Favorite Product Friday: NightLight International Jewelry

On May 25, 2012May 25, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Uncategorized3 Comments

Each year Human Trafficking generates the largest volume of revenue in the world, second only to the drug trade. It is a more profitable industry than the buying and selling of illegal arms and it is estimated that more than 2.5 million people are trafficked over state lines and between coutnries around the world each year. It is a scary and horrifying pandemic that is not receiving the attention it should. But in all of this darkness, there is light-pillars of hope and organzations who are banding together to stop the buying and selling of people and give those that have fallen victim hope and a chance at a new life. One of these organizations is called NightLight International. It is a not-for-profit run by an increidlbe American woman who felt called to move her family to Thailand and dedicate her life to not only rescuing people from the sex trade but giving them an alternative way of life. Here is the mission statement from their website:

NightLight’s mission is to do “whatever it takes” to effect change within the global sex industry. Our local offices build relationships with victims of commercial sexual exploitation and those who are at-risk and provide hope, intervention, rescue, and assistance by offering alternative vocational opportunities, life-skills training, and physical, emotional, and spiritual development to those seeking freedom. NightLight builds support networks internationally to intervene and assist women, men, and children whose lives are negatively impacted by the sex industry.

One of the skills that the women learn when they become involved with NightLight is jewelry making. And it is through the selling of this beautiful jewelry that they are able to sustain this program that has helped so many. Having spent several months traveling through Thailand and seeing the hideous monster that is the sex trade firsthand, it is a cause very near and dear to my heart and one that I love to support. Below are some photos of a few of my favorite pieces of jewelry that I have picked up from NightLight. But there are many, many more gorgeous necklaces, earrings, and bracelets on their website-so plesae make sure to visit and spend some time browsing. The quality is incredible, the beads and stones used are top notch, and in purchasing this jewelry you are making it possible for someone to create and sustain a life outside of slavery.

Another great way to shop is fair trade. And there is an incredible website called Ten Thousand Villages that is chalk full of jewelry, home decor, gifts, etc. from all around the globe. Here are a few of my favorite things I have recently picked up from them…

*The bracelet and gold earrings are from Ten Thousand Villages and the shell earrings are from NightLight*

You can see me wearing this necklace here.

Memorial Day weekend is always a big shopping weekend. There are so many good sales and bargains which are seemingly impossible to pass up. But maybe this year, we should all think twice about where we are spending and consider supporting one of these incredible organizations. It might be a small gesture, but we really can make a difference.

Happy Holiday Weekend!

K.I.S.S.

On May 24, 2012May 24, 2012 By all dolled upIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Remember that old acronym from school? Keep it simple stupid (or silly, as I prefer to say)? My very favorite teacher ever (Mr. Armstrong) used to always say that to our class. He also used to say that “pressure makes diamonds” which is a saying I like a lot-and still sometimes use, particularly when I find myself in a stressful situation. But it was K.I.S.S. that popped into my head the other night when I was trying to figure out what to wear with my new pink jeans. As much as I love colored jeans, sometimes it can be easy to over think what exactly to wear with them. I tried on a multitude of options (all of which I like and will eventually share), but I was really drawn to the simplicity of a plain white henley, sky high platforms, and some simple gold earrings and bangles to complete the look.

Henley: Forever21 (recent)

Pink Skinny Jeans: The Limited

Wedges: Steve Madden Nockout

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: Tiffany and Forever21

Earrings: Forever21

Sunnies: Calvin Klein via Macy’s Sunglass Hut

So I have a funny story, or rather a confession, about these shoes. But first of all I should give credit and say that I discovered them only because one of my friends had them first (you can check out her cute blog here) and they looked so fantastic on her, I just couldn’t help myself!! So while these shoes are really, really tall, they are also really, really comfortable. And because I am never one to shy away from high heels, I wore them to work-knowing it was a day I would be on my feet a lot. And it also happened to be a day that my district team decided to walk to a nearby restaurant to grab some lunch on a break between meetings-all of which would have been perfectly fine had I not been talking up a storm and not paying attention which made me miss the big rock lying on the sidewalk that I, of course, stepped directly on. And let me tell you, in shoes this high, there is no chance for recovery. Not only did I fall FLAT ON MY FACE in front of 12 of my co-workers, but there were also about 10 other people in the very nearby vicinity who also witnessed my totally embarrassing debacle. Now I am a clumsy person by nature and have been known to take some rather public tumbles, but this one was particularly humiliating. Fortunately, my injuries were slight and only my knee and my pride were bruised. But despite my “incident” and the lingering embarrassment, they are still one of my favorite pairs of shoes-I just make sure to tread a little more cautiously when I wear them. 🙂

A Little Extra Something

On May 20, 2012May 21, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden, TJMaxx, Uncategorized8 Comments

The weekends always seem to go so fast, don’t they? And the more activities you pack in, the faster they seem to go. And that was exactly the kind of weekend J and I just had-one of those extra fast ones filled to the brim with lots of activities. As I mentioned in my Vessel Sink post, we have been working on rebuilding our deck-which is a huge task in and of itself. It was one of those projects that started off with replacing a few boards, and somehow turned into replacing the entire surface. So getting that finished in time for a visit from my family this weekend was at the top of our priority list. We also had a birthday party to attend, a date at the zoo with our littles, and our (well my) first road bike ride of the season-73 miles for me and 100 miles for J at the annual Cycle Salt Lake Century.

The night before our big ride, we decided it was a good idea to do some carb loading and headed over to our favorite neighborhood restaurant, the Porcupine, to catch a beer and some dinner. It is a pretty laid back place, and it was going to be a short night, so I wanted to dress casually, but at the same time, felt like sprucing things up a bit. I worked from home in my sweats all day on Friday, and felt like getting at least a little dolled up. And I tend to find that when I am in situations like this, accessories and/or shoes are always the perfect way to add that little extra something to an otherwise ordinary outfit. So in an effort to make my striped shirt, jeans, and vest a little more interesting, I settled on the perfect remedy-my favorite new heels that I am absolutely obsessed with!

Striped Shirt: H&M (recent)

Jean Vest: Macy’s

Jeans: Gap Denim Jeggings (sold out online)

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Bracelets: Tiffany

Necklace: Tiffany and my personal collection of charms

Silver Aviators: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Shoes: Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl’s (I don’t see them online, but check your local Kohl’s!!)

So, truth be told, I originally fell in love with the Sam Edelman version of these shoes, but just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much money on them. Then I found a pair at Nordstrom Rack, but for some reason didn’t get them the first time I saw them, and when I finally decided to go back, of course they were gone! So imagine my surprise when I was comp shopping a Kohl’s in Montana (for work!!) and there they were, a spitting image of the shoes I let get away sitting on display in the shoe department. I think I swooned a little and of course had to buy them on the spot. And what makes them even better? They are MUCH more comfortable than the SE version and cost about 1/5 of the price! Talk about a great deal. And in my book, it’s pretty darn tough to beat a great deal-especially for shoes as fabulous as these.

Happy Monday, everyone!!

Fashion Star Finale!

On May 15, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden, TJMaxx, Uncategorized, Watches1 Comment

I was so excited when I learned of the inception of Fashion Star and have thoroughly enjoyed it every Tuesday night since its premiere. The mentors are terrific, the designers are fantastic, and as a buyer myself, of course I especially love the buyers! In fact, I was even privileged enough to spend some time with Caprice in LA when I first started working for Macy’s. And let me tell you, she is just as pretty and fabulous in person as she is on TV!

So of course, having followed along with the designers on their journey thus far, I am so excited to see how the finale unravels tonight! Although each person left is incredibly talented, I can’t help but find myself rooting for Kara. She is sweet, and humble, and her sense of style rocks!! I think she is the perfect candidate to design lines for H&M, Saks, and Macy’s. But even though I’m rooting for Kara, Orly was my season favorite, so in honor of her, I wanted to pay tribute by wearing the AH-mazing lime blazer she debuted last week, and of course top it off with some jewelry from Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow…

Blazer: Orly Shani for H&M

Black Silk Cami: Express

Snake Skin Liquid Leggings: Nodrstrom (old)

Heels: Steve Madden

Necklace: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Tortise Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s, Word Market, H&M

Sunnies: Guess via TJMaxx

So while I can’t wait to see if my girl Kara is announced as the very first Fashion Star, tonight will also be a bit bittersweet as I say goodbye to one of my favorite guilty pleasures. Guess I better start figuring out something new to do on my Tuesday nights!

Good luck Kara!!!

Neutral Layers

On May 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized6 Comments

Sometimes dressing to go out in the evening can be a bit tricky this time of year. The days are warm enough to get away with tanks and tees, but the evenings cool down just enough to ensure that some sort of jacket or layer is necessary. And while I love blazers and cardigans (of course), it gets a little boring to always fall back on one of those options. So what else is there?

In the fall, my go to layering piece is usually a black leather jacket. I don’t have a super “girly” style, so I love the idea of pairing a rough-and-tumble piece back to something a little more sweet. But alas, my black leather jackets feel a little heavy for this time of year, which got me thinking. What about a neutral colored leather jacket? Something a little lighter to fit the season?

Well thank goodness for my job! I was at a meeting in one of my stores, and just happened to see it-a neutral colored, shrunken lamb leather jacket. And I knew on the spot it was the perfect piece to add to my collection to give me a fresh new layering option for cool nights out on the town. And even more than that, it’s a jacket that will also be perfect when summer fades to fall…

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson via Ross

Gold Hammered Earrings: Street Vendor in San Francisco

Leather Jacket: Guess via Macy’s (sold out online)

Chiffon Flower Petal Top: Bohme (SLC Boutique)

Belt: American Eagle

Red Skinnies: Else by Joe’s Jeans via Macy’s (sold out online)

Tortise and Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom

Bracelets: Tiffany

Leopard Wedges: Aldo (sold out online)

And while it was a little bit of a splurge, I am so happy I decided to add this jacket to my wardrobe. I have already gotten a lot of use out of it, and know that I will continue to do so once the summer months have passed and fall is upon us. Black is always in, but neutrals are a great way to change things up and an excellent staple to pair back to pretty much anything, including red pants and leopard shoes! 🙂

Happy Monday!

Happy Mother’s Day!!

On May 13, 2012May 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Uncategorized2 Comments

I have the best mom in the world. I know everyone always says that, but I really do. My mom is my rock and my biggest supporter. She has believed in me throughout every moment of my life and has been there, stead fast, through all of the decisions I have made-both good and bad. She is my role model, me hero, and my best friend. And today, I am especially grateful for her and all that she has done and continues to do for me.

I have also been incredibly blessed by my wonderful mother-in-law. When I met Justin 7 years ago, not only did I find the love of my life, but with him came a pretty amazing family that welcomed me with open arms. I am so lucky to have DiAnne in my life. She is one of the kindest, most generous, and fun people that I know. I am so blessed by her and all that she does for Justin and me. And I am grateful to her every day for raising the sweet son that I am lucky to call my husband.

So to both of my moms on this special day, happy, happy Mother’s day. I love you both very much and couldn’t ask for two better ladies to have in my life.

Happy Day!!!

Happy Birthday…to me!

On May 8, 2012May 8, 2012 By all dolled upIn Uncategorized2 Comments

I dreaded my birthday last year-absolutely dreaded it. I turned the big 3-0 and it hit me like a ton of bricks because for some silly reason, I honestly never thought I’d ever really leave my 20’s behind . My 30’s had always just kind of dangled out there somewhere in front of me-the years where I would really settle down, start a family, and try to find a balance between work and play-all of which are fine. But the part I really dreaded was that 30 would somehow usher in some sort of stale mate and my life would suddenly become boring and old.

But I am happy to report that as I turn 31 years old today, even though I have a few more wrinkles than I did in my 20’s (mostly caused from a lot of laughter, and maybe a little sun damage), my life is by no means boring. In fact, I can truly say that I am loving my 30’s and this wiser, more responsible version of myself. I am still silly, on occasion a little wild, and 99% of the time happy-go-lucky. But more than anything I am incredibly content-both with where I’ve been, and where I’m going. The Lord has blessed me with much in my life and perhaps now that I am a little older, I am able to fully appreciate all that I have been given and worked hard to achieve and not take a single moment for granted. Life is precious and often fleeting. So instead of dreading the aging process that is, of course, inevitable, I am going to embrace each day and be thankful for every moment that I am able to participate in this beautiful thing we call life.

And so, on this day of the anniversary of my birth, I leave you with a little stroll down memory lane…

Me, as a little tiny babe. Crazy!!!

What my dad would do when left alone with me. I still love to fly fish.

Halloween. This one cracks me up.

Aspen Extreme called, and they want their fanny pack back.

Me and some of my besties from childhood.

Riding elephants through the jungle in Thailand.

The day I became Mrs. Justin Doll. The best day of my life.

Catching my first Yellow Fin Tuna in Mexico.

Corona Arch, Moab. One of my favorite places-clearly. 😉

Me and my best friend. ❤

My first 1/2 marathon. And maybe my last.

130 miles on my road bike (in ONE day) supporting Camp-Make-A-Dream. One of the best things I do all year.

My 30th birthday celebration in Vegas.

So I’m off to celebrate, well really to work, and THEN to celebrate. Can’t wait to share outfit pics and stories from my birthday weekend with all of you-we’ve got some super fun things planned.

And thank you to everyone for all of the support-I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog more than you could possibly know.

Fave Product Friday: Dry Shampoo

On May 4, 2012May 8, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Uncategorized4 Comments

Happy, happy Friday everyone! Friday is always my favorite day of the week, but I feel especially excited about its arrival this week as I spent the last few days on the road for work-which is always fun, but totally and completely exhausting. So I am so looking forward to kicking back and enjoying a weekend away with my hubby in the town where we first met, beautiful Bozeman, Montana.

But before I head off to revisit all of our old stomping grounds, I wanted to share with you about dry shampoo. I am LOVING this stuff, I mean seriously LOVING it! I have heard people talk about it for years, but when my hairdresser told me to give my hair a break and not wash and style it everyday, I needed a good alternative-and fast. Enter: Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo.

This stuff is awesome for so many reasons: it smells great, gives my hair amazing volume, covers up my roots when I am in between colorings, and even works great as an extra volume booster on days when I do wash my hair. It has become an everyday staple for me.

But recently, when I realized I was out of it late one evening before heading out of town for a work trip, my only option was to run to the grocery store and pick up a cheap substitute to hold me over. I randomly purchased the new Suave Keratin version, not really thinking much of it. But I have to tell you, I am now a convert. I like the smell better, it lasts longer, and is about 1/3 of the price. And even though there is a drastic price difference, they both work equally as well, in my opinion. So from now on, I am going to save a little cash-ola and go with the Suave dry shampoo-my husband will be so proud. 🙂

Proof once again that you can look like a million bucks without spending it. 😉

Happy weekend!!!!!!

P.S. If you have dark hair, the Bumble and Bumle might be a better choice since you can purchase it in different colors to match your locks. The drugstore versions works great for blondes, but might look a little powdery on brunettes. And you definitely don’t want that!

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!!

Favorite Product Friday: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide Eyeliner

On April 27, 2012April 27, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Uncategorized10 Comments

I rarely wear eye shadow, but I LOVE eyeliner and wear it almost every day. I have light eyes, and think it really helps define them so that they don’t disappear into my face. So of course I have tried a lot of different eyeliners over the years and was in fact a fan of MAC for a long time (I still have one that I use, which you can see here). But a couple of years ago when I kept seeing Urban Decay touted as the best black eyeliner in several of my favorite fashion magazine (including Allure and Glamour), I knew I had to try it. And I have to tell you, once I tried it, I never looked back.

Black is a little harsh for my coloring so the first color I tried was Stash (a greenish/gold) and it wasn’t just the gorgeous color that won me over, it was the product as a whole. 24/7 Glide is the softest and creamiest liner I have ever used-no pressing or stretching of your lids to get a nice even application. And because it goes on so soft and so easy, I was initially concerned that it would smudge or melt away during the day, but that was not the case at all. This liner lasts, and lasts, and lasts. It doesn’t smear or fade away-it looks exactly the same when I take it off at night as it does when I put it on in the morning. And while I probably shouldn’t admit this, I have had several lazy nights where I have slept in my make up (yikes!) but wake up with it looking exactly the same as it did the day before. And perhaps even more amazing than that, despite its staying power, it comes off easily with eye makeup remover or face wash in the shower.

I can’t express enough how much I love this eyeliner. And not only is the product itself fabulous, they offer so many colors which range in a spectrum from wild to natural. In fact, my mom and aunties now use these liners, as does my sister-in-law, lots of my friends, and several of my co-workers. And everyone I know who has tried this product is now a convert too. So if you are looking for a new eyeliner, this is truly the one to try. People ask me all the time how I am able to keep my makeup looking the same throughout the day (without any touch ups), and this little liner is just one of my many secrets.

Happy weekend!

P.S. My favorite colors are: Stash, Oil Slick, Demolition, Bourbon, and Crash. There is also a 24/7 Glide Eyeshadow pencil which I have not tried, but it gets rave reviews. Check out reviews for both products here and here.