Versatility

On July 15, 2014July 14, 2014 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I’m way into rompers right now. I don’t know what it is, but I keep gravitating towards them over dresses in my closet this summer. I think because they are actually shorts, they can have a slightly more casual feel which makes them seemingly appropriate for just about any occasion-from a backyard BBQ to date night. BUT, rompers are also super easy to glam up. Just add a big floppy sun hat, statement heels, and an oversized pair of sunnies-and bam! Instant glam! And if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times-versatile pieces (like rompers!) are the key to a well-rounded wardrobe!

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Romper: BarIII (on sale for under $40!), also loving this, this, and this | Necklace: Stella & Dot (older style), new version, similar | Hat: Forever21 | Clutch: Hobo International Vida (on sale and comes in a ton of colors!) | Sunnies: Karen Walker, similar version (under $10!) | Cuff: Lucky Brand | Heels: JustFab, LOVE these

Hope your week is off to a fantastic start!

Thank you so much for swinging by!

Easter Best

On April 17, 2014April 16, 2014 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

When I was a little girl, my mom always dressed me to the nines for Easter Sunday-pretty dress, white gloves, and of course an Easter bonnet. And while I don’t bust out gloves or a new bonnet for Easter Sunday anymore, it is still ingrained in me to get dressed up for the occasion. And what better outfit for Easter Sunday than a candy colored sweater and pretty floral skirt?

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Sweater: JCrew (LOTS of fun colors for Spring!)

Skirt: MADE Fashion Week via Macy’s

Necklaces: Stella & Dot, JCrew (sold out) similar

Bracelets: Kate Spade (back in stock AND on sale!), Stella & Dot

Watch: Michael Kors (old), LOVE this one

Sunnies: Karen Walker

Clutch: Coach (on sale!), similar

Pumps: Jessica Simpson (on sale for under $40!), craving these

Lips: Pink Nouveau by MAC

I am heading out of town for work again today. Never a dull moment it seems. But I will be so happy to come home to family in town for the Easter weekend!

Happy (almost) weekend!

Leather and Lace

On April 17, 2013April 16, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

There is just something about the combination of leather and lace. It’s tough, yet sweet, rock and roll, yet sophisticated. Really, I could go on. And while it’s a pairing that works for a multitude of occasions, I have to say it feels pretty darn perfect for a cool, rainy day…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Stella & Dot’s new summer line (including their new handbags!!) be sure to click on the link below. Lot’s of goodies and sparkles to add to your spring and summer wardrobe!

http://www.stelladot.com/ts/ogpo5

Oh Baby

On October 8, 2012October 8, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

It kind of feels like all of my friends are having babies, and that’s probably because, well, they are (some are even on their 2nd or 3rd!!). And so, I suppose I have reached the age where it is no longer about weddings and bachelorette parties, but more so about new family additions and baby showers. But as long as these new life events involve parties, then that is fine by me!

That said, I love a good excuse to host friends in our home. Whether it is for dinner, game night, or a party, you usually don’t have to ask me twice. So when one of my dear friends announced she was expecting, I was thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to co-host a shower at my house in her honor. And it was a fantastic baby shower, if I do say so myself. We had a lovely group of ladies, TONS of delicious food and sweets, and the mom-to-be received some beautiful presents. We even played Mad Libs, and each created a hand-made onesie for the new babe. It was a lovely afternoon and I feel blessed to have been a part of the celebration. And it gave me the excuse to take the tags off my new hi-lo maxi skirt that I have been dying to wear…

Instagram Filter: Hudson

Skirt: BarIII via Macy’s (sold out online but still available in select stores that carry Impulse) similar

Striped Top: H&M (last year, but they sill have it in their basics department) similar, similar

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs via Etsy

Rhinestone Necklace: JCrew

Long Necklace: Macy’s, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Belt: Mossimo for Target

Cognac Pumps: Boutique in Florence, Italy (similar)

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I did this post about pairing navy and mustard together. And it looks like I am holding true to my word that it is a color combination that always works-no matter the season. But something about the rich golden color of this skirt makes it feel so perfectly suited for fall-maybe because it’s the color of autumn leaves. And in addition to it’s gorgeous color, maxi skirts are perfect transitional pieces between seasons. I can’t wait to come up with other fun ways to style this one over the next couple of months! Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Fashion Obsession

On September 24, 2012September 24, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

Every once in a while I stumble upon a fashion find that I love so much, I may or may not become slightly obsessed. The last time it happened was when Rebecca Minkoff first came on the scene in a big way with her studded Devote tote. The Hills was at its peak and when LC started carrying the black version with the gold rivets, I knew I had to have one. So, I saved up all my money and treated myself to one for my birthday. And boy did that bag get a lot of use. In fact, it still makes me happy every time I open up its dust bag and take a little peek. I guess that’s what we call nostalgia.

And maybe it’s purely coincidence, or maybe I just happen to have a thing for black pieces with gold embellishments, but I am pretty sure my new Vince Camuto gold spiked heels are going to be my next fashion obsession. It was love at first sight when I spotted these pumps at a Macy’s in Detroit a couple of weeks ago. I was shopping with my mom and my aunties and thought they would think I was crazy for trying them on-they are after all, completely covered in little gold spikes from heel to toe. But the vote was unanimous and we all fell in love with them on the spot. And looking at these photos, it’s not hard to see why-they are definitely a pretty darn special pair of shoes.

Instagram Filter: Sutro

Blazer: H&M (last fall)

Black Tee: Victoria’s Secret Pink Essential V-Neck (best tee’s EVER!)

Snakeskin Shorts: Rachel Roy (sold out)

Ring: House of Harlow

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx

Sunglasses: Guess via TJMaxx

Shoes: Vince Camuto

I know that we’ve already established the importance of adding a colored blazer to your wardrobe this fall, but it should also be noted that a spiked or embellished pair of shoes should also be a must on the wishlist. And now that I am finished mourning the passing of summer, I can officially get excited about my fall shopping and start checking things off my wishlist-like a pair of spiked pumps for one. Hooray!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Pumpkin Spice

On September 20, 2012September 19, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

I love all things fall, and I especially love all things pumpkin. In fact, I finally caved and had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season last week, which always signifies the “official” start of fall for me. And while it’s still too warm for cozy sweaters and boots, it is just cool enough in the evenings that lightweight sweaters and pumps will suffice. So when I was recently perusing my closet for something to wear, I couldn’t help but to put the below outfit together in honor of my declaration of the beginning of fall…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Sweater: JCrew

Skinny Jeans: Gap

Chain Necklace: ArdenB (similar, similar)

Earrings: The Icing

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Clutch: Frye (similar)

Pumps: Jessica Simpson Waleo

So while a colored blazer should be at the top of your fall wish list, an embellished pair of pumps or flats should also be pretty darn close to the top. There are so many fun shoes out there this season from fun animal prints, to jewel encrusted detailing, to spikes (my favorite!), to florlas-lots, and lots to choose from. So just be sure and choose something! An interesting pair of shoes is not only fun, but also a great way to add interest to an old or simple outfit!!

Wicked

On September 10, 2012September 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas5 Comments

A couple of weekends ago, my sweet hubby surprised me with tickets to go and see the off-Broadway rendition of Wicked. And being the musical theater geek that I am (let’s just say I went to both choir and musical theater camp in the summers growing up), I was beyond ecstatic. The singing, the dancing, the bright lights, and the incredible talent all coupled with a fantastic storyline is my definition of the perfect night.

Without hesitation, J and I both dressed up for the occasion. I went with a simple ensemble of black and white and he with a blazer, button down, and jeans. But during intermission when I was waiting in line to use the restroom and people watching (of course), much to my surprise, I noticed many people weren’t dressed up at all (seriously people, SWEATS???!!!). So this obviously got me thinking, when it is it appropriate to dress up? I know that as a society we don’t hold tight to many rules when it comes to fashion and dressing up anymore, but there is a little old-fashioned piece of me that still believes there are certain events that one should dress up for and I think these events (at least for me) are the following:

The theater
The symphony/orchestra/chorale/etc.
Church
Weddings
Showers (baby, wedding, luncheon etc.)
Work (depending on your job, put a little effort into it if you are able!)
Parties, or big events
Charity Events

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

One Shoulder Dress: BCBGeneration via Macy’s (last fall)

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Cocktail Ring: Saundra Messinger via Sundance Catalog

Clutch: Nine West via TJMaxx (old)

Earrings: ArdenB (old)

Shoes: Michael Kors

I love a chic black and white ensemble-it is one of my all-time favorite looks. And as we move into fall, black and white is going to be more popular than ever. In fact, when I went shopping over Labor Day weekend, there was hardly any color in my bag when I came home-if that’s any indication! But one of the great things about black and white is the ease of adding a pop of color. For my theater look, I threw on a bright red lip and red nails which gave me just enough color to balance my simple black and white dress and accessories.

But I am dying to know, what do you all think about dressing up for specific events and special occasions?

Versatility

On September 4, 2012September 4, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

One of my favorite things to do when looking in my closet is to pick a piece that I have already worn and challenge myself to completely re-style it giving it a totally different vibe and look-almost making it feel brand new again. So often times when I’m shopping, I try to select pieces that I know will be quite versatile and that I will be able to get a lot of use from. And when I saw this simple navy and white striped maxi at Macy’s back at the beginning of July, I knew it had potential to be worn a plethora of different ways, and no doubt has become one of the pieces in my closet that I have gotten the most use out of this summer. You can see how I styled it for a night of music at Sundance Resort in this post. And below, a totally different look for a morning at the farmer’s market-slightly dressed down with a fedora and my tried-and-true denim vest.

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Maxi Dress: Macy’s (still available in some stores, similar)

Jean Vest: Macy’s (sold out)

Fedora: Macy’s (Young Men’s Section and still available in most stores)

Neon Yellow Bag: Steven by Madden via Macy’s

Watch: Michael Kors via ShopBop (old)

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Silver Key Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Longer Necklace: My personal collection of charms

Sunglasses: Rocawear via TJMaxx

Sandals: Steve Madden via Macy’s (similar)

So I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. Minus a little rain, a broken air conditioner, and an adventurous bike ride in the rain and hail (which was actually pretty exciting!), J and I had a fantastic holiday weekend. We grilled out, finished our deck, played lots of games (glad to know I can still beat him at tennis, if nothing else!), hit the farmer’s market, shopped, watched movies, and I even snuck in some reading and a little more shopping on my own. And I have to say that with the schedule I have been keeping as of late, it was pretty incredible to just slow down and relax for a couple of days. And the only thing better than a three day weekend? A two day work week! I am off to Detroit on Thursday morning to celebrate my Grandma’s 90th birhtday. I can’t wait!!

Navy+Mustard=LOVE

On August 21, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

Navy is what we call one of the new neutrals. Like black, it goes with everything from brights, to neons, to jewel tones, to other like neutrals. It is a great staple to have in your wardrobe and because of its ability to be mixed with many different colors lends itself to creating countless different looks. But one color in particular that navy works especially well with, and in fact, one of my favorite color combinations of all time, is the pairing of navy and mustard.

No matter the season, no matter the trend, navy and mustard always work seamlessly together. Summer or fall, winter or spring, this is a color combination that always works, is easy to create, AND looks great on everyone…

Instagram Filter: 1977

Striped Tank: H&M (recent)

Mustard Skirt: JCrew (last summer)

Red Bubble Necklace: H&M (last summer)

Gold Love Bracelets: Forever21

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Cocktail Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Double Wrap Belt: DownEast Outfitters

Wedges: DV by Dolce Vita Jude via Macy’s

And in keeping with the theme of thinking summer while preparing for fall, mustard and navy is another prime example of something you can wear now, and wear later. In fact, my very favorite way to wear mustard and navy is with a dark pair of skinny jeans and tall pair of cognac boots-but I’m obviously not quite ready for that yet!

Hope you are all having a fabulous week!!