Dressing Room Outfit

I've been wearing variations of this favorite ensemble from summer 2011 with some frequency of late. It's just so easy and comfortable. Tights are optional, depending on the weather and whether I'll be hanging out in sunshine or in extreme climate control. I also realized I haven't worn my contacts lately, on the blog or otherwise. But with summer around the bend, I'm sure they'll be a go-to.

Details:
Forever 21 top (current version on sale here and here; similar here)
Anthropologie skirt (similar here; midi length here; midi plus here)
Burberry flats (similar here and here)
Spanx tights
Balenciaga bag in the background

After dinner dishevel

Kate Spade Calista dress

Anthro Cartography cardigan

Redraven Studios necklace

Spanx tights

Balenciaga flats

For the last week or so (in part because of my work schedule and in part because of Chris's birthday) I have been going to a lot of restaurants. And after a particularly satisfying meal at Legume I snapped these outfit photos. We went with Chris's mom and stepdad to celebrate his 32nd year. It was wonderful to finally visit the new space. Legume holds a special place in my heart for being the site of our engagement celebration dinner. I am glad they secured a larger space with a liquor license. To learn more about Legume, read the Post Gazette review here. The renovated space that formerly housed Moré looks gorgeous with art deco touches and interesting artwork. Next time I plan to check out their late night happy hour in the bar!

Sometimes it takes photos

See by Chloé Jardin print dress

To a Tee blazer from Anthropologie (similar)

Chloé lock flats (similar here)

Balenciaga Day bag in black

Misc. bracelets (Macys, Gabes, Kate Spade from TJ Maxx, Target, gift)

I really like shapeless See by Chloe dresses like the one above but I don't always want to look shapeless. So I tried to style it in a way that reigned in the billow with a blazer. I thought it worked pretty well until I saw how short my skirt looked. That's one of the perils of messing with a billowing dress... the length might shrink up on you. And I'm feeling a little long in the tooth to pull off mini. Black opaque tights would have been a lot better with this outfit. But in general, I don't think I'll be styling this dress similarly in the future.

Conferencing Wardrobe

Alma Mater Blazer (similar here)

DVF Bilboa (similar here; budget options here or here*)

Balenciaga Day

MBMJ pumps (similar here and here)

The major conference of any specific academic discipline provides an exciting opportunity for scholars to network, present their research, interview, and reconnect. Often, organizers rotate the schedule through a series of desirable locations, allowing attendees to have an added benefit of visiting fantastic cities while they do their jobs. 2011 attendants of the annual meeting of the National Communication Association were especially fortunate that New Orleans was selected as the host location. As I've detailed previously, I deeply and quickly fell in love with this wonderful city during my past visits. I was thrilled to return!

Old Navy Chambray dress (similar here)

Anthro belt

Chloé flats

Spanx tights

The cultural richness of New Orleans provided inspiration for critical discussions as well as fodder for intriguing distractions. I was able to do a bit of research for a military museum exhibits project I have been developing because the National World War II Museum is located conveniently in the Warehouse Arts District.

Exhibits at the WWII Museum

I was there as a presenter, but I also hoped to do some networking. This was the first time I was in attendance as tenure track faculty, so I felt a bit of pressure to up the professorial/professional ante. As a first-time search committee member, I found myself on the other side of the table at NCA's job fair. That was a really interesting experience from which I learned a lot! All of these occasions required a versatile but efficient travel wardrobe. My visit extended from Wednesday through Sunday, with travel from a cold clime to a warm one. And I had no intention of checking a bag (stupid fees!). So I planned my outfits to function with versatility, allowing for easy mixing.

 Same as above

I've never been a skirt suit person. I do own one very pretty, somewhat non-traditional brown tweed skirt suit by Nanette Lepore. But when I put it on I feel like I'm wearing someone else's clothes. I decided to leave the skirt suit for higher stakes professional scenarios. If I was on the job market, perhaps it would have seemed more useful or necessary? Instead I packed separates.

Alma Mater Blazer (similar here)

DVF Bilboa (similar here; budget options here or here*)

Balenciaga Day

MBMJ pumps (similar here and here)

My luggage contained:
1 Blazer (I brought two, wearing one as my "outerwear" while in transit, saving luggage space)
2 Black dresses (both wrinkle resistant, nicely tailored, wool numbers by DVF-- the Shawnessy and the Bilboa for DVF-philes)
2 pairs of shoes (one pair of cute flats, one pair of sensibly low pumps)
1 Day dress (for activities outside of the conference)
2 Pairs of tights (because although it is the deep south, it was still brisk, especially in the mornings and night)

To a Tee Blazer (similar here and here)

J. Crew top

J. Crew Matchstick cords

Stuart Weitzman flats

In transit, I wore a casual blouse, a blazer, and matchstick cords with comfy, slightly wide Chloé flats (not pictured... but my in transit shoes need to be a bit large because I always feel so swollen after a day of plane travel).

Although my suitcase was stuffed, causing me to pass on a beautiful See by Chloé coat from United Apparel Liquidators in the French Quarter, I was pleased with the items I brought. Sure, I was bored to death by my options at the end of the trip, but I think it was smart to prioritize conference-friendly clothing over my usual: vibrant statement prints.


*Don't discount ebay when hunting for DVF on a budget. I paid around the cost of the budget options a few years back when I bought my Shawnessy and Bilboa on the resale market. Watch for knockoffs because this brand does have counterfeiters. The helpful women at Fashionism can always offer assistance with authentication questions.

Buona Sera OOTD

Old Navy leather hoodie

See by Chloe Landscape print dress (similar here)

Spanx tights

Rachel Comey Barbaros

Balenciaga Day

I wore this outfit to the Italian festival in Bloomfield the other week. One of Chris's bands was playing the side stage which was exciting. Afterwards we ate dinner with a bunch of friends and danced to covers of Italian standards, such as Louis Prima's "Buona Sera," which closed the set. I wore the same outfit again this past weekend but realized I never posted it.

I am playing catch up today with some grading work but will be back later to announce a giveaway!

What does it say about my taste level...

(photo from yahoo. Dress by Balenciaga)

...that I thought the best dressed person at the Emmy's was someone who is probably at most 13 years old (the adorable and talented Kiernan Shipka from Mad Men)?

Weekend Shopping Outfit

Alma Mater jacket from Anthro

J. Crew silk top (in cotton here)

Juicy Couture bow skirt (similar here and here)

Hue tights

Aquatalia suede boots (current season version here)

Balenciaga bag (similar here and here)

Recently, I got a postcard alerting me of a clearance sale at the Washington, PA Off Fifth. I realize that outlets essentially are perpetual clearance sales, but I was still interested in visiting. I knew that my friend Sarah purchased very cool Comme des Garcons clogs at her local store not long ago. I wanted to see if we got anything interesting. Thankfully Chris and few friends wanted to check out the Men's suit sale so we packed into the car and headed south. Although they found no suits, Chris scored a nice pair of James Perse pants and I found a silk DVF top for $17!

There were a lot of other clearance tops from MBMJ, Milly, and Theory, and a few clearance dresses by Tibi. They did have CdG clogs (not on clearance) in white and green but I couldn't figure out my size and none seemed to be the right fit. There were a few pairs of Miu Miu Jewel flats (also not on clearance) in larger sizes. I stopped short of buying anything that wasn't a perfect fit (sale goggles and what not). But it is definitely worth the trip if you are looking for an occasion dress. There were a number of gorgeous options (particularly if you are a smaller dress size) from Zac Posen, Proenza Schouler, YSL, and Moschino. Prices were still kind of high but all were an additional 50% off.

French and Italian (accessories)

There have been some fantastic end of season clearance sales happening lately. Because I have a little mad money (and a nagging addiction to sales), I have been browsing the round racks and websites. I just accepted my first invitation to speak that includes an honorarium (fancy word for stipend). Although I am extremely busy with other projects, trying desperately to finish my dissertation and wrap up my Cultural Studies Association paper for the Division of Culture and War, I accepted. This sort of invitation is counted among my many academic goals.

 Gucci Wedges on major discount from DSW

You see, I have a range of career objectives that span from realistic to entirely absurd. To name a few: "be invited to share your expertise during a segment on NPR," "deliver a ____ ____ inaugural lecture," "donate your 'archives' to a library that actually wants them," "start a scholarship fund for economically disadvantaged women from your home town," "be invited to speak at an event that includes an honorarium," "publish a book (or three)," "actively mentor and advise people who aren't children of PhDs (and are therefore as bewildered by academia as you were/are)," etc. I am sure this probably makes me sound insufferable, (think Tracy Flick) but I promise that many are tongue-in-cheek pipe-dreams. And the rest come from a place of earnestness (think Leslie Knope).

 Balenciaga buckle ballerinas from Barneys final cut sale

Anyway, I was briefly evaluating what I should do with the money. Then I remembered that I already have a few recent buys that I can pretend are my honorarium presents. This allows me to sink that check directly into savings. It makes the most sense, practically. And although I do like these items, I was having trouble justifying them. Although their combined sale price totals don't equal my windfall, their retail values certainly do! 

Michael Kors Calista handbag in Navy, bought with Saks giftcard

BTW and not to sound like an outtake from the talking Malibu Stacy episode of the Simpsons, but (as a humanities scholar) sale math is my favorite genre of everyday math.

Forever 21 Find and Pittsburgh Tailor Tip

I bought this dress yesterday from Forever 21 while out and about with my mom and sister. We were shopping for an outfit for my mom to wear to the wedding and made a pit stop in Forever 21 where my sis wanted to hopefully find something for the shower. Although she didn't have any shower luck, she found some wedding shoes at Marshalls. I grabbed this cheap little number from F21 because I loved the touches of color (mustard yellow, steel gray, seafoam, and muted teal) and the simple shape.
Dress from Forever 21
Hanky Panky slip underneath
Jimmy Choo Morse flats in purple
Balenciaga City
Vintage necklace

I wore it today to visit my tailor Geno in Oakland. He's excellent and I am having a few frocks taken in or shortened. He altered Chris's wedding suit and countless other pieces of his and his mom's (who told me to go there). He's a consummate pro and very personable! I hope to have some of my dresses back before he leaves to visit his brother in Italy. We'll see. But if any of you Pittsburghers are in need of a great tailor, The New Oakland Tailor on Meyran is the tops.

Goldilocks Returns: AKA Yay or Nay on this See by Chloe industrial print dress

This See by Chloe number went on a deeper discount at Yoox.com, so I decided to take a gamble and order a 6. I already lamented how the 2 was (obviously) too small and the 8 was way too big. I had high hopes for the 6 but this size was sold out in the lighter colorway that I preferred. Apparently the darker version runs smaller so now I am uncertain about whether to keep or return. What do you think?
See by Chloé dress from yoox
Chloé Edith pumps
Balenciaga City (2006 gris fonce) (similar here; super cute budget similar here, and here)

I waited since probably November for this to finally be marked down. Instead Yoox moved it from the Fall/Winter arrivals to the Spring/Summer arrivals, (as if I wouldn't notice?!) and kept it at their full discounted price. Now I worry that sale goggles and the long wait are influencing the fact that I like it.

On the Discourse of "Flattering"

This 3.1 Phillip Lim dress was an ebay bargain and also a gamble. I had no idea what size I'd be in this style since I'd never tried it on before. In my experience, 3.1 usually runs very big but one or two dresses I've tried have been very narrow in the hips.
3.1 Phillip Lim bib dress (similar here, here, and here)
Balenciaga flap bag (similar here, here, and here)
Chie Mihara green pumps (similar here, here, here (with closed toe), and here)
Bracelet gift from my mom (I think from Macys)

This dress was not cut narrowly in the hips (this is a 10 but I could have taken an 8). The square cut sleeves and bib style are examples of things I like enough to ignore how "unflattering" they are on me.

It's interesting how the word "flattering" at least when applied to clothing, almost always presumes the word "figure" in front of it. Flattering so often refers to something that makes a woman (at least in my size range) look thinner or smaller or something else deemed conventionally valuable.  I've been thinking about this a lot lately thanks to some of the discussion on a messageboard I frequent (BCO). On a discussion about fashion and feminism a poster named Maitland brought up the curious and often limiting/normative language of "flattering" and I thought it was so astute and something I hadn't previously thought much about.

Although I fall into that language trap often when I think about clothing and style, I don't subscribe to wearing clothing that always tries to "flatter" my figure in the "make it look thin" sense.  I am not lithe and since middle school my body has been hour-glassy and on the "ample" or curvy side of average, so I wear things that I find aesthetically and stylistically pleasing, even if that means wearing what Stacy London or Clinton Kelly would deem "unflattering" to my figure.

What about you? Do you always go for clothing that hits the narrowest part of your body or hugs in places that make you look smaller?

Semi-monogamous dressing: See by Chloe Paisley Dress

See by Chloe Paisley Print Silk Dress
Cashmere Ruffle Cardigan by Twig (similar here)
Marc by Marc Jacobs captoe mary jane pumps (similar here)
Bag by Balenciaga (similar by Miu Miu here; similar budget here)

I really like this particular dress and have been wearing it when I can find a reason. The spring colors of the print are unlike anything else I own. I tend to avoid pastel palettes because they are so seasonally confining but I think I will be able to wear this one year round with the right layering. In terms of fit, it is loose through the torso and has an easy drape so while I am wearing an 8, a 6 or 10 would have worked similarly. You can see the garment measurements through its listing on Net-a-Porter.

Excuse my deer in headlights on the right. I am trying to force myself to use the tripod and take clearer ootd photos but have yet to warm up to the idea of it.

Song of the day (thanks to Treme)

It's All in the Travel Bag

When I am preparing for a trip, I try to acknowledge that working with a limited closet requires being cognizant of how separate garments will match and how they'll keep after living in luggage for extended periods of time. This applies to my accessories and bags as much as it does my outfits. Some items are automatically out of contention due to their impracticality or travel unfriendliness. For example heavier handbags, like this old favorite- the Marc Jacobs Stam hobo, have never left the city by plane.

Even when I've brought it with me on short journeys (to DC for example), it ended up getting very little use because of its heft.

For the last half dozen or so extended trips that involved plane rides, I've brought with me my two lightest and most versatile handbags to use during the days and evenings: Balencaiga Day and City. They're so easy to fold/roll, and take up such little carryon space.

The black and gray match just about everything I would bring with me. Making any additional bags, unnecessary. They're also very lightweight which is good when you're saddled with cameras, maps, scarves, bonus layers, and sundry souvenirs.

En route to my final destination, I pack the bbags into bags. I usually stuff one into my beloved, lightweight, sleek, and incredibly mobile (thanks to its inline skate wheels) Heys XCase 20" Carry-On. This fits very easily into overhead bins AND in a pinch I've even stuffed it under my seat.

I bought two of them (in grey and black) for a song at the closing sale of Pittsburgh's now-deceased Filene's Basement.

The other purse goes with me into my durable Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Folding Tote. 

It has a secure zip closure and is so sturdy and lightweight, it is kind of ridiculous. I got the above one (which was a seasonal offering) from the Great Fall 2008 Saks Sale. This fits very easily underneath the seats. The heavy nylon keeps everything safe (since I am fussy about putting anything leather onto the floor). It also holds a TON of stuff. I fit my leather bag (with purse contents), laptop, spare pair of ballerina flats, quart bag of liquids, snacks, jewelry pouch, cosmetic pouch, pashmina scarf (to double as a blanket if I get cold on the plane), magazines, book, and a spare outfit, easily.

I've often considered bringing more formal looking or uniquely colored bags with me on my travels but I always force myself to reevaluate the impulse to overpack prior to departure of my home. I remind myself gently that the more I bring, the more I'll have to hulk around airport(s), onto mass transit, into taxis, etc. And the less space I'll have to bring home new, exciting finds!

How do you travel your belongings? Do you have a beloved duffle? A system of emergency Baggus? Do you go the Rachel Zoe route and Fed Ex everything to your hotel so you don't have to think about it? I'd love to know your strategy.

Kell on Earth's Breakout Star: Andrew the Goth, Grunge, Glam, Gay Man!

I decided to set my DVR to record Bravo's new show about Kelly Cutrone's New York-based public relations firm that services the fashion industry, Kell on Earth. And I learned that similarly to The Rachel Zoe Project, these shows are often worth viewing for the tertiary side characters alone. Take her assistant, Andrew:

His enthusiasm and approach to stress will provide the comic relief and keep me watching.

After finding this video in which he takes the cameras through his enviable closet, I am even more excited to see what he will wear and say this season.


Anyone else tune in? I loved his Balenciaga bag and his Rick Owens collection!

How I'd Spend Windfall Cash If ...

I recently came into a bit of money from some random focus group and research related stuff. So I figured since I am mostly not shopping that it would be fun to play "How I'd Spend This If..." Aka, hypothetical shopping. 

How I'd Spend Windfall Cash If: 

a. I could find this See by Chloe bow dress in my size (it is from a season since passed and keeps selling out on ideeli):

I love the color of this one. I would wear it to mass on Easter with my family. It is likely for the best since I tried it on in pink last summer at Cusp in Georgetown.

And in retrospect, it looked kind of dumpy on me as a non-model. So it is for the best that it is sold out. 

b. It would make a bigger dent in the very high price being asked for this amazing (wedding dress caliber) Chloe dress from many seasons ago.

I don't even want to think about how much it cost when it was new and full price. It is far too expensive even with the windfall money.

c. I could possibly justify yet another bag (when I already have too many).

It would be nice to have a purple bag and I love the balenciaga day style. But that would be totally superfluous and similar to the Chloe dress, too pricey.

Instead I am going to sink it into savings and maybe take Chris out to dinner to repay him for Kaya. 

Black and Blue Gray: Variations on a Theme

I know I've been quiet lately. Without reliable wifi at home and without the ability to upload properly rotated photos from my office (no cell reception and no photo editing program), I have limited blog capabilities. But I thank those of you still checking occasionally for updates and hope you will enjoy some of my recent outfits in DC!

It has been chilly here so I have continued to wear tights, which ease the pain of walking everywhere in non-sneaker footwear. I noticed that the last few outfits I've worn are either all shades of navy and blue or all shades of black and brown. Here are some samples.

Shades of Blue and Gray:

Black and Brown separates:

Outfit details.
top left:
Rag and Bone dress
Longchamp tote
Chloe Sunglasses
Hue tights
Swatch watch
Etsy necklace
Burberry jeweled flats

top right:
Urban Outfitters dress
Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Huge Hillier Hobo
Etsy necklace
Hue tights
Hanky Panky slip (exposed to increase the dress length)
Tory Burch Lee Lee flats

bottom left:
Ann Taylor outlet dress shirt with peter pan collar and white piping
Tibi skirt
Hue tights
Burberry jeweled flats
Balenciaga city (on the ottoman)

bottom right:
lux (from UO) tshirt
Anna Sui for Anthropologie skirt
Spanx tights
Chloe sunglasses
Marc by Marc Jacobs captoe mary jane flats

Speaking of Anthropologie, there is a big sale going on there right now. The Georgetown location is all sale racks in the downstairs section. Not sure if the web sale corresponds to it or not, but they are offering free shipping until September for their yellow card members (not a credit card, just their shopping card).

SALE ALERT! Yoox.com Sample Sale

Sometimes it pays to be scouring shopping websites in the middle of the night. My friend, Blueyesbecky from Fashionism.org discovered (prior to the Daily Candy email, and prior to the publicity it got on Make Up Alley and The Purse Forum), that Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dresses from the last few seasons were selling for as low as $35 on Yoox with most priced around $60!!

So I started to click around to see what else was for sale! A lot of the things I would have bought were sold out by the time I looked, but there are still deals to be found!

Sadly, I was snoozing and lost out on these items:

Balenciaga bag for $130

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Mia lace dress that Blair Waldorf wore on Gossip Girl for $50.

There are mens and children's items included in the sale, too. It can't hurt to look. The only bummer is that the sale pages do not remove items that have sold out, so you are forced to see what you missed when you search by brand or category.