These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: White Christmas

(Source)

My favorite Christmas movie, by far, is Irving Berlin's classic, White Christmas.  This is a movie that made an unfailing appearance every year in our household during the Christmas season.  My dad always had a great admiration for Bing Crosby, and I inherited this appreciation as I grew up.  

Good ol' Bing stars as Bob Wallace - one half of a composing/directing/producing duo a la Rogers and Hammerstein.  His partner and best friend, Phil Davis (played by Danny Kaye), convinces him to take their act on the road to Vermont after they are mixed up with the Haynes sisters (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) due to their attempt to do a favor for an old army buddy.  The movie progresses when they arrive in Vermont, discovering their old commanding officer from the army runs the inn that they are staying at and needs a bit of a helping hand.  From there, we see the duo of Wallace and Davis coupled with the Haynes sisters trying to stage a great production to secure the future of the inn.  

With such classics as White Christmas and Count Your Blessings, this film is more than satisfactory in the music department.  It has that "old movie charm", romance, a solid cast, and memorable scenes.  It's a movie that I can watch over and over and over again!  

Something I've been unable to ignore in my years of watching this film are the amazing costumes that the cast is fortunate enough to don.  There's no surprise that the costumes are so fabulous.  They were created by famous Hollywood designer Edith Head.  This week, I decided enough was enough. I was finally going to style a few sets for my readers based on my favorite costumes from the movie.  After all, Christmas comes only once a year.  

Pretty much everything Rosemary Clooney wears...

(Source)
(From left to right): Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney in the "Minstrel Number".


(Source)
This amazing green velvet dress that Rosemary Clooney wears during the engagement scene.  It screams "1950s!" to me.  
(Top): The dress in action. (Bottom):  The dress on display today...
(Source)



Now for my interpretation...

Dress;  Tights;  Necklace;  Pumps;  Ring;  Gloves

The set I have for you draws inspiration from the above two outfits.  Rosemary's sequined, black dress from the "Minstrel Number" is the base.  Since this movie was released in 1954, I wanted to keep the vintage flavor in the outfit as much as possible, hence the red gloves. Throw in green accessories that pull in the element of the velvet dress and a vintage looking pearl necklace also inspired by the velvet dress look, and you've got it!  You'll be elegant and chic for any upcoming parties!




Bing & Danny's "Minstrel Number" attire... Blazer;  Shirt;  Oxfords;  Pants;  Bow Tie;  Gloves

The first picture from the "Minstrel Number" should give you a good idea why the men's set has these items.  Keeping in mind that one might also want to wear this set to an upcoming party, I gave it a distinctly "holiday" flare.  The jacket, bow tie, fingerless gloves, and red button up are all ideas lifted directly from the minstrel scene.  The green pants are my interpretation of how to finish off the outfit.  I wanted to make the look a bit less costume-y, and more daily wear friendly.


Thanks for bearing with me through my gushing over this classic movie.  If you've never had a chance to watch it, there was never a better time!  For those who have it, the movie is now on Netflix!  If not, the movie has been released in several formats including DVD and Blu-Ray.  Rent it, snuggle on your couch with a blanket and a mug of hot cocoa, and watch White Christmas.  It will really get you into the holiday spirit.
Until next time!
~ theyseekherthere

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: Vera Wang at Kohls

I don't know about you, readers, but Christmas is sneaking up on me!  I know there are some of you out there in danger of being on Santa's "Naughty" list because you haven't done your shopping!  Fear not!  I am here to help you with a list of "My Favorite Things" comprised of last minute gift ideas, DIYs, and festive decorations to get you in the spirit.  I am determined to give you a great Christmas! 
Lately there is something in the retail world I've been inordinately excited about.  For a little over a year now, beloved department store Kohls has been carrying two collaboration lines with the famous designer Vera Wang.  Their Juniors' line is entitled "The Vera Wang Princess Collection" (much like the perfume), and their Women's and Home line is "Simply Vera Wang" .  
I don't normally "do" department stores.  There's nothing wrong with them, per se, but I prefer to step out of the box as much as possible.  Department stores were some of the first places people could get clothes off the rack.  They are a tradition, but one that we are all too familiar with; a bit too "normal" for me.  So, imagine my surprise on stepping into a Kohls to do some Christmas shopping and stumbling across the Vera Wang lines there.  I could not have ventured more from normalcy!
The "Princess" line is incredibly eclectic.  In the following sets, the majority of pieces are from this collection.  The vibrant colors, mixed media textures, and stand-out patterns really make this a line that echoes back to its designer.  Often times, a designers greatest challenge is to create a line that does just that!  Vera Wang has succeeded in spades.
The follow three outfits were created from the two Vera Wang collections sold at Kohls.  I tried to style each in a different way to appeal to the widest audience possible.  I also tried to take into account that it's winter and layering is a plus.  I hope that you find something that inspires you!




"Give Your Heart a Break" Flats;  Vest;  Tee;  Purse;  Wrist Warmers







"Snow Bunny"
Necklace;  Fur Collar;  Pumps;  Shirt







"Abstract Casual" Shoes;  Top;  Necklace;  Leggings;  Sweater


I'll be back sooner than later with the next installment of "My Favorite Things". 
Until next time!
~ theyseekherthere

Let's Celebrate!

It's already been ONE YEAR since I started this blog!   I can hardly believe it!  Thank you to all of my faithful readers who stuck with me through the insanity of trying to establish They seek her there!  




To show my gratitude to all of you - and upon the request of some of my readers - I've decided to do a GIVEAWAY!  One lucky winner will not only get something from ME for this anniversary celebration, but I've also decided to include some freebie retail deals here for your shopping pleasure.

* To wear:  

American Apparel is doing a giveaway in honor of the holiday season.  Text "Apparel" to 23000 to get a free gift!

- and -

Over at Wrapp, you can send three $10 offers for H&M to Facebook friends and get a $10 offer for yourself!  FYI: You must download the Wrapp app for your Android or iPhone to redeem all offers.

* Coffee! :

Get a FREE ESPRESSO by signing up for a "My Panera" card!  Good through the end of the year.

* Beauty: 

Free Essence of Beauty hand cream when you fill out the Facebook form!


* Travel: 

Megabus is offering 200,000 free seats to people traveling between January 9th and February 28th of the upcoming year. Hurry up and book today!

Finally, information for MY giveaway!

One lucky reader of my blog (guy or girl) will receive a gift from Birchbox for the month of January.  To be eligible for this gift, you must answer a trivia question about my blog...

Who was the celebrity/character first to be featured for the "So you want to dress like..." column?

Send your answers along to theyseekherthere@hotmail.com to be entered.  The winner will be announced by the end of the week on this blog!

Christmas/Holiday goodness will be coming up in the very near future!  Thanks (as always) for reading.  I'm happy to say that we've made it one year on!  I couldn't have done it without you guys.

Until next time!

~ theyseekherthere

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

Countdown to Halloween...Costume Idea #2: Elements of the Periodic Table

We're REALLY getting down to the wire now on the Halloween front.  While there's a bit of time left, I wanted to offer another unique costume idea that one could pull out of their closet.

I can never resist a clever costume.  This is why our current installment of "Countdown to Halloween" features a set of outfits sure to be light on the wallet and invoke a laugh out of friends and co-workers.  This time, it's Elements of the Periodic Table.

Mercury Set:  Lipstick; Leggings; Heels; Dress

Oxygen Set:  Dress; Eyeshadow; Necklace; Sandals; Headband

Neon Set:  Bandeau; Bracelets; Top; Skirt; Heels

I've taken inspiration from the properties of each element (or how we think of them) in order to assemble each outfit.  "Mercury" has a wet, metallic look to it.  "Oxygen" is airy, flowy, and feminine.  "Neon" is bright and flashy - calling to mind the properties of attraction its signs possess.  No matter what, these sets are sure to get some heads turning on Halloween!

I hope you've been inspired this Halloween.  More to come in the next 24 hours plus bonus Dia de los Muertos posts!  

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Countdown to Halloween... Costume Idea #1: Glam Rocker

The date is approaching, and I'm already seeing a healthy amount of people scrambling to find last minute Halloween costumes.  Even if you were living in the darkest of holes near the South Pole, you would still be filled with awareness that Halloween is quickly approaching.  As always, I'm here to help!  

At my job, we have the freedom of dressing up on Halloween if it happens to fall on a weekday.  This year (as you know) it does, and this means I must look impressive.  For those of you who also have jobs that allow you (and even encourage you) to dress up but are having trouble making a decision - fear not!  It will be my job to bring you a plethora of easy and exciting ideas to make your Halloween costume sure to stand out.

This doesn't mean I've forgotten those who have to abide by a stricter dress code.  I also put together some inspiration sets for those who are interested for dressing in the "spirit" of the season but can't be so obvious about it.  

Today, I have our first costume idea - Glam Rocker!

Tee;  Leggings; Eyelashes;  Eyeshadow;  Eyeliner;  Microphone

Jacket;  Headband;  Heels;  Bracelet

I'll confess that many of my sets center around a single piece.  When I spot a deal that stands out, I can't ignore it!  With this costume, it was the leggings.  For only $6, this is a great piece to spring for even if you never wear them again.  I often try to buy pieces for costumes that I'm going to use again, especially if they're expensive.  With almost every other piece in this set, you can wear it again.  In case your fellow party goers or co-workers can't tell you're a rocker chick of sorts, I've also thrown in a cheap microphone prop (only $3.99 at Party City).

Half the battle of pulling off this look is the styling.  In my mind, the headband model has it right.  No need to have a complex hairdo for this outfit.  The make up is a bit more tricky, though.  Bold colors are key.  I've chosen gold and purple, but you could probably choose to do a few different combinations.  The bolder and brighter, the better.  If you're not sure how to pull this part of the look off, start here.  Remember, Google and YouTube are your friends.  Take advantage of the tutorials and inspiration pictures you can find there.

I hope this was helpful for those of you out there who might be stalled with their own Halloween creativity.  Let me know if you have a costume you'd like to see featured on the blog for the rest of the week.  I'll be bringing you fresh ideas all the way up until Halloween!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Unconventional Styling - Fireworks and Soireés

If you're a regular reader of fashion blogs, magazines, or watch T.V. shows that have anything to do with modern living, you've probably seen those featurettes about "What to Wear for the Fourth" (or something along those lines). Yes, these tips can prove to be helpful, but more often than not I find that some of the suggested styling is a bit...overdone. These outfits are a bit more "patriotic" and less functional than most people would like their wardrobe to be. This is where I'd like to offer a helping hand to some of you wondering just what to wear to those BBQs and celebrations for Independence Day.

For the ladies...

Lipstick; Dress; Belt; Ring; Scarf; Heels

I haven't completely rejected the red, white, and blue color theme of the Fourth of July, but I've certainly toned down the intensity of the colors. To me, this outfit can be worn anytime during the Summer season. I've ensured that the look has a vintage flair with the scarf, shoes, and cut of the dress. I've also made sure to suggest some amazing red lipstick that will make you stand out. It's the little things that count!

For the guys...

Tee; Shorts; Hat; Pocket Knife; Shoes

Again, this is an outfit I think a guy could wear anytime during the Summer months. To me, the colors are even less obvious for the Fourth than the pieces in the women's set. This is okay, though, since we're still remaining in the red and blue color families. I added the pocket knife as both a seasonal and practical touch. There's always use for a multipurpose tool at a backyard BBQ!

Here's a bit of a breakdown with tips on how to style your own outfit for the Fourth:

• Pick related (but not obvious) colors
  
  With the women's set, I did this by picking out pieces of a darker red and minimizing the amount of blue that I used in the look. With the men's set, I stuck to the same color families but went outside the usual boundaries of a traditional "blue" or"red". For both outfits, I chose to accent with vintage looking pieces that carried neutral hues. Again, this tones down the color of the main look.
  
  
• Decide on pieces that can be worn after the holiday
  
  You want to get as much wear as you can out of your clothes. This is my personal philosophy, and I try to stick by it as best as I can. Buy a timeless (and maybe even seasonless) piece. The dress in the women's set is a great example of this. DO NOT buy pieces that have holiday-specific prints! This really limits you and can sometimes look cheesy!
  
  
• Stick to your personal style
  
  It's always important to never deviate from what you're comfortable doing with your own styling. Yes, I've given a bit of a vintage flair to the women's set, but if that's not your thing it's okay! Do what feels natural to you, and you'll look AMAZING.

As always, feel free to throw your two cents in on what you'll be wearing for your Fourth of July celebration!

Next week I'll be coming to you from Minneapolis! Get ready to see some of the city in my posts.

Until next time!

~ they seek her there