year or so make sense to you?
• Do you have a go-to outfit for conference presentations?  Do you find that you tend to prefer skirts or pants?

Hair Metamorphosis

Draft:

Composition:
emerald short-sleeved sweater (Merona)
marigold swing jacket (NY&Co)
grey pleated shorts (F21)
black sheer tights (?)
black suede wedges (DKNYC)
nail color (OPI "You Don't Know Jacques!")

below:
marigold suede bag (gifted)
jeweled brooch (Macy's) 

Usage:
Today's visit to the salon reminded me of the transformative power of dyed and chopped locks.  I haven't dramatically altered my hairstyle since last Thanksgiving, when I asked my stylist to hack away at my then-shoulder-length curls.  Since that fateful chop, I've hovered around Bob-cut territory, sometimes requesting near-pixie looks, and sometimes declaring "growing out" periods (which never lasted longer than a month).  When I sought her advice on remedying this hair ambivalence, my friend Caitlin of Frosting and Bows (who has known me and my hair since the second grade) suggested that I dye my blonde head red.  Auburn, really.  I wanted to heed her advice, I sincerely did, which is why I dabbled in cinnamon weeks ago.  (Didya notice?  It was subtle.)  Alas, I couldn't muster the courage for even a semi-permanent hue.

But today, without specific intention, I took the plunge back into a Bobbed 'do and full-on into auburn.  More like, I fell into auburn accidentally.  See, I snapped these photos earlier today before scooting out to what was supposed to be a "quick trim."  I had aimed to post about cold weather shorts:

I hadn't prepared for a hair transformation.  However, a few snips and a spontaneous bottle of allover color later, and I'm suddenly an inductee to both the Bangs and Redhead Clubs.  Spice o' life, I tell you.  Spice o' life.

Prompts:

• What's the boldest hairstyle you've ever tried?  The most spontaneous?
• What factors usually prompt you to change hairstyles?  Relationships, career moves, geographic moves, new exercise regimens, or something else?
• I've heard it said that older women typically model their hairstyles after those of their favorite life phases.  Do you think this theory holds water?  If so, what have been your favorite life phases, and what did your hair look like during these times?

Pants Prejudice

Draft:

Earlier Drafts:
I wore this tee with a casual look, I started wearing this jacket again when I tried cuffing the sleeves, and these shoes were an important back-to-school purchase.

Composition:
white and yellow striped tee (Gap)
navy blue jacket (Gap Outlet)
pewter toned chain necklace (H&M)
light gray trousers (Express)
yellow buckled slice wedges (Nine West)

Usage:
You guys, I'm having a pants problem.  I'm having fun experimenting with skirts for work and trying out new casual ensembles, but I can't get myself interested in wearing my trousers.  This seems stupid because I really love my collection of Express Editor pants.

For this pants look, I tried to gain inspiration from a few looks I like otherwise.  I like yellow paired with light gray and yellow paired with navy, so I tried to incorporate both of those combinations here.  I put on the chain necklace to try to draw some of the gray upward and keep the tee from reading as too casual.  I did like how the yellow top helped the yellow shoes stand out, and when my vintage copy of Katherine Anne Porter's Ship of Fools arrived on the same day, in the same color palette, I knew it had to make it into the photo.  Overall, though, this outfit still left me feeling a little "meh."

A friend of mine did tell me I "look so cute!" in this ensemble, though.  So I'm wondering-- does this outfit look as average to you as it felt for me?  Or do I need to figure out a way to banish my pants prejudice so I can properly appreciate cute, pants-anchored looks?  Is my love for my skinny jeans unfairly pitting me against my old straight leg trousers?  Help!

Prompts:

• How are you wearing pants this fall?  Do you have any theories about how to make looks that include pants feel more exciting?
• I wonder if part of the problem might be that most of the ladies whose blogs I read also favor skirts/dresses over pants.  Have you seen any pants looks lately that I could use for inspiration?  Please share links!

Submission Sunday: Caitlin

During Wardrobe Workhorse Week we pared down our closets to our best-loved items, so we're thrilled to continue the scaling-back party with a post from Anne-Marie's lifelong friend (and new blogger!), Caitlin of Frosting and Bows.  Caitlin, who studied Studio Art in college, has a knack for styling only-the-best accessories into creative combinations.  Here she shares her Four Must-Have (and Budget-Conscious!)(and Versatile!) Items for Fall.

 

Caitlin Says: It's difficult to nail down my four must-have items for this season because I am absolutely in love with so many trends.  The only thing I can say for sure is that the pieces here are things that I cannot live without, period.  I like to experiment with my wardrobe and accessories.  And it gives me a sense of adventure to put something on that I think no one else in the world will have.  This is why I like to shop at thrift stores, vintage clothing lots, you name it.  Not only are these vintage trinkets a steal in cost, but they are also easily placed alongside my upcoming wardrobe for fall, and I will show you how.  Take a look!
 
Composition #1: A Chic Jacket
yellow and black houndstooth jacket (thrifted, $25)
tank (F21, $15)

pocketwatch (gifted)

chain (thrifted, $17) 

Draft:

Usage:

I have blogged about this jacket because it is so newsworthy!  I bought it two years ago at a vintage clothing store which is no longer here.  I paid $25.00 for it, and I wear it with everything.  I think it is, hands down, the best investment I have ever made in an article of clothing.  It goes with everything from jeans to black pants, and it also serves as a suit jacket if you are in the corporate career world.  It is stunning!  Like many of the things in my closet, it didn’t cost a fortune and no one would ever know it.  I am sure at one point in time it did, but not for me! My advice for anyone going "thrifting:" find pieces that echo your personality, but don’t spend over $25.00 on anything, unless it is in mint condition.  Word to the wise.

Composition #2: A Red Bag

red messenger bag (Liz Clairborne via TJ Maxx, $14)

shoes (Steve Madden on sale, $40)

scarf (Marshalls, $20)

Draft:

Usage:

This bag is my must for this season because of the intense red and the easy carrying.  It is all about comfort for me these days, and this bag fits me to a "T."  I wear it around with jeans, and, in this case, with a jersey dress and scarf.  Find one in a similar style or different color -- they are hot this fall!

Composition #3: Boyfriend Jeans
jeans (Gap, on sale)  

Draft:

Usage: 
A slight exaggeration but, these jeans are the most comfortable things I’ve ever put on.  Really!  I wear them with t-shirts, with tank tops out on the town, to the grocery store, with heels, with sandals, with ankle booties.  It is actually difficult to mess up this pair.  I purchased these at Gap on sale.  They are almost too good to be true.  When I get dressed nowadays, I try not to think so hard.  It should be about ease.  Throw on what makes you feel happy, comfortable, and powerful.  It’s all about attitude.

Composition #4: Big, Statement Jewelry
faux pearl multi-strand necklace (F21, $18)
heart necklace (gifted, Frantz Diamonds in Roanoke, Va.)

all other necklaces (F21) 

Drafts:

Usage:
Jewelry makes a statement in a big way.  It can transform your most drab frock into an exciting new discovery in your wardrobe.  I happen to love this new trend of huge pieces.  It makes choosing what to put on so much easier.  All you have to do it layer and keep layering chunky pieces.  If you are at a loss of creativity, check out any J.Crew magazine.  All the spreads include large rhinestone necklaces or pearls, or both with a wide range of outfits.  You will never have to decide between your pearls or your rhinestones ever again. One more thought, if you don't want to go out and buy several mismatching pieces, just take apart old necklaces and mix and match those.

Prompts:

• Caitlin says getting dressed "should be about ease," and should make you feel "happy, comfortable, and powerful."  How do you keep your daily styling habits effortless?
• Do you own these or similar items?  How do you style them?
• Thrifting divas, what are your strategies for finding gems like Caitlin's houndstooth jacket?  Where do you shop, and when?  How much do you spend, on average, on vintage finds?
• What are your must-have items for fall?

First Day of School!

Draft:

Earlier Drafts:
I styled this dress six different ways last week, and I wore this jacket during black-out week and with a printed skirt.

Composition:
eyeglasses (Kate Spade)
black shift dress (H&M)
red short sleeved jacket (via sister's closet)
Vickie, please note that I've created a tag for this per your request : )
black leather wedges (Lauren by Ralph Lauren)

Usage:
Last week, when I showed you several different ways of wearing this dress, I was kept this look in reserve because I'd decided I wanted to wear it on the first day of teaching.  I knew I wanted a fairly simple outfit for my first day, and I knew it would have to work in the heat, so wearing the only short sleeve jacket in my house was a logical choice.  Once I paired it with this versatile, simple sheath,  I felt polished, professional, and like me, which is exactly the combination I was hoping to achieve.  The jacket requires a belt, but otherwise I tried to keep the styling fairly minimal.

Naturally, it also had to be a glasses day.  I've said before that I feel more comfortable in my glasses in academic situations, but I also think that glasses give off a distinct "academic" vibe, so I made sure to wear them so that even freshmen who are untrained in recognizing instructors would know to take me seriously.  : )

My first day with my class went well, I think.  I had some nervous jitters about returning to the classroom for the first time in two years, and donning an outfit in which I felt confident was one way of helping me soothe my own nerves.  Once I got up in front of the classroom and started talking to the students, I felt right at home again.  I hope the outfit conveyed the "I'm an authority figure" vibe, though, because I was a lot more friendly than I normally am on the first day.  I generally like to abide by the "don't smile until Thanksgiving" approach (okay, I don't wait that long to lighten up, but you get the idea), but today I failed miserably at projecting a stern, serious attitude.  I think I was just too excited to be teaching again to execute an all-business demeanor.  Hopefully that doesn't backfire on me in the upcoming weeks.  And, in case you were wondering, I gave them the option of calling me Liz or Ms. Lastname, and they seemed to respond positively to being given the option.  Thanks again for your suggestions on that topic!

If you're interested in what other instructors and students are wearing for their own first days of school, check out the list of participants Fashionable Academics has compiled for their Back to School Conference.  And if you have something in your closet that you have been utilizing in a lot of different ways, as I've been doing with this sheath dress, please consider participating in our upcoming Wardrobe Workhorse Week!  We'd love to hear what accessories and items of apparel work best in your wardrobe.

Prompts:

• Fellow teachers: Does your style of dress and/or your attitude remain constant for every class, or are you stricter in dress or behavior near the beginning of the semester? 
• How far above the knee do you go when you're going to be in front of a class?  This is borderline too short for me, but since I think the dress is great, I'm going with it.  One inch shorter and I think I'd have a problem on my hands.

Back to School Not Shopping

Drafts:

Composition:
Back to School Purchases:
black shift dress with skinny faux patent belt (H&M)
mustard toned buckled slice wedges (Nine West Outlet)
You've Seen Them (almost) All Befores:
purple cardi (NY&Co)
black faux patent belt (H&M)
punchy beaded necklace (Old Navy)
sand colored swing jacket (H&M)
gray short sleeved turtleneck (via sister's closet)
silver toned ring necklace (JC Penney?)
gray cardi (NY&Co)
clear lucite bead necklace (Kohl's)
faux snake print belt (Kohl's)
white and cream circle print top (H&M)
stone colored belt (NY&Co)

Usage:
I am taking a 30 day hiatus from shopping.  I have not yet found all of the items on my "back to school shopping" list, but I've decided to stop here-- with this black shift and these mustard slice wedges.  After reading Tania's description of how liberated she felt after her 30 days without shopping, I realized that is just the sort of liberation I need.  I don't buy very much, but I engage on thoroughly exhaustive hunts for the items I've decided I need.  When shopstyle shows up as one of the "top sites" in your web browser, you have a problem.  Since my semester starts soon, I think it makes perfect sense to set aside this annoying habit of mine for a while to focus on more important tasks.

To get myself excited about this undertaking, I thought I'd see how many different ways I could style this perfect! simple shift dress.  I only stopped here because I ran out of time, not because I ran out of ideas.  The course I'm teaching this semester meets fewer than 30 times, and I am 100% sure I could style this one dress in a different way for every single session.  And these shoes?! 

Two of the items on my back-to-school list were "colored wedge" and "nude closed-toe shoe," and I actually think this pair ticks both boxes.  I wore them with all of the outfits above mostly for convenience, but the experiment also confirms my suspicion that depending on the ensemble, they can function both as a neutral and as a pop of color.

I'm also pleased that this shift fits right into the conversation Anne-Marie started yesterday about 50s and 60s style trends.  What I'll add to her post is this: I think I feel different in my shift than the real life Joans and Bettys of the past felt in theirs.  Clothing technology has made some remarkable strides in the past 50 years.  I can purchase similar silhouettes, but my options are constructed from breathable, washable fabrics that move with me.  My version of femininity might look similar, but it doesn't require me to wear undergarments that dig into my body, either.  Anne-Marie's own experience with her belt in the heat speaks to how uncomfortable our clothes can make us in certain circumstances, and it gives me sympathy for all the ladies back in the day who had to learn to walk in skirts that minimized their strides.

So while some may say that its anti-feminist to return to styles that were popular when women's bodies were inhibited in these ways, I say to them: I can do a cartwheel in this dress and these shoes.  Thank goodness for stretch fabrics!  Since new technology has allowed the physical liberation of my body in these clothes, I'll argue that I can absolutely wear them without claiming all the old ideological baggage that they carried back in 1962. 

Prompts:

• What's your favorite closet workhorse?  Have you run out of ways to wear it yet?
• Have you ever stopped shopping for a predetermined length of time?  What was your experience with it?
• In your opinion, what's the best innovation in apparel technology from the past 50 years?  Why?

My Styling "Aesthetic"

Draft:

Earlier Draft:
I discovered this red jacket in my sister's closet during black-out week.

Composition:
eyeglasses (Kate Spade)
black cami (Old Navy)
red short sleeved jacket (sister's closet)
black patent belt (H&M)
red and black rose print skirt (gift from my roommate in undergrad!)
flat t-strap sandals (gift from my godmother)

Usage:
I'm prepared to make a pretty bold declaration concerning this ensemble:  This look represents my style "aesthetic" better than any other look I've posted here on the blog so far.

If you're a Project Runway fan (as I used to be, before the show lost me when it moved to LA and the Lifetime network), you've surely noticed the way they use the term "aesthetic."  Apparently, an aesthetic is a thing, and each designer has a different one.  I've written before about why I believe aesthetics is an egalitarian mode of evaluating the arts, a la Ranciere, but that seems to have little in common with the way the term is used in the design community.  Dictionary.com suggests that "aesthetic," when used as a noun, refers to a philosophical theory or idea of what is aesthetically valid at a given time and place.  I guess that fits with the way it's used on the show, but their use of the term seems even more specialized.  I think they use the term "aesthetic" to signify a hybrid between what we, in composition, would call "voice" and "point of view."  One's design aesthetic seems to relate to one's personal attitude toward fashion, how one demonstrates that attitude in the design of one's clothes, and how one differentiates one's own designs from those of others.

For example, you might hear the following uses of this term on Project Runway:
Nina Garcia: "I don't see any sign of taste in her aesthetic."
Michael Kors: "I think she has kind of a cool trailer trash meets outer space vixen meets Nabokov aesthetic."
Heidi Klum: "I like her aesthetic because it involves showing a lot of skin, and I favor micro-mini hem lengths and plunging necklines whenever possible."  (Okay.  Maybe Heidi isn't quite this self-aware.)

I don't know if stylists are said to have "an aesthetic" in the same way that designers are.  (Maybe Anne-Marie will weigh in here with her expertise as a devoted fan of The Rachel Zoe Project.)  But if I take this term and apply it to myself in order suggest I have a styling aesthetic, this ensemble is the quintessential representation of it.  Though I've never before worn these items together, when I styled this outfit up and looked in the mirror, I thought, "Wow.  If there was ever an outfit that could be described as Liz-ish, this is it."
Tailoring details that create visual interest?  Check.
A bright color paired with black?  Check.
Body conscious but tasteful?  Check.
Items that hold sentimental value?  Check.
Belted?  Check.

I felt great in this look all day.  I've already started giving thought to what I'll wear on my first day of teaching when the new semester begins, and this is the new frontrunner, though I'd likely wear a blank tank with a higher neckline underneath and pair it with my favorite black wedges instead.  I do like how the ensemble looks with these flats, but it might have helped the proportion here if I'd rolled the skirt over a few times so the hem fell just above my knee instead of below it.

Prompts:

• Do you agree with how I've characterized the use of the term "aesthetic" on PR?  Want to share more general thoughts on the show with us?
• Is it wrong to suggest that both designers and stylists develop this kind of an aesthetic?  In my opinion, designers and stylists seem to perform a lot of the same functions when it comes to putting a look together... but then again, I'd be kind of offended if someone suggested that writers and editors do basically the same job, so maybe I'm just ignorant of the differences.
• Do you think you have a style "aesthetic"?  Does it take work to style looks that fit that aesthetic or does it just come together naturally for you?

Shorts and Stripes

Drafts:

Earlier Drafts:
I started wearing this jacket again when I realized I could cuff the sleeves, and I wore it again with these Chucks in an All-American look.
I showed you these walking shorts before I altered them, and I've been wearing these wedges nonstop since I bought them to re-energize my summer wardrobe.

Composition:
antiqued gold finish earrings (Charlotte Russe)
navy cotton jacket (Gap Outlet)
nautical stripe tank (Gap)
white walking length shorts (Old Navy, altered)
white short shorts (Old Navy)
white wedges (MIA)
white sneakers (Converse Chuck Taylors)

Usage:
After weeks and weeks of searching, I finally found the perfect navy and white nautical striped top-- for $4 at gap.com!  I love navy and white, and I love how crisp they look together, so when I started seeing this trend on other blogs a few months back, I fell hook line and sinker for it (too much with the nautical talk?).  I hope you guys are feeling the nautical-inspired love because I can already tell that I'm going to try to find a million different ways to wear this tank.  (Starting again on Saturday when the U.S. takes on Ghana in the World Cup!)

For my first try, I paired the tank with white short shorts and my chucks in an attempt to beat the unbearable heat when I went out to run errands with my husband.  I've already boasted about how comfortable I am with my runner's legs, so it might not be a surprise that I wear short shorts, though I completely understand why plenty of women feel ambivalent about them.  Oscar seems to be questioning my shoe choice, but I liked how the Chucks gave the look a sporty Americana-esque feel.

Then I immediately began thinking about how I could get away with wearing this tank to work.  I knew it would look great under my navy jacket, so I thought I'd go white on the bottom again.  I  pulled out these "are they cropped pants or are they walking shorts?" shorts, cut off the hem, and cuffed them over.  I've had these "shorts" for several years, and I have no idea why it never occurred to me to alter them before.  My creativity must have been inspired by my love of this tank and my frequent pilgrimage to the blogs written by ladies who regularly modify their own clothing.  I can already tell they'll get much more wear like this.

Finally, I love the nautical stripes with navy and white, but I also like them with pops of contrasting colors.  Though my favorite nail color of this summer, OPI's Mod-ern Girl, only provides a very small pop of color, I think it completes the look.  I put this orange hued jelly polish on my nails several weeks ago and have worn it nearly every day since.  It never chips!  I do think that keeping your nails short is key when you're wearing an almost-neon shade like this, though.

Prompts:

•  Have you embraced this nautical-inspired trend or are you resisting it?
• Should I hem these walking shorts or keep them cuffed?  (You can click to enlarge if you want to get a better look at the cuffs.)  I'm afraid my cuffing obsession is approaching the level of my belting obsession.  Feel free to stage an inter-cuff-tion.
• Can you wear shorts to work, or is that a no-no in your workplace?  I think these are walking shorts are suitable for working on campus during the summer, but I might not teach in this ensemble.
• Are you buying my claim that my orange nails serve as an adequate pop of color?  What apparel color should I try pairing with my nautical stripes next?

Jean Scene

Draft:

Earlier Drafts:
I wore this linen cropped jacket during my last graduate school exam.
These wedges sustained me through my first week of job-hunting.
I carried this bag with a classic jean jacket.

Composition:
linen cropped jacket (Gap via my sister's closet)
brown jersey-knit tee (no tag, likely thrifted)
boyfriend jeans (Gap)
wedge heels (RJ Girl via Piperlime)
bag (Marshalls)

Usage:
Lately I'm obsessed with jean everything.  Something about the near-90 degree weather makes me want to wrap myself in a stiff pair of Levis.  You should see me in the morning.  I'm like Gollom chanting "My preciousss" before my closet, throwing on nearly every jeaned item I own, coat-rack style.  Yesterday, after espying my veritable three piece suit - I kid you not: pants, vest, jacket of acid-washed medley - my husband gently coaxed me into "paring down the ensemble."  I kept the pants.  Why did I keep the pants?  My legs were producing more moisture per minute than our backyard sprinkler.  I can't figure out why I've timed my fascination so irrationally.  In these climbing temperatures, I should crave skirts, sundresses, and breathable fabrics.  And iced beverages.  I'm almost positive I'm the only one still ordering hot coffee at Dunkin Donuts.  The cashier asked me twice to verify that I, in fact, did not want an iced latte.

"No sir, I missed my jog this morning, so I'd like to get my sweat on in an alternative manner."

Maybe the rain has helped along my fixation.  Last week, on a dreary day, I wrote about my favorite and loyal and reliable and devoted jacket.  Today I'm all about the boyfriend jeans.  Slouchy, roomy, and not nearly as perspiration-inducing as their cousin of the skinny variety, these babies have lately carried me through an overcast evening of outdoor dining in Annapolis.

That said, maybe my context has prompted my compulsion.  Annapolis is a relaxed city, a mecca of boat shoes and windbreakers.  Here it's not uncommon to transition from boat deck to candle-light dinner in a single evening without a major wardrobe upgrade.  So when my girlfriend and I decided to meet our husbands for dinner in the town's quaint harbor, my heart thumped out a rhythmic boyfriend jean! beat.  Ah, relaxation for relaxation.

I'm hoping my linen jacket tempers the pants' unseasonable appearance.  That, and their light wash.  Next time, I probably won't pair them - they with the saggy waist line - with this top - it with the banded and cinched hem.  The combination gives the illusion of a heftier midsection.  And I might cuff the jeans higher to expose a bit more of my pale summer skin.  How would you convince these pants they they belong in warmer months?  Or, first thing's first, do they?

Prompts: 

• Do you favor jeans in summer, or do you definitively ban them after the weather reaches certain temperatures?
• What's your favorite way to wear jean-ed anything, pants especially?  I'm running out of ideas! (Does that mean I should stop wearing them?)
• How much weight do you give context in your dressing decisions?

Summer Black-Out Challenge

Drafts:

Composition:
Tuesday:                                                                  
purple satin-ish dress and belt (sister's closet)           
pink button-down (NY&Co)                                     
brown wedges (Old Navy)                                       
Wednesday:                                                                                  
antiqued gold earrings (Charlotte Russe)
green striped and yellow tanks (sister's closet)   
khakis (Old Navy)                                          
antiqued gold bangle (Ann Taylor Outlet)
white wedges (Mia via Sears.com)
 Thursday:                                                                
turquoise beaded necklace (Kohl's)                           
white button-down (NY&Co)                                   
stone belt (NY&Co)                                                  
cropped stone trousers (NY&Co)                              
rose gold flowered sandals (Old Navy)                    
Friday:
red jacket (sister's closet)
white cami (Old Navy)
brown belt (Kohl's)
cropped jeans (Gap)
red flats (gift from my mom)


Usage:
The alternative title for this post should be "Shopping My Sister's Closet."  My sister is storing her "nice" clothes at my house while she works at a summer camp for the next few months, which of course means I'm wearing them!  Best idea ever!  As I mentioned in my last post, I accepted Sal at Already Pretty's black-out challenge!  At first, I thought this would be easy, especially since I had access to so many extra items of clothing.  Over the course of the week, though, I realized I'm much more dependent on black apparel, accessories, and shoes than I had realized.

On Tuesday, I wanted to embrace bright colors to get away from Monday's neutral experiment.  This purple dress has the same cut as this one I love, and I originally tried wearing the button-down underneath the dress, like a jumper.  It didn't look right, though, so I put the button-down over the top and liked how the wide belt created a color blocking look.  In this outfit I felt bright and cheerful, and I noticed that being in a colored skirt gave me a little more pep in my step than my usual black pencil skirt does.

On Wednesday, I thought I'd try this almost-breton-stripe tank top I discovered in my sister's drawer.  (I love this look, which Anne-Marie styles here, but I haven't been able to find a breton tank top I like.)  I was feeling a little adventurous for my shopping excursion, I didn't have to go to work, and I was excited about my new white wedges, so I thought I'd try this cuffed khaki look I have liked on other women.  Verdict?  I still like this look on other women.  On me, I think it looks stupid.  Plus, I couldn't help feeling like the early 90s childhood version of myself who lived in pegged-legged jeans.  I had intended to use the yellow tank underneath to give the outfit a little more color, and the gold accessories to make it look more polished, but I still think the outfit looks too blah.  (If I cut out the jeans from Friday's look, and place them over the khakis paper-doll style, I think I'd have a MUCH better outfit!)

On Thursday, I thought about how one of my cold weather fall-backs is a combination of black and gray with a pop of color.  I decided that the summer alternative to this ensemble would be a combination of light khaki/stone items and white, and I added my turquoise necklace to serve as the pop of color.  I'm not sure that worked (it's mostly obscured by my hair), but I still liked this opposite take on my winter neutrals.  I felt refreshed and crisp in this ensemble.  Katie and I also agreed that the belt brought out the safari-like look of the button down, which has two chest pockets.  I can definitely see myself trying out different iterations of this color(less) scheme this summer.

On Friday, I was beside myself!  I couldn't think of anything to wear that wasn't black!  I wondered why I had ever accepted this challenge!  I wanted to get back in bed!  So I went back to my sister's closet and discovered this great red jacket/top.  It has some fantastic structural details that I'm not sure this picture really captures.  I know how I would have styled this any other time: with a black belt and black cami.  (I love red and black together.)  I was surprised how much more "summery" this outfit felt when I put on a white cami and brown belt instead.  I'm afraid the shoes might be taking me into matchy-matchy territory, but since they don't match the belt, I still felt safe in coordinated but not over-coordinated territory.

Thanks for this challenge, Sally!  It helped me realize that part of my problem with styling "summer appropriate" looks is that black is my default neutral.  Staying away from black helped me realize that I can use the clothes I already have to put together looks that feel right for warmer weather, whereas before I would have said that I have very few clothes that I like to wear during the summer.  I thought I would run out of steam when it came to avoiding black, but the looks from Thursday and Friday are actually my favorites, which suggests I was learning to think about my clothes even more creatively as the week went on.

Prompts:

• Has writing or reading "style" blogs helped you to identify blind spots in your styling tendencies?  Which ones?
• Have you ever tried "trendy" styling techniques like the cuffed khakis?  Can you execute them or do you fail miserably, like I did?
• Did anyone notice that I'm not wearing any prints? (Unless you count stripes, which I don't.) What's up with that?  Looks like I might have my next styling challenge.

Ol' Faithful

Draft:

Composition:
jean jacket (Ann Taylor Loft)
white tee (H&M)
skirt (Lulu's)
sandals (Target)
bag (Marshalls)

Usage:
I really want to dislike this jacket.  I really want to dislike most jean jackets, in fact.  They go awry so often, in so many ways.  The cut can be too boxy, or the sleeves/armpit area too baggy, or the collar too large, or the fabric too thin.  It's rare to find a winner in the jean outerwear department, I think.

But this number?  Ah, te amo, chaqueta!  I bought it for the Mao collar and the unoffensive wash, but I continue wearing it for the softness and the go-with-everything versatility.  On average, I've worn it every week since my senior year of high school.  That's not hyperbole, unfortunately.  (It smells like roses, don't fret.  Basically, I launder it as often as I shower.)  As the jacket ages like a fine wine and earns the "vintage" label, my affection for it multiplies.

Today I'm pairing my prized outergarment with a simple white tee, a bold-printed skirt, and some flats I scored for nearly nothing on sale at Target.  It's an easy early summer look, made comfier by my lived-in jeanlove.

Prompts:

• What are your wardrobe faithfuls?
• Has the bond you've formed with any of your favorite pieces surprised you?  Did you buy the garment with a tinge of skepticism, only to fall in love upon first wear?
• I've owned this jean jacket since high school.  How long have you owned - and worn - any one article of clothing?

My Game Face Garments

Draft:

Composition:
taupe cotton short-sleeved top (thrifted from early college)
linen cropped jacket (Gap via my sister's closet)
dark wash skinny jeans (Forever 21 via my sister's closet)
blue gladiator sandals (MIA via Piperlime)

Usage:
Today I'm dressing for a two hour exam period and a few additional hours of library research.  I want to feel comfortable enough to cozy up in a desk chair, yet empowered enough to compose a stellar in-class essay.

On days like today, stretch-cotton jeans are a must for me.  They keep me warm in chilly classrooms but allow me to traipse up and down library aisles and all about campus.  Layering garments and donning flat shoes are also requirements, for similar reasons.  Physical comfort is a good thing indeed.

I'm also wearing these articles of clothing in the hope that they will empower me in other, more emotional, ways.  These pieces hold sentimental value for me.  The top is one of my closet all-stars, for it has seen me through multiple excursions abroad and now six years of scholarly pursuits.  It's looking a little threadbare, I admit, but I refuse to part with it.  It has helped me navigate foreign metro systems, deliver presentations on Romantic poets, and endure scathing advising sessions.  Today I'm taking it for one last academic joyride, and I'm crossing my fingers it radiates smartypants vibes.

The jacket and jeans belong to my sister, and I'm wearing them simply because she's a determined soul and I'm hoping she rubs off on me.  Both garments have sustained her through a few adventures of her own (maybe you'd like to elaborate, Emmy?), so wearing them reminds me to emulate her gumption.  (That's a great word, isn't it, gumption?) 

These are my feel good, can-do clothes.  Tell me about yours!

Prompts:

• What do you wear when you put your Game Face on, so to speak?
• Tell me about the threadbare, well-loved items in your wardrobe!  How long have you owned them, where did you buy them, and during which major events have you worn them?
• Do you borrow clothing from friends or family for sentimental reasons?  How do those pieces make you feel, and what memories do they hold for you?

Adrienne Rich and Heels

Draft:

Composition:
white v-neck t-shirt (American Eagle)
sand swing jacket (H&M)
gray jersey print skirt (H&M)
cork wedges (Michael Shannon via DSW)
white flip flops (Gap)

In one of my classes recently, we discussed Adrienne Rich's 1980 essay, "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence."  Rich lists high heels as one of the ways men use their power "to confine [women] physically and prevent their movement." She argues that heels are thus part of the "cluster of forces within which women have been convinced that marriage and sexual orientation toward men are inevitable."  A few of my classmates pointed to this passage specifically and admitted to feeling conflicted because they like to wear high heels.

I tried to make the point that in 2010, we can wear high heels differently than women could in 1980.  I believe that because of the advances made in the past 30 years by women like Rich, it is now possible for women to wear heels assertively.  One of our professors uses this Ann Richards quote as part of her email signature:

"If you give us a chance, women can perform. After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels."

This is the spirit in which I like to think I wear high heels.  I hope my choice to wear heels indicates that I'm capable of managing all of my responsibilities, thinking critically about my work, and taking an interest in fashion and style.  I'm conscious, though, that others do not always "read" heels in this way.

As I thought this through, I realized that I don't have very many "traditionally feminine" high heels in my closet.  I prefer wedges, and I don't own a single pair of stilettos or pointy-toed pumps.  Evidently, I'm also drawn to thick straps.  Though I probably wear the black almond-toed wedges more than all of my other heels combined, all six of these pairs are in somewhat regular rotation in my wardrobe:

While taking the photos for this post, I couldn't help but wonder if I stay away from shoes that are coded as overtly "feminine" because I don't really believe that I can wear shoes like that assertively.  My heel collection is certainly much different than Katie's or Anne-Marie's, both of whom seem comfortable with more traditionally feminine styles.  On the other hand, I think my collection of heels makes sense given my general aesthetic preferences.  I don't own a single item of apparel that has a bow on it.  I think one of the reasons I wear belts so regularly is because I'm really drawn to the look of buckles.  Until recently, I preferred pleats to ruffles.

For this look, I thought I'd photograph both pairs of sandals that I considered wearing.  One of the things I previously said I liked about heels is that they make me stand up straighter, but my posture in both of these photos is so terrible that I'm not sure that's actually true.  (As a side note, posing for these photos is, for me, definitely the most difficult element of contributing to this blog.  Fellow fashion/style bloggers, can you empathize?)  I ended up wearing the flip-flops.  After this mental exercise, I find myself feeling thoroughly ambiguous about heels, but I'm glad I've begun to think more critically about how, when, and why I wear them.

Work Cited:

Rich, Adrienne. "Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence." Adrienne Rich's Poetry and Prose. W W Norton & Co Inc, 1993. 203-224. Print.  Google Books.

Prompts:

• How do you respond to Adrienne Rich's criticism of high heels?  
• Am I right in suggesting that the ways in which we can wear heels have changed since she composed this groundbreaking essay?  I'd love to hear people's thoughts on this issue.
• Do you wear high heels or do you opt out of this trend?  Why?

All-American Style

Revised Draft:

Earlier Drafts:
Anne-Marie shared her jet-setting style
I brushed the dust off this jacket

Composition:
turquoise beaded necklace (Kohl's)
white t-shirt (American Eagle)
blue cotton blazer (Gap Outlet)
jeans (Gap)
sneakers (Converse Chuck Taylor)

Usage:
As part of our ongoing discussion of simplicity and questioning of the idea of a "national" style, I thought I'd contribute one of the quintessential "American" looks:  jeans and a white t-shirt.  Growing up in California, we were taught that jeans were an American invention of the gold rush era.  Levi Strauss had been using a heavy cotton material to make tents for the miners when he realized that the same material could be used to make very sturdy pants.  Enter Jacob Davis, who suggested adding the rivets, and the "Blue Jean" was born.  You can read the history of the jean according to Levis Strauss & Co here.  Calling this an "American" invention seems problematic, since Strauss and many of the miners were immigrants, and they were mining gold in a region that the U.S. had only recently acquired from Mexico.  But they didn't tell us that in 4th grade, naturally.

I also have a strong mental association between jeans and US citizens because of the only trip I've made overseas.  When I spent time in Ireland with my friends in 2004, none of us could pack heavily, so we each brought two pairs of jeans.  Everywhere we went, we were almost the only women wearing jeans.  When we walked into pubs, people called us Americans before we spoke a word.  I imagine jeans were not the only visual marker of our foreign-ness, but they were certainly the most obvious difference I could recognize.

Recently, we experienced another indication that the jean is quintessentially American.  Burton, who is developing a tradition of creating U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team uniforms to resemble staples of Americana, fashioned the 2010 uniform to look like a pair of jeans with a flannel shirt.  In 2006, Burton designed a white pinstriped uniform intended to resemble vintage pinstriped baseball uniforms.  Why is our snowboard team invested in trying to look so "American"?  I don't know this for sure, but I imagine it's because we think of snowboarding as an American invention and want to differentiate ourselves on the hill as the originators of the sport.  I do know that those snowboard jeans caused quite a stir in Vancouver!

When I put this look together, I was meeting a friend for breakfast and some shopping.  Normally I would have worn this blazer and jeans combination with a white button down and a pair of flats, but I drew some inspiration from Anne-Marie's "jet-setting" look in hopes of making my ensemble more casual but still pulled together.  I really like the combination of the fitted jacket with the more casual Chuck Taylors, which is a shoe that I also consider iconically "American."  (Mr. Taylor and his basketball shoe deserve a post of their own, so I'll go into more detail about them in the future.)

Prompts:

• I get the feeling that jeans are more ubiquitous overseas these days.  For those of you who travel or live in Europe, how frequently do you see or wear them?
• Any other good stories about jeans and Americana that you want to share?
• Is there a different clothing item that you think is a strong signifier of American-ness?
• How have you used styles you've seen on fashion/style blogs to inform your own dressing choices?  If so, how?

Jet-setting style

Draft:

Composition:
Textured T-shirt (J.Crew)
Grey Chinos (Banana Republic)
Gold Swing Jacket (NY & Co.)
Converse Sneakers (My closet circa high school)
Green Pattern Resin Ring (Ornamental Things)
Black Labrador Retriever (A sketchy breeder in the city) 

Earlier Drafts:
gold swing jacket

Usage:
In honor of Liz's conference travel this weekend, here's an outfit I recently wore while flying south to visit family. We aren't jet-setters at Scholar Style Guide, but we do enjoy a practical and photo-worthy travel ensemble.

Why do I adore this outfit?  Let me count the ways.

T-shirts are always comfy, but not always fashionable.  Since looking frumpy is always a no-go, I opted for one of J.Crew's textured tees.  Their ultra soft cotton knits give me the sensation that I'm still wrapped in my bedsheets, a feeling I appreciate while idling in an airport security line at 4:30 a.m.  Also, I had not learned to value the length of a T-shirt until I slipped into one of these.  As the owner of a long torso, I usually forgo tees because I don't enjoy pulling the shirt's lower hem over my pant's waist every five minutes.  But J.Crew's shirts hit at the ideal place at my hips.  Not too short, not too long, and perfect for layering. 

These pants.  I could disown jeans after wearing these.  I'm absolutely obsessed with the versatility of these lightweight, stretchy, putty colored chinos.  A week rarely passes when they remain on my closet shelf.  Banana Republic makes a mean petite trouser, so I'm grateful a hundred times over for a trim cut that doesn't presume short equals hip-y.  (Now don't go grumbling, you curvaceous vixens.  In my case, short equals "I look like I'm an eight year old boy.")  What's more, the fabric's subtle sheen makes it easy to dress these pants up for a night out and dress them down for navigating an airport, like I did.

I've remixed the trusty gold swing jacket.  It offered the right amount of color to contrast with the neutral grey of the T-shirt and the pants, and it kept me cozy on the chilly flights.

The Chucks, who doesn't love 'em?  Raise your hand, I dare you.

Prompts:

• How do you dress for airline travel?
• What are your favorite casual wear items?
• Okay, seriously: do you love or hate Chucks?

Brushing the Dust Off

Draft:

Composition:
navy cotton blazer (Gap Outlet)
navy print shift dress (H&M)
brown woven belt (Forever 21)
brown wedge sandals (Old Navy)

Usage:
If you are anything like me, you have several items in your closet that hang there and collect dust. You liked the item in the store. You liked the idea of incorporating it into your wardrobe. But now that you own it, you can never quite figure out how to wear it.

Until recently, that was the case for this blue cotton blazer. When I saw it for only $7, I couldn't possibly pass it up. It fit perfectly... except the sleeves were at least a half inch too short. At the time, I thought I'd wear it with button down shirts that had a longer sleeve, and it would mitigate the problem. I haven't executed that plan, though, and I could count on one hand the number of times I've worn this jacket.

Lately, I've been seeing a lot more blazers with cropped sleeves. I've also been noticing that part of the "boyfriend dressing" trend Anne-Marie tried out recently includes wearing a blazer with the sleeves cuffed. I thought I'd give that look a try with this jacket. I was really pleased with the result! In my opinion, it would have looked better if the jacket had a nice lining, but beggars can't be choosers. I'm not sure why I felt like the belt was necessary, but I do think it looks better with the belt. I've been thinking about Katie's recent post about fashion talismans, and I think the belt must be mine. For some reason, I think an outfit looks more "complete" once I've belted it. What will I do when belting goes out of style? What did I do before I belted everything? I'm not sure.

In contrast to the blazer, this dress is one of the major staples in my wardrobe. It's a simple cotton shift with a somewhat crazy pattern: is this geometric? or floral? It looks like both. I can wear this dress to work by itself or with a cardigan, I'm wearing it more like a skirt in this photo, and I wore it to several weddings last summer, too. I wish I'd purchased a cotton shift to serve as one of my first wardrobe staples after graduating from undergrad. I probably would have chosen a solid jewel tone for that purpose, though.

Prompts:

• Have you ever found ways to re-purpose items you rarely wore before? If so, share your secrets!
• Should I have forgone the belt with this look? Does anyone share my belt addiction?
• Do you own a shift dress? Are there any other ways to wear this look that I haven't thought of yet?

Conference Presentation

Draft:

Composition: 

antique look gold earrings (Charlotte Russe)

brown print jersey dress (Target)

sand swing jacket (H&M)

brown woven stretch belt (Forever 21)

brown tights (New York & Company)

brown buckled sliver wedges (Jessica Simpson)

Usage:

Later this month, I'm presenting a paper at a major international conference that will be attended by some of the pre-eminent names in the field.  A friend of mine, who is also giving her paper there, recently asked me if I was planning to wear a suit.  She was trying to decide if she should invest in a blazer or not.

My answer? No.  I own a suit, but if I wear it, I won't feel like myself.  When I put on a suit, I can't help but feel like a child trying to play dress-up in "adult" clothes.  While I understand that as a graduate student presenting at a major conference, it is in my best interest to look as "professional" as possible, I just can't wear a suit.  I'll feel most confident in an outfit that caters to the occasion and my personal tastes.  I did tell my friend that I'm planning to wear a jacket for my presentation.  I like swing coats (I own a black one, too) because they feel more contemporary than a traditional suit jacket, but they still read as "professional" in a way that a cardigan might not.

When I put this outfit together, I intended it as a test-run for my conference presentation.  I feel like the print of the dress creates some visual interest, but the color palette is subdued enough that I don't look like I'm trying to draw attention to my clothing.  I love these shoes because the buckle detail keeps them from being boring.

I'm presenting during the second day of the conference, so I'm glad I'll be able to look at what people are wearing on the first day to figure out if this look is actually appropriate for the event.  I'll have a few "pants" looks packed, in case I feel like my audience might misinterpret my decision to wear a dress. 

Prompts:

• Based on the conferences you've attended in the past, do you think this look is appropriate?  Or will I end up switching into pants?
• Do you have an item in your closet that you count on to help you look professional but still feel like yourself?  If so, what is it? 
• Am I wrong to think I should stay away from bright colors for an event like this?

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?