The Holiday Series: A Winter Wedding Outfit

Alternate title to this post:

When You Think Pictures In Front of the Alluminated Christmas Are A Good Idea

Well friends, these pictures did not turn-out quite as well as I'd hoped and this really bothers the perfectionist in me.  I thought I would be able to edit the lighting a little bit better, but oh well.  Voilà, my outfit for the Winter Wedding Edition of The Holiday Series.

In case you've missed it, The Holiday Series consists of six posts where a group of bloggers led by Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood provide holiday-themed inspiration.

Thanksgiving Outfit

Black Friday Shopping Outfit

Holiday Home Tour

Winter Wedding Outfit

Christmas Day Outfit

New Years Eve Outfit

I'm not actually attending any weddings this season nor am I going to any swanky soirées (much to my chagrin).  If I were, I probably would have bought a pretty, sparkly new dress (because is there anything better than a holiday dress?!).  

But alas, since all of my Christmas get-togethers are casual.  I decided to remix a dress already hanging in my closet.  Typically I wear this jersey-material dress more casually but I found that a sparkly necklace and a pair of velvet heels really jazzed it up!

Do you have a holiday wedding to attend?  What are you going to wear?  If you need some more inspiration, make sure to check-out the blogs below!

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!

Wrapped In Red

Happy Monday, lovelies!  Did you have a good weekend?  If you are feeling the Monday blues, I've got lots of red to brighten your day!

Speaking of red, I've been so drawn to this color over the last few months.  What's funny is I went about a decade without wearing red at all!  You see, my high school colors were red and white and, as a cheerleader (sideline and competitive), I found myself wearing a red uniform most days of the week.  So when I got to college I stopped wearing red completely...until a year or so ago when I decided I love it again!

What pairs perfectly with red?  A soft, grey wrap sweater!  I'm so fortunate to have worked with Zaful several times over the last few months and today is no exception.  They gifted me with this top in exchange for a review and you guys, it is so thick and soft!  Perfect for curling-up in on a cold winter day!

The sweater comes as "one size" but provides ample room to wrap-up in.  It also comes in several other cozy neutrals and, as usual with Zaful, is a steal!  My one debacle with this sweater is that I had a difficult time getting it to lay correctly.  The model wears it as an off-the-shoulder sweater but when I tried it that way, it didn't feel like me.  Worn like this, the v-neck has a tendency to dip quite low.  I think that, for me, this sweater will be repurposed as a post-yoga sweater to wear over my tank when I head for my favorite coffee shop.

What I'm Wearing:
Sweater: c/o Zaful (exact)
Pants: Stitch Fix (similar)
Necklace: Rocks Box (similar)
Flats: Target (exact)

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: Statement Necklace

What does your statement necklace department look like? Do you have a few versatile pieces that can easily be woven into various outfits? This continues to be my goal. I would like to have a few really great necklaces that can easily give a pop of color or interest to multiple outfits. Today I'm featuring just one of my statement necklaces. This piece can be used to dress up a look, enhance a look for the office but still can be worn with denim just as easily. I am leaning toward some dressier looks in this post but my featured necklace has been worn with tees and chambray as well.

Back in the day { read year} when I worked in those tall and elegant office buildings in Dallas, I dressed similar to this. I would wear this type of look to the office but this would not fly at my current office. I'd be completely overdressed. This is sad news for someone who truly does enjoy getting dressed up.

pants/the limited {similar} top/showinbuy {similar} belt/the limited {similar} shoes/dsw {similar} necklace/walmart {similar} earrings/walmart {similar}

For a more evening look {read casual dinner date w/the hubby}, I changed out the pants for a lacy skirt. I opted for flat metallic sandals but strappy heels or another type of sandal would also work. It depends on your venue and the look you want to portray.

 

skirt/west-n-lou {similar} top/showinbuy {similar} shoes/famous footwear {exact} necklace/walmart {similar} earrings/walmart {similar}

What type of necklaces do you own or want to add? I continue to ask myself what would be my best investment in this area. Because I tend to be a visual person I created a Pinterest board to help. If you need a little inspiration, take a peek at the Pinterest board.

Follow Carrie Carson's board Statement Jewelry on Pinterest.

Tomorrow Whitney will be posting about a new hair style. I'm so looking forward to what she puts together. She has gorgeous hair and it always looks pretty. Hope you'll stop back and see what she has in store for us.

  Where I'm linking up.

Create28: My All-American Patriotic Look

Happy Independence Day!  I hope that you are busy celebrating today with parades, barbecues, baseball and fireworks!  I also hope that you will take a deep breath today and appreciate the freedoms that we enjoy in the United States as well as the men and women who have worked hard to protect the lives that we live.

Today's theme for Create28: Lovely Summer Looks is keeping with the holiday spirit: My All-American Patriotic Look.  Carrie, Casey and I are all featuring our own looks today so make sure to stop by their blogs to check-out their red, white and blue!

I have extra-special July 4th plans this year.  A good friend of mine is marrying the love of her life this evening!  I'm super excited to have such big and joyful plans this holiday weekend.  I mean, wedding cake and fireworks.  Does it get any better?!

For the wedding festivities, I wanted to look patriotic without being cheesy.  Way back in December I found this gorgeous, red maxi and knew that it would be perfect for the event!  To keep with the American vibe, I purchased classic navy espadrilles and a white crystal necklace.

How are you sporting your red, white and blue today?  Don't forget to show us on Instagram (#Create28SummerLooks) and to link-up with us on Monday!  Need some more inspiration?  Check-out our Patriotic Pinterest board!

Follow A Little Bit of Cheer's board Patriotic Looks on Pinterest.

And please come back tomorrow to see how Carrie styled her Denim Look!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Boutique (similar, similar)
Espadrilles: DSW (exact)
Necklace: c/o Rocksbox (similar, similar)

Marsala Day to Night

Have you see Pantone's Color Report for 2015 yet?  The gurus of color have announced Marsala to be the "it" hue of the year!  "Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this robust shade incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness," (Pantone Color Report).  Fortified wine and a fulfilling meal?  Where do I sign up?

To compliment Marsala, Pantone has chosen nine other colors to be the Spring 2015 En Plein Air palette.  Lucky for you, Alex of Undergraduate Style has already done a wonderful job of showcasing and describing these lovely shades.  Today she's hosting a link-up where you get to show the world your favorite Pantone-inspired ensemble!

In a perfect twist of fate, the Anthropologie dress that I purchased in February just so happens to be Marsala!  Here are two ways I've worn this dress already!

Wearing a long-sleeved shirt under a sleeveless dress is quickly becoming my favorite way to layer!  This pairing makes the dress daytime (and school) appropriate and is perfect while there is still a bit of snow on the ground.  I'm also going to claim that this shirt is Classic Blue.  What do you think?

This is how I spiced up the dress for a special Valentine's Day date!  Suede wedge booties, a denim jacket and a tassel necklace were perfect for catching a stand-up comedy routine, attending a screening of The Princess Bride and eating deliciously greasy food with my handsome guy!

I'm also linking-up with Bri of Work Clothes, I Suppose today for Third Thursday Threads.  This month the theme is "Favorite Sale Purchase."  Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores but rarely can I afford to buy their beautiful items at full price.  For that reason, finding a great deal there is like finding a hidden treasure.  Purchasing this lovely Marsala dress for $52.95 when the original price was $158 makes this my favorite sale purchase of late!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: Anthro (exact)

Gingham Shirt: Banana Republic (similar, similar)

Pearl Statement Necklace: Simply Charming Boutique (similar, similar)

Blue Tights: Nordstrom (exact)

Blue Flats: France (similar, similar)

Denim Jacket: Hand-Me-Down (similar, similar)

Tassel Necklace: LOFT (similar, similar)

Black Tights: Nordstrom (exact)

Booties: DSW (exact)

Other Link-Ups:

I Do DeClaire- Confident Twosdays

My Closet Catalogue- TARDIS TUESDAY (I'm claiming that Classic Blue is the same as TARDIS Blue)

Cypress

Today I'm excited to be participating in two of my favorite link-ups!  Sometimes it takes an extra push to really use your clothes creatively, which is why I look forward to some of these blogging challenges.

Heidi from Literate and Stylish and Marissa from The Modern Austen are hosting their yearly Pantone-inspired fall color challenge.  For those of you unfamiliar with Pantone, they are the ultimate authority in color.  They declare a color of the year as well as the seasonal "it" colors.  Heidi and Marissa have chosen to feature one of the fall 2014 colors each day this week, and today we are celebrating cypress, a dark olive color.  While olive is a really versatile neutral, I don't own much in this color.  Thank goodness I dug-out this cypress Everlane tee upon which to build my outfit!

I'm also excited to link-up with Andi of Just Another Smith and her co-host Danielle from Goodwillista for one of Andi's famous theme weeks.  This week blazers are in the spotlight.  Can you believe that I didn't used to like blazers?!?  I am now convinced it was because I was choosing the wrong fits and fabrics for my shape.  This is the blazer that changed my mind!  The fit is feminine and the fabric is oh so comfy...not stiff at all!

This entire outfit was inspired by the cypress t-shirt and the blazer.  At first I wasn't sure about such a boring, neutral outfit (not that neutrals have to be boring).  Then I discovered that this jeweled necklace pulled-out all of the right colors in the ensemble!

You may notice that these are not my typical type of blog photos.  I took advantage of a trip to LOFT and used their humongous mirrors for an impromptu photo shoot.  The sales girl probably wondered why it was taking me so long to try on the clothes!  Check back next week to find-out what inspired this fun afternoon shopping trip!

What I'm Wearing:

T-Shirt: Everlane (exact)

Necklace: LOFT (similar, similar)

Blazer: Anthropologie (similar, similar)

Pants: Gap (similar, similar)

Vintage Romance: an eShakti Dress

While on a certain level, clothes are just items that you use to cover and protect your body, I find it interesting and fun that clothing can make you feel certain things about yourself!  A great outfit can make you feel confident, focused, sexy or relaxed.

And I love the way this dress makes me feel!  It is beautiful and has a sort of vintage romance feel that I absolutely adore.  When I wear it, I feel oh so lovely and feminine!  The floral print is beautiful and the seaming is really flattering!

Where might you find such a pretty dress as this, you ask?  Please take a moment to visit the online boutique, eShakti.  eShakti is a clothing company based in India.  They create and produce beautiful and unique pieces...and the best part?  You can customize any of the items to fit you and your style perfectly!  You can simply choose a standard size or you can give them your measurements for an exact fit. You can also request to change features of the item like the neckline, sleeve-length or skirt length.  I'm so excited and thankful that eShakti gave me the opportunity to choose a dress and to wear it here on Whitney à la mode!

For such a beautiful dress, I want to show you two ways to style it!  My first look is a bit more fancy.  I chose some sparkly pearls and nude wedges to highlight the vintage vibe of the dress.  This ensemble would be perfect to wear to a summer wedding or for a romantic evening on the town (would anyone like to invite me to a wedding or set me up with a handsome date??).

For my second look, I wanted to make the dress a bit more casual.  I added a denim jacket and booties for a more relaxed vibe.  Adding layers is also a great way to take a summer dress into the fall!  I can't wait to wear this for brunch with my girlfriends!

I couldn't be more pleased with this dress from eShakti!  I hope that you will visit their website and that you will perhaps treat yourself to a unique piece that has been customized just for you!

Disclaimer: This dress was provided to me by eShakti but all opinions are my own!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: eShakti (similar, similar)

Pearl Necklace: Simply Charming, Winchester, VA (similar, similar)

Wedges: France (similar, similar)

Denim Jacket: Hand-me-down (similar, similar)

Booties: Belk (similar, similar)

Linking-Up:

DC In Style- Monday Bloom

The Modern Austen- Sunday Best

I Do DeClaire- Confident TWOsdays

Style Elixir- Style Sessions

Spring Shower Style

I know that yesterday marked the unofficial start to summer...but I don't think we're quite clear of springtime showers, do you?  In fact, the Washington D.C. weather forecast for the next few days is calling for thunderstorms.  What's a girl to do when it rains but look cute while keeping dry?

Actually, earlier this spring it occurred to me that I did not own a single waterproof jacket.  This problem was quickly remedied with the help of Target's adorable raincoat collection.

I chose this little striped number because I liked that the colors were neutral but it still had a fun pattern. Now I'm actually looking forward to the rain because I get to wear my lovely little raincoat!

Here are a few other raincoat options from Target (the navy polka dot jacket is my second favorite)!

Also, don't forget about the giveaway that I'm co-hosting this week!  Click the button below to be redirected to the Rafflecopter...you could win a $250 gift card to LOFT!

What I'm Wearing:

Shirt: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)

Necklace: Francesca's (similar, similar)

Jacket: Target (exact)

Jeans: LOFT (exact)

Shoes: Gift (similar, similar)

Linking-Up:

Because Shanna Said So- Random Wednesday

Style Elixir- Style Sessions

Summer Style

Earlier this week the D.C. temperatures soared into the 90s for the first time this year.  I feel like summer has arrived and it's not even June yet!  I'm not quite ready for the heat, but the weather does make for good timing of Bri's latest Third Thursday Threads theme: sandals!

I purchased these sandals a few years ago during a trip to France!  I'm glad that they've held-up well because they are some of my favorite summer shoes.  I love that they are simple and classic but with a bit of pretty, feminine detail.

I've worn this dress on the blog before but underneath a cardigan and a denim jacket.  While I've loved layering the dress, I knew it would be great for warmer weather, too!  The dress has enough detail that it can stand on it's own...especially when I add a statement necklace.

I do have to say, though, that I don't get as excited about summer style as I do about dressing during the cooler seasons.  I love the creativity in adding blazers, cardigans, tights and scarves.  There is only so much you can wear when it's swelteringly hot outside.  Although, this will be my first full summer with a style blog so I'm hoping that I can be inspired and creative as the temperatures soar!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: LOFT (similar, similar)
Necklace: Etsy (exact)
Sandals: France (similar, similar)

Linking-Up:
Penniless Socialite- Favorite Fashion Friday
Perfectly Coutured- Three-fer Thursday
Rachel 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
Work Clothes I Suppose- Third Thursday Threads