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

I love my red skinny jeans. In fact, I’ve found over the last year or so that despite their vibrant hue, they are just about as versatile as blue jeans. And in addition to going with just about anything, they are also just plain fun. Especially when mixed with the unexpected-like neon and snow leopard.

Instagram Filter: Rise

Snow Leopard Shirt: JCrew, similar, similar

Red Skinnies: Else by Joe’s Jeans

Sunburst Necklace: House of Harlow

Neon Belt: Macy’s, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Shoes: Aldo for Nordstrom, similar, similar

I love mixing primary colors together-there is just something so refreshing and simple about the combination. It’s sort of like going back to the basics. But a word to the wise, when mixing primary colors, limit yourself to two at a time. Otherwise, you might end up looking more like a finger painting project you did in the 1st grade rather than a fashionista.

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

Walking In Memphis

On November 29, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I have always wanted a pair of blue suede shoes. Maybe it’s because I lived in Tennessee and have a deep love for the south, or maybe it’s my adoration for Marc Cohn, but for years they have been at the top of my wish list. So needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled when I stumbled upon this perfect pair. And I swear they make me extra happy every time I wear them. The only thing that could make them any better is if they were on my feet ten feet off of Beale.

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Moto Jacket: BarIII, similar

Neon Buttondown: Gap

Jeans: American Eagle

Large Chain Necklace: Macy’s

Crystal Necklace: JCrew Factory

Long Chain Necklace: Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors

Handbag: Olivia+Joy

Blue Suede Shoes: Nine West, similar, similar

I hope you all are having a fabulous week. I feel like I blinked and it’s Thursday already. Working in the fashion industry, this time of the year is especially crazy for me. And all I know is my feet are more anxious for the weekend than I am at this point. Maybe this holiday season will drive me to wear flats. Maybe. 😉

Winter White

On November 27, 2012November 27, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

It’s a relief to me how even fashion rules with seemingly the most staying power always, at some point, seem to find themselves overturned. Take for example, pantyhose. I can’t tell you how happy I am that I no longer have to wear them with skirts and dresses. Or at all, ever again. I mean really, thank goodness!!!!

Another such rule that I am happy to say no longer applies, is not wearing white after labor day. And while I don’t find myself wearing white all that often in general, it makes me happy to know that I can wear white pants (LOVE them with cognac boots), white dresses, or white skirts any time of the year I would like. And besides, with all of the white stuff that accumulates during the winter months, why not match your outfit back to the elements every now and again?

Instagram Filter: Walden

Polka Dot Sweater: Forever21

White Ruffle Skirt: BCBGMaxazria, similar, similar

Leopard Belt: Express, similar

Bubble Necklace: Ily Couture

Sunnies: Marc Jacobs

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelets: Forever21

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Clutch: Michael Kors

Black Suede Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita, similar

We are having an unusually warm fall, so I am trying my best to wear my pumps as much as I can before I am confined to boots once the snow starts flying. And this season, I keep finding myself drawn to anything with a wedge. As I am sure you can imagine, the majority of my shoes are pretty high, but I have found that the wedges in my collection definitely provide a more comfortable fit. And while I’m not one to trade fashion for comfort, wedges are a great example of how you can appeal to both.

Holiday Dressing

On November 26, 2012November 26, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love planning outfits for the holidays. In fact, I already know what I’m wearing on Christmas Eve (which also happens to be my absolute favorite day of the year). But truth be told, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday to dress for because it’s the only holiday where it’s perfectly acceptable to wear your stretchiest pants and be totally casual. And so, this year, in true Thanksgiving fashion, I opted to wear my favorite grey t-shirt, stretchiest legging jeans, and go-to wedge boots for a lovely dinner with friends. But because I was feeling festive and wanted to dress things up just a little, I also added fun accessories and a cute (but comfy)Rachel Roy twill jacket to complete my look. And let me tell you, a cute and stylish jacket (much like a fantastic pair of shoes) is a super easy way to dress up any outfit-a little secret weapon in your closet, if you will!

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Hunter Green Jacket: Rachel Rachel Roy, similar, similar, similar

Grey T-Shirt: Victoria’s Secret Pink Essential V-Neck

Skinny Jeans: Gap, similar

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Spike Bracelets: Aldo

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Monogram Necklace: Ketti Sorely Designs

Large Pendant: Stella and Dot Leona (ON SALE!!!!!)

Sunnies: Target

Leopard Cross Body Bag: Betsy Johnson

Wedge Boots: Steve Madden Brix, similar, similar

I still can’t believe another Thanksgiving has come and gone. Why is it that the things we always look forward to the most always seem to pass us by the quickest? But on the bright side, I can now officially put up my Christmas decorations, play Christmas music to my little heart’s content, and even eat Christmas cookies for breakfast if I feel so inclined (don’t judge). It really is the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it?

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!!

Thankful…

On November 22, 2012November 22, 2012 By all dolled upIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. A day filled with good food, family, and friends, and a time to pause and reflect on all of the blessings we have in our lives. This year, I am of course incredibly thankful for many things, but one thing is new on my list this year. And that is all of YOU. Starting a blog has been such an amazing adventure, and it would not be possible for me to be able to do this without all of you-my fabulous readers. So thank you for your support, your feedback, and your encouragement over the last couple of months-it has meant the world to me. And as I count my blessings this Thanksgiving, please know that you all are right at the top of my list. THANK YOU.

I started off my day today by running the Cottonwood Heights Thanksgiving 5k. It was a gorgeous morning and 2,000 people showed up for the event! J couldn’t run with me this year because he is still healing from a broken ankle, but he and the pups cheered me on from the sidelines. And little Charlie even ran the last 1/2 mile with me! And while it was fun to bust out my Indian costume and run, it wasn’t quite as fun without my other half. So I thought I would leave you all with a photo of J and I last year after our turkey trot in Golden Gate Park.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Take Two

On November 20, 2012November 20, 2012 By all dolled upIn Uncategorized1 Comment

I wanted to try a little experiment with you guys this week and show you one piece styled two different ways in back-to-back posts. So that means you get to see my polka dot sweater again today. And I swear it’s not just an excuse for me to talk about polka dots again-really. 😉

Styling one piece multiple ways can sometimes seem daunting-but it doesn’t have to be that way. To come up with the look in today’s post, I only changed out three items from yesterday’s outfit resulting in a totally revamped look. By trading my gingham shirt for a gray tank, adding my favorite army surplus jacket, and changing my shoes from a patent to a cognac suede wedge, my little polka dot sweater went from dressed up and sweet, to laid back and casual. Easy as one, two, three!

Instagram Filter: X-Pro II

Polka Dot Sweater: Forever21

Grey Tank: H&M (basics line)

Surplus Jacket: Forever21, similar, similar

Jeans: Gap

Heart Pendant: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Neon Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Aviators: Smith Serpico

Suede Wedges: Aldo Zingg (on sale!!)

There are really a lot of different outfits I could make with this sweater. In fact, I am already plotting when I can wear it tucked into a mustard skirt with tights and boots (and maybe even a skinny leopard belt for good measure). I would also love to pair it back to colorful skinny jeans-I’m thinking maybe pink. But regardless, it’s always a fun challenge to look around your closet and create new outfits with pieces you already own. You don’t always have to buy something new to make yourself look and feel like new!

Gingham Style

On November 19, 2012November 19, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

Oh how I love to mix different textures and prints together. And currently topping my list right now are polka dots back to, well, pretty much anything. And while I have been trying to shield you all from my out-of-control addiction to polka dots, I think I may be on the verge of needing an intervention. Seriously. I am out of control.

But the good news about polka dots is that they play a very similar role to stripes. Meaning, you can pair them back to just about anything. And while polka dots and stripes are one of my all time favorite combos, lately I am becoming a huge fan of polka dots and plaids. Now normally when mixing prints a general rule of thumb is to mix something bigger with something smaller. But, of course, as you can see below, there are exceptions to every rule. And I have to say that I am loving my mini polka dot sweater back to my hot pink gingham button down…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Mini Polka Dot Sweater: Forever21

Pink Gingham shirt: JCrew Factory

Skinny Jeans: Gap

Heart Pendant: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Watch: Michael Kors

bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Sunnies: Calvin Klein

Neon Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Wedges: Aldo Terina (ON SALE!)

Our weekend went by so quickly. Even though it was packed full of events and fun outings, I almost feel like I blinked and now it’s Monday again. This time of the year always really flies by for me-I just wish the weekends would slow down a little. Sheesh.

Here’s to an abbreviated work week!

Little Red Riding Hood

On November 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Happy Friday, everyone! I don’t know about you, but this is always one of my very favorite weekends of the year. And do you know why? Because Thanksgiving is awaiting us just on the other side! I love the holidays so much, I can hardly stand it.

And with the holidays literally looming just around the corner, I finally caved and brought all of my winter coats out of storage. And as I was reviewing my personal inventory, I couldn’t help but be completely drawn to my red skirted coat. With color playing such an important role in fashion this year, I think that a brightly colored coat is an important investment that everyone should make this season. And because of the color trend, finding your perfect hue should make for a fairly easy task. Red is a great basic and a good investment because it will never go out of style, but I’ve seen everything from pale pink, to mustard, to vibrant shades of blue. So really, the choice is yours.

Instagram Filter: Rise

Red Coat: ArdenB (last year), similar, similar, blue, mustard, rust, turquoise, purple, royal blue,

Leggings: ArdenB

Booties: Steve Madden (old), similar

Clutch: Hobo International Belinda

Last night J and I went on a little date in downtown SLC. We had a fun dinner at Flemmings and attended the unveiling of the iconic candy windows at our new downtown Macy’s. It was a fun tradition to be a part of and we were so impressed. Pretty amazing that these huge ornaments are all completely made of candy!!

Happy weekend!

Fringe Benefits

On November 14, 2012November 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas11 Comments

One of my favorite positions that I’ve ever held was when I managed the buying and product development for the Footwear and Accessories department at Sundance Catalog. It was my first big job in the fashion industry and I have been hooked ever since. And not only did it reassure me that I was meant to have a career in the retail world, but it also instilled in me a deep love for handbags (which I’m sure my hubby is especially grateful for). 😉

That said, I designed the below bag with my agent partner in Italy a couple of years ago. And of course since the Italians are much more fashion forward than we are, we were a little too far ahead of the fringe curve. So while it was always one of my favorite designs, it wasn’t featured in the catalog until after I’d departed. But with fringe popping up all over the place this season, I was happy I held onto my original sample. So while I’m still on the fence about fringed boots (and sweaters, for that matter), I can definitely rock a fringed bag.

Instagram Filter: Nashville

Faux Leather Jacket: BarIII for Macy’s, similar, similar, similar

Grey V-Neck: Victoria’s Secret Pink (best t’s ever)

Jeans: Gap

Pink Necklace: TJMaxx (old), similar

Sterling Monogram Necklace: Birthday Gift

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Target

Fringed Bag: my design for Sundance, similar, similar

Pointed Toe Pumps: Nine West

Another thing I should note in this post is the importance of owning a great biker jacket. They are a perfect fall staple and a simple way to dress up a t-shirt, a great piece to throw on when running out the door, and an easy way to sass up an otherwise sweet outfit. Leather or vegan, depending on your personal preference and price range, there is sure to be a style just right for everyone this fall. And with the progression of man-made materials, the faux options available this season are better than ever with many that could pretty much pass for the real thing. Fantastic style without breaking the bank? Count me in!

Happy Hump Day!

Layer It On

On November 13, 2012November 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

One of the best parts of fall and winter fashion is…layers!! I love that it is totally acceptable to take a few of your favorite pieces and layer them one on top of the other for a cozy and eclectic look. You can mix patterns, prints, different materials and textures-pretty much anything goes. But if you aren’t sure how to layer, a good place to start is with a buttondown underneath a sweater. And from there you can add a scarf, a light jacket (that would fit under something heavier), a boyfriend buttondown, or even a fun vest. Once you establish a great base, your options are really pretty endless…

Instagram Filter: Brannan

Sweater Vest with Fur Collar: Macy’s (on sale and it’s even called the Dolled Up Vest!!)

Grey Sweater: H&M (old), similar

Purple Plaid Buttondown: TJMaxx (old), similar

Skinny Pants: Gap

Gloves: Smartwool, similar

Heart Pendant: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Watch: Michael Kors

Boots: Vince Camuto, similar

I still can’t get over all of the snow we have right now. But the fantastic thing about Utah snow is as quickly as it comes, it’s usually just as quick to go (at least down in the valley). Although with the holidays just around the corner, I’m secretly hoping it will stick around for a while. In fact, it’s all I can do not to get out the Christmas decorations and music (but I try my best to wait until Thanksgiving to start my Christmas celebration-otherwise I’d drive J mad). So I just have to make it one more week, and then it’s game on. 😉

Thanks for reading!

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