Rock Your Vote

On November 6, 2012November 6, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

When I was a freshman at Vanderbilt University and George Bush and Al Gore were running against each other for President, Al Gore held his democratic campaign party in downtown Nashville on election night. It was exciting to be in such close proximity to a piece of the election and my friends and I were even on MTV in an interview for Rock the Vote. It was also the first year I was able to vote in a presidential election. It was a big deal for me to be able to vote back then, and twelve years later I am still grateful to the have the opportunity. We are afforded so many freedoms in this country, one of which being the right to use our voices and exercise our right to vote. So please get out there and cast you vote today. It is a privilege that we should all be so lucky to take advantage of.

Instagram Filter: Walden

Dark Red Pants: Else by Joe’s (exclusively at Macy’s)

Chambray Shirt: Forever21

Leopard Scarf: H&M (last year) similar

Earrings: Target, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cognac Pumps: Boutique in Florence, Italy, similar

Instead of red, white, and blue, today’s look is red, leopard, and blue. A fall take on a summer patriotic look, if you will. But in all seriousness, this is one of those outfits that is a go-to fall uniform for me. Red and chambray look great together, and the leopard gives it a bit of spunk, which I love. The red jeans and chambray shirt would also look great with leopard shoes, or cognac boots instead of pumps back to the leopard scarf.

Happy election day!!! Now get out there and rock your vote!!!

Prep Academy

On November 5, 2012November 5, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I’ve never been one to be drawn to creating super preppy looks in my wardrobe. In fact, when I hear the word “preppy”, AC Slater’s pet name for Zach Morris is typically the first thing that comes to mind. But every once in a while, I do feel compelled to put together a slightly more preppy look. And for whatever reason, when I come up with one of these outfits, it usually has something to do with stripes, blazers, and the color navy.

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Striped Tee: Gap (on sale!!!)

Navy Elbow Patch Blazer: H&M (old), similar, similar

Jeans: American Eagle Hi-Rise Super Skinny

Cat Eye Sunglasses: LuLu’s, similar

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors

Handbag: Michael Kors Hamilton

Boots: Vince Camuto Almay (last season), same boot in black, similar

I am totally smitten with my new Vince Camuto boots. As I said in my previous post, my favorite Aldo cognac boots are pretty worn out and I have been on the hunt for a new pair. In fact, I actually bought these Vince boots last year in black and they quickly became one of my favorites. So after scouring all of the new boot styles this season and not loving anything I found, I made it my mission to track down my Almay boots in the cognac color. And while it did pose to be a challenge, I finally found them (for a great price!) on eBay. And while the color is a touch more red than I would prefer, they are super comfy and stylish and I get tons compliments on them wherever I go!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!

Drop It Like It’s Hot

On October 29, 2012October 29, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized1 Comment

Drop. Waist. Dresses. I am absolutely LOVING this look. It is so fresh and such a welcome update to all of the trends we have been seeing as of late. They are fun, flirty, and a fall must-have if you love to wear dresses (like I do). And given my penchant for mixing sassy and sweet, I knew the combo of leather and chiffon made this dress a must have for my fall wardrobe…

Instagram Filter: Hefe

Drop Waist Dress: The Limited (ON SALE!!!!), similar long-sleeve version

Long Sleeve Shirt: DownEast Outfitters

Sunglasses: Target (old)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Spike Bracelets: Aldo

Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx, same clutch in python

Studded Shoes: Vince Camuto

The only challenge with drop waist dresses this time of year is finding something to wear over them. I tried several blazers and different jackets with this dress, but none looked like quite right. So I ended up settling on wearing it with a plain long-sleeved black tee underneath, in true jumper fashion. But I am looking forward to playing around with it and coming up with more ways to style this piece. Perhaps a starched white blouse underneath will be my next concoction. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

My very cute, and very funny little dog, Charlie, kept photo-bombing my blog photos this weekend. What can I say? She loves shoes. In fact, when she was a puppy my favorite heels somehow always became her favorite chew toys (NOT good). But since we share a love for fashion, I figured I’d let her make her first cameo in today’s post! 😉

Comfy, Cozy, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes

On October 25, 2012October 25, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

Each and every year, I mourn the passing of summer. But truth be told, if winter wasn’t looming on the other side, fall would no doubt be my very favorite season. I love boots, and layering, and cozy sweaters, holiday cheer, crockpot meals, that unbeatable brisk feeling in the air, gorgeous fall foliage, and of course all-things-pumpkin. If I could alternate between summer and fall (with a little skiing in between), I would do it in a heartbeat. So if anyone knows of a region with that kind of climate, kindly let me know. 😉

When J and I were in Montana last weekend, the weather was much colder than it has been in the SLC (45 degrees vs. 75 degrees!). So truly, it was my first opportunity of the season to make my boots, favorite go-to sweater, army surplus jacket, and pumpkin spice lattes a necessary part of my weekend-which made my little heart oh-so-happy!

Instagram Filter: Rise

Army Surplus Jacket: Forever21 (recent), similar

Cowl Neck Sweater: H&M (last fall) similar

Jeans:Else by Joe’s Jeans (amazing and on sale!!)

Watch: Michael Kors

Boots: Aldo Farmar (last fall) similar

If you are a follower of this blog, then I must apologize if you are tired of seeing my Aldo Farmar boots in so many posts. But what can I say? Try as I might, it’s tough to find a tried-and-true pair of boots that work for just about any occasion. But I am obviously a sucker for a good cognac boot and am happy to report I have found this season’s Farmar and am looking forward to sharing them with you in an upcoming post. But be forewarned, you’ll probably grow tired of seeing the new pair too! A creature of habbit and comfort am I!!

Seeing Spots

On October 23, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized7 Comments

Two black and white outfit posts in a row-now that’s saying something for a girl who loves color like I do. And contrary to how I thought I might feel, I have found the black and white trend to be quite refreshing this season. So considering this and my penchant for snow leopard prints (which you can read about it here) it’s no surprise that this dress caught my eye on a recent H&M trip. A hybrid of leopard and polka dots all wrapped up in black in white? How could I resist.

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Dress: H&M (recent) similar; Vegan Moto Jacket: Macy’s similar, similar; Double Wrap Belt: DownEast Outfitters similar; Necklace and Ring: House of Harlow; Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack; Sunglasses: House of Harlow via Nordstrom Rack; Pumps: Boutique in Italy similar

As I noted in yesterday’s post, J and I headed on a road trip to Montana this past weekend so J could ride in the annual Rolling Thunder cross race in Missoula. It is a weekend we look forward to every year, not only because of the terrific event, but because we get to see family and friends while we are there. And this year, of course, did not disappoint. J had a podium finish in one of his two races, I snuck in some time with girlfriends (including meeting one’s little boy for the first time!), and most importantly, we were blessed to spend the weekend with J’s dad, and his brother and his wife (who just moved to the neighborhood where these photos were taken!!). It was a long drive home on Sunday, but the weekend was well worth the trip.

L.O.V.E.

On October 22, 2012October 22, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Does anyone else remember that Ashley Simpson used to have a music career (outside of her lip synching debacle on SNL)? I had completely forgotten until I saw this shirt hanging on the rack at one of our Macy’s stores. And like a tidal wave, the bubbly lyrics and catchy tune of L.O.V.E. came flooding back to me and I knew the shirt had to be mine. 😉

But in all seriousness, and aside from my forgotten love for the younger Simpson’s bubblegum pop, I have been obsessing over graphic tees all fall. They are fun, catchy like your favorite pop song, and have the potential to add a little sass to any outfit while boasting the comfort of a t-shirt. And not only that, but in addition to obviously being great with jeans, they work well with blazers and cardis, colored and printed skinnies, and even skirts and leggings. Just another fab item to add to your wardrobe helping you to create endless outfit possibilities!

Instagram Filter: Amaro

LOVE Tee: Material Girl via Macy’s (sold out) similar, similar, similar

Grey Cardi: Old Navy

Black Ponte Pants: INC via Macy’s

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom Rack (last summer)

Handbag: Coach (last fall)

Boots: Kenneth Cole via TJMaxx (recent)

I actually wore the above outfit on a road trip to Montana this past weekend. It was comfy and cute, and an easy transition from 8 hours in the car straight to dinner with family and friends. The only thing I had to do was change my shoes. I wore the black boots pictured above for dinner, but wore my Uggs in the car to keep me comfy and warm. And although sometimes tough to create, I often love outfits that can transition from one event to another the best. The older I get, the less time I feel like devoting to changing my clothes throughout the day so I’m always a huge fan of items that make things easier. So if you are on the hunt for a great graphic tee, H&M and Forever21 are always a great place to start and should both have plenty of options at affordable prices!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

The One That Got Away

On October 16, 2012October 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

I have been on the hunt for a great leopard bag for quite some time now-ever since I fell in love with one and made the mistake of not buying it. And while I thought my wish list was pretty simple (nothing too expensive, versatile animal print, and big enough to schlep all of my stuff to and from the office and on errands around town), apparently I was wrong. And so, after looking high and low with absolutely no luck, I had all but given up. That is until I spotted it during a recent store visit-the one that got away.

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Polka Dot Tie Top: Macy’s (on sale!!!)

Grey Tank: ArdenB (old)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap, similar

Sunnies: Jessica Simpson

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: My personal collection of charms

Watch: Michael Kors

Leopard Bag: Steven by Steve Madden (on sale at 6pm!)

Cognac Boots: Aldo Farmar, similar

I think perhaps what originally drew me to this bag, and ultimately led me to purchase it is its coloring. Because it has a lighter base and lots of different shades of tan, cognac, and brown, not to mention some very subtle black detailing, it is one of those pieces that will go with just about anything in my closet. I couldn’t be more excited to have found it again (and for such a great bargain!), and know that I am going to get a lot of use out of it this season!!

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!

FPF: Gold Cuffs

On October 5, 2012October 5, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I rarely wore a watch until a few years ago when J got me my first Michael Kors as a birthday gift. And now I find that I am stuck in the rut of wearing a watch every single day. So when I started seeing big gold cuffs on the runway and all over fashion magazines a few months ago, I knew it was a trend that I not only loved, but also one that would help me add some variety to my wrist fashion!

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Gold Cuffs: H&M (this summer) similar, similar

One shoulder top: The Limited (this summer)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap

Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden (old)

And while I know arm parties are all the rage (yes, I LOVE them too), I am really digging having the option to change things up and rock a completely different look. Wearing two big cold cuffs is a bit bold and a bit Grecian, but a whole lot of fun. Plus it will be a great way to dress up plain tees and sweaters during colder months.

Happy weekend everyone! I am so excited that it’s FINALLY here!!!

Panthera Uncia

On October 4, 2012October 4, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

When I was in the 5th grade, we had to select, study, and write a report on an endangered animal. And given my love for all things animal print, it should come as no surprise that I picked the Snow Leopard. Even at an early age, I suppose I was able to appreciate the beauty of this cat and the gorgeous pattern of its coat. So when I was in JCrew a couple of weeks ago and saw these incredible Snow Leopard print pants, not only did they remind me of my 5th grade project a lifetime ago, but they inspired me to have them. Printed pants are all the rage this season, and I figured what better way to rock them than by paying homage to one of my favorite animals!

Instagram Filter: Sutro

Knit Blazer: Express (old) similar, similar

White Tee: Forever21 similar

Snow Leopard Print Pants: JCrew (on sale!!)

Sunglasses: Guess via TJMaxx

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Chain Necklace: JCrew (recent)

Pink Shoes: Nine West via Macy’s (lots of fun colors to choose from!)

Printed pants. I suppose you either love them or you hate them. I, for one, love them but recognize that they are not the easiest trend to pull off. So I will share a little tip I have found to work in my favor when trying them out: the smaller the print, the more flattering. So if this is a trend you are feeling brave enough to try, start with smaller leopard prints, polka dots, or even smaller floral or ditsy prints. These will be much more flattering to the figure than larger, wider prints that can create an illusion making you look bigger as well. And one more tip, which is a general rule of thumb in fashion, darker colors are always more flattering.

Here are some great options if you are on the prowl (pun intended!) for some cute printed pants this fall season:

Else (by Joe’s Jeans) Polka Dot Pants (I own the black version of these and will do a post about how to style them in the near future!)

Else (by Joe’s Jeans) Leopard Print Jeans (ON SALE!!!)

American Eagle Polka Dot Jegging (super cute, but run small so buy one size up!)

American Eagle Tie-Dyed Skinny Jean

The Limited Floral Skinny Jean

JCrew Cafe Capri Jacquard Dot Pant

JCrew Cafe Capri in Safari Cat (ON SALE!!)

JCrew Cafe Capri and Art Polka Dot (ON SALE!!)

Happy hunting!