Two Worlds Collide

On July 10, 2012July 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

What do you get when you combine one of my very favorite things from my college days with one of my favorite places in the state of Utah? A little slice of heaven and one pretty perfect night. *Sigh*

When I was attending Vanderbilt University, I had hopes and dreams of one day becoming a country singer. And because of my love affair with music, one thing that I loved to do during my Nashville days was hit up the Bluebird Cafe and take in all of that incredible Nashville talent. It was such an amazing opportunity to have the chance to hear the incredible musicians who actually pen the tunes we hear on the radio performed by our favorite mainstream artists. So when I found out last summer that the beautiful Sundance Resort hosts a Bluebird Cafe singer/songwriter series for 3 Fridays every summer, I knew I had to go. Two integral parts of my life colliding in such an unexpected (and fantastic) way? I mean really, what are the chances???

And even though I had to wait a year (the series had already happened last summer when I found about it), it was at the very top of my summer to-do list this year. So when J’s mom and dad came to town last week, we knew it was the perfect event for the four of us. And it was.

Maxi Dress: Macy’s (recent)
Bracelets: H&M, Forever21, Tiffany and Co.
Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s
Feather Earrings: Aldo, H&M
Denim Jacket: Else by Joes Jeans via Macy’s (recent)
Shoes: Steve Madden (old)

We had such an amazing time that night that I’m already trying to convince J that we need to go again!! It really was just the perfect evening-makes my heart happy just thinking about it. Plus it was cool enough that I finally got to wear my new denim jacket-which ironically enough was at the top of my summer must-have list. Apparently it was just one of those nights when all of the stars aligned. So the moral of today’s post is that if you live in Utah, I highly recommend catching the Bluebird Cafe at Sundance, and if you don’t yet own a denim jacket, then it’s definitely time you invest.

P.S. And I made a point to use the Nashville filter on theses photos-obviously no other filter was going to do. 🙂

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!

Favorite Product Friday: Chanel Lip Gloss

On July 6, 2012July 6, 2012 By all dolled upIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Coco Chanel. The name alone is enough to give me goosebumps-not only is she my fashion icon, but Coco Chanel was a strong and independent woman who was not afraid to speak the truth and say what she believed, which is perhaps why her empire remains at the forefront of our fashion and beauty world today.

One of my all time favorite quotes from Coco (and I have A LOT) is her insistence that:

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

For whatever reason, this particular quote has always struck a chord with me-probably because almost above all else (kindness always reigns supreme), I want to be classy and fabulous! And recently, I have found a little trick to help me feel extra fabulous every day. In fact, I don’t want to leave home without it!!

So…here is the scoop!! I was in NYC for work recently and while I was perusing the beauty department at the Macy’s at Herald Square (which, BTW is the biggest department store in the WORLD!!), I stopped to try to get someone’s attention at the Bobbi Brown counter to perhaps buy a new lip gloss or some eyeshadow. But the two gals working the counter were embroiled in a very dramatic conversation and ignored me just long enough that I decided to move on. And thank goodness I did, because when I turned around, the pretty blonde at the Chanel counter flagged me down and asked if she could try a new gloss on me. I was hesitant, but have a friend who raves about Chanel gloss, so I obliged. And in that moment, I discovered my new secret weapon to feeling fabulous-Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Sweet Beige.

Hands down, this is the BEST gloss I have ever used. It has just enough sparkle and shine, the color is subtle but pretty, it isn’t sticky AT ALL, the application is amazingly smooth, and it lasts an absurdly long time (for a gloss). Plus, I would be lying if I said I didn’t get a little thrill each time I pull this glossy fabulous-ness out of my bag and see those two little intertwined C’s on the top-a little piece of my fashion icon with me every day. 🙂

Colors from left to right: Petite Peche #148, Sunset Gold #64, Sweet Beige #297

Fabulous, practical, and pretty. Don’t you think???? And I know I specifically referenced that it was Sweet Beige that was making me feel fabulous every day (and it is!!!), but since there are three glosses pictured, I have an obvious confession. I have been so enamored with this product that I already bought it in two other colors!!! Thank goodness for my employee discount (but shhhh, don’t tell my hubby-lipgloss is one thing, among many, that he just doesn’t understand).

Wishing you a classy and fabulous weekend!!!!

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.