Seasonless

On February 11, 2013February 10, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas5 Comments

If you would have asked me a couple of years ago if I would ever consider wearing bright pink pants in the middle of the winter, I probably would have told you no. I also probably would never have imagined that I would own jeans in every color of the rainbow either. But I suppose that is one of the many things that I love about fashion. Even though trends tend to be cyclical, each season is always full of so many elements of surprise, constantly pushing us out of our comfort zones and willing us to try something new…

Instagram Filter: Amaro

To say that I am totally and completely smitten with this JCrew sequin polka dot shirt would be an understatement. In fact, I’m finding I have to limit how much I wear it (you can see it featured in another post here). Don’t you just love pieces that are not only incredibly versatile, but also make you feel extra special every time you wear them?

Hope you all had a fantastic 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.

Navy+Mustard=LOVE

On August 21, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

Navy is what we call one of the new neutrals. Like black, it goes with everything from brights, to neons, to jewel tones, to other like neutrals. It is a great staple to have in your wardrobe and because of its ability to be mixed with many different colors lends itself to creating countless different looks. But one color in particular that navy works especially well with, and in fact, one of my favorite color combinations of all time, is the pairing of navy and mustard.

No matter the season, no matter the trend, navy and mustard always work seamlessly together. Summer or fall, winter or spring, this is a color combination that always works, is easy to create, AND looks great on everyone…

Instagram Filter: 1977

Striped Tank: H&M (recent)

Mustard Skirt: JCrew (last summer)

Red Bubble Necklace: H&M (last summer)

Gold Love Bracelets: Forever21

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Cocktail Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Double Wrap Belt: DownEast Outfitters

Wedges: DV by Dolce Vita Jude via Macy’s

And in keeping with the theme of thinking summer while preparing for fall, mustard and navy is another prime example of something you can wear now, and wear later. In fact, my very favorite way to wear mustard and navy is with a dark pair of skinny jeans and tall pair of cognac boots-but I’m obviously not quite ready for that yet!

Hope you are all having a fabulous week!!

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!