Take A Walk On The Wild Side

On October 31, 2012October 31, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I heart leopard pants. And while I know they seem like a scary and silly thing to add to your wardrobe, I urge you to step out of that comfort zone of yours and try a pair. I swear, every time put mine on, I feel sassy, and fun, and super stylish. Plus they are surprisingly flattering. Especially if you go with a smaller print, like I talked about in this post.

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Off-The-Shoulder Top: H&M (old) similar

Leopard Pants: Else by Joe’s Jeans (exclusively at Macy’s)

Earrings: The Icing

Black Cocktail Ring: Florence, Italy

Bracelet: Target (old)

Watch: Michael Kors

Bag: Steven by Steve Madden

Wedges: Madden Girl by Steve Madden

My parents were in town over the weekend and my dad wanted to watch J and I take blog photos-which was somewhat awkward for me, but sweet that he wanted to see how this whole blogging thing works. And while he couldn’t have been more supportive, I have to say that he was not nearly as appreciative of my leopard pants as I hope you all will be! I suppose they are just one more thing we can add to the list of things men don’t understand. 😉

Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts out to my all of my friends on the east coast. Stay safe!

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!!

Lip Service

On October 11, 2012October 11, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

As much as I love color, sometimes I just want to wear something neutral that doesn’t require much effort or coordination. But because I love color so much, those types of outfits always feel slightly boring to me. Well thank goodness for bright lips and nails to solve that dilemma!! In addition to accessories (of course), one of my favorite ways to add a pop of color to an outfit is either on my nails or on my lips. And while pretty, polished nails are always a staple for me, lately I have found that a swipe of bright lipstick not only adds interest, but brightens the face making me look and feel younger, and maybe even a teeny, tiny bit (gasp!) sexy. And come on, who doesn’t want to look and feel young and sexy???

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Printed Blouse: The Limited (on sale!!!)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap

Watch: Michael Kors

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Sunglasses: House of Harlow

Cocktail Ring: Gift from my J

Studded Pumps: Vera Wang for Kohl’s (sold out) similar

Orange Lipstick: MAC Morange

I think I will always be more of a lip gloss girl, but am finding that I’m wearing lipstick more and more frequently. And while these are still far and away my favorite, MAC has some fantastic colors and I find their lipsticks to be very comfortable when layered with a chapstick or a lip gloss. And while I’ve been bold and tried everything from hot pink, to orange, to bright red, one trend I haven’t tried yet is a burgundy lip. Oh the drama!!! But I think I’m ready to give it a go. Stay tuned…

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!

Left, Right, Left

On October 2, 2012October 4, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

An army surplus jacket is a fantastic staple to add to any wardrobe-and for an abundance of reasons. The first being that they go with just about anything from jeans and boots, to frilly dresses, to skirts with heels. They also make for the perfect layering piece this time of year when it’s too warm for a heavier coat, but too cool to go without. Plus they are just down right cute, which is obviously what really counts. 😉

Instagram Filter: XProIII
Army Surplus Jacket: Forever21
Apple Button-down: The Gap
Skinny Jean:The Gap Legging Jean
Sunnies: Calvin Klein
Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.
Watch: Michael Kors
Long Gold Necklace: Macy’s
Tooth Charm: Stella and Dot
Monogram Necklace:
Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Boots: Aldo Farmar

This past weekend marked 6 years to the day that J asked me to marry him. And oh what an amazing engagement weekend it was. So in honor of such an important day in our lives we decided to spend the day up in Park City to celebrate, enjoy the gorgeous fall weather, and take a little stroll down memory lane. And not only did we have a fabulous time, but it was the first time I have worn boots all season. Now don’t get me wrong, I adore boot season and was happy to pull my favorite pair out of summer storage, but I have to admit it felt a bit strange to put socks on with anything other than tennis shoes. Guess I better get used to it.

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!

P.S. Don’t forget to like me on FB and follow me on twitter! Just scroll down a little further and you will find the links at the bottom of this page! You can also find me on Instagram: AllDolledUpBlog

Thank you for your support!

Green With Envy

On September 18, 2012September 19, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I’ve always had a thing for kelly green. It is such a pretty color and of course reminds me of my Irish heritage (small as it may be). So needless to say I’ve been a wee bit disappointed the last few years that the only chance I’ve had to wear it is in celebration of St. Patty’s day. Well fortunately, that is all changing this season, because ladies and gentlemen, kelly green is back. And with a vengeance.

I’ve been seeing a lot of shades of wine and bordeaux this fall (which I am really excited about), and of course the tried and true jewel tones. But perhaps the one thing I have been the most pleasantly surprised by is the expansion beyond teals and into the realm of kellys and emeralds. So when I was checking out the H&M in downtown Seattle a couple of weeks ago and spotted this fabulous blazer in such a gorgeous shade of green, I knew it had to be mine.

Instagram Filter: Rise

Blazer: H&M (recent) similar, similar

Mirror Print Top: H&M (recent)

Jeans: Gap Jeggings (on sale!)

Sunglasses: House of Harlow via Nordstrom Rack

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Earrings: Judith Bright Lolita Earrings

Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Supersonic

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden similar

Perhaps the thing that excites me the most about this blazer (besides its delicious color) is the fact that it goes with so many things in my closet. I gravitated towards a warmer weather look in this outfit (it is still in the 80’s here, after all!), but I can’t wait to pair it back to cozy grey sweaters, lacey cream blouses, and knee-high cognac boots. I’m telling you ladies, if there is one thing that should be at the top of your fall wish list this season, it is a colored blazer.

Happy Wednesday!!

P.S. My site is currently undergoing some construction-more to come in the near future!! But in the meantime, thank you for your patience and also please note that my domain has changed to:

http://www.alldolledupblog.com

But don’t worry, you can still access the site through the original web address!!

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!

Watercolors

On August 8, 2012August 7, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

It’s no secret I love prints of all colors, patterns, and variations. They are such a fun and easy way to add interest to any outfit. Plus, with the recent acceptability to mix prints of all kinds, they lend to creating endless outfit combinations in your closet.

One of my favorite places to find a good print is at H&M. Since specific patterns don’t tend to stay on trend for very long periods of time, I don’t typically like to invest in them, but rather prefer to pick up inexpensive and fun prints that I can play with for a time and easily let go when they have run their course. Such is the case with the below top. While I have lots of great prints in my closet, I don’t have any watercolor prints, so knew it was a perfect addition to my closet the moment I saw it. I love how feminine this top is and that it is one of those great hybrids that I can wear for work or play. Plus, it’s just long enough that I can tie it at the waist if I so desire!

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Watercolor Top: H&M (recent)

Black Ankle Skinnies: Gap

Neon Yellow Necklace: Forever21 (recent)

Charm Necklace: Personal Collection

Silver Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Earrings: The Icing

Pink Studded Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Pink Shoes: Jessica Simpson Waleo via Macy’s

In addition to being pretty, and feminine, and versatile, I also love that this top is a very unique multi-color ombre-essentially it goes with just about everything. So when you are out shopping for prints, try to look for something similar to this top that will not only allow you to be creative, but will also function as an easy piece to accessorize and pair with multiple items in your closet.

Happy Wednesday!