https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 10 May 2026 19:24:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56265 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 06:27:50 +0000 Kari 56265@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Bella/Beccacville, I got such a kick out of visiting Academichic this morning and seeing a familiar face from YouLookFab!</p> <p>Congratulations on being featured and on your grasp of the color and pattern concepts! </p> <p>(I'm still working on deliberately translating their color theories into my own wardrobe.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56259 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:48:49 +0000 Antje 56259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love that academichic blog! Thanks for getting me hooked on yet another great style inspiration, gals </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56224 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:07:34 +0000 Angie 56224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Got it! Not to worry Bella, we'll keep you "Bella" for now :0)</p> <p>Tanya, I shall get to your thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56215 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:32:15 +0000 bella 56215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just saw this thread. Inge, thanks for noticing it. I love academic chic(k)s! They are my contacts on flickr as well, so we exchange ideas about our outfits all the time.<br /> Angie - I think Jess is the next featured person in the same post. I would be happy to tell you my real name (which Maya now knows!) in a private email, if you want to know. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56213 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:30:37 +0000 Laura 56213@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay, Bella! Great outfit!</p> <p>I can't believe that the woman pictured below you designed and made that dress - whoa. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56211 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:23:21 +0000 Tanya 56211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much Angie! I will start that thread right now :)</p> <p>Bella, congrats, you look awesome in that outfit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56208 Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:16:50 +0000 Angie 56208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, I’m so glad that we’re able to help you de-stress! You have given so much of your time and energy to this forum that it makes me happy that we can give back to you for a change.</p> <p>I am champing at the bit to help you marry “lab Tanya” with “trendy Tanya”. Start a new thread when you’re ready and we’ll sort you out. Mention the points that you have here as a starting point. </p> <p>Bella! Can we call you Jess? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56154 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:48:17 +0000 Inge 56154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll be following this thread with interest too.</p> <p>I'm glad to hear you are still tweaking your 'work wardrobe plan' Tanya, I was a little worried that the real stylish you would be pushed aside too much. </p> <p>On a different note: go have a look on their blog again. 'Our' Bella was featured there yesterday!! Congratulations Bella!!<br /> <a href="http://www.academichic.com/2009/03/23/color-symposium-the-color-modules-put-into-practice-by-you/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/200.....ce-by-you/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56138 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:37:24 +0000 Tanya 56138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you SO much for your input Angie! My appreciation is endless.</p> <p>I do remember your recommendation of 'stepping up the sophistication' very well, although I am not sure what it translates too in a reality, so I am all ear for the great detail you are mentioning *( I am quite busy, but strangely enough, I love to have a non-work related subject to think about in the rare off-times, otherwise I'll keep obsessing about the work problems. For some reason, letting my brain process something else for a short time makes it so much more effective in dealing with work issues once I am back to them. OK, I am off topic here)*.</p> <p>About common ground between the two Tanya's, yep I feel it's a bit missing at the moment. Some things can easily translate ( wrap tops/sweaters will still work for the lab Tanya), some I am not sure if they are a bit too different for the lab (e.g. shirtdress over straight jeans look). So I was thinking to make my lab look go along the lines of what Theory/Club Monaco/Rag&#38;Bone vibe is ( at least most of the time) if that makes sense. And to make up for lack of accessories, to look for pieces with clean lines yet some subtle and interesting details. How am I doing so far? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56135 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:11:08 +0000 Angie 56135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am thoroughly impressed with the thought processes on this thread. Tanya and Shana, your efforts on the subject are highly commendable. Shana, don’t hold back! We need your astute input. </p> <p>Tanya, your thoughts are in line with my initial recommendation of “stepping up the sophistication”. Does that ring a bell? I will happily explore how this translates back to appropriate “lab Tanya” style later. I feel that there is a bit of missing common ground between the two Tanya’s that you can think about. You might be able to marry the two a little easier than you think. When you have the time, I’ll go into great detail with you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56076 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:37:46 +0000 Tanya 56076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice to hear back from you Maya.</p> <p>Shana, I can't express how much I appreciate your input on this and can't wait for more. Since you have already been there, this means so much to me and I am so glad you think I got most of this right. Please do not hesitate to add whatever else you want, my ears are wide open.</p> <p>Yes, you are right, it crossed my mind that I should stick these set of rules in the beginning, and once I am sort of established, than maybe a let a more statement making accessory back in. I think I will be fine it keeping it all still 'me'. I'd try to go for beautiful pieces that are me and just make less noticeable outfits out of them. And of course I'll do whatever I want in my fee time. As for the jealous chatter, I am used to deal with it. The place that I am trying to get a job at has so few women that it would be a miracle if there is another one in the whole department.</p> <p>Can't wait for more input from you and thanks again for the reply. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56054 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:56:48 +0000 shana 56054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Kyle, I recommended academichic to Tanya a while back too! Great minds must think alike!!</p> <p>Tanya, after working in R&#38;D/Engineering (and in a lab environment) for many years, I have to say that you've hit the nail on the head with many of your observations. I hesitated to respond to your original post with these type of comments because I was afraid that most people simply wouldn't understand and would respond with tips like "wear your skinnies," "try belting it," "add a bright cami and a statement necklace."</p> <p>But, one thing I want to add is that, you can slowly let more of the "true you" come into your wardrobe over time. We're really just talking about initial impressions (the first 6 months to a year) where you are trying to establish yourself and get people to respect and notice your mind and not your new moto jacket. Unfortunately, most people that work in this environment are not even close to being stylish - you'll see the few women in mom jeans (or pleated pants and we're not talking about last seasons), men in plaid shirts and birkenstocks. So when they do see someone looking nice and put together (even as simply as what you describe above), you'll hear some jealous chatter - don't let it get to you! In some of the places that I have worked, the best dressed woman (and sometimes the only woman) is the secretary.</p> <p>Sad but true about the skirts/dresses thing - except I wouldn't worry about the undermining authority thing. It's just that simply not practical on most days. I was also in the lab ever day so the only time I could wear a dress or skirt was on the days that I had training all day or some reason why I wouldn't be going into the lab.</p> <p>I have lots more to say on the subject but have to run. I just wanted to emphasize that you shouldn't forget or lose the real you as you build a wardrobe that you think is appropriate for work. I used to love to wear skirts &#38; dresses and after about 10+ years being in the lab, I just got so used to wearing pants, I opened my closet to discover that I no longer owned any skirts! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56034 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:00:15 +0000 Maya 56034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow Tanya, it sounds like you have really figured this out, and I think it's great that you asked for input from men in the field. I have nothing to add except I think adding lots of menswear and androgynous pieces could be a great fun stylish way to incorporate appropriate pieces in your work wardrobe. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-56032 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 03:52:10 +0000 Tanya 56032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you very much for thinking of me Kyle! You are very sweet :)</p> <p>I have actually discovered their blog a while ago and read it occasionally. I like it a lot and am really inspired by color combos.</p> <p>Unfortunately, our situations are completely different and I can not follow their examples. They are in humanities, I am in so called ' hard physical sciences'. That translates to a couple of main differences:<br /> 1. In their field there is probably at least the same, if not more women than men. In my field, an estimate of 5% women is a very optimistic.<br /> 2. They do not spend most of their time in the lab, standing for 10+ hours on their feet and working with all sorts of dangerous stuff. I do not teach.</p> <p>So, I can not do many things they can when going to work/school: skirts/dresses; interesting color combos, whimsical details etc. I have to look much more serious.</p> <p>But, I have actually been thinking a lot lately about strategy for dressing in my future scientific job, and talking to a bunch of people and I think I have mostly figured it out :). Some of my conclusions:</p> <p>1. I will not wear skirts/dresses at all ( as well as shorts/clamdiggers), mainly beacuse the dressing code prohibits it for safety reasons when working in the lab . Also, in my field, skirts undermine authority, many people have told me that only secretaries wear them ( and I mean no offense, I love the 'secretary' look and also think that that occupation is essential and have deep respect for them). So, it is jeans/pants all the time, even on days when I will not be in the lab.</p> <p>2. My dress code will be smart casual and business casual - the first one for lab days, the second one for meetings and office days. There won't be an official dressing code, so I am taking advantage of that. I do not want to look casual at work, and pantsuits will be reserved for talks/presentations.</p> <p>3. I will try to stay true to my style, but subdue it a bit if that makes sense. For example, I was told that accessories sometimes make my outfit stand out, so I will go easy on them: no belts, scarves, statement necklaces etc. I will stick to my chunky white watch. I also plan to invest in a beautiful chunky silver necklace, which will be the only one I will wear to work so people will get used to it and stop noticing it. I will go a bit crazy with handbags, since they will be sitting on my desk all day and be out of sight As for shoes, they will have to be closed toes ( safety rules), so it will mainly be ballet flats, wedges and booties/boots.</p> <p>4. Some other random things I figured out, mainly from talking to male friends who also happen to be scientists:<br /> * straight leg jeans are fine, true skinnies are too sexy.<br /> * one should avoid things that are very feminine and/or whimsical : statement ruffles ( but small ones are OK), bold florals ( small ones as well as geometric ones are fine), really bright colors such as fuchsia in big doses etc.<br /> * one should also avoid items that look too fancy, such as shiny silk blouses (again matte silk should be fine, especially if layered under a cardi).<br /> * it is desirable to have something on that conveys authority, such as collars ( as on collared button down shirts) and/or jackets (but in more casual materials or dressed down with jeans). One item that I think would be absolutely perfect in this regard for me would be sweater jackets - cut like blazers but made from knitted materials - I will be on hunt for these.</p> <p>Of course, this would be for work only, I plan to keep dressing the same as now for my non-work occasions; so it would be about 70% work outfits and 30 % "true me" outfits. I would be very curious to know what you guys think about this plan. Many thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-55743 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:19:14 +0000 Christie 55743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Their beautiful color wheel and explanations about combinations has been helpful to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-55727 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:27:44 +0000 Maya 55727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I hope Tanya reads this! It sounds exactly like what she has been searching for. We'll have to keep bumping it until she pops in </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-55725 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:25:13 +0000 hanna 55725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>ACADEMICHIC IS AWESOME! definitely check it out tanya! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-55717 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:09:12 +0000 Kristen 55717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I LOVE academichic! Their experimentation with colors and patterns the last two weeks have been very inspirational. Oh, yes, Tanya I can definitely see you enjoying that blog! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/this-is-for-tanya#post-55716 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 02:06:37 +0000 Kyle 55716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Academic Chic (www.academichic.com) is run by three PhD candidates in a midwestern University town. In their own words:</p> <p>We are three Ph.D. candidates in the humanities, who believe that academia and fashion are not at odds. When beginning graduate school we each had an existential wardrobe crisis. What does one wear in grad school anyway? We recognized that our undergraduate hoodies and jeans were no longer appropriate but were unwilling to accept the shoulder-padded khaki polyester suit that was ubiquitous among our female professors. As feminist scholars, we were also forced to reconcile the perceived-superficiality of our interest in style with our academic commitment to questioning gender and class essentialisms.</p> <p> Today, in the face of all our eye-rolling colleagues, we defiantly wear dresses, fitted jackets, and pointy toe shoes. To teach in. And sometimes just to the library!</p> <p> But don’t worry. We’ve done our research on this one too. Cultural critic Fred Davis calls fashion “a visual language, with its own distinctive grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.” Theorist Judith Butler, in Gender Trouble, points to the power of clothing to create and constantly recreate identity. And even philosopher Charles Baudelaire praised cosmetics and garments for creating beauty where nature fails. In short, fashion is a powerful tool for creating identity, subverting class or gender norms, performing self, and appreciating aesthetic beauty. </p>