Casual Glam

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

For those of you that aren’t familiar, I mentioned in an earlier post that Park City is a pretty casual yet glamorous mountain town-a fabulous hybrid that makes it very easy to navigate wardrobe wise (minus a fluctuating temperature). Really, pretty much anything goes from a one shoulder dress, to a little lace skirt, to a hoodie and jeans. In PC, the choice is all yours. And because let’s face it, most of what we dress for in life is often times more casual than not, (even though we sometimes wish we could be more glamorous), I have a favorite item that I am always on the hunt for that foots the bill for both.

So, what it is?! It is a flowy racerback tank with a shirttail hem-my perfect go to top for a casual or glamorous look. Now don’t get me wrong, I love flowy tops just as much as the next person, but let’s face it, they are hard to wear and often times terribly unflattering. However a racerback brings it all in at the top and defines your shoulders and waist before falling to its widest part. And to further create a more flattering look, I especially love a racerback in tandem with a shirttail hem, eliminating the box cut which gives the top (and you!) a little more shape and flare. Plus the combo looks great back to skinnies or shorts making it an incredibly universal piece-which is of course why I love it so much. And with that said, here are a few things I look for when on the prowl for one of these shirts:

1. A Fun Color-something that is bright and interesting on its own, say back to a pair of cut offs, but something that would also look great with a pair of skinnies and heels and some fun jewelry

2. A Dressier Fabric-in today’s post, the silhouette of my top is incredibly casual, but it is made from a rich silky fabric that makes it feel perfect for evening with the right accessories

3. Length-I like these tops to be a little long, but not tunic length. They need to be just long enough that they work with skinnies, but short enough to wear with shorts

4. Strap Width-this summer I have been into skinnier racer back straps. They still aren’t the norm so it makes this simple top feel a little more special and differentiated-even if you are only wearing it with flip flops and jeans

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Tank: Forever21

Skinny Jeans: Gap (check in store-they are legging jeans)

Flower Necklace: TJMaxx (recent)

Chain Necklace: Macy’s (recent)

Bracelets: Oia Jules, Tiffany and Co., Thailand

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Orange Lipstick: MAC Morange

Shoes: Chinese Laundry (oldies but goodies)

I feel like I have been all over the place (literally) during the month of July. Summer is flying by and I feel like I’ve barely had time to take it in and enjoy. But the good news is, J and I are heading off on vacation tomorrow and traveling back to Montana for bike races and to see family and get some serious time in on the water. It’s a summer tradition and I couldn’t be more excited!!! Now I just need to get myself home from Idaho tonight to do some serious unpacking, laundry, and then pack myself up again. I’m not especially looking forward to that part, but what’s on the horizon will definitely make it worth my while!

Hope you are all having a fabulous week!

Day to Night

On July 3, 2012July 3, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

People often ask me for tips on how to create an outfit that you can take from day to night. And while the task might sound daunting, it is actually a pretty simple thing to do. All you have to do is think layering and remember that in these instances a cardigan or blazer can be your best ally.

Take the below outfit, for example. I paired my neon skinnies back a crisp white off-the-shoulder tee (perfect for an evening on the town), but layered it with a conservative white blazer to go about my day. Two looks, one day. Pretty easy, right?

White Blazer: Forever21 (recent)

White Off-the-Shoulder Tee: H&M (old)

Neon Coral Skinnies: American Eagle (recent)

Neon Necklace: Forever21 (recent)

Bracelets: Tiffany, Macy’s, Forever21

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Neon Pink Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden via the Overstock.com

J and I still love to go on dates, and due to our opposite schedules, I often find myself going straight from work to dinner or drinks. I run into the same issue when traveling for work, heading directly from the office to dinner with friends in whatever city I happen to be visiting. And because of these frequent situations, I find myself constantly having to create these types of looks. So with that said, the best words of wisdom I have to offer you when faced with creating a look you can take from day to night, is to really utilize those layering pieces in your closet. A blazer can be your best wardrobe friend. AND you can also bring a change of shoes and throw on some bright red lipstick to really up the ante for your evening look.

Hope everyone has a fabulous 4th!!!

Hindsight

On June 21, 2012June 21, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

I don’t always love the outfits I put together. And usually when I wear something that isn’t quite right, I find myself wishing for a “do-over” all day long (don’t you hate that feeling?). And since starting this blog, I now have my daily ensembles documented which has been an interesting journey in and of itself. And let me tell you, it can definitely be a blessing and a curse.

Take for example the below outfit. This blouse is one of my favorite items that I own and I thought I loved this look the day I wore it. BUT in reviewing these photos, I’m kind of having that “do-over” feeling-but can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s the belt? Maybe it’s the yellow cardi? Maybe the blouse is better suited with a skirt? Maybe I should have worn my hair down for this particular look? So i want to know what you think. Is this an ok outfit and I’m just being critical? Or am I correct in wishing for that “do-over”??

Silk Ruffle Blouse: JCrew (old)
Yellow Cardi: Nordstrom Rack (recent)
Skinny Jeans: Gap
Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Macy’s
Belt: Mossimo for Target
Bracelets: Tiffany and Co., Forever21
Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Chinese Laundry Love Me (last summer)

So while they say hindsight is 20/20, I’m not totally convinced that is exactly the case in this instance. So I suppose I will have to resolve myself to staying on the fence about this one. BUT the good news is, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Which indeed I will. 🙂

Concert Attire

On May 31, 2012May 31, 2012 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.

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Thank you for your love and support!!

The Cold Shoulder

On May 23, 2012May 23, 2012 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!!