Come Sail Away

On July 16, 2012July 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

Perhaps it is the result of living for so many years in the South, but I have an on-going love affair with embroidered shorts. Whether it’s critters, or sea animals, or boats, or anchors, or dragonflys, I just love the color contrast and cute preppy factor. For men, or women (and even kids!), they are always a winner in my book. In fact, I just bought my hubby a pair of pale blue JCrew chino shorts with bright blue whales and also snagged the below peach shorts with little orange sailboats for me. I mean really, can you get much cuter???

Orange Featherweight Sweater: JCrew Factory (recent)

Peach Sailboat Embroidered Shorts: JCrew (recent)

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay (BE CAREFUL when buying a bubble necklace this route-there are LOTS of fakes out there!)

Gold Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules via Etsy

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neutral Wedges: Guess via DSW (recent)

Another great thing about embroidered shorts (in addition to all of their cute and preppy lovely-ness) is that they are a great piece to dress up or down-or even land somewhere in the middle like I did with the above outfit. They look great back to a t-shirt (or tank) and flats, or back to a mid-height wedge with fun accessories (as above) , and would even look fabulous with some higher heels, and a cute button-down for a night-on-the-town type of a look! So if you are like me and love these adorable shorts, then I suggest hitting up your local JCrew-they hands down do this trend better than anyone else.

Happy Monday!!!

FPF: Anything from Etsy

On July 13, 2012July 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products5 Comments

I wanted to take today to share with you my undying love for Etsy. I have known about the site for several years, but for whatever reason was always a little hesitant to take the plunge and purchase anything. But a couple of years ago when my girlfriend was preparing for her wedding and started picking up all sorts of cute things from Etsy (her clutch, bridesmaid gifts, jewelry, etc.), I knew it was the site for me. And since then I have purchased lots of jewelry. cute prints, and fabulous decor for my home. And not only have I never been disappointed with a purchase, but I love that it is a means for me to support local artists across the globe. I also revel in knowing that the things I am buying are typically one of a kind and made by hand with love-which of course makes each item that much more special. So with that (drum roll, please!), below are a few of my all-time favorite Etsy purchases…

Turquoise Necklace by Basil The Cat

Druzy Ring by Deco Fox

Chain Bracelet with Heart by OiaJules

Gold Plated Monogram Necklace by Keti Sorely Designs

Hot Pink Druzy Ring by amandalynneLUXE

State Prints by Rooted in Paper

I’m not going to lie, writing this post makes me want to lose myself on the Etsy site for a few hours to do a little treasure hunting. So if you haven’t tried Esty, spend some time on their site this weekend and take a look-they really do have something for everyone. And in addition to all of the fabulous Esty shops mentioned above, below are a few of my other favorites who are all definitely worth checking out:

Bridger and Madison: modern baby items from sensory blankets, to quilts, to burp cloths-way too many cute things to list!!

MakeupbyBella: chain Bracelets and Necklaces

outoftheblue: vintage modern jewelry

Whimsical Details: recycled jewelry and decor

Elizajay Charm: acrylic monogram jewelry

BeMe Jewelry: Turkish Jewelry (FABULOUS cocktail rings)

Hands Full Creations: purses, clutches and accessories (REALLY cute chevron clutches!)

Enjoy! And have a happy, happy weekend, dolls!!

My New Vest Friend

On July 12, 2012July 12, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

Ok, ok, if you haven’t noticed already, I am completely obsessed with my denim vest. To be honest, I didn’t really think these would ever make a come back, and I definitely didn’t think I would ever be so enamored with them if they ever did. BUT, I suppose stranger things have happened! And so with that, here are a few reasons why I love it so-an ode to my denim vest if you will:

1. It’s denim, and denim rocks

2. It’s an easy way to change up an outfit

3. It’s the ideal piece to layer over a maxi or sundress, and goes with just about anything (with the exception of same-colored denim bottoms, of course)

4. It’s the perfect way to dress down that dress that is just a little too dressy for normal wear

5. The frayed edges give it little edge making it the perfect partner for something super sweet (like lace!)

6. It reminds me of the ’80’s (pretty much the best decade ever)

7. The cropped styling makes it super flattering as it hits at the smallest part of your waist

8. It’s not just a piece of clothing, it’s also an accessory

Denim Vest: Macy’s (recent) similar here, here, and here

Chartreuse Lace Dress: Cotton On

Belt: Mossimo for Target (old)

Bracelets: Gold w/ Heart oiajules via Etsy, Gold with Pink Macy’s (recent)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Caged Wedges: Crown Vintage via DSW (last summer)

So not only did I want to give a shout out to my denim vest in this post, but I also wanted to tell you how HAPPY I am that we now have Cotton On in our market. Cotton On is an Australian based company that my little brother introduced me to years ago when my family was visiting him in Australia. And let me tell you, I fell in LOVE with it while we were there. So when it recently came to the states, I was ecstatic. I guess you could say that Cotton On is similar to H&M, but a little more on the hipster side-a beachy, cool Australia feel, if you will. And not only that, but the prices are fantastic, they have tons of great color (my lace dress above came in about 5 other colors) and lots of really fun accessories. So if you have one near you, make sure and check out-it will be well worth your time. And don’t forget to pick yourself up a denim vest if you haven’t already-it will no doubt become a go-to summer staple in your closet.

And good news! The weekend is almost here!! 🙂 Happy Thursday, everyone!!

P.S. Don’t forget to “like” me on FB, and follow me on Twitter and Blog Lovin’ (all just a click away to your right!). You can also find me on Pinterest: Abby Doll, and on Instagram: AisAllDolledup

To Market, To Market

On July 9, 2012 By all dolled upIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

On of my very favorite things about summer is hitting the farmer’s market. And here in the SLC, we are fortunate to have several different beautiful markets to choose from during the warm summer months. And while I am fond of many, the Downtown SLC Farmer’s Market is by far my favorite. J and I love to spend our Saturday mornings wandering the booths with our dogs, sipping coffee, sampling fresh produce, cheeses, and breads, and admiring all of the pretty baubles in the jewelry booths (well, I like that last part, anyway). 🙂

But with so many markets to attend, that leaves the question, what is appropriate to wear to a farmer’s market? In summer’s past, I have often gravitated towards sundresses or maxis (both of which are still great options), but this summer, I am loving throwing on a brightly colored pair of shorts, a fun print or neon tank (especially a tribal print!), my favorite gold flats, and my tried and true fedora-complete with a messy side bun. It is a hip and easy ensemble that not only helps me stay cool on a hot summer morning, but also lets me feel like the market loving fashionista that I am!

Tribal Print Tank: American Eagle (recent)

Cobalt Shorts: American Eagle (recent)

Fedora: Macy’s (recent)

Earrings: The Icing

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co., H&M, Thailand, Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neon Pink Cross Body Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC via Blomingdales

Sunglasses: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Gold Flats: Mossimo for Target (old)

I have posted quite a few times about my adoration for my Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC, and with continued use, I seem to be falling more and more in love with it. Not only does the fun neon pink color make it ideal for a night on the town, but the cross body styling makes it fitting for an afternoon of running errands. And so of course, it is now my perfect bag Farmer’s Market bag as it allows me to have both hands free to juggle a leash, my morning coffee, and lots of local yummy goodness!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Happy Monday, dolls!

God Bless the USA

On July 5, 2012 By all dolled upIn Uncategorized2 Comments

I heart the 4th of July. It is such a great celebration of our country and everything summer. And of course a great excuse to get together with family and friends to BBQ and watch fireworks. This year, we decided to host a little 4th of July BBQ at the Doll house because we have a great view of the entire SLC and all of the firework shows in town (well, that and the fact that I LOVE to entertain). 🙂 So a few of our closest friends, along with Justin’s parents (who are in town visiting), joined us for a celebration filled with tons of yummy food, lots of laughter and a firework show that did not disappoint (thanks crazy neighbors!). It was such a fun night-so a big thanks to everyone who came and shared in the festivities with us!

Top Maxi Dress: Macy’s (recent)

Earrings: Nordstrom Rack

Bottom Striped Dress: Macy’s (recent)

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Earrings: The Icing (recent)

Shoes: Dolce Vita Jude via Piperlime

Not only do I love celebrating the 4th with family and friends, but it is also a day where I try and find a few moments to take stock and remember just how blessed I am to live in this great country. I am so grateful for our freedom and all of the unique blessing that we have because we live in America, and espeically for all of those who have dedicated and lost their lives to give us that freedom and those that continue to protect it. God bless the USA.

Happy Independence Day Weekend, everyone!

Day to Night

On July 3, 2012July 3, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

People often ask me for tips on how to create an outfit that you can take from day to night. And while the task might sound daunting, it is actually a pretty simple thing to do. All you have to do is think layering and remember that in these instances a cardigan or blazer can be your best ally.

Take the below outfit, for example. I paired my neon skinnies back a crisp white off-the-shoulder tee (perfect for an evening on the town), but layered it with a conservative white blazer to go about my day. Two looks, one day. Pretty easy, right?

White Blazer: Forever21 (recent)

White Off-the-Shoulder Tee: H&M (old)

Neon Coral Skinnies: American Eagle (recent)

Neon Necklace: Forever21 (recent)

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s, Forever21

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Neon Pink Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden via the Overstock.com

J and I still love to go on dates, and due to our opposite schedules, I often find myself going straight from work to dinner or drinks. I run into the same issue when traveling for work, heading directly from the office to dinner with friends in whatever city I happen to be visiting. And because of these frequent situations, I find myself constantly having to create these types of looks. So with that said, the best words of wisdom I have to offer you when faced with creating a look you can take from day to night, is to really utilize those layering pieces in your closet. A blazer can be your best wardrobe friend. AND you can also bring a change of shoes and throw on some bright red lipstick to really up the ante for your evening look.

Hope everyone has a fabulous 4th!!!

LPD

On July 2, 2012July 2, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, TJMaxx, Uncategorized4 Comments

One of the cardinal rules of fashion is the importance of owning at least one LBD (little black dress). It is the perfect answer for date night, or when you are in a pinch and need something nice to wear last-minute, and a great blank canvas that you can constantly reinvent with different shoes and accessories. Plus, black is super slimming and looks fabulous on everyone. And while the LBD will always be important, this season it seems the trend is all about the LWD (little white dress). Now don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of the LWD, but it obviously doesn’t quite cast the same universal appeal as the LBD. So if you aren’t ready to jump on the LWD band wagon, perhaps you should consider adding an LPD (little print dress) to your wardrobe instead.

Now when I say LPD, I am not talking about a cotton, ditsy print dress that you would wear to the farmers market or to lunch with your girlfriends. I am talking about a print dress that you would wear to a wedding, on a date nite, or even for a girl’s night out on the town. Something similar in silhouette to your LBD, but with a fun print instead! I picked up the below BCBGeneration dress with some money that I received for my birthday, and I have to say that for the summertime, I think it is definitely rivaling both my LBD and my LWD as my current go-to choice for a night out.

Dress: BCBGeneration via 6pm.com (sold out-but they have a great selection of BCBG dresses!)

Neon Belt: Macy’s

Long Chain Earrings: TJMaxx

Labradorite Cocktail Ring: Sundance Catalog

Bracelets: Macy’s, H&M, Forever21

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx

Shoes: Simply Vera by Vera Wang via Kohl’s

It was such a gorgeous weekend here in the SLC (minus the the smoke from the fires) so J and I took full advantage enjoying dinner on the patio at one of our favorite restaurants, The Copper Onion, followed by a long walk around our downtown, where we discovered beautifully painted pianos every few blocks. Apparently they are part of the Play Me, I’m Yours street piano tour which began in 2008. There are over 600 pianos in cities across the globe and they are open to anyone in the public to play. So, needless to say, I sat down and played a couple of numbers entertaining people passing by. It was the perfect end to a perfect balmy summer night (which had already given us the excuse to get all dolled up and hit the town in the first place!). Boy do I heart summer.

Happy Monday!

Silver or Gold?

On June 26, 2012June 26, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, TJMaxx, Uncategorized, Watches7 Comments

Growing up I HATED gold. Absolutely hated it and refused (for the most part) to wear anything besides sterling silver or white gold. In fact, I think I remember telling my mom once that gold just wasn’t “cool” and that it was meant for “older ladies”. So it seems that now a days I have either had a change of heart, or fall into that whole “older lady” category, because I am a HUGE fan of gold. And I am pretty sure it all began because of Michael Kors and his fabulous watches. Thanks to MK, gold watches have been all the rage for the last couple of years, and with a gold watch, one must have gold accessories. So, I have slowly been picking up gold baubles here and there and am LOVING that I now have the option to wear either silver or gold, and sometimes even both together. I feel like it makes my wardrobe more well-rounded and allows for me to change things up on a daily basis. So when I picked up this cute dress at TJMaxx a couple of months ago, I knew that because of the cute gold buttons flanking the top and the warmth of the orange base, that it would be the perfect item to wear back to a lof of chunky gold jewelry.

Dress: TJMaxx

Double Wrap Belt: Down East Outfitters

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs (etsy)

Bracelets: Left Hand: Forever21, Macy’s, Right Hand: Oia Jules (etsy)

Gold and Tortoise Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Ring: Decofox (etsy)

Earrings: Macy’s

Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me

Sunglasses: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

And while I am pretty sure I will always be a silver girl at heart, I definitely find myself gravitating more towards gold in the summer months. The warmth of it compliments a nice tan and just feels like it belongs with the current summer trend-particularly white. But the good news is, for those of us with a preference between the two, you can get away with either silver or gold . But I definitely recommend having the option of both in your accessory collection.

P.S. Please excuse the crease in the bottom of my dress. Funny thing is, you can’t see it in person, but for some reason, it showed up when I put the photos through the Instagram filter. Yikes! 😉

RATPOD

On June 25, 2012June 25, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized2 Comments

My apologies for missing Favorite Product Friday las week-I promise I will make up for it this coming Friday. But in my defense, I had an absolutely crazy few days. I spent the week in Montana for work, flew back to the SLC late Thursday evening, and then turned around and drove back to Montana (different part of the state) Friday morning to participate in a 130 mile road bike ride called RATPOD.

So I’m guessing at this point you are probably wondering, what the heck is RATPOD? RATPOD is an acronym that stands for Ride Around the Pioneers in One Day and is a charity road bike ride that supports Camp Mak-A-Dream:

“a medically supervised, cost-free Montana experience, in an intimate community setting for children, young adults and families affected by cancer. A week at camp offers these kids and young adults the chance to be “normal”, to conquer challenges, gain independence and self-esteem, make new friends and face their fears alongside others who understand what it’s like to have cancer.”

Pretty incredible, right?? My husband’s family has participated in and supported the event for the last several years, and I was finally able to join in the festivities last year completing my first RATPOD ride (in the past I have typically had work conflicts). So to have the chance to participate for a second time this year was a pretty special treat. Here are some highlights from our weekend…

Our attempt at a family photo on the drive down. Fail. Lol.

Angry skies in Dillon-perhaps a little foreshadowing of the winds to come…

Enjoying the street dance after the pre-ride spaghetti feed

Me and my mother-in-law. We sure had fun together!

Heading out at 6am…

One of my favorite spots on the ride…

Minus the 30-40mph winds, it was a pretty spectacular day.

Happy to be done and out of the wind.

Free Big Sky Beers for all riders! NICE!

And even better than free beer? Free ice cream!!! 🙂

Enjoying more live music and a festive dinner for riders.

And even though I was there to ride, I still had to add some fashion elements to the weekend! In fact, my mother-in-law asked me if I wanted some more stream lined glasses to ride in and I had to tell her that I had purposefully selected the biggest cycling glasses I could find at the bike shop. Guess I’m not the most typical cyclist, but I love it just the same. 😉

And of course, our favorite sign on the drive back to the SLC. Montana pride runs deep in my veins. Always.

Hands down, RATPOD is an amazing event and this year did not disappoint. How incredible that we were not only able to spend a weekend with family we don’t get to see nearly enough, but also support such an incredible cause that touches the lives of so many. And as an added bonus, it’s also a pretty rewarding athletic accomplishment and one of the highlights of our summer! In fact, I’m already looking forward to next year.

Back with regular outfit posts tomorrow.

The Long And The Short Of It

On June 11, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas7 Comments

I love shorts, but truth be told, the majority of the shorts in my closet have always been some form of denim or another, and the majority of those have had cut off hems-which is great for summer, and might I add practical (yes, practical). But now that shorts have taken on a whole new meaning and are a must-have summer fashion staple, I knew that in preparation for warmer weather I had to reassess and add some pieces to my wardrobe that could be worn with sky-high heels or in lieu of a skirt.

Featherweight Sweater: JCrew (recent)

Purple Sateen City Shorts: JCrew (recent)

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: H&M, Forever21, Tiffany and Co.

Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW

There are so many fun options out there when it comes to shorts-from bright solid colors, to fun tribal patterns, to sweet lace versions, I guarantee there is a style out there for everyone. And while I won’t be giving up my cut-off denim shorts any time soon (and you shouldn’t either!), I am happy to add some of these fun, dressier options to my wardrobe-it’s always good to change things up a bit!!

Happy Monday!!