There’s No Place Like Home

I adore the Wizard of Oz and would even go as far as to say that it’s my very favorite move of all time. And when I was a little girl, I dreamed of having my own pair of ruby slippers. So when I saw these gorgeous, sparkly, pumps at Macy’s a few months ago, I was immediately taken back to my childhood dream and knew I had to have them. And even though they are silver and not red, they still make me feel like if I click my heels together, I just might wake up in Kansas…

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Camel Coat:  Forever21, similar, similar, similar | Plaid Button Down:  JCrew Factory, similar | Infinity Scarf:  Macy’s | Skinnies:  Seven for All Mankind The Skinny | Earrings:  Givenchy | Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  Vogue Eyewear, similar | Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Devote, similar, similar | Sparkly Shoes:  Nine West (on sale!), similar, similar

I love my sparkly shoes back to this outfit.  I always  think it’s fun to pair the unexpected together.  And a pair of super sparkly shoes back to a casual plaid button down and cozy knit scarf is just that.

Hope you are all having a great week!!

xx

I’ve Got the Blues

Ok, ok, so I don’t really have the blues. In fact, J and I are heading to Nicaragua this week for a nice, long 10 day adventure.  So if anything, I am incredibly excited! But speaking of blues, I am absolutely LOVING cobalt this season. It is one of those shades that anyone can wear and look fabulous. It is rich, striking, and just has a way of looking special when you wear it. And, it’s a great way to make it look like you put some effort into an outfit when you really didn’t. Case and point below…

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Instagram Filter:  Walden

Moto Jacket:  BarIII | Cobalt Buttondown:  Gap (on sale!!) | Skinnies:  Seven for All Mankind The Skinny | Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff 5-Zip | Necklaces:  Tiffany and Co., my personal collection of charms | Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Watch:  Michael Kors | Leopard Wedges:  Aldo, similar, similar

It’s hard to believe that the day after tomorrow I am going to be sitting on the beach soaking up the sun with a cold drink in my hand.  Wow, am I excited.  But even though I am going on vacay, things will be business as usual on the blog.  So make sure and check back daily for new outfit posts!  And for a glimpse into our trip, be sure to follow me on Instagram:  alldolledupblog and Twitter: ADolledUpBlog (right nav).

Happy Tuesday!

xx

In Spades

I have such a sweet husband. So sweet in fact, that he got me a gorgeous, bright pink Kate Spade bag for Christmas. I had been eyeing it for quite some time, but couldn’t decide if I should buy a shocking pink bag in the dead of winter. So I was absolutely thrilled that he made the decision for me. And I must say, I really love carrying such a vibrant bag this time of year.  It is the perfect punch of color on dreary days and will transition perfectly into spring and summer weather!

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Silk Heart Blouse:  JCrew (sold out), similar | Denim Vest:  Macy’s, similar, similar | Black Pants:  Gap | Necklaces:  Tiffany and Co., JCrew, TJMaxx | Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Silver Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  Target | Bag:  Kate Spade Georgina (sold out in pink, but available in other colors); on sale here, and here | Shoes:  Jessica Simpson Waleo

This denim vest was one of my favorite pieces over the summer.  And when I pulled it out to pack for our trip to Nicaragua, I thought I might try styling it back to a silk blouse to change things up a bit.  And I must say I love the element of casual cool that it brings to this outfit.  So much so, that I am looking forward to styling it other ways this winter.  I love versatility!

xx

Resolutions

I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions.  Instead, I try to continually find things I can work on and improve throughout the year-always striving to make myself better.  But this year, silly as it is, there is actually a resolution that I would like to make.  And that, my friends, is to wear more skirts. I always gravitate towards wearing skinnies, no matter the season, so this year I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and add more skirts and dresses to my life.

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Polka Dot Sweater:  Forever21 | Chambray Shirt: Forever21 | Leggings:  American Apparel | Lace Skirt:  American Eagle (on sale!) | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Silver Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  House of Harlow Chelsea | Boots:  Jessica Simpson, similar

Truth be told, I had originally planned to wear my polka dot sweater and chambray shirt with black skinnies.  Which of course shouldn’t come as a surprise.  But instead, in an effort to stay true to my resolution (really, it’s only the second week of the year), I left my skinnies in the closet and pulled out an old favorite skirt instead.  And I must say I am very pleased with the result.  Maybe resolutions aren’t so bad after all…

xx

 

Highlight Express

The first time I wore this shirt, my husband told me I looked like a highlighter. But that has not deterred me. In fact, it was the vibrant, neon hue that drew me to this shirt in the first place. I am absolutely loving mixing neons and bright colors back to winter neutrals this year. It’s the perfect way to brighten up those post holiday blues…

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Instagram Filter:  Hudson

Black Faux Fur Bomber:  BarIII (last year) similar, similarsimilar | Grey Blazer:  H&M (old) similar | Neon Buttondown:  Express | Black Skinnies:  Seven for All Mankind The Skinny | Sunnies:  Vogue Eyewear | Necklaces:  Tiffany and Co., JCrew | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Watch:  Michael Kors | Studded Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Devote (old), similar, similar | Pumps:  Guess (old), similar, similar

On a totally random note, I have to say how happy I am that the Bachelor is back.  I love Sean, but more importantly love to tune in each week for the ridiculous entertainment this show provides, and of course, for the fashion.  SO many great dresses last night.  But if I had to pick my favorite, it would be the stunning red dress that Ashlee the Professional Organizer wore.  The back was ah-mazing!  And judging by last night, it should be a fun season to watch.

xx

Winter Surplus

This past Fall, I couldn’t seem to get enough of my army surplus coat (you can see it here and here).  And since the weather has turned, and the temperatures have dropped, I have found myself really missing it and all of its casual coolness. So I was thrilled to snatch up this mixed-media jacket from American Eagle a few weeks ago. It’s the ideal combination of leather and surplus with a nice cozy lining-perfect to keep me warm on chilly winter days…

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Instagram Filter:  Rise

Mixed Media Jacket:  American Eagle (sold out) similar, similar | Polka Dot Sweater:  Forever21 | Black Skinnies:  Else by Joe’s Jeans | Sunnies:  House of Harlow Chelsea | Gold Chain Necklace:  INC | Rhinestone Necklace:  JCrew Factory | Gold Watch:  Michael Kors | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff 5-Zip Bag | Boots:  BCBG (old) similar

I am so excited about my new Rebecca Minkoff bag!  It was a Christmas gift from my mom and dad and I can’t stop using it.  I love the bordeaux color, all of the zippers, the rose gold hardware, and it’s versatility. Hands down, bags don’t get much better than those made by Rebecca Minkoff.

Happy Monday!

xx

 

Sugar and Spice

One thing I love about fashion right now is that just about anything goes. And one look that has particularly caught my eye as of late is mixing girly sequins back to rough and tumble boots (see this post) and plaids. I love the unexpected contrast and the mix of texture and styles. And of course it’s always fun to throw in a little print mixing to sweeten the pot.

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Sequin Polka Dot Top:  JCrew (on sale!) | Plaid Button-down:  JCrew Factory (sold out) similar | Black Skinnies:  Else by Joe’s Jeans | Monogram Necklace:  Keti Sorely Designs | Watch:  Michael Kors | Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Pumps: Nine West similar, similar

I knew I had to have this JCrew sequin shirt the minute I saw it.  But I could not bring myself to pay the full ticket price for it, so I had to wait, and wait, and then wait some more for it to go on sale.  But my patience paid off.  A piece I love for a fraction of the retail price?  Can’t beat that.  Hope you are all having a great week-thank goodness it’s a short one!

xx

Welcome 2013!

I must say that the beginning of January is always a mixed bag of emotions for me. On one hand I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of a new year and the promise of adventure that it brings, but on the other, I am always sad to say goodbye to the most wonderful time of the year. Funny how that works, isn’t it?

J and I had an amazing Christmas in Montana this year and feel incredibly blessed to have had the chance to spend ample time with family and friends. We hadn’t spent Christmas with my family since 2009 so it was a welcome opportunity to gather everyone together to celebrate. Plus, as an added bonus, I always love to wear sequins, and the holidays present the perfect excuse to do just that!  Not that you ever really need an excuse to wear sequins!

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Heart Silk Blouse:  JCrew (sold out)  similar, similar;  Sequin Skirt:  American Rag ; Belt:  Merona; Leggings:  American Apparel; Drop Earrings:  INC for Macy’s  (only black available); Gold Charm Bracelet:  Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack; Gold watch:  Michael Kors; Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.; Diamond Cocktail Ring:  Gift; Boots:  Aldo Farmar (last year) similar, similar

I must say that one of the things I am looking forward to the most this year is writing more blog posts and sharing outfit ideas and tips with all of you.  Thank you so much again for your continued support and encouragement.  I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season.

Cheers to 2013!

xx

Happy New Year!

As I watch the snow fly this morning and reflect on an amazing 2012 and prepare to usher in the promise of 2013, I wanted to take a minute and thank all of you for your amazing support this year.  Launching All Dolled Up has been one of the highlights of my year and none of it would have been possible without each and every single one of you.  So thank you for your feedback, your support, your encouragement, and for taking the time to visit my site every day.  You are all appreciated more than you know. 

And so, on this last day of 2012, I thought I might leave with you some of my favortie shots from the first year of All Dolled Up.  My year review in fashion, if you will…

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Wishing you all a happy, happy new year.  May 2013 bring much joy, love, and happiness to your lives!  Have a wonderful celebration and know that I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you in the new year!

xx

P.S. I will be back Wednesday with regular oufits posts as usual…

Merry Christmas!

Today marks my very favorite day of the year. I love the anticipation of Christmas morning, the time with family and friends, the amazing food, church by candlelight, the reading of the Christmas story, Christmas music and movies, and the joy and excitement that fill the air. So from my family to yours, Merry, Merry Christmas to you. I hope your celebrations are filled with much love and happiness surrounded by those that mean the most…

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With Much Love,

Abby, Justin, Chloe, and Charlie

xx