I Heart Feather Earrings!

On February 7, 2012March 18, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

Feathers have taken the fashion world by storm this year, and while I never did jump on the feather hair extension band wagon, I have created quite an extensive feather earring collection for myself over the last few months. They are such a fun and inexpensive way to add a pop of color to an outfit, or an easy way to give your ensemble a chic bohemian feel. Initially, I thought this was a trend I would only gravitate to during the summer and fall months, but have found myself turning towards my colored feather earrings to brighten up drab wintery days. And really, what could be more fun than coordinating your earrings with your shoes??

Side note: I had to post this last photo showing what I wore over my outift to and from dinner just because I LOVE this jacket so much! It is made by the label Bar III which is a brand exclusive to Macy’s and a part of their Impulse division (only carried in select stores). This just might be my new favorite brand that I have discovered this season-the line is gorgeous and the price points are amazingly reasonable. Check it out at a Macy’s near you!!

Earrings: Aldo and H&M (I have two pairs layered, both only available in store)

Top: H&M

Jeans: American Eagle (similar) $44.50

Shoes: Aldo $69.98 (ON SALE!!!!)

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Macy’s

Bracelets: Tiffany

Ring: Italian Flea Market

Jacket: Bar III (exclusively at select Macy’s stores)

What once was old…

On January 21, 2012March 18, 2012 By all dolled upIn DIY Projects1 Comment

Over the last year my hubby and I have taken on a massive house remodel project-as in we bought a total dump, gutted it down to the studs and sub floors, and have been sometimes slowly, and sometimes quickly, putting it back together again. It has been a year full of triumphs and tears, but ultimately, in the end, we have achieved the home we have always dreamed of having here in the SLC.

Part of making this our for-the-moment dream home, has been the decorating piece of the equation. Like fashion, I LOVE to decorate and in turn, make a house a home. It has become a passion and a hobby taking up a considerable amount of my time-and I am loving every second. Knowing this, my wonderful in-laws, who have been instrumental in helping us with this project every step of them way, donated some antique furniture (that belonged to my hubby’s grandma) for me to do with as I pleased. And since I am a believer in the mantra that what once was old can be new again, I decided to re-purpose these treasures and make them into our own. Below is the first of the three pieces I transformed…

While the dresser was pretty before, the dark lacquered wood didn’t quite go with the guest room I intended it for.

Before the sanding and painting began…

Finished product. Amazing what some white paint, new knobs, and a few decorations can do!

After the painting was complete, I used sand paper to give the dresser an antiqued finish…

And last but not least, gorgeous knobs from Anthropologie that give the dresser the perfect finishing touch!!

Happy Weekend everyone! I’m off out to tackle a fun new project!!

The 80’s Called…

On January 18, 2012March 18, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I really like the direction fashion is taking as of late. The trends seem to be aligning themselves perfectly with my personal style, and my closet is bursting at the seams with color-which makes my little heart oh-so-happy. So today, in honor of waking up to grey skies and single digit temperatures, I thought I would dress like I still live in SF and spice things up a bit by throwing on 3 of my favorite current trends: leopard, sky-high wedges, and...RED PANTS!!!!!!!

Leopard Cardigan: H&M (sold out)

Chiffon Blouse: Arden B $19.99 (on clearance!)

Red Pants: American Eagle $44.50

Black Wedge Shoes: Urban Outfitters (sold out)

Watch: Michael Kors $225

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: my personal collection of charms

iPhone Case: Kate Spade

I am absolutely LOVING the colored denim trend (particularlry when paired back to leopard), but I have to say, the first time I donned these brightly hued leggings, my hubby was quick to dismiss my look and told me, “The 80’s called, and they want their pants back.”. I couldn’t help but laugh at his disdain for my fashion choice, but it did make me take a step back and wonder if this trend might really be the resurgence of a bad 80’s offense, somewhere between shoulder pads and Zinca. But then I snapped out of it and realized that as much as I love him and respect his opinion (on most things, anyway), this is just one of those instances where we are going to have to agree to disagree. Colored denim rocks.

Hooray for Designer Collaborations!

On January 14, 2012March 18, 2012 By all dolled upIn Deals, Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I LOVE it when designers team up with stores to create a lower price point line for us regular folk-in fact it makes me downright giddy. Missoni for Target was a dream come true, and when I caught a glimpse of the Giambattista Valli for Macy’s line I think I peed my pants a little. I’ve scoured runway books and studied fashion obediently since I first started out in this industry and with the flux in popularity of color this year (its always popular in my closet), G Valli is one designer I have had my eye on. So, of course, I had to pick up a few things. And perhaps one of my favorite fall purchases, is this divine skirt made out of tiny chiffon flower petals. In fact I love it so much, I have a hard time wearing it because I’m always waiting for the “perfect” occasion .

As I am sure you can tell by the tree and decor, I finally decided the first time I would wear my pretty frock was for Christmas Eve, which seems fitting because it also just happens to be my favorite day of the year.

Skirt: Giambattista Valli for Macy’s

(sold out on line but still available in select Macy’s stores that have an Impulse department)

Blazer: H&M (recent)

Blouse: H&M (recent)

Tights: Hue (Macy’s $16.00)

Black Suede Wedges: Urban Outfitters (sold out)

Heart Necklace: Tiffany’s

(In the store you can buy just the large charm, which is about half as much)

Long Necklace: my personal collection of sentimental charms

And as I sit here on a Friday night scouring my closet, sure that I have nothing suitable to wear for date night tonight, I’m thinking maybe it will make another appearance. Stay tuned!!!

The key to happiness? Fabulous Shoes

On January 7, 2012March 18, 2012 By all dolled upIn Deals3 Comments

There is only one thing in the world that can make me happier than my dogs and hubby, and that is a fabulous pair of new shoes. *Sigh*. My husband thinks I’m sick in the head, but I insist that having at least a gazillion pairs of shoes in my closet is a necessity to my happiness and the answer to my obsession with accessorizing. Pretty sure Forrest Gump hit the nail on the head when he said:

“Mamma always said you could tell an awful lot about a person by the kind of shoes they wear”.

And Carrie Bradshaw? Well I’m pretty sure that she and I are sole sisters! 😉 That said, thought I would share a couple of things (besides a piping hot cup of coffee) that brought a smile to my face on this snowy morning in the SLC.

My current favorite pair of shoes. I had my eyes on these gorgeous calf hair pumps for quite some time and finally snatched them up when they first went on sale a couple months back. While I can’t boast that they are comfortable (and I have TOUGH feet), they are just cute enough to be worth it.

Steve Madden Sarina-L– currently on sale for $41.98 (can’t beat that price!)