LuLaRoe Week: Carly + Giveaway

Good morning, lovelies!  I have a fun week planned here at Whitney à la mode.  It's LuLaRoe Week!  I know that I've mentioned this brand before and you've probably seen it popping-up on Facebook, but today I want to tell you a little bit more about how it works.  I will also be featuring several LLR styles throughout the coming week.  And the best part?!  A giveaway!  You can enter to win a highly coveted Carly, LuLaRoe's version of the swing dress!  Keep reading for your chance to enter.

Blogging Besties: Reminds Me of My Brother

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of The Cheerful Closet, Maricel of ::My Closet Catelogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile's Style. Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week's outfit to pass on in a brand new look. This "take one, pass it on" challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

Last week, Whitney shared an outfit inspired by her brother-in-law, who attended West Point and served in the military. Like Whitney, I am very close with my brother, so today I'm sharing an outfit that reminds me of my brother!

Here's the connection: I bought this dress when I was at Clothes Mentor with my brother. He is usually away at college, but when he was home one weekend, he went to Clothes Mentor with me to take outfit photos for one of my CM Remix posts! I don't know where he learned it, but he's actually quite the photographer. Anyway, after we finished shooting the post, I found this dress and the rest is history!

Here, I styled it with a fun structured jacket from ThredUp and loafers for work!

And here is a photo of me and my brother from last Thanksgiving, just for funsies!

Photo by Justin Gardner

Dress: Clothes Mentor

Jacket: ThredUP

Shoes: Target

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties

Next week, Maricel can choose from the following elements: structured jacket, stripes, something thrifted, or loafers!

All Wrapped Up

It's already the last week of our October Style Series at The Blended Blog and this week we are featuring scarves!

I know that some people feel overwhelmed by blanket scarves but I absolutely love them!  There's something so comforting about be wrapped-up and cozy even during the most chaotic of weekdays.  I'm also relieved that the blanket scarf trend seems here to stay, at least for one more year.  I've been seeing them everywhere!

I received this great, neutral version in the Fall FabFitFun box.  It's originally from Modcloth and was included in my box full of seasonal goodies.  I found everything from a cute travel mug to an awesome eye shadow pallet in this season's delivery.  Interested in receiving a box for yourself?  You can get $10 off your first one if you use my code (plus I get a bit of credit, too)!

What are your thoughts on blanket scarves?  Love 'em or leave 'em?  And don't forget to link-up your October looks below!

What I'm Wearing:
Tunic: Wilt (exact)
Ponté Pants: Gap (similar)
Scarf: Modcloth via FabFitFun (similar)
Flats: Target (similar)

Blogging Besties: Patriotic Superhero

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of The Cheerful Closet, Maricel of ::My Closet Catelogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile's Style.  Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week's outfit to pass on in a brand new look.  This "take one, pass it on" challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

Last week Selah featured a great casual look for fall and had a little bit of fun with her son's Halloween costume (not pictured here).  She gave me the following prompts for this week: plaid, patriotic, menswear, or dress like a superhero!

I incorporated a bit of patriotism and a nod to my favorite hero, my brother-in-law, in my outfit today!  You might be thinking, "But she's not wearing red, white and blue or a mask of any sort!"  What I am wearing is the shirt I bought at West Point Military Academy while visiting Brad when he was a student there.

Regardless of your political opinion (and most of us have lots of those these days), I strongly believe that we should support the men and women who risk their lives to defend the values of our country.  

I would like to thank Bradford as well as anyone who has served in the military, past or present, for your courage, heart and commitment to our nation!

Love you, brother!

Here are Alex's prompts for next week: a college shirt, shades of grey, or something that reminds you of your brother!

A Fall Vest

Back when Lisa proposed her ideas for our weekly style posts with The Blended Blog for October, I immediately signed-up to style a vest with this exact one in mind!  I purchased it at the Gap Outlet during my annual back-to-school shopping trip with my mom.  It's super soft and cozy, perfect for those chilly fall mornings when you don't want to get out of bed and want to stay comfy all day!

I'm so very excited to wear this vest with a basic, white long-sleeved tee and boots or even a navy-striped top!  Unfortunately (for this fall weather lover), temperatures reached the mid-seventies the day that I wore and photographed this outfit and I couldn't wear the outfits of my dreams.  Oh well, the weather forced me to be creative and think of a different outfit combination...and hey, that's what I created this blog to motivate myself to do!  Ultimately I'm glad that I chose to feature a vest for this series because vests are perfect transitional pieces when you want to layer-up but the temperatures aren't agreeing with you.

What is your favorite kind of vest for fall?  A puffer vest or perhaps a utility vest?  Show us how you've styled them by linking-up below!

Since I am an official member of The Blended Blog's blog hop today, please please please head over to visit Christy next to see how she has styled a fall vest or jacket! And thanks for stopping by today!

What I'm Wearing:

Vest: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)

Lace Tee: LOFT Outlet (similar)

Watch: JORD (exact)

Jeans: American Eagle (exact)

Converse: DSW (exact)

Fall Chic

Have you ever stepped outside the box style-wise and ended up feeling like a million bucks?!  That's how I felt in this outfit!

When Make Me Chic generously offered to send me a piece to style, I spent tons of time clicking through their on-trend and (extremely) budget-friendly selection.  As I created my wish list, I found that I was gravitating towards very "Whitney" pieces like brightly-colored swing dresses and tops with feminine details.  But then I found this dress.  And I couldn't quite get it off my mind.

The dress is a bit edgier than I typically go for.  The black and red is such a bold color palate and the embroidered detail is a little bit reminiscent of a tattoo (at least in my opinion).  But at the same time, the cut of the dress is flattering and the collar adds a sweet, feminine detail.

Needless to say, I went for it!  And I'm so glad I did!  The dress is extremely well made.  It's lined and the detailing is actually embroidered on the garment.  And the price really can't be beat.  I mean it, go look for yourself!  You won't even believe it!

I really like how this outfit turned out but I'm also excited to try the dress with a denim jacket and Converse for a more casual look.  I think this will turn out to be quite the versatile piece in my wardrobe!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Make Me Chic (exact)
Cardigan: Macy's (similar)
Booties: DSW (exact)

Where I'm linking-up!

Fall Trends in Rose Quartz with Shein

I was inspired by my recent collaboration with Shein to make my October Rose Quartz post about fall's latest trends!  If you are looking to try a trend but don't want to spend a fortune on it, Shein is a great place to look.  Every single one of these pieces costs around $30 or less!  Which featured fall trend are you most interested in trying?

Vest / Off-the-Shoulder / Athleisure

Choker / Suede

Bohemian / Velvet / Duster Cardis

I have received a product from Shein to review in return for this post.  Thank you for supporting the brands who support me!

Blogging Besties: Team Cap!

The Blogging Besties series is the brain child of Alex @ The Cheerful Closet and Whitney @ Whitney à la Mode. In 2015 the series expanded to include Maricel @ My Closet Catelogue and me, Selah @ A Bibliophile's Style. It's based on the idea of "take one, pass it on," but we're passing on an element from another blogger's outfit. It's a fun challenge that inspires us to be creative!

---

Last week, Maricel showed off her love of sewing and Marvel with this fabulous dress:

The prompts she gave me were "an over-the-top print, comfy shoes, or something Marvel-ous".

I mulled over a few different ideas and finally decided to style an ode to my favorite Marvel hero, Captain America. I paired a plaid shirt (Steve Rogers has a penchant for plaid), jeans, Converse (the star is like his shield!), and, of course, red, white, and blue, to create this uber casual look.

I also had some fun with props borrowed from my son. :) Team Cap!

Next week, I challenge Whitney with: plaid, patriotic, menswear, or dress like a superhero.

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties

Styling Fall Boots with the Blended Blog

Hey, ladies!  I'm fresh off of a spectacular weekend spent celebrating the wedding of a dear friend from high school!  There is something about spending time with the people who truly get you that is so very good for the soul.  I feel blessed to have stood by Michelle for this momentous occasion in her life.  On top of that, the San Antonio weather was delightful, I felt beautiful in my bridesmaid dress and I got to meet Carrie in real life!  Talk about good for the soul!  Meeting Carrie felt like a long-needed catch up between two old friends...like we've known each other forever.  I'm happy to call her a real friend now!

After all of the activity of the weekend and missing the first two days of school this week, I'm totally taken aback that it is already Wednesday and time for the next installment of the October Style Series with The Blended Blog!  Please head over that way to see how a few of our lovely contributors are styling their fall boots!

I didn't have time to take outfit photos this weekend but I have assembled a few posts featuring my must-have boots for the chilly weather!  These have all been staples in my wardrobe for the last couple of years and I don't see that changing any time soon!  Click on the title for each picture to be taken back to the original post!

Black Wedge Booties

Riding Boots

Flat-Heeled Neutral Booties

Low-Heeled Neutral Booties

Bean Boots

What are your cool-weather boot essentials?  And which look is your favorite?  Don't forget to link-up your fall style below!

Blogging Besties :: Hand-Crafted

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of Undergraduate Style, Maricel of ::My Closet Catalogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile’s Style. Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week’s outfit to pass on in a brand new look. This “take one, pass it on” challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

 Oh, Alex! You are a goddess! Last week, she looked particularly season-appropriate with her fall color palette and snuggly pieces.

 

But what makes her deity-like in my eyes is the prompt she left for me. This week is brought to you by: “polka dots, a vest, yellow, or something she made herself". And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: something I made myself.

 

You all should be aware by now that one of the reasons I've taken a hiatus from regularly blogging is because I wanted to pursue other interests. And one of the major "other interests" I've been indulging in is learning how to sew. Specifically, learning how to make my own clothes. Now, I could get on my high horse, preach ethical fashion practices, and get all holier-than-thou on you, but that's not my style. Plus, all that is explained articulately and non-preachily here. Instead, how about I show off my latest hand-crafted item, which makes me not only totally prompt-compliant (thank you again, Alex, for making this week super easy for me!) but also helps me celebrate the beginning of the fall TV season and the return of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (my one, consistent, network TV guilty pleasure).

 

Yep, you're seeing correctly: those are chibi Marvel superheroes on my dress. Aren't they a hoot? I knew I had to buy the fabric as soon as I saw it on eBay. I'd already made a TARDIS skirt (blog feature to come some day) and I had a hankering to create clothing that represented all my fandoms. Now that I have the rudimentary skill set to do just that and not have to resort to paying exorbitant amounts on Etsy, there's just no stopping me. The only problem I have now is running out of fandoms!

 

I did choose to tone down the potential twee-ness of the print by pairing the dress with a sedate pussy bow blouse and sensible shoes. This way, I can convince myself that I'm being age and work appropriate while still retaining that bit o' whimsy that seems to be invading my fashion sensibilities the older I get. But, let's be honest: even if I was teetering on the edge of "questionable", I'd still proudly sport this outfit because a. I made it myself without b. following the pattern directly (had to make alterations based on my own body shape, which isn't as easy as it sounds) and c. POCKETS!

 

For Selah’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: an over-the-top print, comfy shoes, or something Marvel-ous. Vive le vendredi!

:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Dress - made by me! Top – Merona @ Target Pumps – Cobb Hill

:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: Burning It Down by Jason Aldean

Sweater Weather

At the risk of sounding basic, I adore fall!  I love cider mill visits, tights under dresses, football season, and pumpkin spice everything.  But possibly most of all, I love sweater weather!  What could be better than wrapping yourself in a chunky knit to stay warm and cozy all day?

When Shein contacted me about reviewing one of their pieces, I was excited to browse their many options!  If you aren't familiar with Shein, they sell all of the season's latest trends for prices that can't be beat (seriously, you won't believe the bargains!).

Anyways, as I'm looking through their many fun and fashionable styles, I came across this large-knit cardigan and was sold!  The brownish-mustard hue makes it fun but neutral enough to easily mix into my wardrobe.  And the texture!  The knit is super soft and really thick!  The material makes the sweater feel like it costs much more than it actually does.  In fact, I wore this outfit for a sushi date with a few girlfriends and received so many compliments!  They couldn't believe what a deal it is!

My new cardigan came just in time for week one of the October Style Series with The Blended Blog! This week, a few of our featured contributors are showcasing their Sweater looks.  Make sure to stop by TBB for some knitspiration (see what I did there?).  Please link-up your own sweater looks below and make sure to come back next week when the featured look is Boots!

Currently: October 2016

cheers-ing: the arrival of fall with some spooky wine that doubles as fun holiday decor!  Would anyone like to come over for a glass of blood-red cabernet from La Catrina?

organizing: my suitcase for a trip to San Antonio, Texas!  I will be heading south next weekend to stand with one of my oldest, most wonderful friends as she says "I do" to the man of her dreams!  Follow me on Snapchat (whitneyalamode) and Instagram (use the button in my sidebar) to keep up with the wedding weekend shenanigans.  And while I'm in Texas, I get to meet Carrie in real life!  I'm beyond excited to meet one of my closest blogging friends!

dreaming: about my trip to China!  Have I mentioned that I'm going to Beijing in November?!  No?  Let me back up a few steps then.  I'm taking a group of students to Europe for Spring Break and the company we are traveling with (EF Tours) offers first-time group leaders (me) the opportunity to go on a training tour.  Of the six possible destinations for these tours, I chose Beijing!  I'm starting to get nervous about the fifteen-hour flight but am already dreaming about actually walking the Great Wall of China!

buying: all the LuLaRoe!  Friends, I'm obsessed and I can't stop!  Not quite sure what LuLaRoe is?  I will be doing a fun series and giveaway featuring this fun clothing company later this month so stay tuned!

listening: to football cheers on repeat.  I've been loving coaching my group of JV cheerleaders this football season.  They are the sweetest, most welcoming and hard-working group of teenage girls.  I'm excited for our next several games!

Linking-up with Anne and Jacqui!
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Blogging Besties: Converse

Blogging Besties is a weekly series featuring Whitney of Whitney à la mode, Alex of The Cheerful Closet, Maricel of ::My Closet Catelogue:: and Selah of A Bibliophile's Style. Each week, one of the bloggers will choose one component from the previous week's outfit to pass on in a brand new look. This "take one, pass it on" challenge is an inspiration to stretch your closet and your imagination!

Last week, Whitney wore a fun Hawaiian-themed look for spirit week at her school! I feel like every time she features Converse in her outfit, that ends up being the thing I pass on, but what can I say? I love my Chucks.

Here, I styled them in the quintessential fall outfit. I incorporated some of my favorite cold-weather essentials: a sweater, a quilted vest, and a chunky hand-knitted scarf! Navy, cream, and mustard is one of my favorite fall color pairings, so I loved how this outfit came together!

Sweater: Tommy Hilfiger

Vest: Old Navy

Scarf: Hand-knitted by me

Jeans: LOFT

Shoes: Converse

For next week, I challenge Maricel to pass on: polka dots, a vest, yellow, or something she made herself! 

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties