Sugar and Spice

On January 3, 2013January 3, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

One thing I love about fashion right now is that just about anything goes. And one look that has particularly caught my eye as of late is mixing girly sequins back to rough and tumble boots (see this post) and plaids. I love the unexpected contrast and the mix of texture and styles. And of course it’s always fun to throw in a little print mixing to sweeten the pot.

Instagram Filter: Valencia

I knew I had to have this JCrew sequin shirt the minute I saw it. But I could not bring myself to pay the full ticket price for it, so I had to wait, and wait, and then wait some more for it to go on sale. But my patience paid off. A piece I love for a fraction of the retail price? Can’t beat that. Hope you are all having a great week-thank goodness it’s a short one!

Welcome 2013!

On January 2, 2013January 2, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I must say that the beginning of January is always a mixed bag of emotions for me. On one hand I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of a new year and the promise of adventure that it brings, but on the other, I am always sad to say goodbye to the most wonderful time of the year. Funny how that works, isn’t it?

J and I had an amazing Christmas in Montana this year and feel incredibly blessed to have had the chance to spend ample time with family and friends. We hadn’t spent Christmas with my family since 2009 so it was a welcome opportunity to gather everyone together to celebrate. Plus, as an added bonus, I always love to wear sequins, and the holidays present the perfect excuse to do just that! Not that you ever really need an excuse to wear sequins!

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Heart Silk Blouse: JCrew (sold out) similar, similar; Sequin Skirt: American Rag ; Belt: Merona; Leggings: American Apparel; Drop Earrings: INC for Macy’s (only black available); Gold Charm Bracelet: Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack; Gold watch: Michael Kors; Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.; Diamond Cocktail Ring: Gift; Boots: Aldo Farmar (last year) similar, similar

I must say that one of the things I am looking forward to the most this year is writing more blog posts and sharing outfit ideas and tips with all of you. Thank you so much again for your continued support and encouragement. I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season.

Cheers to 2013!

Gift Ideas Under $100

On December 19, 2012December 19, 2012 By all dolled upIn Uncategorized2 Comments

1. Prada Candy Perfume 2. Hunter Rain Boots (use code HOLIDAY20 for 20% off your purchase) 3. Restoration Hardware Faux Fur Throw 4. Juicy Couture Faux Fur Scarf 5. Anne Klein Charm Bracelet Watch 6. Ideology Yoga Top 7. Urban Decay Eye Palette 8. JCrew Glitter Clutch 9. Kate Spade Bow Bracelet 10. Agate Coasters

Alright all you procrastinators! 😉 Today I bring to you the final installment of my Gift Picks with items under $100. Hopefully you will find some inspiration among these ideas as you finish up that last minute shopping.

Happy Hump Day, and good luck!

Let It Snow…

On December 18, 2012December 18, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

The snow is falling here in the SLC and even though I have enjoyed our warmer-than-normal temperatures this year, I am more than ready for it. With Christmas just around the corner, it wouldn’t feel right if everything wasn’t blanketed in a gorgeous layer of snow. Plus, I am ready to start wearing my winter coats!! I wrote this post a couple of weeks ago about investing in a colored coat this year, and of course black is classic and always a must. But I have also found that a camel coat is a fantastic piece to add to your wardrobe. It tends to be a little more casual and looks great with boots and sweaters, but can still be dressed up for any occasion. I purchased mine on a whim at Forever21 last year while I was living in SF, and I still can’t get over how often I wear it…

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Camel Peatcoat: Forever21, similar, similar, similar

Green Sweater: Gap

Plaid Button Down: JCrew

Jenas: AE Hi-Rise Super Skinny

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Anne Klein

Boots: Vince Camuto

I love that this outfit is festive without being too overdone. I think it’s perfectly acceptable (and even encouraged!) to wear red and green during the Christmas season. My only word of advice is not to pair the colors too literally. My green sweater is more of a spring green than a Christmas green, and my red button down has a lot of navy in it, balancing the two. So while it’s still a red and green combo, it doesn’t feel forced or make me look like a Christmas tree.

And don’t forget to come back tomorrow for my final Gift Pick installment of the season!! I will be sharing my finds for under $100-perfect for all you last minute shoppers out there!

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree…

On December 17, 2012December 17, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I love attending Christmas parties. The festivities and spreading of cheer create such a palpable joy in the air and there is so much to celebrate and be thankful for. But I also love Christmas parties because they give me the perfect excuse to wear…SEQUINS!! And while I think sequins are acceptable all year round, there is just something that makes them extra special during the holiday season…

Instagram Filter: Walden

Striped Buttondown: JCrew, similar

Sequin Skirt: American Rag for Macy’s (check in store), similar, similar, similar

Leopard Belt: Express

Tights: Hue

Jeweled Earrings: INC for Macy’s (check in store!), similar

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs

Watch: Michael Kors

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Pumps: Nine West

J and I attended a White Elephant party this weekend and had a fabulous time. It was nice to share an evening of laughter with friends that are very dear to us. With the unimaginable events that unfolded in Newtown, CT on Friday, I am reminded more than ever this holiday season to be grateful for the abundant blessings in my life and to hold to tightly to the ones I love. My heart and thoughts and prayers are with the heroes and angels who lost their precious lives that day, and also with all of those who survived or have been touched in one way or another by this horrendous tragedy.

God bless you Newtown, Connecticut.

Gift Ideas Under $50

On December 14, 2012December 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, UncategorizedLeave a comment

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For some reason, the extra week between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year has really thrown me for a loop. But I’m finally feeling back on track and think it’s safe to say that it feels like Christmas. Hooray!!! In fact, I am counting down the minutes and seconds until the weekend officially hits. J and I have so many fun things planned-from last minute Christmas shopping, to cocktails downtown to take in the city Christmas lights, to a Whie Elephant Christmas party with friends. And I might even decide to eat Christmas cookies for breakfast (stranger things have happened!). So if part of your weekend involves last minute Christmas shopping (like ours does), hopefully these gift picks under $50 will help to make your shopping adventure a little easier!

Good luck braving those crowds!!

Another Day, Another Dot

On December 13, 2012December 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I write a lot about mixing prints, but another fun fashion trend to try is mixing the same prints together. And really, it’s a pretty simple thing to do. All you have to do is make sure one is larger than the other, and that the colors compliment each other. You can also check out a post I did on mixing stripes here.

Instagram Filter: Amaro

White Polka Dot Button-Down: JCrew

Navy Polk Dot Sweater: JCrew

Black Skinnies: American Eagle Hi-Rise Super Skinny

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Anne Klein, similar

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Waleo

I didn’t intend to do so many posts with polka dots this week, but unwittingly, that seems to be what has happened. But the good news is, tomorrow’s post will be polka dot free. So please make sure to stop by and check out my favorite gift picks under $50. Only 12 more shopping days until Christmas!!!

Afro Circus

On December 11, 2012December 11, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas7 Comments

Whenever I put on polka dots, which seems to be pretty frequent these days, the Afro Circus song from Madagascar always seems to pop into my head. And if you’ve ever heard that song before, you’ll understand why I think it’s safe to say I’m as crazy about polka dots as Chris Rock.

Instagram Filter: Hudson

Chambray Shirt: American Eagle, similar

Long Sleeved Stripe Shirt: Macy’s, similar

Black Vest: Old Navy, similar

Black Skinnies: American Eagle Hi-Rise Skinny

Pearl Necklace: JCrew

Polka Dot Gloves: Target

Boots: Aldo Farmar, similar

I’ve always been a glove girl. But when I was doing some Christmas shopping at Target a couple of weeks ago and spotted these adorable polka dot mittens, I knew I needed to give them a try. And boy am I glad that I did! Not only are they incredibly comfy and cozy, but their sherpa lining kept my hands surprisingly warm at J’s final Cross race of the season on Saturday. Which also proved to be a very snowy and blustery day. I think it’s finally safe to say that winter has officially arrived in the SLC!!

Mix Master

On December 10, 2012December 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I saw a segment on Good Morning America last week about mixing prints and it left me feeling totally and completely confused. And in addition to feeling confused about the general purpose of the message, it also left me feeling sad because mixing prints can be oh-so-fun and easy too. If you just stick to a few basic rules, mixing prints is something anyone can do!

So with that said, if it’s your first time mixing prints or you consider yourself a beginner, try starting off with just two. Polka dots and stripes are a great compliment to each other and a simple place to start. Also consider the ground color of each print. A black base goes well back to a print with a white or brighter base, and smaller prints go well with larger prints. Contrast that complements, if you will. And if you are feeling unsure about mixing colors, a concoction of simple black and white always does the trick…

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Blazer: H&M, similar, similar

Striped Top: BarIII, similar, similar

Polka Dot Skirt: Cotton On, similar, similar, similar

Leggings: American Apparel

Leopard Belt: Express

Chain Necklace: Macy’s, similar, similar

Rhinestone Necklace: JCrew

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelets: Aldo

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Boots: BCBG, similar

Leopard is another easy print to mix. In fact, I consider leopard to be somewhat of a neutral and find it goes back to just about anything-especially polka dots and stripes. And of course because I have a hard time going without any color, I paired this look with a bold burgundy lip to add that little extra pop.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Sun Drenched

On December 4, 2012December 4, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I know that the general rule of thumb when blogging is to share clear, clean photos. In fact, I am already stepping out of the strictly-adhered-to-norm by using Instagram and my iPhone to write this blog instead of Photoshop and my SLR. And even though I try my best to share the clearest of photos while still integrating everything fantastic about Instagram, truth be told, sometimes I am more drawn to the creative than the clear. And so, today I share these photos with you. Because really, how often do you get to soak up this much sun in the month of December????

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Mixed Media Jacket: American Eagle (sold out online, but check in store), similar

Pink Sweater: JCrew Factory

Jeans: American Eagle Hi-Rise Super Skinny

Heart Pendant: Tiffany and Co.

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Steve Madden via TJMaxx, similar

Cross Body Bag: Betsy Johnson

Boots: Nine West Vintage America

I have to share with you how amazing this mixed media jacket is. If you follow this blog at all, you understand that I am quite fond of surplus and leather jackets. So when I saw this number at American Eagle, a perfect combination of two of my favorite fall fashion trends, I was pretty sure they made it specifically for me. So I obviously had to buy it. 😉 And besides being incredibly comfy and stylish, it is also lightly insulated-which means I will be able to wear it a little longer than my other surplus jackets this winter. Hooray!

P.S. Here’s a little clearer shot of the jacket, just because it is so amazing!!