Tag: H&M

Mix Master

On By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, TJMaxx6 Comments

Not only do I love mixing colors, but I also LOVE mixing prints-particularly stripes or polka dots back to florals.  It feels so fresh and so new to me-just like spring.  And who doesn’t appreciate spring???

That said, this might come as a shock, but when I first laid eyes on these (AH-mazing!) shoes, I was on the fence about buying them.  I adored them, no doubt, but was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to wear them very often, or that they might be a “one hit wonder”.  So I gravitated towards the gray and black version thinking they were still fun (kinda) and definitely more practical.   BUT when I went to check out, the fabulous sales clerk steered me in the right direction and said it wouldbe an atrocity if I didn’t purchase the blue and pink version.  And I guess all I needed was a little validation, because those were the ones I took home.  And it was definitely the right choice!!!

 

 

Polka Dot Silk Top:  Nordstrom (recent)

Pink Tunic: H&M

Skinny Jeans:  Gap Jeggings (sold out online)

Shoes:  Steve Madden

Necklace: Got Beauty (local SLC boutique)

Earrings:  TJMaxx

Cat Eye Sunnies: Guess c/o TJMaxx

Watch:  Michael Kors c/o Macy’s

Bracelets:  Macy’s, H&M and Tiffany

Surprisingly, I have gotten quite a bit of wear out of these fun shoes.  They really do go with a lot, largely in part because it is acceptable to mix prints with stripes and polka dots (which it should be!).  And while I bought them when I was living in SF this fall, I am confident that they are going to get far more love from me during the warmer months of spring and summer.  Not only do they make my outfits fun, but they are one of those pieces that make me feel extra special every time I wear them-add that extra little kick in my step, if you will.  And as a self-proclaimed shoe addict, I can definitely appreciate that!

xx

This or that?

On By all dolled upIn Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Watches2 Comments

Sometimes I come up with different variations of outfits, and while most of the time I typically gravitate towards one more than the other, sometimes I find myself perched a top a fence and can’t decide which one is the winner.  Hence was the case a few days ago when I was getting ready for work. Because I work for Macy’s, I have to wear all black when I visit my stores, which is typically two days a week. So when I am in my office (we do have a business casual dress code), I try to wear color as much as I possibly can.

That said, let me preface by saying that if you take one thing away from this blog today, let it be the fact that turquoise and coral are ALWAYS a winning combination.  Always.  The question I had however, is because the two colors are so saturated and warm (and perfect together), would it be possible to add another hue to this combo?  And while I might still be on the fence as to the definite answer to this question, I am kind of thinking that the answer just might be yes.  So after trying out a very safe coral, turquoise, and black combo, I decided to get a little wild and try my turquoise and coral back to…RED!!

Silk Blouse:  Forever21

Turquoise Cardi:  H

Black Jeans:  Gap Always Skinny

Red Jeans:  American Eagle

Shoes:  Steve Madden c/o o.co outlet

Watch:  Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets:  Macy’s, World Market

Ring:  Deco Fox (etsy)

Turquoise Necklace:  BasiltheCat (etsy)

Cateye Sunglasses:  Guess c/o TJMaxx (recent)

In the end, I went for safe and wore the version with the black pants to work.  BUT, if I were going to try this look again for the weekend, or a night out, I would definitely choose the red.  The more I look at the colors together, the more I like them, and the more I like them, the more I love that I can put so many colors together and be on trend!!!  It ‘s also a great bonus to be able to come up with multiple outfits using essentially the same pieces.  Maybe it really is true that less is more-well at least in an instance like this.  😉

xx

Nautical Inspiration

On By all dolled upIn Uncategorized6 Comments

I have always been a fan of all things nautical and generally find that the looks inspired by this fun fashion trend tend to be timeless and easy to recreate.  I mean seriously, what’s not to love about Sperry Topsiders, stripes, stripes, and more stripes, preppy sweaters, white pants, the liberty to mix red, white, and navy (without feeling like you’re dressing for the 4th of July), and how about all of those adorable  little anchor embellished polos and shorts?  Nautical inspired looks are not only easy (try mixing a navy and white stripe back to a red or white base), but always a winner in my book (as long as you don’t go too overboard-no pun intended!). 😉

So when the thermometers hit 80 degrees the afternoon I was headed out to see the famed Clinton Kelly do a presentation at our new Macy’s store in the downtown City Creek Center, I had the perfect outfit in mind to tackle both a warm afternoon in the city, and hopefully impress one of my favorite fashion icons (if our paths were to cross-which they did!!).  Inspired by JCrew (of course!!) and my new favorite striped skirt that I picked up at the H&M in Seattle a couple of weeks ago, this is what I wore…

Cardigan: JCrew

Red Silk Shirt:  Forever21

Striped Skirt:  H&M (recent)

Belt: Mossimo for Target (recent)

Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me

Sunglasses:  Calvin Klein c/o Macy’s Sunglass Hut

Monogram Necklace:  Keti Sorely Designs (Etsy)

Watch:  Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Gold Bracelets:  Macy’s and H&M

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany

Handbag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier

There is nothing better than feeling confident in an outfit, and while I wish I had that feeling every day, that is not always the case.  BUT, despite showing my legs and bare toes in public for the first time this year, I felt pretty darn confident in this selection.  So when Clinton and I walked past each other in the Impulse department at Macy’s and he smiled approvingly and said  “hello” to me, I managed to give him a huge smile, but couldn’t get a single word to come out of my mouth.  It was an awkward moment, no doubt, but at least my outfit was fantastic-and I feel pretty happy about that. 

xx

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

On By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized2 Comments

I was a really, really good little girl-and that is not an exaggeration.  In fact I was often teased by my peers and called a goody-goody-two-shoes, a brown-noser, and  the teacher’s pet (which was probably true).  And of course it all seemed so horrible at the time, but in hindsight, I am proud that I was indeed all of those things growing up!!  However, none of us are perfect and I of course had my challenging moments, just like any other kiddo. 

In fact, my beloved grandma loves to tell a story about me when I was in the 3rd grade and visiting her in Detroit with my family.   She and my mom had taken me shopping, and while I have always been opinionated about what I like to wear, for whatever reason, that opinion reached a fever pitch during this particular outing.  My grandma wanted to buy me a Polly Flanders dress-white with pink and lots and lots of ruffles and smocking.  She and my mom thought I looked ADORABLE in it and both ranted and raved in the fitting room about how excited they were for me to have it.  I, however, was not convinced.  And so, when my mom left the fitting room, my grandmother said I looked her squarely in the eyes and said “You can buy that dress for me, grandma, but I won’t wear it.”  And oh the drama that ensued.  To this day, my grandmother still laughs as she relives the shock she felt when her sweet little Abigail uttered those defiant words to her.  But in the end, as I was a spoiled first-born grandchild and had previously done no wrong, ended up getting the dress that I wanted that day-a purple dress with white polka dots, and some really cute leggings to match.  And as a budding fashionista who knew what she wanted from a very young age, it ended up being one of my favorite outfits during my 3rd grade era.   So when I was at the Rack a couple of weeks ago and saw this cute polka dot number, I knew I had to have it in memorandum of that infamous day…

Sunglasses:  Cole Haan c/o Nordstrom Rack

Dress:  c/o Nordstrom Rack

Leopard Belt:  Express (still in stores!)

Mustard Cardigan :  H&M

Leggings:  c/o Nordstrom Rack

Shoes:  Jessica Simpon c/o Macy’s

Watch:  Michael Kors c/o Macy’s

Necklaces:  Tiffany, and my personal collection of charms

Many people reflect on defining moments in their life and as I look back, I can’t help but think that maybe the incident with my grandma and the Polly Flanders dress was perhaps my defining fashion moment.  But whatever the case, I still love polka dots-so am thrilled that they are back with a vengeance this season.  And as you may recall, I talked about chambray being one of the new neutrals of the season a couple of posts back, well, leopard is the other-which is why I selected a leopard belt to accessorize this dress.  It might seem busy, but leopard really goes with anything due to its neutral coloration.  Plus a leopard scarf, belt, shoe, or bag is a really great way to spruce up an outfit without having to put forth much effort.

Here’s to dressing in what makes us happy!!

xx

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Date Night!

On By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I have a lot of what I like to call “Vegas” dresses.  You know, the ones that are short, and colorful and perfectly appropriate for a night out at Tao (but few other occasions).  And I also have a lot of fab sun dresses, which of course are a little more on the conservative side, but lots of fun, none-the-less.  And every year, when I start to feel that spring fever set in, I want nothing more (besides a tan), than to pull all of these fun little numbers out of hiding for the season.  But alas, the temperatures are far to cool, and I am far to old to be strutting around in barely-there dresses this time of year.  So what is a girl to do?  

Fortunately, this is an example of where mixing medias can come in pretty handy-particularly the willingness to combine sweet and tough trends together (which is one of my favorite combos).  I like how it not only balances out the soft and sweet by giving a hint of edgy-ness, but also creates an element of surprise and a look that is a little out of the norm.  So for a recent date night with my hubby, I pulled out one of my favorite red, ruffle-y dresses and decided to forgo my go-to blazer and pumps, and instead paired it back to a beat up leather jacket, tights, and some pretty special booties for a look that’s a little more rock-and-roll.

 

Dress:  Forever21 (recent)

Leather Jacket:  H&M (fall)

Earrings:  Arden B (last summer)

Tights:  HUE c/o Macy’s

Booties:  Kelsi Dagger Rosabella $199 (some available on eBay and Amazon in limited sizing)

And while I love how the look turned out (as did my hubby), I am so looking forward to ditching the jacket and tights and enjoying warmer temperatures.  But for now, at least I have a means to enjoy all of my fun little dresses while not blinding anyone with my pale winter skin.  😉

xx