One thing I know for sure, I definitely did not get the cold shoulder from my friends and family on my birthday-in fact so many people in my life reached out and made such incredibly sweet gestures, that it is safe to say it was one of my best birthdays yet. I did however, choose to wear my new bright pink cold shoulder top to my birthday dinner at my favorite wine and tapas bar with our very dearest friends. It was a wonderful evening and I am so grateful to all who came out to celebrate, for the beautiful weather, the lovely gifts, and time spent with so many sweet friends that I don’t get to see nearly enough. I was a very blessed birthday girl this year!
Pink Cold Shoulder Top: RACHEL Rachel Roy via Macy’s
Skinny Jeans: Gap Jeggings
Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita Jude via Macy’s
Necklace: JCrew via eBay (again, a word of caution if you go this route-there are a lot of terrible fakes on eBay right now)
Clutch: Steve Madden via Macy’s (sold out)
Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack
Bracelets: Tiffany, H&M, Forever21, Macy’s, Thailand (yes, the country!)
Sunnies: Guess via TJMaxx
I love the cold shoulder trend. I think it is a great way to dress up a simple top-in fact, the other cold shoulder tops in my closet are primarily jersey and most of them seem to have stripes. I tend to gravitate towards them because they are comfy enough to make you feel like you are slipping on your favorite t-shirt, but add a few accessories and some cute shoes, and you have an outfit fit for just about any occasion-including a birthday dinner in your honor! 🙂 They also tend to be flattering on my most figures and are a great way to transition from long sleeves to tank tops. I know I never feel quite ready to show my pasty white arms in the month of May, so a cute cold shoulder top is the perfect middle ground.
Happy Hump day!!
xx
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!!
xx
Do you remember the movie Splash? Oh my gosh. It was one of my FAVORITE movies back in the day. And what about Mannequin??? I loved that one too. In fact, my corporate office is in an actual Macy’s store and when I come into work in the morning before the store opens, I always think of that movie as I walk through the dark sales floors. And when I reflect on movies like Mannequin and Splash and other ’80’s favorites (remember Labyrinth?), the thing that stands out in my mind is the infiltration of colorful clothing and make up (and of course cheesy story lines) into just about every aspect of the films. 🙂 And while you would never catch me wearing shoulder pads (my shoulders are wide enough as it is!), I can more than appreciate the colorful influence the ’80’s are having on our current trends, which leads me to the point of this post-BLAZERS!!!
Blazers are a must have, in general, but especially this season. And not only are they a must have, but they are the perfect way to add a splash of color to your wardrobe. I am in love with the colored denim trend, but it isn’t for everyone. Blazers, however, cast a much wider net, and with stores like H&M and Forever21 offering so many in such a wide variety of colors for under $40, they are an easy addition to any wardrobe. I have picked up a few colorful blazers over the last few months (you can see some of them here, here, here, and here), and they have quickly become a staple in my closet for both work and play due to their versatility-I just can’t get enough. So if you are fearing the colored denim trend, pick up a colorful blazer instead!
Cobalt Blazer: H&M (similar, similar, similar)
Orange and Pink Silk Top: Francesca’s Collections
Black Crop Skinnies: Gap 1969 Always Skinny (similar)
Pink Shoes: Jessica Simpson Waleo vai Macy’s
Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s (similar)
Bracelets: Tiffany
Cocktail Ring: Etsy (seller no longer active)
Sunnies: Jessica Simpson via Ross (similar)
Orange Clutch: Steve Madden via Macy’s (sold out)
There aren’t many rules when it comes to adding a colored blazer to an outfit, almost anything goes. Just make sure your undertones are similar (in my outfit, the orange is a warm tone, but the pink has a blue undertone, allowing for all 3 colors to work especially well together). And a word to wise, it’s also important to make sure your color combinations don’t make you look like your favorite sports team. I LOVE orange and cobalt together, but I don’t want to look like a Broncos fan (nothing against the Broncos), so the addition of the pink shoes and the pink stripe in my shirt are a great way to get rid of that potential association.
Feel free to let me know if you have any questions!! And please remember to “like” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter. You can also follow me on Instagram: AisAllDollUp, and on Pinterest: Abby Doll
Also, would love it if you would share this post, or one of your other favorite posts on Twitter or Facebook to help me spread the word about All Dolled Up!
Thank you SO MUCH for your support!!
xx
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!!!
xx
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!
xx
Yellow is my favorite color. In fact, when I got married, I wanted to put my bridesmaids in yellow dresses. But lucky for them, I was a couple years ahead of the yellow trend and they got to wear tangerine instead. 😉 But it is the one color I have always been drawn to for as long as I can remember (surprisingly, I had a falling out with pink after my pink and purple phase in kindergarten and only started loving it again in recent years). I wore yellow in my senior pictures, attended a University where our colors were black and gold, but the gold was often translated into yellow, had yellow flowers and decor at my wedding (my hubby also wore a yellow vest with his tux), and even have a bright sunshine yellow Marc Jacobs computer bag that I carry with me everyday for work.
And since yellow is one of the “it” colors of the season, that certainly makes my little heart very happy. BUT, yellow is not for everyone. It is one of the most difficult colors to wear and the brightness of it often scares people away (understandably so). So how can you incorporate yellow into your wardrobe this season? Through accessories, of course! And I think every gal should purchase something yellow in anticipation of summer, whether it be a belt, a necklace, a fun pair of shoes, or a handbag, you just have to go for it. Fashion is, afterall, all about taking chances and stepping outside of your comfort zone, right?
Cardigan: JCrew
Skirt: Francesca’s (recent)
Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Sunglass Hut at Macy’s
Shoes: Chinese Laundry LoveMe
Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay (be careful if you go this route-LOTS of bad fakes!!!!)
Yellow Belt: Macy’s
Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack
I feel like I should add a disclaimer to this post, some kind of warning so that you can all prepare yourselves to see A LOT of this necklace. I actually bought it in anticipation of my birthday to wear to a celebration dinner at my favorite restaurant with friends tomorrow night, but couldn’t wait to wear it and have already gotten significant use out of it since its arrival. For me, it is the perfect yellow accessory. In fact, I had to stop myself from wearing it again today. 🙂
And as a side note, thank you all so much for the birthday love and wishes. I had a really incredible day and am so grateful for all that everyone did for me-particularly my hubby who made me feel like an absolute princess. I am truly blessed!
xx
The rule stating that you can’t wear black and navy together no longer applies. And thank goodness, because half of the time I can’t tell them apart anyway. And thus, mixing black and navy together has become one of my favorite color combinations as of late. Black on black always feels awfully dressy to me (especially on days when I know I am going to be sitting at my desk all day), so adding a navy top or blazer back to a black pant or skirt is a great way to tone things down a notch and bring that element of “casual” into “business casual” attire.
Navy Blazer: Express (recent)
Grey Ruffle Blouse: Express
Black Skinnies: Gap
Necklace: Tiffany, my personal charm collection
Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s
Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s, H&M
Ring: Saundra Messinger via Sundance Catalog
Pink Pumps: Jessica Simpson Waleo via Macy’s
In addition to loving black and navy together, I also LOVE pink and navy together, hence the pink shoes to tie it all together. And while black and navy are a perfectly acceptable combo, it is important that there is enough of a contrast between the two so that people can tell you are wearing black and navy and not wonder if one of your pieces is a poorly cared for, faded black garment. Oh, and one more very important thing, if you are wearing a suit (girl or guy), this is one instance where you don’t want to mix black or navy. Try and keep your suiting pure (same color jacket and pants)-it looks more classy and chic that way.
Happy Monday!!
xx
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!!!!!!
xx
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!
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!!
xx
All Dolled Up 