Thursday Moda: Mustard Cardigans

Oh hey, friends!  I have a special treat for you today!  I just so happen to be hosting the Thursday Moda link-up with the always-charming Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood!

Ada and I have been blogging pals for years (we even met in real life once) but we've reconnected recently since we are both participating in the Common Threads Challenge.  We even realized that we'd chosen some really similar pieces to work with throughout the challenge.  We will be featuring a few of these items over the course of the next to Thursday Moda link-ups!

Today we're featuring our mustard cardigans.  I don't know about you, but this is a staple in my wardrobe!

Stay tuned to both of our blogs to find-out how we're remixing these cardigans this month.  And stop by next week to see how we're wearing v-neck tops and ankle boots!

An InLinkz Link-up

Blogging Besties: Kimono

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!

Last week Alex looked so boho-chic in her embroidered kimono and hat!  She gave me the following elements to pass-on in my own look this week: a kimono, maroon, a hat or something with a fun trim.

I thought about featuring a football Saturday look with a Michigan State hat but ultimately decided to pass-on a kimono.

The few instances that I've tried a boho look, I didn't feel like it was "me" so I paired my kimono with more classic pieces: straight-legged, cropped trousers and a pair of loafers.

I was super pleased with the way that this ensemble turned-out as a summer to fall transitional outfit.  It has been unseasonably warm around here but I was able to incorporate layers without the weight of a cardigan or jacket.  Plus, velvet is also going to be a big trend again this fall and I got to break in my new, velvet loafers!

So Selah, for next week you can choose from a summer-to-fall transition, velvet, or floral for fall!

Blogging Besties: Vintage Vibe

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!

Last week Alex looked oh-so-pretty in a pencil skirt and top with feminine detailing at the sleeves.  She challenged me with the following prompts for my outfit this week: a pencil skirt, a vintage-inspired outfit or pearl jewelry.

So here you have it, ladies, my loose interpretation of a vintage-inspired outfit.  You see, I'm in the process of moving and don't have access to most of my clothing, shoes or accessories.  While planning this outfit, I couldn't find a single pencil skirt or pearl!  I do think the colors and floral print of this dress give-off a vintage vibe, though.  What do you think?

I also have a funny story about why I acquired this dress!  When I flew back from Belgium a few weeks ago, I flew into Washington D.C. so that I could spend the week traveling up the East Coast.  Well, the airline lost my suitcase.  On a direct flight.  I suppose my luggage just never made it on the plane?  In any case, I went straight from the airport to Target to buy everything that I needed for the next few days.  I purchased everything from running clothes for my 5k the next morning, to underwear to this dress!  And I'm quite pleased with it!  You gotta love impromptu Target shopping sprees!

Alright, Ms. Selah, your prompts for next week are as follows: mustard, floral print, or a piece purchased in a bind!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Target (exact)
Shoes: Bali Elf (exact)

I'm Back!

Hey, long lost friends!  I've missed you!  I took a bit of a blogging break to travel the world at the end of my summer vacation.  I spent two and a half weeks exploring Belgium and road tripping it up the East Coast of the United States.  I have lots of fun pictures to share with you from my adventures as well as several posts about the travel capsule wardrobe that took me through the entire trip.  Keep your eyes peeled for those posts coming soon!

In the meantime, I've headed back to school for year ten of my teaching career (ten years?!?)!  And as I've been doing since I was a little kid, I picked-out a special first-day-of-school outfit to wear.  Growing-up, my mom would take a picture of my sister and I in our new fall looks and backpacks, standing by the door ready to head to school.  Having this little blog has given me an excuse to continue this tradition!

Here is my back-to-school look for 2017!  I purchased this dress in Belgium and knew it would be perfect to head back to class.  I felt comfy and put-together all day as I welcomed students into my classroom.

In case you're interested, here are my other back-to-school looks that I've worn since I started Whitney à la mode!
2016
2015
2014
2013

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Naf Naf
Shoes: Target (exact)

Blogging Besties: Pencil Skirt

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!

Have you ever noticed that Alex is the queen of pencil skirts?!  She rocks them fearlessly all.the.time!

So when she gave me "pencil skirt" as one of my prompts for this week, I knew I had to go for it.  You see, I tend to shy away from pencil skirts because I often feel self-conscious about the way they fit my (curvy) lower body.

But I've had one just sitting in my closet since last fall, waiting to be worn.  This Cassie skirt is one of the first LuLaRoe pieces I purchased because I loved the print.  When I received it in the mail, though, I totally chickened-out on wearing it.  And then it was buried underneath other skirts...until now!

And you know what?!  I felt great in this outfit!  The stretchy skirt is super comfortable even though it's form-fitting and I still love the print and the pop-of-teal!  So thank you, Alex, for making me step outside my comfort zone!  That's the point of Blogging Besties, after all!

Selah, my dear, for next week you can choose from: stretchy, form-fitting, teal, or outside of your comfort!

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!

Create28: Boots Boots Boots

The title of this post should really be, "Boots and Wrinkles."

Well friends, this is what I look like after a day of teaching!  I really do wear all of the outfits I feature here on the blog.  Most of the time I attempt to photograph them before I wear them but sometimes life says otherwise.  Oh well, this is me, wrinkles and all!

I'm really happy that Carrie and I included boots in one of our Create28 prompts.  These riding boots are some all-time favorites of mine but I'm finding that they are getting less love this year.  This challenge gave me the perfect reason to pull them out of hiding.

I combined the boots with some other old classics, my chambray dress and cognac bow belt, to create a look that I actually love!  Isn't it funny how a new combination can make you fall in love with pieces all over again?!

How are you wearing your boots this winter?  Show us on Instagram (#create28winter17)!  And pop back tomorrow to see how Carrie styles camo!

Create28: Polka Dot Paradise

Today we're talking Polka Dots for Create28!  I would say that this is my second favorite print, right behind stripes, of course.  The polka dot piece that I've chosen to feature is my Express Portofino blouse that gets tons and tons of wear.  It's versatile and so easily remixable...you've actually already seen it this month!

My mom (who clearly has wonderful taste) gave this sweater to me for Christmas.  I love that I was able to unbutton the bottom of the sweater to give the polka dots more room to shine!

Alright friends, have a lovely Friday and don't forget to show us your polka dotted looks on Instagram (#create28winter17)!

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!

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!

Comfy and Festive

Oh my goodness, friends!  I actually made it to Winter Break!  About a week ago I was on the verge of a meltdown.  You know those moments in life when there is so much going on and none of it seems to be going well?!  All you want to do is curl up under a blanket for a few days but you just have to keep going?!  Well, I've finally made it to my day where I get to stay curled up under that blanket and I couldn't be more thankful.

I know that I'm a lucky one with two glorious weeks off of work while many of you are still putting in the hours this week.  So let's talk about a few ways that you can be festive yet comfy while surviving these last few days of work!

My first recommendation for being comfortable but put-together is a cute dress that feels like a nightgown!  Cue this little number, my most recent gift from Shein!  This dress is made in a beautiful grey, jersey material and couldn't be more comfortable.  Plus, it has adorable button detailing at the neck.  Have I ever mentioned that I'm a sucker for buttons?  I'm wearing my typical size medium and it fits perfectly!  And you aren't even going to believe the price.  I'm serious, go check it out!

A neutral dress is the perfect base for my second tip for looking festive while feeling comfy: colored tights!  These burgundy, fleece-lined tights were so cozy and warm but definitely upped the interest for this outfit.  Have you ever tried fleece-lined tights?

And because everyone loves a good blooper photo, here is me doing some sort of fabulous hair flip!

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: c/o Shein (exact)

Tights: Target (similar)

Ankle Boots: DSW (exact)

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Comfy and Cute for Thanksgiving

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just a few days away?!  What are your plans for the holiday?  Are you spending it with family or perhaps a group of friends?  Are your gatherings a bit more formal or super casual?  And do you know what you're wearing yet??

My Thanksgiving celebration will be a bit different than usual this year.  My sister, niece and brother-in-law will be with his side of the family so it will just be my mom, dad and me indulging in the feast!  I'm thinking that since we are having a mini-Thanksgiving, we will be dressing very casually (I'm hoping for leggings and a tunic), but normally we get a little bit dressed-up for the occasion!

If your family dines more formally for Thanksgiving, this is the perfect dress!  The fit is what does it for me!  It skims the body so you don't look like you're wearing a sack but it's loose and soft enough to accommodate the inevitable stuffed belly.  Not to mention the pretty, burgundy color is perfect for the holiday season!  But do you know what I love the best?  The scallop detailing on the sleeves and hem.  It takes a basic, comfy dress up a notch!  I'm wearing my typical size medium and it fits perfectly!  You can purchase your very own holiday dress from Shein for an amazing price.  Seriously, you will have plenty moolah left over for Christmas shopping!  Or maybe you can find gifts for your favorite gals at Shein!

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: Shein (exact)
Scarf: Cotton On (similar)
Tights: Nordstrom (similar)
Boots: Nordstrom (similar)
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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)

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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.

All Wrapped Up

It's already the last week of our October Style Series at The Blended Blog and this week we are featuring scarves!

I know that some people feel overwhelmed by blanket scarves but I absolutely love them!  There's something so comforting about be wrapped-up and cozy even during the most chaotic of weekdays.  I'm also relieved that the blanket scarf trend seems here to stay, at least for one more year.  I've been seeing them everywhere!

I received this great, neutral version in the Fall FabFitFun box.  It's originally from Modcloth and was included in my box full of seasonal goodies.  I found everything from a cute travel mug to an awesome eye shadow pallet in this season's delivery.  Interested in receiving a box for yourself?  You can get $10 off your first one if you use my code (plus I get a bit of credit, too)!

What are your thoughts on blanket scarves?  Love 'em or leave 'em?  And don't forget to link-up your October looks below!

What I'm Wearing:
Tunic: Wilt (exact)
Ponté Pants: Gap (similar)
Scarf: Modcloth via FabFitFun (similar)
Flats: Target (similar)