Who I Am with Brand Squawk

Are you a fan of graphic tees?  I definitely am!  I think they are a fun (and sometimes cheeky) way to share who you are with the world.  When Collette, the mastermind behind Brand Squawk, gave The Blended Bloggers an opportunity to showcase a graphic tee, I was super excited to pick a new one.

But which one to choose?!  So many of Collette's long-sleeve tees, short-sleeve shirts and sweatshirts called to me.  But first wine could be my evening mantra.  But then, adventure awaits expresses my wanderlust.  And I totally love the message on this sweatshirt!

Ultimately I chose this baseball tee.  Running has been a bit part of my life lately!  This will be the year that I train for and run my first half marathon.  And the more I do it, the more I find that it really does ease my anxiety and put me in a better mood.  Running truly is cheaper than therapy!

So tell me, which graphic tee from Brand Squawk would you choose?  If you find the perfect tee for you, use my code whitney20 for 20% off your order!

What I'm Wearing:
Tee: Brand Squawk (exact)
Jeans: American Eagle (exact)
Boots: Sorel (exact)

Trunk Club Review: Fall 2018

Happy Monday, friends!  I know, I know.  I keep telling you that I'm trying to get back into the swing of blogging.  So here is my fresh start, once again!  (Thanks for always sticking with me through the ups and downs of blogging).

Anyways, back in April, I posted a review of my first Trunk Club experience.  I've elected to receive trunks seasonally and I wanted to share with you what I've received this fall!

If you're unfamiliar with Trunk Club, I'll share the information directly below.  If you already know what the service provides, jump down the first picture!


What is Trunk Club?

Trunk Club is a personal styling service through Nordstrom.  For a $25 styling fee, your personal stylist will get to know you and what you like to wear.  Then she will send you a trunk filled with goodies curated for you to try-on.  From there, you purchase what you want to keep (the $25 fee is applied to what you decide to buy) and send the rest back for free!  Afterwards, you review all pieces so that your stylist can use the information to put together your next trunk.  You can choose to receive a new trunk every month or seasonally (and you can skip trunks if you want).

If this is something you are interested in trying, I would super appreciate you using my my referral link so I can earn money towards my next trunk!


Why I like Trunk Club better than Stitch Fix.

You might be thinking that TC sounds a lot like Stitch Fix.  That's because it's super similar...but I like Trunk Club better!  Yes, the styling fee is $25 as opposed the $20 for Stitch Fix.  But you get so many more items in your Trunk Club box.  I feel that your odds of getting something you like are way better!  Plus, the styling fee is applied to what you decide to buy anyways, so that extra $5 doesn't matter too much.

I also like the personal connection you have to your Trunk Club stylist.  You actually get to chat with her (or him) in real time about your personal style and what kinds of clothes you are looking for.  That paired with the style survey you fill-out helps your stylist to really pick-out things that are perfect for you!

On top of the variety of pieces you receive and the personal attention, my stylist nailed my fit!  I usually eliminated most Stitch Fix pieces I received because they didn't fit quite right.  My stylist, Abby, made it hard to choose what to keep because all but one piece fit so well!


The Pieces.

Gibson Tie Front Crepe Top: This top is super cute!  I found the wrap detailing to be flattering and interesting enough to let the top speak for itself without adding lots of accessories.  I also love the color (plus it comes in five other hues and patterns).  I'm wearing my typical size medium and the top fits true-to-size.  Ultimately, I didn't keep the top, though.  There was one amazing splurge piece in my trunk that I decided to keep at the cost of returning everything else.  This shirt was hard to say goodbye to!

Good American Good Waist Ripped High Waist Skinny Jeans:  Y'all, these jeans were so soft, stretchy and comfy!  While I didn't keep them, I did wear them around the house a bit and they seemed to hold their shape and smoothed-out my curves.  Speaking of curves, I'm really feeling this new brand, Good American, for more than just these jeans.  They have a great collection of work-out clothes (I mean, check-out these leggings)  and they are big on size-inclusivity!  P.S.  I'm wearing a size 6 in these jeans when I typically wear a size 8 in pants.

Baublebar Cathleen Statement Necklace: This necklace is really pretty and would add a fun sparkle to your upcoming holiday attire.  Ultimately, though, I already have a really similar necklace so I passed on this beauty.

Lucky Brand Perrma Bootie: Oh man, did I love these ankle boots!  I loved the color, the detail and the texture was so so soft!  Ultimately, though, I splurged on something else (I'm saving it for the end of the post) so I sent these back.  I still miss them.

Madewell Mock Neck Boxy T-Shirt Dress: This dress would be a great staple piece in your wardrobe! While being a t-shirt dress, the material was thick and hung nicely on my body.  It would be fun to add various cardigans, blazers, scarves and boots to the dress to make for some creative fall looks.  I'm wearing my usual medium.

Nordstrom Cashmere and Silk Wrap: The color and texture of this scarf was beautiful!  Although I honestly found it to be too small to style different ways.  Considering the price of the scarf, this was an easy pass for me.

Halogen Twist Back Sweater:  I apologize for these pictures being rather dark, but to be honest, you're not missing much with this outfit.  I had high hopes for this slouchy sweater with an interesting back.  However the fit was so unflattering that I didn't even bother to try to get a picture of the back.  I'm wearing a medium and I wouldn't say the sizing is necessarily off, just the sweater in general.

Wit and Wisdom Ab-Solution Skinny Ponte Pants: Okay, so these pants were admittedly not as bad as I thought they would be.  But let me tell you, plaid leggings and my legs are not a good mix.  My typical size 8 did fit, though!

Loveappella Short Sleeve Wrap Top Jumpsuit: So from the front, I actually loved this jumpsuit (I did not expect to like it so much) but from the back, it was a total no.  It fit so tightly across my backside that there was no way I would go out in public wearing it.  I'm wearing a size medium so I would definitely recommending one size up from what you normally wear.

Gibson Notch Collar Cotton Blend Blazer: If you're looking for a good classic, yet comfortable blazer, this one would be a great one to check-out!  For me, I know I usually like blazers only when they have some unique detailing so this one went back to Nordstrom. (If you like it, it does run true-to-size)!

Treasure and Bond Glen Plaid Shirt: This shirt was another big 'ole no!  Oversized, more masculine looking pieces definitely aren't my style so I sent this back.  I think maybe had my stylist sent one size down, I may have liked it better.  So definitely size down on this one.

Linea Paolo Dean Pointy Toe Flat: But these shoes, aren't they beautiful!  As soon as I saw them, I knew my chances of keeping anything else from my trunk were slim.  They were definitely a splurge but I think that they will be a great staple in my wardrobe for years to come!

What do you think?  I'd love to know what pieces you liked and didn't like so leave a comment below!

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?

Delicate Details with AUrate

Now, I have fun with statement jewelry as much as the next girl, but my favorite and most-worn pieces of jewelry are the dainty and delicate ones.  So when AUrate New York reached-out for a collaboration, I replied with a whole-hearted "yes!"

The founders of AUrate New York started their jewelry business because they wanted to create timeless pieces that could be passed-down from generation to generation, but on a regular gal's budget!  And it gets even better, each piece is made from amazing quality and conflict free materials.

The first piece I chose from AUrate are these beautiful earrings.  They are so unique, I've never seen anything quite like them.  The earrings somehow make a statement while also being so delicate and pretty.  Each earring is actually three separate pieces that connect around your ear and they come in three metals: gold, rose gold and silver.  I couldn't recommend these earrings more!  They are stunners!

The second piece I chose is the Obelisk Pendant (the shorter of the two necklaces).  I'm fond of layering my delicate gold necklaces to create different looks and I knew this necklace would be perfect for that purpose.  This sweet, little piece also comes in gold, rose gold and silver.  Both pieces are an amazing price for the uniqueness and quality that you receive.

So, if you are looking to add a meaningful piece of jewelry to your collection or want to purchase a special gift for someone you love (and not break the bank), take a look at the AUrate New York collection.  I couldn't recommend them more highly!

Gal Meets Glam Collection Review

If you've followed Whitney à la mode for long, you've probably realized that there's nothing I love more than a pretty dress!  So when the queen of pretty dresses, Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam, announced that she was launching a dress collection, I couldn't wait to try a few!

On my budget, these dresses are definitely a special occasion purchase.  I ordered four of my favorites with the intent to only keep one.  But oops, I'm keeping two (and am having a really hard time saying "goodbye" to a third).  The dresses are just so dreamy!

The dresses came in beautiful packaging with a special note from Julia herself.  All of the fabrics felt luxurious and the dresses seem well-made.  These little lovelies are available in two places.  You can find them at the Gal Meets Glam Collection website or at Nordstrom!  You can find most of the dresses in both places but each shop does feature a few special editions that you can't find elsewhere. I chose to order mine from GMG directly because one of the dresses I really wanted was sold-out from Nordstrom.  I did follow the sizing suggestions in the reviews from Nordstrom, though, and found them to be really helpful!

So, are you ready to see the dresses?

Ellie

The Ellie dress is a crepe, flowing dress that comes in a pretty light blue or a blush pink.  Typically I would choose blush but for some reason, the blue option caught my eye.  The waist-band is elastic, making this dress super comfortable.  I loved the feminine detailing in the bows that line the front and the slightly puffed sleeves.  Friends, I felt like Belle from Beauty and the Beast.  Belle is my all-time favorite Disney princess (and my grandma actually calls me Belle because of our similarities) so you know that this is a compliment coming from me!  Unfortunately, there were two dresses I somehow loved more, so Ellie is getting returned.  I'm not sure what GMG sales will look like since the collection is brand new, but you better believe I will be looking for the price to drop on this dress!

Sizing: True to size! (I'm wearing a size 8, for reference).

Verdict: Returning with extreme reluctance.

Carly

Carly is a sheath-style, gingham dress that totally reminds me of a little 1950s glamour.  Typically I don't wear sheaths but I couldn't resist the charm of this one.  Can't you picture it with some classic espadrilles and a pair of cat-eye sunglasses?!  Unfortunately, the dress just didn't fit.  The reviewers on Nordstrom suggested sizing-up so I ordered a 10 (as opposed to my typical size 8).  While the dress technically covered my body, the material around the buttons gaped and the fabric around my thighs felt too tight.  It's probably a good thing that the dress didn't fit or I probably would have wanted to keep all four!

Sizing: I would suggest going-up two sizes, at least for girls with curves.  If you typically fit well into sheath dresses, the sizing might be different for you.

Verdict: Returned

Samantha

This is the dress that I knew I had to order as soon as I saw it!  The blush pink, the stripes, the fit and flare, the bow!  I'm on a dress high and I never want to come down!  This beauty also comes in a beautiful light blue color.  I already plan to wear the Samantha to a wedding I'm attending this summer.

Sizing: True to size, I'm wearing a size 8.

Verdict: Keeping!

Ardith

While I was most excited to try the Samantha, it's actually Ardith that ended-up my favorite!  Ardith is a fit and flare, midi-lenth, gingham dress and I'm smitten!  While the quality feels as superb as the rest, the material makes the dress a bit more wearable for casual occasions.  And the cut of the top is super flattering!  Keep your eyes peeled for a special birthday look featuring Ardith at the end of May.  I'm so excited!

Sizing: I went up one size (to a 10) based on the Nordstrom reviews and the dress fits perfectly!

Verdict: Keeping!  Keeping!  Keeping!

Though I wanted to try all the dresses, these were my four favorites!  Which do you like best?  Have you checked-out the entire collection?  Which dress would you choose?
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Trunk Club Review

Hey, y'all!  I mentioned a few weeks ago that I tried Trunk Club and wanted to write a review post about my experience.  Well, here we are!

My helper bud obviously wanted in on this review post.

What is Trunk Club?

Trunk Club is a personal styling service through Nordstrom.  For a $25 styling fee, your personal stylist will get to know you and what you like to wear.  Then she will send you a trunk filled with goodies curated for you to try-on.  From there, you purchase what you want to keep (the $25 fee is applied to what you decide to buy) and send the rest back for free!  Afterwards, you review all pieces so that your stylist can use the information to put together your next trunk.  You can choose to receive a new trunk every month or seasonally (and you can skip trunks if you want).

If this is something you are interested in trying, I would super appreciate you using my my referral link so I can earn money towards my next trunk!


Why I like Trunk Club better than Stitch Fix.

You might be thinking that TC sounds a lot like Stitch Fix.  That's because it's super similar...but I like Trunk Club better!  Yes, the styling fee is $25 as opposed the $20 for Stitch Fix.  But you get so many more items in your Trunk Club box.  I feel that your odds of getting something you like are way better!  Plus, the styling fee is applied to what you decide to buy anyways, so that extra $5 doesn't matter too much.

I also like the personal connection you have to your Trunk Club stylist.  You actually get to chat with her (or him) in real time about your personal style and what kinds of clothes you are looking for.  That paired with the style survey you fill-out helps your stylist to really pick-out things that are perfect for you!

On top of the variety of pieces you receive and the personal attention, my stylist nailed my fit!  I usually eliminated most Stitch Fix pieces I received because they didn't fit quite right.  My stylist, Katy, made it hard to choose what to keep because all but one piece fit so well!


The Pieces.

Here are the items I received in my first trunk and what I think of them!

Bobeau Lightweight Twist Hem Top: I only allowed myself to keep two items from my first trunk and this is one of them!  The top has a nice weight to it (is a bit heavier than just a t-shirt) and is a lovely oatmeal color.  Plus I love that it is a basic with a twist (literally).  I'm wearing a small so I would definitely go down one size from your usual.

Good for You Hair Care with Maple Holistics

Hey, lovely friends!  Instead of talking style today, we're going to focus on something that is just as important in helping us to feel good about our look each and every day...our hair!

With my (sometimes crazy) curly mane, I'm constantly on the hunt for the latest and greatest in hair care.  So, when I was approached by a representative from Maple Holistics asking if I wanted to try one of their shampoo and conditioner sets, I was totally up for the experience!

I have been using Maple Holistic's Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Conditioner for about three weeks and I'm loving the results!

Let's start with the way the products smell (does anyone else spend lots of time in the hair care aisle smelling all of the shampoos and conditioners before purchasing a set??).  I admit that I was skeptical, having not loved the smell of other tea tree oil products.  But I find the scent of the MH set to be much more subtle than others I've tried.  These products still have the earthy, clean sent of your typical tea tree oil products but is much lighter, making me a fan!

On top of the pleasant smell, this shampoo and conditioner are doing great things for my hair texture. My curls have a couple of different annoying tendencies.  When I wear them naturally, they easily get limp, heavy, and weighed down by product.  When I use my straightener to create waves, I see lots of frizz from my curls trying to escape (ha!).  I'm happy to report that Maple Holistic's Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Conditioner smooths my frizz without weighing down my curls.  I've used these products before styling my hair curly and wavy and each style looks good!

And there are a few other great things about these products!  All of the goodies from Maple Holistics are 100% natural and cruelty free.  Your hair can look good and your conscience can rest guilt-free.  The price is also great!  You can get a set of the shampoo and conditioner for just under $20!

Even better than the great price point is Maple Holistic's Free Sample Program!  Just fill-out the form on their website and you can receive a product of your choice (including this shampoo and conditioner)!

Check-out their website and Free Sample Program and let me know which products you want to try!
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Summertime and the Livin' is Easy with SOAK

Oh sweet summertime, I'm so happy you're here!  I'm loving your morning runs by the lake, midday Netflix binges and late-night s'more sessions.  What I'm not loving?  That sometimes oppressive heat that prevents me from wearing my beloved layers, tights and scarves!  Yep, like most bloggers, fall and winter are my favorite times of year to dress for.  I find it difficult to create interesting outfits when the temperatures soar!

But I'm here today with three ways to keep that summertime look cool and easy while still feeling put-together and stylish!

Fun little details: Whether you're grabbing a cute top or a summer dress, I look for pieces with fun little details like a print or an interesting texture.  These pieces hold their own so that you don't need to add lots of layers or heavy jewelry (which can sometimes feel stifling in the heat, am I right?!) to feel finished and polished.  I'm loving my new, breezy tank (purchased with my favorite Blended Bloggers while in Toronto) because of the adorable, tiny fruit print!

No-Heat Hairstyles: As much as I love my straightening iron waves, sometimes it is just too darn hot to be stuck under a heated styling tool!  Not to mention I usually want to hop out of the shower and head directly to an ice cream date or happy hour on the patio.  Cue quick and easy styles you can create while your hair is still wet!  My favorite is a pancaked dutch braid slicked back into a low bun.  It's a no muss no fuss style that still looks like you put in some effort!

Stylish Slides: Okay, so I'll admit that sometimes buckling sandals feels like too much work when I'm ready to be out enjoying the season.  Flip flops used to be my go-to shoe every summer but lately I've been wanting a more elevated look.  Slides are the perfect solution!  There are no buckles and they are definitely in-style this summer!

If you are looking for the ideal summer slide, please check-out SOAK Slide Sandals. They come in a variety of hues (in metallic, solid or color-blocked).  When they graciously offered to send me a pair to review, I chose a solid in Neon Papaya.  They provide the perfect pop-of-color to spice up any outfit!

These sandals feel incredibly high-quality and are easily wiped clean.  They also provide arch support and plenty of cushion -- so hard to find in cute, flat sandals!  If I haven't sold you on these shoes yet, they are recyclable, vegan and made in the USA!

So head on over and check-out all of the fun colors SOAK offers!  To sweeten the deal, SOAK is offering my readers 15% off their first order using the code WHIT15.  So go on, check them out and let me know which color you would choose!

(A note on sizing: they do not offer half sizes so I would recommend sizing-up if you are in-between.)

I would also love to know how you're staying put-together and cool this summer!  Make sure to comment below.
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And I Think to Myself What a Wonderful World

You may have noticed that I've got this little thing called wanderlust.  You name the place, I want to go there and explore!  So when 76th & Newbury reached-out to offer me a travel map, I jumped at their offer!

I chose the Modern World Travel Map and truly enjoyed the design process!  I got to choose the name at the top, the quote and the color the the map details.  Once I made my choices, my very own consultant created a proof and e-mailed it to me so that I could see exactly what the final product would look like.

After confirming my proof, a couple of weeks flew by and the map arrived at my door with a box of pushpins (my choice of color) to mark the countries that I've visited!

I absolutely love this personal, visual reminder of my travels.  I also like to look at my map and daydream about where I will go next!

If you are looking for the perfect gift for your friend who's caught the travel bug or maybe that newly married couple who plans to travel together, I would highly recommend a travel map from 76th and Newbury!

Ready for Summer

Guess what?!  One month from today is my last day of school for the year!  And oh boy is this teacher ready!  In honor of my one-month countdown, let's take a look at some summertime essentials that I will need oh so soon!

1.  A cute swimsuit: scallops have always been a favorite detail of mine on clothing and accessories.  When I saw this high-waisted, scalloped bikini from Zaful, I was so excited to scoop it up for the season!  I usually size-up from my typical medium when it comes to products from Zaful and I would definitely recommend doing so with this swimsuit.  The large fits perfectly!

2.  Fresh sunnies: Loft has been my go-to spot for sunglasses the last few years and this season is no exception.  I'm excited to wear this retro pair out in the sun (when it finally decides to stick around).

3.  A trendy coverup: I'm not usually quick to jump on clothing trends (classic is more my style) but I do think that it's fun to experiment with swimsuit coverups.  I mean, they usually aren't too expensive and you only wear them to the pool and back.  What a great opportunity to have a little fun!

4.  A fun water bottle: staying hydrated is so important when you are spending more time being active out in the sun!  A cute water bottle definitely makes it more fun to drink that water.

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