I Blogged!

Why hello, I'm Whitney!  You may have forgotten I existed since it's been oh, about two months since I last blogged.  I took a little bit of time off to adjust to my new work schedule.  If you missed it, I've spent the summer transitioning from being a teacher (aka having the entire summer off) to working a 9-5 gig in an office.

Overall I'm feeling quite happy with my career change!  I definitely miss parts of teaching and feel the occasional pang of panic that I don't have set breaks from work anymore, but I'm loving the steady pace of a year-round job and how fast my workday seems to fly by!

I plan to share a bit more about what I'm doing now, why I made such a big change, and how I feel about it in the future.  But instead of diving deep in my first post back, let's keep it light with a quick summer outfit!

This Target maxi dress has been a fun piece to dress-up or down this summer.  I first wore it with a pair of wedges and a sparkly necklace to chaperone a semi-formal dance at the end of the school year (is there anything sweeter than 8th graders all gussied up?!).  For a backyard celebration, I kept it more casual with sandals and my trusty denim jacket.

I'm currently thinking of ways to transition it to fall.  This is going to be a challenge since the dress is so summery.  Any ideas?

And not only did I manage to write a blog post, I managed to do it on the day of The Blended Blog's style link-up!  Make sure to link-up your favorite looks of the week below.

An InLinkz Link-up

Pink on Pink on Pink

It's no secret that pink is my favorite color, but why did I wait so long to try an outfit full of different shades of my favorite hue?!

I'm linking-up with The Blended Blog today where we are sharing Graduation Looks.  Personally, I am smack dab in the middle of a graduation drought.  I received my Master's Degree in 2010 and have no plans of heading back to school anytime soon.  Further, I don't have children yet, let alone children that could be graduating!

Luckily, as a teacher, I've gotten to celebrate lots of students' graduations, parties and award ceremonies.  Given that these aren't personal events, I don't get as dressed-up as I would for my own graduation, plus I want to look slightly on the professional side (no strapless dresses for me)!  An easy-to-wear dress, some fun wedges and a jacket is my uniform for these end-of-the-year teacher events!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Jacket: La Redoute (exact) Size-up!
Wedges: Macy's (exact)

Don't forget to link-up with The Blended Blog below!

Travel Capsule: Summertime in Europe- Outfits Ten, Eleven and Twelve

Welcome back to the fourth installment of my Summertime in Europe Capsule!  I've you've missed a few posts, you can find them below:

Introduction and Outfits One-Three
Outfits Four-Six
Outfits Seven-Nine

Outfit Ten

Ahh, we've made it to the flying home outfit!  When you spend nine hours on an airplane, comfort and layers are key!  Truth be told, it was absolutely roasting for our entire flight home so I immediately ditched the jacket and scarf.

Outfit Eleven

You may be wondering why I have more outfits to show you if I already flew home from Belgium!  That is because I flew back into Washington D.C. and then proceeded to road trip up the East Coast as I headed back to Michigan.  Instead of packing for two separate vacations (European and road trip), it made more sense in my brain to continue the capsule!  Here I'm dressed for a hot day touring the streets of D.C.

Outfit Twelve

From D.C., we headed to Philadelphia.  When rompers feel like pajamas, they make for comfortable car-wear and a chic outfit for touring the city!

Make sure to stop by next week for the last three outfits in the capsule!  And I'm still planning a "how-to" capsule post afterwards so let me know if you have any questions or topics you want discussed.

Travel Capsule: Summertime in Europe- Outfits Four, Five and Six

Hey, friends!  How have you been?  I had every intention of getting back into regular blogging once the school year started but I have been so dang busy.

There are lots of wonderful and exciting things happening in my life right now that I promise to share more about later, once things calm down a bit.  But for today, I promised the second installment of my most recent travel capsule photos!

If you missed it, you can find the list of items in my capsule as well as the first three outfits here.

Outfit Four

Did you know that during the first Sunday of every month, you can get tickets to many of Brussel's museums for free?  My friend and I were able to hit four museums in one day!  Therefore, as with the first three outfits, comfort was key.  This wrap skirt felt like pajamas but I still felt pretty all day.

Outfit Five

These might be my favorite blog pictures that we took during the whole trip!  You gotta love when the backdrop, the lighting and the outfit just come together so easily!  I wore this simple yet classic outfit while on a day trip to Bruges.  I was really happy that I wore my Adidas sneakers because we walked a lot this day!

Outfit Six

Can you tell I was tired when we took these pictures?  We actually snapped these right before enjoying a mid-afternoon nap.  This outfit made of classic, simple pieces took me through the Royal Palace of Brussels and an art museum.

Actually, it is the classic-nature of all of the pieces in my capsule that made these pieces so easy to wear!  What do you think so far?  Do you have a favorite outfit?

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.

Blogging Besties: Embroidered

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've been so excited for this week's Blogging Besties since I get to pass-on some of Alex's inspiration for the first time!  She was so creative in her interpretation of the Disney prompt last week and totally nailed a fun work look!

From her outfit, Alex told me that I could pass along polka dots, a casual jacket, wedges or something embroidered.  This prompt couldn't have been more perfectly timed because I have been eyeing all of the embroidery lately!

It's not often that I totally buy into a trend but I'm loving all of the pretty, stitched floral patterns found on tops and dresses this spring!  I actually purchased a few embroidered pieces the very day that I wore this outfit.  That being said, I did not yet have these items when I took outfit photos.  So for today's purposes, I actually pulled-out one of the oldest tops in my closet...and my only embroidered piece!

I also passed-on a casual jacket but I think embroidery is more fun as the topic of this post!

For next week, Selah can pass along the oldest piece in her closet, a denim jacket, teal or scallops!

LuLaRoe Week: Maxi Skirt + Giveaway

So are you sold on LuLaRoe yet?  If not, I'm back again today to convince you to try one (or all) of their fun and comfy styles!  If you missed it, I wrote an "all you need to know" post about LLR and styled a Carly swing dress on Monday.  Yesterday I styled the Classic Tee two different ways, including an outfit with the super-popular LLR leggings!

Today I'm featuring my brand new LuLaRoe Maxi Skirt.  So brand new, in fact, that I received it yesterday and had to wear it today.  You guys, this skirt is made of such smooth material and skims over any curves you may have.  As is the case with all LLR pieces, it comes in lots of different colors and patterns.  I usually wear a size eight on the bottom and I'm wearing a small Maxi.

I actually won this skirt!  If you start following multiple consultants, you'll find that they often offer giveaways for various pieces.  Usually all you have to do to enter is leave a Facebook comment responding to a fun question posted by the consultant.  So thank you, Pink&Lee, for the adorable skirt!  And speaking of giveaways, don't forget to enter below to win your very own Carly compliments of the sweet Betsy Friedrich.

What I'm Wearing:
Denim Jacket: Hand-me-down (similar)
Top: Banana Republic Factory (similar)
Maxi Skirt: LuLaRoe
Flats: Target (similar)

SaveSaveSaveSaveSave a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

Rose Quartz March + Link-Up

Happy Monday, lovelies!  I'm assuming I'm not alone when I say that I'm so ready for spring weather!  The Michigan temperatures are on the rise and the sun is peeking from behind the winter clouds, so I think we are almost there.

When I start craving the warmer weather, I naturally start to gravitate towards the brighter pieces in my closet.  Vibrant hues help me to feel like spring has arrived even when it's still a little bit chilly outside.

Given my desire to wear the brighter pieces in my closet, I decided to use a rose quartz tank top as a base layer for a vibrant, monochromatic pink look.  My denim jacket keeps away the cold will a colorful statement necklace ties the look together.

How have you been wearing rose quartz this month?  I challenge you to wear it with pops of color for a fun spring look!

What I'm Wearing:
Tank Top: I honestly don't remember :) (similar, similar)
Necklace: Gift (similar, similar)
Denim Jacket: Hand-me-down (similar)
Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Oxfords: DSW (similar, similar)

And now it's time for the weekly link-up!

Create28: Rose Quartz February

Good morning, lovelies!  I'm back today with my second post about how to wear Rose Quartz, one of Pantone's colors of the year, all year long!  Here's how I wore this pretty shade of pink in January!

To me, February is the month of romance!  I know that Valentine's Day is only one day out of the month but all 28, err 29 days have me thinking pink, flowers, chocolate and love!  And in my opinion, nothing is more romantic than a blush pink, lace dress!  And there are lots of these lovely dresses from which to choose.

Since it's a little too chilly for just a romantic dress, my trusty denim jacket  (I've been wearing this hand-me-down for a decade, maybe it's time for an upgrade?), grey tights, cozy socks and booties create a look fit for the February weather.

So this month, use Rose Quartz to create an outfit with a romantic, feminine vibe!  And let's see your version of Rose Quartz at our weekly link-up on Monday or on Instagram (#create28winterlooks)!

Monthly Rose Quartz Series

What I'm Wearing:

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

Tassel Necklace: Raw Sugar Sunday (exact)

Jacket: Hand-me-down (similar)

Tights: Anthropologie (similar, similar)

Socks: Gift (similar, similar)

Booties: Kohl's (similar)

Where I'm linking-up!

Another Monday + Link-Up

Well, it's Monday again, friends!  I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels like Thanksgiving weekend just flew by!  I had lofty goals of checking-off to-do lists, spending quality time with loved ones and passing much of the time lounging about.  Do I feel like I got enough of any one of these things?  Of course not!

Why is it that time seems to fly the fastest around the holidays?  This is my absolute favorite time of the year and I wish that the clock would quit spinning so that I could truly enjoy what this season has to offer.

But here we are, back to the daily grind.  In honor of that daily grind, I'm featuring a pretty typical teaching outfit for me!

To me, the key to a good teaching outfit is comfort and fit!  When you are at the front of a classroom, you have about thirty pairs of eyes on you at any given time.  It's super important to not be tugging at your clothes or worried that something isn't covered-up properly.

Cute colored pants and a top with a bit of detailing are easy pieces to mix and match for a put-together teaching look.

My final "must have" for a day of teaching is a warm layer.  I teach in an old building with really inconsistent heat so my denim jacket goes on and off several times a day depending on the temperature.

What does a typical work outfit look like for you?

What I'm Wearing:

Top: J.Crew Factory (similar, similar)

Pants: c/o Stick Fix (similar, similar)

Denim Jacket: hand-me-down (similar)

Flats: DSW (similar)

Time to link up!

Summer Time with JORD

Time is a funny thing, isn't it?  Sometimes it flies, sometimes it crawls.  As a teacher, time is particularly mysterious during the summer months.  Hours turn into days that turn into weeks and I'm not quite sure how I've used all of my seconds.  One thing is for certain, though, whether it's spent getting lost in my latest favorite book or meandering the beach at sunrise, I thoroughly enjoy my summertime.

As the school year approaches, it's growing increasingly important that I be aware of the time (not to mention the current day of the week) and a beautiful timepiece by JORD is helping me get back into the swing of a daily routine.  JORD creates unique watches made of various kinds of wood.  When I was asked to review one of their products, I was immediately drawn to the natural, simple and elegant look of the Fieldcrest watch in Maple.

I couldn't love my watch more!  It arrived at my doorstep tucked in a sleek, wooden box and I haven't stopped admiring its style ever since.  The light wood makes it a great neutral to add to any outfit and the size is perfect for making a statement while still looking classic.  Right now I'm enjoying it paired with my summer dresses, but I can't wait to create some back-to-school looks featuring my new watch, too!

If you are searching for the perfect watch-- well-made and unique-- take a look at the beautiful styles created by JORD.  I know you will find the perfect style to fit your look!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: LOFT (similar)
Denim Jacket: Hand Me Down (similar)
Converse: DSW (exact)

Womens Wooden Watches

Create28: Favorite Sneakers Look

In April I treated myself by purchasing a pair of classic, white Converse sneakers.  At first I was unsure about how this footwear would work with my typically feminine style.  Three months later, however, they are one of my most-worn pair of shoes!  They have made four previous blog appearances and have been worn countless other times.

I find that my Converse work really well with my girly pieces to create more of a fun and playful vibe.  I also find that they add dimension to some of my more classic items of clothing.  Take this basic romper, for example.  I can dress it up with heals and a crystal necklace for a summer dinner date.  I could step it down just a notch by wearing it with a cute pair of flats and a belt for lunch with girlfriends. And finally, by pairing it with my Converse, I have a comfy look for grabbing a morning coffee.  Before I purchased these sneakers, I had only two variations on the romper look.  Now, one romper = three looks!

What are your favorite sneakers?  Are they a classic pair of converse or a bright pair of Nikes?  As usual, Carrie, Casey and I want to see how you styled your sneakers.  Show us on Instagram (#create28summerlooks) and by linking-up on Monday!

Need some more inspiration?  Here are some other ways I've worn my Converse plus a Pinterest board full of ideas!

Follow Whitney R.'s board Favorite Sneakers on Pinterest.

We're going to continue talking shoes tomorrow when Casey shows you her favorite summer pair!

What I'm Wearing:

Romper: H&M (exact)

Denim Jacket: Hand-me-down (similar)

Necklace: Kendra Scott c/o Rocks Box (exact)

Converse: DSW (exact)

Birthday Dresses and Wishlists

When the month of May rolls around, I find that the sun shines a little brighter and the flowers smell a little sweeter.  Because spring has truly arrived, you ask?  Well, perhaps, but it's also my birthday month!  I don't turn a year wiser until the 28th but I love the entire month, nonetheless!

Do you know who else has a birthday this month? My sweet friend Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood!  Every year, Ada picks a few of her blogging friends to style a special birthday dress look for her to feature on her blog.  I'm so excited that I'm one of the chosen few this year...especially because I love a good birthday dress!

I chose a relaxed yet pretty ensemble, perfect for a fun evening out with friends and family!  Wearing a maxi dress made of jersey material is a great way to look feminine while staying super comfortable.  A denim jacket is one of my springtime staples because it's cute and easy to throw-on when a the weather is a bit too chilly for a dress alone.  Finally, something sparkly is a must for a perfect birthday look and these sandals fit the bill!

With my own birthday coming-up, I've got a birthday list on my mind!  My trusty tote bag that I bring to school with me every day is beginning to wear-out and I've been itching to upgrade to a sleek, leather bag.  I really like the three below.  Which one do you like the best?  

Madewell        J.Crew        Nordstrom

Here are a few other things I've been thinking about.  My favorite singer of all time, Jewel, just released a line of shirts featuring some of her lyrics and I'm in love with the one below.  I've also been  admiring the clothing from Boden for quite sometime but it's a little bit out of my price range.  Perfect for a birthday list, right?  And finally, I wear my leopard-print flats so much that a pair of similar heels might be a future closet staple for me!  What do you have on your wish list currently?

Jewel        Boden        Sole Society

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Land's End (similar, similar)
Jacket: Hand-Me-Down (similar, similar)
Flats: Target (exact)