Ana Luisa Jewelry Review

Well hello there, and happy Monday!  Did you have a nice weekend?  Up here in Grand Rapids, Michigan we enjoyed our first taste of fall weather.  Justin and I enjoyed the crisp air while wandering our local farmer's market (my new favorite Saturday morning activity).  We even purchased a couple of squashes, a sure sign that autumn is here!

For my first style post after my summer hiatus, I have a little something special to share!  A few months ago, Ana Luisa Jewelry reached-out and offered to send me a couple pieces of jewelry to review.  I'm so excited to show you what I picked today!

Before I tell you about the specific pieces, I want to share a bit more about Ana Luisa.  Ana Luisa Jewelry creates individually hand-crafted, designer pieces.  The aspect that I find most intriguing about their collections are that they are released in limited quantities.  The jewelry that you choose will truly be a special and unique piece that you won't see anyone else wearing.  How cool!

As soon as I saw the Julia Disc Earrings, I knew that I wanted to add them to my earring collection.  I'm not into huge, heavy earrings, but I do love a pair that make a statement.  These are perfect!  The neutral pallet make them easy to pair with just about everything and they earrings really add a pop when paired with your classic basics.

The second piece I chose is the beautiful Carmen Cuff Bracelet.  I think this is a timeless piece that will never go out of style.  It's simple enough to wear every day but also has a bit of sparkle that would add to a more formal look.

If you love these pieces as much as I do, make sure to sign-up (it's free) with Ana Luisa so that you have access to all of their limited-release collections!  I also have a coupon code for you.  Use WHITNEY15 to get $15 off of your order!  I've just taken a look at their New Release section and am pretty much in love with these earrings.

If you could have any piece from the collection, what would you choose?

When Sweatshirts are Pretty

Can we take a quick moment to observe the massive ice sheet that I'm standing on?!  For whatever reason, the patch of sidewalk right outside my front door turns into an ice skating rink regardless of how much salt is used.  The rest of the sidewalk will be completely cleared but this ice remains.  It's a wonder I've made it all winter without falling.  Although now that I've said that, I'm bound to wipe-out soon!

Alright, alright, now we can get to the clothes!  I've reviewed some pretty fun pieces from Zaful in the past but, you guys, I've found my favorite!  This sweatshirt!  First of all, it's super comfy (you know, being a sweatshirt and all).  On top of that it's super pretty and will be easy to dress up or down.  Who doesn't love a sweatshirt you can wear to work!?

I wear a size medium in most brand but typically size-up with Zaful.  I'm wearing a large here and still had plenty of room underneath to layer my chambray shirt.  I would very highly recommend this sweatshirt if you are thinking about it!

Anyways, Happy Hump Day!  I hope you are having a fabulous week!

Create28: Fair Isle Sweater

I don't consider myself to be a super trendy dresser.  I'm not opposed to trends but, on a teacher's budget, I would prefer to purchase classic pieces that will stand the test of time.

Every once in awhile, though, there is a trend that I feel particularly drawn to and that I feel matches my somewhat classic style.  When fair isle sweaters started popping-up in stores this fall, the pretty patterns and cozy textures really appealed to me and I knew I wanted to add one to my closet.

There were so many fun sweaters to choose from!  I found Christmasy ones, neutral ones, cardigan versions, and even leggings and dresses!

But then I found this sweater from the Gap with its pretty pinks and blues and I knew it was the one!  It has that cozy, winter vibe but I think the colors will help take it into the spring transition.

 

I went with a classic look this time around with my trusty chambray and skinny jeans.  Metallic flats added a fun little pop to the outfit!  I'm thinking these shoes will be getting a lot more wear when the warmer weather rolls around.  I'm seeing lots of metallic flats and sandals on the horizon for this spring and summer!  

And you gotta love when the outerwear and purse you throw-on for errands work so well with your outfit, amiright?!

Do you have any fair isle or patterned sweaters that you are loving this winter?  Show us on Instagram (#create28winterlooks) and make sure to link-up with us on Monday!

What I'm Wearing:

Sweater: Gap (exact)

Chambray: Old Navy (exact)

Jeans: American Eagle (exact)

Vest: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Purse: Nordstrom Rack (similar, similar)

Flats: DSW (similar, similar)

Create28: Fall Neutrals

There's something about an all-neutral ensemble that feels very soothing to me.  Perhaps it's the ease at which basic, classic pieces come together.  Or maybe it's simply the absence of bold, in-your-face colors.  In any case, fall tends to be the time of year that I'm most drawn towards neutrals.  Actually, many of my Create28: Fall Looks have been completely (or mostly) neutral (here, here, here and here).

I absolutely adore this outfit because it features three of my favorite style pieces: a striped dress, a chambray shirt and cognac accessories.  I feel timeless, put-together, pretty and comfortable!

You might be thinking that these pictures look extra special, and you're right!  They were professionally photographed by the lovely and talented Jill Knight of Jillography Wedding and Lifestyle Photography.  And my outfit is just one in the group of neutral ensembles worn by my family members for a fun, fall family photo shoot!

My family and I were inspired by this pin and we thought that neutral pieces in classic patterns would be easy for each member of the family to find (not to mention easily coordinated).  It turns out that neutrals come together simply-- whether it be in one outfit or many!  We absolutely love how our photos turned out!  What do you think of the family neutral look?  For more family photos (and the rest of Jill's beautiful portfolio), click here!

Luckiest aunt in the world with my little love!

We hope you are having just as much fun wearing the Create28: Fall Looks as we are and we're in the home stretch!  Check back tomorrow because Casey will be sharing her long cardigan looks.  And don't forget to share your looks on Insta (#Create28FallLooks) and at our link-up on Monday!

 

What I'm Wearing:

Chambray: Old Navy (exact)

Dress: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Belt: Target (similar, similar)

Flats: Target (exact)

Create28: Cape

Every once in awhile you have to branch out and try something new!  And what better time to do it than during Create28: Fall Looks!?  Late this summer, I noticed that capes and ponchos were hitting fall style line-ups.  Given my love for oversized cardigans, it was just a small (fringy) leap for me to fall for a warm, cozy cape!  Knowing that this was a look I wanted to try, I bought this beautiful reversible one from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (my first #NSale purchase ever)!

But then I got it aaaannnnnddddd I didn't know what to do with it!  So what's a clueless cape owner to do?  Consult Pinterest of course!  You can check out my board devoted entirely to capes here or the pin that inspired this look here!

I don't know about those model-looking girls on Pinterest, but I don't think this is an indoor, all day kind of an outfit.  It was very, very warm!  So heading further into the fall, I think I'm going to wear the cape in lieu of a jacket.  And next time I can't wait to wear it with the beautiful grey side facing out!

Have you tried a cape or a poncho this season?  Show us on Instagram (#Create28FallLooks) and make sure to come back tomorrow to see how Casey styles a skirt for fall!

What I'm Wearing:

Chambray: Old Navy (exact)

Cape: Nordstrom (exact)

Scarf: Zara Knock-Off (similar)

Skinnies: American Eagle (exact)

Booties: Old Navy (similar)

Where I'm linking-up!

Blogging Besties: Black T-Shirt

Have I mentioned lately just how dang cute Alex is?  From her genuine smile to her great style, I love passing-on an element from her outfit every other week!

From Alex's perfect take on class elements last week, I chose to pass-on a black t-shirt.

I'm loving my new patterned shorts from Old Navy!  With a cute print and an elastic waistband, what more could you want from a pair of shorts?!  For the first time I wore them, I let them shine by keeping the rest of the outfit basic and neutral.  So without further ado, here are your choices for next week: a black t-shirt, a long necklace, a chambray shirt, (patterned) shorts, wedges, or all neutrals!

What I'm Wearing:

T-Shirt: Gap Outlet (similar)

Shorts: Old Navy (exact)

Chambray: Old Navy (similar)

Necklace: c/o Rocks Box (similar, similar)

Wedges: Hand-Me-Down (similar, similar)

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties

Featured On:

Whitney à la mode

Undergraduate Style

What did you pass-on from Alex's look last week?

An InLinkz Link-up

Mixing It Up

The biggest lesson I've learned since finding interest in style blogs is how to remix my clothing.  Now it feels like second nature to constantly change-up my combinations and accessories.  This was not always the case, however.  In the past, I don't think that my style was bad but it was perhaps a little bit boring.  I would purchase a dress, choose one set of accessories to go along with it, and then always wear that combination.  This way of thinking about my wardrobe just feels so silly now!

That being said, I still sometimes feel stumped by how to remix certain pieces in my wardrobe.  Take these red pants, for example.  I mentioned before that I was concerned about splurging on such bold pants because I was nervous I wouldn't be able to think of that many outfits to go with them.  I quickly found, however, that I did have a number of ways to wear them.  Nonetheless, I was still only pairing neutral pieces with the pants...until now!

This was not an outfit that naturally occurred to me.  This was the sort of dressing experience where I put the pants on, then proceeded to try different tops and shoes until something worked.  And the final product still surprises me a little bit!  I wouldn't have expected to put such a colorful top or a pair of coral shoes with the red pants...but I think it works!

How do you find your best outfits?  Are they preplanned or do they magically come to you as you are trying on your clothes?

P.S.  I'm sorry I didn't have time to provide links to the clothing items.  I don't think that I can find the exact matches to any of the pieces I'm wearing.  If you would like me to find similar items for you, just let me know in the comments section which piece you are interested in!

What I'm Wearing:
Sleeveless Top: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)
Chambray Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Pants: C/O Stitch Fix (similar, similar)
Flats: Hand-Me-Downs (similar, similar) 

Linking-Up:
Perfectly Coutured- Three-fer Thursday
Rachel and the Hat and Lena B., Actually- Passion for Fashion 
Simple Sequins- Fashion Item Friday
Style Elixir- Friday's Fab Faves
Vodka Infused Lemonade- Très Chic Fashion Thursday

Nautical

Yep, I'm wearing this dress again.  I meant it when I said that I grab it every time I'm standing, clueless, in front of my closet.  Admittedly I wouldn't usually feature it twice in a row on my blog, but I wore it recently in this nautically-inspired outfit...and I wanted to participate in Andi and Laura's "Nautical Week" link-up today!

Nautical is a popular look right now and is perfect as we transition into summer with dreams of relaxing on a boat with the wind blowing through our hair.  Okay, maybe not the wind part as I will wind-up with a tangled puffball as a hairdo.  Anyways, nautical is pretty trendy right now.  I think that "nautical" can be pretty widely interpreted but here are a few style concepts that I associate with this trend: the color navy, anchor prints, boat shoes, and stripes.

These striped, espadrille flats are, to me, what makes this outfit nautical.  I picked them up on clearance for five dollars (!!) on a recent trip to Target.  They are so cute and comfy.  I have a feeling that these flats are going to be favorites this summer.

So, favorite basic dress + striped espadrilles = the foundation of this outfit.  The day I wore this, the weather was a little bit too chilly for a short-sleeved dress.  So, I decided to wear an open chambray for a little bit of extra warmth.  An open chambray is a great alternative when a denim jacket is too heavy!  The belt was a last minute detail because I thought it made the outfit a little bit more nautically.

Here are a few fun nautical pieces that I've found.  Are you on board (pun intended) with the nautical trend?

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Gap (similar, similar)
Chambray: Old Navy (similar, similar) 
Belt: Francesca's (similar, similar)
Shoes: Target (exact)

Linking-Up:
Because Shanna Said So- Random Wednesday
Just Another Smith and I Do DeClaire- Nautical Week

Style Resolutions

Happy New Year, fashionable friends!  I've missed you!  I spent the holidays at a ranch in Texas that didn't have internet (yes folks, internet-less places still exist in this world).  Before Winter Break, I had the lofty idea that I would seek-out coffee shops with wifi to update Whitney à la mode. Instead of following through, however, I relaxed in my pajamas while eating delicious food.  Do you forgive me?  I hope that you will because the waist of my dress pants doesn't feel so forgiving at the moment.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that I popped over to Pasadena, California to watch my Michigan State Spartans win the Rose Bowl!  Check-out this post to recall my extreme Sparty passion.

I've noticed other style bloggers writing about their New Year's resolutions.  Since I started this blog to hold myself accountable for dressing more stylishly, I thought that the accountability factor might also hold me to some of my own resolutions.  I have lots of goals for myself in 2014 but this is primarily a style blog so I will focus on my fashion resolutions:

1.  Create a clothing budget: when I started reading style blogs I went overboard with the spending.  I started feeling guilty about this so I put myself on a (mostly successful) spending freeze for October-December.  I think that by creating a budget for clothes, I will have a more healthy attitude about buying clothes (as opposed to bingeing and purging) and will be more careful about what I decide to purchase.

2.  Only purchase easy, wearable clothing: I don't know about you but the sight of a "Dry Clean" or "Hand Wash" only label fills me with dread.  Some of my favorite pieces are high-maintenance items so I'm not promising to rid my closet of these items.  I am, however, going to make a conscious effort to read washing directions before I purchase items.  I will only purchase high-maintenance items if I absolutely NEED them...if not, it's machine wash only for this girl!

3.  No pulling: If an outfit doesn't quite fit correctly, if I have to tug it, yank it, adjust it, retuck it, etc., it is out the door!  Sometimes I get an outfit idea that doesn't quite work-out in reality.  Often I'm guilty of being too stubborn to give-up on my "brilliant"idea even if I'm uncomfortable all day.  From now on, I will refine my wardrobe so that all of my pieces fit well and will only wear outfits that actually work in real life, not just in a picture.

4.  Clean out that closet: I have been working on this for a few months now but I have a ways to go!  I'm terrible at doing closet purges because I suddenly find myself sentimentally attached to all of my clothes.  I have found success, though, in getting rid of two items per week.  I find that this method is not as traumatic.  I will continue this until I have a closet of purposeful and well fitting items.

5.  Dress in a blog-worthy way everyday: I truly wear each and every outfit that I show you.  However, you've probably noticed that I don't post every day.  There are many days that I just don't feel blog-worthy and a I save my "cute" outfits for picture days.  This sort of defeats the purpose of my blog which is to encourage myself to dress more stylishly in real life, not just in blog world.  I'm not in a position where I can take pictures every day but that doesn't mean I can't look cute anyways!

So, blog friends, please hold me accountable to these goals!  Do you have any style resolutions for yourself?  I would love to hear about them!

I'm pretty sure I got the inspiration for this outfit from Audrey who has this exact same sweater.  It follows a pretty simple, go-to outfit formula: button-up + sweater + statement necklace = cute, easy and put together!

What I'm Wearing:

• Chambray: Old Navy (similar, similar)
• Sweater: Target (similar, similar)
• Necklace: borrowed (similar, similar)
• Pants: Gap (similar, similar)
• Shoes: hand-me-downs (similar, similar)

Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Scarf Edition

It's time for another edition of my Fall Capsule Wardrobe Remix!  For those of you new to the remix, I have been linking-up with Caitlin at Greater Than Rubies to showcase how I'm using 20 items of clothing already in my closet to create 30 fall-friendly looks!  Caitlin and some other fashionable ladies have already completed the challenge.  I'm a little behind (sometimes time just flies, ya know?!) but I'm especially enjoying the remix now that the weather is seasonally appropriate.

One of the absolute easiest ways to change-up the look of your wardrobe basics is to add a scarf!  Not to mention scarves are particularly appealing when the temperatures drop.  As simple as it is to throw one on, sometimes the world of scarves can seem a bit overwhelming.  There are just so many cute ones out there!  How do you know which to choose and with what to wear it?  When purchasing a new scarf, I try to keep several factors in mind in order to build a varied collection.  I think about:

• Texture: I try to incorporate thick, chunky scarves as well as light, airy scarves that work in different temperatures and with different outfits.
• Color: In my opinion, buying scarves that are always in the same color scheme will limit your options.  Branch out!  Having lots of different color options will open-up your closet to more possibilities.  (Scarves are also a less expensive way to experiment with colors you might not typically wear.)
• Pattern: Patterned scarves add interesting detail to an outfit but sometimes a plain colored scarf adds that pop that your ensemble needs.
• Detail: Scarves with lace, fringe and other details also add variety to your look.

In keeping these four ideas in mind, I think I have a varied collection of scarves that allow me to dress-up the basics without too much thought.  Did I miss anything?  What do you look for when buying scarves?

Even though this post is about scarf variety, for some reason this is the only scarf I've wanted to wear lately.  It is warm and cozy while still having a cute little neutral print at the bottom.  I bought it while on vacation in Northern Michigan so it also holds sentimental value.  Stay tuned for more outfits featuring this scarf!

I receive this scarf as a birthday present and I have gotten SO much wear out of it!  Never underestimate the power of a pretty floral scarf!  I love this one because the flowers make it fun for spring and summer but the colors also lend themselves well to fall!

As a Michigan State Spartan, I have a slight problem with this color combination (our biggest rival's colors are maize and blue).  I get over it by telling myself that this outfit is, in fact, mustard and navy.  Right?

Again with the neutrals!  All-neutral ensembles are hot this fall and I'm having some fun with this neutral pattern mixing!

Check-out my previously remixed fall ensembles!

• Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Skirt Edition
• Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Go Green Edition
• Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Dress Edition

What I'm Wearing:

• Chambray Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
• Leggings: Old Navy (exact)
• Grey/Navy Scarf: Vacation Souvenir (similar, similar)
• Ugg Boots: Gift (exact)

• Pink Top: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)
• Jeans: Zara (exact) <-- I think these are the same...I bought mine forever ago.
• Floral Scarf: Gift/Target (similar, similar)
• Green Flats: Old Navy (exact)

• Mustard Sweater: Banana Republic (similar, similar)
• Jeans: Zara (see above)
• Navy Scarf: Gap (similar, similar)
• Booties: Target (exact)

• Black and White Top: Banana Republic (similar, similar
• Jeans: Zara (see above)
• Scarf: Gift (similar, similar)
• Polka Dot Flats: Old Navy (exact)

I'm also linking-up with Lauren at Style Elixir for Style Sessions!

Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Go Green Edition

Now, there is something really important you should know about me.  I am a HUGE Michigan State University fan.  As a second-generation Spartan and a two time graduate from MSU, I practically bleed green.

When Caitlin from Greater than Rubies proposed the Fall Capsule Wardrobe Remix Challenge, I knew that I had to include a Michigan State sweatshirt.  I mean, fall is football season, right?

Typically I pair MSU gear with a pair of jeans and that's it!  I'm so happy that this challenge has encouraged me to think outside the box because I absolutely adore some of the spirited ensembles I have put together.

This is a perfect tailgating outfit!  The leggings are comfy.  The boots are warm.  The layers add extra protection from the midwestern fall chill!  I will hopefully get to make the trek home for one MSU football game this fall and I'm already planning to wear this outfit.

This ensemble is a little more jazzy with the high-heeled booties and vest.  I think this would be cute to wear to a sports bar to catch the latest game (which is the way I have to watch most of my Spartan football these days).

What better bottom to pair with an MSU sweatshirt but a GREEN skirt?  Who knew that a sweatshirt tucked into a skirt would look so cute?  This wouldn't work for all sweatshirts but this slimmer style tucks right in.  This look would also look cute with a team t-shirt.

This hot pink blazer and bright purple flats add pizazz to my spirit-wear.  On Fridays, I'm allowed to wear college gear and jeans to work.  These extra pieces are a perfect way to brighten-up an outfit and the end of my work week!

Who is your favorite team and how do you spice-up your fan gear?

Oh, and GO GREEN!

What I'm Wearing:

• Sweatshirt: SBS (similar, similar)

• Chambray Shirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
• Leggings: Old Navy (exact)
• Ugg Boots: Gift (exact)

• Vest: Eddie Bauer (similar, similar)
• Jeans: Old Navy (exact)
• Booties: Target (exact)

• Skirt: Banana Republic (similar, similar)
• Flats: DSW (similar, similar)

• Blazer: JCPenney (exact)
• Jeans: See above
• Purple Flats: Aldo (similar, similar)