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!!

100th Post!!

On August 28, 2012August 28, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

Today marks my 100th post on the All Dolled Up blog! It seems crazy to me that I’ve not only been able to come up with that many outfit ideas to share with all of you, but even more so that I decided to take on this project just a few short months ago. It has been such an incredible journey thus far and I am truly loving every minute. I have learned so much about myself but more importantly have been incredibly blessed by the outpouring of love and support I have received from friends, family, and my readers, who now also feel like my friends. And it all makes me incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to share my love of fashion with all of you. So thank you to each and every one of you who takes the time to sit down and read my blog. You are appreciated far more than you know.

Today’s post is about two of my very favorite things: feather earrings and sequins. Both are great transitional pieces into fall, but what I really love about them is unexpectedly pairing them together-something sweet and girly back to something more boho and far less refined. An easy look that was made for a night on the town, or an end-of-summer outdoor concert.

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Sequin Top: Express (last summer, but they have many similar styles in store and online now!)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap (in store now!!!)

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Charm Bracelet: Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Feather Earrings: The Icing (last summer), Macy’s (recent)

Gold Metallic Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier (my gold version was a limited edition, but they always offer this bag in lots of great colors and some sort of metallic usually comes out around the holidays)

Shoes: Guess via TJMaxx (thanks Kendi for introducing me to these shoes!!)

Truth be told, sometimes I feel a little silly writing a fashion blog when there are so many important and pressing issues going on in our world-it makes me feel a little frivolous. But at the same time, we all want to feel good about ourselves and confident in our skin, and a huge part of that can come from the way we dress and put ourselves together. So if I can help even one person out there feel a little better about themselves or more confident when making shopping or fashion decisions, then I am doing my job. I truly believe that women of any shape, size, or budget should all have the ability and the tools to look and feel their best.

Thank you again for all of the love and support! I’ve got some exciting things in the works that I can’t wait to share with all of you!

Dress Up

On August 27, 2012August 27, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

Call me old-fashioned, but there are certain events in life which I believe are completely acceptable (and in my personal rules of fashion, necessary), to dress up for. And not only are they are acceptable (or necessary, in my case), but they also pose as a fantastic excuse to pull something super cute out of your closet that you don’t get to wear very often.

Such was the case over the weekend when I was able to help host and attend a baby shower for one of my dearest friends who is expecting a baby girl in late September. It was a fabulous celebration full of wonderful ladies, lots of laughter and love, and lots and lots of pink. And not only that, but it was also the perfect occasion to wear my favorite dress which hasn’t gotten nearly enough love from me this summer.

Dress: RACHEL Rachel Roy via Macy’s (still in stock in stores!)

Sunglasses: House of Harlow via Nordstrom Rack

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Charm Bracelet: Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cocktail Ring: Macy’s

Clutch: Hobo International Belinda via Nordstrom

Shoes: Mia via DSW (last summer)

This dress is yet another example of why I love Rachel Roy so much. Her line for Macy’s is chic, beautiful, fits incredibly well, and its affordable. So if you haven’t tried any of her pieces on yet, I highly recommend heading to your local Macy’s and checking out the new fall line. I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed. 😉

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!!

Change in the Air

On August 20, 2012August 20, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

I hate to admit, but I can already feel it. Fall is starting to creep into late summer afternoons, the mornings and evenings are a little crisper, and long, lazy, sunlit summer nights are growing noticeably shorter each day. And while I adore fall, I can’t help but grieve the passing of summer every year. But, fortunately, in what could only be described as a coping mechanism fueled by my subconscious, I am suddenly gravitating towards richer colors and earthy pieces, and craving layers, scarves, and boots-a few of my favorite fall things.

So when I was packing to spend this past weekend in Sun Valley with one of my best friend’s from college, I knew that I wanted to bring pieces that still felt like summer but that were easy to layer in anticipation of an even more palpable feeling of fall in the air. And I couldn’t find anything more perfect in my closet than the below maxi dress-strapless with a high slit, but casual in fabric and print, neutral in color, and the perfect companion for a cardigan or dark denim jacket to keep me warm on chilly August evenings in one of my favorite mountain towns…

Instagram Filter: X-Pro II

Dress: Bar III via Macy’s

Large Gold Cuff: H&M

Gold Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Necklaces: Macy’s

Turquoise Cocktail Ring: Sundance Catalog

Cat Eye Sunglasses: LuLus

Gold Sandals: Mossimo for Target (old)

So while I will no doubt continue taking advantage of the warm weather and summer fashion for as long as I possibly can, pieces like this maxi will continue becoming increasingly more appealing-summer in style yet fall in their coloring making them easily transitional from this season to the next. Perfect hybrid pieces to fill the spaces in between…

Three’s Company

On August 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas6 Comments

When I was decorating my house (the fun part that finally came after the intense remodel), my mom shared the wisdom with me that everything looks better in sets of three. And, of course, through trial and error, I found that she is right (which of course she always is). So if you have the chance to come to my house, or check out posts I have done on home projects, take a look and you will find that all of my decor is done in sets of three, or in odd numbers-a terrific little secret to decorating that I have not only applied in my home, but also to fashion. Which of course brings me to the point of today’s post-color blocking.

Color blocking was HUGE this spring and summer and the trend is going to keep going strong into Fall. Hooray!!! Being the color person that I am, that makes me oh-so-very-happy. But one of the questions I am asked the most often is how to put together a color blocked look. And fortunately, the answer is pretty easy. Just like decorating, all you need to do is keep in mind the number three. I think most people gravitate towards putting together two colors when creating one of these looks, but three is really the way to go. And the easiest way to put together three colors (which anyone can do!) is to pick a solid color top, a different color solid bottom, and yet a different color solid shoe. Just make sure the tones of the color compliment each other and you will be set. And as you get more comfortable with color blocking you can also use your three colors in different ways, like I did below…

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Neon Purple Top: American Eagle (recent)

Blue Skirt: H&M (recent)

Neon Pink Belt: Macy’s

Neon Pink Chain Earrings: H&M

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Chain Bracelets: Oia Jules, Macy’s

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cocktail Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Neon Pink Bag: Rebecca Minkoff via Bloomingdales

Nude Patent Shoes: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom Rack

One of the things I love the most about this color blocked look is the mix of warm and cool tones. I love the coolness of the blue skirt and purple top back to the pop of a warmer neon pink. This outfit would also be great with yellow accessories, or neutral accessories and neon yellow shoes. And not only is this a look that just about anyone can put together and with pieces you most likely already own, it’s also going to be a great way to sneak those neons and bright colors that we all love into the fall season!

The Fab Four

On August 14, 2012August 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas7 Comments

When I look back on my summer wardrobe, there are four specific (fabulous) pieces that really stand out to me. Pieces that I not only wore more than just about anything else in my closet, but that will also all transition perfectly into my fall wardrobe. And good thing! Because I’m not ready to let go of any of them yet.

When J and I were in Montana on vacation, I was too busy playing all day everyday to ever save myself much time to get ready for evening fun. So most nights, I found myself rushing to get ready and throwing outfits together without much thought and absolutely zero rhyme or reason. And on one such night when getting dressed for dinner with our dear family friends, I just happened to throw on all 4 of these favorite thing at the same time-which is perhaps why I am so pleased with the results of this outfit!

So what are these fab four pieces?? Drum roll please!!!

1. Bubble Necklace: If you follow this blog you know how much I love my bubble necklace. And understandably, I am not alone in my obsession. This necklace is such a fantastic way to add a pop of color to any outfit and brighten up an other wise boring or mediocre ensemble. AND because of its popularity, there are now many sites offering a version similar to the original JCrew but for a fraction of the price. (check out these great finds here, here, and here)

2. Gap Skinny Jeggings: I LOVE these jeans. You can see them in just about any post where I am wearing pants. I have them in black and in a dark wash denim and both have become my go-to jeans, even with a closet full of cute bottoms. They have enough stretch that they are incredibly comfy, but don’t bag out and keep their shape all day long. The length is great, not too short, and not too long and bunchy at the ankles, and the fabric is the perfect density-not too thick and not too thin. AND Gap has them in store and online again. Check them out here.

3. DV by Dolce Vita Jude Wedges: These wedges are the best. They are incredibly comfy, a great height, and look really great on the leg with jeans or with skirts (check out yesterday’s post to see them with a skirt!). Dolce Vita actually had these shoes in their higher end line last year (the Jade) and because of their extreme popularity, created a version for their DV line this year at a little more affordable price. And right now many sites and stores have them on sale, so you can get a great deal on them (here, here, and here). Plus they look great with tights too (I also have them in red suede and can’t wait to wear them through the fall/winter!).

4. Denim Vest: Oh my love for this little denim vest just keeps going strong. Not only do I love it with dresses, and tanks, but I also love it over long sleeves. You can see some other ways I’ve styled it here, here, and here.

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Denim Vest: Macy’s (similar, similar)

Chiffon Top: H&M (recent)

Skinny Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans

Bubble Necklace: Ily Couture

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules

Cocktail Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cognac Wedges: Dolce Vita Jude

Even though I don’t want to see summer go, I’m already starting to get the urge to start layering, wearing boots, and shopping for fall. But this post is a good reminder that as we move from season to season it is always good to take stock and evaluate what you already own in your wardrobe and find pieces that you can transition (just like my fab four) so that you aren’t creating duplication and unnecessary repetition in your closet, all the while saving yourself some money!

Mixology

On August 13, 2012August 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love mixing stripes together! It is one of my absolute favorite looks-well, that and mixing stripes and polka dots. And while it might seem counter intuitive, it is more do-able than one might think. The only thing to keep in mind is some sort of contrast, whether it be in color, size, or direction.

When I bought the below skirt (which you can also see here), I didn’t just buy it because of my fondness for stripes, but because I also knew it would be a great base piece that I could use to create a variety of looks. And even though I always seem to gravitate towards creating more nautical looks with this skirt, I have gotten quite a bit of use out of it. But it occurred to me last week that one thing I hadn’t tried was pairing it back to a striped top. And because of its wide stripe, I knew it would be an excellent candidate to pair back to my favorite mini-stripe one-shoulder top. Slightly nautical, yet playful and fun-the perfect outfit to keep me cool on a super hot evening here in the SLC.

Instagram Filter: Hudson

Mini-Striped Top: Wet Seal (old)

Striped Skirt: H&M

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors

Earrings: The Icing

Belt: Mossimo for Target

Striped Cross Body Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Shoes: Dolce Vita Jude

And not only do I love mixing stripes, but I also love a good one-shoulder top or dress. It is one of my favorite silhouettes-such a fun, yet refined look. It always makes me feel a little extra glamorous and is a good way to step up a look without really putting forth much extra effort-anything that shows a little extra shoulder is a winner in my book!

Happy Monday!

FPF: Bobbi Brown Pale Pink Blush

On August 10, 2012August 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products7 Comments

Confession time. I love the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise. Not because I actually believe in the process, but because I love the sheer entertainment of it. Plus a lot of the women on the show have fabulous style and makeup and so the added fashion element makes it that much more interesting for me to watch. Enter Dana Weiss of Possessionista. If you haven’t heard of the Possessionista, then you are really missing out. Dana is a fabulous blogger who finds all of the items we covet on TV and on our favorite celebrities and shares with her readers what they are and where we can find them (plus she is down right hilarious). And that my friends, is how I discovered my adoration for Bobbi Brown’s Pale Pink Blush.

When Emily Maynard and Michelle Money were on Bachelor Brad’s season, not only did their makeup always look flawless, but they were both always sporting a gorgeous pop of bright pink blush on their cheeks-making me want to recreate that look with my makeup. And thanks to the Possessionista, I was able to track down their little beauty secret and I have been a convert ever since.

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Blush: Bobbi Brown Pale Pink (available at Nordstrom, Macy’s, Sephora)

Oh how I love this little blush. Even though it is called Pale Pink, it is actually a bright pink and is my secret to brightening up my face when I am feeling tired, a tool I use when I’m doing my make up for night out and need a little extra “oomph”, looks terrific when I’m not wearing much for make up at all, and is perfect to layer with my favorite bronzer. And while it might come in a tiny package, it sure can pack a punch (it’s extra pigmented so lasts a long time). Plus it is one of those perfect blushes that goes with just about any skin color and be worn with warm or cool tones. Truth be told, I don’t think I could survive without it in my make up bag. So if you are looking for the perfect pink blush, or something new to change up your makeup routine, look no further than this fabulous Bobbi Brown blush!

Happy weekend everyone!!

I’m on a Boat

On August 9, 2012August 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

One of my favorite things about the summer is spending time on the water. I love boating, swimming, fishing, rafting, floating on floaties, going to the pool-if there is water involved, you name it and I am there. And while I used to just throw on an old sundress or t-shirt over my bathing suit for the to and from, this summer I have actually been having more fun with it and putting forth a little more effort with my water excursion apparel. And with that, here are some of my current summer must-haves for all things water related (in addition to a fantastic bathing suit, of course!):

1. Neon Cut-Offs: I love cutoffs, always have, always will. But this year, I have been really quite enamored with all of the bright hues available. The below neon yellow shorts from American Eagle are my current favorite-nice and bright and not too short.

2. Off-the-shoulder Tee: While a t-shirt is a super easy thing to throw on over your bathing suit, an off-the-shoulder tee gives you a bit of a sexier, more fashion forward look, while still boasting all the comforts of a t-shirt. I also love how it shows some shoulder and part of your bathing suit when you are covered up

3. A Fedora: I love to get sun on my face, but now that I am getting older and have become much more diligent about protecting my skin, I like to have a hat with me to throw on to give my face (and hair) a break from the sun and heat. Plus its a great way to cover up messy hair!

4. A cute beach bag: I LOVE a good beach bag. And the below Saltbox tote has been going strong as my go-to tote for the last couple of years. Not only is it a really heavy, durable canvas that can withstand a lot of wear and tear but it’s also super bright with a cute, fun pattern. Plus it’s big enough to hold my sunscreen, beach towel (and my husband’s), a book, some snacks, a big bottle of water, and my hat (when I’m not wearing it).

5. Sunglasses: Obviously a no-brainer, but so important to protect those peepers while out on the water. Plus it’s a great way to add some style to your ensemble!

Instagram Filter: Lo-fi

Black off-the-shoulder tee: American Eagle (last summer)

Neon Yellow Shorts: American Eagle (this summer)

Gold Hammered Earrings: Street Vendor in San Francisco

Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Macy’s

Fedora: Macy’s (recent)

Medallion Tote: Saltbox via Sundance Catalog

Flip Flops: Dini’s Los Angeles (a cute company that adds embellishments to Havianas)

I also love to wear fun earrings with a bathing suit. Something about it feels very glamorous and oh-so-Beyonce to me. I’m not sure I could quite get myself to the point of ever wearing heels with a bathing suit, but earrings I can do. I have also seen lots of gals layer necklaces with bathing suits, which is a cute look, but one I have yet to try. Maybe that will be in order for our Vegas trip this fall.

P.S. Below are a few of my favorite bathing suits from this season-all by Roxy. I always have a hard time finding bathing suits that I think fit really well and all of these do. Plus they are great quality and come in a variety of styles and prints.