Pencil Me In

On July 19, 2012July 19, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

I love a great pencil skirt-perfect for the office and super flattering. I would even go as far as to wear one for an evening out on the town with a cute strapless top, graphic tee, or one shoulder blouse-it really is one of those universal styles that just about anyone can wear. But one thing I’ve not ever really given a lot of thought to is the pencil dress-equally as flattering and easy to wear, and even perhaps a bit more versatile. And with dresses currently being my favorite go-to pieces in my closet this summer, this silhouette has suddenly found its way to the top of my “love” list.

And it was all inspired by this dress that I found at the JCrew Factory store in Park City earlier this summer. As soon as I saw it, I immediately knew it would be the perfect day-to-night piece to add to my closet. Because of the pencil styling, long length, and black and white stripes, it is perfectly appropriate to wear work with a cardi or blazer (even on days when I have to wear all black!), but also transitions seamlessly into an evening look with some fun accessories and bare shoulders. This is one of those pieces where I would definitely buy it in multiple colors if I could. Too bad that isn’t an option…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Dress: JCrew Factory

Black Cardi: Nordstrom (recent)

Pink Necklace: Thia Pan Trading Company (local Utah store)

Skinny Belt: Cotton On

Gold Bracelets: Forever21, Oia Jules

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Sunglasses: Steve Madden via TJMaxx

Shoes: Steve Madden via Overstock.com Outlet Store

Truth be told, I was originally drawn to this dress in neon pink-the only other color they had available. But unfortunately, they were sold out in my size. *sigh* And search as I may, I haven’t been able to find it anywhere-leading me to believe that perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be. But because I can’t quite get the other color version out of the back of my mind, it felt only natural to accessorize my black and white version with pink accessories. As close as I’m going to get, so I guess I’ll take it. 😉

Happy Thursday-the end is in sight!

Feathers and Lace

On July 17, 2012July 17, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Last week was a tour of small town America for me. I spent the better part of the work week in Casper, WY visiting one of my stores only to come back to the SLC and turn around and head straight to Beaver, UT to cheer my hubby on in the Crusher (an insane mountain bike race in the Tushar mountains). And while it was a fun event and my hubby did amazing, I couldn’t have been happier to get home to the SLC on Saturday evening and sleep in my own bed! I also couldn’t have been happier when my hubby suggested that we head out to a fun dinner on Satruday night to celebrate his stellar performance.

And truth be told, after a week in small towns, I was feeling pretty casual, so decided it was a perfect opportunity to wear my cute white lace top (first mentioned here) back to some skinny jeans, and finished the look with feather earrings to create a bohemian cool feel-which was fitting for our evening and my mood.

White Lace Top: INC via Macy’s

White Tank: H&M

Skinny Jeans: Gap (sold out online-but check our local store!)

Flower Clutch: Coach (last summer)

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules via Etsy

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Feather Earrings: The Icing (last summer)

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Rampage via TJMaxx

Gold Wedges: Steve Madden via Dillards (recent)

As I said in my previous post about lace, it really is a perfect summer piece. Whether you prefer it in shorts, a skirt, a top or in color or neutrals, you really can’t go wrong. And not only is it of course “on trend” this summer, but lace is timeless and something you can hold onto in your closet until it comes back around again-which it always does.

Two Worlds Collide

On July 10, 2012July 10, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

What do you get when you combine one of my very favorite things from my college days with one of my favorite places in the state of Utah? A little slice of heaven and one pretty perfect night. *Sigh*

When I was attending Vanderbilt University, I had hopes and dreams of one day becoming a country singer. And because of my love affair with music, one thing that I loved to do during my Nashville days was hit up the Bluebird Cafe and take in all of that incredible Nashville talent. It was such an amazing opportunity to have the chance to hear the incredible musicians who actually pen the tunes we hear on the radio performed by our favorite mainstream artists. So when I found out last summer that the beautiful Sundance Resort hosts a Bluebird Cafe singer/songwriter series for 3 Fridays every summer, I knew I had to go. Two integral parts of my life colliding in such an unexpected (and fantastic) way? I mean really, what are the chances???

And even though I had to wait a year (the series had already happened last summer when I found about it), it was at the very top of my summer to-do list this year. So when J’s mom and dad came to town last week, we knew it was the perfect event for the four of us. And it was.

Maxi Dress: Macy’s (recent)
Bracelets: H&M, Forever21, Tiffany and Co.
Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s
Feather Earrings: Aldo, H&M
Denim Jacket: Else by Joes Jeans via Macy’s (recent)
Shoes: Steve Madden (old)

We had such an amazing time that night that I’m already trying to convince J that we need to go again!! It really was just the perfect evening-makes my heart happy just thinking about it. Plus it was cool enough that I finally got to wear my new denim jacket-which ironically enough was at the top of my summer must-have list. Apparently it was just one of those nights when all of the stars aligned. So the moral of today’s post is that if you live in Utah, I highly recommend catching the Bluebird Cafe at Sundance, and if you don’t yet own a denim jacket, then it’s definitely time you invest.

P.S. And I made a point to use the Nashville filter on theses photos-obviously no other filter was going to do. 🙂

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!!!

Casual Cool

On June 20, 2012June 20, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas5 Comments

Contrary to what you might think, I don’t get really dressed up very often. Obviously I love to write posts and share all of my fun outfit ideas with you guys, but truth be told, if you were to bump into me out running errands around the SLC, chances are you would find me wearing something similar to the below. In the summertime, my general uniform is a great pair of cutoffs (I’m especially partial to white) back to a tee, or a great button down (for a slightly more put together look). So when Justin and I had a mini-golf date with our littles followed by a trip to the new City Creek Center and beers on the patio at the Beer Hive, I knew for once exactly what I was going to wear (without really even putting any thought into it). And sometimes, simple as they are, those are often times my favorite outfits.

Gingham button down: JCrew
White Cut Off Shorts: American Eagle
Neon Bag: Rebecca Minkoff via Bloomingdales
Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s
Bracelets: Tiffany and Co., Forever21, H&M
Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW

I am so in love withy the color of this JCrew shirt-and the fabric and gingham are a perfect summer combo. In fact I’m not at all surprised that this is actually called “The Perfect Shirt”. So if you are looking for a great fitting, lightweight summer button down, I would highly recommend this one. Plus they have a huge variety of different colors and prints-something for everyone I’m sure!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!

The Long And The Short Of It

On June 11, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas7 Comments

I love shorts, but truth be told, the majority of the shorts in my closet have always been some form of denim or another, and the majority of those have had cut off hems-which is great for summer, and might I add practical (yes, practical). But now that shorts have taken on a whole new meaning and are a must-have summer fashion staple, I knew that in preparation for warmer weather I had to reassess and add some pieces to my wardrobe that could be worn with sky-high heels or in lieu of a skirt.

Featherweight Sweater: JCrew (recent)

Purple Sateen City Shorts: JCrew (recent)

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: H&M, Forever21, Tiffany and Co.

Shoes: Steve Madden via DSW

There are so many fun options out there when it comes to shorts-from bright solid colors, to fun tribal patterns, to sweet lace versions, I guarantee there is a style out there for everyone. And while I won’t be giving up my cut-off denim shorts any time soon (and you shouldn’t either!), I am happy to add some of these fun, dressier options to my wardrobe-it’s always good to change things up a bit!!

Happy Monday!!

Strawberry Banana

On June 5, 2012June 5, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

We’ve already established that I LOVE color. However, since I started writing this blog, I have noticed (among many other things) that I definitely tend to gravitate towards more vibrant and saturated hues. I don’t own a lot of pastels and am never particularly drawn to them-BUT there are certain occasions where I can’t think of anything that would be more appropriate. And the two occasions that stand out in my mind above all others are wedding and baby showers-something about the softness of pastels just seems to lend itself perfectly to these types of events.

We had a surprise wedding luncheon for one of my co-workers this week and while it was a little casual for a dress, I still wanted an outfit appropriate for the occasion and thought it would be fitting to break out my favorite new pink jeans and pair them back to a pale yellow top complete with nude heels. A soft and sweet look perfect for such a casual celebration and a little reminiscent of strawberries and bananas. 😉

Sunglasses: Calvin Klein via Macy’s Sunglass Hut (recent)

Yellow Ruffle Top: Forever21 (recent)

Pink Jeans: The Limited (recent)

Nude Pumps: Steve Madden via Overstock.com

Necklaces: Tiffany and Co., and my own personal collection of charms

Watch: Michael Kors via Macy’s

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Diamond Cocktail Ring: Macy’s

Truth be told, I don’t wear a lot of accessories during the work week. I steer clear of a lot of arm candy since it clanks around on my desk and computer, and really limit the amount of jewelry I wear in general because a) it takes a lot of effort for me that early in the morning and b) I feel like less is more when it comes to a professional environment. Plus, I like the idea of feeling like my weekend and date night outfits are extra special compared to what I am wearing to work day in and day out.

P.S. I used my favorite new Instagram filter for this post-1977. I just love how these pictures remind me of photos of my mom when she was young in the summertime.

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.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Blog Lovin’. You can also find me on Pinterest and Instagram: AisAllDolledUp

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!!

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!