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

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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...

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(From left to right): Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney in the "Minstrel Number".


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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...
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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

Let's Celebrate!

It's already been ONE YEAR since I started this blog!   I can hardly believe it!  Thank you to all of my faithful readers who stuck with me through the insanity of trying to establish They seek her there!  




To show my gratitude to all of you - and upon the request of some of my readers - I've decided to do a GIVEAWAY!  One lucky winner will not only get something from ME for this anniversary celebration, but I've also decided to include some freebie retail deals here for your shopping pleasure.

* To wear:  

American Apparel is doing a giveaway in honor of the holiday season.  Text "Apparel" to 23000 to get a free gift!

- and -

Over at Wrapp, you can send three $10 offers for H&M to Facebook friends and get a $10 offer for yourself!  FYI: You must download the Wrapp app for your Android or iPhone to redeem all offers.

* Coffee! :

Get a FREE ESPRESSO by signing up for a "My Panera" card!  Good through the end of the year.

* Beauty: 

Free Essence of Beauty hand cream when you fill out the Facebook form!


* Travel: 

Megabus is offering 200,000 free seats to people traveling between January 9th and February 28th of the upcoming year. Hurry up and book today!

Finally, information for MY giveaway!

One lucky reader of my blog (guy or girl) will receive a gift from Birchbox for the month of January.  To be eligible for this gift, you must answer a trivia question about my blog...

Who was the celebrity/character first to be featured for the "So you want to dress like..." column?

Send your answers along to theyseekherthere@hotmail.com to be entered.  The winner will be announced by the end of the week on this blog!

Christmas/Holiday goodness will be coming up in the very near future!  Thanks (as always) for reading.  I'm happy to say that we've made it one year on!  I couldn't have done it without you guys.

Until next time!

~ theyseekherthere

So you want to dress like...Q from Skyfall

(Photo courtesy of The Telegraph)

If you haven't become intimately acquainted (and by that I mean gone to a movie theatre, sat down, and indulged for two hours in James Bond goodness) with Skyfall, do yourself a favor and buy a ticket ASAP.  In addition to the "I forgot to breathe" action scenes, there is stunning cinematography and even more striking characters to be had.  One of these is Q, portrayed by Ben Whishaw.

Unfamiliar with Ben Whishaw?  Fear not!  I would wage that the majority of the American public had little idea of who he was until this role.  In addition to being in Tom Hank's latest, Cloud Atlas, he's had the privilege of starring in BBC's The Hour and the latest film interpretation of The Tempest.  Out of all of these other roles, though, I find him most striking and confident as Q.

Since the premiere of the latest Bond film, fans have taken to the internet commenting about Q's "hipster" style of dress.  My responsibility as a fashion blogger was to take heed and rise up to the challenge of bringing you such style (for guys and girls) via this blog.

Let's do this!

For girls...

(Sweater;  Blouse;  Glasses;  Bracelets;  Tights;  Skirt;  Shoes;  Earrings)

I have to admit that this all started because of a sweater.  That sweater in this post; that's it, right there.  I spotted it on a rack at Target last weekend while doing some Christmas shopping.  Apparently, Q's look couldn't escape my mind so easily.  I thought of the character instantly.

I would imagine girl Q to have a fairly well-developed sense of style.  Nothing extravagant - some color with a healthy amount of neutrals and simple accessories.  The look of the bracelets is supposed to be vaguely utilitarian and echo a sleekness that comes with modern computing.  The shoes and glasses add a "hipster" flavor.

For guys...

(Sweater;  Trousers;  Shirt;  Tie;  Glasses;  Boots)

This set is a bit more "hipsterish"  than the girls' set.  Directly inspired from the movie, the color blocked sweater off sets the dark flannel shirt.  The gray trousers and tie lend a bit of a professional look.  The boots are my favorite piece in this set - illustrating functionality and (again) that never-to-be-escaped "hipster" twist.

Have a favorite character that you'd like me to feature in a "So you want to dress like..." post?  Facebook or e-mail me to voice your opinion!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

This is what happens when you dare me- Or - My day off...

I celebrated my Veterans Observance Day doing nothing but perusing the lovely 'net and running out to my local Savers/Value Village to secure accessories and costuming supplies for a shocking 50% off.  (More on my loot later.)  

Due to my lack of motivation and today's renewal of friendship with Tumblr and Facebook, I quickly came across this gem of a post from a close friend:

While the picture itself is adorable, I found myself instantly drawn to the girl's clothing.  Being the ever-faithful fashion blogger I am, I vowed to come up with my own version of this outfit.  A few friends commented on the post urging that they'd like to see such a set.  A little bit of imagination stretching and 45 minutes gave me this:

Sweater;  Scarf;  Socks;  Glasses;  Mug;  Shorts

I know I've taken some artistic liberties with this one, but due to the largely monochromatic artwork I had to work with I thought I matched the colors quite well.  It gives off the right "quirky" vibe that mirrors our lovely bookworm.

Challenge completed.

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

5 Election Themed Tees for Less Politically Inclined (but Fashionable) Citizens

Today is all about doing your civic duty...but there's no shame in looking good while doing it!

I bring you five (mostly geeky) t-shirts sure to make you stand above the political fray and put a smile on fellow voters' faces...

1) Hello Kitty For President - $26 @ Sanrio

2) Rogers/Stark 2012 - $27 @ Redbubble

3) Knope 2012 - $26 @ NBC Universal Store

4) The Doctor 2012 - $18 @ Amazon

5) Vote Zombies 2012 - $20 @ Threadless

Happy Election Day, all!  May the best candidate win!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Countdown to Halloween...Costume Idea #2: Elements of the Periodic Table

We're REALLY getting down to the wire now on the Halloween front.  While there's a bit of time left, I wanted to offer another unique costume idea that one could pull out of their closet.

I can never resist a clever costume.  This is why our current installment of "Countdown to Halloween" features a set of outfits sure to be light on the wallet and invoke a laugh out of friends and co-workers.  This time, it's Elements of the Periodic Table.

Mercury Set:  Lipstick; Leggings; Heels; Dress

Oxygen Set:  Dress; Eyeshadow; Necklace; Sandals; Headband

Neon Set:  Bandeau; Bracelets; Top; Skirt; Heels

I've taken inspiration from the properties of each element (or how we think of them) in order to assemble each outfit.  "Mercury" has a wet, metallic look to it.  "Oxygen" is airy, flowy, and feminine.  "Neon" is bright and flashy - calling to mind the properties of attraction its signs possess.  No matter what, these sets are sure to get some heads turning on Halloween!

I hope you've been inspired this Halloween.  More to come in the next 24 hours plus bonus Dia de los Muertos posts!  

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

Countdown to Halloween... Costume Idea #1: Glam Rocker

The date is approaching, and I'm already seeing a healthy amount of people scrambling to find last minute Halloween costumes.  Even if you were living in the darkest of holes near the South Pole, you would still be filled with awareness that Halloween is quickly approaching.  As always, I'm here to help!  

At my job, we have the freedom of dressing up on Halloween if it happens to fall on a weekday.  This year (as you know) it does, and this means I must look impressive.  For those of you who also have jobs that allow you (and even encourage you) to dress up but are having trouble making a decision - fear not!  It will be my job to bring you a plethora of easy and exciting ideas to make your Halloween costume sure to stand out.

This doesn't mean I've forgotten those who have to abide by a stricter dress code.  I also put together some inspiration sets for those who are interested for dressing in the "spirit" of the season but can't be so obvious about it.  

Today, I have our first costume idea - Glam Rocker!

Tee;  Leggings; Eyelashes;  Eyeshadow;  Eyeliner;  Microphone

Jacket;  Headband;  Heels;  Bracelet

I'll confess that many of my sets center around a single piece.  When I spot a deal that stands out, I can't ignore it!  With this costume, it was the leggings.  For only $6, this is a great piece to spring for even if you never wear them again.  I often try to buy pieces for costumes that I'm going to use again, especially if they're expensive.  With almost every other piece in this set, you can wear it again.  In case your fellow party goers or co-workers can't tell you're a rocker chick of sorts, I've also thrown in a cheap microphone prop (only $3.99 at Party City).

Half the battle of pulling off this look is the styling.  In my mind, the headband model has it right.  No need to have a complex hairdo for this outfit.  The make up is a bit more tricky, though.  Bold colors are key.  I've chosen gold and purple, but you could probably choose to do a few different combinations.  The bolder and brighter, the better.  If you're not sure how to pull this part of the look off, start here.  Remember, Google and YouTube are your friends.  Take advantage of the tutorials and inspiration pictures you can find there.

I hope this was helpful for those of you out there who might be stalled with their own Halloween creativity.  Let me know if you have a costume you'd like to see featured on the blog for the rest of the week.  I'll be bringing you fresh ideas all the way up until Halloween!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

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

Trend Tip: Get my colored jeans look!

It's been Fall for a few weeks now, and I've been slow to bring you the trends of the season.  I'm here today to start correcting that situation.  Over the next few days we'll be looking at seven different Fall trends you can easily adopt into your wardrobe.  First up, colored jeans.

(Photo courtesy of Austine Kersey on Instagram)

Top - $2.49 (Thrifted)

Cami  -  $3.00 (Forever 21)

Jeans - $14.99 (TJ Maxx)

Shoes - $4.00 (Thrifted)

We've examined the colored jeans trend before.  For the time being, colored jeans seem to be a lasting trend that even the most fashion inept can attempt.  I've created a set for you to capture my look with this trend.

Top;  Jeans;  Cardigan;  Bracelets;  Earrings;  Shoes

I tried to incorporate all the landmarks of my original look for the example set.  We have the basic color scheme of teal, purple, and gold still present.  I also tried to find a top that could replicate the effect of the striped shirt.  I topped the look off with a colorful bracelet set and a pair of simple earrings.

Tomorrow we'll be trying out a new trend!  In the meantime, please drop me a line if you'd like to see a specific Fall trend represented here.  I'd love to help you out!

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

So you want to dress like...Arthur Darvill from Doctor Who

This post has been a long time in coming!  Due to various moving an internet issues, I've been absent for a little over two weeks.  I'm excited to be back and bringing you all the necessary fashion information important for your daily lives.  Okay, okay, so maybe it's not that serious, but I'm excited to be back all the same; sharing my love of fashion with all of you.

Today's post rounds out the trifecta of Doctor Who stars and their incredible fashion sense. Arthur Darvill is our focus today.  Arthur portrays Rory Williams/Pond - husband to Karen Gillan's character, Amy Pond, and second companion to the Doctor.  Like with our two previous actors, we'll be focusing on Arthur's personal style and how you, the reader, can emulate it.

Street Style

Sweater;  Shoes;  Jeans;  Sunglasses;  Tee

Casual, public appearance Arthur is undeniably fun.  The patterned sweater paired with graphic tee really makes this look stand out.  The vintage sunglasses add a "hipster"-type touch.  Though you can't see the shoes or pants Arthur wears in this picture, I thought it best to pair the loud top portion of this outfit with a simple pair of jeans.  I also chose Chuck Taylors due to the fact that Arthur seems to favor them in much of his outfits.  

Pheasants, Pheasants Everywhere 

Shirt;  Shoes;  Pins;  Sweater;  Pants

I couldn't pass up the...uniqueness of this look when I first spotted it.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find a sweater that was exactly like Arthur's, but I did find one that was pretty close.  It still features pheasants, which seems to be the important feature with this entire outfit.  I found a set of cheap bird print pins on Etsy to add that special touch to the crewneck. Paired with the sweater is a polka dot dress shirt and red chinos.  Again, Chuck Taylors round out the outfit.  I've chosen some simple, neutral colored shoes due to the rest of the outfit being somewhat "loud".

I'll be returning within the week to feature some hot looks for fall.  If you have anything you'd like to see here, please (as always) feel free to comment or Facebook message me.  I love to hear what readers have to say!

Until next time!

~ they seek her there