I Heart Yellow

On May 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas5 Comments

Yellow is my favorite color. In fact, when I got married, I wanted to put my bridesmaids in yellow dresses. But lucky for them, I was a couple years ahead of the yellow trend and they got to wear tangerine instead. 😉 But it is the one color I have always been drawn to for as long as I can remember (surprisingly, I had a falling out with pink after my pink and purple phase in kindergarten and only started loving it again in recent years). I wore yellow in my senior pictures, attended a University where our colors were black and gold, but the gold was often translated into yellow, had yellow flowers and decor at my wedding (my hubby also wore a yellow vest with his tux), and even have a bright sunshine yellow Marc Jacobs computer bag that I carry with me everyday for work.

And since yellow is one of the “it” colors of the season, that certainly makes my little heart very happy. BUT, yellow is not for everyone. It is one of the most difficult colors to wear and the brightness of it often scares people away (understandably so). So how can you incorporate yellow into your wardrobe this season? Through accessories, of course! And I think every gal should purchase something yellow in anticipation of summer, whether it be a belt, a necklace, a fun pair of shoes, or a handbag, you just have to go for it. Fashion is, afterall, all about taking chances and stepping outside of your comfort zone, right?

Cardigan: JCrew

Skirt: Francesca’s (recent)

Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Sunglass Hut at Macy’s

Shoes: Chinese Laundry LoveMe

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay (be careful if you go this route-LOTS of bad fakes!!!!)

Yellow Belt: Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

I feel like I should add a disclaimer to this post, some kind of warning so that you can all prepare yourselves to see A LOT of this necklace. I actually bought it in anticipation of my birthday to wear to a celebration dinner at my favorite restaurant with friends tomorrow night, but couldn’t wait to wear it and have already gotten significant use out of it since its arrival. For me, it is the perfect yellow accessory. In fact, I had to stop myself from wearing it again today. 🙂

And as a side note, thank you all so much for the birthday love and wishes. I had a really incredible day and am so grateful for all that everyone did for me-particularly my hubby who made me feel like an absolute princess. I am truly blessed!

Black+Navy

On May 7, 2012May 8, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, Watches3 Comments

The rule stating that you can’t wear black and navy together no longer applies. And thank goodness, because half of the time I can’t tell them apart anyway. And thus, mixing black and navy together has become one of my favorite color combinations as of late. Black on black always feels awfully dressy to me (especially on days when I know I am going to be sitting at my desk all day), so adding a navy top or blazer back to a black pant or skirt is a great way to tone things down a notch and bring that element of “casual” into “business casual” attire.

Navy Blazer: Express (recent)

Grey Ruffle Blouse: Express

Black Skinnies: Gap

Necklace: Tiffany, my personal charm collection

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s, H&M

Ring: Saundra Messinger via Sundance Catalog

Pink Pumps: Jessica Simpson Waleo via Macy’s

In addition to loving black and navy together, I also LOVE pink and navy together, hence the pink shoes to tie it all together. And while black and navy are a perfectly acceptable combo, it is important that there is enough of a contrast between the two so that people can tell you are wearing black and navy and not wonder if one of your pieces is a poorly cared for, faded black garment. Oh, and one more very important thing, if you are wearing a suit (girl or guy), this is one instance where you don’t want to mix black or navy. Try and keep your suiting pure (same color jacket and pants)-it looks more classy and chic that way.

Happy Monday!!

Colored Skinnies

On May 3, 2012May 3, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, TJMaxx, Uncategorized4 Comments

Since I obviously love color, it should come as no surprise that I also love the whole colored denim trend. However, I have found it to be a struggle fo find the colors I want in the brands that I love, or a color that I love in a brand that fits. And I would even go so far as to say that generally most of the colored leggings and jeans that are out there are very ill-fitting (especially if you have any curves at all-which I do).

So with that, I am happy to announce that I have finally found an incredible denim resource with a great selection of colored skinnies, denim skinnies, and super cute denim bootcuts. They are figure flattering, comfortable, don’t sag in the booty (like A LOT of brands out there), and are actually affordable. Almost seems too good to be true, doesn’t it? But rest assured, I tell you, because it most definitely is not!

The brand is called Else and it is a more affordable extension of the Joe’s jeans line (retailing for around $68 each), made exclusively for Macy’s. And really, how great is that? All of the awesome fit properties and the quality of Joe’s for almost half the price. I love them so much, I have picked them up in a dark denim wash, black(which are great for work), red, purple(seen here), and my new favorite color that I just can’t get enough of…

Pink Aviators: Steve Madden c/o TJMaxx

Striped Shirt: BarIII c/o Macy’s

Spearamint Pants: Else Denim c/o Macy’s

Pink Shoes: Jessical Simpson Waleo c/o Macy’s

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

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

So if you are in the market for a great fitting, high quality pair of skinnies, definitely check out Else at your local Macy’s or online (stocks and colors are pretty picked over right now, but a new delivery should hit within the next week or two). I am absolutely thrilled with mine and wanted to give them some blog love so that you all could be in the secret too. And please feel free reach out to me with any questions you might have about the brand or the fit, and I would be happy to help!!

Happy shopping!!

Mix Master

On April 29, 2012April 29, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, TJMaxx6 Comments

Not only do I love mixing colors, but I also LOVE mixing prints-particularly stripes or polka dots back to florals. It feels so fresh and so new to me-just like spring. And who doesn’t appreciate spring???

That said, this might come as a shock, but when I first laid eyes on these (AH-mazing!) shoes, I was on the fence about buying them. I adored them, no doubt, but was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to wear them very often, or that they might be a “one hit wonder”. So I gravitated towards the gray and black version thinking they were still fun (kinda) and definitely more practical. BUT when I went to check out, the fabulous sales clerk steered me in the right direction and said it wouldbe an atrocity if I didn’t purchase the blue and pink version. And I guess all I needed was a little validation, because those were the ones I took home. And it was definitely the right choice!!!

Polka Dot Silk Top: Nordstrom (recent)

Pink Tunic: H&M

Skinny Jeans: Gap Jeggings (sold out online)

Shoes: Steve Madden

Necklace: Got Beauty (local SLC boutique)

Earrings: TJMaxx

Cat Eye Sunnies: Guess c/o TJMaxx

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Macy’s

Bracelets: Macy’s, H&M and Tiffany

Surprisingly, I have gotten quite a bit of wear out of these fun shoes. They really do go with a lot, largely in part because it is acceptable to mix prints with stripes and polka dots (which it should be!). And while I bought them when I was living in SF this fall, I am confident that they are going to get far more love from me during the warmer months of spring and summer. Not only do they make my outfits fun, but they are one of those pieces that make me feel extra special every time I wear them-add that extra little kick in my step, if you will. And as a self-proclaimed shoe addict, I can definitely appreciate that!

Oh-la-la-leopard!

On April 12, 2012April 12, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love the springtime in the SLC. The weather is typically gorgeous and warm and it is the greenest we ever see it here in the desert. But like spring in any city I’ve ever known, the weather can sometimes be a bit volatile. As was the case last Friday when we went from 80 one day to a blizzard the next!! And so, even though I should have probably packed away my fur vest about a month ago, I decided to wear it one more time in honor of an April snowstorm. And what better way to rock it than with leopard and red pants??!!

Vest: Macy’s

Leopard Blouse: Macy’s

Red Pants: American Eagle

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Macy’s

Bracelet: H&M and Tiffany

Black Cocktail Ring: Flea Market in Florence (one of my best purchases-EVER)

Black Pumps: Chinese Laundry

And in hopes of that being our last snow in the valley for the year (and those are high hopes), I have officially packed away all of my fur vests for the season. And while I will miss them, I am pretty excited to get back into sundresses, flowy tanks, maxis, and sandals. So pretty, pretty please, stick around this time, would you spring???

Long Time Coming…

On April 10, 2012April 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas1 Comment

I have been wanting to start a fashion blog for what seems like forever, but I was always too busy, or too nervous, or had some other all-too-convenient excuse present itself and thus, I ignored that little voice in my head and heart and all of the urging of co-workers and friends. But this year, when the clock struck midnight and I was thinking about what adventures I wanted to take in the coming year, making this blog a reality was at the top of my list. And so, here I am 3 months and 28 posts later, and FINALLY ready to announce myself and my little project to the world!!

And what better way to “officially” kick things off than by showcasing not one, but TWO of my favorite trends for the spring and summer season: pastels and neon (yes, together). Now, there isn’t any denying that I am a HUGE fan of color, but if you would have asked me a year or so ago if I would ever pair neon and pastels together, I might have told you no. But lately, I have absolutely no hesitation and the surprising mix of the two is one of my favorite current trends. In fact, when I first put this outfit together, I actually paired it back to red pants (and I LOVED it!), but in the end, decided that I wanted to share a more realistic version of how to mix the two that would be easier, and not quite so intimidating to recreate, especially for those of of you who might be experimenting with a lot of these wild colors for the first time…

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs c/o Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: JCrew

Bracelets: World Market, and H&M

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Black Cocktail Ring: Flea Market in Florence

Clutch: Michael Kors c/o TJMaxx

Cardigan: H&M (recent)

Peach Blouse: Forever21 (recent)

Neon Yellow Belt: Macy’s (in select stores)

Skinny Jeans: Gap (sold out on line)

Neon Pumps: Aldo for Nordstrom Capecoral Pump $89.95

And with that, I hope you will join me and follow along as I share my favorite trends, all I am continuously learning working in the fashion industry, and tips and tricks for looking fabulous on any budget. I am also looking forward to sharing more photos and stories from our crazy home renovation, arts and crafts projects I tackle from time to time, and of course great food and drink ideas that I am often inspired by through other incredible bloggers, and of course, Pinterest.

So cheers to this new and exciting adventure-I know I am excited and hope you are too!!

He is risen…

On April 9, 2012April 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

Easter is one of my very favorite days of the year. I love getting dressed up in pretty florals, indulging in lots of candy, the feeling that spring has finally arrived, eating lots of yummy food, spending time with family and friends, and more than anything else, remembering the real reason we celebrate the day and counting the many, many blessings that I have in my life.

So with that, I thought I would share a glimpse of my day, from the cute hi-low skirt I wore to church, to the pretty flowers blossoming all over my yard, capped off by a pretty fantastic evening with friends!

Black tee: JCrew Oulet

Hi-low skirt: c/o Macy’s (available in select stores)

Leggings: American Apparel

Necklace: Etsy c/o Basilthecat

Shoes: Aldo c/o Nordstrom Capecoral Platform $89.95

Sunglasses: Steve Madden

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: World Market

Belt: American Eagle

iPhone Case: Kate Spade c/o Nordstrom

My hubby had to work during the day on Sunday, so I was on my own for photos. And even though I spent most of the holiday flying solo before topping things off with a fun evening with friends, it was a beautiful day to sit back, relax, and reflect on how incredibly lucky I am. Happy Easter and Happy Spring!!

I Have Nothing to Wear…

On April 3, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Even though I have a closet full of clothes I adore, I constantly find myself standing dumbfounded in my closet looking at the clothes hanging all around me and thinking this one particular, very loud thought-I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR. And if I’m being totally honest, I should probably tell you that this is such a common occurence, it has almost become a part of my morning routine. And while in theory it might sound crazy, I know I am not the only one out there that suffers from this problem. In fact, it just so happens to be a widely regarded fact that we wear 30% of our clothes 70% of the time. And a lof ot you are probably thinking, what??? How can this be? But when I really stop and think about all of those early mornings when I’m at my least creative, and standing frustrated in my closet, I always tend to gravitate towards what I know already works, which most likely isn’t something that I’ve picked up recently. So in all reality, it actually does make pretty decent sense.

And that, my friends, is why I am so grateful for Pinterest and all of the incredible fashion bloggers out there. All of their beautiful images and terrific outfit ideas are really helping me to step my style up a notch and look at my closet with a new-found creativity. I am starting to wear more of what I own (although, as I am sure you notice in my posts, I am still a creature of habit), and am really working on pushing myself out of my comfort zone. In fact, I looked to one of my favorite fashionistas, J, over at J’s Everyday Fashion to garner inspiration for this outfit bright and early on Monday morning when I couldn’t come up with anything on my own…

Sunglasses: Steve Madden (last summer)

Sweater: H&M (sold out in stores)

Cobalt Pants: American Eagle $49.99

Leopard Shoes: Aldo (sold out in stores and online)

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: H&M (recent)

Pink Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff c/o Nordstrom Rack

So thank you to all of you visionaries out there, espeically you: J, Kendi, Emily, Brooklyn Blonde, Kitties+Couture, The Day Book Blog, Pinterest, and many, many others, for your continued inspiration and amazing outfit ideas. Even though I work in fashion, and am constatnly bombarded by trends and terrific images, I hold all of you in incredibly high regard and am grateful for all of the great ideas you have given me and look forward to more to come!!