Create28: Remixing a Dress

When I first started Whitney à la mode, my primary goal was to keep motivated in remixing what I already had hanging in my closet.  As the years have come and gone, sometimes I've stayed strong in my purpose and other moments I've found myself wanting more and more.  Lately, though, I feel more inspired than ever to wear my pieces frequently and creatively.

As silly as it sounds, remixing my wardrobe brings me peace.  I feel content and grateful for what I have and don't feel the constant desire for more.  I know that I'm making smart money decisions by refraining from shopping.  And I'm having fun playing with my clothes!

In keeping with my current purpose, I'm happy that Carrie and I have decided to make each Monday link-up of Create28 a remix post!  For our first edition, we are both remixing a dress!  Make sure to stop by Carrie's post today to check out her inspiration.  And keep on reading to find that link-up!

This was my "first day of school" dress this year and I'm just as in love with it as I was this fall!  The fit is just perfect, the neutrals mix with so much of my wardrobe and the pattern is fun to play with.

Of all the ways I've worn this dress,  this is my favorite.  I do believe I pulled-off mixing three prints in one outfit!  And I feel so very me in this ensemble.

And this is definitely a go-to look for me.  Favorite dress, check!  Throw on a cardigan, check!  Ready to go!

Which of the two looks do you prefer?  And what is your favorite way to wear a dress?  Don't forget to link-up all your Create28 looks below!

Create28: Smitten with the Mitten State

As soon as Carrie mentioned wanting to do a Deep in the Heart of Texas prompt for this round of Create28, I knew that I wanted a chance to represent my beloved Michigan!  Though I love to travel and have moved around a bit, a large part of my heart can always be found here.  You can't beat the beautiful beaches of Southwest Michigan, the charm of Mackinac Island, the unharnessed wild of the Upper Peninsula or the kindness of my fellow Michiganders.

Did you know that Michigan is called the Mitten State because the Lower Peninsula is shaped like a mitten?  Hence my "Smitten with the Mitten" tee!  I also decided to play-up the prompt (and the monochromatic purple look) a bit by wearing my new pair of mittens with the matching hat.  I suppose it's only fitting because you need to wear these cold-weather accessories if you are even thinking about stepping foot outdoors in Michigan these days.

Embarassingly, this was my attempt to show you how to form the state of Michigan with your mittened hands.  But I did it backwards.  Oops!

I hope that Create28 still inspired you to make a new outfit today.  Did you dress with Michigan in mind?  Or perhaps you let your own home state inspire you?  We want to see your look on Instagram (#create28winter17) and don't forget to link-up tomorrow!

What I'm Wearing:

T-Shirt: Michigan Awesome (exact)

Cardigan: Old Navy (exact style)

Jeans: American Eagle (exact)

Hat and Mittens: Gap (exact)

Shoes: Converse (exact)

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Create28: Jewel Tones

Regardless of what Pantone says, jewel tones will always be the colors that most make me think of fall!  Isn't there something about the leaves changing colors and a crisp breeze blowing that makes you want to wrap up in deep emeralds, vibrant rubies and bold golds?!

As soon as I learned that I would be featuring a look for Create28: Jewel Tones, I knew that I wanted to wear my new emerald dress from Old Navy.  This dress is absolute perfection!  It's a flattering fit and flare style, a bold beautiful color and it's striped!  The dress is unfortunately sold out online but perhaps you can still find it (and the other fun colors it comes in) in stores!

When I started styling this ensemble, I added the amethyst cardigan but something was missing.  Two hues just weren't enough for a post devoted entirely to jewel tones.  But how to add another?  I'd seen mannequins wearing layered sweaters before but had never tried it myself.  Don't they get too hot?!  I suppose not because they're mannequins-- but could this look work in real life?  Yes it can!  Neither cardigan is super heavy and the multiple layers up top were balanced by bare legs on bottom.  And I think the second cardigan provided the perfect pop of gold to complete my jewel toned outfit!

Instead of the car messing up my shot, can we just say that I added ruby to the mix?

Let's see those beautiful jewel tones on Instagram (#Create28FallLooks) and please come back to visit Casey tomorrow as she shows us how to style a cozy blanket scarf-- one of my fall favorites!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Mustard Cardigan: Target (similar)

Purple Cardigan: Old Navy (similar)

Flats: DSW (exact)