Latest Musings

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!

  1. 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!
  2. 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!
  3. 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!
  4. 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:

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!

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!!

Fab Finds Under $50

Happy New Year!!

Happy new year dear readers!!!  May this year be filled with happiness, love, and success for you all!  I am excited for what 2014 has in store, both professionally as well as personally.  I am also excited for some upcoming collaborations that are in the process of being established for my blog!  😀  More details to come soon!

It’s been 30 whole days since my last blog post!  Can you believe that?!  In my defense, I have been busy with work-related activities; specifically, writing (manuscripts and a grant)…you know, my bread and butter.  Well, let’s just say my bread, because I don’t really care for butter. 😉  In academia, you must publish or perish, so I have been actively trying not to perish!

Anyhow, being that it is the first day of the year, I wanted to make sure I posted today and also remind you that I had some unfinished business pending with some of you!!  You may or may not remember that I was to announce the winner of the book ‘Lean In‘ giveaway the first week of December.  For those of you who missed out, read up on the giveaway here!

Well, what had happened was…  Haha, just kidding!  Seriously, though.  I had planned to give away my personal copy of the book.  Then, I decided, why not try to get books for ALL the readers who commented on my blog post??  How Oprah of me would THAT be??!

So…guess what??  If you commented on that post (I also have a list, if you need to make sure), THEN:

Screen Shot 2014-01-01 at 9.46.35 PMExciting, right??!!  I was able to negotiate getting books donated for all those that commented, so it is no expense to me OR you!!

Anyhow, I wanted to make sure to get this news out on the first of the year…you know, to help get your year started off right. 🙂  Email me at chicinacademia@gmail.com to claim your book!  Books will be mailed before the end of the month.

Finally, I want to take a moment to thank you all again for your continued support and readership!  2013 was an amazing year for my blog, so I can only imagine how much better it will get in 2014!

Cheers to you all and Happy New Year!!!!