A Little Extra Something

On May 20, 2012May 21, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden, TJMaxx, Uncategorized8 Comments

The weekends always seem to go so fast, don’t they? And the more activities you pack in, the faster they seem to go. And that was exactly the kind of weekend J and I just had-one of those extra fast ones filled to the brim with lots of activities. As I mentioned in my Vessel Sink post, we have been working on rebuilding our deck-which is a huge task in and of itself. It was one of those projects that started off with replacing a few boards, and somehow turned into replacing the entire surface. So getting that finished in time for a visit from my family this weekend was at the top of our priority list. We also had a birthday party to attend, a date at the zoo with our littles, and our (well my) first road bike ride of the season-73 miles for me and 100 miles for J at the annual Cycle Salt Lake Century.

The night before our big ride, we decided it was a good idea to do some carb loading and headed over to our favorite neighborhood restaurant, the Porcupine, to catch a beer and some dinner. It is a pretty laid back place, and it was going to be a short night, so I wanted to dress casually, but at the same time, felt like sprucing things up a bit. I worked from home in my sweats all day on Friday, and felt like getting at least a little dolled up. And I tend to find that when I am in situations like this, accessories and/or shoes are always the perfect way to add that little extra something to an otherwise ordinary outfit. So in an effort to make my striped shirt, jeans, and vest a little more interesting, I settled on the perfect remedy-my favorite new heels that I am absolutely obsessed with!

Striped Shirt: H&M (recent)

Jean Vest: Macy’s

Jeans: Gap Denim Jeggings (sold out online)

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Bracelets: Tiffany

Necklace: Tiffany and my personal collection of charms

Silver Aviators: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Shoes: Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl’s (I don’t see them online, but check your local Kohl’s!!)

So, truth be told, I originally fell in love with the Sam Edelman version of these shoes, but just couldn’t bring myself to spend that much money on them. Then I found a pair at Nordstrom Rack, but for some reason didn’t get them the first time I saw them, and when I finally decided to go back, of course they were gone! So imagine my surprise when I was comp shopping a Kohl’s in Montana (for work!!) and there they were, a spitting image of the shoes I let get away sitting on display in the shoe department. I think I swooned a little and of course had to buy them on the spot. And what makes them even better? They are MUCH more comfortable than the SE version and cost about 1/5 of the price! Talk about a great deal. And in my book, it’s pretty darn tough to beat a great deal-especially for shoes as fabulous as these.

Happy Monday, everyone!!

Splash! (of color)

On May 16, 2012May 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden, Watches6 Comments

Do you remember the movie Splash? Oh my gosh. It was one of my FAVORITE movies back in the day. And what about Mannequin??? I loved that one too. In fact, my corporate office is in an actual Macy’s store and when I come into work in the morning before the store opens, I always think of that movie as I walk through the dark sales floors. And when I reflect on movies like Mannequin and Splash and other ’80’s favorites (remember Labyrinth?), the thing that stands out in my mind is the infiltration of colorful clothing and make up (and of course cheesy story lines) into just about every aspect of the films. 🙂 And while you would never catch me wearing shoulder pads (my shoulders are wide enough as it is!), I can more than appreciate the colorful influence the ’80’s are having on our current trends, which leads me to the point of this post-BLAZERS!!!

Blazers are a must have, in general, but especially this season. And not only are they a must have, but they are the perfect way to add a splash of color to your wardrobe. I am in love with the colored denim trend, but it isn’t for everyone. Blazers, however, cast a much wider net, and with stores like H&M and Forever21 offering so many in such a wide variety of colors for under $40, they are an easy addition to any wardrobe. I have picked up a few colorful blazers over the last few months (you can see some of them here, here, here, and here), and they have quickly become a staple in my closet for both work and play due to their versatility-I just can’t get enough. So if you are fearing the colored denim trend, pick up a colorful blazer instead!

Cobalt Blazer: H&M (similar, similar, similar)

Orange and Pink Silk Top: Francesca’s Collections

Black Crop Skinnies: Gap 1969 Always Skinny (similar)

Pink Shoes: Jessica Simpson Waleo vai Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s (similar)

Bracelets: Tiffany

Cocktail Ring: Etsy (seller no longer active)

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson via Ross (similar)

Orange Clutch: Steve Madden via Macy’s (sold out)

There aren’t many rules when it comes to adding a colored blazer to an outfit, almost anything goes. Just make sure your undertones are similar (in my outfit, the orange is a warm tone, but the pink has a blue undertone, allowing for all 3 colors to work especially well together). And a word to wise, it’s also important to make sure your color combinations don’t make you look like your favorite sports team. I LOVE orange and cobalt together, but I don’t want to look like a Broncos fan (nothing against the Broncos), so the addition of the pink shoes and the pink stripe in my shirt are a great way to get rid of that potential association.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions!! And please remember to “like” me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter. You can also follow me on Instagram: AisAllDollUp, and on Pinterest: Abby Doll

Also, would love it if you would share this post, or one of your other favorite posts on Twitter or Facebook to help me spread the word about All Dolled Up!

Thank you SO MUCH for your support!!

Black+Navy

On May 7, 2012May 8, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, Watches3 Comments

The rule stating that you can’t wear black and navy together no longer applies. And thank goodness, because half of the time I can’t tell them apart anyway. And thus, mixing black and navy together has become one of my favorite color combinations as of late. Black on black always feels awfully dressy to me (especially on days when I know I am going to be sitting at my desk all day), so adding a navy top or blazer back to a black pant or skirt is a great way to tone things down a notch and bring that element of “casual” into “business casual” attire.

Navy Blazer: Express (recent)

Grey Ruffle Blouse: Express

Black Skinnies: Gap

Necklace: Tiffany, my personal charm collection

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s, H&M

Ring: Saundra Messinger via Sundance Catalog

Pink Pumps: Jessica Simpson Waleo via Macy’s

In addition to loving black and navy together, I also LOVE pink and navy together, hence the pink shoes to tie it all together. And while black and navy are a perfectly acceptable combo, it is important that there is enough of a contrast between the two so that people can tell you are wearing black and navy and not wonder if one of your pieces is a poorly cared for, faded black garment. Oh, and one more very important thing, if you are wearing a suit (girl or guy), this is one instance where you don’t want to mix black or navy. Try and keep your suiting pure (same color jacket and pants)-it looks more classy and chic that way.

Happy Monday!!

Colored Skinnies

On May 3, 2012May 3, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, TJMaxx, Uncategorized4 Comments

Since I obviously love color, it should come as no surprise that I also love the whole colored denim trend. However, I have found it to be a struggle fo find the colors I want in the brands that I love, or a color that I love in a brand that fits. And I would even go so far as to say that generally most of the colored leggings and jeans that are out there are very ill-fitting (especially if you have any curves at all-which I do).

So with that, I am happy to announce that I have finally found an incredible denim resource with a great selection of colored skinnies, denim skinnies, and super cute denim bootcuts. They are figure flattering, comfortable, don’t sag in the booty (like A LOT of brands out there), and are actually affordable. Almost seems too good to be true, doesn’t it? But rest assured, I tell you, because it most definitely is not!

The brand is called Else and it is a more affordable extension of the Joe’s jeans line (retailing for around $68 each), made exclusively for Macy’s. And really, how great is that? All of the awesome fit properties and the quality of Joe’s for almost half the price. I love them so much, I have picked them up in a dark denim wash, black(which are great for work), red, purple(seen here), and my new favorite color that I just can’t get enough of…

Pink Aviators: Steve Madden c/o TJMaxx

Striped Shirt: BarIII c/o Macy’s

Spearamint Pants: Else Denim c/o Macy’s

Pink Shoes: Jessical Simpson Waleo c/o Macy’s

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

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

So if you are in the market for a great fitting, high quality pair of skinnies, definitely check out Else at your local Macy’s or online (stocks and colors are pretty picked over right now, but a new delivery should hit within the next week or two). I am absolutely thrilled with mine and wanted to give them some blog love so that you all could be in the secret too. And please feel free reach out to me with any questions you might have about the brand or the fit, and I would be happy to help!!

Happy shopping!!

Workin’ 9 to 5

On May 2, 2012May 2, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

I love the movie Nine to Five, and I especially love Dolly Parton (I am a country girl, after all). I however, am incredibly fortunate that I am able to do something I love everyday. So even though I don’t quite share the same sentiments as the movie, I love it anyway (especially the theme song!!!). I am also in the fortunate position that I don’t have to wear a suit (or skirt and tights) to work everyday-thank goodness!! But my dress code is business casual, which presents challenges all of its own.

I mentioned a few posts back that I have to wear black when I visit my stores (typically two days a week), but on my office days, I can wear whatever colors I choose. And since my office days are mostly spent behind my computer, it is important for me to not only obviously fulfill my dress code requirements, but to be comfortable (and stylish, of course) at the same time.That said, I wanted to share a couple of staple items I have added to (or distorted in) my closet that have allowed me to attain success in achieving all of the above. .

1. Skinny Ponte Pants: Best. Invention Ever. They are much thicker and obviously more appropriate than a legging, and while the finish of the fabric gives them a dressy feel, they are still incredibly stretchy and as comfy as your favorite sweats.

2. Jersey Blazers: I LOVE blazers. You could actually say I am obsessed with them. And the jersey version that is out there right now is a huge win in my book (H&M has a ton of cute ones in lots of fun colors). They are comfy and stylish, yet totally appropriate for the business casual dress code. I also get a lot of cross over use with them and wear them out on the weekends as part of an outfit or as my jacket.

3. Boyfriend Shirt: Again, comfort rules supreme here. Such a great staple that is comfortable and casual but can be dressed up with a great pair of shoes or some really fun accessories-a great blank canvas that can be styled a lot of different ways.

Pink Blazer: H&M (recent)

Blue Boyrfriend Shirt: H&M (recent)

Ponte Pants: Express (recent)

Shoes: Vince Camuto c/o Macy’s

Necklaces: Tiffany, Personal Collections, Monogram (gift from my mom)

Bracelets: Macy’s, Tiffany

Moonstone Ring: Suandra Messinger for Sundance Catalog

Watch: Micael Kors c/o Macy’s

Handbag: Michael Kors c/o TJMaxx

So there you have it. A look that is work appropriate, simple and easy, comfortable, and still stylish (thanks to great shoes and accessories), And now that I’m dressed for success and ready to face the day, I suppose it’s time for me to pour myself a cup of ambition and accomplish some great things today. Happy Hump day everyone! Looking forward to starting the back end of the work week and inching closer to the weekend!

This or that?

On April 25, 2012April 27, 2012 By all dolled upIn Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Watches2 Comments

Sometimes I come up with different variations of outfits, and while most of the time I typically gravitate towards one more than the other, sometimes I find myself perched a top a fence and can’t decide which one is the winner. Hence was the case a few days ago when I was getting ready for work. Because I work for Macy’s, I have to wear all black when I visit my stores, which is typically two days a week. So when I am in my office (we do have a business casual dress code), I try to wear color as much as I possibly can.

That said, let me preface by saying that if you take one thing away from this blog today, let it be the fact that turquoise and coral are ALWAYS a winning combination. Always. The question I had however, is because the two colors are so saturated and warm (and perfect together), would it be possible to add another hue to this combo? And while I might still be on the fence as to the definite answer to this question, I am kind of thinking that the answer just might be yes. So after trying out a very safe coral, turquoise, and black combo, I decided to get a little wild and try my turquoise and coral back to…RED!!

Silk Blouse: Forever21

Turquoise Cardi: H

Black Jeans: Gap Always Skinny

Red Jeans: American Eagle

Shoes: Steve Madden c/o o.co outlet

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: Macy’s, World Market

Ring: Deco Fox (etsy)

Turquoise Necklace: BasiltheCat (etsy)

Cateye Sunglasses: Guess c/o TJMaxx (recent)

In the end, I went for safe and wore the version with the black pants to work. BUT, if I were going to try this look again for the weekend, or a night out, I would definitely choose the red. The more I look at the colors together, the more I like them, and the more I like them, the more I love that I can put so many colors together and be on trend!!! It ‘s also a great bonus to be able to come up with multiple outfits using essentially the same pieces. Maybe it really is true that less is more-well at least in an instance like this. 😉

Nautical Inspiration

On April 24, 2012April 24, 2012 By all dolled upIn Uncategorized6 Comments

I have always been a fan of all things nautical and generally find that the looks inspired by this fun fashion trend tend to be timeless and easy to recreate. I mean seriously, what’s not to love about Sperry Topsiders, stripes, stripes, and more stripes, preppy sweaters, white pants, the liberty to mix red, white, and navy (without feeling like you’re dressing for the 4th of July), and how about all of those adorable little anchor embellished polos and shorts? Nautical inspired looks are not only easy (try mixing a navy and white stripe back to a red or white base), but always a winner in my book (as long as you don’t go too overboard-no pun intended!). 😉

So when the thermometers hit 80 degrees the afternoon I was headed out to see the famed Clinton Kelly do a presentation at our new Macy’s store in the downtown City Creek Center, I had the perfect outfit in mind to tackle both a warm afternoon in the city, and hopefully impress one of my favorite fashion icons (if our paths were to cross-which they did!!). Inspired by JCrew (of course!!) and my new favorite striped skirt that I picked up at the H&M in Seattle a couple of weeks ago, this is what I wore…

Cardigan: JCrew

Red Silk Shirt: Forever21

Striped Skirt: H&M (recent)

Belt: Mossimo for Target (recent)

Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me

Sunglasses: Calvin Klein c/o Macy’s Sunglass Hut

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs (Etsy)

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Gold Bracelets: Macy’s and H&M

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany

Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier

There is nothing better than feeling confident in an outfit, and while I wish I had that feeling every day, that is not always the case. BUT, despite showing my legs and bare toes in public for the first time this year, I felt pretty darn confident in this selection. So when Clinton and I walked past each other in the Impulse department at Macy’s and he smiled approvingly and said “hello” to me, I managed to give him a huge smile, but couldn’t get a single word to come out of my mouth. It was an awkward moment, no doubt, but at least my outfit was fantastic-and I feel pretty happy about that.