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!

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.

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!

Primary

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

I love my red skinny jeans. In fact, I’ve found over the last year or so that despite their vibrant hue, they are just about as versatile as blue jeans. And in addition to going with just about anything, they are also just plain fun. Especially when mixed with the unexpected-like neon and snow leopard.

Instagram Filter: Rise

Snow Leopard Shirt: JCrew, similar, similar

Red Skinnies: Else by Joe’s Jeans

Sunburst Necklace: House of Harlow

Neon Belt: Macy’s, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Shoes: Aldo for Nordstrom, similar, similar

I love mixing primary colors together-there is just something so refreshing and simple about the combination. It’s sort of like going back to the basics. But a word to the wise, when mixing primary colors, limit yourself to two at a time. Otherwise, you might end up looking more like a finger painting project you did in the 1st grade rather than a fashionista.

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

Holiday Dressing

On November 26, 2012November 26, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love planning outfits for the holidays. In fact, I already know what I’m wearing on Christmas Eve (which also happens to be my absolute favorite day of the year). But truth be told, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday to dress for because it’s the only holiday where it’s perfectly acceptable to wear your stretchiest pants and be totally casual. And so, this year, in true Thanksgiving fashion, I opted to wear my favorite grey t-shirt, stretchiest legging jeans, and go-to wedge boots for a lovely dinner with friends. But because I was feeling festive and wanted to dress things up just a little, I also added fun accessories and a cute (but comfy)Rachel Roy twill jacket to complete my look. And let me tell you, a cute and stylish jacket (much like a fantastic pair of shoes) is a super easy way to dress up any outfit-a little secret weapon in your closet, if you will!

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Hunter Green Jacket: Rachel Rachel Roy, similar, similar, similar

Grey T-Shirt: Victoria’s Secret Pink Essential V-Neck

Skinny Jeans: Gap, similar

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Spike Bracelets: Aldo

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Monogram Necklace: Ketti Sorely Designs

Large Pendant: Stella and Dot Leona (ON SALE!!!!!)

Sunnies: Target

Leopard Cross Body Bag: Betsy Johnson

Wedge Boots: Steve Madden Brix, similar, similar

I still can’t believe another Thanksgiving has come and gone. Why is it that the things we always look forward to the most always seem to pass us by the quickest? But on the bright side, I can now officially put up my Christmas decorations, play Christmas music to my little heart’s content, and even eat Christmas cookies for breakfast if I feel so inclined (don’t judge). It really is the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it?

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!!

Little Red Riding Hood

On November 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Happy Friday, everyone! I don’t know about you, but this is always one of my very favorite weekends of the year. And do you know why? Because Thanksgiving is awaiting us just on the other side! I love the holidays so much, I can hardly stand it.

And with the holidays literally looming just around the corner, I finally caved and brought all of my winter coats out of storage. And as I was reviewing my personal inventory, I couldn’t help but be completely drawn to my red skirted coat. With color playing such an important role in fashion this year, I think that a brightly colored coat is an important investment that everyone should make this season. And because of the color trend, finding your perfect hue should make for a fairly easy task. Red is a great basic and a good investment because it will never go out of style, but I’ve seen everything from pale pink, to mustard, to vibrant shades of blue. So really, the choice is yours.

Instagram Filter: Rise

Red Coat: ArdenB (last year), similar, similar, blue, mustard, rust, turquoise, purple, royal blue,

Leggings: ArdenB

Booties: Steve Madden (old), similar

Clutch: Hobo International Belinda

Last night J and I went on a little date in downtown SLC. We had a fun dinner at Flemmings and attended the unveiling of the iconic candy windows at our new downtown Macy’s. It was a fun tradition to be a part of and we were so impressed. Pretty amazing that these huge ornaments are all completely made of candy!!

Happy weekend!

FPF: Pitchnic World Premiere

On November 9, 2012November 9, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Some of you may remember this post that I shared back in May when Justin and I attended the annual spring fundraiser for Spy Hop (one of our favorite events of the year). But for those of you who don’t, Spy Hop is a tremendous organization in our community that gives high school kids the opportunity to participate in the arts outside of the regular classroom. And we have been blessed to have the opportunity to become involved and give our support to some of their programs. One of which is a film making program.

At the fundraiser last spring, the kids pitched 4 different films to us and we were able to bid on our favorite and help with the costs of creating the films. So last night, 6 months later, we attended the world premiere party and first time screening of these films. And this morning I am still blown away by their talent, their poise, the caliber of the films we saw, and the excitement for what lies ahead for these bright young people.

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Dress: BarIII (last summer), similar

Cardigan: Old Navy

Belt: Mossimo for Target, similar

Necklace: Stella and Dot Leona Pendant

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx

Leopard Wedges: Aldo, similar

It was 72 degrees in the SLC yesterday, so I was thrilled to have the chance to wear a dress and pumps with no tights one last time this season. But I didn’t want to look too summery, so I took one of my favorite summer dresses, and paired it back to a cardi, a cognac belt, and some leopard pumps to give it more of a fall feel. I love pieces that you can transition from season to season. They are the best investments you can make in your wardrobe!

Happy weekend everyone!

I Heart Shoes

On November 1, 2012November 1, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

It’s no secret that I love mustard and navy together. A perfect combination, if you will (which you can read about here and here). And on top of a great color combination, nothing makes me feel better when getting dressed in the morning than putting a few of my favorite things together-which of the moment are a great blazer, anything striped, and as always, a fantastic pair of shoes. Because shoes, at least for me, make everything that much better.

Instagram Filter: Hefe

Mustard Blazer: INC via Macy’s

Striped Top: H&M (old), similar

Skinny Jeans: Gap

Earings: Target

Watch: Michael Kors

Spike Bracelets: Aldo

Necklace: Macy’s, similar

Bow Pumps: Kelsi Dagger via TJmaxx, same shoe

I love shoes. Nothing completes an outfit for me like a fabulous pair of kicks. Maybe it’s because I have spent my career as a shoe buyer and designer, or maybe it’s my destiny, but shoes are and always will be my favorite fashion accessory. And as crazy as it might make my husband (sorry J!), I just can’t help myself . Pretty sure I’ll be a shoe collector for life.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween!

Take A Walk On The Wild Side

On October 31, 2012October 31, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I heart leopard pants. And while I know they seem like a scary and silly thing to add to your wardrobe, I urge you to step out of that comfort zone of yours and try a pair. I swear, every time put mine on, I feel sassy, and fun, and super stylish. Plus they are surprisingly flattering. Especially if you go with a smaller print, like I talked about in this post.

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Off-The-Shoulder Top: H&M (old) similar

Leopard Pants: Else by Joe’s Jeans (exclusively at Macy’s)

Earrings: The Icing

Black Cocktail Ring: Florence, Italy

Bracelet: Target (old)

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Steven by Steve Madden

Wedges: Madden Girl by Steve Madden

My parents were in town over the weekend and my dad wanted to watch J and I take blog photos-which was somewhat awkward for me, but sweet that he wanted to see how this whole blogging thing works. And while he couldn’t have been more supportive, I have to say that he was not nearly as appreciative of my leopard pants as I hope you all will be! I suppose they are just one more thing we can add to the list of things men don’t understand. 😉

Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts out to my all of my friends on the east coast. Stay safe!