Neutral Territory

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From left to right: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22 // 23 // 24 // 25

This year, I decided I would try to experiment with neutral tones.  Tan, beige, camel, animal print — call it what you want, I am into it.  I have a few items in my closet that I am planning to experiment with this winter.  Pinterest has provided much needed inspiration, including adding touches of camel to outfits like the one below:

Camel bag, http://instagram.com/chic_in_academia

Camel bag, http://instagram.com/chic_in_academia

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In my search for daily outfits, I have found that a tan/camel bag seems to be a good way to incorporate this color into one’s wardrobe without having to commit to adding the color by adding individual pieces.  The bags linked above are fairly affordable!  Number 25 is most like the first bag I have pictured in my outfits above and less than $60!

Another great investment, in my opinion, is the camel coat.  There are two linked above, which are appropriate for current temps.  For the warmer temps, a tan/camel trench coat is another great choice.  I have a couple tan trench coats myself (e.g., a vintage Ellie Tahari and a newer style from the Banana Republic Factory Store) and recently picked up a wool version, which I am hoping to sport the rest of the winter.

So, what are your favorite pieces in this color?  The knee-high boots perhaps??  The leopard print pumps?  Btw, I am in search for the perfect leopard print pump.  I bought a pair from Steve Madden last year, but the incline was far to steep to wear to the office, or anywhere for that matter.  They are SO uncomfortable!!! 😦  So, the search continues.  If I happen to come across any that I love, be assured that you’ll be the first to know!

Until next time!  Stay ‘Chic’!

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day with SammyDress

Disclosure:  I partnered with SAMMYdress for this post, however all opinions are my own.

 

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I was recently introduced to SAMMYdress — an online clothing, jewelry, shoes, make up, you-name-it-they-have-it company.  AND, they have men’s clothing too!!  My first impression of the site was: SERIOUSLY?!  Are their prices really that low??  As I perused their clothing section, I realized that not only were prices amazingly affordable, but that the fit and quality appears to be quite decent.  Many of the items listed on their website include photos from prior purchasers wearing the items.  Most also include a review from the individual indicating what size they are and what size they ordered from the website.  This gives one a decent idea about the garment as well as what size one might want to order.

Currently, SAMMYdress is hosting a Valentine’s Day promo. The following promo codes are available with every purchase:

PROMO CODE: VLTSD

15% discount through February 20th.

PROMO CODE: Rebaja

Permanent, has no expiration date.

Subtract $ 3 $ 30 + $ 5 Off $ 40 +, $ 8 Off $ 60 + $ 10 Off $ 80 +, $ 14 Off $ 100 + $ 18 Off $ 150 + $ 30 Off $ 200 + $ 35 off $ 250

The more you buy, the greater the discount.

As mentioned previously, the website carries a wide variety of garment and other items. Some of the items may be considered a bit risqué for some, haha, so be forewarned that you may come across them as you navigate the pages of the website.  Otherwise, consider this a site where you can find some über affordable threads should your pocketbook be suffering after the holidays!

Be sure to drop me a note in the comments section below if you happen to order from the site!  I have not yet ordered, but may be doing so as I prepare for V-day!  I have my eye on a couple of dresses and hope they will arrive in time for the holiday.  Oh yeah, that reminds me: As I have not yet ordered, I have no idea what shipping times are like, so if you order, keep in mind that shipping times may vary.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Until next time!  Stay ‘Chic’!

 

 

Paying it forward

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Outfit details:  Tulle skirt // White Top // White Druzy Bracelet // Gemstone Cuff // Cream Faux Fur Jacket

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to shoot a few items with the amazing Tosha Gaines of Tosha Gaines Photography.  It was a mere 30-ish degrees during our 10am meet up, but nonetheless, managed to get some amazing shots!

A couple of the items worn in this photo shoot come from locally-owned and/or women-owned businesses.  The first item – a unique, vintage-feel statement necklace comes from My Red Bead owned and operated by Beth Menke.  Her pieces are one of a kind and sold locally at a variety of stores and boutiques, including Harper Lane at The Galleria in Hoover, AL.  I love the beaded detailing juxtaposed with the silk tassel detail.

A while back, I collaborated with another local, woman-owned business – Chic Society Boutique  – and had a ring that I had not yet worn.  I was going for a white/champagne color scheme for this outfit, but wanted a pop of color that wouldn’t be too overwhelming.  Subsequently, I decided to wear the pink druzy statement ring from SCS; which, in my opinion, added a subtle hint of color.

To complete one of the looks, I wore a faux fur wrap from Royal Scout and Company.  RSandCo is another woman-owned business and one that is quickly gaining a reputation for high-quality, luxe items.  I recently received a wrap and a pair of faux fur boot cuffs.  I wore the boot cuffs immediately (see them styled on Instagram here and here), and wore the wrap during the shoot.  It is insanely soft and oh, so warm.  The wrap prices at about $60, which is not bad considering the quality.  RSandCo carries a variety of faux fur items, many of which I am coveting!!

The final item I wanted to feature in these looks was a pair of earrings from Mark Edge Jewelry.  I have now worn several Mark Edge pieces and styled them on Instagram, but hadn’t had the opportunity to wear the earrings I wore in this shoot.  His pieces are all unique, also have somewhat of a vintage feel, and ultimately stand the test of time.  They aren’t pieces that look like jewelry you’ll find at the mall.  These are hand-made, creative pieces made from reclaimed/recycled pieces of jewelry scouted from all over the country and abroad.  He reinvents these pieces to make truly artistic pieces.  See some of the other pieces I have styled in the past on Instagram here, here, here, and here.

One of my goals for Chic in Academia this year is to support more locally-owned, women-owned, and small businesses in general.  I am happy to lend my voice and platform to increase visibility for the business featured in this post, as well as others I will partner with this coming year as best as I am able.  I hope you will support them as well!!  Thank you as always for supporting me as well and continuing to visit my blog and other social media platforms.  You enable my ability to keep the right side of my brain engaged and alive!  For that, my sanity thanks you as well. 😉

Until next time!  Stay ‘Chic’!