PhD in Clothes

Academic book club: Books for graduate students and professors

This is a guest post by my friend Mackensie!

I love reading. I also feel incredibly lucky to be one of the few people that have not been ruined by graduate school in that the mere sight of another book doesn’t leave me in a panic. I typically read before bed because my insomnia is terrible, and it’s either read or stay up late into the night, remembering every embarrassing thing from childhood I’ve ever read. As a result, I’ve read a lot of great popular press books that aren’t academic but may appeal to academics–books about productivity, books to read before starting grad school, and books for aspiring researchers. Here it is: the first (possibly last? We’ll see how motivated I am…) post of Academic Book Club. I’ve included five extremely different types of books, depending on what you’re in the mood for.

It's the little things: Reviews of 5 (physically) small wardrobe accessories I've been loving

One thing about being on a clothing budget that I don’t like so much is that it makes me want to make “big impact” purchases. I love instant gratification, and compliments. In my opinion, the things that make the biggest splash in those categories are dresses and cool shirts, so, no surprise, those are the things I love browsing for the most. Taking a step back from shopping has meant thinking more about purchases that will make a difference to how I feel and not just how I look. So here are reviews of accessories and wardrobe basics that aren’t as “flashy” that have really made a difference in my closet (including some trendy internet-only brands like ThirdLove, Boodywear, Thinx, and Bombas).

A month of realistic, comfy business casual outfits: Week 4

Welcome to the end of me documenting every outfit I wore to work! I’ve had fun challenging myself this month. The basics of what I’ve learned: if the shoe isn’t flat, I’m not wearing it, if I feel exposed, I’m not wearing it, and if the outfit doesn’t have SOME “cool factor,” I’m not wearing it. It’s been interesting to observe my own choices in business casual clothes this month. Enough rambling. Here’s what I wore!

A Month of Work Outfits: Week 3

Welcome to another week of work outfits. This week we had a warm snap and I was able to go sans-tights for a few days, so I would call these spring work outfit ideas (even if it will soon be winter again!). And my neutral color choices finally got to me and I decided to consciously pick out my favorite jewel tones to wear to the office. Here’s what I wore to work this week!

Everlane oversized alpaca crew versus cashmere crew review

Everlane Oversized Alpaca Crew and Everlane Cashmere Crew Comparison Review

I have two new colorful sweaters to get through the last of the chilly temperatures–the Everlane cashmere crew and the oversized alpaca crew. Before I owned them, I was pretty torn about which to pick, so I thought I would compare them side-by-side for anyone who feels similarly, and talk about sizing, if they’re itchy, quality, and warmth! Spoilers: I kept both. But let’s get into what I recommend each for!

Month 1 Reflections on #20in2020

In case you missed it, I’m limiting myself to 20 clothing purchases for the year. And now I’ve survived the first month of the challenge! I took in one item this month, but I was tempted…a lot. Here was my pick, what I expect for the next month, and other thoughts on replacing shopping with other activities!

A Month of Business Casual Work Outfits: Week 2

Welcome back to me attempting to document all my Monday-Friday outfits this month! Business casual outfits can feel so tricky. Add needing professor teaching outfits to the mix and I can’t even count the number of work outfits I’ve tried on, deemed too risky, and discarded. The problem with teaching is that it can feel pretty dang vulnerable, like your whole body is on display and you need good mobility. So this week, I decided to focus on my favorite outfits to teach in. Here we go!

A Month of Professor Work Outfits: Week 1

I really love seeing what people (actually) wear to work. Don’t get me wrong, I love Pinterest inspo, but towering stilettos and runway-ready outfits passed off as “business casual” start to grate on me–who is actually comfy enough to work a 9-5 in that?? So, this month, I’ve decided to document all of my professor work outfits. Here’s week 1 of what I wore and what I wore it for!

Wedding dress shopping as a non-crying minimalist

Instagram pals know I’ve been on the wedding dress hunt this month. I have probably tried on 40 dresses. The highs were high, the lows were low, but I FINALLY FOUND A DRESS! I am so giddy. But I also feel like I learned tons–about myself, complicated relationships with bodies and clothes, and just some good old fashion tips about wedding dress shopping (including what to bring, how to pump yourself up, how having an “entourage” there will impact you, and what to hope for in a dress consultant). So, here it is. All the dresses I didn’t buy and all my thoughts on the experience!

Brass Clothing Reviews: Every Brass piece I own!

If you’ve been looking for ethical and sustainable work clothes I think you should look no further than Brass. They’re a fairly affordable ethical clothing brand and their pieces are more tailored than other brands. Plus, they have inclusive sizing, and tall sizes, so I have had more luck with them–making them a good Everlane alternative. I’ve reviewed a lot of Brass on this blog so I thought I would compile it all in one place–from the Brass Ponte Pant to the Essential Dress to everything in between–here are my reviews and photos of every Brass Clothing item I own, my advice for finding Brass on sale, and a little discount code!