Pencil Me In

On July 19, 2012July 19, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

I love a great pencil skirt-perfect for the office and super flattering. I would even go as far as to wear one for an evening out on the town with a cute strapless top, graphic tee, or one shoulder blouse-it really is one of those universal styles that just about anyone can wear. But one thing I’ve not ever really given a lot of thought to is the pencil dress-equally as flattering and easy to wear, and even perhaps a bit more versatile. And with dresses currently being my favorite go-to pieces in my closet this summer, this silhouette has suddenly found its way to the top of my “love” list.

And it was all inspired by this dress that I found at the JCrew Factory store in Park City earlier this summer. As soon as I saw it, I immediately knew it would be the perfect day-to-night piece to add to my closet. Because of the pencil styling, long length, and black and white stripes, it is perfectly appropriate to wear work with a cardi or blazer (even on days when I have to wear all black!), but also transitions seamlessly into an evening look with some fun accessories and bare shoulders. This is one of those pieces where I would definitely buy it in multiple colors if I could. Too bad that isn’t an option…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Dress: JCrew Factory

Black Cardi: Nordstrom (recent)

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

Skinny Belt: Cotton On

Gold Bracelets: Forever21, Oia Jules

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Sunglasses: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Shoes: Steve Madden via Overstock.com Outlet Store

Truth be told, I was originally drawn to this dress in neon pink-the only other color they had available. But unfortunately, they were sold out in my size. *sigh* And search as I may, I haven’t been able to find it anywhere-leading me to believe that perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be. But because I can’t quite get the other color version out of the back of my mind, it felt only natural to accessorize my black and white version with pink accessories. As close as I’m going to get, so I guess I’ll take it. 😉

Happy Thursday-the end is in sight!

Feathers and Lace

On July 17, 2012July 17, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

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.

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.

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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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!

Rachel Roy for Macy’s

On April 23, 2012April 23, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I LOVE it when designers team with up with various retailers to create more affordable lines for us regular folk. In fact, I relish the opportunity to buy from these style icons without breaking the bank (or having some serious explaining to do to my hubby). And while most of the time these special collections are a one time only deal, Macy’s has been able to create a partnership with Rachel Roy and carry her line RACHEL Rachel Roy ALL YEAR LONG. And if you haven’t checked it out yet, you need to, because it is absolutely fabulous.

In fact, when I first started working with Macy’s last fall, I discovered their Impulse division (Macy’s boutique/fashion shop which features designer and trend clothing), and then, within Impulse, Rachel’s line. And let me tell you, I have been a big fan of both ever since. Rachel’s prices are reasonable, the fabrication and colors she chooses are gorgeous, and her style is classic and chic-appealing to a very wide audience. I have collected several of her pieces over the last few months and have been nothing but impressed with each one. So when I saw this little bird dress on sale at our new store in the City Creek center over the weekend, I knew it had to be mine.

Dress: RACHEL Rachel Roy c/o Macy’s

Cardigan: H&M (recent)

Belt: American Eagle

Shoes: Steve Madden c/o O.co outlet

Earrings: Target (old)

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: Style & Co. c/o Macy’s and H&M

I think that what I especially love about this dress is that it is essentially a blank canvas. I kept it pretty simple for this look adding a bright pink belt for a pop of color, but already have a lot of other ideas in mind of different ways to style this dress for future ensembles. In fact, I have a hunch it is going to be one of my favorite pieces this spring/summer. It isn’t very often you find a piece that can be dressed up for a wedding, or dressed down (with flats) for the farmer’s market, but this dress definitely fits the bill. And with that, make sure and check out Rachel’s line on macys.com, or if you have Impulse at a Macy’s near you, head into the store to try a few things on. Friends and Family starts on Wednesday and the entire store will be 25% off, so it’s a great time to add some Rachel to your collection!!!

Happy Monday!

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

On April 18, 2012April 23, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized2 Comments

I was a really, really good little girl-and that is not an exaggeration. In fact I was often teased by my peers and called a goody-goody-two-shoes, a brown-noser, and the teacher’s pet (which was probably true). And of course it all seemed so horrible at the time, but in hindsight, I am proud that I was indeed all of those things growing up!! However, none of us are perfect and I of course had my challenging moments, just like any other kiddo.

In fact, my beloved grandma loves to tell a story about me when I was in the 3rd grade and visiting her in Detroit with my family. She and my mom had taken me shopping, and while I have always been opinionated about what I like to wear, for whatever reason, that opinion reached a fever pitch during this particular outing. My grandma wanted to buy me a Polly Flanders dress-white with pink and lots and lots of ruffles and smocking. She and my mom thought I looked ADORABLE in it and both ranted and raved in the fitting room about how excited they were for me to have it. I, however, was not convinced. And so, when my mom left the fitting room, my grandmother said I looked her squarely in the eyes and said “You can buy that dress for me, grandma, but I won’t wear it.” And oh the drama that ensued. To this day, my grandmother still laughs as she relives the shock she felt when her sweet little Abigail uttered those defiant words to her. But in the end, as I was a spoiled first-born grandchild and had previously done no wrong, ended up getting the dress that I wanted that day-a purple dress with white polka dots, and some really cute leggings to match. And as a budding fashionista who knew what she wanted from a very young age, it ended up being one of my favorite outfits during my 3rd grade era. So when I was at the Rack a couple of weeks ago and saw this cute polka dot number, I knew I had to have it in memorandum of that infamous day…

Sunglasses: Cole Haan c/o Nordstrom Rack

Dress: c/o Nordstrom Rack

Leopard Belt: Express (still in stores!)

Mustard Cardigan : H&M

Leggings: c/o Nordstrom Rack

Shoes: Jessica Simpon c/o Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Macy’s

Necklaces: Tiffany, and my personal collection of charms

Many people reflect on defining moments in their life and as I look back, I can’t help but think that maybe the incident with my grandma and the Polly Flanders dress was perhaps my defining fashion moment. But whatever the case, I still love polka dots-so am thrilled that they are back with a vengeance this season. And as you may recall, I talked about chambray being one of the new neutrals of the season a couple of posts back, well, leopard is the other-which is why I selected a leopard belt to accessorize this dress. It might seem busy, but leopard really goes with anything due to its neutral coloration. Plus a leopard scarf, belt, shoe, or bag is a really great way to spruce up an outfit without having to put forth much effort.

Here’s to dressing in what makes us happy!!

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