Kennywood Day Outfit

I wore this to Kennywood on "Monongahela Day." Growing up, Monongahela Day at Kennywood was the highlight of summer. I'd plan my outfit carefully, sometimes matching the person I'd bring along as my ride buddy. It would be the only time of year you'd see so many classmates and friends gathered in the same place outside of school so outfits really "mattered."

As a grown up, I didn't spend much time planning this outfit. I wore an Old Navy dress that I've been wearing a lot lately because it is comfortable and light. Emilia wore a Minnie dress from Kohls. My parents and sister came and Chris met up with us after the end of his work day. It was a great time!

We had season passes for Kennywood again this year which was great. I don't think we went as frequently as we did last year but we still got our money's worth. Kennywood is only open for a few more weekends until they open for Phantom Fright Nights. I hope we get to go once more!

Lunch in Oakland OOTD

I wore this to have lunch in Oakland with my parents and sister. My dad had an appointment that brought him into town, so we decided to make an afternoon of it. Chris works in Oakland which made it easy for us to all meet up at Porch and then enjoy the beautiful afternoon. Emilia was snuggly especially because she had a sleepover at their house the night prior. She wouldn't let me put her down which is often the case when we're reunited. After the overnight separation, I didn't want to put her down anyway!

Details:
Boden skirt
Old Navy blouse
Chloé flats

Interviewing OOTD

For understandable reasons, the bulk of blog advice and consideration surrounding interview outfits is focused on what candidates should (and shouldn't) wear. From having been on the other side of interviewing a few times at this point, I can say that even the process of dressing to be an interviewer can be difficult.

When I know I will be interviewing candidates, I consider carefully what I will wear. Since the interview process is daunting and lengthy for all involved parties, I try to focus on comfort and avoid anything that could be distracting or fussy. Academia in general and the humanities in particular can vary greatly in codes of dress. Couple this sartorial uncertainty with the variability of summer weather and the knowledge that I would be headed out for a date with Chris right after and my outfit conundrum became even more baffling.

But any time I find myself in uncertain dress code situations, I err on the sides of neutrals and basics. This dress and cardigan combo felt a bit casual for conducting interviews but my other breathable summer dresses uniformly are vibrant prints. For this kind of occasion, plain seemed preferable to print. I was seated for the bulk of the day so my outfit was barely visible but I remained comfortable throughout the process. I don't think I would teach in this ensemble because that is a situation where attention gets centralized onto me. But I would wear it again for committee meetings or to do consulting during the summer months.

The shoes are some of the most comfortable wedges I've encountered. Whenever Nike Air technology gets wedded with office-friendly pumps, feet have cause to rejoice. The bag is comprised of incredibly light and durable leather, in a color that seems to match everything and I got it for a song on Ebay. All in all, I am happy with how this outfit turned out. 

Details:
Old Navy Swing Dress
Banana Republic Factory Cardigan
Cole Haan Air Tali wedges (on sale and bought with a gift card- Narrow at the toe so I took an 8 instead of a 7.5 but needed the Nordstrom shoe associate to add a heel grip which he did on site. Their strong customer service reputation continues to be deserved! And early access to the Anniversary Sale has just begun!)
Longchamp Quadri Hobo in Pebble
Both necklaces were gifts from loved ones

Consultant OOTD

I wore this to meet with representatives from a local nonprofit organization for whom I am consulting on digital media strategy, in partnership with our university's center for applied research. It feels great to put my academic skill set and professional background to use toward causes and institutions that serve the broader community. But I never know what to wear for these sorts of things. It's impossible to predict how buttoned up people will be (and perhaps therefore expect you to be). I don't tend to wear suits ever. I have suit-esque pieces in my wardrobe but I am not crazy about them (or how they fit me right now). So I tend to err on the side of "creative conservative." I decided to wear neutral, borderline monochromatic pieces that featured visual details that still felt like me.

Details:
Old Navy dress
Anthropologie jacket (called Chatham Dress Topper)
Spanx tights
Petty Boots

Some seriously belated (mostly) repeat OOTDs

You can tell by the foliage in the first two photos that these are fairly old ootds. Things have been crazy with Emilia's first birthday, her party, Chris's dissertation defense, Thanksgiving, and the end of semester crunch at work. I am so happy to report that Chris's dissertation defense was a great success. I'll update with a bit more on it soon. Same with Emilia's party!

But I have been busy because of all of the above, not to mention holiday planning, shopping, and decorating... So I have fallen behind on blogging. As much as I continue to love documenting my consumer wants, thoughts, and buys (as well as outfits), out of necessity blogging becomes a lower priority than my real life obligations. I didn't even get to write my gratitude post for Thanksgiving 2013, which is one of my favorite opportunities to reflect on and consider my blessings. Although Thanksgiving has come and gone, I still plan to put together these thoughts. They will just be late. And for those of you who continue to read this less-frequently-updated, unglamorous (especailly compared to the slick professional bloggers!), somewhat haphazard space, I want to say that I am truly, deeply grateful!

Details on outfit 1-- wore to campus for a day of meetings:
Old Navy striped terry dress, Spanx tights, MBMJ metallic mouse flats

Details on outfit 2-- wore for teaching (which upon further inspection might have been a little too casual)
Orly Kiely for Uniqlo dress, Orla Kiely bag, Spanx tights, MBMJ flats

Details on outfit 3-- Was dying to wear one of my favorite dresses again. Fits a bit more snugly but I'll take it! Wore for teaching and meetings
See by Chloé dress, Spanx tights, Ferragamo My Joy flats

Details on outfit 4-- Ditto outfit 3 as this is another favorite dress that fits a bit differently. Wore for teaching
Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, Spanx tights, MBMJ flats

Some of my working mom readers might notice that none of the above are especially breastfeeding/pumping-friendly. Now that Emilia is 1 and eating more solids, I haven't needed to pump at work unless I am there for an especially long day, in which case I keep a slip and cardigan to throw on for pumping. Even though my office door locks, I am not the only key holder and I am paranoid...haha. But we are continuing to breastfeed at least for now and I pump before I leave and as soon as I return home on those days when I manage to avoid it at work.

Day Tripper

This year, I've tried to hunker down in preparation for some big life changes to come. It has meant that my summer travel plans were kept to a minimum. Although I find myself itching to lay on a beach somewhere warm, it doesn't make sense in terms of the lost writing time or my finances. After San Diego in April and New York in May, Chris and I have not ventured far outside of the greater Pittsburgh area. We will be going to New Orleans in September for a conference, but otherwise no big trips are on the horizon. I will be presenting at my field's major conference in November, but I have to do so remotely, as I will be too pregnant to fly by then.

To combat our wanderlust, we've taken a few fun, interesting day trips that don't require the same level of commitment as more elaborate vacations. And last weekend we went to the lake to spend some time outside.

Although it was pretty chilly, Speck loved it!

We brought some picnic friendly foods and had lunch outside.

Outfit details:
Old Navy Maternity maxi dress (similar; similar maternity)
Levis denim jacket (similar)
Coach flats
YSL sunglasses
Oasap newspaper print bag (c/o)

Chris is wearing:
J. Crew shorts 
Rag and Bone pullover (striped version here)
LL Bean rain jacket
Pittsburgh Pirates hat (from Mitchell and Ness)
Sperry Topsiders

Dressing Room OOTD

I wore this to do some baby registry edits with my mom this week. While at the Galleria I stopped in Anthro just to see what was available and stretchy. This dress was a very cheap buy from Old Navy Maternity but I think I could wear it next summer if maxi dresses continue to be "in." Bonus side view on the border between 22 and 23 weeks:

For regular bump progress, you can follow my pregnancy here.

Details:
Old Navy Maternity Dress (FYI, fits large to size compared with pre-pregnancy ON size) (similar maternity; similar non-maternity)
Coach flats
Target Go Collection necklace of yesteryear and target bracelet
Betsey Johnson watch (similar)
Carolee travel charm bracelet (c/o) (similar)
Michelle Franz bag (similar)

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!

A little bit country

 Old Navy dress

Linea Pelle belt and double wrap leather bracelet

Miu Miu jeweled flats

Anthro necklace

I wore the above denim (chambray) dress from Old Navy to campus on Thursday. I worried it was a little short for my personal comfort zone so I paired it with tights (as it was brisk that day!). I promise that I haven't already retreated to security blanket hosiery for good this year. But I must admit that I was glad to not have to worry about inner thigh chub rub, having perfectly smooth legs, and somehow masking the constant shin bruises I tend to accrue from being clumsy.

This outfit felt countrified and that is no surprise, considering my recent social calendar. On Saturday Chris and I went to the North Side to celebrate Johnny Cash Day, which is an annual event at the Elks Lodge where local bands and musicians come together to cover Johnny Cash songs for charity. (I wore a plaid Reed Shirtdress and fit right in but got no photos, sadly!). It is something we support every year and have a great time doing so. In preparation for it and to honor September 11th, two of our friends dj'd a classic country night, that Sunday at the Brillobox. All of these events had me feeling particularly American and reaching for classic shirtdress shapes.

Finally, I want to encourage everyone to read the reflections on Mascarade, which is authored by one of the administrators from Fashionism (the forum where Anjali of Golden Means, Kim of Anthroholic, myself, and many others first encountered the dishonest, manipulative behaviors that led to Anthrogate).  I know many of us were wary when we saw the launch of the personal shopping business and some of the members of Fashionism tried to issue warnings by commenting and publishing blog posts. In retrospect I wish I had done more myself but none of us could predict how widespread her services would be used and how much money she would access due to the trust her readers placed in her. Furthermore, as the Mascarade points out, many of us hoped she had learned from getting caught doing this on a much smaller scale a year ago.

Weekend Dress Haul

Old Navy dress

In addition to the lion's share of heirloom tomatoes and other produce I bought from Farmers at the Firehouse, this weekend I grabbed an Old Navy dress I've wanted for a while. One of my fellow fashionism.org posters who blogs at overcaffeinated wrote about it originally.  It was always sold out in my size online and the fit reviews were mixed so I was glad to track one down in store. With the friends and family coupon from last weekend, it ended up costing around $25, which I think is a decent deal. For people interested in the chambray or navy version of this simple shirt dress, I've included my review below.

Although most of the clothing at Old Navy runs large, this dress runs true to size. I tried both an 8 and a 10, and bought the 10. It is especially snug across the bust and the 10 offered additional space plus a bit more length. It's kind of short, it is unlined, the buttons are a bit difficult to undo, and the fabric is thicker/stiffer than a nicer quality chambray. It doesn't have a side zip so the button functionality is important, in my opinion. But the skirt's pleats are really flattering, it has pockets, and the sleeves can button to be above elbow or 3/4 length. It is offered in navy and chambray. I view it as a more casual, slightly shorter, less poofy, and much cheaper version of the popular Reed Shirtdress from Anthropologie (see my review and posts of that here).

If you want to track one down, you can call Old Navy customer service and see if your local store is stocked. The item number (at least for chambray) is 889438. I don't know the item number for navy. If you do want to buy one in store, be sure to run a search for any current Old Navy coupons before your visit. I didn't even have to print anything out. I just showed the friends and family coupon on my phone and the sales person used her store coupon for application. Hope this helps!

Also, be sure to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway, if you've not already done so!