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

Unconventional Styling - Neon

Much like last Spring and early Summer, neon is a trend that is not disappearing anytime soon. When trends don't seem to want to die out, it's better to embrace them than to fight them. Neon is loud and fun and (mostly) painless to pull off. Unfortunately, neon is also extremely unconventional. It's not always going to be on trend so it requires a bit of imagination to fit into your wardrobe. This is where my blog post today comes in...

This really started sometime last week. One of my co-workers was looking for a pair of shoes to wear with a dress she had ordered for a wedding. (See Set #1.) My (admittedly strange) first instinct was to go with a pair of neon pumps. She liked the idea, but apparently the people attending the wedding were more "conservative" with their dressing and she didn't think she would quite fit in. We moved on. In the end, we found a pair of shoes that would combine her "brighter" preferences and also allow her to blend in with the other attendees.

After the dilemma was solved, I couldn't quite get my immediate response out of my head. Yes, putting neons and neutrals together was a basic fashion step for the season but since when is this my go-to tip for styling? When did such unconventional looks become the norm for me? This warranted some thinking about.

What if you weren't afraid of trying those strange, not conservative looks out on the street, in your classes, to the beach, or to run errands? Even I hold back a bit myself sometimes. Below are three looks that "push the envelope" in styling. Two are simple matches that you can follow on example and do yourself. The third is a more complete look to challenge you...

Set #1

Two-Toned One Shoulder Dress - and - Neon Pumps

This is the look I had suggested to my co-worker. This is the exact dress she had ordered and the heels I suggested she pair the dress with. This also marks the first time that a plus-sized piece has been used in any of my sets. There will be lots more featured in the future!

Set #2

Rectangle Poncho Sweater - and - Neon Shorts

This is a great "bridge the gap" between Spring and Summer outfit. For those slightly chilly mornings or nights you have this fun poncho. Pair with neon shorts to give you a unique look and "bright" attitude.

Set #3

Black Dress, Purple Strappy Sandals, Neon Pink Nail Polish, Patterned Tights

Here's our challenge for the post. I'll confess that I based the entire look around the tights. Tights are one of my shameless addictions. (Someday you may even get a post on them...) For such a loud piece, you need a simple neutral to tie it together. This is the purpose of the black dress. We've got neon pink nail polish and the purple heels to bring different color elements in from the tights. It's definitely a bit overboard - but in all the right ways!

Need styling advice - conventional or unconventional? Have you tried an unusual look that heads in admiration? Feel free to drop me a comment or Facebook message!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Standing out...and loving it!

Before we go any further, I'm warning you now that this post is about BEING YOURSELF. It might be a little cheesy and a little "easier said than done", but I've found out some interesting things since I've started this blog and I'd like to share them with you.

I have a bit of a confession to make to all of you - I've wanted to have a blog like this FOR YEARS. Why did it take me until last November to start? I could blame laziness or procrastination, but the real reason is that I lacked confidence. Yes, your lovely fashion blogger was not confident in her ability to share what I had to say with the world. Sure, I walked around with a look that stood out and garnered compliments that may or may not have reflected such a wardrobe. That hasn't changed, no. Rather it's the notion that I possessed a skill with which I had to become comfortable. After I took the plunge, it seemed that the creativity didn't stop flowing. I had idea after idea after idea. There's a multitude of amazing topics I want to share with you on this blog that we haven't even cracked the surface of yet!

I'm not trying to paint a picture for you of this girl who has an unshakable sense of who she is - that would be unrealistic. I have days where I look in the mirror and my outfit just doesn't "click" or I don't feel great about my weight or I look exhausted from my previous crazy day. (Trust me, I have a lot of those!) In the face of an icky attitude, I pick out something brightly colored, lean heavily on my music for the day, and I hope for the best. Sometimes, it's all you can do.

I've gotten the question posed to me as to how a reader of mine can project a confidence in what they wear like I seem to. Without the risk of this post turning out to be a "Guide to Being Your Fearless Blogger", I think I can give some of you out there a few easy tips on how to shrug off your questionable mood and be yourself. In the end, it just might make you feel better...

1) Do one thing today that you'd normally fear to do on a daily basis.

Okay, let's be real for a minute. I'm not suggesting you drop everything, take the day off, and go skydiving. Far from it. I'm suggesting wearing a color combination you might not normally wear, write for five minutes if you're so inclined, pick a quiet and undiscovered (by you) location to take a 15 minute walk. Spend sometime stretching your boundaries. Yes, this is harder for some than others. I always go on in this blog about things that are "harder for some than others". You all embrace things at your own comfort level and speed. No need to go overboard. I'm suggesting a mere step off the beaten path in your daily routine.

2) Give yourself time.

One of the biggest mistakes I find that people make in dealing with themselves is giving time to the goals and accomplishments they wish to see realized. I'm even guilty of this action! We seem to give an infinite amount of understanding to others when they cannot realize their end game, but we are all too quick to blame and judge ourselves when the situation does not turn out to be what we'd hoped. Forgive yourself a bit everyday - allow yourself to be excused when you fail. It really is harder and harder every time to get up when you fall. Lack of personal motivation doesn't help you to get a hand up. I hate to sound like overused platitudes, but you're the LAST person that should be telling YOU that you cannot accomplish anything!

3) Be a little crazy!

I'm going to give you a sample of an as of yet unused outfit post to illustrate...

Sunglasses - $16 (Target)
Earrings - $0.50 (Thrifted)
Button up - $13 (Forever 21)
Shorts - $9.99 (FCUK for Sears)
Necklace - $2 (Thrifted)Belt - $2 (Thrifted)
Tights - Gift (Gap)
Shoes - $6.80 (Target)
Purse - Gift (Louis Vuitton)

Admittedly, it's taken me years and years to feel like I can get away with being the person that I am. I have been through rough patches that still bring up old issues for me and make me doubt myself more than anyone else could. Being told that I wasn't good enough to be me hurt worse than hiding the person that I am. I keep this in mind constantly. I like being just a little bit crazy, and I hope the fact that I've opened up a bit about issues we all face has made you think about being just a little bit crazy, too.
Until next time,
~ they seek her there

Taking it to the Beach

One of my dear friends/followers via Facebook informed me that she would like to see a post about swimwear. Seems reasonable. After all, swim wear has been at least hanging on the store racks for about two and a half months now. Let's stop ignoring that elephant in the corner and just talk about it already! Talk about it we shall.

I recognize that there are many body types a woman can have. Even though I probably have a body type with which I could wear a bikini, it's not really my first choice. Due to my awareness of how...careful women can be with their bathing suit choices, I've included a variety in my sets for this post. Hopefully, everyone can find something they like and get excited for the season to come. I even slipped in a little something for the guys...

"Neon + Neutrals"

Sheer Top, Bikini Top, Sunglasses, Earrings, Bracelet, Nail Polish, Shoes,
Bikini Bottom, Capris

Neon is going to be a trend we see extend from Spring into Summer. Neon is an "eye-catcher"; if you're confident enough wearing it, it's an incredibly fun look to pull off. When executing this look, you have to remember to not be overpowering with the neon. Slipping neutral accents in your outfit is encouraged.

"Let's Go Sailing"

One Piece, Hat, Bracelets, Tank, Sandals, Earrings, Shorts, Tankini, Bottoms

The "boating" or "sailing" look is a trend that fashion cannot seem to shake. Not that you'd want it to disappear! The boating look is a style everyone can be comfortable with and pull off. It's undeniably classy and versatile. Best of all, it fits in with any beach setting!

"Wild Child"

Bikini Top, Tee, Earrings, Bracelets, Sandals, Nail Polish, Bikini Bottom

This just might be my favorite set of them all. I like to push the envelope with what "matches". Conventionality shouldn't have to define the way we dress. We should embrace colors, patterns and "mismatchedness". It all makes life just a bit more interesting.

"Bohemian Chic"
Ring, Necklace, Earrings, Dress, One Piece, Sandals

I will confess that I organized this set with a friend in mind. This specific person tends to dress very freely and bohemian. In all fairness, she was probably well aware of her choice of styling before I entered her life. The fact that I repeat this to her time and time again makes her really rise to the occasion and embrace her look. That's the kind of thing I love to see! The bohemian look is also something I consider to be timeless. It's also a look that's nearly effortless to pull off when wearing swimwear. Sometimes, low maintenance is fantastic.

"A Little Something for the Nerds"

Tee, Suit, Cord Bracelet, Sandals, Sunglasses

This is our lovely selection for all of the men out there. I tried to add a little something for everyone, but mostly this is about making the "nerdy boy" (so to speak) add a bit of chicness to his wardrobe. Why the nerdy ones? Sometimes, they need a little advice, too... I'll confess that this bathing suit was pointed out to me via this article on Racked. I may be slightly drawn to pieces that cause controversy. The tee is a pick from a Chicago area company called Threadless. The website is adorable. I encourage everyone (girls and guys) to check it out.


I hope some of these quenched your thirst for affordable swimwear to wear to the beach or just poolside. If you'd like to see a cute suit up here that I haven't featured, feel free to contact me and I will style for you!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Spring Sale Links!

Today's little Friday supplement is for all you ladies AND gents! I've rounded up some great online sale finds from some of my favorite retailers - Forever 21, Topshop, and Kohls. There's also a coupon involved! Let's jump in...

I'll do the guys a favor and post their set first...

Kohls: Chaps plaid ties, Apt. 9 plaid ties,

Croft & Barrow shirt + tie combo in Fern and Aqua

Men 21: Woven shorts, Leatherette boat shoes

Topman: Purple chinos, Red trainer socks, Spotted socks, Aztec print socks

I tried to cover all of my bases for this set. Spring was the ultimate focus with my picks, but I also added a dash of adventurous color. I recognize that taking this "color leap" isn't for everyone. It is recommended that you start slow - dip a toe in the water - before you take the plunge into different colors. For example: try the darker purple chinos that are understated before going for the aqua oxford.

And the women's set...

Topshop: Neon earrings, Mint top, Tiki brooch, Cobra ring

Forever 21: Picnic plaid skirt, Colorblock cardigan, Floral dress, Nail polish

Kohls: Floral crop top, Vera Wang scrunch tank

I shouldn't pick favorites, but the floral dress from Forever 21 would be the first piece I would buy from this set. It's easy to dress up or down, and the colors and style will be appropriate for the months to come. At $13.50, you can't go wrong!

Accessories were the funky pieces I picked out for the women's set. Topshop never fails to deliver. I feel like buying the Tiki brooch just to prove that I can pull it off. Admittedly, that's probably a bad reason to do anything, but I also honestly think it's different and super cute!

In addition to these sets, both girls and guys can use this Kohls coupon to get an additional 20% off via our old friend Couponjackie through Saturday, April 15th! Now that's an amazing deal.

If you have deals (especially from Kohls) that you want to see featured here, link me! I would love to see them and share them with the rest of you.

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