What to Wear for Thanksgiving

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only two weeks from tomorrow?  Do you think it feels early this year?!  Early or not, I'm not complaining.  The holiday season is my favorite time of year and I'm ready to kick it off with a morning Turkey Trot, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, family time and delicious food!

What does your family wear for Thanksgiving?  Are you a "let's get dressed-up" or a "pajama pants all the way" kind of a group?  My family falls somewhere in between.  We like to look nice but still be comfortable (I mean, obviously we have to be able to fit bellies full of food into whatever we're wearing).

This is the sort of outfit I typically reach for on Thanksgiving morning:
stretchy jeans...check
cozy, tunic-y sweater...check
fall colors...check!

So tell me, what do you plan to wear for Thanksgiving.  Or better yet, show me!  Head over to The Blended Blog or my friend Alison's blog, Puppies and Pretties, to link-up!

Kellyann. Sarah. Andrea. Deena. Carrie

Lana. Vanessa. Whitney. Abbie. Shelly

My Birthday Best

Attention, attention: We interrupt your typical Friday programming to wish a very happy birthday to the one-and-only Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood!  If you haven't met Ada, pop on over to her blog!  She is a vivacious woman with a passion for blogging, fashion, poetry and her daughter, Vivian.  Each year on her birthday, she hosts a blog party of sorts.  She invites a few blogging buddies to style our favorite dresses and then we all post on May third and fourth to celebrate the big day!

Here is a message from Ada, herself:

Every year that I have been blogging, since I became a mom, I thought it would be fun to have a Blog Birthday Party on my blog, including other fashionistas and blogging friends. It started in 2013 and this is the 6th year of this fun birthday tradition. When I first started it in 2013 as a beginner, I invited my closest 5-6 blogging buddies who came to visit, read and comment my blog on a daily basis. Over the last 3 years this fun party has grown and it has become a two-day celebration. This year I am joined by another 20 fashionistas who I am lucky to call my friends and who are all super stylish to boot. A lot of these ladies have been celebrating my birthday with me on the blog other years too and I am very glad and flattered to see them return. Thank you beauties for making this tradition super fun, joyful and fashionable once again! Cheers with a Pinot Noir! Here is to another year of getting older and hopefully wiser!

It's a good thing our Michigan weather warmed-up just in time for the birthday party!  Actually, I've worn a dress or skirt each day this because it feels so good to not be stuck in pants or tights.

When I saw this dress from Modcloth in early March, I knew I had to have it even though it wasn't currently available for purchase.  Luckily, Modcloth has this handy feature that allows you to sign-up for e-mail alerts on specific items so that you're notified when they are back in stock.  As soon as I received my alert, you better believe it took only a matter of minutes to add to my shopping cart!

I kept my initial styling classic.  I wore the dress with a denim jacket to work but then I let the stripes be the star of the show for dinner and drinks on the patio.  Neutral wedges, simple gold jewelry and a fun clutch complete the look.

Speaking of a fun clutch, I picked this colorful one up at a local boutique the other day and wanted to showcase it for the first time on Ada's birthday.  Ada is originally from Albania but currently lives in Michigan!  I actually met her in person a few years ago.

So friends, that's it for me today!  Make sure to stop-by to wish Ada a happy birthday and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Modcloth (exact)
Short Necklace: c/o AUrate (exact)
Long Necklace: Loft (exact)
Clutch: local boutique (exact)
Wedges: Nordstrom (similar, similar)


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Create28: Remixing a Scarf

My initial idea for this post was to feature one scarf with a bunch of different outfit ideas, but then I had a light bulb moment!  You see, I purchased this bright and vibrant silk scarf from a silk factory during my fall trip to China.  But have I worn it since I brought it home with me in November?  Nope!  I know that square silk scarves are in style these days and I know that I love the style and memories associated with this scarf.  But what I didn't know was how to style a silk scarf.

After spending a little bit of time on Pinterest, I am now ready to wear the heck out of this scarf and to share my new scarf-tying knowledge with you!  For reference, I learned from this pin and am using its style names!

Style #1: Like a Bandit

To wear this style, you fold your silk scarf in half into a triangle.  Grab the two triangle edges that are along the crease and wrap them once around your neck.  Tie the ends together and tuck them under the scarf hanging in front.  I loved the simple look of this style and think this is a great way to dip your toes into silk scarf wearing.  My one struggle was getting the scarf to stay in place.  The material is so slippery and the look is loose so it just wouldn't stay in place.  I think I'll try safety pins next time to help!

Style #2: Like a Classic Rich Girl

This look is super easy to achieve.  First, fold your scarf into a triangle like you did for the bandit look.  Then roll/fold the scarf into a long strip.  From there, wrap the strip around your neck a few times and then tie into a knot!

Style #3: Bowed

For this feminine look, create the folded strip of a scarf that you used in the last look.  From there, drape the strip around your neck with the loose sides hanging in front.  Then tie the ends into a pretty bow!

Style #4: Like a Classic French Girl

I think this might be my favorite of the looks!  Of course I always want to look like a French girl, plus it's just the quintessential silk scarf style, don't you think?  To achieve this style, start with the bandit look.  Instead of tying the ends and tucking them, though, wrap them one more time around your neck and then tie a tighter knot at the side.  Keep the knot and the ends out overtop of the scarf.

What do you think?  Which of the four styles are your favorite?  Are you ready to take on the silk scarf?

And while you're here, don't forget to link-up for the last of our Create28Winter17 link-ups!

Create28 and New Year Styled: Over-Layerd Mustard Cardigan

I'm pulling double-duty over here today by fulfilling not one, but two style challenges!  Not only am I following today's prompt for Create28, Over-Layered, but I'm also remixing my mustard cardigan for New Year Styled at The Blended Blog!

Now, layering garments is one of the easiest ways to remix and create new looks with what's already hanging in your closet.  And when it comes to layering, you have two options: over-layering or under-layering.  I'll cover under-layering another day but for now let's stick to the first kind which is by far the easiest.  So easy in fact, that it seems silly to even write about it!  All you really have to do is layer a cardigan (or any kind of sweater or blazer) over the top of your outfit and voilà!  I've even gone the extra mile here and have layered a dress over leggings to combat the chilly weather.

And can we take a moment to talk about these leggings?  They are an ever-soft pair from the company LuLaRoe that I've blogged about in the past.  The dress (a Carly) is also from LLR and I love how the teal leggings brings-out the detail in the dress!

And, as promised, here is this week's remix for New Year Styled.  This sweater is definitely my most worn cardigan and has made several appearances on the blog.  It appears that I usually wear it in colorful ensembles and I don't plan to stop any time soon!

Alright, make sure you scroll to the bottom of this post to link-up your looks with The Blended Blog today and then come back tomorrow to check-out Carrie's interpretation of Neutrals!

Rose Quartz November and Trying a Trend with Zaful

Wow!  It's hard to believe that I've been doing my monthly Rose Quartz series for almost a whole year!  In case you missed it, this shade of blush pink was deemed Pantone's color of 2016.  Rose Quartz has always been one of my favorite hues so I've featured it once a month, all year, in seasonal combinations.

I thought that November would be the perfect month to break-out my blush, leather moto jacket!  It's been unseasonably warm this month and this jacket is the perfect light layer to wear over my other wardrobe staples.

The other fun detail I've added to my outfit of basics are a couple of chokers!  Have you noticed that these necklaces have reemerged and are totally on trend this season?  Zaful generously gifted me with this three-strand, leather choker and I added a simple gold one from Stella&Dot for a layered look.  If you are curious about trying one of fall's biggest trends but don't want to break the bank, this is the one to try and I suggest checking Zaful for a large and super affordable collection.

And speaking of Zaful, together, we are giving away a gift certificate for $100 to their online store.  All you have to do to enter is comment below with your e-mail address and a link to one of their items that you are wish listing.  And believe me, $100 will get you really far because their pieces are so affordable!

What I'm Wearing:
Shirt: Banana Republic (similar)
Jacket: Wilson's Leather (similar)
Jeans: American Eagle (exact)
Leather Choker: Zaful (exact)
Gold Choker: Stella&Dot (exact)
Flats: Target (similar)
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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)

A Classic Piece and the LLALM Link-Up

What is the quintessential classic piece to have in your closet?  A little black dress?  A white button-down? A pair of nude pumps?  I think the concept of a classic piece can mean something different to each of us depending on our personal style and lifestyle.  For me, I would consider leopard print flats and a denim jacket to be classic and staple pieces in my wardrobe.  But the garment that I want to talk about today is a black and white striped dress.  Combine neutral stripes with a flattering fit-and-flare style and you have a classic piece, in my book!

I love black and white stripes because they can be combined with a seemingly limitless number of patterns and colors.  Plus a simple dress can be paired with so many cute pairs of shoes, belts, tights and completer pieces!

With a classic piece, it's sometimes fun to have a bit of unique detailing and I think I've found that in the contrasting stripes of this dress.  Even with this special touch, I've been able to wear this dress so many different ways!  Here are a few of my favorites looks!

What is your most classic wardrobe item?  Make sure to pop over and visit Carrie and Casey to see the pieces that they've chosen!  And now it's time for our Lovely Little à la Mode Link-Up!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: LOFT (similar, similar)

Cardigan: Banana Republic Outlet (similar, similar)

Belt: Target (similar, similar)

Flats: LOFT (similar, similar)

A Lovely Little à la Mode Link-Up

Happy Monday (I know I know, easy for me to say since I'm a teacher on summer vacation) and welcome to the first Lovely Little à la Mode Link-Up!  I hope that you will stop by and say "hi" to Carrie and Casey today as well as link-up a favorite recent post of yours below!

Now this is what you call an easy, breezy summer dress!  The lightweight, jersey material makes it oh so comfortable even when the temperatures are soaring.  I also love that the cute polka dots help it to stand on its own, while the neutral scheme of navy and white make it easy to accessorize.  In fact, I wore this dress twice during April's Create28: Spring Looks: once with a denim jacket and my Converse and the other time with mint accessories for a baby shower.

Today I'm keeping it simple with cognac accessories including a sparkly headband.  Which brings me to a few questions I have to ask you...what do you think of hair accessories?  If you wear them, how do you combine them with your other jewelry?  I heard a Coco Chanel quote once, "Before you leave the house, take a look in the mirror and take at least one thing off."  As a pretty simplistic accessorizer, I really take this advice to heart.  So when I put on a headband, sometimes I feel like it's just too much.  I know that others can pull-off dangly earrings and arm parties but that just doesn't feel like me.  What do you think?  Can I rock a headband?

While I'm still a bit unsure about my hair accessories, I do love to mix my patterns...even polka dots on polka dots (especially when they're subtle).

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Headband: Gift (similar, similar)

Belt: Anthropologie (similar, similar)

Sandals: Target (exact)

And now it's time to link-up!

Anthropologie Dress

I've mentioned before that Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores.  I love wandering into their candle-scented boutiques and exploring the beautiful, unique clothing they offer.  What I don't love, however, are their prices!  From time to time I will let myself splurge, but when I feel most satisfied with an Anthro purchase is when I find great deal!  Like this dress, for example.  A beautiful, rich color; a thick fabric; an interesting, detailed neckline; and marked down from hundreds of dollars to only fifty!  I am one happy shopper!

With a little layering, I was able to wear this dress all winter.  Now that the warmer weather is here to stay, I'm excited to let the dress shine.  Sometimes you gotta love matchy-matchy cognac accessories, am I right?  And this clutch!  I purchased it in February and then tucked it away until summer.  Now I'm finding that it goes with just about anything.  Be prepared to see more of this little beauty around these parts!

previous post

Here are a few other ways that I've worn this dress.  And while we're at it, I'm linking-up with Bri's Third Thursday Threads.  The theme this month is denim jackets.  I get tons of wear out of mine but it's already too hot in Virginia (I haven't moved yet) for layering...so you get a denim jacket throwback from February!

I'm also linking-up with Selah and Maricel for Thoughtful Third Thursday.  The prompt this month is to dress in an outfit inspired by a book-turned-movie.  I am channeling The Princess Bride.  Not only does the color and neckline of my dress remind me of Princess Buttercup's dress in the photo below, but the first time I wore this dress was to see The Princess Bride at the theater for Valentine's Day!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Anthropologie (similar, similar)

Belt: Anthropologie (similar, similar)

Flats: Target (exact)

My First Le Tote Experience

From clothing to jewelry to make-up and even snacks, subscription services are all the rage lately!  In the past I've tried Stitch Fix and Rocks Box and have really enjoyed my experiences.  There's something so fun about receiving a box in the mail filled with surprise goodies to wear!  

I've been curious about Le Tote for quite awhile now, and given that it's my birthday month, I decided to splurge a little and see what it's all about!

The details:

• Subscribing to Le Tote costs $49 per month.
• Le Tote sends you a box filled with five clothing and jewelry items.
• You get to wear the pieces as much as you want, then send them back when you're done!
• As soon as you send your box back, Le Tote will send you a new one (yes, that means unlimited boxes each month)!
• If you like an item, you can purchase it at a discounted rate!

Now obviously there are pros and cons when you compare Le Tote to Stitch Fix.  Le Tote is definitely more expensive compared to Stitch Fix's $20 boxes.  However, with SF, you only wear what you decide to keep and pay for, there's no taking the rest of the pieces for a trial run.  And not only do you get to wear all of your LT items, you can receive multiple boxes a month for the $49 whereas with SF, it's a one time deal.

Now on to my first Le Tote delivery!  Here are the items I received:

To be honest, I was a little bit disappointed with my first "tote."  There are a few items that I liked but I'm a bit underwhelmed overall.  However, I think there are a few things I can do differently to ensure that I like my next delivery even better!

• Striped Shirt: This is my favorite item from my first tote.  I had already "added it to my closet" to help my stylist understand my taste in clothing.  If you've spent any amount of time reading Whitney à la mode, you know that I love stripes.  So stripes going in different directions?  Sign me up!  I had fun wearing this shirt but the fit just wasn't perfect (too short sleeves) so I will be sending it back.
• Blue Dress: Holy cling!  This dress is made from a thick, knit, clingy material.  So lumps and bumps, you could see them all!  Let's not even get started on the size of my behind in this dress.  I won't even show you a picture.  Yep, that bad.
• Cable-Knit Sweater: Umm, have you checked the weather in Alexandria lately?  Clearly my stylist did not.  It's been in the 80s here so I could barely convince myself to try this sweater on.   Aside from that, I wasn't a fan of the zipper or the color or the fit.
• Pink Earrings:  I also placed these earrings in my closet, so I was excited to receive them.  I'm going to get one good wear out of them and then send them back so I can receive my next tote.
• Necklace: It's pretty and I'll wear it, I'm just not in love with it.

So there are a few things that I'm going to do to (hopefully) improve my next box.  I wrongly assumed that the LT stylists take the weather into account when choosing your items.  Since that isn't the case, I went back to my "Style Profile" and requested that I do not receive sweaters.  If I'm still doing LT when the cooler weather rolls around, I'll go back and change that.  I also realized that I wasn't excited to receive jewelry...probably because I love my Rocks Box subscription.  I also went back and requested only clothing.

So please forgive this lengthy post, I just wanted to share my experience with you in case you've been considering Le Tote as well!  If you are at all curious, I would greatly appreciate if you sign-up using my code.  We each get $25 out of the deal!

As you can see, I really did enjoy wearing that striped top!

What I'm Wearing:

Shirt: Le Tote (similar, similar)

Shorts: Anthropologie (similar, similar)

Flats: LOFT (similar, similar)

Purse: Nine West Outlet (similar, similar)

Linking-Up:

Fizz and Frosting- Mix It Mondays

I do DeClaire- Confident Twosdays

Pink Sole and ChaCha the Fashion Genius- #HowISpring