Lunch Break - Using animals as prints

My readers might have noticed this strange trend of using animals as prints.  I, myself, have found it hard to ignore throughout my persistent browsing of my favorite retail websites.  Much like the graphic print sweater trend we're seeing this season, using animals as prints projects a bold statement.  If you're looking for an easy way to stand out, this is it!

From rain boots to elegant one-shoulder dresses, this trend doesn't seem to be limited to one type of garment.  The versatility of the idea of using animals as prints would suggest that this trend will be around well into the Winter.  

Below are just some of my favorite pieces that I've found via my own browsing...

Fox print sweatshirt;  Camel print blouse;  Whale print rain boots;
Panda print blouse; Horse print jeans; Hummingbird print sweater;
Terrier print socks;  Bird print dress

Feel free to drop me a line if you've come across your own!  There are lots of options out there...

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

*Late* Lunch Break: Five Stylish (and Simple) Sweaters for Guys

This post was inspired by one of my guy friends who owns only a few pullover sweaters and absolutely NO CARDIGANS!  I thought this very hard to believe, so I've put together this set in order to give those who are sweater-challenged options for staying warm this Fall.

1) Striped Cardigan @ Target

2) Button Mockneck @ Brooks Brothers

3) Shawl Collar Cardigan @ H&M

4) Pescadero Cardigan @ Dockers

5) Wool Blend Cardigan @ Old Navy

I tried to keep this mini collection simple with basic colors and minimal pattern.  Pairing each sweater with a tee or long sleeved shirt that "pops" (i.e. a teal shirt with the white sweater, a green shirt with the burgundy cardigan, etc.) will easily boost your wardrobe for the season at hand.  No more excuses!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Lunch Break: Couture Olympic Uniforms

Just two short weeks from today, the London Summer Olympics begin! *cue lots of jumping around and excitement from my corner* Among other things, this means designers of all sorts have emerged from the woodwork to debut their collections which they've created for the nations of their respected Olympic teams. Below are a few of my favorites and links to their collection details...

1) Jamaica

(Credit to Mental Floss )

Designed by Cedella Marley (daughter of the infamous Bob Marley) for Puma, this collection is my favorite. Not only does it scream "resort/sportswear" - what is currently on trend - but it also has the most aesthetically pleasing color palette of all of the collections.

2) Germany

(Credit to International Business Times)

Adidas got an early start, revealing these uniforms in April. Again, this collection has an eye-catching color palette and great versatility. The jackets are easily dressed up or down!

3) South Korea

(Credit to SmartCanuks)

Fila is another company that was paying close attention to what is on trend when they decided to create South Korea's sailor-inspired uniforms. These offer a fresh and young look for each of the athletes attending the Opening Ceremonies. Even the men look great in these blazers!

4) New Zealand

(Credit to 3 News )

This was another designer paying attention to the menswear. The black jackets piped in white are screaming with classiness. The print on the women's dresses is a bit vintage inspired. These are two looks that really go together. Though these are standard black and white, I think this group is going to stand out at Opening Ceremonies.

Visit Mental Floss for all of the featured nations and let me know your favorites! I'll be back very soon with some looks inspired by the 2012 Olympic Games.

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Lunch Break: Summer Camp

For those of you who may not know or may not have even been paying attention, part of my job is organizing and running a summer camp at a Chicago school. Every year when we're getting ready to hand out informational packets to students and parents, we usually include a list of "What to Bring" to camp.

What about us who are a bit older? I know I miss the days where the long hours were spent outside running barefoot with your friends and there was no care given for just how dirty you got. Today's "Lunch Break" is dedicated to those Summer days of our youth and some fun accessories both guys and girls can use now to still inject a bit of fun into our summers.

For the ladies...

Notebook; Gel Pens; Change Purse; Sunglasses; First Aid Kit; Sneakers; Key Covers;

Lunch Bag; Nail Polish

For the guys...

Stylus; Sunglasses; Shoes; Notebook; Towels; Pen

Keep enjoying the sunny days, "campers"!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Lunch Break: "Kiss With a Fist"

It's no secret that I am an admirer of Florence Welch - lead singer of Florence + The Machine. Whether it's music or style, that girl can do no wrong! Today's "Lunch Break" is inspired by Florence's 90s-esque video for her song "Kiss With a Fist".

If you've never seen the video (or heard the song), feel free to click here and become educated on the ways of Florence. I've been playing around in making an "inspired by" outfit set for this look for a few weeks. Admittedly, Florence's look does play up the 90s feel a bit more, but I wanted to modernize it so all of you could rock the look.

Top, Tights, Shoes, Skirt

Want another opportunity to dress like Florence? Feel free to read my "So you want to dress like...Florence Welch" post.

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Lunch Break: Effie Trinket Nails

All everyone seems to be talking about lately is The Hunger Games. The fashion community has not shied away from all the buzz. A few months ago, the Capitol Couture Tumblr was launched. This highlighted off the wall fashion trends and styles which were inspired by the Capitol citizens of Panem. One such citizen is Effie Trinket.

(Photo courtesy of hungergamesmovie.org.)

Besides rocking Alexander McQueen in the movie, Effie's character is the epitome of crazy looks. From head to toe, her personal style (like most citizens of the Capitol) seems like it came straight off the runway. No inch is spared, especially not her nails.

(Photo courtesy of Theiapolis.com)

I'm always looking out for new and exciting nail art that's relatively easy to pull off. Effie's nails in the opening scene of The Hunger Games seem to be the right answer. You can see in the picture that she is rocking a fuchsia shade with gold glitter painted in a "waterfall" pattern over the base.

Today we have a tutorial on how to do your own version of these nails. When I tried this look, I pulled out two colors from my own collection to serve as the necessary fuchsia and gold polishes. These are the ones I used:

(On left: Rimmel #606, Dazzle)

(On right: Wet N' Wild Megalast #208, Through the Grapevine)

I have a personal policy of not spending too much money on nail polishes. The gold I acquired over a year ago and cannot remember how much I paid for it. The purple, I bought more recently on sale for $.99! You can't beat that price!

Drop me a line showing your own attempts at Effie Trinket nails or feel free to share your latest nail polish scores. I'll be back with a "meatier" post later on!

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