Two In One

Today I want to share one of my favorite tricks with you. And that my friends, is wearing a dress as a skirt. It’s such a simple and fun way to double your wardrobe by creating multiple looks with one item-plus it’s also a great money saver. I chose to wear a knotted t-shirt over my dress in this post, but button downs are also an easy option for layering (see here)…

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Instagram Filter: Mayfair

Jacket: H&M (old), similar, similar | T-shirt: BarIII (old) similar, similar | Dress:  American Eagle (old), similar, similar | Necklaces: Tiffany and Co., My Personal Collection of Charms | Ring: House of Harlow| Bracelet: Stella & Dot | Watch: Michael Kors | Sunnies: Target | Pumps: Chinese Laundry

I am LOVING the cap toe trend this season.  And this particular nude and silver pair is definitely one of my favorites.  Not only are they are a great staple that goes with just about everything, but the pop of metallic takes them up a notch making them not just a great neutral, but fun too! And fun is definitely important when it comes to shoes!!!

Happy hump day! 

xx

Emerald City

A while back, I wrote this post about emerald, Pantone’s color of the year. And given its current popularity, coupled with the opening of Oz The Great and Powerful tonight, what can I say? Emerald is on my mind…

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Instagram Filter: Amaro

Striped Top:  JCrew (old) similarsimilarsimilar | Peplum Ponte Tee:  BarIII (sold out) crushing on this style | Skinnies:  INC | Monogram Necklace:  Keti Sorely Designs | Emerald Earrings:  INC (old) same earrings different color | Bracelets:  Stella and Dot, Juicy Couture | Watch:  Michael Kors | Bag:  Olivia+Joy (sold out), similar | Pumps: Aldo (on sale-and really comfortable!!)

Another trend I can’t seem get off my mind? Peplum!  So fun and flirty and so many ways to wear it.  Currently, I am loving it layered over button downs.

Happy weekend, dolls!!

xx

London Calling

I love a good graphic tee back to jeans and a leather jacket. There is something super cool about it while still being totally chic at the same time. In fact, it might be one of my favorite looks ever-especially when paired with a great pair of heels…20130203-155325.jpg

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Instagram Filter: Rise

Vegan Jacket:  BarIII |  Union Jack Tee:  RACHEL Rachel Roy, similar, similar | Jeans:  Gap | Sunnies: House of Harlow | Charm Necklace:  Personal Collection | Crystal Necklace: Kenneth Cole | Watch:  Michael Kors | Bracelets:  Aldo, similar, similar |  Leopard Wedges:  Aldo, similar, similar (these are a steal!!!!)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Super Bowl weekend.  I was fortunate to spend mine in Sun Valley with best friends from college.  We had a fantastic time, but of course it all went by way too fast.  Sometimes I wish life had a pause button.

Happy Monday, dolls!

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

Highlight Express

The first time I wore this shirt, my husband told me I looked like a highlighter. But that has not deterred me. In fact, it was the vibrant, neon hue that drew me to this shirt in the first place. I am absolutely loving mixing neons and bright colors back to winter neutrals this year. It’s the perfect way to brighten up those post holiday blues…

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Instagram Filter:  Hudson

Black Faux Fur Bomber:  BarIII (last year) similar, similarsimilar | Grey Blazer:  H&M (old) similar | Neon Buttondown:  Express | Black Skinnies:  Seven for All Mankind The Skinny | Sunnies:  Vogue Eyewear | Necklaces:  Tiffany and Co., JCrew | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Watch:  Michael Kors | Studded Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Devote (old), similar, similar | Pumps:  Guess (old), similar, similar

On a totally random note, I have to say how happy I am that the Bachelor is back.  I love Sean, but more importantly love to tune in each week for the ridiculous entertainment this show provides, and of course, for the fashion.  SO many great dresses last night.  But if I had to pick my favorite, it would be the stunning red dress that Ashlee the Professional Organizer wore.  The back was ah-mazing!  And judging by last night, it should be a fun season to watch.

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

Walking In Memphis

I have always wanted a pair of blue suede shoes. Maybe it’s because I lived in Tennessee and have a deep love for the south, or maybe it’s my adoration for Marc Cohn, but for years they have been at the top of my wish list. So needless to say, I was absolutely thrilled when I stumbled upon this perfect pair. And I swear they make me extra happy every time I wear them. The only thing that could make them any better is if they were on my feet ten feet off of Beale.

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Moto Jacket:  BarIII, similar

Neon Buttondown:  Gap

Jeans:  American Eagle

Large Chain Necklace:  Macy’s

Crystal Necklace:  JCrew Factory

Long Chain Necklace:  Macy’s

Watch:  Michael Kors

Handbag:  Olivia+Joy

Blue Suede Shoes:  Nine West, similar, similar

I hope you all are having a fabulous week.  I feel like I blinked and it’s Thursday already.  Working in the fashion industry, this time of the year is especially crazy for me.  And all I know is my feet are more anxious for the weekend than I am at this point.  Maybe this holiday season will drive me to wear flats.  Maybe.  😉

xx

 

Fringe Benefits

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.

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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!

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

Oh Baby

It kind of feels like all of my friends are having babies, and that’s probably because, well, they are (some are even on their 2nd or 3rd!!). And so, I suppose I have reached the age where it is no longer about weddings and bachelorette parties, but more so about new family additions and baby showers. But as long as these new life events involve parties, then that is fine by me!

That said, I love a good excuse to host friends in our home. Whether it is for dinner, game night, or a party, you usually don’t have to ask me twice. So when one of my dear friends announced she was expecting, I was thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to co-host a shower at my house in her honor. And it was a fantastic baby shower, if I do say so myself. We had a lovely group of ladies, TONS of delicious food and sweets, and the mom-to-be received some beautiful presents.  We even played Mad Libs, and each created a hand-made onesie for the new babe. It was a lovely afternoon and I feel blessed to have been a part of the celebration. And it gave me the excuse to take the tags off my new hi-lo maxi skirt that I have been dying to wear…

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Instagram Filter: Hudson

Skirt: BarIII via Macy’s (sold out online but still available in select stores that carry Impulse) similar

Striped Top: H&M (last year, but they sill have it in their basics department) similar, similar

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs via Etsy

Rhinestone Necklace: JCrew

Long Necklace: Macy’s, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Belt: Mossimo for Target

Cognac Pumps: Boutique in Florence, Italy (similar)

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I did this post about pairing navy and mustard together. And it looks like I am holding true to my word that it is a color combination that always works-no matter the season. But something about the rich golden color of this skirt makes it feel so perfectly suited for fall-maybe because it’s the color of autumn leaves.  And in addition to it’s gorgeous color, maxi skirts are perfect transitional pieces between seasons.  I can’t wait to come up with other fun ways to style this one over the next couple of months! Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

xx

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