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

Trend Tip: Statement Necklaces and Marie Antoinette

A pearl and rhinestone necklace made with original settings  from an accessory of Marie Antoinette. (Source)
 Why Marie Antoinette?  Well...she set the fashion standard for the upper class women of her day.  Married at the age of 15 and queen at 19, her personal tastes dictated everything from court members' elaborate wigs all the way down to their heeled shoes.  Her personally crafted way of fashion bled into other societies - namely the English Court.  What is known to historians as the "Georgian" type of style is mainly due to the influence of this notorious woman.
Accessories were always a must in the French Court.  The modern day statement necklace is a trickle down the timeline from the 1780's.  Taking a lesson from the young, Austrian-born noblewoman, a good statement necklace can make an outfit.  I've chosen four statement necklaces inspired by the pearl one above.  Just remember, you don't have to be a queen to stand out. 

Neon Vintage Statement Necklace; Etsy, $30

Riviera Rhinestone Bib Necklace; Urban Outfitters, $38

Pearl Chain Braided Necklace; Wet Seal, $10.50

Pearlescent Spike & Bead Necklace; Forever 21, $15.80

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

Trend Tip: "Hot" Colors

Summer is upon us! (At least it definitely feels like it where I'm from...) This means a shifting of the minds (and wardrobes). Lighter fabrics - in weight and color - and a re-thinking of how you're going to stand out when you step outside on those hot days.
With me, everything seems to come back to colors. It's always going to be colors. If you can pull off just the right color scheme, the rest of the outfit falls into place.

Yes, I'm going on and on about colors. So, what are some good color combinations for the upcoming season of pool side lounging and long days? I have an answer for you. Today I bring you three color trifectas which are sure to challenge you and give you a foolproof Summer look.



This is our first group - peach, gray, and aqua. This Spring has been all about "soft" and "delicate" looking shades. These include peach, gray, lavender, and mint. I guarantee that each of these shades will show up in this post. However, you can't just have a look for Summer that is made up of only soft colors. We're no longer transitioning from the cold months to rainy days and balmy nights. We're now in the months of heat waves and neverending sunshine. There needs to be a bit more of a "pop" to the color coordination we're trying to pull off. That's where the aqua comes in. This is how I've styled this group:

Scarf - $2 (Thrifted)
Earrings - $1 (Thrifted)
Sweater - Gift (Old Navy)
Dress - $20 (H&M)
Shoes - $6 (Target)
Sunglasses - $15 (Target)

I'll tell you a bit of a secret about this look - I took these pictures in early Spring. Even then I was thinking ahead and trying to add something to the normal color combinations that were suggested for the season. Against the pale and delicate palette of peach and gray, the aqua earrings really pop! Feel free to style in a more demonstrative way when you try this out for yourself.

Neon is everywhere for Summer. If you've been a regular reader of this blog, you will be already well acquainted with this fact. If you've been reading, you'll also know that one cannot dress in neon alone. It must be balanced out with various neutrals. Navy and gold definitely qualify as such.

Earrings - $3.80 (Forever 21)
Shirt - $15 (H&M)
Cami - $8 (Kohls)
Necklace - $7 (Forever 21)
Skirt - $3 (Thrifted)
Shoes - $6 (Target)

I will admit that this shirt doesn't truly have neon pink detailing, but it's a vibrant pink nonetheless. I also broke a very important (and personal) fashion rule - wearing loose fitting clothing all around. Usually a belt would be required with two pieces such as these, but I've been seeing the "bohemian" nature of this outfit on various blogs lately and decided to give it a go. I wasn't disappointed. It also taught me a nice little fashion lesson - rules can be bent and/or broken. There is a time and a place for certain fashion choices, but when something is as casual as this look, the rules can be re-evaluated.

Now it's your turn...

Got a look that you've been able to pull off for Summer using this color scheme? Are you thinking of trying this color scheme out? Feel free to leave comments/your own examples of this "try your own" trio.

Until next time!

~ they seek her there

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

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

Trend Tip: Pattern Mixing

Prada's Spring 2011 runway show. What was the big hit with styling? Pattern mixing! Why? Because it's bold, loud, unique, and candy for the eyes. Don't think so? Okay, okay, admittedly this model is NOT AT ALL a good example of the "everyman" for whom I claim to be keeping this blog, but she certainly looks out there. THAT is what pattern mixing is really supposed to do for you; set you apart.

Yes, I do admit that pattern mixing is not for the faint of heart. If you have already read this far in and something inside of you is screaming "Not for me!!!!" turn back now... You can come back later and attempt a "safer" trend. For those of you who remain, welcome. We're absolutely diving in headfirst.

I'll give you a bit of an example before you go and try to do this on your own.

Scarf - Thrifted: $1.99

Sweater - Thrifted: $5.99

Belt -Ebay:$3.99

Skirt - Old Navy: $1.97 (free w/gift card!)

Tights - Target: $5.00

Socks - Target: $6.00 for pack of two

Boots - Thrifted: $5.00

There I am looking all safe and secure in my loudness. If you notice, my sweater and my skirt are not in any way, shape, or form complimentary by more conservative standards. Pfffft...conservative? With pattern mixing, I think not. There is, however, one very important element as to why these pieces do go together: they carry complimentary colors.

My sweater is a deep navy/black and my skirt has a prominent stripe of black running through the pattern. For people first starting out with this trend, this is going to be your key element - use complimentary colors. Your life will be so much easier!

More detailed shot of the sweater pattern...

(And owl necklace. Only $4.80 at Forever 21.)

...and the skirt.

Can you spot it? Congratulations! You're well on your way to becoming an excellent pattern mixer. One very easy way to do this is pull your favorite t-shirt out of your closet. If you want to make it really easy for yourself, graphic tees work the best.

I've chosen Hello Kitty as my graphic tee medium and an extremely colorful floral skirt from Wet Seal. Now, because the skirt has so many colors in it, pattern mixing with this one is a breeze. I can confidently pair this skirt with about 90% of graphic tees in my collection.
Again, don't be afraid to go bold (like our model up there), but remember that baby steps are required. Pattern mixing is a loud statement that one can pull off if you're very careful. If you happen to master the art, the possibilities are endless.
Please feel free to comment below with your own adventures in pattern mixing. Pictures are awesome too!
Until next time!
~ they seek her there
(Runway pic courtesy of Prada...)

Trend Tip: Socks over tights

Hello again. Yes, I am back so soon, very eager to tell you about one of my favorite trends: socks over tights.

I'm sure you might have seen this around. This certainly isn't the first year it's "cool", and I'm sure it won't be the last. Why do I even care about this trend, you ask? Well, if you're planning on being a little edgy about your wardrobe, keep reading.

Last Fall and Winter was when this trend really started taking off. Excitingly (at least for me) it hasn't quite stopped. For those who believe that they might not be able to pull this off, fear not! I will help you become successful in your fashion forward choices.

How do you successfully pull off this trend? Here is my own interpretation of this hot movement:

Skirt - Forever 21: $9.80

Tights - Target: $5.00

Socks - Old Navy: $6.00 for pack of two

Boots - Thrifted gift

As you can see, we have a theme going here. Color is SO important when you're trying to pull off something new. I'm going to make a more detailed post about that later, but as you can see it does not have to be hard to spot complimentary colors and mix them up with a single piece which pulls all the color in. In this case, it's the socks.

They have a neutral base of gray with colors that already compliment each other. Pick pieces from your wardrobe that will fit with this. In my case, I decided to style it with a yellow skirt that I have and a pair of navy tights. Your last element is the top. For that portion of the outfit, I went with a red, graphic long sleeved shirt:

Hello Kitty shirt - Forever 21: $10.80
Navy beaded necklace - Thrifted: $1.00
In our above runway example picture, you can see that the model has a pair of heels on with her socks and tights. I've chosen boots. It's all up to what makes you comfortable. Don't wear heels if you can't walk in them! It took me a LONG time to get used to heels. Don't push yourself! Boots like mine are REALLY trendy right now. You can just about walk into any thrift store or discounted price clothing store and find a pair of these shoes for under $20. You might even be able to get away styling this look with a fancy pair of flats!

Even my co-worker decided to try this on for size today!

The point of all of this is simple: take a small fashion risk. Not comfortable with mixing patterns and textures? Just stick to mixing colors! Don't want to rock the heels for fear you'll fall over? Try a cute pair of boots or oxfords! Make it work for you!
Want to see a trend on this blog? Want to send pictures in of you rocking this trend? Please feel free to contact me at imafangirl@hotmail.com with your questions and comments or feel free to comment right here on this blog!
Until next time!
~ they seek her there
(Personal photos courtesy of myself. Runway photo provided by Philly.com.)