In Spades

On January 14, 2013January 13, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I have such a sweet husband. So sweet in fact, that he got me a gorgeous, bright pink Kate Spade bag for Christmas. I had been eyeing it for quite some time, but couldn’t decide if I should buy a shocking pink bag in the dead of winter. So I was absolutely thrilled that he made the decision for me. And I must say, I really love carrying such a vibrant bag this time of year. It is the perfect punch of color on dreary days and will transition perfectly into spring and summer weather!

Instagram Filter: Amaro

This denim vest was one of my favorite pieces over the summer. And when I pulled it out to pack for our trip to Nicaragua, I thought I might try styling it back to a silk blouse to change things up a bit. And I must say I love the element of casual cool that it brings to this outfit. So much so, that I am looking forward to styling it other ways this winter. I love versatility!

Resolutions

On January 10, 2013January 10, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I try to continually find things I can work on and improve throughout the year-always striving to make myself better. But this year, silly as it is, there is actually a resolution that I would like to make. And that, my friends, is to wear more skirts. I always gravitate towards wearing skinnies, no matter the season, so this year I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and add more skirts and dresses to my life.

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Truth be told, I had originally planned to wear my polka dot sweater and chambray shirt with black skinnies. Which of course shouldn’t come as a surprise. But instead, in an effort to stay true to my resolution (really, it’s only the second week of the year), I left my skinnies in the closet and pulled out an old favorite skirt instead. And I must say I am very pleased with the result. Maybe resolutions aren’t so bad after all…

Highlight Express

On January 8, 2013January 7, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

The first time I wore this shirt, my husband told me I looked like a highlighter. But that has not deterred me. In fact, it was the vibrant, neon hue that drew me to this shirt in the first place. I am absolutely loving mixing neons and bright colors back to winter neutrals this year. It’s the perfect way to brighten up those post holiday blues…

Instagram Filter: Hudson

On a totally random note, I have to say how happy I am that the Bachelor is back. I love Sean, but more importantly love to tune in each week for the ridiculous entertainment this show provides, and of course, for the fashion. SO many great dresses last night. But if I had to pick my favorite, it would be the stunning red dress that Ashlee the Professional Organizer wore. The back was ah-mazing! And judging by last night, it should be a fun season to watch.

Winter Surplus

On January 7, 2013January 7, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

This past Fall, I couldn’t seem to get enough of my army surplus coat (you can see it here and here). And since the weather has turned, and the temperatures have dropped, I have found myself really missing it and all of its casual coolness. So I was thrilled to snatch up this mixed-media jacket from American Eagle a few weeks ago. It’s the ideal combination of leather and surplus with a nice cozy lining-perfect to keep me warm on chilly winter days…

Instagram Filter: Rise

I am so excited about my new Rebecca Minkoff bag! It was a Christmas gift from my mom and dad and I can’t stop using it. I love the bordeaux color, all of the zippers, the rose gold hardware, and it’s versatility. Hands down, bags don’t get much better than those made by Rebecca Minkoff.

Happy Monday!

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!

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!!!