Tour of Utah

On August 12, 2013August 11, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

The Tour of Utah was this weekend and J and I were lucky enough to score VIP tickets to the stage 4 circuit race in downtown Salt Lake City on Friday evening. And because we knew thousands of people would be heading downtown for the event, we decided to ride our cruisers to the Capital building-the location of the Start/Finish. And while I obviously wanted to look nice for the event, I also had to be practical when choosing an outfit that could not only stand up to the heat, but that would also be comfortable for a bike ride as well. And I have to say, one of my favorite dresses of the summer did just the trick…

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Be sure to follow me on Instagram: alldolledupblog to see more photos from the event. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Vacay

On July 29, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

J and I are officially on vacation-and boy does it feel good! And even though we’re only two days in, we’ve already gotten to do some pretty cool things. Including seeing my brother play at one of our favorite watering holes on Flathead Lake. And I must say, while living out of a suitcase for extended periods of time can tend to pose various challenges, I was happy that I thought to pack my favorite mullet skirt, graphic tee, and jean vest, which made for the perfect combination of comfy, yet effortlessly cool summer fashion to wear for the occasion…

Instagram Filter: Hudson

I hope you all had a great weekend and that your week is off to a fantastic start! And be sure to follow me on Instagram (alldolledupblog) if you haven’t already, for a glimpse into our vacation adventures!

Let Freedom Ring!

On July 4, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

Just wanted to take minute and wish you all a very happy and safe 4th of July! I know I am personally looking forward to parades, the rodeo, a little time spent on the water, and lots of yummy food-all in celebration of this incredible country that I am lucky to call my home. God bless America!

Instagram Filter: X-Pro II

HAPPY 4th!!!!!!!!

Versatility

On September 4, 2012September 4, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

One of my favorite things to do when looking in my closet is to pick a piece that I have already worn and challenge myself to completely re-style it giving it a totally different vibe and look-almost making it feel brand new again. So often times when I’m shopping, I try to select pieces that I know will be quite versatile and that I will be able to get a lot of use from. And when I saw this simple navy and white striped maxi at Macy’s back at the beginning of July, I knew it had potential to be worn a plethora of different ways, and no doubt has become one of the pieces in my closet that I have gotten the most use out of this summer. You can see how I styled it for a night of music at Sundance Resort in this post. And below, a totally different look for a morning at the farmer’s market-slightly dressed down with a fedora and my tried-and-true denim vest.

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Maxi Dress: Macy’s (still available in some stores, similar)

Jean Vest: Macy’s (sold out)

Fedora: Macy’s (Young Men’s Section and still available in most stores)

Neon Yellow Bag: Steven by Madden via Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors via ShopBop (old)

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Silver Key Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Longer Necklace: My personal collection of charms

Sunglasses: Rocawear via TJMaxx

Sandals: Steve Madden via Macy’s (similar)

So I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Minus a little rain, a broken air conditioner, and an adventurous bike ride in the rain and hail (which was actually pretty exciting!), J and I had a fantastic holiday weekend. We grilled out, finished our deck, played lots of games (glad to know I can still beat him at tennis, if nothing else!), hit the farmer’s market, shopped, watched movies, and I even snuck in some reading and a little more shopping on my own. And I have to say that with the schedule I have been keeping as of late, it was pretty incredible to just slow down and relax for a couple of days. And the only thing better than a three day weekend? A two day work week! I am off to Detroit on Thursday morning to celebrate my Grandma’s 90th birhtday. I can’t wait!!

The Fab Four

On August 14, 2012August 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas7 Comments

When I look back on my summer wardrobe, there are four specific (fabulous) pieces that really stand out to me. Pieces that I not only wore more than just about anything else in my closet, but that will also all transition perfectly into my fall wardrobe. And good thing! Because I’m not ready to let go of any of them yet.

When J and I were in Montana on vacation, I was too busy playing all day everyday to ever save myself much time to get ready for evening fun. So most nights, I found myself rushing to get ready and throwing outfits together without much thought and absolutely zero rhyme or reason. And on one such night when getting dressed for dinner with our dear family friends, I just happened to throw on all 4 of these favorite thing at the same time-which is perhaps why I am so pleased with the results of this outfit!

So what are these fab four pieces?? Drum roll please!!!

1. Bubble Necklace: If you follow this blog you know how much I love my bubble necklace. And understandably, I am not alone in my obsession. This necklace is such a fantastic way to add a pop of color to any outfit and brighten up an other wise boring or mediocre ensemble. AND because of its popularity, there are now many sites offering a version similar to the original JCrew but for a fraction of the price. (check out these great finds here, here, and here)

2. Gap Skinny Jeggings: I LOVE these jeans. You can see them in just about any post where I am wearing pants. I have them in black and in a dark wash denim and both have become my go-to jeans, even with a closet full of cute bottoms. They have enough stretch that they are incredibly comfy, but don’t bag out and keep their shape all day long. The length is great, not too short, and not too long and bunchy at the ankles, and the fabric is the perfect density-not too thick and not too thin. AND Gap has them in store and online again. Check them out here.

3. DV by Dolce Vita Jude Wedges: These wedges are the best. They are incredibly comfy, a great height, and look really great on the leg with jeans or with skirts (check out yesterday’s post to see them with a skirt!). Dolce Vita actually had these shoes in their higher end line last year (the Jade) and because of their extreme popularity, created a version for their DV line this year at a little more affordable price. And right now many sites and stores have them on sale, so you can get a great deal on them (here, here, and here). Plus they look great with tights too (I also have them in red suede and can’t wait to wear them through the fall/winter!).

4. Denim Vest: Oh my love for this little denim vest just keeps going strong. Not only do I love it with dresses, and tanks, but I also love it over long sleeves. You can see some other ways I’ve styled it here, here, and here.

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Denim Vest: Macy’s (similar, similar)

Chiffon Top: H&M (recent)

Skinny Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans

Bubble Necklace: Ily Couture

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules

Cocktail Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cognac Wedges: Dolce Vita Jude

Even though I don’t want to see summer go, I’m already starting to get the urge to start layering, wearing boots, and shopping for fall. But this post is a good reminder that as we move from season to season it is always good to take stock and evaluate what you already own in your wardrobe and find pieces that you can transition (just like my fab four) so that you aren’t creating duplication and unnecessary repetition in your closet, all the while saving yourself some money!

My New Vest Friend

On July 12, 2012July 12, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

Ok, ok, if you haven’t noticed already, I am completely obsessed with my denim vest. To be honest, I didn’t really think these would ever make a come back, and I definitely didn’t think I would ever be so enamored with them if they ever did. BUT, I suppose stranger things have happened! And so with that, here are a few reasons why I love it so-an ode to my denim vest if you will:

1. It’s denim, and denim rocks

2. It’s an easy way to change up an outfit

3. It’s the ideal piece to layer over a maxi or sundress, and goes with just about anything (with the exception of same-colored denim bottoms, of course)

4. It’s the perfect way to dress down that dress that is just a little too dressy for normal wear

5. The frayed edges give it little edge making it the perfect partner for something super sweet (like lace!)

6. It reminds me of the ’80’s (pretty much the best decade ever)

7. The cropped styling makes it super flattering as it hits at the smallest part of your waist

8. It’s not just a piece of clothing, it’s also an accessory

Denim Vest: Macy’s (recent) similar here, here, and here

Chartreuse Lace Dress: Cotton On

Belt: Mossimo for Target (old)

Bracelets: Gold w/ Heart oiajules via Etsy, Gold with Pink Macy’s (recent)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Caged Wedges: Crown Vintage via DSW (last summer)

So not only did I want to give a shout out to my denim vest in this post, but I also wanted to tell you how HAPPY I am that we now have Cotton On in our market. Cotton On is an Australian based company that my little brother introduced me to years ago when my family was visiting him in Australia. And let me tell you, I fell in LOVE with it while we were there. So when it recently came to the states, I was ecstatic. I guess you could say that Cotton On is similar to H&M, but a little more on the hipster side-a beachy, cool Australia feel, if you will. And not only that, but the prices are fantastic, they have tons of great color (my lace dress above came in about 5 other colors) and lots of really fun accessories. So if you have one near you, make sure and check out-it will be well worth your time. And don’t forget to pick yourself up a denim vest if you haven’t already-it will no doubt become a go-to summer staple in your closet.

And good news! The weekend is almost here!! 🙂 Happy Thursday, everyone!!

P.S. Don’t forget to “like” me on FB, and follow me on Twitter and Blog Lovin’ (all just a click away to your right!). You can also find me on Pinterest: Abby Doll, and on Instagram: AisAllDolledup

A Little Extra Something

On May 20, 2012May 21, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden, TJMaxx, Uncategorized8 Comments

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!!