Aug 30, 2017

Travel Capsule: Summertime in Europe- Introduction and Outfits One, Two and Three


Hey, gals!  I'm super excited to be starting a new mini-series on the blog today!  When I traveled to Europe in April, I did so with a small, capsule wardrobe.  I loved the cohesiveness of my look throughout the trip as well as the ease of packing lightly.  I loved it so much, in fact, that I decided to do another capsule wardrobe for my summer travels.


Bookmark and Share

Aug 28, 2017

I'm Back!

Hey, long lost friends!  I've missed you!  I took a bit of a blogging break to travel the world at the end of my summer vacation.  I spent two and a half weeks exploring Belgium and road tripping it up the East Coast of the United States.  I have lots of fun pictures to share with you from my adventures as well as several posts about the travel capsule wardrobe that took me through the entire trip.  Keep your eyes peeled for those posts coming soon!


In the meantime, I've headed back to school for year ten of my teaching career (ten years?!?)!  And as I've been doing since I was a little kid, I picked-out a special first-day-of-school outfit to wear.  Growing-up, my mom would take a picture of my sister and I in our new fall looks and backpacks, standing by the door ready to head to school.  Having this little blog has given me an excuse to continue this tradition!

Here is my back-to-school look for 2017!  I purchased this dress in Belgium and knew it would be perfect to head back to class.  I felt comfy and put-together all day as I welcomed students into my classroom.



In case you're interested, here are my other back-to-school looks that I've worn since I started Whitney à la mode!
2016
2015
2014
2013

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Naf Naf
Shoes: Target (exact)
Bookmark and Share

Aug 25, 2017

Blogging Besties: Unique Sleeves


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 Catalogue and 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 SLAYED in a cool vintage maxi with a statement paisley pattern. For my turn this week, I chose to pass on unique sleeves. In Maricel's honor, I also went with a vintage vibe!

I styled a textured blouse with puffy sleeves (you can get a better view of the sleeve detailing in the last photo.) The structured sleeves give it a vintage look, so I styled it with a classic pencil skirt, polished wedges, and a multistrand pearl necklace. I love the '60s chic aesthetic of this outfit!




Blouse: LOFT (similarsimilarsimilar)
Skirt: Target (exactsimilarsimilar)
Wedges: J. Crew Factory (exactsimilarsimilar)
Necklace: J. Crew Factory (similarsimilarsimilar)

Next week, Whitney can choose from a pencil skirt, a vintage-inspired outfit, or pearl jewelry.

Bookmark and Share

Aug 24, 2017

Blogging Besties :: Flowing Silhouette

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 yours truly @ My Closet Catalogue and 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, Selah stayed svelte and sassy in mint green:


  This week is brought to you by: “flowing silhouette, mint green, feathers, or a throwback piece”. And for your viewing pleasure, I give you: a flowing silhouette.

 

It's been a while since I've rocked a maxi. My recent foray into 40s and 50s vintage didn't really allow for the silhouette. But I continue to evolve and as my aesthetic started trending into later decades, I simply couldn't resist this delicious dress. It just ticked all the boxes for me: vibrant color, stunning print, an empire cut that de-emphasized all the wrong bits while emphasizing all the right ones. I especially love the fabric's drape; whoever said polyester was a horrible textile had obviously never met this dress before. Now, I don't know if I have the audacity to wear this to work - it's a bit in-your-face, even for me. My students could have a hard time focusing on my words as they become mesmerized by the raucous design. Add to that a decidedly bold ruffled neckline and butterfly sleeves, and I may just end up courting distraction disaster.

 

It does, however, fit this week's prompt of "flowing silhouette". It's long and elegant and it's got loads of ruffles at the hem that punctuate the overall billowy-ness. And maybe someday I can find an occasion to wear it beyond the confines of my sitting room.

 

For Alex’s turn next week, I challenge her to the following: ruffles, fall colors, or unique sleeves/neckline. Vive le vendredi!


:: Just the facts, ma’am :: Dress – eBay Wedges – Dexflex @ Payless
:: Scream it from the top of your lungs :: One Hundred Sleepless Nights by Pierce the Veil
Bookmark and Share

Aug 11, 2017

Blogging Besties: Beyond Basic Denim

 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, Whitney looked lovely in her lace tee:


The prompts she gave me were "white top, beyond basic denim, bright lips or photo bombers".
I decided to pull out my mint green denim shorts, since they're anything but basic. Do y'all remember when mint green was all the rage a few years ago?



 I paired my shorts with a float-y black top, my gold flip-flops, and a coordinating feather necklace.

 

 Next week, Maricel can choose from flowing silhouette, mint green, feathers, or a throwback piece.
Previous Editions of Blogging Besties
Bookmark and Share

Aug 4, 2017

Blogging Besties: Crochet Detail


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!

I'm just loving Alex's transition from college girl to stylish professional over at The Cheerful Closet, aren't you?



From her outfit last week, Alex challenged me to pass on either a statement necklace, a crochet detail or suede.  Since I'm still in ultimate summer mode, I chose to pass on the most warm-weather-appropriate detail, a little bit of crochet!


I purchased this top while in Toronto with my girls from The Blended Blog.  I think it's just the prettiest little thing with the crocheted shoulders and simple white color.  I chose not to go crazy with the jewelry because I wanted the blouse to be the star of the show.  Some pop-of-color jeans and neutral sandals complete the look.


I also happened to have a couple of photo bombers during this photo shoot.  Can you spot the first one?  Hint: check the window!  And take a peek at the pictures below to see photo bomber number two.


Gotta love having a little fun with blog pictures, right?!

Okay, Selah, for next week you can pass on a white top, beyond basic denim, bright lips or photo bombers!
SaveSaveSave
Bookmark and Share

Aug 2, 2017

Currently: Vacation Edition


As you read this post, I am en route to Belgium!  I'll be spending ten days touring Brussels, Bruges and other parts of the beautiful country.  Once I fly back to the United States, I'll be taking a road trip through Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Niagara Falls.  I'm so looking forward to this whirlwind of travel and time with some of my favorite people!  If you want, follow my adventures on Instagram, but for now, enjoy my summer vacation version of Currently.

snacking on: Belgian chocolate and locally brewed beer.  Oh, and probably some waffles and French fries, too!

anticipating: plenty of time sitting in European cafés, sipping coffee (or wine) and reading a good book.

borrowing: my parents' suitcase.  My trusty luggage bit the dust after a number of trips together.  Luckily I can borrow a bag from my parents until I have time to research what I want to travel with next.  Any suggestions?

admiring: lots of history from Europe to our nation!

purchasing: not a whole lot!  I'm doing these trips on a budget so I will try to keep my spending to a minimum.  (Although I'm sure I will purchase a few souvenirs here and there).

Linking-up with Anne and Shea!
Save
Bookmark and Share