Katie Style – Anatomical Dressing

• Blazer – Ross
• Shell – Old Navy
• Jeans – Silver
• Invisible Shoes – Hush Puppies
• Necklace – La Mama

["Take Two" of Surreptitious Museum Outfit Shots. Pro: not blurry! Cons: no feet. Also, mysterious orb - probably a ghost - floating on my head. It's a work in progress.]

And now, for a story:

Why I Will Never be Hired to Write About Fashion

The Break Room at Katie’s Museum

Co-Worker #1: ”That’s a pretty shirt, Katie. I like the pattern.”

Katie:” Thanks! I like it, too*, even though it secretly sort of reminds me of the cross-section of a penis.”

*This is where I should have stopped talking

Co-Worker #2: Ummm…

Co-Worker #1: ”I’m surprised you know what the cross-section of a penis looks like.”

Co-Worker #3: ”Really? We are talking about Katie.*”

*I think she was implying that I know a lot of weird things. Not that I go around dissecting manly bits. Although I have done that to a shark…

Katie: “Oh yeah, I had a whole semester of Mammalian Physiology on reproductive organs. I know a lot about penises.”

Co-Worker #4 (male) who just walked in: “…I think I’m going to go eat in the other room…”

Co-Worker #2: “You do realize, that now every time you wear that shirt, we’re all going to be thinking ‘There goes Katie in her secret penis shirt.’”

Katie: “That seems fair.”

Yep, never going to be a fashion writer. Unless Biology of Reproduction is hiring.

Also, here is a picture of my necklace next to a Silver Medal from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Katie Daily Style – Curator Chic

• Striped shirt – Gap
• Blazer – Ross
• Belt – thrifted
• Pencil skirt – thrifted
• Flats – Hush Puppies

These past few weeks, I’ve realized that I have a definite “curator” uniform. On the days when I’m not on archaeological digs or handling pythons and have to actually do curator-ish-y work, on goes the pencil skirt and blazer.

Meeting a donor to discuss his giant clam?* Pencil skirt and blazer.

Sitting on a panel to debate the role of social media in museums? Pencil skirt and blazer.

Talking with graduate students in a Museum Studies program about what it’s like to have an actual museum job? Pencil skirt and blazer.

I always try to “Katie” up the ensemble – a silk scarf, some sparkley shoes, or, like today, some terrific jewelry.

Hopefully the overall effect conveys confidence, expertise, and, in the case of the graduate students, makes them think I’m cool. Five minutes of talking to me will destroy that illusion, but at least the outfit buys me those precious five minutes.

This ensemble is also excellent for standing in wind tunnels.

*It only sounds dirty.

Currently watching: Berkeley Square. Secretly switched babies! Accidental almost-patricide! A very cute footman! And actress whose last name is Smurfit! I highly recommend it.

Currently reading: The Physik Book of Deliverance Dane. An quick and highly enjoyable read about PhD-ing and the Salem witch trials. However, I could have done without the phoentic New England accent. I left Boston for a reason, people.

Chelsie’s Scarf Adventures with the Red Blazer

Scarf teaser.

I’m keeping it real with the clean laundry in the corner. I wore this gray sweater dress with my red blazer and I’m loving the result! It looks like I’m wearing a cozy infinity scarf (full disclosure: I’m actually wearing an infinity scarf now!). I paired it up with my leather earrings (self-made from recycled old belt).

And finally, a thrift expedition almost two weeks ago resulted in finding these three scarves. $1 a piece. First up, the Vera scarf from what I believe to be mid-70′s. I was loving this geometric green print. It reminds me of tree bark and finger prints in hexagon shapes.

Up next, the silk Liberty of London scarf. The red and blue in this really pop, and the busy pattern rocks. This scarf is super soft too.

And lastly, the GIANT Diane von Furstenberg scarf. Seriously, look at the size of this thing! I mean, I can probably make a wrap dress out of this. I think my favorites are the Liberty of London and the Vera scarf though.

Chelsie Daily Style – I can be Festive!

Yesterday a co-worker challenged me to dress festively. Or at least I took it as a challenge. Enter the red blazer.

I really like the effect with the belting, and the leaves on this belt, I have raved about before. It’s not totally mine, but it’s on loan from a friend. A loan of indeterminate length.

• Red Blazer – Closet Raid
• Belt – Closet Raid
• Skirt – Smart Set
• Tights – Winners
• T-shirt – Joe Fresh
• Key and Chain Earrings – Artisan Market

I think this outfit looks snazzy, while still being professional and work appropriate. It has personality, but still says, “Only ask me important questions, because I am a very high powered and important librarian! Capish!”
Last time I wore this blazer and saw my reflection in the mirror, I thought, “This could be used for a Sarah Palin costume.” Oh, Hallowe’en 2008.