PhD in Clothes

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!

Everlane reviews–what I've bought lately

More Everlane has been quietly creeping into my closet lately. I say quietly because I haven’t reviewed any of it. Heck, some of it doesn’t get photographed. Not because I don’t think it’s blog-worthy, but because the best Everlane items, in my opinion, feel like I’ve owned them for years and become part of my instant closet rotation. So, here are reviews of those MVPs–including the women’s skinny stretch denim, the Tread trainer, and the Alpaca crew!

Academic job market campus visits: What to expect, what I wish I knew

It’s campus visit season–both academic job market campus visits, and grad school campus visits–and I am blissfully doing neither of those things. But I know many people who are, which is stirring up strong memories of the whole process. It’s so interesting to have a full 2 day job interview, isn’t it? Maybe interesting isn’t the right word when you’re in it. Nonetheless, now that I’ve had about a year to reflect on academic job talks, campus visits, and the interview process, here’s what I wish I had known to expect. Plus, some advice that works for grad students visiting potential programs, too!

The one where I try to buy less than 20 clothing items in 2020

“This challenge you’re doing has me shook. I bought 10 items of clothing last month alone.”

“20 items?? Including shoes?? Including thrifting??” -recent texts from friends

I posted yesterday on Instagram that I am going to try a “low buy” year for 2020 and am limiting myself to 20 clothing items for the year. If this number sends your mind reeling on the search for loopholes (yes, shoes count, no it doesn’t count if I return it) or announcing your intention leads to a deeply skeptical look from your partner then know that I am with you. I love to shop and it is time to slow my roll. Today I’m talking about my goals for buying less this year and sharing a little wishlist of what’s on my mind in 2020 (items and brands). Here we go!

Holiday outfits for the bling-averse

Holiday outfits for women seem to skew sequined, glittery, or all green and red, but none of those things really feel like me. I love dressing up for parties and getting fancy clothes out of my closet, though! Recently, I have started a holiday wardrobe capsule–the same few pieces that can be worn over and over again for all the Christmas and New Years parties. Here’s what I’m planning to wear this year, if you’re also looking for non-cheesy holiday outfits!

The search for reasonable work clothes: My absolute-most-comfortable business casual clothing (and the stuff that didn't work out)

Do you track how often you wear clothes? I do in Cladwell and I really enjoy it. The app lets me know when I haven’t worn something in 3 months by putting a dot next to it, and it shows me my most worn items. I’ve learned a lot from tracking how many times I wear things, so today I thought I would share my greatest hits and misses from 2019. Here are my best women’s work clothing purchases of the year and what landed in the giveaway pile.

Thoughts on the first semester as a new professor

This month some friends have asked “how was your first semester as a professor?” It’s a funny question to ask someone who is neck-deep in grading papers, writing annual review documents, and random tidbits of service. But I keep coming back to the question (anything to avoid grading!) so here are some of my very-rough-draft reflections on semester one as an assistant professor.

How I designed my home office on a $500 budget

I’m so excited to be able to show you my work from home office setup! I built this room up slowly and on a very small budget. Most of my home office decor is from IKEA or was a DIY. Here are some office pictures, thoughts, and plans for finishing touches!

The week in professor outfits, plus Christmas reading

The semester is over! Maybe a contemplative post about what the first semester is like as a new professor is coming your way. Once I have the words for it. For now, I’m just grateful for great students, colleagues who are friends, and the amount of potluck leftovers that have graced our break room this week. Here’s what I wore and read.