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.

Day to Night

On July 3, 2012July 3, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

People often ask me for tips on how to create an outfit that you can take from day to night. And while the task might sound daunting, it is actually a pretty simple thing to do. All you have to do is think layering and remember that in these instances a cardigan or blazer can be your best ally.

Take the below outfit, for example. I paired my neon skinnies back a crisp white off-the-shoulder tee (perfect for an evening on the town), but layered it with a conservative white blazer to go about my day. Two looks, one day. Pretty easy, right?

White Blazer: Forever21 (recent)

White Off-the-Shoulder Tee: H&M (old)

Neon Coral Skinnies: American Eagle (recent)

Neon Necklace: Forever21 (recent)

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s, Forever21

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Neon Pink Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden via the Overstock.com

J and I still love to go on dates, and due to our opposite schedules, I often find myself going straight from work to dinner or drinks. I run into the same issue when traveling for work, heading directly from the office to dinner with friends in whatever city I happen to be visiting. And because of these frequent situations, I find myself constantly having to create these types of looks. So with that said, the best words of wisdom I have to offer you when faced with creating a look you can take from day to night, is to really utilize those layering pieces in your closet. A blazer can be your best wardrobe friend. AND you can also bring a change of shoes and throw on some bright red lipstick to really up the ante for your evening look.

Hope everyone has a fabulous 4th!!!

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!!!!

Concert Attire

On May 31, 2012May 31, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

My husband and I adore the Civil Wars. Some friends of ours introduced them to us right when they came on the scene (long before the Hunger Games made them famous) and we have been HUGE fans ever since. So of course when they were playing a small venue in downtown SLC last week, we knew we had to jump on the opportunity to see them. And they most definitely did not disappoint. Haunting harmonies, beautiful lyrics, and melodies that forever wrap themselves around you-the Civil Wars are truly, truly special.

But attending my first music event of the summer got me thinking. What is appropriate concert attire? If they would have been playing an outside venue, the answer would be a lot easier. I probably would have gone with some sort of maxi dress or cut off shorts and tank-both of which are easy and comfy for an evening outdoors. But an intimate indoor concert venue? Well I saw it as an opportunity to wear something really fun that I wouldn’t normally wear on a typical night out on the town. And that my friends, is my neon pink wolf tank. Now the Civil Wars are by no means rock and roll, but something about a fun graphic print tee or tank just feels totally right for any kind of music event. And not only was the wolf tank a winner for the evening, but I paired it back to my bright green jeans, studded shoes, and super long earrings for an outfit that I think was worthy enough for such an incredible show.

Blazer: H&M (last fall)

Neon Wolf Tank: Macy’s Impulse Department (recent)

Colored Skinnies: Else by Joes Jeans (exclusively at Macy’s)

Long Chain Earrings: TJMaxx (recent)

Neon Pink Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC via Bloomingdales

Studded Pumps: Madden Girl (old)

Pink Druzy Ring: Amanda Lynne Luxe via Etsy

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Bracelets: H&M, Macy’s, Forever21, Tiffany and Co.

Maybe I’m into this tank because I love the ’80’s, or maybe it’s because I’m from Montana and have a little redneck in me. But either way, it is one of my favorite finds of the season. And not only that, but I wholeheartedly believe that it is important to have one or two items like this in your wardrobe. Graphic tees and tanks go great back to blazers, skinnies, skirts, and shorts, and are an easy way to dress casually and comfortably while still being fun and funky at the same time.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Blog Lovin’. You can also find me on Pinterest and Instagram: AisAllDolledUp

Thank you for your love and support!!

Memorial Debrief

On May 29, 2012May 29, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I love Memorial Day weekend and look forward to it every year. It is always a time for reflection and gratitude to all of the brave men and women who have served and are serving this beautiful country I am blessed to call home. It is also a weekend that I get to spend with my family. Ever since J and I ventured off to the SLC, it has become a tradition for my parents to make the drive down from Montana to spend the long weekend with us. And since my brother and his wife moved back to the states from Australia last year, they have now become a part of the tradition as well. And of course this Memorial Day weekend did not disappoint. In fact, it might have been the best one yet-so much so that everyone decided to spend an extra day in the SLC to relish the beautiful weather and precious time together.

Me and my little brother

Mike and Justin heading out for a ride. Real men have chest hair, apparently. 😉

Sangria…yum!

My mom, Mike, Jess and me enjoying a beautiful evening on the deck

Mikey slinging pizza dough

The “kids”

First Corona of the year. Yup, it’s officially summer!

Pretty, pretty flowers.

It really doesn’t get much better than a long weekend with family and an added bonus day together, does it? So thank you mom, dad, Mike, Jess, Daisy, and Sydney for making the trip to the SLC. I don’t think I could pick a favorite part of the weekend, but I definitely feel really good about the time we had together. 😉 I already miss you each dearly and am so looking forward to August when we will all be together again!!

The Cold Shoulder

On May 23, 2012May 23, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden1 Comment

One thing I know for sure, I definitely did not get the cold shoulder from my friends and family on my birthday-in fact so many people in my life reached out and made such incredibly sweet gestures, that it is safe to say it was one of my best birthdays yet. I did however, choose to wear my new bright pink cold shoulder top to my birthday dinner at my favorite wine and tapas bar with our very dearest friends. It was a wonderful evening and I am so grateful to all who came out to celebrate, for the beautiful weather, the lovely gifts, and time spent with so many sweet friends that I don’t get to see nearly enough. I was a very blessed birthday girl this year!

Pink Cold Shoulder Top: RACHEL Rachel Roy via Macy’s

Skinny Jeans: Gap Jeggings

Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita Jude via Macy’s

Necklace: JCrew via eBay (again, a word of caution if you go this route-there are a lot of terrible fakes on eBay right now)

Clutch: Steve Madden via Macy’s (sold out)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: Tiffany, H&M, Forever21, Macy’s, Thailand (yes, the country!)

Sunnies: Guess via TJMaxx

I love the cold shoulder trend. I think it is a great way to dress up a simple top-in fact, the other cold shoulder tops in my closet are primarily jersey and most of them seem to have stripes. I tend to gravitate towards them because they are comfy enough to make you feel like you are slipping on your favorite t-shirt, but add a few accessories and some cute shoes, and you have an outfit fit for just about any occasion-including a birthday dinner in your honor! 🙂 They also tend to be flattering on my most figures and are a great way to transition from long sleeves to tank tops. I know I never feel quite ready to show my pasty white arms in the month of May, so a cute cold shoulder top is the perfect middle ground.

Happy Hump day!!

A Little Extra Something

On May 20, 2012May 21, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden, TJMaxx, Uncategorized8 Comments

The weekends always seem to go so fast, don’t they? And the more activities you pack in, the faster they seem to go. And that was exactly the kind of weekend J and I just had-one of those extra fast ones filled to the brim with lots of activities. As I mentioned in my Vessel Sink post, we have been working on rebuilding our deck-which is a huge task in and of itself. It was one of those projects that started off with replacing a few boards, and somehow turned into replacing the entire surface. So getting that finished in time for a visit from my family this weekend was at the top of our priority list. We also had a birthday party to attend, a date at the zoo with our littles, and our (well my) first road bike ride of the season-73 miles for me and 100 miles for J at the annual Cycle Salt Lake Century.

The night before our big ride, we decided it was a good idea to do some carb loading and headed over to our favorite neighborhood restaurant, the Porcupine, to catch a beer and some dinner. It is a pretty laid back place, and it was going to be a short night, so I wanted to dress casually, but at the same time, felt like sprucing things up a bit. I worked from home in my sweats all day on Friday, and felt like getting at least a little dolled up. And I tend to find that when I am in situations like this, accessories and/or shoes are always the perfect way to add that little extra something to an otherwise ordinary outfit. So in an effort to make my striped shirt, jeans, and vest a little more interesting, I settled on the perfect remedy-my favorite new heels that I am absolutely obsessed with!

Striped Shirt: H&M (recent)

Jean Vest: Macy’s

Jeans: Gap Denim Jeggings (sold out online)

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Bracelets: Tiffany

Necklace: Tiffany and my personal collection of charms

Silver Aviators: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Shoes: Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl’s (I don’t see them online, but check your local Kohl’s!!)

So, truth be told, I originally fell in love with the Sam Edelman version of these shoes, but just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much money on them. Then I found a pair at Nordstrom Rack, but for some reason didn’t get them the first time I saw them, and when I finally decided to go back, of course they were gone! So imagine my surprise when I was comp shopping a Kohl’s in Montana (for work!!) and there they were, a spitting image of the shoes I let get away sitting on display in the shoe department. I think I swooned a little and of course had to buy them on the spot. And what makes them even better? They are MUCH more comfortable than the SE version and cost about 1/5 of the price! Talk about a great deal. And in my book, it’s pretty darn tough to beat a great deal-especially for shoes as fabulous as these.

Happy Monday, everyone!!

Fashion Star Finale!

On May 15, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden, TJMaxx, Uncategorized, Watches1 Comment

I was so excited when I learned of the inception of Fashion Star and have thoroughly enjoyed it every Tuesday night since its premiere. The mentors are terrific, the designers are fantastic, and as a buyer myself, of course I especially love the buyers! In fact, I was even privileged enough to spend some time with Caprice in LA when I first started working for Macy’s. And let me tell you, she is just as pretty and fabulous in person as she is on TV!

So of course, having followed along with the designers on their journey thus far, I am so excited to see how the finale unravels tonight! Although each person left is incredibly talented, I can’t help but find myself rooting for Kara. She is sweet, and humble, and her sense of style rocks!! I think she is the perfect candidate to design lines for H&M, Saks, and Macy’s. But even though I’m rooting for Kara, Orly was my season favorite, so in honor of her, I wanted to pay tribute by wearing the AH-mazing lime blazer she debuted last week, and of course top it off with some jewelry from Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow…

Blazer: Orly Shani for H&M

Black Silk Cami: Express

Snake Skin Liquid Leggings: Nodrstrom (old)

Heels: Steve Madden

Necklace: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Tortise Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s, Word Market, H&M

Sunnies: Guess via TJMaxx

So while I can’t wait to see if my girl Kara is announced as the very first Fashion Star, tonight will also be a bit bittersweet as I say goodbye to one of my favorite guilty pleasures. Guess I better start figuring out something new to do on my Tuesday nights!

Good luck Kara!!!

Black+Navy

On May 7, 2012May 8, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, Watches3 Comments

The rule stating that you can’t wear black and navy together no longer applies. And thank goodness, because half of the time I can’t tell them apart anyway. And thus, mixing black and navy together has become one of my favorite color combinations as of late. Black on black always feels awfully dressy to me (especially on days when I know I am going to be sitting at my desk all day), so adding a navy top or blazer back to a black pant or skirt is a great way to tone things down a notch and bring that element of “casual” into “business casual” attire.

Navy Blazer: Express (recent)

Grey Ruffle Blouse: Express

Black Skinnies: Gap

Necklace: Tiffany, my personal charm collection

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s, H&M

Ring: Saundra Messinger via Sundance Catalog

Pink Pumps: Jessica Simpson Waleo via Macy’s

In addition to loving black and navy together, I also LOVE pink and navy together, hence the pink shoes to tie it all together. And while black and navy are a perfectly acceptable combo, it is important that there is enough of a contrast between the two so that people can tell you are wearing black and navy and not wonder if one of your pieces is a poorly cared for, faded black garment. Oh, and one more very important thing, if you are wearing a suit (girl or guy), this is one instance where you don’t want to mix black or navy. Try and keep your suiting pure (same color jacket and pants)-it looks more classy and chic that way.

Happy Monday!!

Workin’ 9 to 5

On May 2, 2012May 2, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

I love the movie Nine to Five, and I especially love Dolly Parton (I am a country girl, after all). I however, am incredibly fortunate that I am able to do something I love everyday. So even though I don’t quite share the same sentiments as the movie, I love it anyway (especially the theme song!!!). I am also in the fortunate position that I don’t have to wear a suit (or skirt and tights) to work everyday-thank goodness!! But my dress code is business casual, which presents challenges all of its own.

I mentioned a few posts back that I have to wear black when I visit my stores (typically two days a week), but on my office days, I can wear whatever colors I choose. And since my office days are mostly spent behind my computer, it is important for me to not only obviously fulfill my dress code requirements, but to be comfortable (and stylish, of course) at the same time.That said, I wanted to share a couple of staple items I have added to (or distorted in) my closet that have allowed me to attain success in achieving all of the above. .

1. Skinny Ponte Pants: Best. Invention Ever. They are much thicker and obviously more appropriate than a legging, and while the finish of the fabric gives them a dressy feel, they are still incredibly stretchy and as comfy as your favorite sweats.

2. Jersey Blazers: I LOVE blazers. You could actually say I am obsessed with them. And the jersey version that is out there right now is a huge win in my book (H&M has a ton of cute ones in lots of fun colors). They are comfy and stylish, yet totally appropriate for the business casual dress code. I also get a lot of cross over use with them and wear them out on the weekends as part of an outfit or as my jacket.

3. Boyfriend Shirt: Again, comfort rules supreme here. Such a great staple that is comfortable and casual but can be dressed up with a great pair of shoes or some really fun accessories-a great blank canvas that can be styled a lot of different ways.

Pink Blazer: H&M (recent)

Blue Boyrfriend Shirt: H&M (recent)

Ponte Pants: Express (recent)

Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o Macy’s

Necklaces: Tiffany, Personal Collections, Monogram (gift from my mom)

Bracelets: Macy’s, Tiffany

Moonstone Ring: Suandra Messinger for Sundance Catalog

Watch: Micael Kors c/o Macy’s

Handbag: Michael Kors c/o TJMaxx

So there you have it. A look that is work appropriate, simple and easy, comfortable, and still stylish (thanks to great shoes and accessories), And now that I’m dressed for success and ready to face the day, I suppose it’s time for me to pour myself a cup of ambition and accomplish some great things today. Happy Hump day everyone! Looking forward to starting the back end of the work week and inching closer to the weekend!