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

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: 10 Fun and fashionable gifts under $25!

I've been caught in the dreaded trap of having to shop in the days before Christmas once again this year!  In order to lend a helping hand to some of my fellow procrastinating readers, I thought I would put together a list of cute and cheap gift ideas one can grab up - even in the last shopping moments of the season.

                                       

Along the Horizon Chiffon Dress

Ruche ; $25

 

 

Mr. Tea Loose Tea Diffuser

Fred Flare ; $12

 

 

Happy Apple Pillows

 Target ; $14.99

 

 

Brighton Rhinestone Necklace

Urban Outfitters ; $14.99

 

 

Cute Calendar Animals

Etsy ; $15

Pop! Bookmarks

Entertainment Earth ; $5.99   

 

Geo Bow Tie

ASOS ; $14.07

Hot Fudge Sundae Bar Soap

Primal Elements ; $9

 

Bodum Kenya Coffee Press

 Ace Hardware Superstore ; $14.71

Soft Print Crew Sweaters

Old Navy ; $15 

I hope this gives you some inspiration to go out, brave the crowds, and try and put a smile on the faces of friends and family.

Merry Christmas!

~ 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

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

Outfit Post of the Day - Winter + Spring

I've just returned from L.A. where the weather was sunny and 70 degrees for each and every four days of my vacation. I'll get to my purpose for my California visit in an upcoming post, but for now we'll focus on the season that's fast approaching - Spring.

I couldn't tell you how many fashion blogs I follow which had comprehensive featurettes on how to bridge Summer to Fall looks back in September. Transitioning seasons while re-purposing clothes never fails to be a hot issue. It's also a technique that really encompasses the main idea of my blog - low prices and great looks.

I'm becoming alarmingly aware of the seasonal transition which is probably going to happen a lot sooner than later. I'm already finding myself wearing a lighter jacket and it's nearly March. For the sake of all of our wardrobes and budgets, I wanted to give you an example of a successful "bridging the gap" outfit for Winter to Spring.

Sweater - $4.99 (Thrifted)

Dress - $12.99 (Thrifted)
Belt - $8.00 (Ebay)
Tights - $5.00 (Target)

Boots - $11.00 (Wet Seal)
Earrings - $3.00 (Forever 21)
Bracelet - Gifted

Now, I'll admit that I cheated a bit on this outfit as I was wearing it in early February, but we have had a mild Winter for Chicago. It hasn't been hard to get a taste of the fast approaching Spring weather.

There are a few key things that you must pay attention to in this outfit in order to get your transitioning practice down...

1) Incorporate colors associated with the upcoming season

Again with the colors? Yes, yes, I know. Really, though, fashion's focal point truly is color scheme. I can only ever begin to tell you how important having a handle on colors this will be the second year in recent memory when pastels are a big deal for Spring. We're also going to be seeing neon accents if my sources are correct. In order to not make one overwhelmed by the "brighter" details of this look, I decided on my accessories as an appropriate display of the Spring color palette. You can choose any color that seems to compliment. Aquamarine just happened to match...

2) Patterns

I know you can't quite see it in this picture, but underneath that knit sweater I'm wearing a dusky rose colored dress that has lace and floral detail. These are essential touches in a Spring piece as I'm finding florals are also due to be "in" again this year. Find a "lighter" pattern which reflects the mood of the upcoming season to mix with your current wardrobe norm.

3) Don't forget about the season at hand

Make sure your base reflects the current season for which your outfit is appropriate. The fur lined winter boots, knit sweater, and dark green tights serve as my "grounding" element in the outfit.

In the coming days, I'll be detailing my wild ride of a trip to Los Angeles. Keep checking back!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Snow Day Links!

I don't know about the rest of you, but right now we are getting HAMMERED with snow in Chicago. I've been able to do nothing this afternoon but sit in my office and just stare at the inches and inches of powdery stuff coming down and covering everything.

While in contemplation, I wanted to give something back to those of you who are stuck inside on this snowy day.

~ Over at my Pinterest, I've assembled some awesome links to vintage DIYs and fashion that some of you might like to check out.

~ Rookie Mag has an article for tips on looking glam (with a vintage twist) in your everyday life!

~ Pop over to A Beautiful Mess for a simple wall art DIY that will waste a little time and allow you to get your creativity on.

~ Like The Hunger Games? A Tumblr has been launched entitled Capitol Couture. Sign up using the password #lookyourbest, and you can receive updates from the site.

~ Now, something for the guys! Visit The Effortless Gent for tips on classy dressing that won't have you reeling in confusion.

~ Finally, something for everyone. Cracked is my favorite internet time waster. Try The 5 Most Insane Original Uses for Famous Products on for size.

How are you celebrating this unexpected snow day? Comment and feel free to link me to some of your favorite time wasting websites.

Until next time.

~ they seek her there

(Image courtesy of bliss-of-seasons on Tumblr)

Trend Tip: Faux Fur Vests

It hasn't been very "wintry" in Chicago as of late. The weather continues to bounce back and forth between freezing cold temperatures and near, pseudo-spring days. I'm a bit crushed, as I love to layer and love seeing what bits and pieces of sweaters and vests and shirts I can pile on top of each other to get the chic-est layered look. A few years ago, I fear that would not have been the case.

I used to hate winters in Chicago (like many, many other citizens of northern Illinois), but even more I HATED layering. "You? Hate layering?!?!" one may ask with a stunned expression. If you know me now, I layer at every turn I can get. When I was 16 or 17, not so much. I hadn't quite reached my fashionable peak so to speak. Why am I telling you all of this? Because, dear readers, this is precisely whom I have designed this blog for - those who want to climb the mountain to reach the fashion zenith. Today, I have chosen to write about yet another trend to help you all in your quest. Our lesson for this post is having to do with fur vests.

(From top left) - Tan; White; Black; Black/Gray; Gray; Vintage Inspired

This is just a small collection I've put together while browsing through some of the online selections of my favorite stores. Right now, you can find faux fur vests just about anywhere. Why is this? Well, first of all it's winter. Despite what the Chicago weather would have you believe, it is the month of January and layering is usually a necessity. Fur vests are a stylish way to layer. Secondly, they add texture and pop to an outfit whereas your normal, everyday cardigan does not. Everyone wears cardigans, but not everyone has the guts to pull off a faux fur vest. Executing this trend comes down to, again, taking a leap and seeing if it works for you. Don't know how to wear it? I'll give you my example...

Oxford - JCrew (Thrifted; $4.99)Sweater - Old Navy (Gift)Faux Fur Vest - Forever 21 ($27.80)Skirt - Old Navy ($4.00)Tights - Target ($5.00)Shoes - Forever 21 ($15.80)
If this was solely an outfit post, I might have called this look "Little Red Riding Hood". The color scheme is just right, and one of my co-workers commented that it looked like I had stepped out of the woods. Fairy tale chic anyone?
Admittedly, it was quite different for me to wear my vest in this way. Usually, I would have done without the sweater, but I decided to take the plunge and it got me a stunning amount of compliments at work. Who would have thought?
The sweater is a cable knit type of sorts which SCREAMS wintry. Coupled with my fur vest and a blue oxford (to add a touch of class) I've got a very work appropriate winter outfit. It is "cold chic" and professional all at the same time. My shoes just top off the professional air I'm trying to emit. I've got the cranberry tights in there for a bit of color.
Again, my outfit is just a single example. You can tone your own fur vest look down a bit by staying to more neutral colors or less layers. You can make it even more wintry by adding a pair of fur-lined boots and long socks. It's really up to you!
Have you tried the fur vest trend? Comment here about your thoughts and attempts. I'd love to hear them!
Until next time.
~ they seek her there

So you want to dress like...Sherlock Holmes & John Watson

I've been told that I watch too much TV. This is a fact that I will happily admit to. I also have somewhat of a bad habit of watching too many movies. In this day and age when movie tickets are $10 at best, I still spend my hard earned money gazing at the beloved silver screen. Oh, I know I'm not the only one.

Now, one of the biggest conventions in modern TV and cinema is the detective story. Today, I'm posting about not just any particular detective story, but one that is very dear to many out there - Sherlock Holmes.

I would hope, dear readers, that you are more than familiar with the characters of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson from the lovely Sherlock Holmes stories penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I hope that you are also familiar with the Sherlock Holmes movies starring Robert Downey Jr. and the Jude Law. In addition to this new take on Sherlock Holmes, there is a modern retelling of the story which stars two (virtually) unknown British actors - Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. I suspect Martin Freeman will soon be a household name, however, as he is now Bilbo Baggins in the new Hobbit movie!

I digress. If you haven't seen the new Sherlock Holmes movie (A Game of Shadows) that came out around Christmas and (even more likely) haven't seen the TV show put out by the BBC, then you're in for an amazing treat today. The outfits I've put together for this post are inspirational collaborations which draw in key elements from the new movie and the BBC series. Let's get started!

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

This movie is all about travel and gypsies and catching Moriarty...and Watson's honeymoon. Without giving too much of the plot away (as I have been known to be a bit spoiler crazy), Holmes and Watson spend a significant amount of their time traveling with a group of gypsies across Europe.

Above, we can see our heroes in the wardrobes which they wear for pretty much the entire movie. Not too much variation here. For my Holmes-inspired outfit, I've made the scarf he's wearing the focal point of the set. It's entirely bohemian and has so much variation in color. A great accessory to base an outfit on!

For Watson, I went a similar route. Whether or not this is because I'm obsessed with scarves is besides the point. It's also winter right now, and a scarf is an essential part of bundling up in the cold.

Here, we can see said trademark scarf which Watson wears for most of the movie.

Now for what I came up with...

For Holmes:

Shirt; Skirt; Scarf; Tights; Socks; Boots; Cuff

Miraculously, I was able to find a scarf that strongly resembled Holmes' own from the movie. This look combines high fashion accents (like neutrals) with bohemian touches (the boots, scarf, skirt).

For Watson:

Sweater; Top; Trousers; Blazer; Booties; Scarf

I haven't put a flashy accessory in the Watson-inspired outfit as he is a former military man who dresses in neutrals and military-style jackets. You can see that the blazer is tailored with a high neck. This is the military touch in the outfit. The booties are my "gypsy touch" in this set, and you can see the look-a-like scarf which ties the whole look together in colors that just happen to end up matching. Very bohemian.

Sherlock (BBC Series)

This series has only produced six episodes to date. It's a sort of miniseries if you prefer to think of it that way. It stars Benedict Cumerbatch (War Horse; Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman (The Office - UK; The Hobbit) as his trusty doctor sidekick John Watson. These are modern retellings of the books with Holmes not being so bohemian any more, but more "designer label" driven. There is quite a bit of discussion in fan circles if the man wears Armani or Dolce and Gabbana. Watson has maintained his "everyman" look - wearing only simple shirts, sweaters, jackets, and trousers.

Above is pretty much the staple clothing choices for our boys. As you can see, John looks a bit more practically dressed whereas Holmes is wearing a suit, pressed pants, and dress shoes. The blue scarf and the coat (complete with red button hole at the collar) are staples of his character.

For Sherlock:

Blazer; Top; Trousers; Shoes; Earrings; Ring; Scarf; Coat; Socks

This look started with the shoes. I wanted a piece that would tie the original Sherlock Holmes to this modern adaptation. Oxfords were the solution. Sherlock wears neutrals in the series, with small pops of jewel toned color. His shirts are usually a rich scarlet or deep purple. I tried to bring that in with the shirt and the earrings. It goes without saying that the coat and scarf are a must. The signature look cannot be complete without them.

For John:

Jacket; Sweater; Shirt; Skirt; Boots

I again went with the "less is more" approach with my John-inspired look. John is nothing but practical - the complete opposite of his colleague who is nothing but flashy. One of John's staple looks in the series is also his cable knit sweater. There are also occasions where he is seen wearing generous amounts of plaid. I've combined these two looks into one fashionable statement that has just enough color to pop.

It was undoubtedly interesting to warp menswear into something fashionable and functional for women. Next time, I would love to do a menswear (for men!) post. If you are a man and a reader of my blog, please feel free to comment or send me and e-mail about what you would like to see! I'm always open to ideas!

Until next time.

~ they seek her there

Outfit Post of the Day - Let it snow

It's been (appropriately) Wintry here in Chicago as of late. Two nights ago, we had our fair share of snow, and it's been nothing but in the lovely 20s and 30s around here. Now that we're in for the long haul of Winter, it's time to break out the sweater tights, socks, and the layered look we in the Midwest are incredibly familiar with.


Hat - Forever 21: $6.50Scarf - Forever 21: $10.00Knit sweater - Thrifted: $5.99Oxford (under sweater) - Forever 21: $10.80 Navy skirt - Forever 21: $6.80Sweater tights - Target: $10.00Socks - Old Navy: $6.00 for pack of twoBoots - Thrifted gift
Now, I like the tights and shorts and sweater look just as much as the next person, but unless you live in a state where it's pretty much consistently 60 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, it's just not possible. Layers can be pretty, too!
As you can see, I'm (again) rocking the tights and socks trend. The tights are not your normal tights. They are sweater tights and are oh so warm. I decided to go with the oxford layered under a knit sweater for the preppy look. It's a bit vintage, and I love it! I either look like a 1940s university student or a Land Girl...
I like to make the accessories subtle when I layer like this. The hat and the scarf I consider a Wintry appropriate addition to my outfit. I've also thrown on a simple pair of earrings and my British Phonebox necklace.


(On top) - Simple, vintage pearl earrings from the 80s raided from my mother.(On bottom) - British Phonebox necklace; Forever 21: $3.80

A more detailed look at the tights and socks...

How do you get through Winter? Do you layer or do you happen to live in a location where you're lucky enough to enjoy nice temperatures year round? Drop me a comment and share your story!
Until next time!
~ they seek her there