Leopard

Leopard makes everything better. Well not really, but it does make just about every outfit better. So if you are looking for a quick and easy way to take an otherwise simple outfit up a notch, then try adding a leopard belt, purse, scarf, or even a pair of leopard shoes. And I promise you, it will do just the trick…

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Instagram Filter: Hudson

Denim Jacket: Else, similar | Dress: TJMaxx, similar, similar | Necklace: Stella & Dot | Belt: Express | Sunnies: Gap | Clutch: Hobo International | Shoes: Calvin Klein

J and I are heading to Vegas today for a bike race and a mini-vacation.  And I have to say, I am so looking forward to getting out of town for a few days and enjoying some pool time, a little shopping, excellent food, and a couple of shows.  Be sure to follow along on Instagram to keep up with all of our adventures!

And if you’re new to All Dolled Up, please be sure to follow along on Facebook and Bloglovin’!

Hope are you all having a wonderful week!

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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

Left, Right, Left

An army surplus jacket is a fantastic staple to add to any wardrobe-and for an abundance of reasons. The first being that they go with just about anything from jeans and boots, to frilly dresses, to skirts with heels. They also make for the perfect layering piece this time of year when it’s too warm for a heavier coat, but too cool to go without. Plus they are just down right cute, which is obviously what really counts. 😉

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Instagram Filter: XProIII
Army Surplus Jacket: Forever21
Apple Button-down: The Gap
Skinny Jean:The Gap Legging Jean
Sunnies: Calvin Klein
Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.
Watch: Michael Kors
Long Gold Necklace: Macy’s
Tooth Charm: Stella and Dot
Monogram Necklace:
Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Boots: Aldo Farmar

This past weekend marked 6 years to the day that J asked me to marry him. And oh what an amazing engagement weekend it was. So in honor of such an important day in our lives we decided to spend the day up in Park City to celebrate, enjoy the gorgeous fall weather, and take a little stroll down memory lane. And not only did we have a fabulous time, but it was the first time I have worn boots all season. Now don’t get me wrong, I adore boot season and was happy to pull my favorite pair out of summer storage, but I have to admit it felt a bit strange to put socks on with anything other than tennis shoes. Guess I better get used to it.

xx

Giddyup

I LOVE a great chambray shirt. And perhaps even one step better is a great chambray shirt with a western flare. Maybe it’s my Montana roots that draw to me to this particular trend, or maybe it’s my current obsession with button-downs, but I can’t stop wearing them. Plus it doesn’t hurt that it’s one of those on-trend items that is a hybrid of fashion and comfort-something that doesn’t happen nearly as often as it should!

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Cowboy Chambray Shirt:  Forever21

Black Skinnies:  Clavin Klein

Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Necklaces:  Tiffany and Co., personal collection of charms

Silver Watch:  Michael Kors

Aviators:  Jessica Simpson via TJMAxx

Bag:  Steven by Steve Madden Bluuna

Animal Print Pumps:  Jessica Simpson (same shoe but solid color)

Another great thing about chambray shirts is that you can style them a multitude of different ways.  Not only do they look great back to black and animal print, but they also look great with cognac boots and accessories, colored denim (I especially love them with red skinnies), and, of course, tucked into sweet skirts for a flirty and edgy feel.  They are a great fall staple and I highly recommend adding one to your closet if you haven’t already.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

xx 

Hindsight

I don’t always love the outfits I put together. And usually when I wear something that isn’t quite right, I find myself wishing for a “do-over” all day long (don’t you hate that feeling?). And since starting this blog, I now have my daily ensembles documented which has been an interesting journey in and of itself. And let me tell you, it can definitely be a blessing and a curse.

Take for example the below outfit. This blouse is one of my favorite items that I own and I thought I loved this look the day I wore it. BUT in reviewing these photos, I’m kind of having that “do-over” feeling-but can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s the belt? Maybe it’s the yellow cardi? Maybe the blouse is better suited with a skirt? Maybe I should have worn my hair down for this particular look? So i want to know what you think. Is this an ok outfit and I’m just being critical? Or am I correct in wishing for that “do-over”??

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Silk Ruffle Blouse: JCrew (old)
Yellow Cardi: Nordstrom Rack (recent)
Skinny Jeans: Gap
Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Macy’s
Belt: Mossimo for Target
Bracelets: Tiffany and Co., Forever21
Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me (last summer)

So while they say hindsight is 20/20, I’m not totally convinced that is exactly the case in this instance. So I suppose I will have to resolve myself to staying on the fence about this one. BUT the good news is, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Which indeed I will. 🙂

xx

I Heart Yellow

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

Nautical Inspiration

I have always been a fan of all things nautical and generally find that the looks inspired by this fun fashion trend tend to be timeless and easy to recreate.  I mean seriously, what’s not to love about Sperry Topsiders, stripes, stripes, and more stripes, preppy sweaters, white pants, the liberty to mix red, white, and navy (without feeling like you’re dressing for the 4th of July), and how about all of those adorable  little anchor embellished polos and shorts?  Nautical inspired looks are not only easy (try mixing a navy and white stripe back to a red or white base), but always a winner in my book (as long as you don’t go too overboard-no pun intended!). 😉

So when the thermometers hit 80 degrees the afternoon I was headed out to see the famed Clinton Kelly do a presentation at our new Macy’s store in the downtown City Creek Center, I had the perfect outfit in mind to tackle both a warm afternoon in the city, and hopefully impress one of my favorite fashion icons (if our paths were to cross-which they did!!).  Inspired by JCrew (of course!!) and my new favorite striped skirt that I picked up at the H&M in Seattle a couple of weeks ago, this is what I wore…

Cardigan: JCrew

Red Silk Shirt:  Forever21

Striped Skirt:  H&M (recent)

Belt: Mossimo for Target (recent)

Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me

Sunglasses:  Calvin Klein c/o Macy’s Sunglass Hut

Monogram Necklace:  Keti Sorely Designs (Etsy)

Watch:  Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Gold Bracelets:  Macy’s and H&M

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany

Handbag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier

There is nothing better than feeling confident in an outfit, and while I wish I had that feeling every day, that is not always the case.  BUT, despite showing my legs and bare toes in public for the first time this year, I felt pretty darn confident in this selection.  So when Clinton and I walked past each other in the Impulse department at Macy’s and he smiled approvingly and said  “hello” to me, I managed to give him a huge smile, but couldn’t get a single word to come out of my mouth.  It was an awkward moment, no doubt, but at least my outfit was fantastic-and I feel pretty happy about that. 

xx