Archive Brights

On May 21, 2013May 20, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

Ok, ok so even though it’s been really cold and rainy here, don’t mind the background of these photos, because we don’t actually have any snow on the ground here in the SLC (well at least in the valley!). But rather, I was going through my outfit archives and realized that I never shared this little gem of an outfit with you all! And something about the combo of neon purple and rich, cobalt blue made me want to blog about it. I absolutely love mixing two bold colors together-especially these two colors. They are the perfect pairing to brighten those sometimes dreary spring days…

Instagram Filter: Walden

I woke up with a heavy heart this morning thinking about the lives lost and all of those affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma. Life is so fleeting and so incredibly precious. And tragedies like these are a good reminder to treasure your loved ones and appreciate each and every day to the fullest, because really, we never know what tomorrow might bring. Sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to the Midwest.

Back At It

On May 13, 2013May 13, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Well hello there, my lovely readers! After a brief little blogging hiatus, I am back! And can I just say that last week was an absolutely crazy (and wonderful) one for me? Between a work trip to San Francisco for our Vendor Summit, a birthday celebration, and a nice long weekend spent in my favorite city by the bay (packed full of my favorite activities), I think my head is still spinning!! So since I’m slowly, but surely, getting back into the swing of things, I thought today was the perfect opportunity to keep it short and sweet and share with you one of my favorite color combinations ever-pink and navy.

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Can you believe that I stumbled upon these darling wedges at JCP of all places? I had actually seen them in a magazine and wanted to check them out in person since I was a little unsure about buying a pair of shoes from Penny’s. And while I have to say that I wasn’t expecting much, I was pleasantly surprised by just how cute they are in person, the quality, and the amazing price (under $40!!). They are definitely going to be a staple in my wardrobe this summer.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Arm Candy

On April 11, 2013April 10, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized1 Comment

I love me some arm candy, or an arm party, or a little wrist bling-whatever you want to call it. It’s such a fun (and affordable!) way to change up an outfit. And while of course anything goes, I am definitely finding myself gravitating towards the mix of girly and edgy. Specifically, bows and spikes paired together in perfect harmony. I mean really, where else can you get away with a combination like that?

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

I also wanted to take a minute and thank everyone who entered the Stella & Dot giveaway! I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to share one of my favorite pieces with one of my readers. Click here to see if you are the lucky winner!

Happy Thursday!

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!

Mixology

On August 13, 2012August 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love mixing stripes together! It is one of my absolute favorite looks-well, that and mixing stripes and polka dots. And while it might seem counter intuitive, it is more do-able than one might think. The only thing to keep in mind is some sort of contrast, whether it be in color, size, or direction.

When I bought the below skirt (which you can also see here), I didn’t just buy it because of my fondness for stripes, but because I also knew it would be a great base piece that I could use to create a variety of looks. And even though I always seem to gravitate towards creating more nautical looks with this skirt, I have gotten quite a bit of use out of it. But it occurred to me last week that one thing I hadn’t tried was pairing it back to a striped top. And because of its wide stripe, I knew it would be an excellent candidate to pair back to my favorite mini-stripe one-shoulder top. Slightly nautical, yet playful and fun-the perfect outfit to keep me cool on a super hot evening here in the SLC.

Instagram Filter: Hudson

Mini-Striped Top: Wet Seal (old)

Striped Skirt: H&M

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors

Earrings: The Icing

Belt: Mossimo for Target

Striped Cross Body Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Shoes: Dolce Vita Jude

And not only do I love mixing stripes, but I also love a good one-shoulder top or dress. It is one of my favorite silhouettes-such a fun, yet refined look. It always makes me feel a little extra glamorous and is a good way to step up a look without really putting forth much extra effort-anything that shows a little extra shoulder is a winner in my book!

Happy Monday!

FPF: Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush

On August 10, 2012August 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products7 Comments

Confession time. I love the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise. Not because I actually believe in the process, but because I love the sheer entertainment of it. Plus a lot of the women on the show have fabulous style and makeup and so the added fashion element makes it that much more interesting for me to watch. Enter Dana Weiss of Possessionista. If you haven’t heard of the Possessionista, then you are really missing out. Dana is a fabulous blogger who finds all of the items we covet on TV and on our favorite celebrities and shares with her readers what they are and where we can find them (plus she is down right hilarious). And that my friends, is how I discovered my adoration for Bobbi Brown’s Pale Pink Blush.

When Emily Maynard and Michelle Money were on Bachelor Brad’s season, not only did their makeup always look flawless, but they were both always sporting a gorgeous pop of bright pink blush on their cheeks-making me want to recreate that look with my makeup. And thanks to the Possessionista, I was able to track down their little beauty secret and I have been a convert ever since.

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Blush: Bobbi Brown Pale Pink (available at Nordstrom, Macy’s, Sephora)

Oh how I love this little blush. Even though it is called Pale Pink, it is actually a bright pink and is my secret to brightening up my face when I am feeling tired, a tool I use when I’m doing my make up for night out and need a little extra “oomph”, looks terrific when I’m not wearing much for make up at all, and is perfect to layer with my favorite bronzer. And while it might come in a tiny package, it sure can pack a punch (it’s extra pigmented so lasts a long time). Plus it is one of those perfect blushes that goes with just about any skin color and be worn with warm or cool tones. Truth be told, I don’t think I could survive without it in my make up bag. So if you are looking for the perfect pink blush, or something new to change up your makeup routine, look no further than this fabulous Bobbi Brown blush!

Happy weekend everyone!!

Two Worlds Collide

On July 10, 2012July 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

What do you get when you combine one of my very favorite things from my college days with one of my favorite places in the state of Utah? A little slice of heaven and one pretty perfect night. *Sigh*

When I was attending Vanderbilt University, I had hopes and dreams of one day becoming a country singer. And because of my love affair with music, one thing that I loved to do during my Nashville days was hit up the Bluebird Cafe and take in all of that incredible Nashville talent. It was such an amazing opportunity to have the chance to hear the incredible musicians who actually pen the tunes we hear on the radio performed by our favorite mainstream artists. So when I found out last summer that the beautiful Sundance Resort hosts a Bluebird Cafe singer/songwriter series for 3 Fridays every summer, I knew I had to go. Two integral parts of my life colliding in such an unexpected (and fantastic) way? I mean really, what are the chances???

And even though I had to wait a year (the series had already happened last summer when I found about it), it was at the very top of my summer to-do list this year. So when J’s mom and dad came to town last week, we knew it was the perfect event for the four of us. And it was.

Maxi Dress: Macy’s (recent)
Bracelets: H&M, Forever21, Tiffany and Co.
Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s
Feather Earrings: Aldo, H&M
Denim Jacket: Else by Joes Jeans via Macy’s (recent)
Shoes: Steve Madden (old)

We had such an amazing time that night that I’m already trying to convince J that we need to go again!! It really was just the perfect evening-makes my heart happy just thinking about it. Plus it was cool enough that I finally got to wear my new denim jacket-which ironically enough was at the top of my summer must-have list. Apparently it was just one of those nights when all of the stars aligned. So the moral of today’s post is that if you live in Utah, I highly recommend catching the Bluebird Cafe at Sundance, and if you don’t yet own a denim jacket, then it’s definitely time you invest.

P.S. And I made a point to use the Nashville filter on theses photos-obviously no other filter was going to do. 🙂

To Market, To Market

On July 9, 2012 By all dolled upIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

On of my very favorite things about summer is hitting the farmer’s market. And here in the SLC, we are fortunate to have several different beautiful markets to choose from during the warm summer months. And while I am fond of many, the Downtown SLC Farmer’s Market is by far my favorite. J and I love to spend our Saturday mornings wandering the booths with our dogs, sipping coffee, sampling fresh produce, cheeses, and breads, and admiring all of the pretty baubles in the jewelry booths (well, I like that last part, anyway). 🙂

But with so many markets to attend, that leaves the question, what is appropriate to wear to a farmer’s market? In summer’s past, I have often gravitated towards sundresses or maxis (both of which are still great options), but this summer, I am loving throwing on a brightly colored pair of shorts, a fun print or neon tank (especially a tribal print!), my favorite gold flats, and my tried and true fedora-complete with a messy side bun. It is a hip and easy ensemble that not only helps me stay cool on a hot summer morning, but also lets me feel like the market loving fashionista that I am!

Tribal Print Tank: American Eagle (recent)

Cobalt Shorts: American Eagle (recent)

Fedora: Macy’s (recent)

Earrings: The Icing

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co., H&M, Thailand, Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neon Pink Cross Body Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC via Blomingdales

Sunglasses: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Gold Flats: Mossimo for Target (old)

I have posted quite a few times about my adoration for my Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC, and with continued use, I seem to be falling more and more in love with it. Not only does the fun neon pink color make it ideal for a night on the town, but the cross body styling makes it fitting for an afternoon of running errands. And so of course, it is now my perfect bag Farmer’s Market bag as it allows me to have both hands free to juggle a leash, my morning coffee, and lots of local yummy goodness!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Happy Monday, dolls!

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! 😉