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

So you want to dress like...Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan on Vogue

As May 10th looms nearer, Art Deco dreams are taking over my headspace.  I have many ideas for the upcoming surge of inevitably Twenties inspired looks sure to circulate on the web with the release of The Great Gatsby.

This week, Vogue hit newsstands with Carey Mulligan on the cover - giving those in the fashion world a taste of the costumed opulence to come.

How can the every day fashionista be her own Daisy Buchanan?  Well, Tiffany and Co. has decided to release a Gatsby inspired jewelry line.  I suppose that's one method.  What about the girl who's watching her wallet?  Today's post gives you a spring look that echoes Mulligan's elegant outfit.

Dress: Modcloth; $89  //  Necklace: H&M; $12  //  Earrings: Miss Selfridge; $11  //  Bracelet: Etsy; $6

Shoes: UrbanOG; $30  //  Lipstick: Rimmel; $5  //  Nail Polish: Orly; $6  //  Eyeshadow: E.L.F.; $10

Headband: Forever 21; $11

Photo credit

Stay tuned for more Gatsby themed looks in the coming weeks...

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

It's Still Winter... No Need to Be S.A.D.

Wear a bright outfit even if the snow is piling up outside your windows...

 

My outfit:  Sweater ($10): Gap // Tee (Gift): Old Navy // Skirt ($6): Forever 21 //  Tights ($5): Target
Shoes ($15): Forever 21 // Bracelet Set ($4): Forever 21

Sunglasses ($6): Thrift Store // Necklace: (Heirloom)

Wear the colors! (Left to right):  stock;  orange-ish thing;  back to the fuchsia;  124115;  Tree Trunk

Find them via my profile @ Colourlovers! 

Take advantage of the (not really) post-Winter/pre-Spring sales!  Stores are getting shipments of all of their Early Spring 2013 merchandise, so they've got to make way by marking down the old product.  Why not try this crazy ASOS scarf or (super trendy) emerald anorak to tide you over until those first peeks of grass?

Anorak;  Scarf;  Wrist Warmers;  Boots

Try some layering tricks like the ol' tights + socks + boots combo!  It really spices up your outfit and gives your look a "pop" even during these icky months.

 

On left:  Socks;  Boots;  Tights

On right:  Boots;  Socks;  Tights

What about the guys?  There are no lack of sales for them, either.  Check out this set complete with a fresh off the sale rack Hooded Mac jacket courtesy of the Gap.

 

Sunglasses ; Jacket ; Gloves ; Scarf ; Boots

I hope some of these sales brighten up your snowy February!  I'll be traveling to L.A. in the coming days, so updates may be scarce.  Hopefully, I'll be updating from sunny California with more cute outfits!  Check back soon, readers.

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

Trend Tip: Statement Necklaces and Marie Antoinette

A pearl and rhinestone necklace made with original settings  from an accessory of Marie Antoinette. (Source)
 Why Marie Antoinette?  Well...she set the fashion standard for the upper class women of her day.  Married at the age of 15 and queen at 19, her personal tastes dictated everything from court members' elaborate wigs all the way down to their heeled shoes.  Her personally crafted way of fashion bled into other societies - namely the English Court.  What is known to historians as the "Georgian" type of style is mainly due to the influence of this notorious woman.
Accessories were always a must in the French Court.  The modern day statement necklace is a trickle down the timeline from the 1780's.  Taking a lesson from the young, Austrian-born noblewoman, a good statement necklace can make an outfit.  I've chosen four statement necklaces inspired by the pearl one above.  Just remember, you don't have to be a queen to stand out. 

Neon Vintage Statement Necklace; Etsy, $30

Riviera Rhinestone Bib Necklace; Urban Outfitters, $38

Pearl Chain Braided Necklace; Wet Seal, $10.50

Pearlescent Spike & Bead Necklace; Forever 21, $15.80

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Outfit Post of the Day: Winter in "London"

In my ever interesting luck and never boring travels, I recently came across a British telephone box randomly placed at the entrance of a suburban train station. As I was wearing a blog feature-worthy outfit and couldn't help but pose in the out of place prop, you get an "Outfit of the Day" post that looks like it's straight from the streets of London (complete with rain spattered windows on the box).  If only...

I have to admit that my choice of shorts and tights was a bit bold for the time of year.  This picture was taken right before Thanksgiving, but here in Chicago it was still 40 to 50 degrees every day!  Those were the days!  Only recently have we been getting hit with sub zero temperatures. 

This year in particular the tights and shorts trend has really taken off in the non-summer months.  I like to bring my readers differently styled outfits to the table, and this one seemed most appropriate.  

If you like my look above, I've provided you with a slightly modified one along the same color palette and over all feel of the original.

Earrings;  Scarf;  Jacket;  Necklace;  Shoes;  Shorts;  Tank

The only regret I have about my personal look in this post is that I've styled black tights with black shoes.  At the time, it was a matter of convenience while traveling.  For the sake of my readers, I felt a need to correct that color combo.  With the inspiration set, you get some popping pink wedges instead...


Until next time!

~ theyseekherthere

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

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

This is what happens when you dare me- Or - My day off...

I celebrated my Veterans Observance Day doing nothing but perusing the lovely 'net and running out to my local Savers/Value Village to secure accessories and costuming supplies for a shocking 50% off.  (More on my loot later.)  

Due to my lack of motivation and today's renewal of friendship with Tumblr and Facebook, I quickly came across this gem of a post from a close friend:

While the picture itself is adorable, I found myself instantly drawn to the girl's clothing.  Being the ever-faithful fashion blogger I am, I vowed to come up with my own version of this outfit.  A few friends commented on the post urging that they'd like to see such a set.  A little bit of imagination stretching and 45 minutes gave me this:

Sweater;  Scarf;  Socks;  Glasses;  Mug;  Shorts

I know I've taken some artistic liberties with this one, but due to the largely monochromatic artwork I had to work with I thought I matched the colors quite well.  It gives off the right "quirky" vibe that mirrors our lovely bookworm.

Challenge completed.

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

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