Sartorial Sidelines

Erdem Pre-Fall 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:04:00 +0000

Erdem Pre-Fall, 2012. Gorgeous. 

This Sunday I am leaving Connecticut for an on-campus interview for an assistant professor position! While I am not so unrealistic as to think that I will actually get a tenure track job my first year on the market (I mean it happens sometimes but it's the dream, not usually the reality), I am so thrilled that there was interest enough in me as a candidate to warrant being flown out to a university. I plan to try to keep up with blogging while I am away but I am in for an insane few days of giving lectures, campus tours, meeting with grad students, having dinners and receptions with various faculty members, and meeting other campus bigwigs that I am not sure how much free time I will actually have. So wish me luck and send good thoughts and I will catch you all on the flip side!

Addiction

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:12:00 +0000

How many different bits of leopard print can you see here? Yup, it’s official, I have a problem; a leopard print problem.

Western Civilization

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:58:00 +0000

I wore this a few days ago for a Western-Civilization-syllabus-Design all day marathon … there’s something about leopard print, a satchel, and an over-sized blazer that makes me weak in the knees and able to carry on with the syllabus design. 

jeans: Express / boots: Kohl’s / satchel: Cambridge Satchel Company / top: Magazine via ModCloth / blazer: H&M 

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Oddest Post Title Yet: Fur and the PRB

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:49:00 +0000

What’s the perfect accessory for the bleakness of winter? A little dash of faux fur of course!

coat: thrifted, F21 / faux fur collar: F21

Anyone else a Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood super fan? Well, feast your eyes on this editorial from the December 2011 edition of American Vogue featuring Saoirse Ronan posed in beautifully PRB-evocative shots by Steven Meisel.

And a few of my favorite PRB masterpieces … stunning.

Twirl

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:28:00 +0000

This dress was my reward to myself after making it through my two recent job interviews at the AHA in Chicago … this and wine and a delicious veggie burger.

dress: F21 / leggings: American Apparel / boots: Sam and Libby / watch: La Mer / cuff: can’t recall

Let's Connect

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:10:00 +0000

Did you know that there are a ton of ways for us to be interwebs besties? You can find me and Sartorial Sidelines all over the net, including Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr (and you can see additional content that never makes it onto the blog proper).

And if you have a Facebook page I’d like to like it. I’d also like to follow you on Twitter and Tumblr so let me know about your various social media platforms and let’s get connected!

Blue Bagging It

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:14:00 +0000

What’s better than a new skirt? How about one
that’s custom made for you by the awesome Laura of the Shop of Worldly Delights.

skirt: Shop of Worldly Delights / tights: We
Love Colors / wedges: Target / blouse: Joe Fresh / cardigan: Zara

Oh Make Me Over

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:24:00 +0000

Seriously, any Hole fans? Nevermind.

I get a lot of mileage out of my makeup brushes and recently decided it 
was time to treat myself to a new set – and because I love things that are 
black and that sparkle (and because the case can double as a clutch), I 
opted for this Sonia Kashuk for Target set. And I couldn’t be happier.

I am also coveting the clean lines and tailored looks from this 
editorial from Dressed to Kill magazine. I give you the Principles of 
Lust, featuring Kristina Romanoz, styled by Julien Alleyne and shot by 
Kinya. C’est bon. 

Once Again, I Think I Just Blue Myself

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:56:00 +0000

I recently picked up this blue top at the Clinton Crossing Outlets just outside of New Haven – I love the color, the weight of the fabric, and the fact that it both looks professional under my suit and can be paired with some boots, a pair of skinny jeans, and my faux leather jacket for a more relaxed look. 

Jeans: Express / top: Talbot’s / boots: Kohl’s / scarf: thrifted / jacket: Target / necklace: the Met 

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Golden Globes Glamour

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:51:00 +0000

Let's do a little run down of Golden Globes fashion, shall we (which, by and large, I have to confess I was disappointed with - not nearly enough risk takers in my opinion. But then again, who am I to dictate what the stars wear?).

Here we have Amanda Peet. And I do not understand what is happening here. She looks like she stole all the shabby lace curtains from someone's grandmother's house (or a weird aunt) and stitched them together.

This gown is very reminiscent of a blue one that Poehler wore to the 2011 Emmy Awards but it's working for her. Also I want to hang out with Leslie Knope and Gob Bluth so they can pretty much wear whatever they want and I will think they're amaze balls.

I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about this. I mean I like the silhouette but I'm not sure about the cream and white. Thoughts?

This is just too much for me, although Charlize looks amazing in the blush color.

I appreciated the risk taking involved in wearing orange but I'm not sure this entirely works for Dianna Agron...it's just a lot of dress with a lot of detail work.

My pick for the night's best dressed, Emma Stone looks radiant and bold in Lanvin.

But Evan Rachel Wood was a close second for me - the feathering on this gown is just a show stopper.

I really thought Glenn Close looked refined and elegant...black works for her.

Jessica Biel in another dress I don't get - it's not the most flattering cut on her and it just strikes me as bridal...or as something Dolly Parton might have worn to perform in in the late 80s (wait, that's not a bad thing....).

Yes this is simple and not terribly dramatic, but with her gorgeous red hair and the emerald earrings, Julianne Moore looks radiant.

Oh Julie Bowen, you always seem to draw the short end of the stick when it comes to award show attire. This isn't a terrible dress or anything (objectively, it's quite beautiful) but without a bolder lip color or some statement accessories I just feel like it washes her out. And then there's the hair.

Obviously emerald was a huge trend on red carpets past and so Laura Dern is a bit behind the curve, but she also looks absolutely amazing and it's great to see a re-articulation of emerald.

Merly Streep has a fairly prominent history of whack-a-do dressing for events like this but, honestly, she's got far more important things in life to care about and she'll be perfect no matter what she wears. So free pass.

As the new face of Dior it's unsurprising that Mila Kunis would opt for a Dior creation at the Globes and I really love this on her. She made some bold and very successful sartorial choices at last year's awards season and, while this is definitely more sedate, I think she looks elegant and sexy - and that's not a bad combo.

I was personally wowed by Salma Hayek's Art Deco-inspired look.

This was my least favorite of the night. It's Monique Lhuillier and, while the print is lovely, the silhouette is just too overwrought. It's too much dress.

The Swinton! Who, as you know, can do no wrong in my eyes. Also, she's wearing Haider Ackermann, one of my favorite designers. The architectural work on the jacket pairs up perfectly with the architectural majesty of her hair and I am forced to bow down before her.

Viola Davis has been pulling it out at her various public appearances lately and last night was no different. I just love this on her. And the gold clutch is a perfect touch.

Winter White...and a Bow

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:05:00 +0000

How doesn’t love a good bow? Or a white dress in winter weather? And a splash of faux fur never hurts much either.

dress: H&M / belt: thrifed / shirt: American Apparel / boots: Thom Brown / tights: Target / jacket: H&M / faux fur scarf: F21

And for the opposite of minimalist winter white, feast your peepers on this editorial from Fashion Gone Rogue photographed by Anouk Nitsche and styled Patrycja Juraszczyk. The inspiration is famed artist Frida Kahlo, and I, for one, wish they had thought it fit to make the eyebrows more properly prominent. But it is a beautiful spread nonetheless.

Winter Weather?

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:09:00 +0000

I’m still waiting for appropriately chilly winter weather to kick in here on the east coast … I decided to bust out a cozy turtleneck to help me visualize proper winter weather in the hopes that that would hurry it along (although the forecast does call for chillier weather this weekend).

leggings: American Apparel / shorts: F21 / boots: Thom Brown / sweater: New York and Company / jacket: Target

While I don't want to get too far ahead of myself because it's far from a done deal, I did get some good news on the job front this morning. After my interviews at the conference in Chicago last week I was contacted for an on campus visit (basically I travel there for a few days to give a lecture and meet with various people/have more interviews and attend a series of social functions). So I am both intensely excited and incredibly terrified.

Until Monday, check me out on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, and hit up my Tumblr.

The Leopard Business Lady

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:17:00 +0000

I really wish I could wear this little leopard print bow necklace everywhere – it’s just too adorable!

pants: ASOS / shoes: Converse / t-shirt: Joe Fresh / blazer: H&M / necklace: Shop of Worldly Delights / jacket: H&M / purse: Kimchi Blue

Today I start teaching again (this term it's my own seminar on women, politics, and society in early modern England). Don't worry, I'm wearing something a little less...shall we say ostentatious? That's not quite right either but whatever. I need more coffee. Wish me luck!

The Great Leggings Hunt '11

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:40:00 +0000

After months of searching for leggings that were the perfect shade of dark grey, I finally hit pay dirt. The zipper detailing on the ankles is just a nice bonus.

They look black here, but they really are a dark grey. Really.

leggings: TJ Maxx / faux leather shorts: F21 / purse: H&M / cardigan: Gap / t-shirt: Gap / coat: BB Dakota / shoes: Steve Madden

The Shadowy Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:40:00 +0000

It’s official. I’m in love with these blue pants. It’s serious you guys – I’ve been wearing these bad boys left, right and center. Totally unapologetically. I start teaching my junior seminar in two days so I’ll have to give my brilliant blue pantaloons a rest…which saddens me greatly.

blue pants: Urban Outfitters / shoes: Payless / purse: Kimchi Blue / tank: ModCloth / cardigan: Silence + Noise

Catch You On the Flipside Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:47:00 +0000

I’m flying back to New Haven this evening from Chicago. Even though the conference was stressful (job interviews!!!!), I had a fabulous time reconnecting with friends (over wine) and even got out to see the city a bit.

I tried these on at a Nordstrom Rack store last night. They were so exquisitely painful. I also went there to “shop” with a colleague after we’d consumed several glasses of chardonnay so clomping around in dangerously high heels was perhaps not such a great choice. I did score a lovely little Theory top for $12 though so I’m happy.

Now that all the excitement of Chicago and the AHA are over I am looking forward to getting home and starting teaching on Thursday. Also, I’ve been wearing a suit for the past four days and am dying to toss on some comfy shoes, a tank, and some comfy pants. Like this.

tank: Zara / blazer: H&M / purse: Kimchi Blue, Urban Outfitters / pants: Gap / brooch: Edmonton Antique Fair about 10 years ago

Warmth

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:44:00 +0000

Staring warm this winter just got a little easier with this BB Dakota jacket that I nabbed on sale for slightly under $40.

coat: BB Dakota / purse: Kimchi Blue / jeans: Urban Outfitters / shoes: Steve Madden / sunglasses: Target

Don’t forget to like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, check out my Tumblr and subscribe to my YouTube channel!

NYE

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:35:00 +0000

Here’s what I wore to ring in the New Year (false eyelashes were involved … as was a wine bar and prodigious quantities of bubbly).

skirt: Express / tights: Anne Klein / top: Target / clutch: ASOS / watch: La Mer / cuffs: F21 / wedges: Target

C'mon, you know you always wanted to see a disturbingly close shot of my face

Seriously, Winter, Get It Together

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:35:00 +0000

I’ve lived in New Haven for six years now (although, sniff, sniff, I will be leaving this July) and I am still amazed by the presence of unseasonably warm days that seem to occur fairly frequently in the winter. It’s probably because I am pretty accustomed to harsh northern Canadian winters but still...this was a week ago and I’m basically wearing a spring jacket. Seriously winter, get it together.

As you read this I am on my way to Chicago for a weekend of conferencing, interviewing, and hanging with friends - sort of a working vacation I guess. I hope to keep up with blogging while I'm gone though!

pants: thrifted / scarf: can’t remember / jacket: Target / booties: Aldo

Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:51:00 +0000

I wore this to a lunch date the other day to discuss various research projects. I was going for a mix of casual yet professional and my pleat skirt and a white top seemed to work pretty well for that. Tomorrow I am leaving for the American Historical Association conference in Chicago. I won’t be presenting a paper but I will be seeing a ton of historian friends from across the country and going on some job interviews … as well as exploring some of my favorite places in Chicago (one of my favorite places to visit – love that city). So wish me safe travels and good luck!

skirt: found on Amazon / cardigan: Pins and Needles via Urban Outfitters / blouse: Old Navy / shoes: Macys / cuff: Laila Rowe

The Week I Got Crafty With My Nails

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:34:00 +0000

Lately I’ve been inspired by the gorgeous at-home manicures to be found at Style by Santina and Star Crossed Smile. My attempt at interesting nails (black with accent nails in pink sparkle) wasn’t nearly as fun as the manicures these ladies pull off but I’m happy.

I tried again a few days later with a holiday red color and sparkle accent nails. I think I liked the black and pink more…

Then I did some winter wonderland holiday nails which I loved!

Here are some other manicures that I‘m loving courtesy of my weheartit archive.

Exam

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:14:00 +0000

This what I recently wore to proctor the final exam for the class I was TAing for (Ancient Greece) – the room the exam was in is actually an auditorium and there were no chairs on the stage so I sat on the floor for 3.5 hours watching the students. My butt was sore afterwards. And I had a lot of exams to grade … I’m still working through those.

In other news, in just a few days I leave for Chicago for the big annual conference of historians in America, where I’ll also be interviewing for academic job positions. A good friend and I are sharing a room and I’m excited to see a ton of historian friends from all across the US (also, I love Chicago and am looking forward to exploring the city a bit) but also very anxious about the interviews…

pants: Lucky Brand / purse: Kimchi Blue, Urban Outfitters / top: Gap / cardigan: Yale Bookstore / boots: thrifted

I'll be updating the old Facebook page over the New Years weekend so check that out here and I hope everyone has a fabulous and safe New Years celebration!

Party Time

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:52:00 +0000

Shortly before Christmas my wish for a holiday party was fulfilled! It was an evening of holiday themed martinis and lots of dancing and here’s what I wore. Unfortunately these were the best photos I was able to snap and they really don’t do the dress or the accessories much justice, but they will have to do.

dress: Silence+Noise / cardigan: Silence+Noise / wedges: Target / necklace: Stella and Dot

Bare Legs Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:34:00 +0000

Two weeks ago this was how warm it was in New Haven – you could wear boots, a dress, and sport bare legs with it. I miss Canadian winters you guys. This just does not feel like December to me. At all.

dress: Gap / boots: thrifted / cardigan: H&M / purse: H&M

Now that Christmas is over, what are you all planning for New Years? Please tell me it will involve sequins.

Greenery

noreply@blogger.com (Courtney Erin) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:30:00 +0000

I love the color combo of green and black. Maybe too much. Here’s my attempt at combining them in an outerwear look.

leggings: American Apparel / coat: H&M / scarf: H&M / booties: Aldo

What I really want is to be wearing this outfit though. Clearly I need to become a much wealthier woman.

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