Oh Baby

On October 8, 2012October 8, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

It kind of feels like all of my friends are having babies, and that’s probably because, well, they are (some are even on their 2nd or 3rd!!). And so, I suppose I have reached the age where it is no longer about weddings and bachelorette parties, but more so about new family additions and baby showers. But as long as these new life events involve parties, then that is fine by me!

That said, I love a good excuse to host friends in our home. Whether it is for dinner, game night, or a party, you usually don’t have to ask me twice. So when one of my dear friends announced she was expecting, I was thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to co-host a shower at my house in her honor. And it was a fantastic baby shower, if I do say so myself. We had a lovely group of ladies, TONS of delicious food and sweets, and the mom-to-be received some beautiful presents. We even played Mad Libs, and each created a hand-made onesie for the new babe. It was a lovely afternoon and I feel blessed to have been a part of the celebration. And it gave me the excuse to take the tags off my new hi-lo maxi skirt that I have been dying to wear…

Instagram Filter: Hudson

Skirt: BarIII via Macy’s (sold out online but still available in select stores that carry Impulse) similar

Striped Top: H&M (last year, but they sill have it in their basics department) similar, similar

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs via Etsy

Rhinestone Necklace: JCrew

Long Necklace: Macy’s, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Belt: Mossimo for Target

Cognac Pumps: Boutique in Florence, Italy (similar)

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I did this post about pairing navy and mustard together. And it looks like I am holding true to my word that it is a color combination that always works-no matter the season. But something about the rich golden color of this skirt makes it feel so perfectly suited for fall-maybe because it’s the color of autumn leaves. And in addition to it’s gorgeous color, maxi skirts are perfect transitional pieces between seasons. I can’t wait to come up with other fun ways to style this one over the next couple of months! Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Three’s Company

On August 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas6 Comments

When I was decorating my house (the fun part that finally came after the intense remodel), my mom shared the wisdom with me that everything looks better in sets of three. And, of course, through trial and error, I found that she is right (which of course she always is). So if you have the chance to come to my house, or check out posts I have done on home projects, take a look and you will find that all of my decor is done in sets of three, or in odd numbers-a terrific little secret to decorating that I have not only applied in my home, but also to fashion. Which of course brings me to the point of today’s post-color blocking.

Color blocking was HUGE this spring and summer and the trend is going to keep going strong into Fall. Hooray!!! Being the color person that I am, that makes me oh-so-very-happy. But one of the questions I am asked the most often is how to put together a color blocked look. And fortunately, the answer is pretty easy. Just like decorating, all you need to do is keep in mind the number three. I think most people gravitate towards putting together two colors when creating one of these looks, but three is really the way to go. And the easiest way to put together three colors (which anyone can do!) is to pick a solid color top, a different color solid bottom, and yet a different color solid shoe. Just make sure the tones of the color compliment each other and you will be set. And as you get more comfortable with color blocking you can also use your three colors in different ways, like I did below…

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Neon Purple Top: American Eagle (recent)

Blue Skirt: H&M (recent)

Neon Pink Belt: Macy’s

Neon Pink Chain Earrings: H&M

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Chain Bracelets: Oia Jules, Macy’s

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cocktail Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Neon Pink Bag: Rebecca Minkoff via Bloomingdales

Nude Patent Shoes: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom Rack

One of the things I love the most about this color blocked look is the mix of warm and cool tones. I love the coolness of the blue skirt and purple top back to the pop of a warmer neon pink. This outfit would also be great with yellow accessories, or neutral accessories and neon yellow shoes. And not only is this a look that just about anyone can put together and with pieces you most likely already own, it’s also going to be a great way to sneak those neons and bright colors that we all love into the fall season!

Back in the Saddle

On August 7, 2012August 7, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

I am finally back from vacation, and boy was it an amazing one. J and I headed up to my hometown in Montana to spend a week-a tradition we have kept since we first started dating 7 years ago. We so look forward to it every summer and this year definitely did not disappoint. We spent the week biking and boating and floating and fishing and laughing with family and friends. In fact, it seems like it all went by in the blink of an eye and I hate that it’s over. So to drown my sorrows, today I will share a glimpse of one of our vacation days.

One of our favorite things to do every year when we go back to Montana is to spend time in Whitefish. It’s a cute little resort town at the base of Big Mountain and the head of Whitefish Lake. Not only is it quaint and loaded with good restaurants, bars, and shops, but it’s where we got married and will always hold a special place in our hearts (plus it’s always just plain fun). So on the only day of our vacation where it was too cool to be out on the water, J and I decided to go on a lunch date in Whitefish and walk around the cute downtown. And what better outfit to put together than my favorite JCrew shorts and new JCrew mini gingham button down-a preppy look that was just summery enough, while keeping me warm and colorful on a cool summer day…

Instagram filter: Hefe

Hot Pink Mini Gingham: JCrew Factory (recent)

Purple Shorts: JCrew Factory

Neon Belt: Macy’s

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay (be careful buying these on eBay!!!)

Earrings: The Icing

Neon Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Bracelets: Oia Jules via Etsy

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Flats: Target (old)

With so many trends to love this summer, one in particular that I have been really drawn to lately is tying my shirts. While I always love a tunic, tying a shirt gives you another way to wear the items in your closet and is a great way to change up your look. And since this was a daytime outfit, I did layer a tank under my button down so that I wasn’t showing any skin. For an evening look however, I would definitely tie my shirt without a layer underneath so that I am showing just a sliver of skin. But the good news is, either way of wearing this trend is perfectly acceptable. So if you haven’t tried trying one of your shirts yet, think about testing it out this week. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Hope you are all having a wonderful week!!

The Planner In Me

On July 24, 2012July 24, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

I am a planner, both personally and professionally. And when I have fun or important events on the horizon, I most definitely like to plan my outfits ahead of time. In fact, I found the dress I wanted to wear on our 5th wedding anniversary before we had even made plans! And while I knew we would ultimately do something where I would be able to wear it, my plan was solidified when we booked a condo on Main Street in Park City for the weekend. And even though a big storm came through the evening of our anniversary, the sun came back out and the temp rose just enough for me to get away with this hot pink one shoulder BCBGMaxazria dress. And thank goodness, because I didn’t pack any other options!

Dress: BCBGMaxazria via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: Oia Jules, Thailand, Macy’s, Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cocktail Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Shoes: Michael Kors via Dillards

I mentioned a few posts ago that I got an amazing deal on this dress, and I did. Let’s just say that Nordstrom Rack came through for me for me once again. My pink dress was originally just shy of $300, but I found it at the Rack for $34.99. (my jaw about dropped when I saw the price tag). And not only that, but I recently saw the same dress at the BCBGMaxazria outlet for over $200. So if you haven’t already been let in on the secret, I am here to tell you that with a little patience and time spent sorting through the racks at Nordstrom Rack, you can almost always find incredible name brands pieces for a fraction of the price. Everytime I take a shopping trip there, it tends to be well worth my time. So while I adore my dress for it’s rich fabric, gorgeous pink color, and one shoulder styling, perhaps the purchase price trumps all on this one. 😉

Feathers and Lace

On July 17, 2012July 17, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Last week was a tour of small town America for me. I spent the better part of the work week in Casper, WY visiting one of my stores only to come back to the SLC and turn around and head straight to Beaver, UT to cheer my hubby on in the Crusher (an insane mountain bike race in the Tushar mountains). And while it was a fun event and my hubby did amazing, I couldn’t have been happier to get home to the SLC on Saturday evening and sleep in my own bed! I also couldn’t have been happier when my hubby suggested that we head out to a fun dinner on Satruday night to celebrate his stellar performance.

And truth be told, after a week in small towns, I was feeling pretty casual, so decided it was a perfect opportunity to wear my cute white lace top (first mentioned here) back to some skinny jeans, and finished the look with feather earrings to create a bohemian cool feel-which was fitting for our evening and my mood.

White Lace Top: INC via Macy’s

White Tank: H&M

Skinny Jeans: Gap (sold out online-but check our local store!)

Flower Clutch: Coach (last summer)

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules via Etsy

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Feather Earrings: The Icing (last summer)

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Rampage via TJMaxx

Gold Wedges: Steve Madden via Dillards (recent)

As I said in my previous post about lace, it really is a perfect summer piece. Whether you prefer it in shorts, a skirt, a top or in color or neutrals, you really can’t go wrong. And not only is it of course “on trend” this summer, but lace is timeless and something you can hold onto in your closet until it comes back around again-which it always does.

FPF: Anything from Etsy

On July 13, 2012July 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products5 Comments

I wanted to take today to share with you my undying love for Etsy. I have known about the site for several years, but for whatever reason was always a little hesitant to take the plunge and purchase anything. But a couple of years ago when my girlfriend was preparing for her wedding and started picking up all sorts of cute things from Etsy (her clutch, bridesmaid gifts, jewelry, etc.), I knew it was the site for me. And since then I have purchased lots of jewelry. cute prints, and fabulous decor for my home. And not only have I never been disappointed with a purchase, but I love that it is a means for me to support local artists across the globe. I also revel in knowing that the things I am buying are typically one of a kind and made by hand with love-which of course makes each item that much more special. So with that (drum roll, please!), below are a few of my all-time favorite Etsy purchases…

Turquoise Necklace by Basil The Cat

Druzy Ring by Deco Fox

Chain Bracelet with Heart by OiaJules

Gold Plated Monogram Necklace by Keti Sorely Designs

Hot Pink Druzy Ring by amandalynneLUXE

State Prints by Rooted in Paper

I’m not going to lie, writing this post makes me want to lose myself on the Etsy site for a few hours to do a little treasure hunting. So if you haven’t tried Esty, spend some time on their site this weekend and take a look-they really do have something for everyone. And in addition to all of the fabulous Esty shops mentioned above, below are a few of my other favorites who are all definitely worth checking out:

Bridger and Madison: modern baby items from sensory blankets, to quilts, to burp cloths-way too many cute things to list!!

MakeupbyBella: chain Bracelets and Necklaces

outoftheblue: vintage modern jewelry

Whimsical Details: recycled jewelry and decor

Elizajay Charm: acrylic monogram jewelry

BeMe Jewelry: Turkish Jewelry (FABULOUS cocktail rings)

Hands Full Creations: purses, clutches and accessories (REALLY cute chevron clutches!)

Enjoy! And have a happy, happy weekend, dolls!!

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

Pops of Neon

On June 28, 2012 By all dolled upIn Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized1 Comment

I LOVE adding pops of neon to an outfit (you can see some examples here, here, here, and here)-such a great way to add a little interest to an otherwise simple ensemble. I am also finding that I am loving adding pops of neon back to prints. And even though prints are fun on their own, those little neon accents just take them to the next level-an instance where more is more and not less.

That said, I recently purchased the below dress for three reasons: 1. It reminds me of this Marc Jacobs dress that I LOVE, 2. It is black so I can wear it to work with a cardi or blazer, 3. The cute little heart print is just begging to be paired back to a little neon and some fun accessories.

Dress: Macy’s Junior’s Department (recent)

Vest: Macy’s Junior’s Department (recent)

Neon Pink Belt: Macy’s

Necklaces: Tiffany, My collection of charms, Forever21

Bracelets: H&M, Forever21, Tiffany, Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Hot Pink Druzy Ring: Amanda Lynne Luxe (etsy)

Sunglasses: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Shoes: Aldo via Nordstrom (sold out)

The first time I wore this dress to work, I literally had people stopping me to ask where I found it. And of course everyone was surprised when I told them I found it in the junior’s department at Macy’s (and for only $18!!!). And while I don’t always shop in the Junior’s section, I do think it is worth checking out now and again. A lot of companies are now targeting the “millenial” customer who they see as a shopper between the ages of 16-31. So the breadth of assortment is slowly but surely imporving to garner a larger target audience who is on the hunt for more affordable and fashion forward pieces.

Hooray!

Silver or Gold?

On June 26, 2012June 26, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, TJMaxx, Uncategorized, Watches7 Comments

Growing up I HATED gold. Absolutely hated it and refused (for the most part) to wear anything besides sterling silver or white gold. In fact, I think I remember telling my mom once that gold just wasn’t “cool” and that it was meant for “older ladies”. So it seems that now a days I have either had a change of heart, or fall into that whole “older lady” category, because I am a HUGE fan of gold. And I am pretty sure it all began because of Michael Kors and his fabulous watches. Thanks to MK, gold watches have been all the rage for the last couple of years, and with a gold watch, one must have gold accessories. So, I have slowly been picking up gold baubles here and there and am LOVING that I now have the option to wear either silver or gold, and sometimes even both together. I feel like it makes my wardrobe more well-rounded and allows for me to change things up on a daily basis. So when I picked up this cute dress at TJMaxx a couple of months ago, I knew that because of the cute gold buttons flanking the top and the warmth of the orange base, that it would be the perfect item to wear back to a lof of chunky gold jewelry.

Dress: TJMaxx

Double Wrap Belt: Down East Outfitters

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs (etsy)

Bracelets: Left Hand: Forever21, Macy’s, Right Hand: Oia Jules (etsy)

Gold and Tortoise Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Ring: Decofox (etsy)

Earrings: Macy’s

Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me

Sunglasses: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

And while I am pretty sure I will always be a silver girl at heart, I definitely find myself gravitating more towards gold in the summer months. The warmth of it compliments a nice tan and just feels like it belongs with the current summer trend-particularly white. But the good news is, for those of us with a preference between the two, you can get away with either silver or gold . But I definitely recommend having the option of both in your accessory collection.

P.S. Please excuse the crease in the bottom of my dress. Funny thing is, you can’t see it in person, but for some reason, it showed up when I put the photos through the Instagram filter. Yikes! 😉

Favorite Product Friday: Skinny Belts!!!!

On June 1, 2012June 1, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized6 Comments

Since this was a short week (which by the way felt like one of the longest weeks EVER), and I only got around to one true outfit post, I thought I would make this Friday’s Favorite Product post a bit of a hybrid. That said, today I want to talk about skinny belts.

I have never been a huge belt person, but because of my obsession with TLC’s What Not to Wear, Clinton Kelly planted a little bug in my ear many years ago: you always want to accentuate the smallest part of your waist. Seemingly a no brainer, but tougher than you would think given the current trends-all those long, flowy tops which are not particularly easy to wear. But about a year and a half ago, I discovered J’s Everyday Fashion and noticed she was putting belts back to just about every outfit and a little light went off in my head. What better way to accentuate the smallest part of your waist than with a belt??? Duh!! At that moment, I started collecting belts here and there and find that I now wear them all the time. And not only are they a great way to feel thinner by accentuating your waist, but because they are available in so many colors and styles, they are a fabulous accessory and a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit.

Striped Top: H&M (recent)

Skirt: BCBGMaxazria (last summer)

Sunnies: Guess via TJMaxx

Earrings: The Icing (recent)

Necklace: Basil the Cat via Etsy

Pink Skinny Belt: Cotton On (recent)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Shoes: Overstock.com (old and cute, but horribly uncomfortable) 😦

You can also check out some other examples of how to wear skinny belts here, here, here, here, and here.

One word of caution. Be careful of the width of the belt. Sometimes the wider the belt, the less it does for your figure. I find that skinnier belts seem to work better and be more flattering. But have fun and play around with them to figure out how to make belts best work for you. Just remember to make sure you accentuate the smallest part of your waist to achieve the most flattering look!!

Happy weekend and Happy June!!!!