Furry Goodness

I love the fur vest trend. I mean really love it. Which, of course, should come as no surprise given my adoration for my jean vest (which I pretty much wore out this summer). Maybe it’s because vests are easy and work back to just about anything, or maybe it’s because I was a teenager in the ’90’s kind-of-a-thing. But either way, vests are a fantastic way to take an outfit up a level and make it look like you really spent some time putting yourself together. In fact, when I initially was getting dressed to take photos for this post, I had planned on just wearing the pretty mint chiffon blouse all on its own. But solo, it looked a little too simple and (I hate to say it) boring for a blog post. So even though I didn’t plan it this way, I am really loving the pretty pastel back to some furry winter-white-goodness, capped off with another one of my favorites, cognac accessories!

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Instagram Filter:  Sutro

Chiffon Blouse:  Forever21

Fur Vest:  H&M (last year), similar

Skinny Pants:  The Gap

Sunglasses:  Marc Jacobs (via Nordstrom Rack)

Heart Necklace:  Tiffany and Co. (extra large heart)

Long Necklace:  Personal Collection of Charms

Watch:  Michael Kors

Shoes:  Boutique in Florence, Italy, similar

So I have to share that my hubby is really not a fan of this vest. In fact, he was so surprised when I wanted to wear it for a blog post that I had to explain to him how fashionable fur vests are.  But fashionable or not, he still isn’t buying it.  And so with that, I think it’s safe to say we can add fur vests to the list of things that men just don’t understand.  😉

What do you all think about the fur vest trend??

xx

Drop It Like It’s Hot

Drop. Waist. Dresses. I am absolutely LOVING this look. It is so fresh and such a welcome update to all of the trends we have been seeing as of late. They are fun, flirty, and a fall must-have if you love to wear dresses (like I do). And given my penchant for mixing sassy and sweet, I knew the combo of leather and chiffon made this dress a must have for my fall wardrobe…

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Instagram Filter: Hefe

Drop Waist Dress: The Limited (ON SALE!!!!), similar long-sleeve version

Long Sleeve Shirt: DownEast Outfitters

Sunglasses: Target (old)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Spike Bracelets: Aldo

Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx, same clutch in python

Studded Shoes: Vince Camuto

The only challenge with drop waist dresses this time of year is finding something to wear over them. I tried several blazers and different jackets with this dress, but none looked like quite right. So I ended up settling on wearing it with a plain long-sleeved black tee underneath, in true jumper fashion. But I am looking forward to playing around with it and coming up with more ways to style this piece. Perhaps a starched white blouse underneath will be my next concoction. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

xx

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My very cute, and very funny little dog, Charlie, kept photo-bombing my blog photos this weekend.  What can I say?  She loves shoes.  In fact, when she was a puppy my favorite heels somehow always became her favorite chew toys (NOT good).  But since we share a love for fashion, I figured I’d let her make her first cameo in today’s post!  😉

Oh Baby

It kind of feels like all of my friends are having babies, and that’s probably because, well, they are (some are even on their 2nd or 3rd!!). And so, I suppose I have reached the age where it is no longer about weddings and bachelorette parties, but more so about new family additions and baby showers. But as long as these new life events involve parties, then that is fine by me!

That said, I love a good excuse to host friends in our home. Whether it is for dinner, game night, or a party, you usually don’t have to ask me twice. So when one of my dear friends announced she was expecting, I was thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to co-host a shower at my house in her honor. And it was a fantastic baby shower, if I do say so myself. We had a lovely group of ladies, TONS of delicious food and sweets, and the mom-to-be received some beautiful presents.  We even played Mad Libs, and each created a hand-made onesie for the new babe. It was a lovely afternoon and I feel blessed to have been a part of the celebration. And it gave me the excuse to take the tags off my new hi-lo maxi skirt that I have been dying to wear…

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Instagram Filter: Hudson

Skirt: BarIII via Macy’s (sold out online but still available in select stores that carry Impulse) similar

Striped Top: H&M (last year, but they sill have it in their basics department) similar, similar

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs via Etsy

Rhinestone Necklace: JCrew

Long Necklace: Macy’s, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Belt: Mossimo for Target

Cognac Pumps: Boutique in Florence, Italy (similar)

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I did this post about pairing navy and mustard together. And it looks like I am holding true to my word that it is a color combination that always works-no matter the season. But something about the rich golden color of this skirt makes it feel so perfectly suited for fall-maybe because it’s the color of autumn leaves.  And in addition to it’s gorgeous color, maxi skirts are perfect transitional pieces between seasons.  I can’t wait to come up with other fun ways to style this one over the next couple of months! Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

xx

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Giddyup

I LOVE a great chambray shirt. And perhaps even one step better is a great chambray shirt with a western flare. Maybe it’s my Montana roots that draw to me to this particular trend, or maybe it’s my current obsession with button-downs, but I can’t stop wearing them. Plus it doesn’t hurt that it’s one of those on-trend items that is a hybrid of fashion and comfort-something that doesn’t happen nearly as often as it should!

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Cowboy Chambray Shirt:  Forever21

Black Skinnies:  Clavin Klein

Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Necklaces:  Tiffany and Co., personal collection of charms

Silver Watch:  Michael Kors

Aviators:  Jessica Simpson via TJMAxx

Bag:  Steven by Steve Madden Bluuna

Animal Print Pumps:  Jessica Simpson (same shoe but solid color)

Another great thing about chambray shirts is that you can style them a multitude of different ways.  Not only do they look great back to black and animal print, but they also look great with cognac boots and accessories, colored denim (I especially love them with red skinnies), and, of course, tucked into sweet skirts for a flirty and edgy feel.  They are a great fall staple and I highly recommend adding one to your closet if you haven’t already.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

xx 

Polka Dots!

I’ve had a thing for polka dots for as long as I can remember. And so, of course, I couldn’t be happier that they are all the rage this season. In fact, as I am writing this post, I am even wearing a pair of polka dot pants.  And if that isn’t a declaration of my love for them, then I don’t know what it is. I mean really, polka dots pants? Shut the front door. So if you follow this blog, consider yourself warned-polka dots are going to be a common occurrence this fall. I just hope you like them as much as I do!20120925-174937.jpg

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Instagram Filter:  Earlybird

Polka Dot Top:  Lulus.com (sold out)

Belt:  Mossimo for Target (old)

Necklace:  JCrew (last summer)

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors

Skinny Jeans:  Gap (these are the BEST ever)

Cognac Pumps:  Boutique in Florence, Italy

Confession time.  I did something in this post that I can’t remember the last time I did…I tucked in my shirt!  Lol.  With the popularity of skinnies and tunics, I guess the practice of tucking shirts went by the wayside for me a long time ago (well with the exception of tucking shirts into skirts, that I do all the time).  And while I have to say that at first it felt fairly foreign to show my entire zipper and a belt, now that the initial shock has worn off, I actually really like the look.  And since the trend is moving in this direction, I guess that is a good thing!

xx

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Thank you for your support!

My Favorite Boyfriend

I have had a few boyfriends in my lifetime-some who were okay, but for the most part, well, not so much.  🙂 And while in hindsight I think I might have been in love with the idea of being in love in my younger years, I have come to learn over time that (besides my darling husband) there is only one boyfriend I’ve had in my life that has never let me down. And that my friends, is my favorite boyfriend jeans. Yes, you read correctly, my favorite boyfriend jeans.

Truth be told, I have had a long-standing love affair with boyfriend jeans-I just can’t get enough. And maybe it’s because I know I am going to have to put them away in a couple of months, but lately, I cannot stop wearing them. They are truly one of those pieces that not only go with a myriad of items from flip flops and tanks, to sweaters, to t-shirts, to oxfords, but they feel like home every time I slip them on. And as of late, my favorite (and go-to) look is to pair my boyfriend jeans back to a menswear inspired button-down and minimalistic jewelry, topped off with the girliest, most feminine shoes I can find in my closet. An unexpected combination that works perfectly together and never, ever lets me down.

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Instagram Filter:  Brannan

Buttondown:  JCrew (recent)

Cyrstal Necklace: SLC Farmer’s Market

Bracelets:  Tiffany an Co., H&M, Forever21, Macy’s

Watch:  Michael Kors via ShopBop (old)

Boyfriend Jeans:  Rich and Skinny via Nordstrom Rack (old)

Shoes:  Nine West via Macy’s (recent)

This is one trend that I sincerely hope never goes out of style.  The comfort and versatility of boyfriend jeans makes them incredibly easy to style and a must have for any closet.  So remember, ladies, men will come and go, but a great pair of boyfriend jeans is forever.

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

xx

100th Post!!

Today marks my 100th post on the All Dolled Up blog! It seems crazy to me that I’ve not only been able to come up with that many outfit ideas to share with all of you, but even more so that I decided to take on this project just a few short months ago. It has been such an incredible journey thus far and I am truly loving every minute. I have learned so much about myself but more importantly have been incredibly blessed by the outpouring of love and support I have received from friends, family, and my readers, who now also feel like my friends. And it all makes me incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to share my love of fashion with all of you. So thank you to each and every one of you who takes the time to sit down and read my blog.  You are appreciated far more than you know. 

Today’s post is about two of my very favorite things: feather earrings and sequins. Both are great transitional pieces into fall, but what I really love about them is unexpectedly pairing them together-something sweet and girly back to something more boho and far less refined.  An easy look that was made for a night on the town, or an end-of-summer outdoor concert.  20120828-092753.jpg

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Instagram Filter:  Earlybird

Sequin Top:  Express (last summer, but they have many similar styles in store and online now!)

Skinny Jeans:  The Gap (in store now!!!)

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Gold Charm Bracelet:  Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Feather Earrings:  The Icing (last summer), Macy’s (recent)

Gold Metallic Handbag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier (my gold version was a limited edition, but they always offer this bag in lots of great colors and some sort of metallic usually comes out around the holidays)

Shoes:  Guess via TJMaxx (thanks Kendi for introducing me to these shoes!!)

Truth be told, sometimes I feel a little silly writing a fashion blog when there are so many important and pressing issues going on in our world-it makes me feel a little frivolous.  But at the same time, we all want to feel good about ourselves and confident in our skin, and a huge part of that can come from the way we dress and put ourselves together.  So if I can help even one person out there feel a little better about themselves or more confident when making shopping or fashion decisions, then I am doing my job.  I truly believe that women of any shape, size, or budget should all have the ability and the tools to look and feel their best.

Thank you again for all of the love and support!  I’ve got some exciting things in the works that I can’t wait to share with all of you!

xx

Dress Up

Call me old-fashioned, but there are certain events in life which I believe are completely acceptable (and in my personal rules of fashion, necessary), to dress up for. And not only are they are acceptable (or necessary, in my case), but they also pose as a fantastic excuse to pull something super cute out of your closet that you don’t get to wear very often.

Such was the case over the weekend when I was able to help host and attend a baby shower for one of my dearest friends who is expecting a baby girl in late September. It was a fabulous celebration full of wonderful ladies, lots of laughter and love, and lots and lots of pink. And not only that, but it was also the perfect occasion to wear my favorite dress which hasn’t gotten nearly enough love from me this summer.

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Dress:  RACHEL Rachel Roy via Macy’s (still in stock in stores!)

Sunglasses:  House of Harlow via Nordstrom Rack

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Gold Charm Bracelet:  Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cocktail Ring:  Macy’s

Clutch:  Hobo International Belinda via Nordstrom

Shoes:  Mia via DSW (last summer)

This dress is yet another example of why I love Rachel Roy so much.  Her line for Macy’s is chic, beautiful, fits incredibly well, and its affordable.  So if you haven’t tried any of her pieces on yet, I highly recommend heading to your local Macy’s and checking out the new fall line.  I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.  😉

xx

Watercolors

It’s no secret I love prints of all colors, patterns, and variations. They are such a fun and easy way to add interest to any outfit. Plus, with the recent acceptability to mix prints of all kinds, they lend to creating endless outfit combinations in your closet.

One of my favorite places to find a good print is at H&M. Since specific patterns don’t tend to stay on trend for very long periods of time, I don’t typically like to invest in them, but rather prefer to pick up inexpensive and fun prints that I can play with for a time and easily let go when they have run their course. Such is the case with the below top. While I have lots of great prints in my closet, I don’t have any watercolor prints, so knew it was a perfect addition to my closet the moment I saw it. I love how feminine this top is and that it is one of those great hybrids that I can wear for work or play. Plus, it’s just long enough that I can tie it at the waist if I so desire!

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Instagram Filter:  Earlybird

Watercolor Top:  H&M (recent)

Black Ankle Skinnies:  Gap

Neon Yellow Necklace:  Forever21 (recent)

Charm Necklace:  Personal Collection

Silver Watch:  Michael Kors via Macy’s

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Earrings:  The Icing

Pink Studded Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff

Pink Shoes:  Jessica Simpson Waleo via Macy’s

In addition to being pretty, and feminine, and versatile, I also love that this top is a very unique multi-color ombre-essentially it goes with just about everything.  So when you are out shopping for prints, try to look for something similar to this top that will not only allow you to be creative, but will also function as an easy piece to accessorize and pair with multiple items in your closet.

Happy Wednesday!

xx

Feathers and Lace

Last week was a tour of small town America for me. I spent the better part of the work week in Casper, WY visiting one of my stores only to come back to the SLC and turn around and head straight to Beaver, UT to cheer my hubby on in the Crusher (an insane mountain bike race in the Tushar mountains). And while it was a fun event and my hubby did amazing, I couldn’t have been happier to get home to the SLC on Saturday evening and sleep in my own bed! I also couldn’t have been happier when my hubby suggested that we head out to a fun dinner on Satruday night to celebrate his stellar performance.

And truth be told, after a week in small towns, I was feeling pretty casual, so decided it was a perfect opportunity to wear my cute white lace top (first mentioned here) back to some skinny jeans, and finished the look with feather earrings to create a bohemian cool feel-which was fitting for our evening and my mood.

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White Lace Top:  INC via Macy’s

White Tank:  H&M

Skinny Jeans:  Gap (sold out online-but check our local store!)

Flower Clutch:  Coach (last summer)

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelet:  Oia Jules via Etsy

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Feather Earrings:  The Icing (last summer)

Cat Eye Sunglasses:  Rampage via TJMaxx

Gold Wedges:  Steve Madden via Dillards (recent)

As I said in my previous post about lace, it really is a perfect summer piece.  Whether you prefer it in shorts, a skirt, a top or in color or neutrals, you really can’t go wrong.  And not only is it of course “on trend” this summer, but lace is timeless and something you can hold onto in your closet until it comes back around again-which it always does. 

xx