Seeing Spots

On October 23, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized7 Comments

Two black and white outfit posts in a row-now that’s saying something for a girl who loves color like I do. And contrary to how I thought I might feel, I have found the black and white trend to be quite refreshing this season. So considering this and my penchant for snow leopard prints (which you can read about it here) it’s no surprise that this dress caught my eye on a recent H&M trip. A hybrid of leopard and polka dots all wrapped up in black in white? How could I resist.

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Dress: H&M (recent) similar; Vegan Moto Jacket: Macy’s similar, similar; Double Wrap Belt: DownEast Outfitters similar; Necklace and Ring: House of Harlow; Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack; Sunglasses: House of Harlow via Nordstrom Rack; Pumps: Boutique in Italy similar

As I noted in yesterday’s post, J and I headed on a road trip to Montana this past weekend so J could ride in the annual Rolling Thunder cross race in Missoula. It is a weekend we look forward to every year, not only because of the terrific event, but because we get to see family and friends while we are there. And this year, of course, did not disappoint. J had a podium finish in one of his two races, I snuck in some time with girlfriends (including meeting one’s little boy for the first time!), and most importantly, we were blessed to spend the weekend with J’s dad, and his brother and his wife (who just moved to the neighborhood where these photos were taken!!). It was a long drive home on Sunday, but the weekend was well worth the trip.

L.O.V.E.

On October 22, 2012October 22, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Does anyone else remember that Ashley Simpson used to have a music career (outside of her lip synching debacle on SNL)? I had completely forgotten until I saw this shirt hanging on the rack at one of our Macy’s stores. And like a tidal wave, the bubbly lyrics and catchy tune of L.O.V.E. came flooding back to me and I knew the shirt had to be mine. 😉

But in all seriousness, and aside from my forgotten love for the younger Simpson’s bubblegum pop, I have been obsessing over graphic tees all fall. They are fun, catchy like your favorite pop song, and have the potential to add a little sass to any outfit while boasting the comfort of a t-shirt. And not only that, but in addition to obviously being great with jeans, they work well with blazers and cardis, colored and printed skinnies, and even skirts and leggings. Just another fab item to add to your wardrobe helping you to create endless outfit possibilities!

Instagram Filter: Amaro

LOVE Tee: Material Girl via Macy’s (sold out) similar, similar, similar

Grey Cardi: Old Navy

Black Ponte Pants: INC via Macy’s

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom Rack (last summer)

Handbag: Coach (last fall)

Boots: Kenneth Cole via TJMaxx (recent)

I actually wore the above outfit on a road trip to Montana this past weekend. It was comfy and cute, and an easy transition from 8 hours in the car straight to dinner with family and friends. The only thing I had to do was change my shoes. I wore the black boots pictured above for dinner, but wore my Uggs in the car to keep me comfy and warm. And although sometimes tough to create, I often love outfits that can transition from one event to another the best. The older I get, the less time I feel like devoting to changing my clothes throughout the day so I’m always a huge fan of items that make things easier. So if you are on the hunt for a great graphic tee, H&M and Forever21 are always a great place to start and should both have plenty of options at affordable prices!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Funfetti Cake Dip

On October 18, 2012October 22, 2012 By all dolled upIn DIY ProjectsLeave a comment

Thank goodness for Pinterest. Not only is it overflowing with fantastic fashion inspiration, but it’s also the best place to find countless decorating ideas and amazing recipes. So whenever I am hosting a party or going to an event, Pinterest is resource number one to fan my creative flame. And I know I’m not the only one who can’t stop pinning, am I? 😉

So with that said, I wanted to share one of my current favorite Pinterest finds with all of you-Funfetti Cake Dip. I mean really, what could be better than a party hit that takes less than 5 minutes to assemble, is only 105 calories/serving (which is a whole 1/4 of a cup!!) and is comprised of 3 simple ingredients??? Pretty sure not much…

Instagram Filter: Walden

**image courtesy of Pinterest**

Here is what you’ll need:

1 box funfetti cake mix

2 cups vanilla greek yogurt (you can also use non-fat yogurt)

1 cup lite cool whip

Mix all three ingredients together in a large bowl (until all lumps are gone), cover and chill for 4 hours and then serve with animal crackers (cute for baby showers!), vanilla wafers, fruit, or anything else your heart desires. You can even garnish with sprinkles if you are feeling extra festive.

So there you have it, easy as 1, 2, 3-a crowd pleaser that never disappoints and a sweet treat that doesn’t pack on the calories.

Perfection.

The One That Got Away

On October 16, 2012October 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

I have been on the hunt for a great leopard bag for quite some time now-ever since I fell in love with one and made the mistake of not buying it. And while I thought my wish list was pretty simple (nothing too expensive, versatile animal print, and big enough to schlep all of my stuff to and from the office and on errands around town), apparently I was wrong. And so, after looking high and low with absolutely no luck, I had all but given up. That is until I spotted it during a recent store visit-the one that got away.

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Polka Dot Tie Top: Macy’s (on sale!!!)

Grey Tank: ArdenB (old)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap, similar

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: My personal collection of charms

Watch: Michael Kors

Leopard Bag: Steven by Steve Madden (on sale at 6pm!)

Cognac Boots: Aldo Farmar, similar

I think perhaps what originally drew me to this bag, and ultimately led me to purchase it is its coloring. Because it has a lighter base and lots of different shades of tan, cognac, and brown, not to mention some very subtle black detailing, it is one of those pieces that will go with just about anything in my closet. I couldn’t be more excited to have found it again (and for such a great bargain!), and know that I am going to get a lot of use out of it this season!!

Avenge Me!

On October 15, 2012October 15, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas7 Comments

I have to say that I felt like a princess at the opera on Saturday night. The last time I wore a formal gown was on my wedding day, so it was pretty exciting to have such a fun excuse to get so dressed up. Plus, as I said in this post, as a student of classical music, the opera is very near and dear to my heart so I could not have been more thrilled to attend. And the event did not disappoint. Il Trovatore was simply fantastic. The cast was incredible, the story was captivating, and the passion and drama were palpable. Even my hubby enjoyed the performance and promised me that he would go again (which is no small feat!).

And of course, the dress. I gave you all sneak peek last week as to what it looked like off the rack. And while it was pretty in its original state, it wasn’t quite the dress for me. But the price was right (incredible, actually), and I knew with a few changes that I could make it my perfect dress for such an honorable evening. And I must say, I could not have been happier with the way it turned out!

Dress: Betsy Adams via Macy’s

Earrings: ArdenB (old) similar, similar

Bracelets: Macy’s, Target

Clutch: H&M (recent), similar, similar

Shoes: Michael Kors, similar, similar

After our red carpet appearance, we were asked a series of questions as we posed for additional photos for an upcoming issue of Utah Magazine. And one question that was asked of us was whether or not we recommend the opera, and if so, to who. My initial thought was that the opera is not for everyone. However, after our experience on Saturday evening-from a lovely dinner, to an exciting walk on the red carpet, to an absolutely fantastic show, to all of the amazing fashion filling the charming Capitol Theatre, I have to say that I would recommend the Utah Opera to anyone. It was an incredible experience and I absolutely can’t wait to go again. So thank you to Sara Neal and the Utah Opera for extending such a lovely invitation to me. You have found yourselves a lifelong fan.

Il Trovatore

On October 12, 2012October 12, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

Those of you who follow me on Facebook might have seen earlier this week that I was invited to attend the opening night of the 2012/2013 Opera season here in the SLC and make a red carpet appearance in honor of All Dolled Up. And because I went to college on a Vocal Performance scholarship and was classically trained in opera, I could not have been more thrilled to receive the invite. Plus, it’s realistically probably the only way I could ever get J to go to the opera with me!

That said, I have been in a major dilemma all week in regards to what I should wear. I have an absolutely stunning BCBGMaxazria silk organza dress that I have not had a chance to wear yet, but it’s short. And as much as I am dying for the excuse to wear it, short just doesn’t feel right for the opera. So I have made the final decision to go with a long dress and wanted to give you all a little sneak peek at the winning gown…

What I should also tell you about this dress is that I am not going to wear it as it appears on the hanger. I am making some changes to it and can’t wait to share the finished product with you all on Monday! And if you want to catch a glimpse of our evening at the opera, be sure to follow me on Twitter, Facebook (right nav), and Instagram (AllDolledUpBlog) for live tweets, updates, and images from the event!

Happy weekend everyone!

Lip Service

On October 11, 2012October 11, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

As much as I love color, sometimes I just want to wear something neutral that doesn’t require much effort or coordination. But because I love color so much, those types of outfits always feel slightly boring to me. Well thank goodness for bright lips and nails to solve that dilemma!! In addition to accessories (of course), one of my favorite ways to add a pop of color to an outfit is either on my nails or on my lips. And while pretty, polished nails are always a staple for me, lately I have found that a swipe of bright lipstick not only adds interest, but brightens the face making me look and feel younger, and maybe even a teeny, tiny bit (gasp!) sexy. And come on, who doesn’t want to look and feel young and sexy???

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Printed Blouse: The Limited (on sale!!!)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap

Watch: Michael Kors

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Sunglasses: House of Harlow

Cocktail Ring: Gift from my J

Studded Pumps: Vera Wang for Kohl’s (sold out) similar

Orange Lipstick: MAC Morange

I think I will always be more of a lip gloss girl, but am finding that I’m wearing lipstick more and more frequently. And while these are still far and away my favorite, MAC has some fantastic colors and I find their lipsticks to be very comfortable when layered with a chapstick or a lip gloss. And while I’ve been bold and tried everything from hot pink, to orange, to bright red, one trend I haven’t tried yet is a burgundy lip. Oh the drama!!! But I think I’m ready to give it a go. Stay tuned…

Saturdays in the Park

On October 9, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love Saturdays in the Fall. My hubby races Cyclocross (a hybrid sport of mountain biking and road biking), and I look forward to getting out the cowbell and our SLR each weekend to cheer him on and snap photos of him for a change. It’s so nice to be out in the crisp fall air and have the opportunity to see so many different parks and areas around Utah that we normally wouldn’t get to explore!

This past Saturday brought us up to beautiful Ogden for race day. And while most races are in the morning and you can normally find me straight from boot camp running around the course in my LuluLemon gear and tennis shoes, this was an afternoon race so I actually had to wear real clothes for the occasion. However, I found myself a bit stumped as to what real clothes I could wear both to the race and then directly out for beers with friends following. I seem to have an easy time getting super dressed up or being super casual, but it’s the in between that I always find to be a struggle. So I did what any strategic thinking fashionista would do and I pulled out my favorite grey tee, my most comfy skinny jeans, my best worn in boots (with just enough of a heel that I could run around but not feel frumpy), and then threw on some fun jewelry and a leopard cardi for some spunk. And I have to say, it ended up being the perfect outfit for a casual, fun fall day.

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Grey Tee: Victoria’s Secret Pink Essential V-Neck Tee (these are THE BEST!)

Leopard Cardi: H&M (last year) similar, similar, similar

Skinny Jeans: The Gap

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely via Etsy

Long Gold Necklace: Macy’s

Stone Charm: Stella and Dot

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Charm Bracelet: Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neon Bag: Steven by Steve Madden

Gold Aviators: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Cognac Boots: Aldo Farmar (last fall) similar

Neon was all the rage this past summer and will continue to be an important trend through the end of 2013. And while it does pose to be a bit more challenging, it is perfectly acceptable to layer it into your fall and winter wardrobe. When I bought my neon yellow bag a couple of months ago, I actually bought it with fall in mind. I knew it would look fantastic back to both grey and cognac and would be a great and simple way to add a pop of color to more earthy, cool weather looks. How would you style neon back to your fall neutrals?

Oh Baby

On October 8, 2012October 8, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

It kind of feels like all of my friends are having babies, and that’s probably because, well, they are (some are even on their 2nd or 3rd!!). And so, I suppose I have reached the age where it is no longer about weddings and bachelorette parties, but more so about new family additions and baby showers. But as long as these new life events involve parties, then that is fine by me!

That said, I love a good excuse to host friends in our home. Whether it is for dinner, game night, or a party, you usually don’t have to ask me twice. So when one of my dear friends announced she was expecting, I was thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to co-host a shower at my house in her honor. And it was a fantastic baby shower, if I do say so myself. We had a lovely group of ladies, TONS of delicious food and sweets, and the mom-to-be received some beautiful presents. We even played Mad Libs, and each created a hand-made onesie for the new babe. It was a lovely afternoon and I feel blessed to have been a part of the celebration. And it gave me the excuse to take the tags off my new hi-lo maxi skirt that I have been dying to wear…

Instagram Filter: Hudson

Skirt: BarIII via Macy’s (sold out online but still available in select stores that carry Impulse) similar

Striped Top: H&M (last year, but they sill have it in their basics department) similar, similar

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs via Etsy

Rhinestone Necklace: JCrew

Long Necklace: Macy’s, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Belt: Mossimo for Target

Cognac Pumps: Boutique in Florence, Italy (similar)

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I did this post about pairing navy and mustard together. And it looks like I am holding true to my word that it is a color combination that always works-no matter the season. But something about the rich golden color of this skirt makes it feel so perfectly suited for fall-maybe because it’s the color of autumn leaves. And in addition to it’s gorgeous color, maxi skirts are perfect transitional pieces between seasons. I can’t wait to come up with other fun ways to style this one over the next couple of months! Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

FPF: Gold Cuffs

On October 5, 2012October 5, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I rarely wore a watch until a few years ago when J got me my first Michael Kors as a birthday gift. And now I find that I am stuck in the rut of wearing a watch every single day. So when I started seeing big gold cuffs on the runway and all over fashion magazines a few months ago, I knew it was a trend that I not only loved, but also one that would help me add some variety to my wrist fashion!

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Gold Cuffs: H&M (this summer) similar, similar

One shoulder top: The Limited (this summer)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap

Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden (old)

And while I know arm parties are all the rage (yes, I LOVE them too), I am really digging having the option to change things up and rock a completely different look. Wearing two big cold cuffs is a bit bold and a bit Grecian, but a whole lot of fun. Plus it will be a great way to dress up plain tees and sweaters during colder months.

Happy weekend everyone! I am so excited that it’s FINALLY here!!!