5 Ways Wednesday: White Lace Dress

Bonsoir babes and happy Hump Day! Oh yes, you can definitely look forward to all kinds of odes to weird holidays up in these here parts. See, did you catch that little ode to the highly under appreciated  southern redneck? Well, here's to you, you Natty Light chugging, plump stomach-baring, NASCAR-loving devils you. Claim your moment, and claim it proud.

Wow, sometimes my rambling abilities astound me! How Hump Day turned into appreciation of red necks I will never know. And if you know, kudos. But why don't we go ahead and start talking about what we are really here for in the first place: learning  how to maximize the potential of our favorite white lace dress (henceforth known as WLD- yea, I'm trying to make that happen). The WLD is the summer-time equivalent of a LBD, and should be a staple in every girl's closet. It, like its darker sister, has an instantly sexy air, and can look good on everyone when worn properly. Given the right mix, a WLD can be worn as a sexy date night dress, a toned down work-appropriate dress, a classy top to a post-work gathering, a casual skirt for running around town and even an effortlessly chic skirt for girls night out! Keep reading to see what it takes to turn one dress into five stunning outfits.

Date Night

Dress: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Aldo, Purse: Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace: Forever 21, Watch: Michael Kors, Bangles: Amrita Singh, Ring: Grandmother's

Summer date nights are why WLDs were created in the first place! So don't over think it- just let the dress stand on its own. Punch it up with your favorite statement shoes, fuchsia lipstick and neon accessories. You can also give the dress a little more pizazz by adding an eye-catching belt or scarf (seen here) to the dress, to create an empire waist style.Oh, and you might want a more attractive hair-do than the post-work/summer-frizz look I was sporting. Unless your dude is strangely attracted to frizz. Then by all means, frizz away. 

Bright accessories and arm parties are the perfect complement to white dresses. Except unless said white dress is your wedding dress. Then ixnay on the armay partay and stick to the basics. Otherwise, accessorize!

Work

Blazer: Rock & Republic via Kohl's, Flats: Express, Necklace/Ring/Earrings: Gifted

I admit I've worn this WLD on its own to work several times, but I always get comments on how "dressed up" I look. So if you want to tone down the "fancy pants" comments stick with the goddess of all work place items: the blazer. But keep it fun and playful with rock-star elements like a bold color blazer, studded lapels and animal print flats. Tone down the date night arm-party jewelry to a classy watch- you'll look more sophisticated.

My personal philosophy on life is that a blazer makes anything work appropriate. Except jorts. Or mid-drift barring tube tops. Or anything with the word mesh in it. Ok, so maybe a blazer can't make anything work appropro, but it can definitely work for a white lace dress.

After-Work Event

Skirt: White House Black Market, Belt: LOFT, Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Necklace: Eastern Marker vendor, Cuff: Towne & Reese , Earrings: Gifted, Clutch: Aldo 

To be honest, I adore this skirt because I always feel like a ballerina when I wear it, particularly when my hair is coiled into a tight bun. And I, like all little girls on the planet, wanted nothing more than to be a pretty, twirling ballerina from the ages of 3 to 4. Yea, it only lasted until I discovered I sucked at ballet and was much better at sports that didn't require nearly as much grace. Like softball and swimming. Once again, I ramble. But the beauty of a midi-skirt is the instant class and femininity it adds to any ensemble. Paired over a sexy WLD your outfit becomes a classic and sophisticated combination. Just remember to belt it and try to avoid the unfortunate bunching I have going on in these photos. Top it off with a statement necklace that adds color and your highest heels, if you are, like me, on the shorter side and don't want to appear stumpy wearing a midi-skirt.

You can't go wrong for any apres work soiree with a black and white color scheme.

Running Errands

Chambray: Madewell, Sandals: Steve Madden via DSW, Bag: Handbag Heaven

We have all inevitably had the dreaded moment of running into the person you least want to see when you are running errands and look less than your best. Avoid that embarrassment by dressing down a piece you know looks killer on you (aka your WLD) by adding a knotted chambray top. Or for the cooler fall months, pair the dress with your favorite jean jacket or military jacket (seen here)for a relaxed casual, look.

Nothing says "what this old thing?" better than knotted chambray top.

Game Night with the Girls

Top: Urban Outfitters, Belt: Kohl's 

There are two very different Girls' Night Out occasions. You have girls night out at a bar/club, in which you want to look sexy, and girls night out at a friend's house playing games, watching movies and enjoying a glass of wine. For the latter, you want to look effortlessly chic and adorable, and for that look nothing works better than a fun blouse (say animal print?) belted over your WLD. I definitely should have added a simple necklace to this outfit, but hey I was tired of changing a million times at this point so cut me some slack why don't ya :)

I had actually never tried this outfit combo before, and was hesitant at first. I tried it without a belt (silly me) and it looked frumpy. But with the miracle power of a belt, my shape was back and it was instantly transformed into a casual, but hip, outfit. Oh, and Eli says HI!! He missed you all as much as I did!

Do you have an item in your closet that you need help styling? Email lwainman321@gmail.com or comment below for a chance to be the next 5 Ways Wednesday challenge! 

Bisous!

5 ways Wednesday: Chambray shirt

Evening loverlies! I hope I am finding you happy, relaxed and stylish (well, duh) on this fine Wednesday. I also hope you are feeling adventurous and ready for excitement. If you are indeed, say "ay" and follow me on une petite journey into new, unfamiliar territory. Ok, have I built up your suspense enough? Am I cementing myself as the foremost contender for most dramatic blogger in the blogosphere? Golly gee, I hope so. Otherwise my out there, over the top ramblings are all for nothing. Zut. I cannot let that be, therefore the only option I see is to continue being wildly dramatic and pray that you my darlings enjoy the theater :)

Now before I lose you, I should let you know that I was being serious about the excitement and new territory part. New things are coming to A La Mode et Plus over the next few weeks, and I am super excited to start tonight by introducing you to my new feature: 5 ways Wednesday. Each Wednesday I will show you five different ways to style one item. I would love it if the item was suggested by you guys, but that is all dependent on if you feel like participating :) I will start tonight by showing you five different outfits for various occasions that are all molded around a staple in many of our wardrobes: the chambray shirt. It really is the perfect remixing item, because it can dress up or down many a outfit. It is suitable for work or play and everything in between. It keeps you comfortable, casual and feeling oh so chic. And it's remixability will allow you to extend your wardrobe without spending a dime. Now that we have editorialized on the worth of the chambray, let's continue on to the proof. 

Hanging out with the girls:

Chambray/Pants: Madewell, Tank: Limited, Boots: Steve Madden, Belt: Kohl's, Earrings: Gifted, Braceler: Juicy Couture (gifted), Ring: Charlotte Russe

A chambray shirt is a terrific layering piece and can be used similar to a lighter version of a jean jacker. Wear it over your favorite flirty summer tank to transition into fall.

Running errands:

Chambray: Madewell, Jeans: White House Black Market, Clogs: Vince Camuto, Belt: Kohl's, Earrings: Forever 21, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring: Grandmother's, Headband: Target

Everyone and their mother has been rocking the denim on denim trend. Nothing ground breaking here. This ensemble is a perfect casual, but put together look for bumming around town. My personal preference would be to wear this with a pair of wider leg leans. I think it elongates the legs more. But this pair was the closest I had so I made do. Also, avoid your jeans matching the color of your chambray so you don't look like denim roadkill.

Traveling: 

Chambray: Madewell, Leggings: too old to remember, Boots/Belt: Kohl's, Jewelry: same as last images

Ok, so I have never in my life advocated the leggings as pants look. But in RARE cases it can work. This look is borderline in my opinion. My rule of thumb has always been that the tunic/shirt you pair with leggings must be long enough to cover your tooshie, and your front side equivalent. I don't want to see and up close and personal view of either. I would prefer this shirt to be slightly longer, but it does technically fulfill my rules. Used in this case, the chambray is a perfect travel garment. Incredible comfortable, not easily wrinkled and in style.

Work: 

Chambray: Madewell, Skirt: White House Black Market, Shoes: BCBG, Belt: LOFT, Necklace/ring: Charlotte Russe, Watch: Gifted, Earrings (that aren't even visible); Gifted

Tucked into a pencil skirt and belted, the chambray becomes instant work apparel. It is the trendy equivalent of the white button down.

Date Night:

Chambray: Madewell (tired of hearing that by now?? I am), Dress: Urban Outfitters , Shoes: DSW, Earrings: Gifted, Ring: Amrita Singh

Throw on your go to girly dress, layer your chambray on top, knot it up and presto chango you are date ready! Bright lights, date city as the ever wise Ms. Bradshaw would say :) I personally love chambray paired with lace, because it is a soft balance of femininity and menswear. You could also leave the chambray unbuttoned and belt it over the dress if you wish to show off more of the dress.
UPDATE: Click here to see how beautiful Lydia styled her chambray over a striped maxi!

And just for fun let's count how many "fashion rules" I broke during this little styling experiment:

-rocking white after labor day (hey if it looked good may-august, why doesn't it look good in september?? answer: it does. suck it.)

-mixing black and brown (I personally think this combo is beautiful and makes both colors pop even more. owned)

-wearing leggings as pants (Ok this one, I try to live by) 

-denim on denim (Oh we all know you aren't a "real fashion blogger" until you have broken this rule!) 

Take that Ms Manners! 

So bellas, which looks do you like? Which would you modify? Do you approve of my rule breaking :) And most importantly, what item would you like to see styled next?? Leave a comment, send me a tweet, write on my facebook, leave me a note on formspring, channel me telepathically (ok, if you know how to do this let me know!) basically get in touch with me any way you want and let me know what you want to see from this feature. I want to hear from YOU and have YOUR input dolls!! 

Bisous!