Winner!

Hi loves! I am so sorry for my unexpected absence. Life just really got in the way of blogging last week. I promise to return to normal posts tonight. Until then, let's all congratulate the darling Hannah of Mademoiselle Hannah for winning the Daisy Mae Designs giveaway! I know you will love this sweet little pendant and you will be able to keep Boston close to your heart while away in college. Congrats girl! I'll send you an email.

Talk tonight, babes!

Bisous!

Friends don't let friends blog tired

Jacket: LOFT, Tank: White House Black Market

Jeans: Levi's, Flats: American Eagle

Tank: Kohl's, Jeans: Levi's via Kohl's

Boots: Steve Madden, Crazy hair: TIRED

Cardigan: American Eagle, Dress: XOXO

Boots: Steve Madden, Belt: Kohl's

Blazer: Elie Tahari, Sweater: New York and Co.

Skirt: LOFT, Boots: Steve Madden

Sweater: Target, Dress: XOXO, Shoes: Kohl's

Tights: Accessorize, Belt: Paris

Ok friends, I sincerely apologize for so many aspects of this post (umm crappy hair and messy room, anyone?) but I think my blog title says it all. Girlfriend is tired. Tired of the 30 for 30 and tired from lack of sleep. Thus this picture filled post, that leaves me only owing you TWO MORE 30 for 30 posts. Woot! And now to fix the other kind of tired I am suffering from, I am going to let you do the talking today. One of my favorite parts of blogging is getting to connect with other fashionistas and getting to know one another. So, why don't you tell me what your favorite city is and why. You can probably guess, but mine is absolutment Paris! The why is a story for another post.

Don't forget to enter the Daisy Mae Designs Giveaway!  

Check out Gabby's incredible blogiversary giveaway! 

Bisous!

Daisy Mae Designs Giveaway!

Hiya pals! How is everyone doing on this lovely Saturday? I think this is one of only a couple Saturday posts this little blog has ever seen. It usually feels very neglected on Saturdays as it rarely even gets logged into. But today I had such an exciting giveaway that I just couldn't wait until Monday to share it!

Have you heard of the absolutely adorable Daisy Mae Designs etsy store yet? If not, you need to check it out because trust me it will rock your world! The owner, Kristy Sickles, named her cute shop for her sweet, lazy beagle, Daisy Mae. While she's always enjoyed crafting, Kristy started Daisy Mae Designs as an outlet for stress when she couldn't sell her house in Chicago. The house sold years ago, but she still finds great relaxation in making jewelry and accessories. She also finds relaxation in margaritas, but that's another story :) Her latest passion is rescuing old atlases from a lifetime of storage in basements and attics to give them new life as wearable art. My personal favorites are the Boston bracelet, the London and Paris vintage map earrings (which I totally want to get for someone on my life but can't say who since she reads the blog!) and of course the vintage map pendants seen below!

 

Kristy is generously offering one lucky A La Mode et Plus reader the chance to win one of the above customized vintage map pendants, featuring the city of your choice! It would be a great and unique way to commemorate your hometown, a city where you studied abroad, your favorite travel destination or perhaps a city that is just near and dear to your heart.

If you need any help entering send me an email at lwainman321@gmail.com. I hope you will all join in the fun before midnight (ET) March 12th! I will use random.org to pick a winner and announce the winner Sunday. Make sure to leave me your email address or link to your blog so I can contact you if you win!

To enter:
1. You must be a follower of A La Mode et Plus either through Google Friend Connect or bloglovin.
2. AND visit Daisy Mae Designs etsy shop and tell us your favorite piece in a comment! 

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. Follow Daisy Mae Designs on twitter
4. Tweet about this giveaway and @ reply me so I can see it
5. Like A La Mode et Plus on facebook (brand new!!)
6. Like Daisy Mae Designs on Facebook
7. Add Daisy Mae Designs to your favorites if you have an Etsy account
8. Post about this giveaway on your own blog

That is a total of 9 entries you can have beautifuls! Go ahead and enter away to score yourself one of these darling pendants so you can feel connected to the city you love all the time. Kristy is also offering all my readers a 15% discount with the code ALAMODEETPLUS so hurry on over and start shopping! Have a great weekend!

Bisous!

In the daylight

Salut loves! Ok, so you are going to get a bonus awkward story, even though it isn't awkward and awesome Thursday, because this gem is too fantastic to wait allllll the way to next week to share. Reality check: I would forget it by then, which is why I have to share today. So, let's set the scene a bit. I have recently moved into Washington, DC from Virginia, therefore I need to update my license. Fridays are the only days that would work for me to go, and since I have been fairly certain that Fridays would be basically the worst day ever to go to the DMV combined with the fact that I just like using my Fridays to do fun things, I have been putting this little task off. But today, I decided it needed to be done. So I rolled out of bed at the crack of noon (I told you, Fridays are my days!), had a lovely bowl of layered cereal (remind me to tell you about the gloriousness of layered cereal another time my friends), futzed around for awhile and then finally ambled on down into town to take care of the license once and for all. Of course, since it is the DMV and we all know that nothing good comes from the DMV, it all went down hill from here. Cue the massive line of impatient people who all think they are their task is so much more important and begin the hour long wait to be helped.Then, I finally hear my number being called and make my way over to the counter, with all the forms filled out, the proper documents needed (and then some) and think I am golden. And that's when my now least-favorite DMV man says "Ok, put your face in that hole for the vision test." Crappers. I probably haven't mentioned this, but my eyesight is not the best! And I do nothing about it. I have tried contacts and they hurt, I have glasses but I hate them. Thus, I walk around semi not seeing all the details. But I didn't think my vision was all that bad. Until I put my face in that awful little hole and realized I couldn't see a single line that I was being asked to read. Not a single one. What to do? Obviously, the best solution is to just start making up stuff while DMV man stares at me like I am the biggest idiot he has ever met. Ok, so maybe it wasn't the best idea I've ever had. But the next one I had was: run away before his stare can make me feel any worse than it already was. Long story (sorry about that) short, I still don't have a DC license and am blind as a bat. Awkward. Definitely not awesome.

Shirt: Target, Blouse: Banana Republic, Jeans: Levi's, Ballet flats: American Eagle, Sunnies: Marc Jacobs

Hi friends! My name is Laura. I thought I might need to introduce myself since you might not recognize me in those shades posing in the light of day. But, yes, it is still me. One of the (many) benefits of not working on Fridays is actually being able to enjoy a little outdoor time. Lately the weather hasn't been all that great, but today was FANTASTIC! Even though I didn't have a photographer today, and I don't own a tripod, I just couldn't pass up a chance to take photos out in this amazing weather. So I got creative and realized that with the help of the hood of my car and this petite field by our parking lot, I could have me some outdoor photos today! Hooray.

I'm not usually one for monochromatic looks, but am definitely a believer in trying everything once. And I knew I wanted to wear this plaid today, but wanted to pair it with something a little more fun. And this blouse was giving me the evil eye for only letting it out of the closet to play once during the challenge. Next thing I know it has convinced me it needs a little plaid loving in its life and they are cozied up together.

So despite my absolute love of belts, I think this is the first time I have actually worn one on my jeans, where it belongs! Crazy, no? I always end up using them to define my waist a little more. But today this look could use a little something extra, but I didn't want the belt at my waist, so I was stumped. Then I (geniusly ) realized I could try it where normal people wear their belts. And I have to say I liked it.

I have something I need to get off my chest. Ok, two somethings. One, I shopped today. I know, I know I am not done with the challenge and still have 7 outfits to go, but technically the 30 day period is over and I was sooo good so I just didn't see any reason to walk away from the most beautiful $10 thrifted leather skirt. No, that would just be crazy talk. And since I'm not crazy I didn't walk away, but instead scooped up the little beauty and brought her home where she could mingle with the rest of my closet. I figured they needed a new friend after being so neglected last month. And confession number two: I also cheated on my 30 for 30 closet today. I wore this outfit all day, but then tonight I wore a black flower printed dress and heels to go out and celebrate a friend's birthday. I don't have any justification for this one. It was a dress restaurant and try as I might, I couldn't put together any new outfits with the only dress I included in the 30 for 30 and decided to cheat, just this once. I hope you can forgive me.

Bisous!

I can't decide if you are awkward or awesome or a little of both

Ello sexy thangs! So glad to see I still have readers after admitting to my shameful attempted-brother-killing past! You all are so very forgiving :) I think I should reward you by regaling you with funny stories about the awkward and awesome moments of my week. Maybe someone should turn that into a regular thing! Oh wait... Darn all the good ideas are taken by geniuses.

Sweater: Neiman Marcus, Tank: White House Black Market, Skirt: Michael Kors, Belt: Paris, Boots: Steve Madden, Tights: Kohl's, Watch: Michael Kors, Jewelry: Gifted, Headband (in other pics): H&M

Friends, meet a little frenemy (more on that below) I like to call the post braid hair. Post braid hair, meet my friends. Ok, glad that is taken care of.

So I think one of the best things about this 30 for 30 remix is that I challenged myself by including a lot of favorite pieces that hardly ever get worn. Now, not only have I found several different ways to wear them, but my love for them has been renewed and possibly even increased! This skirt had probably only been worn a handful of times before this remix because I thought it could only be paired with neutrals since it had a lot going on. But now, I find myself gravitating towards pairing it with brights: red, pink, purple- you name it!

I actually wore this outfit to work with a different belt (a smaller, darker brown leather) but it made the shirt bunch funny and it kept riding up not wanting to stay firmly in place. Then, like magic, Refinery 29 sent an email with the cover article about different ways to wear belts. As I am clicking through, not even thinking about my own belt situation, I see that they have paired skirts and fitted shirt combos with wide, chunky belts and I am reminded that I have this perfect wide belt (that actually goes so much better with these boots) awaiting me at home in my closet! So I dashed home right in the middle of work to remedy the situation- NOT. No, of course I waited until the end of the day to make the switcharoo and it really made a huge difference. It took an outfit I was on the fence about to a whole new level.

I just remembered (like literally as I was getting ready to type an entirely different caption) I had a funny story to tell you from the hockey game the other night! Roommate and I were standing in line innocently waiting to buy our ridiculously over priced greasy food, when this guy standing a couple people behind us reaches through everyone, around roommate and taps me on the shoulder to loudly say, "Excuse me, but I love those boots!" Now of course, I said thanks and smiled politely, but inside I was thinking why on earth is this middle aged man making all this effort to compliment me on my shoe choice?? And while I always enjoy a good shoe notice, I am wholly unfamiliar with it coming from a man. Roommate and I got a nice laugh out of it for sure.

I think I would marry these boots if that was legal. We have the kind of love that you can only dream about. They just fit me oh so well (tee hee boot humor)

 Awkward:
- Seeing a totally awesomely perfect picture location but being by yourself, and not owning a tripod yet and honestly contemplating asking a couple different strangers walking by if they would mind taking your photo so that eventually if each person takes one you would have enough pics for a post. Hey, I said contemplating, I didn't actually do it!
-Purchasing diapers... for my cat. 
-Noticing that brother's facebook status says that he is locked in the library studying all night and about five minutes later getting an email and text saying "Hey I'm playing tap zoo. Come play with me!" Guess that studying was going swell.
-Post braid hair. It's crimpy and not really in a good I-love-the-80s kind of way.
-The fact that I posted pictures with my post-braid hair as if it was something to be proud of. I don't really have an explanation for this, except that I wasn't sure I was liking the braid all that much so I went with both looks.

Awesome:
-Getting tweets from Sydney and Kendi this week! That is basically like getting tweets from a celebrities in my book :)
-Being 8 outfits away from closet reunion time! And possibly a little shopping :) I can't decide if I should get this skirt, this one or this lovely blouse. Help please!!
-Running. Oh my gosh I think the world might end now that I admitted that! Ok, so I still don't really love running or think it is all that awesome, but I do think it is awesome that I am running. I'm taking action towards a goal and that is always good! Plus, my roommate loves running and it is nice to have something we do together.
-My weekend of birthday parties! No, not mine (although it is birthday month! Yes, I give it a whole month) but I am going out for a friend's birthday Friday in the area and then road tripping down to good old North Carolina with roommate to celebrate a college friend's 21st birthday. Who doesn't love a weekend of parties and friends?!
-Having a totally awesome giveaway starting on Saturday! Be sure to check it.
-Making a facebook page for my blog today and sending it to a select few friends. I am slowly getting comfortable sharing my passion with my real life friends and realizing that I can't worry so much about whether others will think I am vain or frivolous when they find out about my blog. I love doing it and that is really all that matters.
-The blogging community. It is so wonderful to have a network of people that I feel SO connected to even though we have never met. And it is a nice/comforting feeling to have incredible women I can turn to for advice about all kinds of topics and know that they will help!

Haven't gotten your fill of awkward (or awesome) yet? Well you lucky duck you, you can go check out all the linked up posts over at The Daybook! And you should definitely go check out miss Collette as she is a brand new Awkward and Awesome'er! Hmm I wonder if I get awkward points for the awkward phrasing?

Bisous!

Please don't go

Ahoy there mateys! Oh wait, today isn't international talk like a pirate day? Zut! Well, I guess I am just getting in some good practice then. You know what else I practiced today? What it will be like when I don't have this amazing job that lets me amble on in at 10:15 (ish) every morning and instead I work in a place that believes that you can sleep when you are dead and I have to resign myself to racing in at 8 am on the dot. Did I lose you there in that lovely run-on sentence? Basically, I got up early this morning to drive roommate to her meeting on the Hill. Though I hated hearing my alarm at 7 instead of 8:30, I did feel very productive when I had already done a favor for a friend, been to the post office/paid my rent (yay!!), drank two cups of coffee and enjoyed some piping hot oatmeal by the time I sat down at my desk this morning. Impressive, non?

So I bet you are all just sitting on the edge of your pants to find out whether I'm walking around sporting a birth-marked eye, could be labeled an attempted murderess or if I'm a world traveler and have stepped foot on four continents. How do I say this without scaring away every last one of my readers? Well...

Do you see it? The brown spot in my right (actually it is the left but when looking at it this way it is in the right) eye. Yes, that is a birthmark. Yes, I am aware of it. No, I don't have crap in my eye. Thanks. So that is one down...

Studied abroad in China. One continent...

Spent four months in Paris. Two continents...

And I live in the U.S. so that makes three continents. What does that leave us with loves? Yes, I can see you are putting two and two together and getting a little nervous. The only thing that is left is that I once tried to kill my brother... Should you run away from crazy could've-been-a-killer lady? Now before you get all wonky over this revelation, let me explain. I was three, he was a few weeks old. He was cute. He was stealing attention. I (the formerly only child) did not understand why I was suddenly no longer cute. So one day my genius friend's older sister convinced me that I would definitely be cute again if he wasn't always hogging the spotlight. Flash forward a few minutes and my mother comes running up the stairs (mother's intuition, thank goodness!) to see me poised above the sleeping "angel's" bassinet with a doll raised above my head. Who knows what I was really going to do, but to this day anytime my brother wants something out of me he casually reminds me that I once tried to kill him and thus owe him... for life I guess.

Blouse: Kohl's, Blazer: Elie Tahari, Skirt: White House Black Market, Tights: Kohl's, Booties: Steve Madden, Belt: Kohl's, Jewelry: Personal Accents

So as I scan back through my previous 20 outfits, I am realizing that anything with this blazer in quickly becomes my favorite outfit. It's been worn belted and un-belted prior to today, and though I am a fan of both looks, I think belted is best. It breaks the outfit up in a good way, gives definition to my waist and brings the whole outfit together. I think my post shopping ban shopping list will certainly include a few vintage belts.

I have not given these fantastic booties nearly enough loving in this remix. I think it is mainly because they have a very slippery bottom and I nearly killed myself walking down our hill to get to my car the last morning that I wore these. But, I am smart now and wait to throw these puppies on until after I have conquered the treacherous slope. How's that for putting my college education to good use!

Oh hello there pattern mixing! Maybe we can be friends? I realize that this is just a teensie mix, but you have to give me credit for wearing florals and stripes in the same ensemble. Mixing is not my forte, but it is something I am trying hard to master. Not there yet, but I think I have made progress throughout the 30x30! I originally had this outfit without the blazer, but couldn't handle it. Blazer to the rescue.

Nine to go, and then I will surely have an over dramatic tear-inducing reunion with my closet. We have missed each other so. Do those of you who have already finished your remix challenge have any special celebration plans? Do you have your first day of freedom outfit picked out? I do and I have just been itching to wear it for weeks now! If I stay on schedule I will wrap up next Friday and be able to finally don the outfit I am dreaming of. Surprisingly, the shopping cravings subsided rather quickly and now the hardest part of the challenge is resisting the urge to remix my entire closet! Who would have guessed.

Bisous!

Where's the lie?

Allo mes amis! Nights where the blogging doesn't even begin until midnight are truly not ideal. But I can't complain because roommate and I had a fabulous evening cheering our hearts out for our (new) home team the Washington Capitals. Loves, I am a sports fan, and enjoy any live event. But boy oh boy do I know shockingly little about hockey! Other than that I enjoy when they rough house a little. I mean, c'mon who doesn't like a little harmless rough housing every now and then?

I said I can't complain, but I didn't say I can't keep this post teensie weensie and scoot my bootay off to bed! Now how do you like them apples? So tonight I am leaving you with a fun little game to ponder over. And don't worry, we aren't going to play how will Laura ever get her rent check to her annoying landlord who seems to be incapable of human contact. No, that is no fun for anyone. But we will enjoy a rousing game of two truths and a lie! The adorable Melissa plays every Tuesday and I always enjoy trying to guess what is true about her life. So, now it is my turn to play the trickster, and your turn to guess away! Feel free to take a gander in the comments and I'll reveal my big (not so big) secret tomorrow :) Until then doll babies!

I have a birthmark in my eye. 

I once tried to kill my brother. 

I have traveled to four continents.

Day 18: Sweater: New York and Company, Skirt: Michael Kors, Tights: Simpy Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's, Booties: Steve Madden.

Day 19 (day): Sweater: Forever 21, Cardigan: H&M, Skirt: Michael Kors, Tights: unknown, Boots: Steve Madden

Day 20 (night): Jeans: Levi's via Kohl's, Boots: Steve Madden. I didn't want to be running around the hockey game tonight in a skirt, so to dress down my work outfit a bit, I switched out the tights, skirts and heeled boots for my old faithful skinnies and flat boots. I lost the over sweater too, so that I could be sporting my Caps red!

So far this week's outfits have been all about simplicity and trying to work in some of the pieces that haven't been worn as often in this challenge, since I am now 2/3 of the way down. And can I get a woo hoo for that?? Fine, I'll woo hoo myself. Until tomorrow (when I reveal how big of a liar I am!), darlings.

Bisous!