Seasonless

If you would have asked me a couple of years ago if I would ever consider wearing bright pink pants in the middle of the winter, I probably would have told you no. I also probably would never have imagined that I would own jeans in every color of the rainbow either. But I suppose that is one of the many things that I love about fashion.  Even though trends tend to be cyclical, each season is always full of so many elements of surprise, constantly pushing us out of our comfort zones and willing us to try something new…

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

White Chiffon Button Down:  ArdenB (old) similar | Sequin Polka Dot Shirt:  JCrew | Pink Skinnies:  The Limited, similar, similar | Gold Chain Necklace: INC via Macy’s | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Gold Charm Watch:  Anne Klein | Gold Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  House of Harlow Chelsea | Bag:  Olivia+Joy  (majorly on sale!!!!!) | Wedge Pumps:  Dolce Vita, similar

To say that I am totally and completely smitten with this JCrew sequin polka dot shirt would be an understatement.  In fact, I’m finding I have to limit how much I wear it (you can see it featured in another post here). Don’t you just love pieces that are not only incredibly versatile, but also make you feel extra special every time you wear them? 

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

xx

London Calling

I love a good graphic tee back to jeans and a leather jacket. There is something super cool about it while still being totally chic at the same time. In fact, it might be one of my favorite looks ever-especially when paired with a great pair of heels…20130203-155325.jpg

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Instagram Filter: Rise

Vegan Jacket:  BarIII |  Union Jack Tee:  RACHEL Rachel Roy, similar, similar | Jeans:  Gap | Sunnies: House of Harlow | Charm Necklace:  Personal Collection | Crystal Necklace: Kenneth Cole | Watch:  Michael Kors | Bracelets:  Aldo, similar, similar |  Leopard Wedges:  Aldo, similar, similar (these are a steal!!!!)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Super Bowl weekend.  I was fortunate to spend mine in Sun Valley with best friends from college.  We had a fantastic time, but of course it all went by way too fast.  Sometimes I wish life had a pause button.

Happy Monday, dolls!

xx

FPF: Beach Essentials

Beach Essentials
In honor of my trip to Nicaragua, and with spring break fast approaching, I thought for today’s Favorite Product Friday I might share my favorite beach essentials.   So if you are lucky enough to escape to somewhere warm this winter, then this post is for you.
Happy weekend!
xx

Resolutions

I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions.  Instead, I try to continually find things I can work on and improve throughout the year-always striving to make myself better.  But this year, silly as it is, there is actually a resolution that I would like to make.  And that, my friends, is to wear more skirts. I always gravitate towards wearing skinnies, no matter the season, so this year I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and add more skirts and dresses to my life.

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Polka Dot Sweater:  Forever21 | Chambray Shirt: Forever21 | Leggings:  American Apparel | Lace Skirt:  American Eagle (on sale!) | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Silver Watch:  Michael Kors | Sunnies:  House of Harlow Chelsea | Boots:  Jessica Simpson, similar

Truth be told, I had originally planned to wear my polka dot sweater and chambray shirt with black skinnies.  Which of course shouldn’t come as a surprise.  But instead, in an effort to stay true to my resolution (really, it’s only the second week of the year), I left my skinnies in the closet and pulled out an old favorite skirt instead.  And I must say I am very pleased with the result.  Maybe resolutions aren’t so bad after all…

xx

 

Winter Surplus

This past Fall, I couldn’t seem to get enough of my army surplus coat (you can see it here and here).  And since the weather has turned, and the temperatures have dropped, I have found myself really missing it and all of its casual coolness. So I was thrilled to snatch up this mixed-media jacket from American Eagle a few weeks ago. It’s the ideal combination of leather and surplus with a nice cozy lining-perfect to keep me warm on chilly winter days…

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Instagram Filter:  Rise

Mixed Media Jacket:  American Eagle (sold out) similar, similar | Polka Dot Sweater:  Forever21 | Black Skinnies:  Else by Joe’s Jeans | Sunnies:  House of Harlow Chelsea | Gold Chain Necklace:  INC | Rhinestone Necklace:  JCrew Factory | Gold Watch:  Michael Kors | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff 5-Zip Bag | Boots:  BCBG (old) similar

I am so excited about my new Rebecca Minkoff bag!  It was a Christmas gift from my mom and dad and I can’t stop using it.  I love the bordeaux color, all of the zippers, the rose gold hardware, and it’s versatility. Hands down, bags don’t get much better than those made by Rebecca Minkoff.

Happy Monday!

xx

 

Seeing Spots

Two black and white outfit posts in a row-now that’s saying something for a girl who loves color like I do. And contrary to how I thought I might feel, I have found the black and white trend to be quite refreshing this season. So considering this and my penchant for snow leopard prints (which you can read about it here) it’s no surprise that this dress caught my eye on a recent H&M trip. A hybrid of leopard and polka dots all wrapped up in black in white? How could I resist.

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Dress: H&M (recent) similar; Vegan Moto Jacket: Macy’s similar, similar; Double Wrap Belt:  DownEast Outfitters similar; Necklace and Ring:  House of Harlow; Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack; Sunglasses:  House of Harlow via Nordstrom Rack; Pumps:  Boutique in Italy similar

As I noted in yesterday’s post, J and I headed on a road trip to Montana this past weekend so J could ride in the annual Rolling Thunder cross race in Missoula.  It is a weekend we look forward to every year, not only because of the terrific event, but because we get to see family and friends while we are there.  And this year, of course, did not disappoint.  J had a podium finish in one of his two races, I snuck in some time with girlfriends (including meeting one’s little boy for the first time!), and most importantly, we were blessed to spend the weekend with J’s dad, and his brother and his wife (who just moved to the neighborhood where these photos were taken!!).  It was a long drive home on Sunday, but the weekend was well worth the trip.

xx

Lip Service

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???

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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…

xx

Green With Envy

I’ve always had a thing for kelly green. It is such a pretty color and of course reminds me of my Irish heritage (small as it may be). So needless to say I’ve been a wee bit disappointed the last few years that the only chance I’ve had to wear it is in celebration of St. Patty’s day. Well fortunately, that is all changing this season, because ladies and gentlemen, kelly green is back. And with a vengeance.

I’ve been seeing a lot of shades of wine and bordeaux this fall (which I am really excited about), and of course the tried and true jewel tones. But perhaps the one thing I have been the most pleasantly surprised by is the expansion beyond teals and into the realm of kellys and emeralds. So when I was checking out the H&M in downtown Seattle a couple of weeks ago and spotted this fabulous blazer in such a gorgeous shade of green, I knew it had to be mine.

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Blazer:  H&M (recent) similar, similar

Mirror Print Top:  H&M (recent)

Jeans:  Gap Jeggings (on sale!)

Sunglasses:  House of Harlow via Nordstrom Rack

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelet:  Oia Jules

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Earrings:  Judith Bright Lolita Earrings

Handbag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs Supersonic

Nude Pumps:  Steve Madden similar

Perhaps the thing that excites me the most about this blazer (besides its delicious color) is the fact that it goes with so many things in my closet.  I gravitated towards a warmer weather look in this outfit (it is still in the 80’s here, after all!), but I can’t wait to pair it back to cozy grey sweaters, lacey cream blouses, and knee-high cognac boots.  I’m telling you ladies, if there is one thing that should be at the top of your fall wish list this season, it is a colored blazer.

Happy Wednesday!!

xx

P.S.  My site is currently undergoing some construction-more to come in the near future!!  But in the meantime, thank you for your patience and also please note that my domain has changed to:

http://www.alldolledupblog.com

But don’t worry, you can still access the site through the original web address!!

The Planner In Me

I am a planner, both personally and professionally. And when I have fun or important events on the horizon, I most definitely like to plan my outfits ahead of time. In fact, I found the dress I wanted to wear on our 5th wedding anniversary before we had even made plans! And while I knew we would ultimately do something where I would be able to wear it, my plan was solidified when we booked a condo on Main Street in Park City for the weekend. And even though a big storm came through the evening of our anniversary, the sun came back out and the temp rose just enough for me to get away with this hot pink one shoulder BCBGMaxazria dress. And thank goodness, because I didn’t pack any other options!

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Dress:  BCBGMaxazria via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets:  Oia Jules, Thailand, Macy’s, Tiffany and Co.

Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cocktail Ring:  House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Shoes:  Michael Kors via Dillards

I mentioned a few posts ago that I got an amazing deal on this dress, and I did.  Let’s just say that Nordstrom Rack came through for me for me once again. My pink dress was originally just shy of $300, but I found it at the Rack for $34.99. (my jaw about dropped when I saw the price tag).  And not only that, but I recently saw the same dress at the BCBGMaxazria outlet for over $200.   So if you haven’t already been let in on the secret, I am here to tell you that with a little patience and time spent sorting through the racks at Nordstrom Rack,  you can almost always find incredible name brands pieces for a fraction of the price.  Everytime I take a shopping trip there, it tends to be well worth my time.  So while I adore my dress for it’s rich fabric, gorgeous pink color, and one shoulder styling, perhaps the purchase price trumps all on this one.  😉

xx 

Sunday Funday

One of my favorite things about Park City is summer Sunday afternoons. Main Street is always filled with people brunching and sipping cocktails, the market is vibrant and fun, and there is a different band or musician playing every few blocks. It is the perfect setting to make you feel like you are far, far away from the real world and the hustle and bustle of the city-life is just a little slower up there which always makes me feel like home.

And so, after an amazing weekend celebrating our anniversary, J and I obviously decided to spend our last day on Main Street taking in the scene, relaxing, and just enjoying the last few hours of our weekend getaway. And because it was such a special weekend for us, I got a little more dressed up than I normally would for a Sunday in PC. But none-the-less, my black lace skirt, neon tank, and feather earrings still felt perfect for the occasion. And while of course I love lace, I am feeling especially pleased with the purchase of this black lace skirt. Initially, I thought it would be a piece that I would only use for more dressy occasions, but I am loving that it is also possible to dress it down with the right accessories. It’s always important to have pieces in your wardrobe that can serve multiple purposes and this one is a great example.  And as an added bonus, it will be an awesome transitional piece into Fall (not that I’m ready to start thinking about that yet!)…

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Instagram Filter:  Hudson

Black Lace Skirt:  American Eagle (recent)

Neon Coral Tank:  American Eagle (recent)

Cognac Belt:  Mossimo for Target (old)

Feather Earrings:  The Icing

Beaded Bracelets:  H&M

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Silver and Gold Cocktail Ring:  House of Harlow via Nordstrom (recent)

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neon Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC via Bloomingdales

Gold Aviators:  TJMaxx (old)

Gold Flats:  Target (oldies, but goodies!)

It always seems to me that the things we look forward to the most are often the things that go by the quickest.  I hate that it has to be like that, but am so grateful for such a fun weekend and for all of the amazing memories we now have to add to our arsenal!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too.

xx

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