Back To Reality

I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that our big trip to Nicaragua has come and gone and it’s back to the grind. But I must say that we had an absolutely incredible vacation-really it was the adventure of a lifetime. Once I get settled back into the swing of things and organize my photos (and my life!), I will be sure to share a post with a little more insight into our unforgettable time in paradise.

But for now, what better way to kick off the week than with a pretty punch of color back to a wintry white back drop. A little fashion cheer to brighten up a dreary Monday…

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20130127-205808.jpgInstagram Filter:  Mayfair

Pink Blazer:  H&M, similar, similar | Spotted Dress:  H&M, similar, similar | Leggings:  American Apparel | Sunnies:  Forever21 | Necklaces:  INC, JCrew, Nightlight International | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Charm Bracelet:  Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack | Watch:  Michael Kors | Pink Bag:  Kate Spade Georgina | Boots:  Steven by Steve Madden Brixx

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  Happy Monday, dolls!

xx

Little Red Riding Hood

Happy Friday, everyone! I don’t know about you, but this is always one of my very favorite weekends of the year.  And  do you know why? Because Thanksgiving is awaiting us just on the other side! I love the holidays so much, I can hardly stand it.

And with the holidays literally looming just around the corner, I finally caved and brought all of my winter coats out of storage. And as I was reviewing my personal inventory, I couldn’t help but be completely drawn to my red skirted coat. With color playing such an important role in fashion this year, I think that a brightly colored coat is an important investment that everyone should make this season. And because of the color trend, finding your perfect hue should make for a fairly easy task. Red is a great basic and a good investment because it will never go out of style, but I’ve seen everything from pale pink, to mustard, to vibrant shades of blue. So really, the choice is yours.

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Instagram Filter: Rise

Red Coat: ArdenB (last year), similar, similar, blue, mustard, rust, turquoise, purple, royal blue,

Leggings: ArdenB

Booties: Steve Madden (old), similar

Clutch: Hobo International Belinda

Last night J and I went on a little date in downtown SLC. We had a fun dinner at Flemmings and attended the unveiling of the iconic candy windows at our new downtown Macy’s. It was a fun tradition to be a part of and we were so impressed. Pretty amazing that these huge ornaments are all completely made of candy!!

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Happy weekend!

xx

Flannel Animal

I love a good flannel. In fact, if I could perfectly describe my fall/winter everyday style, the below outfit would be it. As much as I love to dress up, when the temperature drops, I always reach for a great pair of boots, my favorite pair of jeans, a cute flannel, and a cozy scarf to keep me warm on snowy, winter days…

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Flannel:  American Eagle (old), similar

Long Sleeved Grey Shirt:  American Eagle

Jenas:  American Eagle Hi Rise Super Skinny

Crossbody Bag:  Steve Madden (on sale at Nordstrom’s Half Yearly sale!!)\

Scarf:  Nordstrom (last year), similar

Sunnies:  Jessica Simpson

Boots:  Aldo Farmar, similar

As you can see from these photos, the temperature definitely took a tumble in the SLC this weekend.  We went from 72 degrees on Thursday, to a huge snowstorm that started on Friday morning and lasted all weekend-dropping  over 30 inches of snow at our house!  So not only was I forced to get out all of my winter apparel and shoes, but the snow shovels came out too.  If this is any indication of the winter we are going to have, then the skiing is going to be fantastic.  I can’t wait!

Happy Veterans Day!

xx

Take A Walk On The Wild Side

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.

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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!

xx

The One That Got Away

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.

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20121015-225201.jpgInstagram 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!!

xx

 

Saturdays in the Park

I love Saturdays in the Fall. My hubby races Cyclocross (a hybrid sport of mountain biking and road biking), and I look forward to getting out the cowbell and our SLR each weekend to cheer him on and snap photos of him for a change. It’s so nice to be out in the crisp fall air and have the opportunity to see so many different parks and areas around Utah that we normally wouldn’t get to explore!

This past Saturday brought us up to beautiful Ogden for race day. And while most races are in the morning and you can normally find me straight from boot camp running around the course in my LuluLemon gear and tennis shoes, this was an afternoon race so I actually had to wear real clothes for the occasion. However, I found myself a bit stumped as to what real clothes I could wear both to the race and then directly out for beers with friends following. I seem to have an easy time getting super dressed up or being super casual, but it’s the in between that I always find to be a struggle. So I did what any strategic thinking fashionista would do and I pulled out my favorite grey tee, my most comfy skinny jeans, my best worn in boots (with just enough of a heel that I could run around but not feel frumpy), and then threw on some fun jewelry and a leopard cardi for some spunk. And I have to say, it ended up being the perfect outfit for a casual, fun fall day.

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Instagram Filter: Amaro

Grey Tee: Victoria’s Secret Pink Essential V-Neck Tee (these are THE BEST!)

Leopard Cardi: H&M (last year) similar, similar, similar

Skinny Jeans: The Gap

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely via Etsy

Long Gold Necklace: Macy’s

Stone Charm: Stella and Dot

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Charm Bracelet: Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neon Bag: Steven by Steve Madden

Gold Aviators: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Cognac Boots: Aldo Farmar (last fall) similar

Neon was all the rage this past summer and will continue to be an important trend through the end of 2013. And while it does pose to be a bit more challenging, it is perfectly acceptable to layer it into your fall and winter wardrobe. When I bought my neon yellow bag a couple of months ago, I actually bought it with fall in mind. I knew it would look fantastic back to both grey and cognac and would be a great and simple way to add a pop of color to more earthy, cool weather looks. How would you style neon back to your fall neutrals?

xx

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FPF: Gold Cuffs

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!

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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!!!

xx

Giddyup

I LOVE a great chambray shirt. And perhaps even one step better is a great chambray shirt with a western flare. Maybe it’s my Montana roots that draw to me to this particular trend, or maybe it’s my current obsession with button-downs, but I can’t stop wearing them. Plus it doesn’t hurt that it’s one of those on-trend items that is a hybrid of fashion and comfort-something that doesn’t happen nearly as often as it should!

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Instagram Filter:  Amaro

Cowboy Chambray Shirt:  Forever21

Black Skinnies:  Clavin Klein

Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Necklaces:  Tiffany and Co., personal collection of charms

Silver Watch:  Michael Kors

Aviators:  Jessica Simpson via TJMAxx

Bag:  Steven by Steve Madden Bluuna

Animal Print Pumps:  Jessica Simpson (same shoe but solid color)

Another great thing about chambray shirts is that you can style them a multitude of different ways.  Not only do they look great back to black and animal print, but they also look great with cognac boots and accessories, colored denim (I especially love them with red skinnies), and, of course, tucked into sweet skirts for a flirty and edgy feel.  They are a great fall staple and I highly recommend adding one to your closet if you haven’t already.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

xx 

Green With Envy

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.

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20120918-232718.jpgInstagram 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!!

xx

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!!

Versatility

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.

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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!!

xx