What's More Holiday-y than a Christmas Tree Farm?

Hi, beautiful blogging friends!  I'm linking-up today with The Blended Blog for this week's Wednesday style theme, Holiday Attire.  I'm excited to see everyone's looks because this theme can be interpreted so many different ways.  Are you featuring a holiday party outfit?  Or a cozy ensemble to wear at home while sipping hot chocolate?

I'm opting to feature what I wore to pick-out our Christmas tree, because what's more holiday-y than a Christmas tree farm?!

Function is definitely important when traipsing up and down the rows of Christmas trees.  Boots and some warm layers are a must!

But you also want to look fun and festive!  Try some pretty colors or a fun pattern to brighten-up your look!

Alright, head over to The Blended Blog or to my friend Vanessa's blog to link-up!

Kellyann. Sarah. Andrea. Deena. Carrie

Lana. Vanessa. Whitney. Abbie. Shelly

April's Work Wear Remix

Happy Monday, ladies!  I'm excited to be starting a new, monthly series today!

Do you struggle with what to wear to work?  I know I do!  Sometimes it feels like it takes so much effort to even put clothes on at 5:00 in the morning, let alone wear something cute and creative!  Most of the outfits that I find inspiring from blogs or on Pinterest are more casual looks and I know I'm guilty of featuring lots of jeans ensembles here at Whitney à la mode.

But no more, my friend Carrie (the queen of nine to five style, in my book) and I will be collaborating to bring you a monthly post featuring some great wear-to-work looks!

My goal for these posts is to show you one piece, two ways: a work look and a weekend outfit.  For our inaugural post, I'm featuring a floral blouse.  Since it's been so chilly in Michigan, I've been wearing my warmer floral-print pieces in an effort to embrace spring.

For my work look, I chose a color from the floral print and found bottoms to pull-out that hue, in this case olive!  Some cognac accessories complete the look.

For my weekend ensemble, I wanted to do a bit more than just pair the blouse with jeans.  A sweater vest is a fun completer piece for this time of year!

And there you have it, a floral blouse that's great for work or play!  What are you wearing to work this week?  And don't forget to head-over to Carrie's blog for some more, great work-wear inspiration!

What I'm Wearing: Work Look
Blouse: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Skirt: Le Tote (similar, similar)
Wedges: Nordstrom (similar, similar)
Earrings: Nickel and Suede (exact)

What I'm Wearing: Weekend Look
Blouse: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Vest: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)
Jeans: American Eagle (exact)
Flats: Target (exact)
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Pink for a Relaxed Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is right around the corner!  Do you have plans for a romantic date with your special someone?  Or maybe you are celebrating Galentine's Day with your best girlfriends?  Will you be spreading the love at work since the holiday falls on a Wednesday?

In any case, it's fun to have something special to wear for Valentine's Day!  My boyfriend and I will be going to a nice restaurant for dinner, but I will be teaching during the day on February 14th.  For work, I'll be wearing something like this!

Pink makes for a festive Valentine's Day outfit plus the wubby material of this vest will keep me warm, comfortable and happy all day long!

What I'm Wearing:
Vest: Francesca's (exact)
Top: LOFT (signature soft tops)
Jeans: American Eagle (exact)
Sneakers: Ked's (exact)

What will you be wearing for Valentine's Day?  Link-up your looks below!

How to Wear a Fur Vest After the Holidays

Well hello, lovelies!  As I'm getting back into the groove with outfit photos and blogging, I've been looking to The Blended Blog for some inspiration.  We're starting to add themes to our Wednesday style posts and this week we're talking about vests.

After years of wanting the perfect (faux) fur vest, I finally found one this December.  It isn't too over-the-top, came in the color I wanted and has a sweater-back instead of fur all over.  I'm telling you, this is the fur vest of my dreams.  Not to mention it was a total steal at $35 instead of the usual $70+ that I see for fur vests.  And good news!  It is still on sale and comes in multiple, fun colors (I think I need to add the red one to my closet now).  If you've been looking for the perfect fur vest, definitely check this one out!

Faux fur (because I would never wear real), to me, seems so perfect for the holidays!  The material exudes warmth and a little bit of glam.  I had fun wearing this vest to Christmas get-togethers but when December ended, I wasn't quite ready to hang it up until next year.

Now, I'm normally not one to prescribe to style "rules."  I generally think that you should wear what makes you happy, but that doesn't mean that I don't feel a little self-conscious sometimes when I think I'm wearing something out of the ordinary.

So, I've come-up with three ideas to help you transition your fur pieces to the new year:

1.  Wear fur with neutrals.  I think bold colors add to the festive feel of the holidays so I stuck with shades of brown and blue to calm the fur down in the new year.

2.  Dress-down the fur.  I also think that wearing fur with a dress makes for a pretty fancy ensemble.  Wearing it with jeans and a tee feels more "everyday" to me.

3.  Own it.  Sometimes you just gotta step outside your comfort zone and wear what you want to wear!

What I'm Wearing:
Striped Tee: Boden (exact)
Vest: Macy's (exact)
Jeans: American Eagle (exact)
Ankle Boots: Nordstrom (exact)

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

Blogging Besties: Distressed Denim

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 Selah looked oh so pretty in pink and gave me the following prompts from which to choose: floral, distressed denim or ballet flats.

I really debated which prompt to use because I love all of them and am so ready for some spring-time floral in my life!  But ultimately, I went where inspiration took me and landed on distressed denim.

I purchased this sweater vest at the GAP Outlet this fall and didn't love my first attempt at styling it.  Since then, though, I think I've got it figured out!  I definitely prefer it with longer sleeves sticking out.  I wore the vest with lace during my trip to China and have added stripes here!

Alright, Alex is up next and here are her prompts for next week: a sweater vest, blue and brown or multi-colored stripes!
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A Fall Vest

Back when Lisa proposed her ideas for our weekly style posts with The Blended Blog for October, I immediately signed-up to style a vest with this exact one in mind!  I purchased it at the Gap Outlet during my annual back-to-school shopping trip with my mom.  It's super soft and cozy, perfect for those chilly fall mornings when you don't want to get out of bed and want to stay comfy all day!

I'm so very excited to wear this vest with a basic, white long-sleeved tee and boots or even a navy-striped top!  Unfortunately (for this fall weather lover), temperatures reached the mid-seventies the day that I wore and photographed this outfit and I couldn't wear the outfits of my dreams.  Oh well, the weather forced me to be creative and think of a different outfit combination...and hey, that's what I created this blog to motivate myself to do!  Ultimately I'm glad that I chose to feature a vest for this series because vests are perfect transitional pieces when you want to layer-up but the temperatures aren't agreeing with you.

What is your favorite kind of vest for fall?  A puffer vest or perhaps a utility vest?  Show us how you've styled them by linking-up below!

Since I am an official member of The Blended Blog's blog hop today, please please please head over to visit Christy next to see how she has styled a fall vest or jacket! And thanks for stopping by today!

What I'm Wearing:

Vest: Gap Outlet (similar, similar)

Lace Tee: LOFT Outlet (similar)

Watch: JORD (exact)

Jeans: American Eagle (exact)

Converse: DSW (exact)

Create28: Fair Isle Sweater

I don't consider myself to be a super trendy dresser.  I'm not opposed to trends but, on a teacher's budget, I would prefer to purchase classic pieces that will stand the test of time.

Every once in awhile, though, there is a trend that I feel particularly drawn to and that I feel matches my somewhat classic style.  When fair isle sweaters started popping-up in stores this fall, the pretty patterns and cozy textures really appealed to me and I knew I wanted to add one to my closet.

There were so many fun sweaters to choose from!  I found Christmasy ones, neutral ones, cardigan versions, and even leggings and dresses!

But then I found this sweater from the Gap with its pretty pinks and blues and I knew it was the one!  It has that cozy, winter vibe but I think the colors will help take it into the spring transition.

 

I went with a classic look this time around with my trusty chambray and skinny jeans.  Metallic flats added a fun little pop to the outfit!  I'm thinking these shoes will be getting a lot more wear when the warmer weather rolls around.  I'm seeing lots of metallic flats and sandals on the horizon for this spring and summer!  

And you gotta love when the outerwear and purse you throw-on for errands work so well with your outfit, amiright?!

Do you have any fair isle or patterned sweaters that you are loving this winter?  Show us on Instagram (#create28winterlooks) and make sure to link-up with us on Monday!

What I'm Wearing:

Sweater: Gap (exact)

Chambray: Old Navy (exact)

Jeans: American Eagle (exact)

Vest: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Purse: Nordstrom Rack (similar, similar)

Flats: DSW (similar, similar)

Create28: Turtleneck

Is it just me or are turtlenecks making a comeback this year?  I, admittedly, was a little slow to jump on the turtleneck train due to some not too fond memories of the garment as a child.  I'm sure you remember the basic layering turtleneck of the nineties that my mom would make me wear under everything from a sundress to a Halloween costume?!

But would you believe it if I told you that it was my mom who convinced me that turtlenecks are chic these days?  I actually had this top sitting in my online shopping cart from LOFT but wasn't quite convinced I could like a turtleneck.  Then I went over to my parents' and guess who was wearing the exact top!?  My mom!  Between the stripes and the tunic fit, I just couldn't resist.  I am now the happy owner of a turtleneck!

I think this tunic has lots of comfy potential, but for its first outing, I went with a monochromatic look. A vest, some skinny jeans, a pendant and a simple pair of flats made for an easy but put-together look.

So tell me, are you on board the turtleneck train?  Mine is currently on sale and Shopbop has some great options for turtleneck tunics...not to mention some really cozy looking sweater tunics (did you see the fringed poncho turtleneck sweater?)!

Let's see those turtlenecks on Instagram (#create28winterlooks)!  And I hope that you'll stop by tomorrow to see how Carrie styles her stripes (my favorite pattern)!

What I'm Wearing:

Turtleneck: LOFT (exact)

Vest: Eddie Bauer (similar)

Pendant: Gift (exact)

Jeans: American Eagle (exact)

Flats: Amazon (exact)

Blogging Besties: Chucks

Selah looked sporty yet feminine in last week's outfit:

She gave me the option of passing-on masculine/feminine, a bomber jacket, a fit and flare dress, fuchsia or white Chucks (or Converse as I usually call them)!

I attempted to pass-on both the fuchsia and the Chucks but the outfit just wasn't coming together.  Then I decided to fall back on a few of my favorite, classic pieces...including the Chucks!

I've you've spent any time at Whitney à la mode you know that I love a good black and white striped shirt.  This vest has also been in my closet for years and I still love its muted purple color as much as the day I bought it.  These two pieces + my trusty over-sized pearl earrings + boyfriend jeans + Chucks made for a super easy, comfy and classic look!

If you aren't a Converse convert yet, I would highly recommend buying a pair!  They take your average comfy outfit and make it sharper and more put-together.  Plus they have various colors and styles to choose from!

By the way, my hair is finally (barely) long enough to wear a top knot!  I'm so darn excited!

Up next week in our Blogging Besties series is Alex!  Here are the pieces she has to choose from: a topknot, pearls, a striped shirt, a vest, boyfriend jeans, or Chucks...or a pet photobomb!

Meet Blu, my boyfriend's dog!

What I'm Wearing:

Shirt: Banana Republic (similar, similar)

Earrings: Macy's (similar)

Vest: Eddie Bauer (similar)

Jeans: Old Navy (exact)

Converse: DSW (exact)

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties

Featured On:

Whitney à la mode

Undergraduate Style
My Closet Catalogue
A Bibliophile's Style

Where I'm linking-up!

Create28: Blanket Scarf

Ok, I have a little confession--i am doing a post on blanket scarves...yet I don't actually OWN a blanket scarf...like a "for reals, giant, scarf that can keep a family of five warm"-type blanket scarf.

Living in California, 99% of the time, I would overheat and DIE in a true blanket scarf (although it would come in handy when camping!), so I purchased what I call the "California Blanket Scarf." My version has a lot more scarf and a lot less "blanket!" Yet I feel I can get roughly the same look with overheating.

I picked mine up at Sears (Yeah, my boots on Wednesday from Sears, now this!??! So odd..I can't figure out why I keep finding stuff at Sears!!) but nearly the same version can be found at Target HERE--i have seen the pattern closer to mine in stores but not online.

There are two ways I like to wear this scarf ~

1) Tied with Stripes ~ Even though plaid technically has stripes, for some reason I love adding even MORE stripes with my plaid! This "tie" is super easy and I feel gives the right amount of "bulk" to get the cozy blanket scarf look without drowning my 5'4" frame.

Jeans (my FAVE to wear with boots!): exact
Striped Tee: Target (similar)
Vest: via Jane (similar, similar)
Boots: Frye (similar)
Scarf: Sears (see similar options below!)

My scarf is roughly the same size as the Target one. All I did was hold it out lengthwise, then bring together two of the corners and TIE! I leave the other ends loose to some added volume :) Then I just wrapped it twice around my neck. Easy!

2) Just Hanging ~ Sometimes I just like the look of the plaid, but I don't need the extra bulk/heat around my neck, so I will just drape it over my shoulders.

Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Booties: similar, cute option


So the "California Scarf" is basically the look of the blanket scarf with less bulk. :)

Have you all made the trendy plunge and purchased a blanket scarf (REAL or California Style)?!!!? I'd love to see the ways you style them! Link up with us on Mondays or use the hashtag #Create28FallLooks on Instagram! And don't forget to stop by tomorrow when Carrie shows us some pretty Fall blouses!

I will leave you with some great blanket scarves and "California Blanker Scarf" options! (click on any pic for more info!)

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

Create28: White After Labor Day

No white after Labor Day -- To gals that are into fashion, we know that rule is old news! But some people still take this rule to heart. No one is QUITE sure where this rule came from...I have heard varying stories. The most popular being that upper class Americans in the early 1900's used to take summer vacations away from the urban "concrete jungle" and visit cooler places--therefore wearing "cooler" type colors, including white. When they returned to the City after Labor Day, they would wear their "city clothes" (darker colors), to mark the end of the summer.

I have no idea if there is any truth to this, all I know is I love white before AND after Labor Day!!!  I have two ways I like to wear it in the fall~

1) Paired with "fallish" items such as plaids, vests, boots, etc.

2) Paired with neutrals or "winter whites."

Here are my two looks ~

Look #1 ~ Paired with plaid and a cargo vest

White Jeans: Loft (similar)
Plaid Shirt: Kohl's (similar, similar)
Cargo Vest: TJ Maxx (option)
Ankle Boots: similar, similar
Necklace: Stella & Dot (exact)

Look #2 ~ The neutrals look

White Jeans: Loft (similar)
Sweater: Nordstrom Rack (similar, similar)
Leopard Scarf: H&M (similar, similar)
Boots: Corso Como/Nordstrom (similar)

Do you **DARE** wear white after Labor Day???

We'd love for you to join us for Create28 Fall Looks! Link up with us on Mondays or use the hashtag #Create28FallLooks on social media!

Don't forget to follow A Little Bit of Cheer on Facebook HERE

Follow me on Instagram HERE

Follow any of my boards on Pinterest HERE 

Follow me on Bloglovin' HERE  

See where I link up HERE

Create28: Mocassins

I have a confession to make.  Boots and booties are not my favorite fall footwear.  Gasp, I know, what kind of personal style blogger am I?

While I love my cognac riding boots and have multiple pairs of suede booties sitting in my closet, moccasins are my favorite cozy shoes to slip into on a casual fall day!  There is something so effortlessly cool about a pair of moccasins.  They state, "this is who I am, I'm comfy and that's all that matters!"

Despite the inherent chicness of a pair of moccasins, their best feature is that they are so darn comfortable!  Who doesn't want to wear a pair of shoes that feel like slippers?  This fall, a stretchy pair of skinnies, a soft sweater and a vest make for the perfect, comfy Saturday uniform (yes, I know it's Tuesday but I took these pictures on Saturday #truthfulblogger).  By the way, this sweater (which might just be my favorite piece this fall) is on super sale in several different colors.  I want one of each, please!

After years of wearing moccasins purchased from Target, I decided it was time to step it up and buy some good-quality moccasins (I did love my Target pair but I wore them until they ripped last year).  I recently invested in a pair from Minnetonka and I couldn't be happier!  Have you checked-out Minnetonka before?  Not only do they have classic moccasins but they have some really fun colors and designs, too (I'm eyeing you, hot pink pair).  And if I can't convince you to step out of your boots, you could wear a pair of moccasin boots!  Here are some of my favorites!

Do you love moccasins as much as I do?  Share your love on Insta (#Create28FallLooks) and by linking-up on Monday.  I also hope that you'll stop back tomorrow because Casey will be sharing a look featuring falls hottest denim trend: flares!

What I'm Wearing:

Sweater: Gap Outlet (exact)

Tassel Necklace: LOFT (similar, similar)

Vest: Eddie Bauer Outlet (similar, similar)

Skinnies: American Eagle (exact)

Moccasins: Minnetonka (exact)

Where I'm linking-up!