Tag: Outfit Ideas

Concert Attire

On By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

My husband and I adore the Civil Wars.  Some friends of ours introduced them to us right when they came on the scene (long before the Hunger Games made them famous) and we have been HUGE fans ever since.  So of course when they were playing a small venue in downtown SLC last week, we knew we had to jump on the opportunity to see them.  And they most definitely did not disappoint.  Haunting harmonies, beautiful lyrics, and melodies that forever wrap themselves around you-the Civil Wars are truly, truly special. 

But attending  my first music event of the summer got me thinking.  What is appropriate concert attire?  If they would have been playing an outside venue, the answer would be a lot easier.  I probably would have gone with some sort of maxi dress or cut off shorts and tank-both of which are easy and comfy for an evening outdoors.  But an intimate indoor concert venue?  Well I saw it as an opportunity to wear something really fun that I wouldn’t normally wear on a typical night out on the town.  And that my friends, is my neon pink wolf tank.  Now the Civil Wars are by no means rock and roll, but something about a fun graphic print tee or tank just feels totally right for any kind of music event.  And not only was the wolf tank a winner for the evening, but I paired it back to my bright green jeans, studded shoes, and super long earrings for an outfit that I think was worthy enough for such an incredible show.

Blazer: H&M (last fall)

Neon Wolf Tank:  Macy’s Impulse Department (recent)

Colored Skinnies:  Else by Joes Jeans (exclusively at Macy’s)

Long Chain Earrings:  TJMaxx (recent)

Neon Pink Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC via Bloomingdales

Studded Pumps:  Madden Girl (old)

Pink Druzy Ring:  Amanda Lynne Luxe via Etsy

Watch:  Michael Kors via Macy’s

Bracelets:  H&M, Macy’s, Forever21, Tiffany and Co.

Maybe I’m into this tank because I love the ’80’s, or maybe it’s because I’m from Montana and have a little redneck in me.  But either way, it is one of my favorite finds of the season.  And not only that, but I wholeheartedly believe that it is important to have one or two items like this in your wardrobe.  Graphic tees and tanks go great back to blazers, skinnies, skirts, and shorts, and are an easy way to dress casually and comfortably while still being fun and funky at the same time. 

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Blog Lovin’.  You can also find me on Pinterest and Instagram:  AisAllDolledUp

Thank you for your love and support!!

xx

The Cold Shoulder

On By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden1 Comment

One thing I know for sure, I definitely did not get the cold shoulder from my friends and family on my birthday-in fact so many people in my life reached out and made such incredibly sweet gestures, that it is safe to say it was one of my best birthdays yet.  I did however, choose to wear my new bright pink cold shoulder top to my birthday dinner at my favorite wine and tapas bar with our very dearest friends.   It was a wonderful evening and I am so grateful to all who came out to celebrate, for the beautiful weather, the lovely gifts, and time spent with so many sweet friends that I don’t get to see nearly enough.  I was a very blessed birthday girl this year!

Pink Cold Shoulder Top:  RACHEL Rachel Roy via Macy’s

Skinny Jeans:  Gap Jeggings

Shoes:  DV by Dolce Vita Jude via Macy’s

Necklace:  JCrew via eBay (again, a word of caution if you go this route-there are a lot of terrible fakes on eBay right now)

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

Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets:  Tiffany, H&M, Forever21, Macy’s, Thailand (yes, the country!)

Sunnies:  Guess via TJMaxx

I love the cold shoulder trend.  I think it is a great way to dress up a simple top-in fact, the other cold shoulder tops in my closet are primarily jersey and most of them seem to have stripes.  I tend to gravitate towards them because they are comfy enough to make you feel like you are slipping on your favorite t-shirt, but add a few accessories and some cute shoes, and you have an outfit fit for just about any occasion-including a birthday dinner in your honor! 🙂  They also tend to be flattering on my most figures and are a great way to transition from long sleeves to tank tops.  I know I never feel quite ready to show my pasty white arms in the month of May, so a cute cold shoulder top is the perfect middle ground.

Happy Hump day!!

xx

A Little Extra Something

On 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!!

xx

Splash! (of color)

On 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!!

xx

Fashion Star Finale!

On By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden, TJMaxx, Uncategorized, Watches1 Comment

I was so excited when I learned of the inception of Fashion Star and have thoroughly enjoyed it every Tuesday night since its premiere.  The mentors are terrific, the designers are fantastic, and as a buyer myself, of course I especially love the buyers!  In fact, I was even privileged enough to spend some time with Caprice in LA when I first started working for Macy’s.  And let me tell you, she is just as pretty and fabulous in person as she is on TV!

So of course, having followed along with the designers on their journey thus far, I am so excited to see how the finale unravels tonight!  Although each person left is incredibly talented, I can’t help but find myself rooting for Kara.  She is sweet, and humble, and her sense of style rocks!!  I think she is the perfect candidate to design lines for H&M, Saks, and Macy’s.  But even though I’m rooting for Kara, Orly was my season favorite, so in honor of her, I wanted to pay tribute by wearing the AH-mazing lime blazer she debuted last week, and of course top it off with some jewelry from Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow…

Blazer:  Orly Shani for H&M

Black Silk Cami:  Express

Snake Skin Liquid Leggings:  Nodrstrom (old)

Heels:  Steve Madden

Necklace:  House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Tortise Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets:  Tiffany, Macy’s, Word Market, H&M

Sunnies:  Guess via TJMaxx

So while I can’t wait to see if my girl Kara is announced as the very first Fashion Star, tonight will also be a bit bittersweet as I say goodbye to one of my favorite guilty pleasures.  Guess I better start figuring out something new to do on my Tuesday nights!

Good luck Kara!!!

xx

 

Neutral Layers

On By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized6 Comments

Sometimes dressing to go out in the evening can be a bit tricky this time of year.  The days are warm enough to get away with tanks and tees, but the evenings cool down just enough to ensure that some sort of jacket or layer is necessary.   And while I love blazers and cardigans (of course), it gets a little boring to always fall back on one of those options.  So what else is there?

In the fall, my go to layering piece is usually a black leather jacket.  I don’t have a super “girly” style, so I love the idea of pairing a rough-and-tumble piece back to something a little more sweet.  But alas, my black leather jackets feel a little heavy for this time of year, which got me thinking.  What about a neutral colored leather jacket?  Something a little lighter to fit the season?

Well thank goodness for my job!  I was at a meeting in one of my stores, and just happened to see it-a neutral colored, shrunken lamb leather jacket.  And I knew on the spot it was the perfect piece to add to my collection to give me a fresh new layering option for cool nights out on the town.  And even more than that, it’s a jacket that will also be perfect when summer fades to fall…

Cat Eye Sunglasses:  Jessica Simpson via Ross

Gold Hammered Earrings:  Street Vendor in San Francisco

Leather Jacket:  Guess via Macy’s (sold out online)

Chiffon Flower Petal Top:  Bohme (SLC Boutique)

Belt:  American Eagle

Red Skinnies:  Else by Joe’s Jeans via Macy’s (sold out online)

Tortise and Gold Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom

Bracelets:  Tiffany

Leopard Wedges:  Aldo (sold out online)

And while it was a little bit of a splurge, I am so happy I decided to add this jacket to my wardrobe.  I have already gotten a lot of use out of it, and know that I will continue to do so once the summer months have passed and fall is upon us.  Black is always in, but neutrals are a great way to change things up and an excellent staple to pair back to pretty much anything, including red pants and leopard shoes! 🙂

Happy Monday!

xx

I Heart Yellow

On By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas5 Comments

Yellow is my favorite color.  In fact, when I got married, I wanted to put my bridesmaids in yellow dresses.  But lucky for them, I was a couple years ahead of the yellow trend and they got to wear tangerine instead.  😉  But it is the one color I have always been drawn to  for as long as I can remember (surprisingly, I had a falling out with pink after my pink and purple phase in kindergarten and only started loving it again in recent years).  I wore yellow in my senior pictures, attended a University where our colors were black and gold, but the gold was often translated into yellow, had yellow flowers and decor at my wedding (my hubby also wore a yellow vest with his tux), and even have a bright sunshine yellow Marc Jacobs computer bag that I carry with me everyday for work. 

And since yellow is one of the “it” colors of the season, that certainly makes my little heart very happy.  BUT, yellow is not for everyone.  It is one of the most difficult colors to wear and the brightness of it often scares people away (understandably so).  So how can you incorporate yellow into your wardrobe this season?  Through accessories, of course!  And I think every gal should purchase something yellow in anticipation of summer, whether it be a belt, a necklace, a fun pair of shoes, or a handbag, you just have to go for it.  Fashion is, afterall, all about taking chances and stepping outside of your comfort zone, right?

Cardigan:  JCrew

Skirt: Francesca’s (recent)

Sunglasses:  Calvin Klein via Sunglass Hut at Macy’s

Shoes:  Chinese Laundry LoveMe

Yellow Bubble Necklace:  JCrew via eBay (be careful if you go this route-LOTS of bad fakes!!!!)

Yellow Belt:  Macy’s

Watch:  Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

I feel like I should add a disclaimer to this post, some kind of warning so that you can all prepare yourselves to see A LOT of this necklace.  I actually bought it in anticipation of my birthday to wear to a celebration dinner at my favorite restaurant with friends tomorrow night, but couldn’t wait to wear it and have already gotten significant use out of it since its arrival.  For me, it is the perfect yellow accessory.  In fact, I had to stop myself from wearing it again today.  🙂

And as a side note, thank you all so much for the birthday love and wishes.  I had a really incredible day and am so grateful for all that everyone did for me-particularly my hubby who made me feel like an absolute princess.  I am truly blessed!

xx

Mix Master

On By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, TJMaxx6 Comments

Not only do I love mixing colors, but I also LOVE mixing prints-particularly stripes or polka dots back to florals.  It feels so fresh and so new to me-just like spring.  And who doesn’t appreciate spring???

That said, this might come as a shock, but when I first laid eyes on these (AH-mazing!) shoes, I was on the fence about buying them.  I adored them, no doubt, but was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to wear them very often, or that they might be a “one hit wonder”.  So I gravitated towards the gray and black version thinking they were still fun (kinda) and definitely more practical.   BUT when I went to check out, the fabulous sales clerk steered me in the right direction and said it wouldbe an atrocity if I didn’t purchase the blue and pink version.  And I guess all I needed was a little validation, because those were the ones I took home.  And it was definitely the right choice!!!

 

 

Polka Dot Silk Top:  Nordstrom (recent)

Pink Tunic: H&M

Skinny Jeans:  Gap Jeggings (sold out online)

Shoes:  Steve Madden

Necklace: Got Beauty (local SLC boutique)

Earrings:  TJMaxx

Cat Eye Sunnies: Guess c/o TJMaxx

Watch:  Michael Kors c/o Macy’s

Bracelets:  Macy’s, H&M and Tiffany

Surprisingly, I have gotten quite a bit of wear out of these fun shoes.  They really do go with a lot, largely in part because it is acceptable to mix prints with stripes and polka dots (which it should be!).  And while I bought them when I was living in SF this fall, I am confident that they are going to get far more love from me during the warmer months of spring and summer.  Not only do they make my outfits fun, but they are one of those pieces that make me feel extra special every time I wear them-add that extra little kick in my step, if you will.  And as a self-proclaimed shoe addict, I can definitely appreciate that!

xx

Rachel Roy for Macy’s

On 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!

xx

 

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

On 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!!

xx

P.S.  Click on the “Follow Me” link on the right nav to receive email updates alerting you to new posts!!