Spring Has Sprung

This weekend felt like spring here in the SLC. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and all of the snow in my yard finally melted. And so of course, inspired by sunshine (and gloriously longer days), I decided it was high time to pull my florals out of their winter storage and put them back into rotation for the spring season…

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Instagram Filter:  1977

Floral Button Down:  Old Navy (old) similar, similar, similar | Skirt:  Forever21 similar | Belt:  Express | Chain Necklace:  Macy’s similar| Sunnies:  Target (old) | Charm Bracelet:  Juicy Couture | Watch:  Michael Kors | Bag:  Kate Spade Grove Court Maise | Boots:  Aldo (old) similar

I love this time of year.  It’s always ripe with anticipation and the promise of warmer weather just around the corner.  And while I’m sure we’ll still have another snow storm or two here along the Wasatch front, I fully plan to take advantage of this perfect spring weather while it lasts.

Happy Monday!

xx

I Heart SF

I spent the better half of last week attending meetings in San Francisco. It is my favorite city in the country, so it was a welcome get away. Plus, I have to admit that it was pretty fantastic to escape the snow and cold for a few days and enjoy a little milder weather…

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Instagram Filter:  Hudson

Silk Blouse:  JCrew (use code MOREPLEASE for 25% off!) | Jacket:  H&M (old), similar | Skinnies:  American Eagle Super Skinny | Heart Necklace:  Tiffany | Long Necklace:  My Personal Charm Collection | Silver Bracelets:  Stella and Dot, Tiffany | Silver Watch:  Michael Kors | Earrings:  Givenchy | Bag:  Kate Spade | Boots:  Aldo (old) similar, really wanting this pair

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.  Thank you so much for reading!

xx

I Heart Sequins

This sparkly little number from Forever21 has my name all over it. It is the culmination of so many of my current favorite things: hearts, sequins, the perfect shade of gray, and it’s a sweatshirt to boot! And because this little pullover has so many great features, it’s an easy piece to dress up or dress down. For this particular outfit though, I opted to dress it down-pairing a new favorite back to a some old…

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Instagram Filter:  Sierra

Heart Pullover:  Forever21 | Chambray Shirt:  Forever21 | Puffy Vest:  Old Navy (old) similar, similar | Black Skinnies:  7 For All Mankind The Skinny | Watch:  Michael Kors | Black Quilted Bag:  Kate Spade, similar | Boots:  Aldo Farmar, similar

Can you believe the fog in the backdrop of these photos?  As if getting back into the swing of things after an incredible vacation hasn’t been hard enough, the weather in the SLC has been absolutely crazy!  From smog to freezing rain to dense fog and now major snow storms, I think I’m about ready to hightail it back to the tropics!

Hope you are all having a great week!

xx

Teen Spirit

Oh, the ’90’s. NOT my favorite era in fashion. Maybe it was because I was an angsty teen trying to navigate my way through junior high and high school, or maybe my sense of style was a little more girly than grunge (thank goodness for Clueless!!). But I must say that I am enjoying revisiting certain pieces made famous during that decade-specifically flannels. Not only are they comfy, but they are super cute and look fantastic back to fun jewelry, boyfriend jeans, and a great pair of pumps. A little grunge glam if you will. Which in my book, is hands down much better than just plain old grunge.

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Instagram Filter:  Nashville

Flannel:  Old Navy, similar, similar | Boyfriend Jeans:  Rich and Skinny | Necklaces:  JCrew, Nordstrom | Bracelets:  Oia Jules, Aldo, similar | Gold Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  Steve Madden, similar | Pumps:  Nine West, similar, similar

I hope you all are having a great start to your week.  And, of course, staying nice and warm.   January is, after all, perfect flannel weather!

Happy Monday!!

xx

I’ve Got the Blues

Ok, ok, so I don’t really have the blues. In fact, J and I are heading to Nicaragua this week for a nice, long 10 day adventure.  So if anything, I am incredibly excited! But speaking of blues, I am absolutely LOVING cobalt this season. It is one of those shades that anyone can wear and look fabulous. It is rich, striking, and just has a way of looking special when you wear it. And, it’s a great way to make it look like you put some effort into an outfit when you really didn’t. Case and point below…

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Instagram Filter:  Walden

Moto Jacket:  BarIII | Cobalt Buttondown:  Gap (on sale!!) | Skinnies:  Seven for All Mankind The Skinny | Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff 5-Zip | Necklaces:  Tiffany and Co., my personal collection of charms | Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Watch:  Michael Kors | Leopard Wedges:  Aldo, similar, similar

It’s hard to believe that the day after tomorrow I am going to be sitting on the beach soaking up the sun with a cold drink in my hand.  Wow, am I excited.  But even though I am going on vacay, things will be business as usual on the blog.  So make sure and check back daily for new outfit posts!  And for a glimpse into our trip, be sure to follow me on Instagram:  alldolledupblog and Twitter: ADolledUpBlog (right nav).

Happy Tuesday!

xx

Welcome 2013!

I must say that the beginning of January is always a mixed bag of emotions for me. On one hand I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of a new year and the promise of adventure that it brings, but on the other, I am always sad to say goodbye to the most wonderful time of the year. Funny how that works, isn’t it?

J and I had an amazing Christmas in Montana this year and feel incredibly blessed to have had the chance to spend ample time with family and friends. We hadn’t spent Christmas with my family since 2009 so it was a welcome opportunity to gather everyone together to celebrate. Plus, as an added bonus, I always love to wear sequins, and the holidays present the perfect excuse to do just that!  Not that you ever really need an excuse to wear sequins!

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20130101-181443.jpgInstagram Filter:  Earlybird

Heart Silk Blouse:  JCrew (sold out)  similar, similar;  Sequin Skirt:  American Rag ; Belt:  Merona; Leggings:  American Apparel; Drop Earrings:  INC for Macy’s  (only black available); Gold Charm Bracelet:  Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack; Gold watch:  Michael Kors; Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.; Diamond Cocktail Ring:  Gift; Boots:  Aldo Farmar (last year) similar, similar

I must say that one of the things I am looking forward to the most this year is writing more blog posts and sharing outfit ideas and tips with all of you.  Thank you so much again for your continued support and encouragement.  I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season.

Cheers to 2013!

xx

Mix Master

I saw a segment on Good Morning America last week about mixing prints and it left me feeling totally and completely confused. And in addition to feeling confused about the general purpose of the message, it also left me feeling sad because mixing prints can be oh-so-fun and easy too. If you just stick to a few basic rules, mixing prints is something anyone can do!

So with that said, if it’s your first time mixing prints or you consider yourself a beginner, try starting off with just two. Polka dots and stripes are a great compliment to each other and a simple place to start. Also consider the ground color of each print. A black base goes well back to a print with a white or brighter base, and smaller prints go well with larger prints. Contrast that complements, if you will.  And if you are feeling unsure about mixing colors, a concoction of simple black and white always does the trick…

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Instagram Filter:  Lo-Fi

Blazer:  H&M, similar, similar

Striped Top:  BarIII, similar, similar

Polka Dot Skirt:  Cotton On, similar, similar, similar 

Leggings:  American Apparel

Leopard Belt:  Express

Chain Necklace:  Macy’s, similar, similar

Rhinestone Necklace:  JCrew

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelets:  Aldo

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors

Boots:  BCBG, similar

Leopard is another easy print to mix.  In fact, I consider leopard to be somewhat of a neutral and find it goes back to just about anything-especially polka dots and stripes.  And of course because I have a hard time going without any color, I paired this look with a bold burgundy lip to add that little extra pop.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

xx

Gingham Style

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…

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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!

xx

FPF: Pitchnic World Premiere

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.

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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!

xx

Drop It Like It’s Hot

Drop. Waist. Dresses. I am absolutely LOVING this look. It is so fresh and such a welcome update to all of the trends we have been seeing as of late. They are fun, flirty, and a fall must-have if you love to wear dresses (like I do). And given my penchant for mixing sassy and sweet, I knew the combo of leather and chiffon made this dress a must have for my fall wardrobe…

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Instagram Filter: Hefe

Drop Waist Dress: The Limited (ON SALE!!!!), similar long-sleeve version

Long Sleeve Shirt: DownEast Outfitters

Sunglasses: Target (old)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Spike Bracelets: Aldo

Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx, same clutch in python

Studded Shoes: Vince Camuto

The only challenge with drop waist dresses this time of year is finding something to wear over them. I tried several blazers and different jackets with this dress, but none looked like quite right. So I ended up settling on wearing it with a plain long-sleeved black tee underneath, in true jumper fashion. But I am looking forward to playing around with it and coming up with more ways to style this piece. Perhaps a starched white blouse underneath will be my next concoction. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

xx

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My very cute, and very funny little dog, Charlie, kept photo-bombing my blog photos this weekend.  What can I say?  She loves shoes.  In fact, when she was a puppy my favorite heels somehow always became her favorite chew toys (NOT good).  But since we share a love for fashion, I figured I’d let her make her first cameo in today’s post!  😉