Bundling up in style

Well dolls, this morning was the first time that I stepped outside and was greeted with a breeze just chilly enough to send a shiver straight up my spine and have me desiring to be bundled up in that ever essential fall accessory: the perfect cold-weather jacket! Remember when your mother would force you into your over-sized, always uncomfortable and unflattering and possibly even patterned winter jacket before she would release you to go gallivanting around the neighborhood with your pals? I still have nightmares. But fear not my darlings, because long gone are the days of wearing a jacket purely for warmth, for as any fashionista knows good outerwear is one of the best ways to show off your personal style. This becomes increasingly true in the colder months when outerwear is mandatory, rather than a fun accessory, and the first part of your outfit that the world sees every day. With the variety of styles and trends in coats staking their claim on the runways and in the beloved glossy pages we pour over every month, there is absolutely no need to sacrifice style, or comfort for that matter, in order to protect your dainty figures from the powerful winter winds. My personal shopping advice would be to save the splurges for a classic coat, such as a trench or peacoat, that you know you will want to wear for years and play the thrifty role on the trendier styles that are fun now, but may be old news next season. And as always kittens, find the style and fit that compliments your own unique look and don't try to cater yourself to be something you think you should be. 

Military jackets have been a commanding presence on the fashion scene for several years now, and don't appear to be retreating anytime soon. With a multitude of lengths, fits and colors this is a versatile trend that any fashionista can work into her wardrobe. Just make sure to strut your stuff with confidence and authority when donning this attention-grabbing garment you little knockouts!

Thanks to fashion icons such as Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, the trench coat will forever be a classic. It has become associated with style, sophistication and grace and according to Annemarie Iverson's In Fashion it is a wardrobe essential of anyone seeking a career in any aspect of the fashion world. So do yourself a favor fashionistas and find yourself a trench that you can drape over your frame for years to come while announcing to the world that you are a classic beauty to be taken seriously. I have been eying the Topshop beauty  on the far left for months!

A clean-cut, classic jean jacket is another wardrobe staple. Though typically not enough to keep you warm in the true winter months, a jean jacket is the perfect fall outerwear. Throwing one of these on over that floral sundress that you lived in this summer is an easy way to transition your favorite warm weather items into breeze-ready attire.

What better way to experiment with the most recent spotted trend (hehe) than to wrap yourself up in a fur-i-licious jacket and let your inner animal loose!  Whether you prefer a bulky outerlayer or a more tailored cut, you are sure to feel fierce with this statement piece. 

And to finish it off, the traditional peacoat. You can go classic with this look in a black, gray or white choice, or you can be bold and add a bright hue to your routine with a colored choice. Either way it will successfully keep you warm and will always be in style, thus ensuring your chic-ness for years to come.

So my dears, tell me what is your cold-weather outerwear of choice? Do you like to play it safe with the classics or take a walk on the wild side with trendier options? Or maybe you like to mix it up! Share your cozy accessory cravings with me, and don't forget to enter the H&M giveaway I am hosting before midnight Sunday!! You don't want to pass up an opportunity to shop! 

Bisous!

  

Giveaway Fun!!

Bonsoir babes! I hope your weekends were filled with fabulous events, whether you engaged in exciting adventures or enjoyed  a relaxing lounge weekend on the couch snuggled up with your sweetie. Either way, I am sure you looked fantastic!

Well, I promised you a giveaway and a giveaway I am delivering! I am so thoroughly enjoying writing this blog and getting feedback from readers, so I want to show my appreciation for all that I have learned from each of you. I wish I could personally thank each and everyone one of you, but since we are only connected through the wonderful blogosphere for now, I will have to content myself with continuing to read your lovely posts and learning from you every day. But for one lucky reader, I am giving you the opportunity to win a $25 gift certificate to H&M!!! I know we all have fall items we are still hoping to add to our wardrobe, and I would like to help one of you do a little bit of shopping! The rules to enter are pretty simple, but please feel free to ask a question if you need any help entering!! I hope you will all join in the fun before midnight (ET) October 31! I will announce the winner Monday morning.

To enter:
1. You must be a follower of A La Mode et Plus either through Google Friend Connect or bloglovin'
2. Leave a comment on this post about your must have item for the fall and don't forget to tell me how you are following this blog.
3. Please leave your contact info (either blog address or email address) so I will know how to reach you if you win!

For extra entries (separate comment for each please): 
1. Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect AND bloglovin'
2. Follow me on twitter (laurachanning)
3. Tweet about this giveaway, and please leave the url to your tweet
4. Post about this giveaway on your own blog
5. Share your best blogging tip!

Good luck chicas!!

Bisous!

 

Getting to know each other

Hello beautifuls!! Remember me? The girl who used to entertain you with musings about all things pretty and then disappeared?? Well the good news is that I am back! My friends left yesterday and I was quite sad to see them go, but I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful visit with them! We had a blast hanging out, catching up, giggling and gossiping, riding rollercoasters and exploring DC! (Quick shoutout to Emily and Jack who I think read this sometimes: I had the most perfect weekend with both of you and could not ask for two better best friends! Love you dearly and can't wait to see you for homecoming!!) Check back soon for picture documentation of our fabulous adventures :)

So really quickly, I have to share a piece of news with you that I am very excited about! I have never, ever won any kind of random drawing in my life. I stopped participating in raffles years ago because I was never the winner and thought maybe I was cursed with bad luck in giveaways. Since I started blogging, though, I decided to be optimistic and I have entered just about every giveaway I have come across on your lovely blogs. Today, I got news that I was finally a winner! And to top it off, I had one a giveaway that was one of my favorites ever! Thanks to Belle de Couture and Lavender Cottage I will be receiving this beautiful pendant in the mail shortly!

Well my dears, since my second monthiversary as a blogger is rapidly approaching, I decided to take the time to introduce myself to you all a little bit more. One of my daily must-read bloggers, Katie of Fashion's Maven, just posted a lovely little survey and asked for everyone to answer the questions as well, so I am obliging her request :) Enjoy darlings.

What is your favorite time of the day?

Ok this is going to be a very corny answer, but my favorite time of day is really more of a moment than a specific time, because it happens at different times on an given day. But it most definitely occurs each and every day. On my desk at work the only decoration I have yet to put up is a picture frame that reads "FAMILY: WE LIVE, WE LAUGH, WE LOVE" and contains a photo of my college swim team given to me as my senior gift from the team. Without fail, every time I glance at the photo for the first time in a day, an unmask-able happiness shows on my face as I grin from ear to ear. The photo never ceases to remind me of how truly unforgettable my last year of college was single-handedly because of the group pictured. We shared an unbreakable bond that I will never forget and always cherish. That team represents the thing that I am most proud of in my life, and I love having a reminder of that sitting on my desk, daily awaiting me like a surprising little treat.

Not the same photo, but one taken right after the one I have framed.

Where and when did you meet the love of your life?

When I find him I will absolutely let you know! Though I have been in love twice before (once was puppy love and the other was the real thing) I am still waiting to find THE love of my life. Until I do, I am perfectly content to be surrounded by my many loves of life: my incredible friends and family.

What 3 words would your friends outside the blogging world use to describe you? 

Empathetic, caring and loyal  

Spent a week at the beach this summer with some of my best friends

What country would you like to visit and why?

For someone with a serious travel addiction, this is a dangerous question!  If we are picking a country I have already been to, I would have to say France because I miss it so dearly and cannot wait to return to my beloved Paris. But, if I was choosing a new, unexplored area I would pick Australia (and yes, I do know it is a continent!) I've always been fascinated  by the exotic culture of the land down under and as a die-hard beach girl, I think I would easily assimilate right in to the laid back life.

Some day, some day!

  What is your favorite dish to cook?  

Citrus tilapia. It is actually the first dish I ever made completely on my own. I was very nervous, because I had never been a terrific cook and didn't even really like fish all that much. I was so pleasantly surprised when not only was the meal well-received by my taste-testers, I discovered that I too enjoyed the course! I have since then experimented many times in the kitchen and developed a real interest in cooking, as well as a love of most fish! I am currently working on becoming less dependent on recipes and a bit more creative with my cooking endeavors.

Not my tilapia- never taken a photo of it

 Salt or sugar?

Hmm at different times I crave different tastes, but I would have to say that more often than not I want sugar! I am my father's daughter in the sense that I am the queen of the sweet-tooth!

If you want me to love you forever, bring me this delicious-ness! :)

  What are your must have make-up or beauty items?  

I have mentioned this a few times, but I am not a beauty expert at all! I am working on experimenting with my daily look and diversifying, but at the moment I still tend to just quickly throw on my routine products without much though. I currently use artistry liquid foundation and powder, because I like the more full coverage look of a powder on top of the liquid base. For eyeshadow, I have a few clinique shadows that I have borrowed from my mom over the years that I enjoy and I will try to match my eyes with the color palette of my outfit as often as I can. I go through phases with mascara, but right now I use Cover Girl LashBlast every day and I am very satisfied. I love the non-clumpy defined look and it lasts all day. I honestly cannot even remember the name of the blush I use right now, but when I remember to throw it on it is one of those multi-colored shades that I prefer because of the natural, glowing look it gives my skin. I am not picky on gloss, as long as it is a light shade of pink to go with my fair skin that doesn't feel too sticky. The one beauty item that I swear by is St. Ives apricot face scrub. I absolutely love the way my face feels after using this product. It is like an at-home facial that is gentle enough for daily use. And the price tag is pretty unbeatable!

absolutely divine

What are your favorite flowers? 

Pink roses, hands down. I think flowers in general are incredibly romantic so anytime a guy gives me any flowers, especially if it is a random surprise and not a special occasion, I am extremely happy. But, if you really to get me a flower that I adore, it would be a pink rose.

So pretty

  What do you think are your worst vices, honestly? 

I have a tendency to bottle things up inside because I don't trust a lot of people. I have a hard time sharing my feelings with people unless I am very close to them and comfortable with them. Funny enough, blogging is actually helping me to overcome this though because it forces me to get more comfortable being open with people.

At what time of your life were you the happiest and why?

Oh my gosh what a great, but tough, last question! I think I have to choose two, because they are so equal in my mind. The first is when I was studying in Paris. It was the best four months of my life, even though I desperately missed family and friends, and I learned more about myself than I ever could have imagined. I discovered I was a very capable young woman, and much more independent than I had thought. I learned my strength, and I learned how to be happy with exactly what I had. Absolutely invaluable lessons if you ask me! The second time in my life that I was indescribably happy was my senior year in college. I mentioned that at beginning of this long post and I will say it again. Meeting the friends that I met through swim team my senior year was a life-changing experience. I found a group of people who needed me, counted on me and gave me a strong sense of purpose. I felt like the leader I had always wanted to be, and I developed life-long friendships that mean the world to me.

My lovely swimmers during our fall retreat. Miss them all dearly!

To keep with the theme of getting to know each other better, I'd like to ask for feedback from you my lovely readers. For those of you are checking out my newest adventure, what would you like to see from the blog that you aren't currently getting? Essentially, where can I improve to make this blog better for you? I'd love to hear from you lovelies!! 

Well, if you made it to the bottom of this epicly long post, thank you! I hope many of you will answer these questions as well because I would love to learn all about you! I will go ahead and tag a few people just to get the ball rolling, but I invite anyone who wants to participate to join in the fun! If I tag you and you have already done this, sorry!

Vivian of  Diamonds and Tulle

Erika of Cafe Fashionista

Jessica of Style Obsession

Gabby of Gypsy*Diaries

Closet Fashionista 

Stay tuned babes for a GIVEAWAY to be announced soon!!! 

Bisous!

Sugar and spice and all things nice

Bonsoir babes! The weekend is almost here which makes everyone happy, right? Mine technically started tonight, but it won't feel like the weekend until my two best friends from college get here tomorrow. I am SO excited to see them! I have a fun-filled weekend planned for us, so I may not get to post again until Sunday, but rest assured I will have outfit posts and details galore when I surface :)

Today was a rainy, gray day- the kind where you don't even want to crawl out from under your luxe covers and drag yourself anywhere and if I was still in college it would have been the perfect skip class and lounge day. But, alas in the working world that is not an option. So to counter-act the rainy day blues, I thought about all the things I am loving right now, and thought I would share a few with you femme fatales!

 1. Ok this Christian Louboutin twisted suede bootie is definitely an "only in my dreams" shoe, but I am still smitten! It truly combines so many of my shoe loves: a dipped vamp to subtly slim your leg, the ever trendy  bootie look, a sky-high platform heel and of course the signature red sole! Oh what I wouldn't give to see that coveted red sole shining from my closet every day! If only I had a spare $1100…

 2. Orly's Space Cadet polish: Ever since one of my favorite bloggers, Café Fashionista, blogged about the out-of-this-world shade which she called "THE color for fall", I have been dying to get my hands on it and paint up! Though the elusive polish still has not made its way to my makeup drawer, its chameleon-like capabilities haunt me and making it mine is on my must-do list for the weekend.

3. The Best American Sports Writing 2010: For those of you who haven't noticed yet, I am a sports junkie. I come from a family of sports nuts, so I'm not sure I ever really had a choice. I wouldn't say I follow sports news as religiously as I scout fashion and trends, but it is a very close second. Needless to say, when I came across this delightful read in a tiny bookshop in Georgetown with a quite eccentric collection, I was thrilled! I grew up reading the sports page of the Washington Post with my dad every morning, so this collage of "the best sports writing" of recent days brings back fond memories of those mornings. I usually only read one essay before bed at night, because I want to savor the book and prolong the joy that the words bring me.

 4. Thanks to my Paris BFF I am now the unfortunate victim of a serious addiction. Yes, my loves I regret to inform you that I have turned into a total chai latte addict!! The entire time we were in Paris she spoke about this mystical drink as if it had actual hearing powers. So naturally, on our first rendez-vous back in the States we drank the infamous drink and I was instantly hooked. Now, my morning doesn't feel complete until I am guzzling down this delectable beverage.

5. Sweaterdresses: One of my biggest obsessions right now is sweaterdresses. Nothing screams fall to me more than a cozy sweaterdress and it just so happens that victoria's secret has been sending me daily emails reminding me of the gorgeous jewel-colored gems that they currently have on sale and it is taking all my willpower to resist digitally snatching them all up. I might have to break down and get one, but I would really prefer to try a few options on first, considering one of the biggest draws of the outfit is how comfy chic it is! 

6. YOU!! Honestly, this blogging journey is one of the things that makes me the happiest right now! I have fooled around with blogging before, but I have never gotten serious about it before. But this time, I feel like I have a community to connect with, a passion to share and "friends" who inspire me every day. Plus, I just love writing in any form and writing about fashion is just the cherry on top! Thank you reading and for the comments. They truly are a high point of my day. And I promise to return the favor :)

So now dolls, what is on your love list? Do you have any tricks you use to keep your spirits up on those rainy days? What fabulous plans do you have for the weekend?

Bisous!

Unveiling...

How many of you have that one chic accessory that you know in an instant will add glam to any outfit? The one that had you saving your pretty little pennies for quite awhile before dashing out to satisfy your craving. The one that can make you feel completely grown-up on the outside, no matter what youthful desires are screaming on the inside to be let out. Well, my darlings, I am pleased to say that I have now joined your club. Never did I imagine myself admiring an accessory quite as much as I have been doing with this beauty for several weeks. It seemed to be everywhere! With each blog I read that displayed it tantalizingly, I grew more and more enamored, until I finally broke down and decided it was unhealthy to deprive myself of such a strong "want". Yes, I know it was not necessarily a need, but hey, sometimes a girl just deserves a treat!! And so, without further adieu, I present you with....

My absolute obsession! I had been seeing Michael Kors beauties glistening in the blogosphere for quite some time and I just couldn't resist their allure any longer! I managed to get a great deal on my lovely watch, but it was still a good bit more than I typically allow myself to spend on an accessory. However, I feel totally justified in my purchase, because I know it is a classic piece that I will wear all the time. Plus, there is something to be said for how put-together I feel donning this gem every day. It is my first "adult" piece of jewelry and I couldn't be happier!

With three freelance articles worth of work clasped around my wrist, I have a permanent reminder of how great it feels to work hard for something that you truly want. Even though this purchase was definitely a "want" and not a "need", in a way I think that makes me appreciate it even more!

I couldn't wait to try out several of my new purchases today, and with the Palestinian Ambassador to the U.S. coming in today, it seemed like the perfect day to feel grown-up.

I was so in love with this printed sundress that I picked up in Georgetown this weekend, that I couldn't let it idle in my closet until spring. But with the half cardi, tights and wedges it made for a perfect transition outfit. Cardigan: Anne Taylor, Dress: Urban Outfitters, Tights: Topshop, Wedges: Steve Madden, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring and necklace: Grandmother's vintage, Bracelet: Personal Accents, Purse: Handbag Heaven, Scarf: Paris

Added my favorite scarf to my structured, lady-like handbag to give it a youthful vibe. It also conveniently complimented the subtle pink throughout the dress.

Showing off the watch :)

Though my love of shoes seems to have taken a back seat to my watch in this post, I can't totally ignore my absolute favorite pair currently! Never have I had such a comfortable, cute shoe!!

It was love at first step :) (Yes, I really am a cornball)

So dolls, what accessory gives you that total grown up chic confidence? Have you come to love a certain piece of your jewelry collection so much that you feel naked stepping out of the door without it? I'd love to hear all about it! A big thank you to all my lovely readers and followers! Hearing from you always just makes my day :)

Bisous!

Sweetness and light

Hello lovelies! I hope everyone had a blissful weekend :) Mine was filled with cupcakes, shopping and delightful times with friends. It couldn't have gotten any better! My Paris BFF took the bus down from NYC for the weekend and we had such a marvelous time together. Even though I had seen her a month ago, it still felt like we had loads to catch up on. We spent most of Friday just lounging around chatting and eating (if you knew the two of us that would be a given).

 Considering it ended up being 80+ degrees on Friday I didn't pick the best day to debut my faux leather jacket, but I got lots of compliments so I think it was worth it :) Jacket: Century 21, Tanktop: White House Black Market, Jeans: Levi's, Wedges: M.P.S, Purse: Vintage Louis Vuitton, Ring: Grandmother's vintage, Earrings: Gifted, Nails: Essie Merino Cool.

Saturday we decided to be a bit more productive and enjoyed a fantastic day of shopping in the city. We also had the BEST thai food I have ever had in my life, which I had totally wanted to take a picture of it to show you ladies because it was so elegantly presented, but silly me forgot the memory card in the camera. Anyways, Sam and I are planning to move to Georgetown together when she moves here in January, so we also wanted to check out the area and see if there were any available apartments as well. While we didn't exactly find our dream apartment yet, we certainly managed to find some major shopping scores! I even got to experience my first vintage store. We didn't really have enough time to thoroughly explore and sift through to find the hidden gems, but we had fun anyways and now that I know where it is, I will definitely visit again. And of course I had to pop into my beloved Steve Madden to once more drool over the beautiful glittery pumps I have been admiring forever. Sam and I both ended up doing great at Urban Outfitters though! A lot of adorable clothes on sale.

I was sooo happy when I came across this adorable little racerback tank shoved in the back of the crowded sales rack. Not only was I in love with the casual loose fit and the stripes, but the words are of course part of my blog name! It just seemed too perfect. Expect to see this in an outfit post asap before it gets too cold!

I have a major thing for printed sundresses and the color of this one, combined with the wonderful sale tag, made it irresistible to me! Even though the days of sundresses are pretty much gone for the season, I think this can definitely be paired with a jacket, tights and boots to carry it into fall.

I really loved the mixing of prints. Have you noticed my theme of enjoying that trend?? :)

 I also picked up a perfect little black lace bandeau bra (which I had desperately needed) but I think I will keep that just to myself :) After I had completely worn Sam out with shopping I had to reward her with an overdose of sweetness as we ventured to the famous Georgetown Cupcake shop and picked up the cutest box of cupcakes I have ever seen in my life. 

If you ever visit Georgetown please make sure to try one of these delectable treats! But I highly recommend pre-ordering them unless you enjoy waiting in an hour and a half line. Sam, my cousin (Katie) and I each picked two scrumptious cakes from the menu to sample. Katie and Sam both went with a classic red velvet and while Katie paired hers with a cute sunshine, Sam decided to be festive and try out a pumpkin spice. I of course couldn't pass up a peanut butter fudge and a mint oreo selection. All of us were very satisfied and full, though the cat was not pleased that he did not get to partake in the sampling.

I admit that this has kind of become my go-to shopping day ensemble. To me it is the perfect combination of comfortable enough to spend the day testing and trying new clothes, but chic enough to make you feel confident as you browse. Dress: Heartloom, Boots: Steven by Steve Madden, Earrings: gifted, Bracelets: borrowed from mom, Ring: Grandmother's vintage.

Ok ladies, now enough about me, I want to hear all about your weekends! Any shopping trips or major scores that you are just thrilled about? Did you explore any fun cities that you want to share with me? I'd love to hear all about it darlings so share away! And stay tuned for my mystery exciting purchase reveal :)

Bisous!

Cuddle up kittens

One of the undeniably fabulous things about the colder weather is wrapping up in chunky layers and cuddling up on the couch-hopefully with a cuddle buddy :). And I think we can all agree that one of this season's hottest things to be wrapped in is fur-whether faux or real. While in the fashion world, real is almost always better I personally prefer to fake it when it comes to fur. Lucky for the furry-friendly fashionista there are many, many amazing options for us to don and look terrificly elegant. The luxurious softness and wallet friendly price tag are the candles on top. I've been scouring the web to score one of these beauties, and I haven't made any decisons quite yet, but these are some of my favorites:

If this was not sold out on every site I have come across, it would be in my closet!!! Oh the sadness.

I thought about picking up a vest like this in Paris, but the only ones they had were made of rabbit and I just couldn't do that.

I really love this one! It is so simple but great and could easily be used to dress any outfit up or down.

Mmm this one is just fur-i-licious!!

What do you ladies think of fur? Are you loving it as this seasons it outerwear? Do you favor vests or jackets?

Continuing to show support for breast cancer awareness. Shirt and skirt: H&M, Wedges: Steve Madden, Necklace: Charlotte Russe, Earrings, bracelets and ring: Personal Accents, Ring: Grandmother's vintage

Finally tried out one of my new Essie's! Nails: Merino Cool. I never would choose a color like this typically but I LOVE it. It is a really beautiful shade. Can't wait to try the others :)

I have to admit I have such a weakness for Charlotte Russe jewelry. They have a huge selction at a great price.

New wedges. I had been looking for a pair that was just a simple black pair, and this was the chosen pair.

So I made a very exciting purchase this week that I can't wait to get and share with you!! Hopefully it will come soon because I feel  like a little kid on christmas eve waiting for this package to arrive! Ok beauties, have a fabulous weekend!!
Bisous!

Pretty in pink

Hello bellas! Oh the joy of working two jobs and not hoping into bed until 3 am.... and yet I am still blogging. Guess that makes me crazy! Well I apologize, but I am going to keep this short for now since my eyes are fighting to stay open, and who knows what I might write in this sleep-deprived state! :) I will leave you with just my outfit pictures for now, but check back tomorrow afternoon for an updated post! Every Wednesday in October is show your pink support day at my office, which naturally I love for many reasons, so of course I had to join the cause! Not that it was a hardship since I am obsessed with pink anyways. Ok ladies, good night and good luck!


(P.S. I was doing sooo well on no shoe buying... until today)

In honor of yesterday's tribute to scarves, I had to show you one of my personal favorites! Shirt: H&M Paris, Dress: BCBG, Scarf: Paris, Leggings: Paris, Boots: Madden Girl, Watch: White House Black Market, Rings: Charlotte Russe, Grandmother's vintage collection, Earrings: gifted.

One of my favorite purchases from Paris, and I got it from a street vendor for 3 euros!

Even sporting my breast cancer awareness watch! I know it is a little hard to see but the ring on my pinky is one of my absolute faves! It is one of my grandmother's vintage rings and she gave it to my mother the day I was born, because it was my birth stone. I love wearing sentimental pieces and this one is beautiful to boot. Unfortunately my fingers are larger than my grandmother's so it only fits my pinky. But I still wear it!

Yes, I know this has nothing to do with clothes, but how cute are these breast cancer awareness cookies?? I couldn't resist them in the caf. today! I still haven't eaten them, but I have no doubt they will be as delicious as they are adorable!

Bisous!