So, without further ado, here is the email from loyal reader of the blog and ScienceBlogs friend, Scicurious:
Hi Dr. Isis!
I'm so thrilled you're answering fashion questions! I generally love your shoes of the week, and your blog is fantastic!
I'm a graduate student in a neuroscience laboratory, where it's generally acceptable to come in wearing ratty jeans and tshirts, and so that's what I've been doing all these years. However, as my graduation approaches, I find that I would like to make a decent impression on those with whom I would like to post-doc. But also, being a graduate student, I have no money. So my questions are these:
1) Do you know where I can get nice dress pants with good fit for cheap? I am very tall, and my rear end is Reubenesque.
2) What do you do in the winter with regard to sweaters? I often have just a couple that I layer over everything, is there somewhere you go for really good sweaters?
3) I spend a lot of time on my feet, can you recommend nice comfortable heels that go with a lot of things?
4) What kind of skirts do you tend toward in the winter? What length is good to go with knee high boots without looking...well..slutty?
5) Is there a way to transition from wearing ratty jeans and tshirts to dressing up without everyone wondering what the occasion is?
6) What are your thoughts on daily makeup?
Thanks so much! If you don't answer all of them, that is of course fine.
Yours,
Scicurious
Once again, like so many of you, Scicurious knows how to feed the narcissism of this non-humble goddess. For that reason, Dr. Isis is going to answer every single one of Scicurious's wonderfully thoughtful questions.
Figure 1: An artist's rendition of Dr. Isis after answering Scicurious's email.
This week she will answer #4-#6. Then next week she will tackle #1-#3. Go ahead and grab a drink (cause heaven knows Mama sure needs one) before we continue...
Question #1: What kind of skirts do you tend toward in the winter?
Dr. Isis has shared on many occasions that her fall/winter wardrobe staple is the skirt and knee high boots. However, as Scicurious alludes to, there is a difference between pulling this off for work and pulling this off for working the pole. Allow me to illustrate, three little bears-style:
Figure 2: These skirts are too short.
Figure 3: These skirts are too long.
Figure 4: This skirt is just right. Marc Jacobs, Dr. Isis adores thee.
So, Scicurious, I hope you can see that the difference between hobo, harlot, and hotness is only a few inches of skirt length. For Dr. Isis, the magic formula seems to be to choose a skirt that hits at the knee and a boot that sits just below the knee. That looks polished every single time.
Question #2 - Is there a way to transition from wearing ratty jeans and t-shirts to dressing up without everyone wondering what the occasion is?
First, I want you all to agree that the following are never acceptable for the workplace:
1) Clothes with holes
2) T-shirts with beer names/cartoon characters
3) Your pajamas or sweats
4) The clothes your wore out last night
5) Having not showered
Never. Ever. Ever.
That being said, Dr. Isis has a job that requires her to dress up most days of the week. Still, two days a week, Dr. Isis gets to sport jeans. And it is possible to still sport jeans and be totally hot and put-together. Here's how:
Figure 5: Dr. Isis worships at the altar of the waist-length blazer.
A well-structured, waist-length, fitted blazer is always totally casual, totally polished, totally functional, and totally hot. Plus, when you're ready to do science, you can take it off and leave it on your chair. Take your grad student salary over to Old Navy and pick up some non-descript, solid colored, fitted t-shirts. Then, click your way over to like dot com for some blazer hotness. Allow me to suggest this one, this one, and this one for less than $30 and this one for $40.
Question #3: What are your thoughts on daily makeup?
Oh, Scicurious, you have hit Dr. Isis's Achilles heel awfully hard with this question. Dr. Isis is a total product junkie and, during the work week, daily makeup is the norm. Makeup and lotion and prouct is one of the things Dr. Isis loves about being a girl. Recently, Dr. Isis purchased herself a tabernacle to hold her precious, precious belongings.
Figure 6: Dr. Isis's tabernacle. Hers, however, is filled with much, much cooler stuff.
Many women Dr. Isis knows have sworn off daily face painting, but not Dr. Isis. She revels in it. But, Dr. Isis knows that, for many women, the reason they don't use makeup is that they just plain don't know how. And for you, sweet ladies, Dr. Isis has one suggestion:
Sephora
Sephora is a place where everything that is wonderful and fabulous about being a girl comes to nest. It smells good, it's lovely, and every time you buy something the employees tell you "have a nice day, beautiful." It is the ultimate retreat for someone as self-involved as Dr. Isis. So, click on the link, find yourself the nearest store, and flock to it like a salmon returning to spawn. When you get there, walk up to one of the wonderful, darling employees, and ask them to take you under their wing. You see, the best thing about Sephora is that they will teach you every step and you can try every single item you're interested in.
Just thinking about Sephora is making Dr. Isis's heart pitter-patter.
Now, some of you will be saddened to learn that there is not a Sephora in or near your town. In that case, Dr. Isis would recommend that you pick up and move. However, if that is simply not practical, you can order online. Dr. Isis uses the Bare Escentuals line, but there really is very little Dr. Isis does not love from this store. Also, Dr. Isis finds that this makes a lovely gift.
Now, Scicurious, go off and be a totally smoking hot female scientist until we finish these questions next week. And, as for the rest of you, keep your questions coming.
All my love,
Dr. Isis
18 comments:
Yes, I too worship at the altar of the well worn blazer. Last winter I tried on several occasions to wear a blazer into work to test the notion that people can where whatever they want in an academic environment - it's part of our 'freedom' apparently. No such thing of course, within minutes one PI, while wearing a sweater almost certainly purchased in the 1970s, suggested it was 'a bit over the top'. The cheek. Apparently it is ok for him to say that but of course not for me to say: "looking scruffy as ever today".
Dr. J, I would have spit on that man's shoes. You keep wearing your blazer.
I really appreciate your advice, since several of these questions apply to me as well. Only one note to add, if she is indeed tall, like she mentioned (some people's version of tall is quite below my own).
Being a nearly 6 foot tall female, some of the blazers you mentioned would end roughly 3-4 inches above the top of my pants and the sleeves have a good chance of being at least an inch to short from this store.
I've found one good online store but the prices are pretty high when compared to normal stores you can find in a mall. It is: www.tallwomensclothes.com/category/business
The clothes from this site have additional length for the sleeves and bottom of the garment, and have lowered the pockets of things like blazers in order to put them where they should be (instead of closer to my clavicle). They also lower the tapering for the waist so it doesn't start near your boobs (another problem of being an amazon).
Seeing as how wise the goddess is, I can't wait to hear your tall suggestions!
It is the ultimate retreat for someone as self-involved as Dr. Isis.
Self-involved? Dearest Dr. Isis, you are the furthest thing from self-involved.
ScienceBear -- Thank you for the added suggestion. At 5'3" Dr. Isis has not had to worry about closes being too short. In fact, Dr. Isis has the exact opposite problem. I hope that everyone considers my suggestions to be guidelines. At the end of the day, you may know the general type of garment you want, but it's still kind of like kissing frogs to find the one that actually fits. The good news is that a fitted blazer looks totally hot on anyone, regardless of their body type.
PhysioProf -- You too kind and embarrass this poor goddess.
"...it's still kind of like kissing frogs to find the one that actually fits."
Once again the wisdom of the goddess is profound! I can sympathize with those of the petite nature as well, seeing as how all but two of this bear's friends are below 5'3" which of course makes shopping together quite an adventure.
Since it is nearly time for this southern born science bear to start freezing in her new northern home, I've been considering asking the all knowing goddess her opinion of practical winter wear [email shall follow].
The goddess has been a bit of an inspiration lately, and this reformed beauty queen (and now anti-domesticated female) partook in several domesticated activities this weekend!
"...closes being too short?" Jeez...Dr. Isis needs to stop drinking in the morning. That should have read "clothes being too short."
Dearest Wife Dr. Isis,
Indeed, you do love the makeup. When you need a separate suitcase for your makeup on a two-day trip to the cabin, your loving husband suggests that you may have a problem. Also, the next time I can't find my mansoap, or shaving cream, or deoderant because it's hidden behind a phalanx of lipstick and nail polish, I'm gonna scream. Seriously, how many different shades of red are there???
Love and cuddles,
Mr. Isis
P.S. But I appreciate the hotness.
Yay! Thank you so much, Dr. Isis. I revel in your glory. Though I apologize humbly for wearing you out so with my loquaciousness. But your answer could not have come at a better time, I am now just beginning to shop for the fall and winter.
I agree, I have NEVER come in in pj's, having not showered, or wearing anything with holes. I'm not quite THAT bad. It just tends to be a lot of jeans, t shirts, and sweatshirts.
science bear is indeed close to my height. I generally top out around 5'9", but 2/3 of that is leg. Thus, jackets tend not to be a problem, while pants are the bane of my existence. I very much appreciate the tall offerings, and I will be checking them very closely for wrist length.
I love the idea of the blazer! And I shall be looking for skirts. Being very leggy, things that hit at the knee can be a bit of a challenge to find.
Will Sephora people do a palette on your and help you pick out things that work? Do you have thoughts on foundation vs. tinted moisturizer? I tend to hate the feeling of a cake on my face.
Also, I own a pair of knee high boots, they are the hotness. But I worry that they are tight around the calf and this makes them less professional looking. I also, I shall have to look for some with less than 4" heels.
Thank you so much! I will be waiting with baited breath for the next part of the response! You are truly a fashion goddess.
Now, Scicurious, go off and be a totally smoking hot female scientist
she already is
Just wanted to weigh in on how much I appreciate the fact that this is both informative and entertaining - thanks!
Gotta get me some boots...
I tried on a skirt of the too-long variety yesterday. It looked... hideous, despite the nice fabric.
I searched the whole mall for some middle ground. Everything was either HIDEOUS (wrong length, too floaty, too see-through, weird shape, multiple colours, clashing patterns) or BORING (black, grey, chocolate brown, no patterns, no inspiration. I already HAVE a bunch of black, grey and chocolate brown pants and/or skirts, I don't want any more). I ended up buying two pairs of jeans, a sweater and some running shoes. Finding anything else - like maybe a nice burgundy coloured skirt, or something with a non-hideous pattern - seemed beyond me.
Isis, wanna come to Vancouver and help me out?!
...
I hate myself for being drawn to your posts like a moth to a hot porch light . . .. ...sigh...
.
The ladies at the sites I hang around the most (when not busy worshiping Dr. Isis) positively squeal whenever the word 'Sephora' is mentioned.
I believe the products might have aphrodisiac properties... not that my wife would permit me to conduct any field testing.
...tom...
.
Oh ...tom..., you sweet little thing. I think these women deserve gift cards!
Cath -- if you arrange a visit, Dr. Isis will be there.
Mr Scicurious -- Your comment here in support of your lovely mate warmed this goddess's cold, cold heart. You will note that when Mr. Isis comments it is only every snarky.
And finally, Sweet Scicurious -- Will Sephora do a palette? Did God rest on the 7th day?!? And as to foundation, the cakiness you describe is why Dr. Isis uses the Bare Escentuals line. Dr. Isis is a bit older than you perky grad students and tinted moisturizer is not enough for her. However, this line is powdered but still offers great coverage. When you go to Sephora and they first put it on you, you'll crinkle your nose and think "my face looks awfully powdery." But then you're going to walk around for 5 minutes and allow it to settle. When you look at it again, it will be fabulous!!!!!
Dr. Isis, I love you blog and you have wonderful advice, however I would like to add my own suggestion to #6. I was a Bare Escentuals user for a long time, and then I discovered the L'Oreal Mineral makeup. First off, on a graduate student salary it's much more affordable. Other than that, I have very sensitive skin and even the BE irritated some parts, this is not so with L'Oreal. They also have a wider range of foundations, making it easier to find your proper shade (BE suggests you mix your own). I also constantly get complimented on how great my skin is, and people can't believe it's makeup. I'm a big fan of the natural look, but they also have a wide range of products that can help you dress it up. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed (you can buy this at any major drugstore, but I like Ulta - they're great with helping you find your shade). All that is, of course, if you don't have a Sephora nearby.
science bear: JC Penney carries women's tall sizes in at least some of their stores and definitely in their catalog. The St. John Bay blazer Dr. Isis suggested comes in tall.
I'm not much of a makeup wearer myself, so take my suggestion with a grain of salt, but I love Everyday Minerals. The nice thing is that you can order a free sampler kit (you pay shipping) to try out different colors. Link.
Hmm, I don't know how I missed this post the first time around. Very nicely done, Isis. Although I do love a hot pencil skirt, I have yet to purchase knee-high boots (although I am coveting them this fall) because of the high price tags. Ahh, it seems that buying a house and dazzling myself in the latest fashions just don't mix...
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