On Thursday night MA students at the Div School got wined and dined at our annual MA dinner. My roommates and I took the opportunity to get all dressed up (something we obviously love to do). Kelli rocked her sweet little 50’s dress, Erin (who snuck away before photos) wore a flirty black dress, and I finally got Mad Men’d enough to wear my fur collar. Here’s how we turned out.
Kelli: satin 50's dress (H&M), black cropped cardigan (Old Navy back in the day), black tights (CVS in New Orleans), satin peep toes (Target).
Emily: black cashmere sweater (thrifted, Unique Thrift Store, $3), black pencil skirt (Target, $4), ivory fishnets (American Apparel, borrowed from Kelli), black peep toes (Target), white fur collar (vintage, thrifted, Unique Thrift Store), cameo broach (vintage, gift from my grandmother).
The French Effect: white button up and white tank (borrowed from Kelli), skinny jeans (Target, $12), brogues (vintage, Etsy), belt (vintage, Dad's from the 70's), scarf (vintage Dior, thrifted, Unqiue Thrift Store) white cocktail ring (H&M), earrings (Windhoek, Namibia), glasses (Dolce and Gabbana).
I decided that I’d OD’d on dresses and tights (as much as I love them) and so on Thursday I was drawn to a new substance- the French-ness of a white shirt, jeans, and a scarf. I really like the crispness of this look, in which I feel chic but still comfortable. And I have to say that I’m really growing to like my hair, especially when it’s in its little pony.
Letterpress love notes from Curious Bird
For those of you who weren’t assigned ten bazillion pages of Marx this week, here is some further reading to keep you from feeling excluded from the academic world of misery/masochistic joy.
*Jessica at The Cat’s Pajamas read my mind in her post about living in a room decorated like Anthropologie
*See how the 1920’s film “Metropolis” inspired Karl Lagerfeld for German Vogue’s “Rückkehr nach Metropolis”
*For the nerds: Adorno critiques Benjamin on art and mimesis
*American Vogue this time: Sean Combs and Natalia Vodianova epitomize the glamour of luxury train travel
*Is fashion art?: a 2003 debate from The Guardian
*Just in time for Valentine’s Day: a collection of letterpress love notes from Curious Bird
As I think we’ve established via this and other posts, I have a plaid shirt that ranks among my most treasured pieces of clothing. It’s the thing I wear when I’m feeling exhausted and icky and covered in the grime of serious academic work. It makes me happy, with its subtle color and its super soft fabric, and wearing it I feel chic despite the giant circles under my eyes.
On Wednesday I was stayed-up-all-night-reading-Marx tired, but I still wanted to wear something fun and flattering. So, on went a (rather short) grey sweater dress and, of course, my beloved plaid shirt. I was comforted by the presence of a familiar piece, but it got re-mixed in a way that was new and exciting. In the end, I really like the look that emerged. Thoughts, anyone?
Academic Grime: grey sweater dress (H&M, borrowed from Kelli), plaid shirt (J. Crew, thrifted, Crossroads Exchange), brown tights (American Apparel), grey boots (Target), brown and purple belt (Old Navy for ~$2).
I admit it: I like color. I like all kinds of colors, and sometimes I like to smash those colors together. On Tuesday I was like a bowl of sherbet and, even though I hate sherbet, I really enjoy looking like it.
It appears from my outfits of late that I own only three pairs of shoes, all of them boots. With Chicago snow, flats just won’t do, but someday I’ll wear them again, I promise. :)
PS- The religious studies nerd in me can’t help but think, “Annunciation! Revelation!” when I see the sun gleaming through the window here.
Bowl of Sherbet: fuschia dress (Target, $6?), mustard layering tee (H&M), brown tights (American Apparel), mustard socks (Target), short cowboy boots (random SC shoe store), plaid scarf (Urban Outfitters, $10), copper bangles (Tsumeb, Namibia).
This is the view from the window. Behold, the Gothic glory!
The In-Crowd Necklace, $19.99, Anthropologie, anthropolgie.com
Colorblock Bustier Dress, $18, Nasty Gal, shopnastygal.com
Striped Scoop Neck, 14.99, Newport News, newportnews.com
Steampunk Hair Pin, $15, The Steampunk Trunk at Etsy, etsy.com/shop/steampunktrunk
Vintage Boyfriend Tartan Jacket, $18, Pintuck Style at Etsy, etsy.com/shop/pintuckstyle
Metallic Knee Length lace Skirt, $14.99, Newport News, Newportnews.com
Spangled Bangle in Colorblock, $19.99, Anthropologie, anthropologie.com
I couldn’t resist naming this outfit after the title of a Charlie Chan movie. Set in Honolulu and featuring a starlet, a go-zillionaire, and a psychic, The Black Camel is a classic with a twist. That’s kind of how I see this outfit- classic colors and patterns with a bit of a kick. The combination of black and camel is quite elegant, I think, and the argyle and plaid are standard academic/preppy gear. Worn this way, though, I feel like the classic look gets a little funky. With the stamped leather belt up high and twisted, short cowboy boots instead of the standard riding ones, the argyle on tights instead of sweaters, and the scarf twisted into a ring, things are more fun than they might be if I went for a more classy look.
This was the outfit that I was wearing when I submitted my petition for the PhD program here at University of Chicago. The nerd chic feeling of this outfit perfectly suited my “Let me be a doctoral student!” day.
The Black Camel: black knit dress (Target, way cheap), argyle tights (gift), short cowboy boots (random SC shoe store), stamped belt (vintage, my dad's from the 70's), plaid scarf ($1.99, thrifted, Unique Thrift Store).
This is my heart, people. That’s right, I’m happy enough to have fireworks banging around in my chest. Why, you ask? Because today I submitted my petition for acceptance to the PhD program at the Div School!! That means that my application season is officially over: I’ve filled in all the little blanks, checked all the boxes, written all the essays, and paid all the exhorbitant fees. I am DONE! What a relief! And in just a month or two I’ll know where I’ll be living for the next four or fives years, where and with whom I’ll be studying, and (for everyone who’s wondering where the tie to clothing is…) where I’ll be shopping! It’s SUCH a good feeling to know that all the preparations are over. Now I just have to wait!
This has nothing to do with clothes, but I’m writing about it anyway. Since you all read (or at least look at the accompanying photos of) my daily rambles about fashion, I figure something of a little more substance won’t be objectionable. :)
A former boyfriend introduced me to the world of jazz and blues. This outfit, with its sneaky rhythms and hints of blue, is my tribute to Miles Davis, my first jazz crush.
Kind of Blue: black dress (Old Navy clearance rack), turquoise layering tee (H&M), turquoise tights (American Apparel), black patterned tights (gift), black boots (random SC shoes store), scarf as belt (H&M).
Layered tights: American Apparel blue under gifted patterned black
I really like how easily this scarf works as a belt!
If pressed, I’d definitely say that the combo of dress-tights-boots-cardigan-belt-scarf is basically the best gift the sartorial gods have given to a girl. Because, let’s face it- the permutations are endless, the proportions are flattering, the fit is comfortable, and the overall style is actually (Chicago) weather appropriate. Well, okay, I still have to take my pictures inside to keep from turning into an ice sculpture, but I don’t freeze to death on the trek to school. Please notice how I’m standing right next to the radiator. :)
I think this might be my favorite outfit of late. What do you all think? What’s your go-to winter style?
Color Pop: teal dress (Target, $7), grey cardigan (H&M), purple tights (Target, way cheap), grey boots (Target), purple and tan belt (Target, $5?), orange and teal paisley scarf (NYC street vendor), glasses (Dolce and Gabbana).
from Saks in the City
That’s right, friends. The work never ends! Here’s this week’s list of further reading for all you diligent students of sartoriography.
*an inside look at a photo shoot for a fashion editorial at Fashion Photography Blog
*Anthro’s take on how to wear 1950’s chic
*The Glamourous Grad Student asks: What makes a role model?
*an example of gorgeous style and banging curves at Saks in the City
*A slideshow of Spring 2010 Couture looks from the New York Times
*Vogue gets menswear just right, thanks to inspirations
*an intriguing note on religion and financially aiding Haiti
Hey fashionistas, check it out! I was vainly googling sartoriography a few minutes ago and discovered that it was one of the fastest growing WordPress blogs on January 9th! Woohoo!
Thanks to everyone who has visited, commented, and, contributed in the last few months. You’ve helped make sartoriography into a community, rather than just a place where I egotistically post photos of myself. :) I appreciate your loyalty and readership!
WordPress Fastest Growing Blogs List, January 9th
sartoriography on the WordPress Fastest Growing Blogs List!!
Striped sweater, skinny jeans (Gap), brown boots (Piperlime).
My roommates are basically my sisters. We’re a family- we shop together, eat together, work together, get grumpy about all the reading we have to do together. That’s why Kelli and Erin show up on this blog so often- they’re sartoriography’s sisters! From now on, they’re going to have their own category. So, if you really like how Kelli rocks her tights or Erin styles her (self-cut!) hair, look for posts entitle “Sister of sartoriography!”
Oh, dear friends. Under $20 Tuesday got jacked by papers and field notes, so this week you’re getting Under $20 Thursday. I’m fired, but then I’m kind of re-hired for at least choosing a T-day on which to address my failure. :) ENJOY!
Retro 1970's owl ring, $19.50, Cosmic Firefly, Etsy.com
1980's vintage shirt dress, $18, Pintuck Style, Etsy.com
70's bird of paradise top, $18.99, FutureHippie, Etsy.com. Kind of hideous, but kind of awesome tucked into a skirt?
Pinwheel Tights, $9.99, Anthropologie
Brushed plaid woven shirt, $14.24, Forever21.com
Off the shoulder belted dress, $19.99, Victoria's Secret
The internet is awesome. And do you know why? Because friends who are much loved but far away can send you photos of themselves in really great outfits. And then you can put them on your blog. That’s why the internet is awesome.
In this case, the friend was Emily Avent, one of my favorite people…well, ever. She and our friend Sean hit the town in Charleston and Sean was nice enough to snap some shots of Emily all decked out. Don’t you LOVE this coat?
Emily Avent embracing her inner animal: skinny jean (Jojo, Charleston, SC), leopard print coat (Banana Repulic, gift), boots (Veruschka, Charleston, SC), red cashmere cardigan (Finicky Filly, Charleston, SC), leopard print scraf (Urban Outfitters, gift from Emily Crews), thumb bandage (typical, because her fingers always have bandaids on them).
Raaar!
Need to get your closet in order?
Hey folks, check it out! I’m doing a guest post over at The Glamourous Grad Student. If you need some fun tips for getting your closet in shape this year, head on over the The Glamourous Grad Student and read my post. And while you’re there, take a look at A’s site. It features great advice, fun Polyvore combos, and, my favorite, her Chic City series.
Read all about it- 70% off at ModCloth! If you were hoping to rock out some serious vintage style for scandalously low prices, now’s your chance! Although I’ve recently decided to seriously restrict my spending (not that it was crazy before, but…) I might have to partake juuuuuust a bit in this mega-sale. And just think, I can sweat out the cabin fever AND look cute in some new goodies!
Edmund Dulac
Like any good (future) professor, I know that there’s no way your life is complete unless you have so much to read that you can’t possibly do it all and then feel guilty and stressed out for not getting to everything. Therefore, each week (probably on Friday) I’ll be compiling a list of “further reading” for you to do during your supposed free time, after you’ve completed your primary assignment of reading sartoriography with an intense and critical eye. If anyone has specific requests for content and/or sources, let me know.
Further Reading
*a post from LiftingFaces on the illustrations of Edmund Dulac
*an article about Israeli diamonds and the ethics of the industry from Adbusters
*The Clothes Horse on the stunning photography of Rodney Smith, whom I’ve long admired
*NY Magazine fashion outlet, The Cut, covers Paris Men’s Fashion Week
*an article from CNN Money about fashion bloggers making it big (or big-ish…or medium).
*Kyla from Blue Collar Catwalk asks: what’s the difference between style and fashion?
Sometimes the perfect outfit looks lame in photos. What’s that all about? In my rush to snap some shots before heading to class I failed to notice that my shirt (which I have loved for years) wasn’t exactly sitting the right spot on my chest. Instead of beneath beneath my breasts, the seam was right in the middle of them. Never a good thing, no? So, here you have the best of some pretty crappy photos, which we’ll dub “Photos of Emily, Bisected Breasts!”
It was unintentional, but in some ways I feel that this outfit has a bit of a 70’s vibe- the belt, the boots, the shirt, the colors. Although I generally tend more toward the 60’s in my preferences (and the 40’s in my ideal), there are some aspects of 1970’s style that I really enjoy. And, despite the bad seam location, I really love this shirt, which my mom gave me when I was in college.
PS: This is what the new haircut looks like when it hasn’t been straightened and all done up to pieces by the stylist. Still not sure what I think.
Skinny jeans (Target, $12), striped top (gift from Mom from years ago), grey cardigan (H&M), cranberry scarf (thrifted, Aliyah's), boots (random SC shoes store), belt (vintage, Dad's from the 70's).
The rusty color of this grate and the leaves goes really well with the colors of my outfit!
So, friends, I got a new haircut. It didn’t go down as planned, and I’m in debate with myself about whether or not I like it. At this stage I’m thinking that it’s something I’d like to have on my head once or twice a week with a certain outfit (such as the one I’m wearing in these photos), but I’m not sure it’s an every day kind of style. What say you?
New Haircut: blue filmy dress (thrift store in Charleston, SC), plaid blazer (vintage, thrifted), grey tights (2 pairs, Americal Apparel), short cowoys boots (random SC shoe store), glasses (Dolce and Gabbana).
Hmm...is this cut for me? Not sure!
Dear Friends, Readers, and Random Passersby-
You can now follow me on Bloglovin’! After much reasearch into subscriptions/readers/feed thingees, I decided to go with Bloglovin’ as my suggested method of aggregating my posts. If you don’t already have me on a reader, please add me to your Bloglovin’ list. And if you don’t have Bloglovin‘, you should get on that. Its graphics are pretty and it’s super easy to use. Yay for technology!
If you’re interested in following me, click on one of the links above or on the Bloglovin’ badge in the side bar. Any link will do!
Thanks to all of you who’ve asked about subscribing. It’s great to know that there are people who actually want to see my goofy self on a regular basis. :)
That’s right, folks- on Friday I dressed like The Man himself. Despite the lack of guitar and addiction to prescription meds, I think I looked pretty good in ol’ Johnny’s black. I did deviate from my inspiration with some accessorized colors, but I kept them neutral so as not to offend. I’m pretty sure my cowboy boots could still walk the line. And I think the Gothic quality of the UofC perfectly suits the black mood. Thanks, moody arches!
Black skinny jeans (Gap), black tee (Target, $3), black sweatshirt blazer/hoodie (Target for cheap!), scarf (borrowed from Kelli), short cowboy boots (random SC shoe store).
sartoriography, in association with…sartoriography?…announces
UNDER TWENTY TUESDAYS!
From now on, every Tuesday sartoriography will feature a random assortment of pretty items for under $20. Let me know what you think. And enjoy!
PS- Not sure what’s with the predominance of black, but I like it!
Starry Sky Scarf, $19.95, Anthropologie
Vintage 70's Mini, $17, OneLady'sVintage at Etsy.com
Vintage Black Silk Gloves, $11.99, castleofcharm at Etsy
When Doves Cry Ring, $7.99, ModCloth
Military Zip-Up Jacket, $11.99, Forever21
The Pippy Skinny Scarf, $18, sewstacy at Etsy.com
I think I redeemed myself with Thursday’s outfit and photos. After a week of extremely stressful writing and reading (Adam Smith on morality is NOT the world’s most exciting material), I decided that the only thing to make life better was leopard print and some time out in the snow with my camera.
I have to tell you folks- I really love this outfit! This sweater dress was just perfect- fitted but not clingy, lightweight but still warm, punchy but not over the top. And to think that it only cost $3! Life just doesn’t get better than that! Well, okay, some time on a white sand beach with the man of my dreams might top a sweater dress, but it’d be a fight worth seeing.
This time I think that pairing it with simple black let is stand on its own was a good choice, but next time I may go with something a little more funky. What do you think? Any ideas on how to funk up this look?
Lost in Leopard: sweater dress ($3, Unique Thrift Store), black tights (two pairs, both from American Apparel), black boots (random SC shoes store), black scarf (stolen from some family member or another).
Pipe, steam, moss, wet leaves: who knew such things could be so pretty?
Anyone sensing a theme here with the bad photography? Thursday and Friday look way better than this, thank goodness!
Kelli: skinny jeans (Gap), floral tank (Gap), purple cropped sweater jacket (Unique Thrift Store), brown boots (Piperlime).
Emily: grey skinny jeans (Target, $12), black tee (Target, $3), scarlet scarf (thrifted, Aliyah's, San Francisco), glasses (Dolce and Gabbana).
Looking nuts...
...and very suspicious.
Oh, the terrors of fashion photography! Late days, early sunsets, and camera complications meant that two days in a row our outfit photos were taken inside with Kelli’s camera (and its over-bright flash!). Please forgive the formulaic poses, bad reflections, and red eyes. Photos from the end of the week are better!!
Erin: plaid shirt (Mom's from the 60's), black skirt (gift from Emily), purple cardigan, grey tights, combat boots, skeptical expression.
Kelli: dress (Target on clearance), leggings (Target), boots (Amazon), turtleneck (Target).
Emily: skinny jeans (Target, $12), red top (H&M), old man blazer (thrifted at Ragstock in Madison), short cowboy boots (random SC shoe store for way cheap!).
Due to my responsibilities of caring for the Baby C, I tend to dress down a bit on Mondays- jeans, a sweater, boring, boring, etc. So, here you only Erin and Kelli looking presentable. They make quite a nice picture, don’t you think?
Erin: blue button up, grey skirt (H&M), patterned tights, combat boots.
Kelli: purple turtleneck (Target), black skirt (gift from Emily), patterned tights (gift), grey boots (Piperlime).
Lately I’ve developed this thing for vintage tees over dresses. I’m not sure what that’s all about, but every time I go to play on Looklet I end up designing the same look. This isn’t the same thing as really discovering this about town or on the web, the way I did with the leaf clasp belts, but my mind is part of my field of research, too, right?
While I think this style might be problematic for women who can’t spare the extra bulk or those who (like me) really like to accentuate their curves, there’s something about it that I find really appealing. Maybe it’s just how good it looks on the perfectly thin model. :) Anyway, here’s what I’ve been putting together. I especially like the little tuxedo jacket in the French Ragamuffin look!
What do you think of this style? Would you wear something like this?
starter wardrobe for the collegiate clothes pony (Part 2)
by A. of The Glamourous Grad Student
In part one, I ran down through the wardrobe essentials the collegiate gal might require for day-to-day activities like attending class, studying, and lounging around her dorm. But of course you’ll be busy with all kinds of other activities. Be ready to dress for the occasion, whatever the occasion may be.
More for the college wardrobe by ooh la la cherie!
dELiAs > Mari Sweater Dress > dresses > casual, $50
Fendi Silk-crepe blouse, $960
Crochet Babydoll Top – Teen Clothing by Wet Seal, $21
Womens aerie everyday v-neck tank – White, $16
Tiered Lace Bubble Top, $48
For conveying a sense of responsibility and having one’s game together
Having a smarter outfit on hand is always wise. For orientation events, seminars and even job interviews, you’ll want something poised and polished. And remember, you can totally mix this smart section of your wardrobe with your other clothes.
Look for a couple of structured shirts or blouses, but don’t stock up on those like you would with tees. You can get away with not ironing a tee, but a button-down shirt is not so flexible. And after a few weeks of your rigorous academic schedule, ironing is the last thing you will want to do in your limited spare time!
Pair your top with a neutral, tailored skirt or trousers, a jacket or blazer, and an elegant and well-polished pair of shoes. Again, neutrals are most versitile but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also have fun and be expressive with your footwear. Try a black patent Mary-Jane or a tan T-bar vintage style, for example.
For getting your groove thang on
With so many social events on campus, some evening-appropriate clothes are essential. Whether you plan on attending a keg party every night or popping out to the movies with your girlfriends is beside the point. The fact is, no girl wants to go out for the evening in the same clothes she dissected a frog or sat in the stuffy library all day in.
If you are a jeans gal, you might like to invest in a second, slightly longer pair of darker denims to wear with high heels. If you’re more of a skirts gal, you might prefer a second, slinkier skirt like a pencil or trumpet style. Pair either with a pretty ruffled top, something sequined, a little lace… Whatever you feel is fun! Dresses are another great option for evenings when you just want to throw something on and go. You might also like a small clutch bag, as dancing around with your bookbag may give you sore shoulders.
You may find yourself wanting a pair of heels to wear with your dressier outfits. As with your other footwear, choose quality over quantity. There is nothing worse than going out to dance, getting a blister and having to limp home in the rain while everyone else is having fun. Get one versitile, well-made pair of heels for starters and expand your collection over time.
For working out
Perhaps this is a slightly unexpected category, but in college one has so many opportunities to try out new activities and one often has access to the cheap (or free) gym sports facilities. To encourage you to make the most of it all and live healthily, make sure you include a cute work-out outfit in your college wardrobe. Choose colours you like and clothes that are flattering as well as comfortable. But (and this is an important but) do not fall down the slippery slope of wearing your work-out clothes to class. First impressions count in life, so develop a habit of putting thought and care into your clothes now.
For lazy days when you just want to sleep in peace
Every girl needs a comfy and cute outfit she can pull on for those early classes. Avoid the temptation to turn your behind into a billboard for Victoria’s Secret or Juicy Couture. Also, do not turn your behind into a medium through which to profess that you are, in fact, “SEXY”.
I think dresses are really super for those bleary-eyed days. It requires very minimal effort to pull on a pair of leggings, boots and a sweater dress in winter, or a jersey dress, bright tights and flats in spring or autumn, or a sundress and sandals in summer. Ok, you might fight for a moment with the tights, but I promise you will feel infinitely more chic than you would have felt if you’d gone out in the pajamas you slept in.
Are you a current college student or soon to me one, or is college a distant memory? What are/will be/ were the staples in your college wardrobe?
Dear People, I am a slacker. The pressure of visitors, presentations on Adam Smith, all night reading sessions, taking care of C, and applying for PhD programs has meant that my ability to get my outfits posted in a timely manner has taken quite a kick in the teeth. Thus, we have these terrible (belated) posts, which include not spectacular photography and titles that have dates a week before they’re published. My apologies to you all. I shall attempt (but not promise) to keep a tighter ship in the future.
Thursday’s outfit remains uncaptured, thanks to camera malfunctions and battery death. This outfit from Friday, though, did get quickly shot. This was my first time wearing my new grey jeans. I love them! I paired them with a pink shirt with a tuxedo ruffle, a deep purple cardigan, and my new favorite boots. Still inspired by Kyla’s belt magic, I tried another twisty belt. Alas, it’s hidden underneath my coat, which had to stay on thanks to arctic temperatures. This was one day I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my warmth for visual appeal!
Apologies again for my slackerosity, and thanks for continuing to read!
I bought the hat in Argyle, Scotland. It's goofy and I LOVE it!
Freezing!: coat with fur hood (Filene's Basement for a freakin' steal!), grey jeans (Target, $12), scarf (thrifted at Aliyah's San Francisco) purple leather and cashmere gloves (gift).
Under the coat: pink tuxedo ruffle tee (Anthropologie, $10), purple cardigan (Target, way cheap), belt (vintage, my dad's from the 70's).
Snow crows!
