Olympics 2012 - Week Two Wrap-Up

It's hard to believe that another Olympic Games has come and gone. Rio de Janero has been given the Olympic torch for safe keeping until 2016. And now we wait...

While you've been mourning the loss of prime time swimming heats and trying to one-up your co-workers by knowing the most current medal count, I've been putting together the final six outfit sets inspired by various countries who participated in the Games. Again, I tried to keep the collection eclectic - even including some menswear sets this time! Like before, I also tried to convey a different theme with each set.

New Zealand

Dress; Planner; Shoes; Scarf; Bracelet; Earrings; Coffee Cup

This the "working woman" set. It's complete with practical and comfortable pieces that don't appear sloppy. The black and white accents along with the polka dot planner are inspired by the New Zealand Opening Ceremony outfits. The bold blue shade of the dress and the deep red of the earrings offset this black and white palate that appears throughout. The professional air given off by the look of this set has also been inspired by the pieces featured in the Opening Ceremony.

Germany

Bow Tie; Pants; Shoes; Hat; Jacket; Oxford

I again took advantage of the look of an Opening Ceremonies outfit to complete this set. The original from which I drew inspiration has a mixed formal and athletic look. I also wanted to tie in the original color scheme of the outfit - light blue, pink, and khaki. The bow tie seemed essential to keep the formal element of the outfit at work. This set can also serve as a great transition example for a Summer wardrobe to Fall.

Hungary

Skirt; Necklace; Nail Polish 1; Nail Polish 2; Shoes; Earrings; Bangle; Sweater; Scarf

I have to admit that I put together this set with myself in mind. This is exactly the type of look I would dare pull off in the Winter. I was inspired by the look of Hungary's architecture and art when I put this together. The country has countless churches in the gothic style, and the monarchy of Hungary was incredibly important once upon a time. There is a rich history there to say the least. I also tried to pull in the color scheme of the flag with my choices.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Top; Bandeau; Jeans; Necklace; Bracelets; Bag; Sandals; Scarf; Earrings

This is my last ditch effort at a Summer look. This is the logical conclusion to carry on with when the words "Virgin Islands" are uttered or read. This look could also serve as a transition outfit between Summer and Fall. The bright colors are still appropriate for the "warm" feeling of Summer, but the heavier pieces of clothing allow you to wear this outfit well into September.

Egypt

Tee; Scarf; Watch; Pants; Sandals; Blazer

This is our second menswear set of the bunch. Again, I'd been thinking of the Summer to Fall transition with this one. The balance of casual and formal looks still exist. I continued to take into account the color scheme of the countries flag. Personally, I think the tweed jacket is the most practical and versatile piece between both of the menswear sets. Sooner than later, we're going to be entering the colder months of the year, and this jacket is an undeniably smooth transition piece for - yes, I will daresay it - each season.

Thailand

Pants; Earrings; Sandals; Bangle; Scarf; Top; Backpack

This is the "world traveler" look. Comfortable pieces, interesting color combinations, unusual patterns. This set has it all. I couldn't help but include the elephant print scarf in this set due to their association with this country. The backpack really completes the traveler look - neutral and practical. No matter where you might journey, this outfit will not let you down!

Sadly, this completes our Olympic coverage (at least until Winter 2014). I'll be back in the coming week with lots of amazing pieces for Fall!

Please Facebook or comment with any topics or outfits you'd like highlighted for the upcoming season! I'd be happy to oblige.

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Olympics 2012 - Week One Inspiration

Can you believe that it's only been a little over one week since the Opening Ceremonies? I can't fathom it! In celebration of the end of week one, I have six outfit sets inspired by six diverse countries that have really caught my eye during their stint in London. Whether it's because of their amazing overall cultures or outfits during Opening Ceremonies, these are countries that have particularly piqued my creativity.

Argentina

Top; Skirt; Purse; Earrings; Socks; Shoes; Bracelet; Nail Polish

Though they haven't won a medal (yet), Argentina has 137 dedicated athletes eager to take on home from London. In reflection of their athletic dedication, I've picked "resort" themed pieces. These are relaxed, sporty pieces that (if you recall) were especially trendy this past Spring.

Iceland

Scarf; Tights; Shirt; Earrings; Bracelet; Booties; Skirt; Sweater

Due to Iceland's climate, I've decided to build this set around Fall or Winter-type pieces. I've also selected pieces that have linear accents and touches of the colors of Iceland's flag. In the past, Iceland had a very developed monarchy. I tried to add a "royal" touch with the set's charm bracelet.

Jamaica

Blazer; Tank; Pants; Shoes; Bangles; Earrings; Nail Polish

Why Jamaica? Honestly, it has a lot to do with how amazing their Opening Ceremonies uniforms were. The linear accents that were reflective of their flag and the vague tribal print in bright green and yellow were hard to miss. In my opinion, it was one of the most original sets of uniforms seen in the parade.

This set brings that tribal print feel in with the pants as well as the bangles. I also tried to bring in the feel of the clean lines of the original collection with the blazer in this set. The rest of the pieces convey the colors of Jamaica's flag.

Mexico

Bottoms; Bikini; Sandals; Belt; Shrug; Bag; Sunglasses; Bracelet

There are two reasons why I was inspired to give Mexico a set - I have a personal interest in the country and Maria Espinoza. If you don't know who Maria Espinoza is, she is the premiere women's Taekwondo champion. She won one of two gold medals for Mexico at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and she's only 24! She was the flag bearer for Mexico in the Opening Ceremonies and wore a traditional dress that really made her stand out above the rest.

Because of Mexico's normally balmy climate, I decided to style this set around swimwear. We're coming to the end of the Summer. As sad as this may seem, this means sales on pieces like bathing suits and sandals and the like! Taking advantage of this fact is what I had in mind when putting this set together. Like the others, I was also inspired by the color scheme of Mexico's flag.

Russia

Necklace; Skirt; Ring; Sunglasses; Shirt; Flats; Bracelet; Dress

I had a request from a reader on Facebook to try to style a set for a country on each continent (with the exception of Antarctica, of course), so Russia was my "bridge country" - if you will - for this group of inspiration outfits.

Russia has a rich folk and architectural history. Many cultures have found their way past its boundaries, and at one time it was part of one of the biggest empires in the world. I tried to give this set a bit of folk "flavor" with the flowered skirt. I've included the deer ring for not only a bit of that same flavor, but because one of the most prolific animals found in Russia is the Red Deer. This set continues its "fairy tale" qualities with the cut of the shirt, red flats, and Nesting Doll necklace. Also included is a dress that conveys the exact print and colors of the Russian flag.

United States

Cuff; Wallet; Sweater; Dress; Skirt; Shirt; Necklace; Mug

Last - but not least - comes the set for my home country the United States. I tried to include eclectic pieces with this set; something for everyone. I needed to show a bit of "big city pride", so I added the New York City cuff and Chicago mug. The striped detailing is an obvious parallel to the flag, and the star skirt is plain FABULOUS. If I had to pick a favorite piece out of the entire set, this would have to be it!

I'll be posting one more group of inspiration outfits during these Olympic Games. Still haven't seen a country you want featured? Please feel free to drop me a line (as always) here or on Facebook, and I'll do my best to build a set for that country!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there