Whistle Blower

On February 24, 2014February 23, 2014 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

Even though my husband always tells me that I look like a referee every time I wear anything black and white striped, I refuse to be deterred. And when I spotted this skirt at Forever21, I knew it was right up my alley (hello, stripes!). Maxi skirts are really the perfect transitional piece of the moment that you can wear now, and later. And I am always a fan of adding pieces to your wardrobe that can serve a variety of purposes. An added bonus?? While I am not tall by any means (5’4″ if I’m stretching on my tiptoes), the long flowing vertical stripes of this skirt give off the illusion that I am actually taller than I am. Hallelujah!

Instagram Filter: Hudson

So I’ve got to be honest, I’m a little sad to be back to the grind today. J and I had the most fabulous time in Nica and it’s hard to believe it’s over already. But the good news is, we have family in town visiting and spent the weekend catching up on life and sneaking in some time on the slopes.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Appreciate each and everyone of you so much!

Pedal to the Metal

On July 10, 2013July 9, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

When J and I spent a few days in Red Lodge, MT on our way home from his grandmother’s funeral last week, one of our very favorite things about it was that we could ride our bikes from our hotel to wherever we needed or wanted to go-from daytime adventures to dinner and drinks out on the town. And fortunately for me, I had thought to pack my go-to chambray sleeveless shirt, and Marc Jacobs hobo (that also doubles as a cross body bag)-both of which made for perfect riding attire!

Instagram Filter: Walden

I can’t believe I am hitting the road again for work today. Pretty sure I haven’t slept in my own bed for more than 4 nights in a row in the last month. Or completely unpacked from any of my trips, if I’m really being honest. 🙂 Guess I know one thing I’ll be doing this weekend.

Hope you are having a wonderful week!

Etoile de Rock

On February 13, 2013February 13, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love the combo of graphic tees and leather jackets (see this post). But another pairing on frequent rotation in my wardrobe this season is the combo of graphic tees and printed pants. It’s so unexpected but a great example of pattern play. And with the right accessories, can even make you feel like a bit of a rock star…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

I am so looking forward to Valentine’s day tomorrow. Because one of our best V-Day’s was spent on a backpacking trip in Thailand a few years ago, Justin and I have a fun tradition of indulging in our favorite Thai food every year to celebrate. Delicious take out and a nice bottle of wine (or two)? I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Hope you all are having a fabulous week!

Seasonless

On February 11, 2013February 10, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas5 Comments

If you would have asked me a couple of years ago if I would ever consider wearing bright pink pants in the middle of the winter, I probably would have told you no. I also probably would never have imagined that I would own jeans in every color of the rainbow either. But I suppose that is one of the many things that I love about fashion. Even though trends tend to be cyclical, each season is always full of so many elements of surprise, constantly pushing us out of our comfort zones and willing us to try something new…

Instagram Filter: Amaro

To say that I am totally and completely smitten with this JCrew sequin polka dot shirt would be an understatement. In fact, I’m finding I have to limit how much I wear it (you can see it featured in another post here). Don’t you just love pieces that are not only incredibly versatile, but also make you feel extra special every time you wear them?

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

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!

Avenge Me!

On October 15, 2012October 15, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas7 Comments

I have to say that I felt like a princess at the opera on Saturday night. The last time I wore a formal gown was on my wedding day, so it was pretty exciting to have such a fun excuse to get so dressed up. Plus, as I said in this post, as a student of classical music, the opera is very near and dear to my heart so I could not have been more thrilled to attend. And the event did not disappoint. Il Trovatore was simply fantastic. The cast was incredible, the story was captivating, and the passion and drama were palpable. Even my hubby enjoyed the performance and promised me that he would go again (which is no small feat!).

And of course, the dress. I gave you all sneak peek last week as to what it looked like off the rack. And while it was pretty in its original state, it wasn’t quite the dress for me. But the price was right (incredible, actually), and I knew with a few changes that I could make it my perfect dress for such an honorable evening. And I must say, I could not have been happier with the way it turned out!

Dress: Betsy Adams via Macy’s

Earrings: ArdenB (old) similar, similar

Bracelets: Macy’s, Target

Clutch: H&M (recent), similar, similar

Shoes: Michael Kors, similar, similar

After our red carpet appearance, we were asked a series of questions as we posed for additional photos for an upcoming issue of Utah Magazine. And one question that was asked of us was whether or not we recommend the opera, and if so, to who. My initial thought was that the opera is not for everyone. However, after our experience on Saturday evening-from a lovely dinner, to an exciting walk on the red carpet, to an absolutely fantastic show, to all of the amazing fashion filling the charming Capitol Theatre, I have to say that I would recommend the Utah Opera to anyone. It was an incredible experience and I absolutely can’t wait to go again. So thank you to Sara Neal and the Utah Opera for extending such a lovely invitation to me. You have found yourselves a lifelong fan.

Date Night!

On April 17, 2012April 24, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I have a lot of what I like to call “Vegas” dresses. You know, the ones that are short, and colorful and perfectly appropriate for a night out at Tao (but few other occasions). And I also have a lot of fab sun dresses, which of course are a little more on the conservative side, but lots of fun, none-the-less. And every year, when I start to feel that spring fever set in, I want nothing more (besides a tan), than to pull all of these fun little numbers out of hiding for the season. But alas, the temperatures are far to cool, and I am far to old to be strutting around in barely-there dresses this time of year. So what is a girl to do?

Fortunately, this is an example of where mixing medias can come in pretty handy-particularly the willingness to combine sweet and tough trends together (which is one of my favorite combos). I like how it not only balances out the soft and sweet by giving a hint of edgy-ness, but also creates an element of surprise and a look that is a little out of the norm. So for a recent date night with my hubby, I pulled out one of my favorite red, ruffle-y dresses and decided to forgo my go-to blazer and pumps, and instead paired it back to a beat up leather jacket, tights, and some pretty special booties for a look that’s a little more rock-and-roll.

Dress: Forever21 (recent)

Leather Jacket: H&M (fall)

Earrings: Arden B (last summer)

Tights: HUE c/o Macy’s

Booties: Kelsi Dagger Rosabella $199 (some available on eBay and Amazon in limited sizing)

And while I love how the look turned out (as did my hubby), I am so looking forward to ditching the jacket and tights and enjoying warmer temperatures. But for now, at least I have a means to enjoy all of my fun little dresses while not blinding anyone with my pale winter skin. 😉