What I Did This Summer

Hello, readers!  My five month absence from this blog is for good reason - I promise you!  I got a new job, one that is allowing me to venture across the country.  Trying to learn the rhythm of my new workplace, planning for travel, and taking on projects has consumed most of my time.  I have missed writing here, and have vowed to not abandon you any longer!

My summer was been packed!  I want to do my best to fill you in on everything that's been going on.  Allow me the chance to break it down...

The New Job

Back in May (shortly after my last post here), I had a job interview that seemed too good to be true.  It was for a company offering me a position to travel and attend conventions FOR A LIVING.   Since my decision for a career/degree change came to light, I had been covertly searching for another job which would allow me to alter some variables in my life.  If I were to get this job, I could successfully push myself forward, save a little money, and go back to school on my terms.  The two interviews were successful, and now I'm well immersed into what could only be described as my dream job.  A few weeks in, I was already making travel plans.  That's how I ended up in...

Miami!

(From left to right:  Me modelling a few of the outfits I thought were Miami material - get them here, my convention badge, floral shirts and bright capris, comfy leggings and moccasins for setting up our show, and lovely parks in the Miami sunset)

My first work trip happened to be complete with palm trees, sunshine, and beaches.  Getting the first taste of the traveling life was anything but bitter.  Yes, I had to work for the majority of the day, but the nights were wide open and I was able to take my time in the morning to eat breakfast by the water.  Miami was a singularly wonderful introduction to my new job.  It set the tone for adventures to come.

Summer Style

August was a month of relaxation and planning for the coming months.  I became somewhat addicted to statement jewelry - namely bracelet stacking.

(Find similar bangles here...)

Another trend I became strangely attached to were flower crowns.  I know you've seen them everywhere this summer, and I gave into the trend.  After an unfortunate accident where the kitties had a little too much fun with momma's accessories, I wound up the proud owner of more than one.  This didn't help my growing obsession.  I loved the look so much, that I'm currently trying to re-work the look for fall use!  When I have something definitively styled, I will be sure to (as always) post it here.

Before all the traveling chaos, there were, of course, summer events that required summer attire when attending.  Such occasions called for bright colors, fun accessories, and a bit of "hippie chic" styling.  The outfit below is an excellent example...

Original look:  Dress, Forever 21: $15 // Necklace, Ruche Clothing: Gift 

Tank, Forever 21: $3 // Headband, H&M: $4 // Earrings, H&M: $6 

Belt, Forever 21: $5 // Shoes, Thrifted: $5

For a similar look:  Dress // Necklace // Earrings // Headband // Shoes

Atlanta, Here We Come...

I had been planning on attending Dragon*Con in Atlanta with one of my best friends for over a year.  So, in late August, we headed out on a road trip for a week of geekery and a meeting of old friends.  It was a needed break from the hectic new job I'd undertaken. 

Dragon*Con was attended by a MASSIVE amount of people, and finding our way into the city was not met without problems.  Though I have a lot of great memories of spending time in possibly the largest hotel suite I've ever set foot into with eight other people, I'm not sure if I'd want to go back to Atlanta for the con next year if it wasn't work related.  Oh well.  I may change my mind.

Good Morning, Baltimore!

With three days of returning from my vacation, I had to jump right back into working.  The boyfriend and I were headed to Baltimore for their Comic Con - held there every September.  We haven't done a lot of conventions out on the East Coast, and the turn-out was impressive to say the least.  Apparently, the con has gotten so big that they are adding an extra day for attendance and expanding the venue for next year!

While we were there, I got to enjoy quaint pubs that were situated in old houses, long walks to spot historical buildings, and staying in a hip, modern hotel with an old, rich history.  It was a breath of fresh air after the week before in Atlanta.


As I said before, I promise no more long absences from the site!  Now that I've settled into a rhythm with my new job, I can sort out posting and getting out my latest fashion inspirations to all of you.

I thank many of you for connecting with me on various social media platforms over the last few months.  Sometimes when I'm on these trips, it's the only way I can get the muse flowing and out to the world!

Look for fall transition posts and a piece on New York Comic Con here in the next coming weeks!

Until next time,

they seek her there

Inspired by...Iron Man 3&Tony Stark

Source

I've been on this geek chic kick lately of covertly going to work dressed up (or inspired by) my favorite TV/movie characters.  It all started with my Annie Edison outfit (which I shamelessly did not post here), and I'm not about to stop this trend.  

It's no secret that Iron Man 3 was released this weekend.  As with many of my favorite movie franchises, I thought it exciting to attend the midnight premiere - or 11:30 p.m. "premiere" on Thursday night.  I bragged a bit during the week beforehand that I would be sporting a Tony Stark-esque outfit on the day of the movie's release.  The outfit is a bit of a mix between what I thought "Antonia" Stark might sport and the colors of the Iron Man costume itself...

Aviators - Clares; $2 // Earrings - Thrifted; $1 // Necklace - Target; $4  

Mixed media vest - Forever 21; $17 // Top - Old Navy; Gift 
Skirt - Thrifted. $5 // Bracelet sets - Forever 21; $3 and $5
Shoes - Thrifted; $5

Red and gold were the necessary bases for this look.  The red high-waisted skirt allowed for the lipstick and red accessories to stand out (more on this below).  Coupled with a black top and mixed media vest, it has an elegant hardware feel.  The gold shoes and matching statement necklace are the cherry on top.  Aviators were added for the necessary Tony Stark tie-in.  He rarely goes anywhere without them.



As for accessories, I couldn't leave the house without putting on my trusty Mark VII fragrance.  

Add mixed media and metallic bangles, red and gold vintage earrings to bring out the other elsewhere in the outfit, and the effect is complete!

I made sure to wear red lipstick for the extra "pop", a bit of sparkly gold liquid eyeliner, and was accidentally sporting an Iron Patriot-eque manicure (easily done with a blue based nail polish and silver crackle top coat).

Lipstick - Rimmel; $5.29 // Eyeliner - E.L.F.; $1

 Silver crackle nail polish - Maybelline; $3 // Marine nail polish - Forever 21; $2.80

Happy viewing/dressing!


Until next time!

~ they seek her there

In Honor of October 19th...How to Dress Like Annie Edison

Today is the season four premiere of our cult favorite Community.  In honor of the show returning, I decided to style myself a la Annie Edison.  (And, yes, the Hello Kitty binder is really mine...)

My outfit:  Tee: (Gift) Old Navy // Sweater: ($15) Forever 21 // Skirt: ($10) Wet Seal // Tights: ($5) Target // Boots: ($80 $20) JCPenney // Bracelets: ($4) Forever 21 // Earrings ($3 for set): H&M // Necklace (Gift)

Inspiration set:  Sweater;  Necklace;  Earrings;  Bracelets;  Binder;  Boots;  Top;  Tights;  Skirt

Happy October 19th!  Enjoy. 

~ they seek her there

So you want to dress like...Q from Skyfall

(Photo courtesy of The Telegraph)

If you haven't become intimately acquainted (and by that I mean gone to a movie theatre, sat down, and indulged for two hours in James Bond goodness) with Skyfall, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket ASAP.  In addition to the "I forgot to breathe" action scenes, there is stunning cinematography and even more striking characters to be had.  One of these is Q, portrayed by Ben Whishaw.

Unfamiliar with Ben Whishaw?  Fear not!  I would wage that the majority of the American public had little idea of who he was until this role.  In addition to being in Tom Hank's latest, Cloud Atlas, he's had the privilege of starring in BBC's The Hour and the latest film interpretation of The Tempest.  Out of all of these other roles, though, I find him most striking and confident as Q.

Since the premiere of the latest Bond film, fans have taken to the internet commenting about Q's "hipster" style of dress.  My responsibility as a fashion blogger was to take heed and rise up to the challenge of bringing you such style (for guys and girls) via this blog.

Let's do this!

For girls...

(Sweater;  Blouse;  Glasses;  Bracelets;  Tights;  Skirt;  Shoes;  Earrings)

I have to admit that this all started because of a sweater.  That sweater in this post; that's it, right there.  I spotted it on a rack at Target last weekend while doing some Christmas shopping.  Apparently, Q's look couldn't escape my mind so easily.  I thought of the character instantly.

I would imagine girl Q to have a fairly well-developed sense of style.  Nothing extravagant - some color with a healthy amount of neutrals and simple accessories.  The look of the bracelets is supposed to be vaguely utilitarian and echo a sleekness that comes with modern computing.  The shoes and glasses add a "hipster" flavor.

For guys...

(Sweater;  Trousers;  Shirt;  Tie;  Glasses;  Boots)

This set is a bit more "hipsterish"  than the girls' set.  Directly inspired from the movie, the color blocked sweater off sets the dark flannel shirt.  The gray trousers and tie lend a bit of a professional look.  The boots are my favorite piece in this set - illustrating functionality and (again) that never-to-be-escaped "hipster" twist.

Have a favorite character that you'd like me to feature in a "So you want to dress like..." post?  Facebook or e-mail me to voice your opinion!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

5 Election Themed Tees for Less Politically Inclined (but Fashionable) Citizens

Today is all about doing your civic duty...but there's no shame in looking good while doing it!

I bring you five (mostly geeky) t-shirts sure to make you stand above the political fray and put a smile on fellow voters' faces...

1) Hello Kitty For President - $26 @ Sanrio

2) Rogers/Stark 2012 - $27 @ Redbubble

3) Knope 2012 - $26 @ NBC Universal Store

4) The Doctor 2012 - $18 @ Amazon

5) Vote Zombies 2012 - $20 @ Threadless

Happy Election Day, all!  May the best candidate win!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

So you want to dress like...Arthur Darvill from Doctor Who

This post has been a long time in coming!  Due to various moving an internet issues, I've been absent for a little over two weeks.  I'm excited to be back and bringing you all the necessary fashion information important for your daily lives.  Okay, okay, so maybe it's not that serious, but I'm excited to be back all the same; sharing my love of fashion with all of you.

Today's post rounds out the trifecta of Doctor Who stars and their incredible fashion sense. Arthur Darvill is our focus today.  Arthur portrays Rory Williams/Pond - husband to Karen Gillan's character, Amy Pond, and second companion to the Doctor.  Like with our two previous actors, we'll be focusing on Arthur's personal style and how you, the reader, can emulate it.

Street Style

Sweater;  Shoes;  Jeans;  Sunglasses;  Tee

Casual, public appearance Arthur is undeniably fun.  The patterned sweater paired with graphic tee really makes this look stand out.  The vintage sunglasses add a "hipster"-type touch.  Though you can't see the shoes or pants Arthur wears in this picture, I thought it best to pair the loud top portion of this outfit with a simple pair of jeans.  I also chose Chuck Taylors due to the fact that Arthur seems to favor them in much of his outfits.  

Pheasants, Pheasants Everywhere 

Shirt;  Shoes;  Pins;  Sweater;  Pants

I couldn't pass up the...uniqueness of this look when I first spotted it.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a sweater that was exactly like Arthur's, but I did find one that was pretty close.  It still features pheasants, which seems to be the important feature with this entire outfit.  I found a set of cheap bird print pins on Etsy to add that special touch to the crewneck. Paired with the sweater is a polka dot dress shirt and red chinos.  Again, Chuck Taylors round out the outfit.  I've chosen some simple, neutral colored shoes due to the rest of the outfit being somewhat "loud".

I'll be returning within the week to feature some hot looks for fall.  If you have anything you'd like to see here, please (as always) feel free to comment or Facebook message me.  I love to hear what readers have to say!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

So you want to dress like...Karen Gillan from Doctor Who

I'm back again with another Doctor Who related post. This time, we'll be looking at Karen Gillan - co-star of Matt Smith and the Doctor's companion - for fashion inspiration.

Once working as a model during London Fashion Week, Karen is no stranger to the glam and glitz of the runway. Winning the Cosmopolitan "Woman of the Year" award, the Scottish Fashion Icon award, and TV Choice's "Best Dressed" for 2012, she is clearly at the height of style.

Today I'm bringing you two examples of premiere Karen Gillan outfits and my own interpretations of each for your own wearing pleasure.

Stripes & Hardware

Sweater; Rings; Shoes; Tights; Skirt; Earrings

This outfit of Karen's is one of the first she had worn out an about for a press tour. From day one, I have adored the sweater she is wearing. I felt like I had to use this look as the first for my post. There was no other way to go about it.

Because color is my friend (and yours), I decided to pair this sweater with a brightly colored skirt. Tights and the utilitarian boots and accessories complete this look for the upcoming season.

Unusual Graphics

Sweater; Shoes; Earrings; Watch; Jeans; Bag; Nail Polish

Unfortunately, I couldn't locate a cable knit with a double decker bus pattern (much to my chagrin), but I thought another unusual graphic sweater might do the trick. Miss Selfridge is the maker of this lovely duck pullover. Paired with the neutral oxford shoe, bright colored pant, and neutral bag, this overall set truly captures Karen's original look. For my personal touch, I added a neon earring, watch, and nail polish.

Next week we'll tackle Arthur Darvill aka Rory Williams - another current companion of the Doctor's - for our weekly Doctor Who fashion inspiration post.

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

So you want to dress like...Matt Smith from 'Doctor Who'

Today I bring you a solo menswear post! I haven't done this yet on my blog, but it's always exciting to venture into something new.

I have to admit that my "geek" is showing again. Last night was the premiere of one of my favorite shows Doctor Who, and its stars Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, and Arthur Darvill are somewhat of a group of fashion icons. They all have quirky and fresh outlooks on what to wear in the limelight. For this post, we'll take the star of the show - Matt Smith - and breakdown two of his unique looks.

On the Street

Hat; Sweater; Sunglasses; Shirt; Jeans; Pin

Inspired by the bright color scheme of the stripes on Matt's sweater, I put together this very Fall appropriate outfit. You can probably guess that Matt incorporates "hipster"-type pieces into his wardrobe. He often sports unusual accessories (like his hat pin) and is never without a good pair of sunglasses. He also doesn't shy away from color.

Photoshoot Savvy

Shirt; Pants; Shoes; Chain; Sunglasses

Remember what I was saying about unusual accessories? Matt doesn't fail to push the envelope with this look that includes the key necklace accent. There is also no shortage of color with this look as well. I've again adapted this look from a Summer photoshoot to a functional Fall look for men.

I hope you enjoyed our little foray into geek fashion. I plan on highlighting more actors from this series, so if you're familiar with Doctor Who and would like to see certain pieces featured, please let me know here or on Facebook! For now, expect me to be back later this week with hot pieces for Fall.

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Lunch Break: Pop Culture Nail Art

I'm launching a new feature today called "Lunch Break". I know that when I have that little hour in the day to step away from work, sometimes I like to give my brain a rest. This usually involves reading my usual fashion blogs or blowing off 15 minutes via Facebook. Today, I want to bring you some pop culture through an unusual medium - nail art.

* First, we have ONTD! with their Pop Culture Nail Art Megapost. The display is almost overwhelming. The post seems to have everything from 90s Nickelodeon shows to recording artists, to some of our favorite authors like Edgar Allen Poe. The list seems endless! What is my favorite? The M*A*S*H nails seem to be the easiest and one of the more unusual references to make for me:

(Photo courtesy of ONTD!)
* I also recently stumbled across these fake nail polish collections inspired by some of my favorite NBC comedies - 30 Rock, The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Community. There's even a recently added Arrested Development set! Each include shades which are inside jokes and easily understood by avid watchers. It's hard to pick a favorite, but I'd have to say The Office collection is my favorite. Threat Level Midnight is a great shade!


(Photo courtesy of charlotte-charles on Tumblr.)


I hope you enjoyed our first ever "Lunch Break"! If you'd like to see anything particular in this new featurette, feel free to drop me a line via the comment box or on Facebook.
Until next time,
~ they seek her there

What did I do during Fashion Week?

Why all the pomp and circumstance for this specific post? What exotic location did I sweep off to during Fashion Week? Have I built up your curiosity quite yet? I should hope so! Well, now would be the time for the big reveal...

I spent the last week in L.A.!

Why you might ask? Well...I was at Gallifrey One...

Right now, I expect you to be staring at your computer screens in relative confusion. Don't worry, you're in the majority. You see, the one side of me you all get to view on this blog is my fashion forward/loudly creative/strangely daring side. The other side of me is less apparent. Today, you will all be privy to my glaringly geeky side.

I'm a little bit of a pop culture buff in my "other life". This includes being a unhealthily enthusiastic fan of a British sci-fi show called Doctor Who. Feel free to click on the link for a better explanation than I could possibly give on this blog. Okay, so you know what Doctor Who is, but what about Gallifrey One? Gallifrey One (or Gally - as goers affectionately call it) is a huge gathering of fans of this show. There we socialize, find ourselves in intellectual discussions, sing karaoke, and even costume. Yes, costume!

What does this have to do with fashion? Beside one of the websites on my Blogroll doing not one, but two, of their own posts on looks inspired by the show, there are an incredible amount of fans who wish to recreate and design costumes from the series to wear for their own benefit. As much as it is not focused on, costuming is a significant building block in the game of fashion. I'll draw the parallels for you.

1) Sketches

Every person who wants a well-executed costume or wants to launch a collection knows the importance of sketching. It's the first step of transferring the vision of your creation from the internal to the external. There, you get to express your color schemes, fabrics, cuts, and anything else necessary to the construction of your piece. For the costumer, it might be most important to transfer the necessary details of the original along with a bit of personal flare. For the designer, it's all about getting their personal vision across. Whatever the purpose, the endgame is the same - the artist displaying their work for the public. Whether your medium is the catwalk or convention hallway, there is a desire to make yourself known as a creator.

2) Labels

Because of the influx of "younger" companions to the Doctor coupled with a brilliant costume department at the BBC, many major clothing labels have been worn by characters on the show in the last six years. Brands such as Topshop, Free People, All Saints, American Apparel, and Uniqlo can be see on the main players.

(From left to right): American Apparel Dolman Hoodie, Free People Multicolored Scarf ,

All Saints Ovid Heels

(Left to right): Rose Tyler wearing the scarf, River Song sporting the heels, and Amy Pond modeling the sweatshirt.

In addition to costumers and collectors alike wanting the pieces seen in the show, they are also very happy with look-a-likes. Forever 21, Wet Seal, Miss Selfridge, Charlotte Russe, ASOS, and even department stores are only some of the places avid searchers have located pieces that resemble their favorites from the series.

Even men (Yes men!) can take a lesson in fashion from this series. The Tenth and Eleventh Doctors have clean, tailored looks with eye-catching details. The Tenth Doctor wears a suit and Converse while the Eleventh Doctor almost always sports a bow tie.

Ten's Chucks


Inspired by Eleven's bow ties

3) The Thrifting Connection

I'm sure you haven't failed to notice as my readers that I include quite a few thrifting pieces in my everyday wardrobe. When costumers, for an event like this, search for pieces they want to spend the least amount of money. Thrifting is your best option to do it on the cheap. The most ideal way for you to thrift for costume pieces is to also look for the items you can incorporate into your everyday wardrobe. It is possible, it just requires a little forethought. Whether it's a belt, jacket, or pair of pants - this is achievable! Planning out what your looking for ahead of time is not a bad idea, nor is carrying reference pictures around with you. I've heard it all!

I hope I've been able to successfully tie the world of fandom costuming (Or cosplaying - there I said it!) to fashion, and immerse you a bit into the world of Doctor Who.

Feel free to comment here or send pictures of cosplaying you've done that might tie into your everyday ensemble!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

P.S. - Welcome to all of my new readers due to last week's convention! I'm so glad to have you.