25 Things I’ve Learned in my 30s

If I’m being completely honest, I have to admit that I’ve been feeling a little angst about my birthday today.  Ever since I hit 30, it seems to get a little harder to see the years keep ticking by one by one.  And the milestone birthdays (like 35!), seem to be a little weightier than 18 and 21, and definitely not quite as fun.  BUT I have to say, as I have been reflecting on my 30s the last few days, I’ve realized that while these years have been some of the most challenging, it has also been one of the most rewarding phases of my life that has cultivated the most personal growth.  So in honor of my 35th birthday today, I thought I’d share a few things that I have learned so far in my 30s:

  1.  It’s ok to be completely you are, and feel confident in that.
  2.  Life is messy, and complicated, and harder than anyone ever tells you.
  3.  You can make just about anything in a crockpot.
  4. My mom is my best friend.
  5. If you think something nice about someone (whether you know them or not), tell them!
  6. Watching Dateline (or 48 Hours Mystery) in my jammies with a glass of wine on Friday night is usually more exciting than going out.
  7. It’s ok to be the most overdressed person at a party.
  8. Dry-shampoo is a life-saver.
  9.  Be kind to everyone.  You never know what is going on behind someone else’s closed doors.
  10. Lip gloss over lipstick.
  11. Coffee dates with girlfriends are refreshing for the soul.
  12. It’s ok to tell people no.
  13. Find gratitude in everything.
  14. Eating healthy is fun and it feels good (same with working out)!
  15. Strive to be a better and kinder person each and every single day.
  16.  Thriving relationships create true happiness-not success and wealth.  Choose your focus wisely.
  17. It’s important to splurge and treat yourself every now and again.
  18. Saving for retirement is really, really important.
  19. Find something you’re passionate about and incorporate it into your day-to-day.
  20. Boundaries in relationships are key.
  21. Being an auntie is one of the best jobs in the world!!
  22. Ignore the haters.
  23. The Bachelor/Bachelorette is the best way to end a Monday.
  24. Trust your gut.
  25.  I am blessed beyond measure to know a God that loves me and forgives me for all of the  mistakes I make along the way!

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Romper: Everly c/o | Necklace: Baublebar | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Heels: Steve Madden

Happy Monday, sweet friends!  Hope you have a great start to your week!

xoxo,

Abby

 

 

Off Shoulder

I have to tell you guys, I am pretty much obsessing over the off-the-shoulder trend.  This is definitely going to be a go-to style for me this season.  Plus, how cute is the print on this top?  So fun for Spring (and Summer)!

DSC_8506 DSC_8539 DSC_8504 DSC_8526 DSC_8502 DSC_8492 DSC_8518 DSC_8556 DSC_8547 DSC_8569Top: Express | Skinnies: 7 for all mankind (on sale for $75!) | Cuff: Stella & Dot | Sunnies: Prada c/o Ditto (test them out for free for one month with code ALLDOLLEDUPBLOG at checkout!) | Clutch: Clare V. | Wedges: Jessica Simpson (great staple sandal for summer!)

Happy weekend!!!!

xoxo,

Abby

 

Party Skirt + A Giveaway

Happy Cinco De Mayo, sweet friends!  I hope you all have something fun planned today (obviously involving tacos and margs)! And because I love the month of May for so many reasons (Cinco De Mayo, May Day, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and my birthday, to name a few), I’ve teamed up with NuMe to gift one lucky reader one of their famous Bold Hair Dryers!!!

Now if you’ve been following along with me for a while, then you know I talk about NuMe quite a bit on the blog. Hands down, they make the best hair styling tools and have been a total game changer for me and my hair.  So I am thrilled to be giving away one of my favorite styling tools to one of you!!

TO ENTER: head on over to my Instagram, as I’ll be posting the details to enter there (@alldolledupblog), and GOOD LUCK!  I’ve also listed some great promo codes that NuMe is running for Mother’s Day below-so be sure to check them out!

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DSC_9160 DSC_9191 DSC_9206 DSC_9181DSC_9208Jacket: JCrew (on sale!) | Tank: Express | Skirt: ASOS | Necklace: BaubleBar | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Wedges: Jessica Simpson

And as promised, here are some great deals happening at NuMe:

Bold Dryer on Sale for $39 with code: LOVEMOM39

Magic Wands on sale for $24.99 with code: LOVEMOM24 

60% any styling tool with code: MOMSALE

Hope you guys are having a great week!

xoxo,

Abby

**Giveaway is open to US and CA and will end Thursday, May 12th.  Winner will be announced Friday, May 13th!!**

White Out

I am seriously loving white everything right now.  From dresses, to nails, to tops, to handbags, I’m finding myself gravitating towards it more than usual this season.  And I have a feeling that as the days continue to get warmer, I will keep on reaching for all of the white pieces in my closet. This is definitely a trend that is easy for anyone to get behind!

DSC_8572 DSC_8610 DSC_8623 DSC_8587 DSC_8574 DSC_8622 DSC_8589 DSC_8640 DSC_8650Sweater: Banana Republic | Layering Tank: Express (my faves! and they’re reversible!) | Skinnies: Denim & Supply (on sale!) | Necklace: Nordstrom | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Bag: Clare V., clutch version | Booties: Dolce Vita (on sale!)

Happy Monday, sweet friends!  Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

xoxo,

Abby

 

Casual

I wear my army green surplus jackets all the time.  So when I happened to stumble on my favorite silhouette in a pale pink color, I was 100% sold.  I love putting a new spin on an old classic, because not only is it comfortable, but it still feels fresh and new at the same time.

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Jacket: Nordstrom Rack | Top: Express | Skinnies: AG | Necklaces: Cabi, French Kande | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Bag: Clare V. | Heels: INC, love this version with the block heel

Happy, happy Friday sweet friends!  Hope you all have something fun planned this weekend!

xoxo,

Abby

 

Romper Time

I LOVE rompers!  So I am really glad that they are back in a big way this season.  And even though the temps have been a little chilly in the SLC, I have still been able to wear some of my favorites by pairing them with denim jackets and cozy cardigans (like in today’s post). With all the crazy weather we’ve been having here in the SLC this Spring, layering has definitely been a must!

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Romper: Everly c/o | Cardi: Express | Necklace: Tiffany | Hat: JCrew | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Bag: Tory Burch | Heels: Dune London

Hope you guys are having a great week.  I don’t know about you, but I am SO glad it’s almost the weekend!

xoxo,

Abby

 

 

Cold Shoulder

When I was in college, my very favorite top in my closet was a white and black cold shoulder cut-out top from Bebe.  So when I saw this cute cold-shoulder sweater at Top Shop in NYC a couple of weeks ago, it pulled on my heartstrings for all sorts of nostalgic reasons.  And then it made me feel really old when I realized that I was reliving the shoulder cut-out trend for a second time in my life.  But even all these years later, it’s still a trend I love.

DSC_7965 DSC_7966 DSC_8006 DSC_7986 DSC_7964 DSC_8029 DSC_7990 DSC_7976DSC_8034 DSC_8043Top: Topshop (also comes in olive!)| Skinnies: 7 for all mankind | Necklace: BaubleBar | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Bag: Phillip Lim | Heels: Jessica Simpson, also love these

Hope you guys are having a great week!  And don’t forget, you can still CLICK HERE and vote for me to be on the cover of Redbook Magazine!!  Eeek!

Thanks so much for your support!

xoxo,

Abby

 

Spring Dress

Two of my favorite things about the Spring season?  Dresses and pretty fresh flowers.  I’m also especially loving wedges this Spring.  Oh yeah, and anything pink.  So I guess you could say everything in today’s outfit is a favorite item for the Spring season!  What are your favorite items for the Spring this year?  I’d love to hear, so feel free to leave a comment below!

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Dress: Chic Wish c/o (under $60!)

Jacket: TJMaxx, similar

Necklace: Nordstrom

Cuff: Stella & Dot 

Sunnies: Prada

Bag: Tory Burch

Wedges: DSW (under $40!)

Hope you guys all had a nice weekend!!

xoxo,

Abby

 

 

Geometric

Apparently I wasn’t the only one craving this jacket, because it sold out and was re-stocked twice before I was finally able to order it!  So if you are looking for something fun to add to your closet, this is a fantastic option.  Not only will it go with a ton of different things, but it’s just $30 and really nice quality! Can’t beat that!

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Jacket: Shein c/o

Cami: Express

Skinnies: AG Farrah (on sale!)

Necklace: Baublebar

Sunnies: Karen Walker 

Bag: Tory Burch

Heels: Banana Republic

Happy Wednesday, friends!  Halfway there!!!

xoxo,

Abby

 

 

 

Surplus

You all know I love surplus vests and jackets, but I’m also a huge fan of surplus pants.  And these Traveler Pants from cabi clothing have quickly become a favorite in my wardrobe.  I tend to be a creature of habit and wear my favorite jeans all the time, so it’s been nice to have a new go-to pair of pants to add to the rotation!DSC_7626 DSC_7632 DSC_7656 DSC_7709 DSC_7683 DSC_7671 DSC_7643 DSC_7633 DSC_7668 DSC_7712

Jacket: JCrew (my go-to jacket and it’s on sale for under $45!)

Tank: Express

Skinny Surplus Pants: cabi

Necklaces: Raven + Lily, Baublebar

Sunnies: Ray-ban

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli (medium size)

Heels: DSW

Hope you guys are having a great start to your week.  Love you all!

xoxo,

Abby