My last class of the term was a week ago Monday. Since then, I’ve been holed up with marking, which I can do at home in jeans (or, let’s be honest, pyjamas) just as easily as on campus. And even when I’m “up the hill” now, in my campus office, I’m keeping it pretty casual.
But I did pull together one last “At the Lectern” Outfit before I retreated. It’s a bit bolder than I’ve been going lately, what with the print-matching and all, but I thought the simple shapes kept it all under control. That’s my JCrew French Chicks-printed silk shirt worn under a striped, cotton-knit lightweight blazer I picked up at the Nice Things shop in Bordeaux last summer. A J Crew No. 2 pencil skirt (I’m so annoyed! the hem is unravelling and I’m going to have to spend an hour stitching it back up — that shouldn’t happen at that price point!). And the Think! shoes I picked up secondhand at a great little local consignment shop.
You’ll note I’m still wearing tights with this outfit, worn two weeks ago. Sadly, I would still have to do so today, were I to wear a skirt. But I’m hoping that soon, all the transitional wear can be shifted away, and my garb can match the garden’s promise (it’s definitely spring out there — more flower photos coming soon). In which case, I’d really better book a pedi.
Having reminded myself what more professional dress looks like, I’m now settling back in my pjs and housecoat with a stack of papers to be marked. There are worse ways to work . . .
And you? What’s up today? Does your work or play dictate what you’re wearing? Anyone just let the closet organize your day for you? Wear what you want and let the activity follow? I wonder what I’d get up to if I did that. . . . Hmmmmmm. . . .
And did you feel the earthquake they are reporting?!?!?
Not even a shiver. . . but Port Hardy's about 4.5 hours' drive from here (although I realize an earthquake could make the trip more quickly!)
I'm getting ready to teach this afternoon. Skinny grey jeans, white t-shirt, coral cardigan, black ballet flats.
Here's hoping warmer weather returns soon!
That coral cardigan will play very nicely with those simple neutral pieces — such a spring colour — perhaps you'll entice the sun to come back. . .
I freakin' LOVE this! Such excellent pattern matching. It would also be a great combo with jeans.
Thanks! And I'll def. try it with jeans. . . .
That's so fresh and pretty!
Thanks, K!
You look very professional. The French chicks is a fresh spring touch. I have just purchased BT computer access in Shetland and I am up to Whalsay later today. The skies are grey but there is something about staying in a house with a peat fire. From solitude to visiting the place where I have the most relatives in the world! I choose what I'm going to wear according to the day. I'm wearing navy as well because it seems a solid colour for meeting new people???I don't know why.
Such a switch, in so many ways, your time in Shetland after your time in Paris. I can't wait to hear about it . . .
I love navy. I started wearing it when I was 16 and I'm still a big fan of it. It's more forgiving than black.
I've tended to do far more black over the last couple of decades, but I've always turned to navy in the spring and summer. . . and now I'm keeping it around more throughout the year for precisely the reason you cite — it's just much gentler on the complexion. . .
Navy is so much easier on the paler complexion, in my opinion, and sits happily alongside pretty much anything you care to put next to it.
That's a lovely outfit you're wearing in the pic – just on the right side of the formal/informal divide.
Hope you'll be treating yourself to a couple of good pedis, before AND after the marathon
Thanks, Ceri. . . .and I agree with you that navy's easy to wear. As for the pedi, I'm too nervous to get one before (I'm not messing with any callouses at this point!), but I do think I will deserve some foot pampering after!
I noticed that you refer to your campus as "up the hill." It jumped out at me because the campus at University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, where I went to school….has long been referred to as "Up the Hill."….since it is up the hill form the downtown area.
Good luck with the marking!
You have a gorgeous campus at your alma mater! I was there for a conference a few summers ago, and it's clear that your students are likely to have quads just as toned as those of our students on the other coast. . . .
Such a fresh and pretty outfit looks like spring even when the weather is not cooperating. My outfits tend to evolve around the day; when I'm not going out they are much more casual.
Mine do too, but sometimes I wonder what it would be like just to play freely with the palette, or to shift to another metaphor, to grab ingredients according to what makes my mouth water. . .
What a wonderful outfit! I wish some of my professors had dressed as thoughtfully and creatively.
During a drinks party at the end of my English degree, a friend and I plucked up the courage to ask one of our teachers about her incredible ring, which we had been admiring covertly for three years. She was surprised, pleased, and told us its backstory, which suddenly made her seem much more human and less intimidating … I wish we'd had the courage to ask earlier. There is something about clothes which can level all kinds of hierarchies (as well as emphasise divides … but that's another comment entirely).
Such a kind and thoughtful comment, Philippa, and I know exactly what you mean, from both sides of the professor-student equation. Even as a mature student (I was back in the classroom in my late 30s through my late 40s, what with grad school and all), it felt a bit bold to comment on what a prof was wearing. But the comments were almost invariably welcomed and yes, that leveled the hierarchy a bit. I get regular comments from young women in my classes — most often about my shoes or boots — and I'm always pleased, not just to be recognized as human (!), but also because engaging any kind of interest is a hook (so a bit of a pedagogic goal, as well, so as to justify my shoe budget ;-))
btw, your "other comment entirely" is a worthwhile one, and I keep it in mind as well — there are divisions that I want to maintain, ever so slightly, in my outfits, and ones I'd like to minimize. . . . you've made me think of a possible post. Someday . . . .
I am so glad.