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!

P.S. Don’t forget to like me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter (right nav), and you can also catch me on Instagram: alldolledupblog

Flannel Animal

On November 12, 2012November 12, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas5 Comments

I love a good flannel. In fact, if I could perfectly describe my fall/winter everyday style, the below outfit would be it. As much as I love to dress up, when the temperature drops, I always reach for a great pair of boots, my favorite pair of jeans, a cute flannel, and a cozy scarf to keep me warm on snowy, winter days…

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Flannel: American Eagle (old), similar

Long Sleeved Grey Shirt: American Eagle

Jenas: American Eagle Hi Rise Super Skinny

Crossbody Bag: Steve Madden (on sale at Nordstrom’s Half Yearly sale!!)\

Scarf: Nordstrom (last year), similar

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson

Boots: Aldo Farmar, similar

As you can see from these photos, the temperature definitely took a tumble in the SLC this weekend. We went from 72 degrees on Thursday, to a huge snowstorm that started on Friday morning and lasted all weekend-dropping over 30 inches of snow at our house! So not only was I forced to get out all of my winter apparel and shoes, but the snow shovels came out too. If this is any indication of the winter we are going to have, then the skiing is going to be fantastic. I can’t wait!

Happy Veterans Day!

FPF: Pitchnic World Premiere

On November 9, 2012November 9, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Some of you may remember this post that I shared back in May when Justin and I attended the annual spring fundraiser for Spy Hop (one of our favorite events of the year). But for those of you who don’t, Spy Hop is a tremendous organization in our community that gives high school kids the opportunity to participate in the arts outside of the regular classroom. And we have been blessed to have the opportunity to become involved and give our support to some of their programs. One of which is a film making program.

At the fundraiser last spring, the kids pitched 4 different films to us and we were able to bid on our favorite and help with the costs of creating the films. So last night, 6 months later, we attended the world premiere party and first time screening of these films. And this morning I am still blown away by their talent, their poise, the caliber of the films we saw, and the excitement for what lies ahead for these bright young people.

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Dress: BarIII (last summer), similar

Cardigan: Old Navy

Belt: Mossimo for Target, similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot Leona Pendant

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx

Leopard Wedges: Aldo, similar

It was 72 degrees in the SLC yesterday, so I was thrilled to have the chance to wear a dress and pumps with no tights one last time this season. But I didn’t want to look too summery, so I took one of my favorite summer dresses, and paired it back to a cardi, a cognac belt, and some leopard pumps to give it more of a fall feel. I love pieces that you can transition from season to season. They are the best investments you can make in your wardrobe!

Happy weekend everyone!

Furry Goodness

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

I love the fur vest trend. I mean really love it. Which, of course, should come as no surprise given my adoration for my jean vest (which I pretty much wore out this summer). Maybe it’s because vests are easy and work back to just about anything, or maybe it’s because I was a teenager in the ’90’s kind-of-a-thing. But either way, vests are a fantastic way to take an outfit up a level and make it look like you really spent some time putting yourself together. In fact, when I initially was getting dressed to take photos for this post, I had planned on just wearing the pretty mint chiffon blouse all on its own. But solo, it looked a little too simple and (I hate to say it) boring for a blog post. So even though I didn’t plan it this way, I am really loving the pretty pastel back to some furry winter-white-goodness, capped off with another one of my favorites, cognac accessories!

Instagram Filter: Sutro

Chiffon Blouse: Forever21

Fur Vest: H&M (last year), similar

Skinny Pants: The Gap

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs (via Nordstrom Rack)

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co. (extra large heart)

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Watch: Michael Kors

Shoes: Boutique in Florence, Italy, similar

So I have to share that my hubby is really not a fan of this vest. In fact, he was so surprised when I wanted to wear it for a blog post that I had to explain to him how fashionable fur vests are. But fashionable or not, he still isn’t buying it. And so with that, I think it’s safe to say we can add fur vests to the list of things that men just don’t understand. 😉

What do you all think about the fur vest trend??

Rock Your Vote

On November 6, 2012November 6, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

When I was a freshman at Vanderbilt University and George Bush and Al Gore were running against each other for President, Al Gore held his democratic campaign party in downtown Nashville on election night. It was exciting to be in such close proximity to a piece of the election and my friends and I were even on MTV in an interview for Rock the Vote. It was also the first year I was able to vote in a presidential election. It was a big deal for me to be able to vote back then, and twelve years later I am still grateful to the have the opportunity. We are afforded so many freedoms in this country, one of which being the right to use our voices and exercise our right to vote. So please get out there and cast you vote today. It is a privilege that we should all be so lucky to take advantage of.

Instagram Filter: Walden

Dark Red Pants: Else by Joe’s (exclusively at Macy’s)

Chambray Shirt: Forever21

Leopard Scarf: H&M (last year) similar

Earrings: Target, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cognac Pumps: Boutique in Florence, Italy, similar

Instead of red, white, and blue, today’s look is red, leopard, and blue. A fall take on a summer patriotic look, if you will. But in all seriousness, this is one of those outfits that is a go-to fall uniform for me. Red and chambray look great together, and the leopard gives it a bit of spunk, which I love. The red jeans and chambray shirt would also look great with leopard shoes, or cognac boots instead of pumps back to the leopard scarf.

Happy election day!!! Now get out there and rock your vote!!!

Prep Academy

On November 5, 2012November 5, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I’ve never been one to be drawn to creating super preppy looks in my wardrobe. In fact, when I hear the word “preppy”, AC Slater’s pet name for Zach Morris is typically the first thing that comes to mind. But every once in a while, I do feel compelled to put together a slightly more preppy look. And for whatever reason, when I come up with one of these outfits, it usually has something to do with stripes, blazers, and the color navy.

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Striped Tee: Gap (on sale!!!)

Navy Elbow Patch Blazer: H&M (old), similar, similar

Jeans: American Eagle Hi-Rise Super Skinny

Cat Eye Sunglasses: LuLu’s, similar

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors

Handbag: Michael Kors Hamilton

Boots: Vince Camuto Almay (last season), same boot in black, similar

I am totally smitten with my new Vince Camuto boots. As I said in my previous post, my favorite Aldo cognac boots are pretty worn out and I have been on the hunt for a new pair. In fact, I actually bought these Vince boots last year in black and they quickly became one of my favorites. So after scouring all of the new boot styles this season and not loving anything I found, I made it my mission to track down my Almay boots in the cognac color. And while it did pose to be a challenge, I finally found them (for a great price!) on eBay. And while the color is a touch more red than I would prefer, they are super comfy and stylish and I get tons compliments on them wherever I go!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!

I Heart Shoes

On November 1, 2012November 1, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

It’s no secret that I love mustard and navy together. A perfect combination, if you will (which you can read about here and here). And on top of a great color combination, nothing makes me feel better when getting dressed in the morning than putting a few of my favorite things together-which of the moment are a great blazer, anything striped, and as always, a fantastic pair of shoes. Because shoes, at least for me, make everything that much better.

Instagram Filter: Hefe

Mustard Blazer: INC via Macy’s

Striped Top: H&M (old), similar

Skinny Jeans: Gap

Earings: Target

Watch: Michael Kors

Spike Bracelets: Aldo

Necklace: Macy’s, similar

Bow Pumps: Kelsi Dagger via TJmaxx, same shoe

I love shoes. Nothing completes an outfit for me like a fabulous pair of kicks. Maybe it’s because I have spent my career as a shoe buyer and designer, or maybe it’s my destiny, but shoes are and always will be my favorite fashion accessory. And as crazy as it might make my husband (sorry J!), I just can’t help myself . Pretty sure I’ll be a shoe collector for life.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween!