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

What to Wear For...The First Days of Summer!

I'm ecstatic to be able to wish you all an official "Happy Summer"! Chicago has had its fair share of muggy and humid 90 degree days in the past few weeks. I've been in "Summer mode" for most of the month of June. Now that it's official. I can give you some great tips on how to pick out clothes for those icky, sticky days without looking dull.

I have had ample experience in dealing with uncomfortably hot environments during the Summer months. I work at a public school, and because the building is so old there is NO AIR CONDITIONING in my office. It's a bit of a problem to say the least. Chicago Summers can be some of the worst out there. One needs to pull out all of their fashion tricks that have to do with staying cool in order to survive. Let me share a few with you...

1) Breathable material

Top - $2.49 (Thrifted)

Shorts - Gift (Old Navy)

Shoes - $5 (Thrifted)

Necklace - $3.80 (Forever 21)

Earrings - $1 (Thrifted)

Bracelets - $6.80 (Forever 21)

This top may look like it has longer sleeves than would normally be comfortable in the Summer, but it's incredibly light. One of the best kind of shirts you can find at a thrift store are old silk shirts from the 1980s like this one. They often have fun patterns and look great tucked into a pare of high waisted shorts. They also don't break the bank! I purchased this one on a Salvation Army shopping trip a few weeks ago along with four other shirts that were all $2.49 each! You really can't beat that...

2) Bright colors

I'm sure we've all heard this in our grade school science classes, but lighter colors absorb less heat energy than dark colors. We also look more vibrant sporting bright colors when it's constantly sunny out. As the Summer wears on, many of us normally acquire a healthy tan and can graduate to wearing lighter colors that we'd be unable to wear any other time of the year. Take advantage of this!

3) Minimal layers

Tanks - $3.88 each (Walmart) *Buy the striped one HERE*Skirt - $11.80 (Forever 21)Shoes - $11.88 (Old Navy)Necklace - $5.80 (Forever 21)Earrings - $1 (Thrifted)Bracelets - $1.99 (Thrifted)

I'm lucky to work in the office that I do. We have a lot of leeway as to what we're allowed to wear in the Summer due to our situation of being sans air conditioner. I hope I've demonstrated with the picture above that it is possible to look classy and stay cool at the same time. I'm wearing complimentary colors (as always) that really exude a "Summery" look without pushing "inappropriate". Something like this is easily dressed up with the flats I've chosen, and the simple and bordering on neutral accessories. They serve to accentuate the outfit and don't push it overboard. Sometimes that is easy to do with brightly colored outfits such as these.

Have your own tips for dressing up (or down) in the Summer? Feel free to leave comments here or on Facebook.

Until next time!
~ they seek her there

What to Wear For...A Fashion School Event

Today is the (near) start of a new week and the launch date of a brand new feature here at They Seek Her There: "What to Wear For..." It was born out of the realization that though I'm convinced my life is a little hum drum from time to time, I do have unusual events to attend for which there is really no dictated wardrobe. I'm about to change this. This is my honest attempt to provide a standard for these strange moments in our lives when we throw open our closet doors and proclaim to no one in particular: "What am I going to wear?"

Last Friday, I had my first official fashion school event. For those of you who are not aware, I've decided to switch my career track up a bit and attend school for Fashion Marketing and Management. I was invited to a portfolio show at the school, and I wanted to attend to network and put myself out there a bit. What to wear? What to wear?

For something like a networking event in the fashion industry, my first instinct was to find a piece that was both affordable and unique. Sometimes that can be extremely challenging. My answer lie in the new Target collaboration line - The Webster at Target. If you are unfamiliar with The Webster, it is a Miami boutique that is being showcased via Target's new initiative "The Shops". This concept is all about getting unique little stores all over the country to showcase their products in Target stores. If you look closely the next time you pop in to the bulls-eye branded outlet, you'll notice these shops in different departments including food and cosmetics.

All of The Webster's products have a flair of the "resort" look - a trend that is carrying through from Spring to Summer. You can see the line here on Target's website.

At any rate, purchasing such a dress from a Target collaboration line isn't going to force me into pennilessness, but it's still going to be something that is limited and one-of-a-kind. I also want to project an air of professionalism and a specific definition of my "look" with my styling. I went for a 60s "mod" look complete with pink and white piped heels.

Dress - $39.99 (The Webster for Target) *Buy it HERE*

Necklace - $7 (Forever 21)

Headband - $1 for pack of 2 (Forever 21) *Buy it HERE*

Earrings - $3.80 (Forever 21)

Shoes - $6 (Target)

As you can see, I kept the accessories incredibly simple. I'm sure you can also see the vintage "touches" of the outfit - the cut of the dress, costume jewelry-looking necklace, piped shoes with the gold button embellishment. This is undeniably vintage inspired. I also know you can't really see the earrings, but they were in the vintage spirit as well. They look something like this:

$5.80 @ Forever 21.com

Keeping the accessories neutral and simple, highlighting the embellishments on the shoes, and giving myself an all over "clean" look aided me in presenting myself professionally as well as being able to convey that I knew what I was doing styling-wise.

The event went great! I made several contacts, got an idea of what I might want to make for my own portfolio show, and felt generally welcomed into this new school. I think I'm going to like it there come October.

Stay tuned throughout the Summer for more unusual events and the looks I put together to accompany such occasions!

Do you have an unusual event approaching that you might want styling tips for? Please feel free to comment here or drop me a line on Facebook. I would be happy to help!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there