Create28: The Poncho

The poncho, this poncho is actually the first I have ever owned! I've wanted one for quite some time but just couldn't find the "perfect" one. Enter my blogging buddy Whitney. I asked her to pick out some pieces for me from Rosegal. One of those pieces was this poncho. It's amazing that people learn your style and know what would work for you just by following you and reading your posts. Whitney was one of the first "friends" I met when I started blogging. So she has read lots of my posts and looked at my style for the beginning. She totally picked something that I love!

I'm just a super fan of neutrals. I also heart plaid so this Rosegal poncho fits into those categories perfectly. Those things also fall into that classic category so I would say Whitney picked a perfect "me" piece.
 

The length is great for my height and this poncho isn't bulky either. It is soft and comfy though!
 

How do you find and pick pieces that are "you"? Do you have a little list in your head so you're not easily swept away by trends and advertising? I'm trying to remember these things while I'm shopping my closet this winter:

• What fit of pants creates confidence? Which ones don't do that?
• What colors flatter my skin tone? Which ones don't do that?
• What fit/cut of tops create confidence? Which ones don't do that?
• What type of sweater am I reaching for most often?
• What is my signature "look" that feels and looks like me?

As I answer those questions and look at my daily outfits posted on Instagram using the hashtag #frommycloset2017, I am beginning to really narrow down my style. I'm not creating a true capsule wardrobe, although I love the idea, I realize it isn't really me. I'm adding in a little fun with bloopers and funny photos this year to my posts. There are just so many and I've just got to laugh at myself. My face and feet do the strangest things and my hubby captures them every.single.time. Also, the wind has blown mightily every.single.weekend {!!!} making it super difficult for a photo shoot. Life goes on...roll with imperfection...grace over perfect!
 

You can find this poncho from Rosegal. I am grateful they sponsored this post but all opinions are my own on this gorgeous piece. I'm off to post this look on Instagram using #create28winter17. Will you be joining us there? Hope so! Have a stylish day! ~Carrie xoxo   Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save Save

Currently: February (Stomach Bug Edition)

I had every intention of writing my monthly Currently post earlier this week but, alas, I was struck-down by a nasty stomach bug.  I'm finally feeling a bit better so, with a little humor (especially if you've been hit by said bug), I present you with Currenty: Stomach Bug Edition.

packing: my school bag full of crackers and Gatorade so that I can survive work without any awful incidents!

jonesing: for solid food.

texting: my dad, "Please send help and the most mild soup you can find!"

reading: a lot as I'm in and out of consciousness.  More specifically, I just finished An Elephant Can Remember by Agatha Christie.  She is my all-time favorite writer but this is possibly my least favorite of her books.

hearting: my cat for keeping me company during the good, the bad and the ugly!
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Create28 and New Year Styled: Go-To Winter Look

Oh my goodness, I have so much going on here at Whitney à la mode today!  First of all, today is the kick-off of Create28 Winter 2017!  This month, Carrie and I are challenging you to create 28 new-to-you outfits inspired by the prompts we've created.  We encourage you to pull yourself out of that winter slump that we're all feeling and to be excited about what you're wearing again!  You can find all 28 prompts at the bottom of this post.

To get started, today we want you to wear your Go-To Winter Look!  I've found for the past few years that all I want to wear while it's cold outside is a warm, chunky cardigan and from there, my go-to look was established!

I love the soft color and texture of this marled blue cardigan.  It's the perfect completer piece on a chilly day!  So perfect, in fact, that I wore this exact sweater for my Go-To Winter Look on this very day last year!  And you know what that means!  This cardigan is a perfect candidate for my New Year Styled Challenge with The Blended Blog!

Last year, I let this cardigan be the pop of color in an otherwise neutral outfit and chose to feature texture (lace) over color.  This year, my look is similar featuring a simple combination of skinny jeans, a t-shirt and the cardigan.  But this time I added color with my favorite LuLaRoe Randy shirt and my pink chucks.

Which look is your favorite?  And how have you been styling your looks this year?  Make sure to link-up below with The Blended Blog and me!  And don't forget to take a look at our Create28 prompts!  We hope you'll play along by linking-up with us on Mondays and adding your looks to Instagram with #create28winter17!  Also, make sure to visit Carrie today to see her Go-To Winter Look.

Tasty Tuesdays at The Blended Blog

Good morning, friends!  I have something a little different happening in the blogging world today.  I'm sharing a favorite recipe!

I don't typically think of myself as a wonderful cook, but if I really reflect on the past couple of years, I'm proud of the tasty dishes that I've created in the kitchen.  Maybe I am a cook after all!

So please head over to The Blended Blog to find one of my favorites: a super easy, delicious and healthy recipe for the traditional French dish, cassoulet!  And while you're there, make sure to link-up one of your favorite dishes!

Jacket Weather?

Okay, I'll be the first to admit that I was a little bit cold wearing this outfit on a snowy day in Michigan.  You would think that being a born-and-bred northerner would mean that I always make practical decisions regarding the weather, but no.  I'm actually the worst!

Nonetheless, I'm loving my new jacket from Shein!  When they presented me with the opportunity to choose and review another product, I immediately fell in love with this classic utility style jacket with a plaid twist (the inside lining and the hood are plaid)!  I get so much use out of my coral utility jacket during the spring and I think this one will be perfect for the fall.

As usual with Shein, I'm impressed with the quality of this garment.  While it's definitely not a winter coat, it is lined and the material feels really soft to the touch.  I'm wearing my typical size medium and it fits well with plenty of room to button-up!

I can't wait for the weather to warm-up a bit so I can add this jacket to my rotation!

What I'm Wearing:
Shirt: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Jacket: Shein (exact)
Leggings: LuLaRoe
Converse: (exact)

Blogging Besties: Gold Accents

The Blogging Besties series is the brain child of Alex @ The Cheerful Closet and Whitney @ Whitney à la Mode. In 2015 the series expanded to include Maricel @ My Closet Catelogue and me, Selah @ A Bibliophile's Style. It's based on the idea of "take one, pass it on," but we're passing on an element from another blogger's outfit. It's a fun challenge that inspires us to be creative!

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Last week, Maricel looked stunning in a TARDIS cobalt blue coat:

The prompts she gave me were "double breasted, simple silhouette or gold accents".

Eep! I own *nothing* double breasted, and simple silhouette is my M. O., so that seems too easy. Gold accents it is!

After writing the above, my whole family got sick, and I was just too busy to take pictures. Luckily, I have this photo, from 2015, that works perfectly!

 Here's a closeup of the leather collar of my top and some of the accessories:

Next week, Whitney can choose from: studded accessory, leather accent, or throwback look.

Previous Editions of Blogging Besties

Create28 is Back

Hey, friends!  Do you remember the Create28 Challenges I used to do with one of my best blogging friends, Carrie?  Well, we are back at it and will be hosting a Create28 this February!

What is Create28, you ask?  It's a challenge to remix your closet and to discover new-to-you outfit combinations!  Each day we will give you a prompt around which you will create an ensemble.  Carrie and I will also be dressing for the prompts and will feature some inspiration looks on our blogs!

We hope that you will join the fun!  You will be able to link-up your looks each Monday of the month and can share your looks on Instagram with #create28winter17!

Are you in?  Fantastic!  You can find the daily prompts below so that you can start outfit planning!

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