Trend Tip: Colored Jeans - To dress up or down?

This season, I'm finding it harder and harder to ignore the colored jeans trend. Not that it's a trend that I don't enjoy! In fact, I own five pairs myself. (If you're surprised, you probably haven't been reading this blog for all that long...) I've just found myself contemplating this trend more frequently as of late. Colored jeans have been around for several seasons. What exactly is making me focus on them right now?

I know some people struggle with the concept of taking advantage of this trend, but that's not my primary problem. I find myself judging the colors of said jeans in an attempt to categorize them as "fun" or "business casual". What a weird thing to think about, right?

Questions such as these are becoming more common the longer I write in this blog. I try to maintain a fine balance between dressing for work and what I consider "casual". Even my definition of "casual" isn't a simple t-shirt and jeans look. I'm always looking for a way to "dress it up". When I'm at work, I like to project a professional air. When I have the day off, it's the opposite. I prefer to show my "fun" side and exercise my talent for color. This is where the colored jeans question comes in. Are there certain shades of colored jeans that might look better when trying to dress business casual vs. everyday casual.

I've found that purple jeans might just be part of a "fun" outfit rather than a serious one...

Scarf - $10 (Forever 21)
Top - $13 (Forever 21)
Cami - $7 (Kohls)
Jeans - $15 (Rue 21)
Socks - $.97 (Gap)
Moccasins - $8 (Thrifted)

Yes, this look is pretty loud. It's one of my more loud ensembles to be sure. The best thing is, I just sort of threw this on and it worked out. Sometimes you get lucky like that in fashion.

My point really is, I believe it would be hard to appropriately dress this look down. Even if you decided to pair these jeans with the rest of the outfit being neutral pieces, they would still pop - unavoidably!

So what would I deem to be "business casual" colors? Here are some of my picks...

1) Red

$69 @ Gap

This is a more toned down shade that sets you apart from the next person in your office, but it doesn't go overboard. When paired with neutrals, it blends rather than stands out glaringly. This color is classy and unique.

2) Dark Green

$30 @ Charlotte Russe

I feel much the same way about this shade as I do about the red shade I've chosen above. It's a jewel toned shade, so any neutrals you pair it with will look amazing. It also doesn't look too out of place with said neutrals. This is going to set you apart from the next but not get weird looks thrown your way.

3) Mint

$25 @ Forever 21

I think this color successfully treads the line between "fun" and "office appropriate". I also couldn't get away with doing a Spring trend post and not have a pastel in the chosen mix! These mint colored jeans can be pared with tasteful yellows, nudes, and browns. Again, toning down the rest of the outfit is the key for you to pull off such an "in your face" color!

4) Blue

$69 @ Gap

I can't decide if I'm cheating with this color. On one hand, these pants are a little bit more "blue" than normal jeans, but they still have the neutral properties a pair would convey. In my opinion, these are also a nice jewel toned shade which could be paired with a plethora of neutrals.

Now that I've done the more serious colors, it's only fair to give you my "fun" picks as well...

1) Pink

$69 @ Gap

This is a playful shade that transcends all seasons. Personally, I wear my pink jeans Spring, Fall, and Winter. They never get old. This shade is toned down enough to get away with even in the cold months.

2) Coral

$30 @ Charlotte Russe

Coral is a personal favorite color of mine. So, I might be a little biased with this look. Coral is an amazing color for Spring, and it can only really be worn in the "warm" months. Take advantage of this shade while you can!

3) Lavender

$69 @ Gap

This is a quintessential Spring shade that is easy to dress! Wear it with other pastels or neutrals. This shade is very "anything goes".

4) Aquamarine

$69 @ Gap

This is another shade that I think would be appropriate for three out of four seasons. I'm finding the strange impulse to go out and find jeans of this color because it just really goes with so much! Even if you don't like too much color in your wardrobe, I think you could settle for trying this shade out.

Do you own a pair of colored jeans or are you still afraid to try this trend? Feel free to comment here about your experiences or if you desire advice on rocking this Spring look! I am happy to answer any questions.

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Trend Tip: Color Crush

I can't walk through a single clothing store right now and not find gratuitously shaded tees, jeans, skirts, and tights hanging on the racks. It's Spring once again, and it's time to break out the brightly colored ensembles!

It's no secret that I love color, and I love re-evaluating my look for a new season. I also love buying new items that add a bit of those specific seasonal trends without putting a dent in my paycheck.

Every so often, I'll see a piece that pops out at me from the blog or magazine I happen to be perusing. Then, I look at the price attached to said piece. Most of the time, I have to steel myself for the reveal. I nearly always anticipate that what I've seen is going to be incredibly outside my normal price range.

Tired of being shocked and dissatisfied, I took up a challenge: find pricey items I like and assign affordable (and equally adorable) alternatives for them! Below are my two sets of picks. The expensive items are on the left and their alternatives are on the right.

1) Brian Atwood Felini Peeptoe - $650 *or* Xhilaration Teresa Wedge - $29.99

2) Cambridge Fluoro Satchel - $188 *or* Xhilaration Yellow Crossbody - $24.99

3) J.Crew Herringbone Schoolboy Blazer - $175 *or* F21 Longline Blazer - $27.99

1) Essie Nail Polish in Mezmerised - $8.00 *or* Love & Beauty in True Blue - $2.80
2) ModCloth Style Spectrum Dress - $49.99 *or* UrbanOG Melon Dew Dress - $21.00

3) Aldo Dagraca Wedge - $120 *or* Charlotte Russe Velvet T-Strap Wedge - $32.00

These pieces don't hold back and are not ashamed to be bold. That's what this Spring is all about - being bold and bright! Don't be afraid to show off your more fun side this coming season. After the drab winter, I'm excited to get out there and rock this trend. I can only hope to get you guys equally excited by it!

Have you spotted something you'd like to see an affordable alternative for? Post in the comments or shoot me an e-mail, and I will feature it here!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Musings on Inspiration

Last week I came to the realization that I've hit a dry spell of sorts. I had every desire to provide you, my readers, with the best fashion advice and creative ideas I can offer. I tried and tried and tried. I couldn't count how many times I sat down at my computer and nothing was flowing. It wasn't until a few days ago until I really pinpointed the source of my un-inspiration. Now that I had identified the problem, I had to determine what to do about it.

I didn't have to mull over that question for very long. A friend sent me this video. Yes, that is John Cleese of Monty Python fame speaking very seriously about creativity; more specifically the necessity of "play time". So, I took some "play time" to think about the sort of thing that inspires me. This is what I came up with...

(From top left: vintage floral print, Stockholm Library, colorblock goodness via H&M, Neuschwanstein Castle, thrift store love, lanterns in Turkey)

Everyone's creativity is stimulated in various ways. Surprisingly, this little photoset isn't dominated by conventional, "fashionable" images. I go for colors over couture any day. Color is what draws me in, inspires me, and gets me in an excitable mood. Far-off places is the other underlying theme in this mini-collage. A single concept that never fails to generate fanciful thoughts and dreams in my mind are the picturesque locations one can only hope to someday visit. There is such history, beauty, and a story in each of these places. I aspire to someday design a line around my personal "Wonders of the World" locales.

Now that I've told you a little about my creative process to get my "inspiration juices" flowing, I want to know what gets you excited about expressing yourself!

Feel free to comment below and share with the rest of the class what makes your creative process so fantastic.

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

What did I do during Fashion Week?

Why all the pomp and circumstance for this specific post? What exotic location did I sweep off to during Fashion Week? Have I built up your curiosity quite yet? I should hope so! Well, now would be the time for the big reveal...

I spent the last week in L.A.!

Why you might ask? Well...I was at Gallifrey One...

Right now, I expect you to be staring at your computer screens in relative confusion. Don't worry, you're in the majority. You see, the one side of me you all get to view on this blog is my fashion forward/loudly creative/strangely daring side. The other side of me is less apparent. Today, you will all be privy to my glaringly geeky side.

I'm a little bit of a pop culture buff in my "other life". This includes being a unhealthily enthusiastic fan of a British sci-fi show called Doctor Who. Feel free to click on the link for a better explanation than I could possibly give on this blog. Okay, so you know what Doctor Who is, but what about Gallifrey One? Gallifrey One (or Gally - as goers affectionately call it) is a huge gathering of fans of this show. There we socialize, find ourselves in intellectual discussions, sing karaoke, and even costume. Yes, costume!

What does this have to do with fashion? Beside one of the websites on my Blogroll doing not one, but two, of their own posts on looks inspired by the show, there are an incredible amount of fans who wish to recreate and design costumes from the series to wear for their own benefit. As much as it is not focused on, costuming is a significant building block in the game of fashion. I'll draw the parallels for you.

1) Sketches

Every person who wants a well-executed costume or wants to launch a collection knows the importance of sketching. It's the first step of transferring the vision of your creation from the internal to the external. There, you get to express your color schemes, fabrics, cuts, and anything else necessary to the construction of your piece. For the costumer, it might be most important to transfer the necessary details of the original along with a bit of personal flare. For the designer, it's all about getting their personal vision across. Whatever the purpose, the endgame is the same - the artist displaying their work for the public. Whether your medium is the catwalk or convention hallway, there is a desire to make yourself known as a creator.

2) Labels

Because of the influx of "younger" companions to the Doctor coupled with a brilliant costume department at the BBC, many major clothing labels have been worn by characters on the show in the last six years. Brands such as Topshop, Free People, All Saints, American Apparel, and Uniqlo can be see on the main players.

(From left to right): American Apparel Dolman Hoodie, Free People Multicolored Scarf ,

All Saints Ovid Heels

(Left to right): Rose Tyler wearing the scarf, River Song sporting the heels, and Amy Pond modeling the sweatshirt.

In addition to costumers and collectors alike wanting the pieces seen in the show, they are also very happy with look-a-likes. Forever 21, Wet Seal, Miss Selfridge, Charlotte Russe, ASOS, and even department stores are only some of the places avid searchers have located pieces that resemble their favorites from the series.

Even men (Yes men!) can take a lesson in fashion from this series. The Tenth and Eleventh Doctors have clean, tailored looks with eye-catching details. The Tenth Doctor wears a suit and Converse while the Eleventh Doctor almost always sports a bow tie.

Ten's Chucks


Inspired by Eleven's bow ties

3) The Thrifting Connection

I'm sure you haven't failed to notice as my readers that I include quite a few thrifting pieces in my everyday wardrobe. When costumers, for an event like this, search for pieces they want to spend the least amount of money. Thrifting is your best option to do it on the cheap. The most ideal way for you to thrift for costume pieces is to also look for the items you can incorporate into your everyday wardrobe. It is possible, it just requires a little forethought. Whether it's a belt, jacket, or pair of pants - this is achievable! Planning out what your looking for ahead of time is not a bad idea, nor is carrying reference pictures around with you. I've heard it all!

I hope I've been able to successfully tie the world of fandom costuming (Or cosplaying - there I said it!) to fashion, and immerse you a bit into the world of Doctor Who.

Feel free to comment here or send pictures of cosplaying you've done that might tie into your everyday ensemble!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

P.S. - Welcome to all of my new readers due to last week's convention! I'm so glad to have you.

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

Outfit Post of the Day - Your party girl is showing...

What happens when someone who dresses up every day has to "dress up" for a formal event? Do you up the ante or just maintain your standards? I like to throw together a little bit of both.

I had the recent opportunity to don "formal wear" of sorts for my friends' wedding in early January. They have an interesting sense of humor and decided to hold their reception complete with a bad senior prom backdrop against which you could take a picture that would "last a lifetime". Thanks to my boyfriend and his well-developed sense of humor, the above picture came about.

Here's my choice for this outfit post...

Sweater - Old Navy ($15.00)
Dress - Forever 21 ($13.50)
Get it here in blue/black and white/black!
Cami - Old Navy (Gift)
Belt - Thrifted ($1.99)
Tights - Target ($10.00)
Shoes - Forever 21 ($17.50)
Bracelets - Forever 21 ($8.80) Get them here!
See? It's a little less "high school dance". I'll confess that while looking for this dress I was in a panic. This wedding was going to be one of the best I've been to in a while (about 8 over the last 2 1/2 years), and I absolutely had to look the part! Forever 21 is my fallback in cases such as these. After an afternoon of rooting through the racks of dresses so short you could see what I ate for breakfast, I came up with this one. It's classy, and there's a pop of color - qualities of an outfit in which I put a strong belief.

When I "turn it up to 11", I like to focus on my detailing and styling more so than in my everyday dress. Accent colors (the pink, blue and green) are a must as well as varying textures (the lace cami, the Chevron patterned tights). I also feel compelled to add a personal touch to each formal outfit I throw together. This keeps it "mine" and also allows the look to fall in line with most of my everyday dress. The belt and shoes are my personal accent; they stand out and set me apart.

Eye catching details are the key to dressing formally. Even the most basic formal looks (i.e. prom dresses/tuxedos) implore this trick by having rhinestone adorned gowns and waistcoats which sport colors no guy would be seen wearing on the street! How you decide to make those details known is up to you...

Have a unique idea to spice up your formal wear? Share it with us in the comments or send examples/techniques that you've used to stand out in the crowd!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Blogroll Love - Couponjackie

Getting your name out into the ether of the web isn't easy, especially for bloggers. On occasion, I like to give a little love and attention to some of my friends that run some really amazing blogs. Couponjackie is one of these.

Her motto is: "We don't pay full price for anything!" Rightly so. Couponjackie tells you how to coupon with the best of them - guiding you through grocery deals and, importantly for all of you fashion-minded readers, discounts and sales from major retailers.

This week, she's sharing a Kohl's coupon with us...

Right now you can get 15% off anything in store and online with this deal. Not too bad... It gets better! At many stores, there is also a HUGE clearance of socks and tights up for grabs. At my local Kohl's, the deal is 60% off!

(Photo courtesy of Couponjackie)
For all of you fanatics out there (and I'm among you), this means you'd be scoring 75% off of those gorgeous tights that you see on the rack! Use this coupon ASAP because it expires on February 5th.
Visit Couponjackie, sign up for deals, and score amazing retail steals! Do you see what I did there?
Until next time.
~ they seek her there