Of late ...

As I slowly but surely build my blog and discover more established bloggers whose work I admire, I wanted to give a brief shout out to some that I've been reading of late. As a 20-something grad student, I want to look professional and stylish but at the lowest possible cost. That means shopping sales, of course, especially off-season. For example, I love boots that can carry one from fall to winter to the cooler days of early spring. The couple of pairs I own were purchased in late February/early March from Dillard's, when winter inventory is being pushed out for spring fashions. A pair that cost $200 originally might now go for $40-$50 or even less. For those who enjoy a good parallel, my professionalization from undergrad to graduate student and instructor has been a process of becoming literate in the codes and expectations necessary for navigating academia in a manner not all that dissimilar to becoming a "literate" shopper in locating chic-yet-cheap finds.

As such, here are a few fantastic blogs that you should check out--whether you're a graduate student or young professional looking for tips on dressing fashionably while on a budget:

academichic

fashionableacademics

Like the wonderful bloggers who contribute to these sites, I find myself remixing the old with the new and visiting consignment and thrift stores, too. In fact, along with reading for my comps this summer, a big project has been organizing closets and gathering items to donate to Goodwill. Another smaller batch is designated for a swap party>/span> with some girlfriends, with leftovers from that event also going for donation. I do recommend holding a swap party with gently-used clothing, bags, accessories, etc. with your gal pals, with hors d'oeuvres and wine perhaps, as a way to barter items you no longer wear for pieces that are "new" to your wardrobe. Being thrifty and green has never been so fun!

On a related note, I know that I've had countless conversations with female colleagues who agree: getting dressed in preparation for teaching can be difficult. Does the garment hang right? Does it bunch? Does this shirt gap? It seems that our male peers don't experience this quandary, or if they do, it's not nearly as frequently as their female counterparts (read: us). I know, I know--it's our internalization of misogynist views of the female body and unnatural media examples of the "ideal" female figure. But can't feminists be fashionistas and not have to worry about the dreaded VPL?!