Sugar and Spice

On January 3, 2013January 3, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

One thing I love about fashion right now is that just about anything goes. And one look that has particularly caught my eye as of late is mixing girly sequins back to rough and tumble boots (see this post) and plaids. I love the unexpected contrast and the mix of texture and styles. And of course it’s always fun to throw in a little print mixing to sweeten the pot.

Instagram Filter: Valencia

I knew I had to have this JCrew sequin shirt the minute I saw it. But I could not bring myself to pay the full ticket price for it, so I had to wait, and wait, and then wait some more for it to go on sale. But my patience paid off. A piece I love for a fraction of the retail price? Can’t beat that. Hope you are all having a great week-thank goodness it’s a short one!

Another Day, Another Dot

On December 13, 2012December 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I write a lot about mixing prints, but another fun fashion trend to try is mixing the same prints together. And really, it’s a pretty simple thing to do. All you have to do is make sure one is larger than the other, and that the colors compliment each other. You can also check out a post I did on mixing stripes here.

Instagram Filter: Amaro

White Polka Dot Button-Down: JCrew

Navy Polk Dot Sweater: JCrew

Black Skinnies: American Eagle Hi-Rise Super Skinny

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Anne Klein, similar

Shoes: Jessica Simpson Waleo

I didn’t intend to do so many posts with polka dots this week, but unwittingly, that seems to be what has happened. But the good news is, tomorrow’s post will be polka dot free. So please make sure to stop by and check out my favorite gift picks under $50. Only 12 more shopping days until Christmas!!!

Afro Circus

On December 11, 2012December 11, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas7 Comments

Whenever I put on polka dots, which seems to be pretty frequent these days, the Afro Circus song from Madagascar always seems to pop into my head. And if you’ve ever heard that song before, you’ll understand why I think it’s safe to say I’m as crazy about polka dots as Chris Rock.

Instagram Filter: Hudson

Chambray Shirt: American Eagle, similar

Long Sleeved Stripe Shirt: Macy’s, similar

Black Vest: Old Navy, similar

Black Skinnies: American Eagle Hi-Rise Skinny

Pearl Necklace: JCrew

Polka Dot Gloves: Target

Boots: Aldo Farmar, similar

I’ve always been a glove girl. But when I was doing some Christmas shopping at Target a couple of weeks ago and spotted these adorable polka dot mittens, I knew I needed to give them a try. And boy am I glad that I did! Not only are they incredibly comfy and cozy, but their sherpa lining kept my hands surprisingly warm at J’s final Cross race of the season on Saturday. Which also proved to be a very snowy and blustery day. I think it’s finally safe to say that winter has officially arrived in the SLC!!

Mix Master

On December 10, 2012December 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I saw a segment on Good Morning America last week about mixing prints and it left me feeling totally and completely confused. And in addition to feeling confused about the general purpose of the message, it also left me feeling sad because mixing prints can be oh-so-fun and easy too. If you just stick to a few basic rules, mixing prints is something anyone can do!

So with that said, if it’s your first time mixing prints or you consider yourself a beginner, try starting off with just two. Polka dots and stripes are a great compliment to each other and a simple place to start. Also consider the ground color of each print. A black base goes well back to a print with a white or brighter base, and smaller prints go well with larger prints. Contrast that complements, if you will. And if you are feeling unsure about mixing colors, a concoction of simple black and white always does the trick…

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Blazer: H&M, similar, similar

Striped Top: BarIII, similar, similar

Polka Dot Skirt: Cotton On, similar, similar, similar

Leggings: American Apparel

Leopard Belt: Express

Chain Necklace: Macy’s, similar, similar

Rhinestone Necklace: JCrew

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelets: Aldo

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Boots: BCBG, similar

Leopard is another easy print to mix. In fact, I consider leopard to be somewhat of a neutral and find it goes back to just about anything-especially polka dots and stripes. And of course because I have a hard time going without any color, I paired this look with a bold burgundy lip to add that little extra pop.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Gingham Style

On November 19, 2012November 19, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

Oh how I love to mix different textures and prints together. And currently topping my list right now are polka dots back to, well, pretty much anything. And while I have been trying to shield you all from my out-of-control addiction to polka dots, I think I may be on the verge of needing an intervention. Seriously. I am out of control.

But the good news about polka dots is that they play a very similar role to stripes. Meaning, you can pair them back to just about anything. And while polka dots and stripes are one of my all time favorite combos, lately I am becoming a huge fan of polka dots and plaids. Now normally when mixing prints a general rule of thumb is to mix something bigger with something smaller. But, of course, as you can see below, there are exceptions to every rule. And I have to say that I am loving my mini polka dot sweater back to my hot pink gingham button down…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Mini Polka Dot Sweater: Forever21

Pink Gingham shirt: JCrew Factory

Skinny Jeans: Gap

Heart Pendant: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Watch: Michael Kors

bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Sunnies: Calvin Klein

Neon Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Wedges: Aldo Terina (ON SALE!)

Our weekend went by so quickly. Even though it was packed full of events and fun outings, I almost feel like I blinked and now it’s Monday again. This time of the year always really flies by for me-I just wish the weekends would slow down a little. Sheesh.

Here’s to an abbreviated work week!

Polka Dots!

On September 26, 2012September 26, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I’ve had a thing for polka dots for as long as I can remember. And so, of course, I couldn’t be happier that they are all the rage this season. In fact, as I am writing this post, I am even wearing a pair of polka dot pants. And if that isn’t a declaration of my love for them, then I don’t know what it is. I mean really, polka dots pants? Shut the front door. So if you follow this blog, consider yourself warned-polka dots are going to be a common occurrence this fall. I just hope you like them as much as I do!

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Polka Dot Top: Lulus.com (sold out)

Belt: Mossimo for Target (old)

Necklace: JCrew (last summer)

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Skinny Jeans: Gap (these are the BEST ever)

Cognac Pumps: Boutique in Florence, Italy

Confession time. I did something in this post that I can’t remember the last time I did…I tucked in my shirt! Lol. With the popularity of skinnies and tunics, I guess the practice of tucking shirts went by the wayside for me a long time ago (well with the exception of tucking shirts into skirts, that I do all the time). And while I have to say that at first it felt fairly foreign to show my entire zipper and a belt, now that the initial shock has worn off, I actually really like the look. And since the trend is moving in this direction, I guess that is a good thing!

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Mix Master

On April 29, 2012April 29, 2012 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!

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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