The One That Got Away

On October 16, 2012October 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

I have been on the hunt for a great leopard bag for quite some time now-ever since I fell in love with one and made the mistake of not buying it. And while I thought my wish list was pretty simple (nothing too expensive, versatile animal print, and big enough to schlep all of my stuff to and from the office and on errands around town), apparently I was wrong. And so, after looking high and low with absolutely no luck, I had all but given up. That is until I spotted it during a recent store visit-the one that got away.

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Polka Dot Tie Top: Macy’s (on sale!!!)

Grey Tank: ArdenB (old)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap, similar

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: My personal collection of charms

Watch: Michael Kors

Leopard Bag: Steven by Steve Madden (on sale at 6pm!)

Cognac Boots: Aldo Farmar, similar

I think perhaps what originally drew me to this bag, and ultimately led me to purchase it is its coloring. Because it has a lighter base and lots of different shades of tan, cognac, and brown, not to mention some very subtle black detailing, it is one of those pieces that will go with just about anything in my closet. I couldn’t be more excited to have found it again (and for such a great bargain!), and know that I am going to get a lot of use out of it this season!!

Lip Service

On October 11, 2012October 11, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

As much as I love color, sometimes I just want to wear something neutral that doesn’t require much effort or coordination. But because I love color so much, those types of outfits always feel slightly boring to me. Well thank goodness for bright lips and nails to solve that dilemma!! In addition to accessories (of course), one of my favorite ways to add a pop of color to an outfit is either on my nails or on my lips. And while pretty, polished nails are always a staple for me, lately I have found that a swipe of bright lipstick not only adds interest, but brightens the face making me look and feel younger, and maybe even a teeny, tiny bit (gasp!) sexy. And come on, who doesn’t want to look and feel young and sexy???

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Printed Blouse: The Limited (on sale!!!)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap

Watch: Michael Kors

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Sunglasses: House of Harlow

Cocktail Ring: Gift from my J

Studded Pumps: Vera Wang for Kohl’s (sold out) similar

Orange Lipstick: MAC Morange

I think I will always be more of a lip gloss girl, but am finding that I’m wearing lipstick more and more frequently. And while these are still far and away my favorite, MAC has some fantastic colors and I find their lipsticks to be very comfortable when layered with a chapstick or a lip gloss. And while I’ve been bold and tried everything from hot pink, to orange, to bright red, one trend I haven’t tried yet is a burgundy lip. Oh the drama!!! But I think I’m ready to give it a go. Stay tuned…

Saturdays in the Park

On October 9, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love Saturdays in the Fall. My hubby races Cyclocross (a hybrid sport of mountain biking and road biking), and I look forward to getting out the cowbell and our SLR each weekend to cheer him on and snap photos of him for a change. It’s so nice to be out in the crisp fall air and have the opportunity to see so many different parks and areas around Utah that we normally wouldn’t get to explore!

This past Saturday brought us up to beautiful Ogden for race day. And while most races are in the morning and you can normally find me straight from boot camp running around the course in my LuluLemon gear and tennis shoes, this was an afternoon race so I actually had to wear real clothes for the occasion. However, I found myself a bit stumped as to what real clothes I could wear both to the race and then directly out for beers with friends following. I seem to have an easy time getting super dressed up or being super casual, but it’s the in between that I always find to be a struggle. So I did what any strategic thinking fashionista would do and I pulled out my favorite grey tee, my most comfy skinny jeans, my best worn in boots (with just enough of a heel that I could run around but not feel frumpy), and then threw on some fun jewelry and a leopard cardi for some spunk. And I have to say, it ended up being the perfect outfit for a casual, fun fall day.

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Grey Tee: Victoria’s Secret Pink Essential V-Neck Tee (these are THE BEST!)

Leopard Cardi: H&M (last year) similar, similar, similar

Skinny Jeans: The Gap

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely via Etsy

Long Gold Necklace: Macy’s

Stone Charm: Stella and Dot

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Charm Bracelet: Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neon Bag: Steven by Steve Madden

Gold Aviators: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Cognac Boots: Aldo Farmar (last fall) similar

Neon was all the rage this past summer and will continue to be an important trend through the end of 2013. And while it does pose to be a bit more challenging, it is perfectly acceptable to layer it into your fall and winter wardrobe. When I bought my neon yellow bag a couple of months ago, I actually bought it with fall in mind. I knew it would look fantastic back to both grey and cognac and would be a great and simple way to add a pop of color to more earthy, cool weather looks. How would you style neon back to your fall neutrals?

FPF: Gold Cuffs

On October 5, 2012October 5, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I rarely wore a watch until a few years ago when J got me my first Michael Kors as a birthday gift. And now I find that I am stuck in the rut of wearing a watch every single day. So when I started seeing big gold cuffs on the runway and all over fashion magazines a few months ago, I knew it was a trend that I not only loved, but also one that would help me add some variety to my wrist fashion!

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Gold Cuffs: H&M (this summer) similar, similar

One shoulder top: The Limited (this summer)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap

Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden (old)

And while I know arm parties are all the rage (yes, I LOVE them too), I am really digging having the option to change things up and rock a completely different look. Wearing two big cold cuffs is a bit bold and a bit Grecian, but a whole lot of fun. Plus it will be a great way to dress up plain tees and sweaters during colder months.

Happy weekend everyone! I am so excited that it’s FINALLY here!!!

Left, Right, Left

On October 2, 2012October 4, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

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. 😉

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.

Giddyup

On October 1, 2012October 1, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

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!

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!

FPF: The Bubble Necklace

On September 28, 2012September 28, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit Ideas6 Comments

If you don’t know what a bubble necklace is yet, then you must be living under a rock (sorry, but true!). Thanks to the original JCrew version, which came out 2 years ago, the bubble necklace has taken the fashion world by storm and is now a staple across fashion blogs, boutiques, and wish lists across the world. And it isn’t hard to see why. It is a fun, easy piece that is a simple way to spice up an outfit or add a pop of color to any ensemble. It is one of those things that goes with everything, and makes any outfit that much better. Which is why, of course, everyone either wants or has one-including myself (if you hadn’t noticed)…

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay (be careful going this route!! lots of bad fakes out there)

Purple Bubble Necklace: Ily Couture (great quality-I highly recommend)

Red Bubble Necklace: H&M (old)

Ivory Bubble Necklace: The Poke A Dot Shop

The good news is now that the bubble necklace is so popular, you can pick them up for a fraction of the JCrew price tag. Below is a list of options if you are looking to purchase your first one, or add another color to your collection:

JCrew $120-$150

The Poke A Dot Shop (sold out right now-but keep checking back) $15.99

Ily Couture $49.00

Amour Boutique $28.00

The Red Dress Boutique $42.00

Basil The Cat (on Etsy) $50.00

Good luck and happy shopping!! AND, happy weekend!!!

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Fashion Obsession

On September 24, 2012September 24, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

Every once in a while I stumble upon a fashion find that I love so much, I may or may not become slightly obsessed. The last time it happened was when Rebecca Minkoff first came on the scene in a big way with her studded Devote tote. The Hills was at its peak and when LC started carrying the black version with the gold rivets, I knew I had to have one. So, I saved up all my money and treated myself to one for my birthday. And boy did that bag get a lot of use. In fact, it still makes me happy every time I open up its dust bag and take a little peek. I guess that’s what we call nostalgia.

And maybe it’s purely coincidence, or maybe I just happen to have a thing for black pieces with gold embellishments, but I am pretty sure my new Vince Camuto gold spiked heels are going to be my next fashion obsession. It was love at first sight when I spotted these pumps at a Macy’s in Detroit a couple of weeks ago. I was shopping with my mom and my aunties and thought they would think I was crazy for trying them on-they are after all, completely covered in little gold spikes from heel to toe. But the vote was unanimous and we all fell in love with them on the spot. And looking at these photos, it’s not hard to see why-they are definitely a pretty darn special pair of shoes.

Instagram Filter: Sutro

Blazer: H&M (last fall)

Black Tee: Victoria’s Secret Pink Essential V-Neck (best tee’s EVER!)

Snakeskin Shorts: Rachel Roy (sold out)

Ring: House of Harlow

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx

Sunglasses: Guess via TJMaxx

Shoes: Vince Camuto

I know that we’ve already established the importance of adding a colored blazer to your wardrobe this fall, but it should also be noted that a spiked or embellished pair of shoes should also be a must on the wishlist. And now that I am finished mourning the passing of summer, I can officially get excited about my fall shopping and start checking things off my wishlist-like a pair of spiked pumps for one. Hooray!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!