archival allure

50’s style wallpaper by way of Retro Renovation

I was on the train home last Friday and I saw a chic looking lady wearing this combo of grey and pink, and I thought to myself, “I could do that!” I’ve been meaning to incorporate this jacket (courtesy my interview suit) into my normal wardrobe - and this grey and pink combo, plucked right off the 1 train, seemed like a perfect opportunity.

(Pardon the grim face - this is what happens when my chief photographer works late, and I’m left to my own devices. Well, this, and my head being cut out of the photo and lots of blurring…)

This outfit wasn’t only an opportunity to wear my suit jacket - it was also a chance to get out of my comfort zone by wearing a top that was not only pink, but also ruffled. I rationalized that all the grey and the structured jacket sort of compensated for overt girliness of the pink ruffles. 

ev

Excited to join the ranks as guest blogger and providing my first official archival allure post, today’s topic is work essentials.

Disclaimer: Alright, “work” for me is being a PhD student and it’s true that we at the iSchool doesn’t have a dress code policy (haven’t you noticed).

Work essentials are the things that bring every working day look together. I have two essentials.

1. The work bag.
   My work bag is a tan leather Eddie Bauer brief case/ satchel. I like this bag because of it’s proportions (18 ” wide x 12 ” tall x 6 ” deep) and weathered look. (BTW the weathering is another way of saying the wear and tear.) The pockets make this bag work. Open the main compartment and you’ll see a laptop sleeve covered with little pockets for pencils and business cards. Two zippered outer pockets are perfect for holding moleskin notebooks. Another important feature is the closures. This bag had two snap closures attached to a belt-like mechanism that allow the bag to expand or contract as needed.
   
2. The jacket.
   My essential jacket was an investment (500$ yikes!). Still it’s one of my favorite pieces -ever!- so I’ve not regretted the purchase. This jacket is a black Rag and Bone (Fall 2009 collection) twill jacket with leather detailing. This jacket is essential for several reasons.
   
   • Easy to Style - Looks great open or closed and when dressed casually or dressy. I always feel great in this jacket. It’s not too sweet, nor too serious.
   • Weight - It’s the ideal weight for my climate, this jacket is appropriate to wear 85% of days when one needs a jacket. When need be I layer a Trina Turk suiting material hooded jacket underneath circa 1998. (I love my old clothes!)
   • Detailing - The collar, front closure and leather elbows make it feel special. It’s true at first glance this may look like a regular ol’ overpriced jacket but the high collar, mounty style curved front closure of buttons and supple leather at my finger tips make this jacket truly special.
   • Fit and Quality - Lastly, this jacket is an essential because of it’s quality and fit. It took me months of thinking about this jacket before I caved in and bought it. The fit was great for me particularly in the shoulders, arm holes, and sleeves. The workmanship on my jacket makes me feel confident to wear it in any situation. I know this jacket was well constructed and easy to clean making it key piece in my wardrobe for years to come. (Rationalizing much, are we?)

Let’s face it ladies, shopping takes time. If you can invest in things you really lov,e I think you’ll find that come next fall you won’t feel the urge to update your wardrobe. When you love your work essentials, you’ll be happy to care for them and wear them for years to come.

//ecw