Back in the Saddle

On August 7, 2012August 7, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

I am finally back from vacation, and boy was it an amazing one. J and I headed up to my hometown in Montana to spend a week-a tradition we have kept since we first started dating 7 years ago. We so look forward to it every summer and this year definitely did not disappoint. We spent the week biking and boating and floating and fishing and laughing with family and friends. In fact, it seems like it all went by in the blink of an eye and I hate that it’s over. So to drown my sorrows, today I will share a glimpse of one of our vacation days.

One of our favorite things to do every year when we go back to Montana is to spend time in Whitefish. It’s a cute little resort town at the base of Big Mountain and the head of Whitefish Lake. Not only is it quaint and loaded with good restaurants, bars, and shops, but it’s where we got married and will always hold a special place in our hearts (plus it’s always just plain fun). So on the only day of our vacation where it was too cool to be out on the water, J and I decided to go on a lunch date in Whitefish and walk around the cute downtown. And what better outfit to put together than my favorite JCrew shorts and new JCrew mini gingham button down-a preppy look that was just summery enough, while keeping me warm and colorful on a cool summer day…

Instagram filter: Hefe

Hot Pink Mini Gingham: JCrew Factory (recent)

Purple Shorts: JCrew Factory

Neon Belt: Macy’s

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay (be careful buying these on eBay!!!)

Earrings: The Icing

Neon Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Bracelets: Oia Jules via Etsy

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Flats: Target (old)

With so many trends to love this summer, one in particular that I have been really drawn to lately is tying my shirts. While I always love a tunic, tying a shirt gives you another way to wear the items in your closet and is a great way to change up your look. And since this was a daytime outfit, I did layer a tank under my button down so that I wasn’t showing any skin. For an evening look however, I would definitely tie my shirt without a layer underneath so that I am showing just a sliver of skin. But the good news is, either way of wearing this trend is perfectly acceptable. So if you haven’t tried trying one of your shirts yet, think about testing it out this week. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Hope you are all having a wonderful week!!

Pencil Me In

On July 19, 2012July 19, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

I love a great pencil skirt-perfect for the office and super flattering. I would even go as far as to wear one for an evening out on the town with a cute strapless top, graphic tee, or one shoulder blouse-it really is one of those universal styles that just about anyone can wear. But one thing I’ve not ever really given a lot of thought to is the pencil dress-equally as flattering and easy to wear, and even perhaps a bit more versatile. And with dresses currently being my favorite go-to pieces in my closet this summer, this silhouette has suddenly found its way to the top of my “love” list.

And it was all inspired by this dress that I found at the JCrew Factory store in Park City earlier this summer. As soon as I saw it, I immediately knew it would be the perfect day-to-night piece to add to my closet. Because of the pencil styling, long length, and black and white stripes, it is perfectly appropriate to wear work with a cardi or blazer (even on days when I have to wear all black!), but also transitions seamlessly into an evening look with some fun accessories and bare shoulders. This is one of those pieces where I would definitely buy it in multiple colors if I could. Too bad that isn’t an option…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Dress: JCrew Factory

Black Cardi: Nordstrom (recent)

Pink Necklace: Thia Pan Trading Company (local Utah store)

Skinny Belt: Cotton On

Gold Bracelets: Forever21, Oia Jules

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Sunglasses: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Shoes: Steve Madden via Overstock.com Outlet Store

Truth be told, I was originally drawn to this dress in neon pink-the only other color they had available. But unfortunately, they were sold out in my size. *sigh* And search as I may, I haven’t been able to find it anywhere-leading me to believe that perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be. But because I can’t quite get the other color version out of the back of my mind, it felt only natural to accessorize my black and white version with pink accessories. As close as I’m going to get, so I guess I’ll take it. 😉

Happy Thursday-the end is in sight!

Come Sail Away

On July 16, 2012July 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

Perhaps it is the result of living for so many years in the South, but I have an on-going love affair with embroidered shorts. Whether it’s critters, or sea animals, or boats, or anchors, or dragonflys, I just love the color contrast and cute preppy factor. For men, or women (and even kids!), they are always a winner in my book. In fact, I just bought my hubby a pair of pale blue JCrew chino shorts with bright blue whales and also snagged the below peach shorts with little orange sailboats for me. I mean really, can you get much cuter???

Orange Featherweight Sweater: JCrew Factory (recent)

Peach Sailboat Embroidered Shorts: JCrew (recent)

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay (BE CAREFUL when buying a bubble necklace this route-there are LOTS of fakes out there!)

Gold Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules via Etsy

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neutral Wedges: Guess via DSW (recent)

Another great thing about embroidered shorts (in addition to all of their cute and preppy lovely-ness) is that they are a great piece to dress up or down-or even land somewhere in the middle like I did with the above outfit. They look great back to a t-shirt (or tank) and flats, or back to a mid-height wedge with fun accessories (as above) , and would even look fabulous with some higher heels, and a cute button-down for a night-on-the-town type of a look! So if you are like me and love these adorable shorts, then I suggest hitting up your local JCrew-they hands down do this trend better than anyone else.

Happy Monday!!!

Hindsight

On June 21, 2012June 21, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

I don’t always love the outfits I put together. And usually when I wear something that isn’t quite right, I find myself wishing for a “do-over” all day long (don’t you hate that feeling?). And since starting this blog, I now have my daily ensembles documented which has been an interesting journey in and of itself. And let me tell you, it can definitely be a blessing and a curse.

Take for example the below outfit. This blouse is one of my favorite items that I own and I thought I loved this look the day I wore it. BUT in reviewing these photos, I’m kind of having that “do-over” feeling-but can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s the belt? Maybe it’s the yellow cardi? Maybe the blouse is better suited with a skirt? Maybe I should have worn my hair down for this particular look? So i want to know what you think. Is this an ok outfit and I’m just being critical? Or am I correct in wishing for that “do-over”??

Silk Ruffle Blouse: JCrew (old)
Yellow Cardi: Nordstrom Rack (recent)
Skinny Jeans: Gap
Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Macy’s
Belt: Mossimo for Target
Bracelets: Tiffany and Co., Forever21
Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me (last summer)

So while they say hindsight is 20/20, I’m not totally convinced that is exactly the case in this instance. So I suppose I will have to resolve myself to staying on the fence about this one. BUT the good news is, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Which indeed I will. 🙂

Casual Cool

On June 20, 2012June 20, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas5 Comments

Contrary to what you might think, I don’t get really dressed up very often. Obviously I love to write posts and share all of my fun outfit ideas with you guys, but truth be told, if you were to bump into me out running errands around the SLC, chances are you would find me wearing something similar to the below. In the summertime, my general uniform is a great pair of cutoffs (I’m especially partial to white) back to a tee, or a great button down (for a slightly more put together look). So when Justin and I had a mini-golf date with our littles followed by a trip to the new City Creek Center and beers on the patio at the Beer Hive, I knew for once exactly what I was going to wear (without really even putting any thought into it). And sometimes, simple as they are, those are often times my favorite outfits.

Gingham button down: JCrew
White Cut Off Shorts: American Eagle
Neon Bag: Rebecca Minkoff via Bloomingdales
Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s
Bracelets: Tiffany and Co., Forever21, H&M
Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW

I am so in love withy the color of this JCrew shirt-and the fabric and gingham are a perfect summer combo. In fact I’m not at all surprised that this is actually called “The Perfect Shirt”. So if you are looking for a great fitting, lightweight summer button down, I would highly recommend this one. Plus they have a huge variety of different colors and prints-something for everyone I’m sure!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!

The Long And The Short Of It

On June 11, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas7 Comments

I love shorts, but truth be told, the majority of the shorts in my closet have always been some form of denim or another, and the majority of those have had cut off hems-which is great for summer, and might I add practical (yes, practical). But now that shorts have taken on a whole new meaning and are a must-have summer fashion staple, I knew that in preparation for warmer weather I had to reassess and add some pieces to my wardrobe that could be worn with sky-high heels or in lieu of a skirt.

Featherweight Sweater: JCrew (recent)

Purple Sateen City Shorts: JCrew (recent)

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: H&M, Forever21, Tiffany and Co.

Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW

There are so many fun options out there when it comes to shorts-from bright solid colors, to fun tribal patterns, to sweet lace versions, I guarantee there is a style out there for everyone. And while I won’t be giving up my cut-off denim shorts any time soon (and you shouldn’t either!), I am happy to add some of these fun, dressier options to my wardrobe-it’s always good to change things up a bit!!

Happy Monday!!

I Heart Yellow

On May 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas5 Comments

Yellow is my favorite color. In fact, when I got married, I wanted to put my bridesmaids in yellow dresses. But lucky for them, I was a couple years ahead of the yellow trend and they got to wear tangerine instead. 😉 But it is the one color I have always been drawn to for as long as I can remember (surprisingly, I had a falling out with pink after my pink and purple phase in kindergarten and only started loving it again in recent years). I wore yellow in my senior pictures, attended a University where our colors were black and gold, but the gold was often translated into yellow, had yellow flowers and decor at my wedding (my hubby also wore a yellow vest with his tux), and even have a bright sunshine yellow Marc Jacobs computer bag that I carry with me everyday for work.

And since yellow is one of the “it” colors of the season, that certainly makes my little heart very happy. BUT, yellow is not for everyone. It is one of the most difficult colors to wear and the brightness of it often scares people away (understandably so). So how can you incorporate yellow into your wardrobe this season? Through accessories, of course! And I think every gal should purchase something yellow in anticipation of summer, whether it be a belt, a necklace, a fun pair of shoes, or a handbag, you just have to go for it. Fashion is, afterall, all about taking chances and stepping outside of your comfort zone, right?

Cardigan: JCrew

Skirt: Francesca’s (recent)

Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Sunglass Hut at Macy’s

Shoes: Chinese Laundry LoveMe

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay (be careful if you go this route-LOTS of bad fakes!!!!)

Yellow Belt: Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

I feel like I should add a disclaimer to this post, some kind of warning so that you can all prepare yourselves to see A LOT of this necklace. I actually bought it in anticipation of my birthday to wear to a celebration dinner at my favorite restaurant with friends tomorrow night, but couldn’t wait to wear it and have already gotten significant use out of it since its arrival. For me, it is the perfect yellow accessory. In fact, I had to stop myself from wearing it again today. 🙂

And as a side note, thank you all so much for the birthday love and wishes. I had a really incredible day and am so grateful for all that everyone did for me-particularly my hubby who made me feel like an absolute princess. I am truly blessed!

Let’s Talk About Leopard

On April 19, 2012April 23, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

I LOVE animal prints (and when I say love, I mean LOVE). As I have talked about in previous posts, they can be a great neutral due to their grounding colors, but because they are a print, they also have the ability to create an element of interest and creativity. As a matter of fact, I use them frequently in both home decor and in fashion. But the print that has really drawn me in as of late is leopard-and even more specifically, leopard shoes. I have actually collected a small assortment of them over the last couple of months, and due to the variation in style and color, I use each pair for different intents and purposes (you can catch a peek of a couple of them in my shoe closet shown here).

So when my best gal pals were visiting a couple of weeks ago and I picked up a fun new yellow blazer on our marathon shopping spree, I knew immediately it would look amazing with a pair of boyfriend jeans and (of course) sky-high leopard heels. And one thing you will find if you follow this blog, or look at my Pinterest boards, is that I am a sucker for the mix of a beat up baggy jean with a more sophisticated heel and blazer. In fact, when you combine all of these things together, there are a very wide breadth of occasions where an outfit like this would be appropriate: brunch, errands, lunch date, a movie, or even a casual dinner with the hubby or friends. Spunky, yet casual and sophisticated-definitely right up my alley. 🙂

Blazer: Forever21(recent)

Gold Foil Striped Top: JCrew (last fall)

Boyfriend Jeans: Rich and Skinny c/o Nordstrom

Leopard Shoes: Steve Madden c/o Macy’s

Necklace: H&M (last summer)

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: Macy’s, H&M, and World Market

One of the reasons that I picked this specific leopard shoe to complete this outfit over any of my other options is because the tone of this particular leopard shoe is very warm and compliments the warm tone of the yellow blazer and gold foil stripes on my top. Some of my other leopard shoes were too cool in their coloration to work with this look. So with that taken into consideration, the possibilities of what you can do with leopard are not only pretty endless, but a whole lot of fun.