My New Vest Friend

On July 12, 2012July 12, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

Ok, ok, if you haven’t noticed already, I am completely obsessed with my denim vest. To be honest, I didn’t really think these would ever make a come back, and I definitely didn’t think I would ever be so enamored with them if they ever did. BUT, I suppose stranger things have happened! And so with that, here are a few reasons why I love it so-an ode to my denim vest if you will:

1. It’s denim, and denim rocks

2. It’s an easy way to change up an outfit

3. It’s the ideal piece to layer over a maxi or sundress, and goes with just about anything (with the exception of same-colored denim bottoms, of course)

4. It’s the perfect way to dress down that dress that is just a little too dressy for normal wear

5. The frayed edges give it little edge making it the perfect partner for something super sweet (like lace!)

6. It reminds me of the ’80’s (pretty much the best decade ever)

7. The cropped styling makes it super flattering as it hits at the smallest part of your waist

8. It’s not just a piece of clothing, it’s also an accessory

Denim Vest: Macy’s (recent) similar here, here, and here

Chartreuse Lace Dress: Cotton On

Belt: Mossimo for Target (old)

Bracelets: Gold w/ Heart oiajules via Etsy, Gold with Pink Macy’s (recent)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Caged Wedges: Crown Vintage via DSW (last summer)

So not only did I want to give a shout out to my denim vest in this post, but I also wanted to tell you how HAPPY I am that we now have Cotton On in our market. Cotton On is an Australian based company that my little brother introduced me to years ago when my family was visiting him in Australia. And let me tell you, I fell in LOVE with it while we were there. So when it recently came to the states, I was ecstatic. I guess you could say that Cotton On is similar to H&M, but a little more on the hipster side-a beachy, cool Australia feel, if you will. And not only that, but the prices are fantastic, they have tons of great color (my lace dress above came in about 5 other colors) and lots of really fun accessories. So if you have one near you, make sure and check out-it will be well worth your time. And don’t forget to pick yourself up a denim vest if you haven’t already-it will no doubt become a go-to summer staple in your closet.

And good news! The weekend is almost here!! 🙂 Happy Thursday, everyone!!

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Favorite Product Friday: Michael Kors Watches

On June 29, 2012June 30, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, TJMaxx, Uncategorized, Watches12 Comments

I am obsessed with Michael Kors watches-and surprisingly by default. When white watches started getting popular a few years ago, I was on the hunt for a Marc Jacobs version and happened to stumble on a silver Michael Kors watch with a crystal clear band on ShopBop that I knew was “the one”. I ended up asking my hubby to get it for me for my birthday, and he did! And I have been in love ever since.

And while yes, MK watches are pricey, I can attest that they wear incredibly well, are very durable, stylish, and not only that, but a watch is a classic piece you will wear everyday and keep in your collection for a very long time.

You have probably noticed that I am almost always wearing a Michael Kors watch in my daily outfit posts-I simply can’t get enough of them. And lately my outfits don’t quite feel complete unless I am wearing one-usually with an arm party of bracelets. Although I have to say, I still check the time on my iPhone. 🙂

And here’s a tip, if you are looking for an MK watch and don’t want to pay full retail price, check your local TJMaxx and Nordstrom Rack. I have found 3 of my 5 Michael Kors watches at the Rack for under $100 and often see them at TJ too, but normally in the men’s section, so don’t forget to look there!

Happy weekend everyone!!

Pops of Neon

On June 28, 2012 By all dolled upIn Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized1 Comment

I LOVE adding pops of neon to an outfit (you can see some examples here, here, here, and here)-such a great way to add a little interest to an otherwise simple ensemble. I am also finding that I am loving adding pops of neon back to prints. And even though prints are fun on their own, those little neon accents just take them to the next level-an instance where more is more and not less.

That said, I recently purchased the below dress for three reasons: 1. It reminds me of this Marc Jacobs dress that I LOVE, 2. It is black so I can wear it to work with a cardi or blazer, 3. The cute little heart print is just begging to be paired back to a little neon and some fun accessories.

Dress: Macy’s Junior’s Department (recent)

Vest: Macy’s Junior’s Department (recent)

Neon Pink Belt: Macy’s

Necklaces: Tiffany, My collection of charms, Forever21

Bracelets: H&M, Forever21, Tiffany, Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Hot Pink Druzy Ring: Amanda Lynne Luxe (etsy)

Sunglasses: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Shoes: Aldo via Nordstrom (sold out)

The first time I wore this dress to work, I literally had people stopping me to ask where I found it. And of course everyone was surprised when I told them I found it in the junior’s department at Macy’s (and for only $18!!!). And while I don’t always shop in the Junior’s section, I do think it is worth checking out now and again. A lot of companies are now targeting the “millenial” customer who they see as a shopper between the ages of 16-31. So the breadth of assortment is slowly but surely imporving to garner a larger target audience who is on the hunt for more affordable and fashion forward pieces.

Hooray!

Silver or Gold?

On June 26, 2012June 26, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, TJMaxx, Uncategorized, Watches7 Comments

Growing up I HATED gold. Absolutely hated it and refused (for the most part) to wear anything besides sterling silver or white gold. In fact, I think I remember telling my mom once that gold just wasn’t “cool” and that it was meant for “older ladies”. So it seems that now a days I have either had a change of heart, or fall into that whole “older lady” category, because I am a HUGE fan of gold. And I am pretty sure it all began because of Michael Kors and his fabulous watches. Thanks to MK, gold watches have been all the rage for the last couple of years, and with a gold watch, one must have gold accessories. So, I have slowly been picking up gold baubles here and there and am LOVING that I now have the option to wear either silver or gold, and sometimes even both together. I feel like it makes my wardrobe more well-rounded and allows for me to change things up on a daily basis. So when I picked up this cute dress at TJMaxx a couple of months ago, I knew that because of the cute gold buttons flanking the top and the warmth of the orange base, that it would be the perfect item to wear back to a lof of chunky gold jewelry.

Dress: TJMaxx

Double Wrap Belt: Down East Outfitters

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs (etsy)

Bracelets: Left Hand: Forever21, Macy’s, Right Hand: Oia Jules (etsy)

Gold and Tortoise Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Ring: Decofox (etsy)

Earrings: Macy’s

Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me

Sunglasses: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

And while I am pretty sure I will always be a silver girl at heart, I definitely find myself gravitating more towards gold in the summer months. The warmth of it compliments a nice tan and just feels like it belongs with the current summer trend-particularly white. But the good news is, for those of us with a preference between the two, you can get away with either silver or gold . But I definitely recommend having the option of both in your accessory collection.

P.S. Please excuse the crease in the bottom of my dress. Funny thing is, you can’t see it in person, but for some reason, it showed up when I put the photos through the Instagram filter. Yikes! 😉

Sunshine and Lace

On June 14, 2012June 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Watches4 Comments

Ahhhh, lace. So pretty, so sweet, so timeless, so romantic. I have to say that I am awfully glad to see lace making a comeback. And am especially loving all of the cute lace and crochet shorts, flowy tops, and crops-some bohemian, some more fashion forward, there is a style of lace out there for everyone.

And with so many options and price points to choose from, I have been on the hunt for a perfect lace top for a while and finally found a beautiful cream lace cropped tank at Macy’s a few weeks ago (post to come). So I was surprised when I was recently in Forever21 and found another lace tank that was not only longer, but the color of sunshine and about 1/3 of the price. And I knew instantly that even though it was lace (and yellow), it was a great basic that could work back to skirts, shorts, denim, and even colored denim.

Yellow Lace Top: Forever21

White Layering Tank: H&M

Colored Skinnies: Else by Joe’s Jeans exclusively for Macy’s

Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Macy’s Sunglass Hut

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co., H&M, Macy’s, Thailand (yes, the country)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Color Block Platform Shoes: ZigiSoho via DSW

If you haven’t already added a piece of lace to your summer wardrobe, I would highly recommend doing so. Not only is it on trend right now, but lace is timeless and will most certainly keep making comebacks as the fashion trends cycle over the years. I also wanted to point out that I did something I don’t normally do in this post-which is opt for a monochromatic look with my shoes instead of a complimentary, but different, pop of color. While the yellow heel and the turquoise platform are a shade or two darker than my top and jeans, they are in the same color family, and therefore work back to each other. The white pop on the shoe is also the perfect way to tie it all together. All in all, I am really pleased with how the look turned out and will definitely be making more monochromatic choices in the future-yet another fun and different way to change things up a bit!