Vegas Recap

On September 27, 2013September 26, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that J and I were in Las Vegas last week for a long weekend and a bike race. We had a fantastic time and spent our days riding our road bikes through the Red Rock Canyon, attending Interbike, doing a little shopping, and (mostly) lounging by the pool. It was a fun and relaxing few days. But I have to say, my favorite part was the excuse to get extra dressed up for dinner in the evenings. And any excuse to throw on a little extra sparkle is a good enough excuse for me…

I don’t know about you guys, but I am so excited for the weekend, I can hardly stand it. It’s just been one of those weeks, I guess.

Thank you so much for stopping by-like I have said before, you all brighten my days more than you know! And if you haven’t yet, be sure to follow All Dolled Up on Instagram, Facebook, and Bloglovin’ (links to your right).

Happy weekend!!

Just A Sliver

On September 16, 2013September 14, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

One look that was all over NYFW that I am feeling a little on the fence about? Midriff baring tops. Now when I was in my early 20’s, I most definitely would have embraced this trend. But now that I am a littler older, it’s daring a look that pushes me out of my fashion comfort zone. And of course, forces me to acknowledge that certain trends are perhaps sometimes better suited for younger demographics. And while you won’t see me baring my full midriff anytime soon, I must admit I love the idea of taking a classic outfit, adding some pretty jewels and toughed-up shoes, and showing just a hint of skin. Now that I think I can handle…

Instagram Filter: Rise

When my husband was snapping these photos, he didn’t realize at first that I was showing a sliver of my midriff. But when he did, he couldn’t help but laugh at me (thanks a lot!!!). So hopefully you are not having the same reaction! But I have to ask, what do you think of the midriff trend?

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

White Out

On July 9, 2013July 8, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love wearing white in the summer time. It looks so crisp and fresh and is the perfect complement to a sun-kissed glow. And while it seems obvious to gravitate towards white pants, shorts, and dresses, I think a white skirt is the perfect addition to any wardrobe. It’s a versatile piece that can easily be dressed up (with a silky blouse) or down(with a fun graphic tee) and transitions perfectly from day to night (think blazer for the daylight hours). Plus, it’s the perfect canvas for accessorizing with a little sparkle and a splash of color…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

I hope you are all having a fantastic start to your week! Thank you so much for your continued support and for stopping by. I appreciate it more than you know!

Neon+Surplus

On July 1, 2013July 1, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I love pairing the unexpected together. And while neon plus army surplus might not be something you would automatically think to pair up, together they just might be one of my new favorite combos of the summer. Plus, if you follow this blog, then you know I can’t get enough of this vest and LOVE coming up with new ways to style it (see it here, and here)…

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Hope you all had a great weekend! Can you believe it’s July already? I know that I can’t.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Birthday In The Bay

On May 17, 2013 By all dolled upIn Favorite ProductsLeave a comment

If you follow me on Instagram, then you probably know that last week I celebrated another birthday. And because I also had work meetings scheduled in San Francisco, by default I was able to ring in the start of another year in my very favorite city. J flew in to spend a long weekend with me and we had such a fantastic time filled with so many adventures (a surprise sailing trip for my birthday, lots of incredible food, a 70 mile tandem bike ride through the city to the top of Mt. Tam, tons of exploring, and even a little shopping) that I thought I would use today’s post to share my photos from our trip with all of you-through the lens of my iPhone and Instagram, of course!

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Back At It

On May 13, 2013May 13, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Well hello there, my lovely readers! After a brief little blogging hiatus, I am back! And can I just say that last week was an absolutely crazy (and wonderful) one for me? Between a work trip to San Francisco for our Vendor Summit, a birthday celebration, and a nice long weekend spent in my favorite city by the bay (packed full of my favorite activities), I think my head is still spinning!! So since I’m slowly, but surely, getting back into the swing of things, I thought today was the perfect opportunity to keep it short and sweet and share with you one of my favorite color combinations ever-pink and navy.

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Can you believe that I stumbled upon these darling wedges at JCP of all places? I had actually seen them in a magazine and wanted to check them out in person since I was a little unsure about buying a pair of shoes from Penny’s. And while I have to say that I wasn’t expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised by just how cute they are in person, the quality, and the amazing price (under $40!!). They are definitely going to be a staple in my wardrobe this summer.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Wine Country

On March 12, 2013March 11, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

In my mind there isn’t much that can top a warm sunny day spent wine tasting with friends in gorgeous Sonoma. And because J decided to join me on a recent business trip to SF, we were afforded the opportunity to do just that. A perfect day filled to the brim with good food, sunshine, beautiful wineries, a stretch limo, lunch at my favorite restaurant, and of course, lots of laughter and memories shared with good friends we don’t get to see often enough…

Instagram Filter: Walden

So I have to make a confession. I didn’t pack anything on my trip to wear to wine country. I made the assumptoin that I would have time to do a little shopping in the city, but ended up being so busy with work, that unfortunately that was not the case. But even though I had to do a little scrambling Saturday morning to put something together, it was a good reminder that a chambray shirt is a perfect (and easy!) choice for just about any occasion.

Color of the Year

On February 19, 2013February 18, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, UncategorizedLeave a comment

My birthday falls in the month of May, which of course means that emeralds are my birth stone. And emerald green also happens to be one of my favorite colors. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when emerald was announced as the color of 2013. It’s a tough color not to love and I can’t wait to add more pieces in this rich, gorgeous hue to my wardrobe…

Instagram Filter: Walden

I love mixing prints, but I also love mixing different patterns. And this outfit is a great example of both-with all of the pieces working together to create a look that is not only eclectic, but perfect for a vast array of activities and events. Can’t beat that!

Thanks for reading!

Mix Master

On December 10, 2012December 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

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…

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!

Winter White

On November 27, 2012November 27, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

It’s a relief to me how even fashion rules with seemingly the most staying power always, at some point, seem to find themselves overturned. Take for example, pantyhose. I can’t tell you how happy I am that I no longer have to wear them with skirts and dresses. Or at all, ever again. I mean really, thank goodness!!!!

Another such rule that I am happy to say no longer applies, is not wearing white after labor day. And while I don’t find myself wearing white all that often in general, it makes me happy to know that I can wear white pants (LOVE them with cognac boots), white dresses, or white skirts any time of the year I would like. And besides, with all of the white stuff that accumulates during the winter months, why not match your outfit back to the elements every now and again?

Instagram Filter: Walden

Polka Dot Sweater: Forever21

White Ruffle Skirt: BCBGMaxazria, similar, similar

Leopard Belt: Express, similar

Bubble Necklace: Ily Couture

Sunnies: Marc Jacobs

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelets: Forever21

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Clutch: Michael Kors

Black Suede Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita, similar

We are having an unusually warm fall, so I am trying my best to wear my pumps as much as I can before I am confined to boots once the snow starts flying. And this season, I keep finding myself drawn to anything with a wedge. As I am sure you can imagine, the majority of my shoes are pretty high, but I have found that the wedges in my collection definitely provide a more comfortable fit. And while I’m not one to trade fashion for comfort, wedges are a great example of how you can appeal to both.