Blogging Besties: Riding Boots

Bonjour!  It's me, Whitney, back this week for another round of Blogging Besties!  Alex looked so perfectly fall-ish in her jewel-toned top, cozy scarf and riding boots last week.

Every year when autumn rolls around, one of the pieces I'm most excited to pull out of my closet is my pair of riding boots, hence my choice to "pass on" the footwear this week!

Boots + tights = my favorite fall combination...or is it sweater + scarf?...Anyway, a very stylish friend of mine recently cleaned-out her closet and generously donated a number of cute items to yours truly.  From my pile of new goods, I couldn't wait to wear this black and blush printed skirt!  I kept the rest of the outfit simple to keep the focus on the skirt.

And for an evening out in chilly Alexandria, I added my new cognac purse and a tweed vest!

For next week, you can choose to pass on any of these items for our weekly link-up: a black top, printed skirt, tights, riding boots, a pendant necklace, a puffy vest or a cognac purse (or your personal interpretation of this outfit).  I can't wait to see your outfit!

P.S.  Don't forget to link-up your "passed on" version of Alex's ensemble from last week at the bottom of this post!

What I'm Wearing:

Top: J.Crew Factory (similar, similar)

Necklace: Gift (similar, similar)

Skirt: Hand-me-down (similar, similar)

Tights: Anthropologie (exact)

Boots: DSW (similar, similar)

Vest: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Purse: Nine West (similar, similar)

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties:

10-24-14

10-17-14

10-10-14

10-3-14

9-26-14

9-19-14

9-12-14

9-5-14

8-29-14

8-22-14

Featured On:

Whitney à la mode

Undergraduate Style

An InLinkz Link-up

Life Lately

Hello, my friends!  I've missed you lately!  It seems like my life has exploded with activity over the past couple of weeks and it hasn't yet slowed-down.  I'm not posting as frequently as I would like and I haven't been to visit my favorite blogs in what feels like ages (sorry, ladies!)...and I most certainly haven't taken any outfit photos.

I have diligently been wearing my 15x31 Remix outfits but I won't be able to post about them tomorrow seeing as I don't have any photographic evidence.  I will hopefully have a little photo shoot this weekend to get back on track.  What I will do today is share a little bit about what I've been up to, along with a few Instagram photos.

Last week on Wednesday, I left for my beloved Michigan where I had a fun and action-packed five days.  On Thursday and Friday, I attended the Michigan World Language Conference for teachers.  This event is always an inspirational and rejuvenating experience for me.  This year, I actually gave a presentation at the conference!  I had spent a lot of time preparing for my session and I was pretty nervous, so I felt really proud when my presentation went well!  I celebrated by eating delicious food, drinking wine, and relaxing with a few of my favorites.

Oh, and I got my hair cut (yes, I still get my hair cut in Michigan).

Football Saturdays are one of my favorite fall events so I was happy that the trip for my conference coincided with the Michigan State v. University of Michigan game (one of the biggest games of the year).  I tailgated in the crisp fall air all day with my family and then happily watched my Spartans defeat the Wolverines.

After a whirlwind weekend, I am back to work...which is a lot of work lately.  I recently took on an extra responsibility at school which is proving to be exhausting and time-consuming.  I gave-up my planning period to teach a class that I've never taught before.  That means I need to spend even more time than usual lesson planning but I have even less time to do so.  I've been working until 8:00 most evenings and am feeling so darn tired.  Basically, when I wake-up in the morning and see this, I just want to crawl back into bed with Izzo:

I'm hoping to feel a bit more on top of life by this weekend.  I will definitely be showing you the next round of Alex and my "take one, pass it on" challenge on Friday and I hope to catch-up on my blog reading this weekend!  In the meantime, may we all have a stress-free end to our work-week with a relaxing weekend on the horizon!

Blogging Besties: Scarves

Hi friends! It's my turn for Blogging Besties this week, and I'm passing on something from Whitney's look last week: 

I chose to "pass on" a scarf from Whitney's look! My scarf's not much like hers, but it's a scarf nonetheless! I created an outfit from my 20x30 pieces and wore this simple look to a few meetings on Monday night.

The elements of this outfit are: scarf, colored tee, black pants, boots, and leopard print!

An InLinkz Link-up

31 Days, 31 Ways Remix: Week 3 Outfits

Wow!  The weeks of this remix are flying by and we are three quarters of the way finished!  I am pleased to say that I'm not at all sick of the pieces that I've chosen.  I do want to admit, though, that I miss my other clothes.  I will be excited to start incorporating the rest of my closet when the remix is over.

Here are the prompts that Caitlin of Greater Than Rubies gave us for the third week and my interpretations of them:

Color Blocked:

You may remember that I wore this exact outfit but with skinny jeans instead of dress pants during the second week.  One key to keeping my looks fresh during this remix has been to carefully plan what I wear on the weekends versus weekdays.  My students didn't see this skinny jean look so it was completely new to them!

Pattern Mixing:

Credit for this outfit goes completely to my friend, Lindsay.  I had decided to try layering this sweater over the skirt but it really wasn't working with the accessories I chose.  I was about to give-up but Lindsay re-accessorized me and voilà!  I think it turned-out really cute!

Layered Necklaces:

Ok, so I didn't layer necklaces here but I did wear a statement necklace.  Close enough?

A New Way to Tie a Scarf:

I loved pairing this scarf with my striped top a few weeks ago and knew I had to try it with this dress.  I still love this pattern mixing combination!

Tried and True Made New:

Layering a button-up under a sweater is always a look that I admire on other girls, a "tried and true" look, if you will.  It's rare that I try it myself, though...so I decided to try it here!

Monochrome:

Simply wearing the blues!

Day to Night:

Typically I wear flats but I decided heels could take this outfit from "teacher" to "dinner on the town."

31 Days, 31 Ways Remix

The Pieces

Week 1

Week 2

Linking-Up:
Greater Than Rubies- 31 Days, 31 Ways

Rocks Box Review #4

Are you ready to see something pretty and sparkly?!?  First of all, who would answer "no" to that question?  And second of all, I hope so because I'm back with a Rocks Box update!

Briefly, Rocks Box is a subscription service for fun, designer jewelry.  If you want to know more about the details, check-out my first Rocks Box review here.

I'm admittedly a little bit behind in showing you the fun pieces of jewelry that I've been wearing around but I promise to show you everything eventually.

Here are a few items I was wearing at the end of the summer:

If there is anything I've learned from receiving my Rocks Boxes, it's that I love Gorjana jewelry.  It's always so delicate and classy.  This pendant necklace was the perfect little sparkler to dress-up any outfit.  Unfortunately it has always been out of my price range to keep but I really enjoy wearing these pieces around in the meantime.  P.S.  Sorry about the cat fur.  You might as well look at it as a part of my daily uniform.

Who doesn't love a gorgeous statement ring!?  This one was so bold and vibrant.  It really glammed-up any outfit!  Alas, I didn't keep this stunner either due to the price.  Are you getting tired of me saying that?  I hope not because it doesn't really bother me.  Sometimes I wish I could keep the jewelry but with the service, I can wear it for as long as I want before returning it.

These earrings were my least favorite of the three pieces in this Rocks Box.  They are fun and sparkly but a little bit "rocker chic" for my style.  If you haven't noticed, I'm not very rocker-y.

Anyways, are you rocker chic or do you prefer the necklace or the ring?  If you are interested in getting one month of Rocks Box for free, use my link!  I will also get some credit so it's a win win situation!

The pieces:

Gorjana Aurora Large Necklace

Margaret Elizabeth Emerald Cut Cocktail Ring in Green Onyx

Urban Gem Giza Studs in Silver

Linking-Up:

I Do DeClaire- Confident Twosdays

Pink Sole and Cha Cha the Fashion Genius- #HowIFall

Blogging Besties: Denim Jacket

Didn't Alex look beautiful in her post from last week?  I loved how feminine her outfit was with the floral top, long skirt and blush pink shoes!

While I couldn't get any of my fall remix pieces to work for this challenge, I fortunately had some photos of an outfit I wore right before my 15x31 challenge began that fit the bill!  I decided to pass-on the denim jacket:

I wore this outfit during my school's Homecoming week.  Do you remember Spirit Days?  I chose this ensemble for "Neon Day" since this scarf is the only neon piece in my closet.  I liked the contrast between the pop of color and the otherwise neutral outfit.

So Alex and friends, for next week you can choose from a striped dress, a denim jacket, booties, a scarf or neon!

Also don't forget to link-up below!  What did you choose to pass-on from Alex's outfit last week?

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties:

10-10-14

10-3-14

9-26-14

9-19-14

9-12-14

9-5-14

8-29-14

8-22-14

Featured On:

Whitney à la mode

Undergraduate Style

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Target (similar, similar)

Denim Jacket: Hand me down (similar, similar)

Scarf: Local boutique (similar, similar)

Booties: Old Navy (similar, similar)

An InLinkz Link-up

31 Days, 31 Ways Remix: Week 2 Outfits

Week two of my 15x31 fall remix: check!  And I still feel like I'm going pretty strong.  I'm not feeling sick of my pieces (which I was worried about) and it feels a lot easier to get dressed in the morning with all of my outfits pre-planned.  Why don't I always preplan my outfits?  Let's save that question for another day.

Now on with the show!

Sparkle and Shine for a Day:

You can't really tell but the beading on this top is super sparkly.

Choose Your Own Belt-acular Adventure:

Sadly, by beautiful cognac belt has been on her last leg for some time now...and she did not survive this wearing.  Despite many DIY fixes on my part, I had to say au revoir.  There is some good news, though!  I found a great replacement on sale at Anthropologie within the same week.  What luck!  I can't wait to show it to you!

Re-use One Item from the Day Before:

Soooo, I didn't follow the prompt, obviously.  Sometimes life gets in the way.  And by life I mean "College T-Shirt" day at work.

Use an Outfit Formula:

In the name of honesty, I have to admit that I didn't wear this outfit.  I didn't wear any outfit this day.  I didn't change out of my sweat pants.  I don't feel bad.  I do like this outfit though and promise to wear it someday!

Dressed Up:

This falls into the "dressed-up" category because I don't usually think to wear blazers during the weekend.  I felt so snazzy, though, I might just do it again!

A New Twist on an Old Favorite:

Still being honest, I did not wear this outfit and will not wear it.  I experimented with layering my skirt over the striped dress.  It looks okay here, but the skirt was slightly too short for this to work.  The bottom of the dress poked-out when I moved.

Button It Up with a Statement:

Can't go wrong with a chambray shirt and a sparkly necklace!

31 Days, 31 Ways Remix:

The Pieces

Week 1

Linking-Up

Greater Than Rubies- 31 Days, 31 Ways Remix

Comfy and Cozy on this Confident Twosday

I'm really excited to be co-hosting the Confident Twosday link-up with the lovely Laura of I do deClaire.  Laura is so genuine and always looks perfectly put-together.  Plus, when I read the title of her blog to myself, I usually do so in a southern accent...which is fun.  Am I the only one who does this?  In any case, if you haven't read her blog, you should definitely head on over there!

Now that the fall weather seems to have really arrived, I am just so happy to be dressing in my comfiest, coziest layers!  I purchased this striped hoodie this summer with this exact outfit in mind and have been dreaming of the crisp fall air ever since!  Granted, I'm in the middle of my October 15x31 remix so I have to wait a little while longer to wear this outfit...but you know what I will be wearing on November 1st!

What I'm Wearing:
Shirt: Eddie Bauer (similar, similar)
Vest: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Leggings: Old Navy (exact)
Boots: Gift (exact)

I do deClaire (Bloglovin) | Whitney a la Mode (Bloglovin)

An InLinkz Link-up

Blogging Besties: Blush Shoes

Hi friends! Time for another Blogging Besties! Last week, Whitney built an ADORABLE outfit around this southwestern print scarf:

And today, I'm choosing to "pass on" the blush shoes to create my own outfit! 

The basic elements of this outfit are blush shoes, printed top, maxi skirt, and denim jacket! Your turn, Whitney!

Also, if you made your own Southwestern-inspired look to share, please do linkup below! 

An InLinkz Link-up

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties:

9-26-14

9-19-14

9-12-14

9-5-14

8-29-14

8-22-14

Eyeglass Envy with Warby Parker

When my sister and I were little, our mom took us to the eye doctor.  One of us, at the ripe old age of five, needed glasses.  The other did not.  At the time, I really felt that I got the short end of the stick.  Can you guess which of the two sisters I was??

I was, in fact, not the four-eyed sibling...but I was oh so jealous of my sister's cool purple frames!

Fast forward to today and I still think that glasses make a great fashion statement!  Especially if you are wearing a pair of Warby Parkers!  Have you seen their new Corner Collection that launched today?


"The Corner Collection gets its name from our seasonal preoccupation with silhouettes and angles. This time around, we’re experimenting with traditional shapes; think crisp keyhole bridges, sloping browlines, sharp temples, and straight-edged brow bars in a handsome mix of horn-inspired acetate and stainless steel."- Warby Parker


These days I should sport the spectacles for seeing things far away (you know, while driving and stuff) but I usually forget that I even own glasses.  Now, if only I had this pair of Goodneys from WP's latest collection, I would wear my glasses all.the.time.

Aren't they adorable.  I can totally picture myself wearing them with a cute slouchy t-shirt and some skinny jeans to grab coffee with friends on a Saturday morning.  Maybe a little something like this...

As I daydream about cute glasses, weekends and cups of coffee, head over to Warby Parker to check-out their new line of glasses and sunglasses.  For every pair purchased, WP distributes another pair of glasses to someone in need.  A great product with a great mission?!  I love it!  Now, which pair do you want?

*I was contacted by Warby Parker to write this post but all opinions are my own.

What I'm Wearing:

Tee: Madewell (similar, similar)

Skinnies: American Eagle (exact)

Shoes: Target (similar)

Linking-Up:

Rachel the Hat and Lena B Actually- Passion 4 Fashion
Simple Sequins- Fashion Item Friday
Style Elixir- Friday's Fab Faves

31 Days, 31 Ways Remix: Week 1 Outfits

So far so good, my friends!  I have successfully put together and worn the first seven outfits that I'm creating with my fifteen fall wardrobe pieces!  Not only is it difficult to remix just a few pieces into 31 never-before-worn outfits, but Caitlin has added another dimension to the challenge by giving us daily outfit prompts to follow.  Here are week one's prompts and how I interpreted them:

Print + Color:

Cuffed:

Celebrity Copy Cat:

Ok, so I didn't really follow this prompt...unless you consider my celebrity inspiration to be Kirk Cousins or Tom Izzo (yes, the namesake of my cat).  Bonus points to you if you know who these fine gentleman are!

Mixing Color Families- Brights with Neutrals:

Wear a Hat or Scarf:

I felt just a tad ridiculous and not myself in this one but I did it!  I wore it across the street to buy wine and bread (the essentials), so it totally counts!

Color, Pattern, Texture, Shine:

Bright orange, striped skirt, lace tank, metallic scarf.

Define the Waist:

31 Days, 31 Ways Remix Posts:

The Pieces

Linking-Up:

Greater Than Rubies- 31 Days, 31 Ways

Greater Than Rubies and Tucker Up- The Lovely Lookbook

Perfectly Coutured and White Coat Wardrobe- Three-fer Thursday

Vodka Infused Lemonade- Très Chic Fashion Thursday