Summer Brights

On June 17, 2013June 16, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love neon. Especially a nice, bright neon yellow. And while it isn’t the easiest shade to wear, yellow in general is my absolute favorite color, so I’m partial. Which is why, of course, I couldn’t resist this pretty top. And while I can’t recommend this hue for everyone, what I can recommend is a pretty, dressed-up tank back to ripped jeans and heels for a summer night out on the town…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Ours was unbelievably busy, but filled with some of my favorite things including friends, biking, marbles, vino, time with the littles, root beer floats, and long evenings spent enjoying our deck. Oh how I love this time of year!

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Half Tucked

On May 28, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

I love the half tuck. It’s an easy way shake things up a bit and the perfect balance between looking casual and polished. And while I usually prefer to wear this look with a belt, this time I went without. And in this instance, I think it lends itself particularly well back to distressed denim…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

I have to admit that my mom and I had a good laugh about the half tuck while my family was in town for the holiday weekend. You see, the half tuck is a casual look that my dad has been rocking for as long as I can remember. And while we have always teased him about it (also for as long I can remember), it’s a great example of how cyclical fashion can be. Hold onto something long enough and it’s bound to come back around…

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Watercolors

On August 8, 2012August 7, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

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!

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!

Day to Night

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

People often ask me for tips on how to create an outfit that you can take from day to night. And while the task might sound daunting, it is actually a pretty simple thing to do. All you have to do is think layering and remember that in these instances a cardigan or blazer can be your best ally.

Take the below outfit, for example. I paired my neon skinnies back a crisp white off-the-shoulder tee (perfect for an evening on the town), but layered it with a conservative white blazer to go about my day. Two looks, one day. Pretty easy, right?

White Blazer: Forever21 (recent)

White Off-the-Shoulder Tee: H&M (old)

Neon Coral Skinnies: American Eagle (recent)

Neon Necklace: Forever21 (recent)

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s, Forever21

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Neon Pink Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden via the Overstock.com

J and I still love to go on dates, and due to our opposite schedules, I often find myself going straight from work to dinner or drinks. I run into the same issue when traveling for work, heading directly from the office to dinner with friends in whatever city I happen to be visiting. And because of these frequent situations, I find myself constantly having to create these types of looks. So with that said, the best words of wisdom I have to offer you when faced with creating a look you can take from day to night, is to really utilize those layering pieces in your closet. A blazer can be your best wardrobe friend. AND you can also bring a change of shoes and throw on some bright red lipstick to really up the ante for your evening look.

Hope everyone has a fabulous 4th!!!