All Dolled Up

On July 20, 2012July 20, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized2 Comments

I remember getting engaged like it was yesterday. Justin whisked me up to Park City on a surprise weekend getaway and got down on one knee in a hot air balloon high above the Wasatch Front. It was exciting and romantic and truly one of the best moments that I’ve had in my life. I also remember our wedding day (the day I officially became all “Dolled” up-yes, my married name is Doll) like it just happened last summer. It was such a perfect day filled with family and friends and overflowing with love and the promise of forever (not to mention that we were married at the most gorgeous venue we could ever have dreamed of). So it seems absolutely crazy to me that tomorrow is our 5th wedding anniversary. I guess what they say really is true, time flies when you’re having fun.

For those of you who know me well, it will come as no surprise that I always get a little sentimental around this time every year and spend a lot of time reflecting on our lives and our journey thus far. And I have to say that this year as I think about all we have been through (an extended backpacking trip to Thailand, a gang shooting, multiple moves, the loss of our beloved dog, job promotions and changes, countless adventures, and a HUGE home renovation project-to name a few of the highlights), I think the word that best sums up the last 5 years for me is grateful. I have been so blessed by Justin and feel so fortunate that I get to spend my life with a man who is kind, funny, loves to smile, loves his family, loves me, an incredible athlete (who pushes himself to new limits all the time), my biggest supporter, my best friend, my love, and a man who gives his all in everything does and constantly pushes me to be a better and stronger person both mentally and physically. He’s also pretty easy on the eyes. 🙂

So in honor of this milestone in our lives, I wanted to take a little stroll down memory lane and share some of my favorite wedding photos with all of you-through the lens of Instagram, of course!

**All photos by Sonya Burgard Photography**

In honor of our 5 official years together, we are heading up to Park City for the weekend to do a little relaxing and of course a lot of celebrating. I am so looking forward to reflecting on all of the memories we have made thus far, and of course making some more.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. I can’t wait to do an outfit post about the dress I got to wear to our anniversary dinner! Not only is it beautiful, but I also got an amazing deal on it-like really amazing. Stay tuned!!!! 🙂

Pencil Me In

On July 19, 2012July 19, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

I love a great pencil skirt-perfect for the office and super flattering. I would even go as far as to wear one for an evening out on the town with a cute strapless top, graphic tee, or one shoulder blouse-it really is one of those universal styles that just about anyone can wear. But one thing I’ve not ever really given a lot of thought to is the pencil dress-equally as flattering and easy to wear, and even perhaps a bit more versatile. And with dresses currently being my favorite go-to pieces in my closet this summer, this silhouette has suddenly found its way to the top of my “love” list.

And it was all inspired by this dress that I found at the JCrew Factory store in Park City earlier this summer. As soon as I saw it, I immediately knew it would be the perfect day-to-night piece to add to my closet. Because of the pencil styling, long length, and black and white stripes, it is perfectly appropriate to wear work with a cardi or blazer (even on days when I have to wear all black!), but also transitions seamlessly into an evening look with some fun accessories and bare shoulders. This is one of those pieces where I would definitely buy it in multiple colors if I could. Too bad that isn’t an option…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Dress: JCrew Factory

Black Cardi: Nordstrom (recent)

Pink Necklace: Thia Pan Trading Company (local Utah store)

Skinny Belt: Cotton On

Gold Bracelets: Forever21, Oia Jules

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Sunglasses: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Shoes: Steve Madden via Overstock.com Outlet Store

Truth be told, I was originally drawn to this dress in neon pink-the only other color they had available. But unfortunately, they were sold out in my size. *sigh* And search as I may, I haven’t been able to find it anywhere-leading me to believe that perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be. But because I can’t quite get the other color version out of the back of my mind, it felt only natural to accessorize my black and white version with pink accessories. As close as I’m going to get, so I guess I’ll take it. 😉

Happy Thursday-the end is in sight!

Feathers and Lace

On July 17, 2012July 17, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Last week was a tour of small town America for me. I spent the better part of the work week in Casper, WY visiting one of my stores only to come back to the SLC and turn around and head straight to Beaver, UT to cheer my hubby on in the Crusher (an insane mountain bike race in the Tushar mountains). And while it was a fun event and my hubby did amazing, I couldn’t have been happier to get home to the SLC on Saturday evening and sleep in my own bed! I also couldn’t have been happier when my hubby suggested that we head out to a fun dinner on Satruday night to celebrate his stellar performance.

And truth be told, after a week in small towns, I was feeling pretty casual, so decided it was a perfect opportunity to wear my cute white lace top (first mentioned here) back to some skinny jeans, and finished the look with feather earrings to create a bohemian cool feel-which was fitting for our evening and my mood.

White Lace Top: INC via Macy’s

White Tank: H&M

Skinny Jeans: Gap (sold out online-but check our local store!)

Flower Clutch: Coach (last summer)

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules via Etsy

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Feather Earrings: The Icing (last summer)

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Rampage via TJMaxx

Gold Wedges: Steve Madden via Dillards (recent)

As I said in my previous post about lace, it really is a perfect summer piece. Whether you prefer it in shorts, a skirt, a top or in color or neutrals, you really can’t go wrong. And not only is it of course “on trend” this summer, but lace is timeless and something you can hold onto in your closet until it comes back around again-which it always does.

Come Sail Away

On July 16, 2012July 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

Perhaps it is the result of living for so many years in the South, but I have an on-going love affair with embroidered shorts. Whether it’s critters, or sea animals, or boats, or anchors, or dragonflys, I just love the color contrast and cute preppy factor. For men, or women (and even kids!), they are always a winner in my book. In fact, I just bought my hubby a pair of pale blue JCrew chino shorts with bright blue whales and also snagged the below peach shorts with little orange sailboats for me. I mean really, can you get much cuter???

Orange Featherweight Sweater: JCrew Factory (recent)

Peach Sailboat Embroidered Shorts: JCrew (recent)

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay (BE CAREFUL when buying a bubble necklace this route-there are LOTS of fakes out there!)

Gold Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules via Etsy

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neutral Wedges: Guess via DSW (recent)

Another great thing about embroidered shorts (in addition to all of their cute and preppy lovely-ness) is that they are a great piece to dress up or down-or even land somewhere in the middle like I did with the above outfit. They look great back to a t-shirt (or tank) and flats, or back to a mid-height wedge with fun accessories (as above) , and would even look fabulous with some higher heels, and a cute button-down for a night-on-the-town type of a look! So if you are like me and love these adorable shorts, then I suggest hitting up your local JCrew-they hands down do this trend better than anyone else.

Happy Monday!!!

FPF: Anything from Etsy

On July 13, 2012July 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products5 Comments

I wanted to take today to share with you my undying love for Etsy. I have known about the site for several years, but for whatever reason was always a little hesitant to take the plunge and purchase anything. But a couple of years ago when my girlfriend was preparing for her wedding and started picking up all sorts of cute things from Etsy (her clutch, bridesmaid gifts, jewelry, etc.), I knew it was the site for me. And since then I have purchased lots of jewelry. cute prints, and fabulous decor for my home. And not only have I never been disappointed with a purchase, but I love that it is a means for me to support local artists across the globe. I also revel in knowing that the things I am buying are typically one of a kind and made by hand with love-which of course makes each item that much more special. So with that (drum roll, please!), below are a few of my all-time favorite Etsy purchases…

Turquoise Necklace by Basil The Cat

Druzy Ring by Deco Fox

Chain Bracelet with Heart by OiaJules

Gold Plated Monogram Necklace by Keti Sorely Designs

Hot Pink Druzy Ring by amandalynneLUXE

State Prints by Rooted in Paper

I’m not going to lie, writing this post makes me want to lose myself on the Etsy site for a few hours to do a little treasure hunting. So if you haven’t tried Esty, spend some time on their site this weekend and take a look-they really do have something for everyone. And in addition to all of the fabulous Esty shops mentioned above, below are a few of my other favorites who are all definitely worth checking out:

Bridger and Madison: modern baby items from sensory blankets, to quilts, to burp cloths-way too many cute things to list!!

MakeupbyBella: chain Bracelets and Necklaces

outoftheblue: vintage modern jewelry

Whimsical Details: recycled jewelry and decor

Elizajay Charm: acrylic monogram jewelry

BeMe Jewelry: Turkish Jewelry (FABULOUS cocktail rings)

Hands Full Creations: purses, clutches and accessories (REALLY cute chevron clutches!)

Enjoy! And have a happy, happy weekend, dolls!!

My New Vest Friend

On July 12, 2012July 12, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

Ok, ok, if you haven’t noticed already, I am completely obsessed with my denim vest. To be honest, I didn’t really think these would ever make a come back, and I definitely didn’t think I would ever be so enamored with them if they ever did. BUT, I suppose stranger things have happened! And so with that, here are a few reasons why I love it so-an ode to my denim vest if you will:

1. It’s denim, and denim rocks

2. It’s an easy way to change up an outfit

3. It’s the ideal piece to layer over a maxi or sundress, and goes with just about anything (with the exception of same-colored denim bottoms, of course)

4. It’s the perfect way to dress down that dress that is just a little too dressy for normal wear

5. The frayed edges give it little edge making it the perfect partner for something super sweet (like lace!)

6. It reminds me of the ’80’s (pretty much the best decade ever)

7. The cropped styling makes it super flattering as it hits at the smallest part of your waist

8. It’s not just a piece of clothing, it’s also an accessory

Denim Vest: Macy’s (recent) similar here, here, and here

Chartreuse Lace Dress: Cotton On

Belt: Mossimo for Target (old)

Bracelets: Gold w/ Heart oiajules via Etsy, Gold with Pink Macy’s (recent)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Caged Wedges: Crown Vintage via DSW (last summer)

So not only did I want to give a shout out to my denim vest in this post, but I also wanted to tell you how HAPPY I am that we now have Cotton On in our market. Cotton On is an Australian based company that my little brother introduced me to years ago when my family was visiting him in Australia. And let me tell you, I fell in LOVE with it while we were there. So when it recently came to the states, I was ecstatic. I guess you could say that Cotton On is similar to H&M, but a little more on the hipster side-a beachy, cool Australia feel, if you will. And not only that, but the prices are fantastic, they have tons of great color (my lace dress above came in about 5 other colors) and lots of really fun accessories. So if you have one near you, make sure and check out-it will be well worth your time. And don’t forget to pick yourself up a denim vest if you haven’t already-it will no doubt become a go-to summer staple in your closet.

And good news! The weekend is almost here!! 🙂 Happy Thursday, everyone!!

P.S. Don’t forget to “like” me on FB, and follow me on Twitter and Blog Lovin’ (all just a click away to your right!). You can also find me on Pinterest: Abby Doll, and on Instagram: AisAllDolledup

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!