The Semester Looks Bright

So it is midway through the first week of the semester and things are really picking up.  I may just be a little sentimental but I always find the fall semester exciting.  The campus comes alive and everything feels so dynamic.  So, when choosing my outfit today, I kept coming back to my sequin tank. 

The sequin tank was a trend that could be found in many stores quite a few months ago.  I bought mine during last holiday season and swore that I would wear it all the time.  As it turns out, I have only worn it to work a few times, and each time I felt like I was going to hit the club right at 5pm.  The way I layered it today, however, I felt like the excitement of the new semester was shining through all day.

Sequin Tank: Charlotte Russe

Cowl Neck Tank: Express

Beige Skirt: Merona (Target)

Brown Flats: American Eagle

Because the cowel neckline on this tank is so low, I usually layer it with a cami.  But the v-neck on the sequin tank combined with its long length allow sparkle to peak through while providing coverage.  I chose my brown wedges because of their height.  When wearing a skirt or dress that is more than two inches above the knee, a shorter heel can keep the look modest. 

I kept the sparkle going up to my face by choosing gold dangle earrings.  I opted out of a necklace and instead chose a sequin bracelet that matched the tank.  That may have matched a little too much, but I liked it, so I wore it.  Maybe next time I'll choose a necklace :)

 The look of this outfit can change  just by adding a blazer and, in my case, my glasses.  I love the plaid pattern on this jacket and find that I can wear it with a million outfits, including this one.  It has a slim fit, nice lining, and 3/4 length sleeves.

 Plaid Blazer: Charlotte Russe

I have been so busy this week that I did not have the chance to snap some photos until 4:30 this afternoon.  By that time my hair was frizzy, my face was shiny, and my skirt had creases.  But, I take that as a reminder that our day is not about what we wear, it is about what we do and how we educate our students.  All we can hope for is that our clothes are comfortable and that our outfits reflect our state of mind.  And with that, the semester looks very bright indeed. 

What are you wearing?

academic U would love to know what you are wearing during your first week back to school!  Be sure to snap a quick pic and send it in!  Here's to a new semester!
<3 Erin

Southwest Inspiration

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Baca campus in Crestone Colorado and was in awe of the beauty and peace that I experienced.  I attended the PKAL leadership Institute for STEM faculty and would recommend it to any faculty member who is interested in improving STEM education at their university.  Below is a picture of our dorm while at the institute.

While at Baca, the dress was casual and the landscape was desert.  Much of the time was spent understanding ourselves while developing skills to improve our communication and teamwork.  I was paired with my mentor, Mel, who took the time to work with me, give me honest feedback, and give me some great advice.  At the end of the week, he gave me these amazing earrings that were handmade right there in Crestone. 

 When I got home to my institution I still had the Baca campus on my mind along with the memory of my new friends.  I longed for the colors and the laid back atmosphere of the desert as expressed in this outfit.

blue and tan striped button shirt: Ann Taylor Loft

denim pencil skirt: Express

nude shoes: Michelle D (Dillards) 

Earrings: Crestone (from my mentor, Mel)

Even though I was used to being in jeans all week, that wouldn't work for work, so, I opted for the closest thing.   This is the only denim piece that I can actually pull off in a "no jeans" office.  The structure and material of the skirt is completely professional (it just happens to be a dark denim color).  I paired it with a structured button-up to dress up the look.  The earthy tans and blues reminded me of the Baca sand and sky.   As an added bonus, my earrings matched so I had a piece of the southwest with me the whole day.  I may never go back to Crestone, but I can capture its essence at work after a quick trip to my closet.

Summer Safari

This summer look is brought to you by Claire, a faculty member in the public administration department.  We have had some great conversations ranging from wetland restoration policy to the best bar-b-que in town but on this particular day, it was all fashion.  These pictures from my i-pad do not do this outfit justice!  Her green jewelry brought the green from her shirt right up to her eyes and made them so bright!  But, I think both of our favorite parts was this cute jacket that she got at Ann Taylor. Claire calls this her "Safari Jacket" because it makes her feel like she is going on safari.  I found a similar one on sale on the Loft website .

Safari Jacket: Ann Taylor

Pants: Kohls

Jewelry: Kohls

Green Empire wrap top: Banana Republic

Layering tank: Ann Taylor

This jacket is a great summer layering piece because it is light weight and in neutral color. I love the way the sleeves are rolled up just enough to show the wrists (a perfect opportunity to display your favorite  watch or bracelet).  I also like the way that there is a tie across the middle.  This way you can leave it open as Claire has done or tie the middle to cinch the waist.  Pair it with rich colors in your shirt and jewelry and you have a great look for campus.      

Thank you for the inspiration, Claire!  Let us know if you ever get to wear your jacket on an actual safari!

Black, White, and Color all over?

Believe it or not, these are the lightest shoes I own.  They are so comfortable that it feels like I am walking on a cloud.  Find others like them at TJ Maxx or the aerosoles website

 
Black & white dress: Ross
Coral caridgan: Express
Green wedges: Areosoles (TJ Maxx)
Green dangle earrings: thrift store

 Sometimes I like to make a faux bob with my hair.  I ususally do this when I let my hair dry wavy (or I put my straight hair in hot rollers before starting).  Next, I pull my hair back loosly and clip it so the bob shape stays around my face. 

On this day I let the rest of the hair fall down my back like a pony tail, but usually tuck the ends under the nape of the neck and secure everything with bobby pins.  Most of the pieces that come loose make the look even better but carry some extra pins with you to fix strands that fall during the day.  Enjoy!

Tribute to the Women's World Cup. Go USA!

I am a huge soccer (football) fan and on game days I support the US Women's and Men's team by wearing my jersey.  But, in the office, I have to be a bit more creative.  This is my tribute to the women's world cup with my interpretation of a red, white, and blue ensemble.

The blue and white stripes on the top of the dress mimic the stripes of the American flag.  I paired the look with red heels to keep the patriotic look all the way down to my toes without looking like I was going to a fourth of July party.
 

Blue and white high waisted dress: JC Penny

Ruby red heels: Franco Sarto (TJ Maxx)

Red dangle earrings: Avon

Win or lose, I always support my home team.  Go USA! May the best team win!

En Route

I recently received some lab inspiration from Mykeshia, a Microbiology doctoral student in Georgia.  She included some tips on how to make it through the hot summer days working in a lab.  I can completely relate to her advice about arriving in weather-appropriate clothes but making sure to have comfortable and "lab safe" clothes close by. 

"Comfort is key when you consistently standing on any given day. In the
summer months I wear sandals to lab but always keep a pair of closed
toe shoes when I do lab work. Also I tend to wear shorts, mid thigh
and longer (Sorry American Eagle/Abercrombie and Fitch shorts are
inappropriate for work!) or comfortable workout pants so I can easily
change into pants when I get to work."

Mykeshia's key essentials for laboratory work:

1. Keep a pair of closed-toe shoes and socks at your desk
2. Have a hairclip or bobby pins around to keep your hair out of your
face and off your lab coat
3. Hoodies/jackets are great to have when the air is turned down
4. Deodorant because lab work gets…sweaty
5. Coat hook to hang your lab coat on so it is not on your chair or
desk with your personal items

 If you are interested in some comfy "kicks" like Mykeshia, check out the new balance website.
Mykeshia's advice on where to get "not too short" shorts on a graduate student budget?  Check Old Navy, Forever 21, and Goodwill.

I would like to thank Mykeshia for sending in some lab inspiration!  I saved my favorite picture of her for last!  Her pulled back hair is secured with a sweet white headband (with a cute bow on the side).  Her silver hoop earrings are large enough to be hip but not get in the way of her experiments.  And with eppendorf in hand, you have to admit she also rocks the gloves:)