Nica

On February 8, 2013February 8, 2013 By all dolled upIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Justin and I took a nice long vacation to Nicaragua in January. And while most people looked at us like we had four eyes when we told them where we were headed, I can’t even begin to put into words how amazing it was. So instead, I thought I would share with you a glimpse into our incredible trip and let our photos speak for themselves. Enjoy!!!

I think it’s pretty easy to see why J and I absolutely fell in love with Nica. In fact, I’m surprised we ended up coming back all! Kidding (well, sort of). But I can definitely see why so many ex-pats have taken refuge in the quaint town of San Juan Del Sur and why surfers and backpackers and tourists travel from all over the world to soak in the sun, enjoy the cuisine, and catch some of the best waves in the world. And while we haven’t been back in the states for very long, we are already working on planning our next trip back! Truly it was, the adventure of a lifetime.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!!

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!!

I’m on a Boat

On August 9, 2012August 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

One of my favorite things about the summer is spending time on the water. I love boating, swimming, fishing, rafting, floating on floaties, going to the pool-if there is water involved, you name it and I am there. And while I used to just throw on an old sundress or t-shirt over my bathing suit for the to and from, this summer I have actually been having more fun with it and putting forth a little more effort with my water excursion apparel. And with that, here are some of my current summer must-haves for all things water related (in addition to a fantastic bathing suit, of course!):

1. Neon Cut-Offs: I love cutoffs, always have, always will. But this year, I have been really quite enamored with all of the bright hues available. The below neon yellow shorts from American Eagle are my current favorite-nice and bright and not too short.

2. Off-the-shoulder Tee: While a t-shirt is a super easy thing to throw on over your bathing suit, an off-the-shoulder tee gives you a bit of a sexier, more fashion forward look, while still boasting all the comforts of a t-shirt. I also love how it shows some shoulder and part of your bathing suit when you are covered up

3. A Fedora: I love to get sun on my face, but now that I am getting older and have become much more diligent about protecting my skin, I like to have a hat with me to throw on to give my face (and hair) a break from the sun and heat. Plus its a great way to cover up messy hair!

4. A cute beach bag: I LOVE a good beach bag. And the below Saltbox tote has been going strong as my go-to tote for the last couple of years. Not only is it a really heavy, durable canvas that can withstand a lot of wear and tear but it’s also super bright with a cute, fun pattern. Plus it’s big enough to hold my sunscreen, beach towel (and my husband’s), a book, some snacks, a big bottle of water, and my hat (when I’m not wearing it).

5. Sunglasses: Obviously a no-brainer, but so important to protect those peepers while out on the water. Plus it’s a great way to add some style to your ensemble!

Instagram Filter: Lo-fi

Black off-the-shoulder tee: American Eagle (last summer)

Neon Yellow Shorts: American Eagle (this summer)

Gold Hammered Earrings: Street Vendor in San Francisco

Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Macy’s

Fedora: Macy’s (recent)

Medallion Tote: Saltbox via Sundance Catalog

Flip Flops: Dini’s Los Angeles (a cute company that adds embellishments to Havianas)

I also love to wear fun earrings with a bathing suit. Something about it feels very glamorous and oh-so-Beyonce to me. I’m not sure I could quite get myself to the point of ever wearing heels with a bathing suit, but earrings I can do. I have also seen lots of gals layer necklaces with bathing suits, which is a cute look, but one I have yet to try. Maybe that will be in order for our Vegas trip this fall.

P.S. Below are a few of my favorite bathing suits from this season-all by Roxy. I always have a hard time finding bathing suits that I think fit really well and all of these do. Plus they are great quality and come in a variety of styles and prints.

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!