Exclusive Preview of LOTUS BOUTIQUE’s New Spring Line

April 4, 2014July 28, 201512 Comments

Anyone who has ever gone shopping with me knows that Lotus Boutique is one of my go-to for unique, affordable clothes and accessories in the Birmingham area. I am ESPECIALLY fond of their earring, belts, bracelets, and statement necklace inventory! Check out some of my previous purchases:

Chaus Bow Blouse) I inherited from @sarasab! Happy Tuesday! // Belt: @lotusboutiqueonline Shoes: Paolo @nordstromrack // Skirt: Norma Kamali #Walmart // Hanger: @pearlsandpastries

Chaus Bow Blouse, from @sarasab // Belt: @lotusboutiqueonline // Shoes: Paolo @nordstromrack // Skirt: Norma Kamali #Walmart // Hanger: @pearlsandpastries

Skirt: Lotus Boutique // Top: Vince via @tjmaxx // Blazer: boutique in LA // necklace: @ellandemm // shoes: marc jacobs via @eBay

Until recently, I had no idea that they also had an online store! What’s more, the online sales are crazy good! It is not uncommon for them to have 40% off flash sales, which includes clearance items. Here are a couple of things that I have purchased for next to nothing during these flash sales:

Lotus recently received new merchandise for the Spring and you are among the first to get a preview of their new Spring Lookbook!! Here’s a look at what they have in store this Spring:

I am loving some of these pieces, so naturally, I have put together a list of my top picks from their current, Spring Lookbook! Here are my picks:

Love these looks?? There are even more on the Lotus Boutique website! Lotus Boutique has been incredibly generous and is offering one of my lucky readers a $15 gift card to use on your next online purchase!!! Just comment below with your thoughts on the Spring line and a winner be chosen at random and announced Monday morning!!

Last, but not least, I am excited to report that I will be styling and wearing Lotus Boutique outfits during Birmingham Fashion Week!! Birmingham Fashion Week will take place Saturday, April 19th- Saturday, April 26th at Pepperplace Mart in Birmingham, AL. Follow me on Instragram to see what I’ll be wearing! I’ll also be posting updates on Twitter for those who are tweeting-inclined. 😉

Stay chic!!

Latest Musings

February 27, 2014February 27, 201417 Comments

Hi, Friends!!

I’m back from my hiatus!! Well, my blogging hiatus. I’ve not yet taken a break from academics (though, really, can anyone ever REALLY take a break in academia?!), but rather worked quite hard on some grants, papers, and even explored some new job opportunities! More to come on that. 😉

For now, I have some super exciting things to report!

I’ve agreed to two exciting sponsorships for blog posts that will go live on my blog Thursday, Feb. 27th, and then again the first week in March. Stay tuned for those! I wanted to make you – my readers – aware that, although I am getting paid for these posts, and though there will – hopefully – be more paid posts in the future, I am only agreeing to work campaigns which align well with either academics (public health specifically) and/or fashion. So…fear not! The topics will be things you will want to hear about! Or so I hope, haha!
A super exciting collaboration with a fantastic jewelry company is in the works!! I’ve already styled a couple of their pieces on Instagram, but will soon be able to offer you discount just for you…my readers!! Stay tuned for that as well! Also, remember that I post daily #ootd’s (translation: Outfit Of The Day, ‘ootd’), so you’ll get daily styling ideas for those days when you’re feeling uninspired!
I have finally established a little bit of a following on Twitter, but it’s a bit lonely out in there in Twitterverse. Do you tweet?! If so, check out my account! Let’s tweet together!
Last, but not least, I have not forgotten about you – the reader – and your needs…your SHOPPING NEEDS!!! As such, I have a tidbit of info to leave you with today! C. Wonder is having a flash sale…up to 75% off on some items!! Here are some of my picks:

Nylon Easy Tote, Originally $78.00, now only $34.99

Double Drop Earrings, Originally $34.00, now only $7.99

Large Chic Necklace, Originally $48.00, now only $8.99

Medium Ocelot Pouch, Originally $44.00, now only $14.99

Scottie Notecards, Set of 8, Originally $12.00, now only $3.99

Calf Hair Crystal Deco Pump, Originally $168.00, now only $39.99

Cute, right?! But that’s not it!!! As a final token of gratitude for your patience as I mused about staying ‘chic in academia’, I am offering one lucky reader a $15 voucher/coupon to Banana Republic! The coupon can be used online or in-store, for your shopping pleasure and convenience. 😉 Just leave a comment below and the winner will be announced on my Instagram account on Friday, February 28th. Email me at chicinacademia@gmail.com if you don’t have an Instagram account to check the announcement (seriously though, get an Instagram account and follow me! It’s fun!!).

Stay chic! 💋

Fab Finds Friday!

January 10, 2014July 28, 20156 Comments

Can you believe we are already 10 days into the new year?! I can’t!! Time flies when you’re having fun, right? 🙂

I am certain that, like most people, you may be engaged in upholding some new year’s resolutions, or have set goals for the year; unless of course, you are the wiser, and decided to just live your life the way you want to live it! Haha!

I did not actually resolve to do anything specific this year, but did join in on some fun on Instagram (IG). One of my IG friends, Jen, started the #2014closetremixchallenge. The idea is to NOT SHOP for ONE WHOLE MONTH!!! AH! I know; the idea of ME not shopping for an entire month seemed completely outlandish/impossible/flabbergasting, but I figured, eh, why not give it a try?

So, I am 10 days into not shopping, and to tell you the truth, I have yet to go through withdrawal! I was scared to quit cold-turkey, but honestly, it has not been as bad as I anticipated it to be. In fairness, it is probably helping that I am head deep into manuscript and grant writing, so I really HAVEN’T had the time to peruse my usual websites and step foot into my favorite stores. But, I will say that it has helped me to better assess what is already in my closet; made me aware of the fact that I had several items with price tags still on them; and, that I had pieces of clothing and accessories that I love, but had not worn in years! Perhaps I needed this challenge more than I imagined! THEN, this happened…

Don’t worry, I didn’t fall off the challenge wagon!! Instead, I opened my inbox this morning (btw, thanks Gmail for creating a tab for ‘Promotions’ so that all my store emails are in one place and not mixed in with my work emails!!) and was confronted with several emails from stores alerting me to their fab sales!! Sigh. Everyone said I would be crazy for vowing to not shop this month because the sales would be SO amazing. Well, it turns out they were right!!

Anyway, just because I have vowed not to shop, doesn’t mean I should keep YOU from doing so! So, as an act of public service, I figured I would put together a few of my favorites and pass them along to you! I am, afterall, a giver. 🙂

Below are some of my picks (all items under $50, one as little as $2!!) based on the emails I received this morning. Links are listed below the collage of items. Credit to the incredibly stylish Marce (@lawyercouture) for the tip on the Ann Taylor Faux Fur Collar! Of note, all the items are at least an additional 40% (discount applied at checkout)! The only exception is the Lotus Boutique necklace (black stone necklace with red shirt), which along with other items on the site, will be on sale tomorrow during the flash-sale taking place from 10am-12pm CST! Use promo code FLASHSALE to get the discount! You heard it here first!!

Have fun shopping and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for outfit styling inspiration for your new purchases!!

Have a great weekend!!