Sunshine On My Shoulder

On April 22, 2013April 21, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized1 Comment

It finally happened this weekend-the sun came out. We have had such a cold spring here in the SLC, it really feels like it has been forever since that’ s happened. Between all of the rain, and snow, and cold we have been having, I couldn’t have been happier that big, beautiful, ball of fire in the sky finally decided to shine down us. And even though it was a little chilly, it still seemed appropriate to wear a dress for the occasion…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

There are two items that I am wearing in this outfit that are absolute staples in my wardrobe. And on top of that, they are two things that I think every gal should own. The first is a great jean jacket. Perfection to throw on in the spring time over dresses or sleeveless tops when the weather is still a touch chilly, and also ideal for cool summer nights. And then of course, my tried and true favorite cognac pumps. Even though they are heels, the neutral color makes them feel a touch more casual, the color goes with everything, and the heel height on this particular pair lets me walk around all day in long in them. So if you are looking to purchase a couple of staples this spring, these are both items that should definitely be considered!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

P.S. It’s not too late too late to shop my Stella & Dot trunk show! Just click here to check out so many amazing things-including my favorite Renegade bracelet featured in today’s post!

Arm Candy

On April 11, 2013April 10, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized1 Comment

I love me some arm candy, or an arm party, or a little wrist bling-whatever you want to call it. It’s such a fun (and affordable!) way to change up an outfit. And while of course anything goes, I am definitely finding myself gravitating towards the mix of girly and edgy. Specifically, bows and spikes paired together in perfect harmony. I mean really, where else can you get away with a combination like that?

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

I also wanted to take a minute and thank everyone who entered the Stella & Dot giveaway! I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to share one of my favorite pieces with one of my readers. Click here to see if you are the lucky winner!

Happy Thursday!

My Vest Accessory

On March 19, 2013March 18, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized3 Comments

If you follow this blog, then you know how obsessed I have been with my denim vest over the span of the last year. And to be totally honest, I don’t see my love affair with denim vests dying out anytime soon. But when I was in H&M recently and spotted this long, lean, surplus vest complete with a little sparkle, I knew my favorite denim version might finally have met its match.

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If you haven’t caved and tried the vest trend yet, I highly recommend giving one a whirl. Not only are they fresh and fun, but they a perfect accessory to change up your look without breaking the bank!

Happy Tuesday!

Emerald City

On March 8, 2013March 8, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

A while back, I wrote this post about emerald, Pantone’s color of the year. And given its current popularity, coupled with the opening of Oz The Great and Powerful tonight, what can I say? Emerald is on my mind…

Instagram Filter: Amaro

Another trend I can’t seem get off my mind? Peplum! So fun and flirty and so many ways to wear it. Currently, I am loving it layered over button downs.

Happy weekend, dolls!!

Pink Punch

On February 26, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I am finding that my bright pink Kate Spade bag is the perfect complement to so many outfits. And since pink and navy is one of my absolute favorite color combos ever, it was obviously the perfect accessory choice to brighten up a little blue on blue.

Instagram Filter: Hudson

I am finding myself becoming obsessed with hot pink lipstick as of late. And although I feel a little funny when I wear it (it is awfully bright!), I can’t seem to stop. My current favorite? MAC Candy Yum Yum. So in this season where bright lips rule, make sure it’s a trend you experiment with at least once or twice!

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!

Prep Academy

On November 5, 2012November 5, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

I’ve never been one to be drawn to creating super preppy looks in my wardrobe. In fact, when I hear the word “preppy”, AC Slater’s pet name for Zach Morris is typically the first thing that comes to mind. But every once in a while, I do feel compelled to put together a slightly more preppy look. And for whatever reason, when I come up with one of these outfits, it usually has something to do with stripes, blazers, and the color navy.

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Striped Tee: Gap (on sale!!!)

Navy Elbow Patch Blazer: H&M (old), similar, similar

Jeans: American Eagle Hi-Rise Super Skinny

Cat Eye Sunglasses: LuLu’s, similar

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors

Handbag: Michael Kors Hamilton

Boots: Vince Camuto Almay (last season), same boot in black, similar

I am totally smitten with my new Vince Camuto boots. As I said in my previous post, my favorite Aldo cognac boots are pretty worn out and I have been on the hunt for a new pair. In fact, I actually bought these Vince boots last year in black and they quickly became one of my favorites. So after scouring all of the new boot styles this season and not loving anything I found, I made it my mission to track down my Almay boots in the cognac color. And while it did pose to be a challenge, I finally found them (for a great price!) on eBay. And while the color is a touch more red than I would prefer, they are super comfy and stylish and I get tons compliments on them wherever I go!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!

I Heart Shoes

On November 1, 2012November 1, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

It’s no secret that I love mustard and navy together. A perfect combination, if you will (which you can read about here and here). And on top of a great color combination, nothing makes me feel better when getting dressed in the morning than putting a few of my favorite things together-which of the moment are a great blazer, anything striped, and as always, a fantastic pair of shoes. Because shoes, at least for me, make everything that much better.

Instagram Filter: Hefe

Mustard Blazer: INC via Macy’s

Striped Top: H&M (old), similar

Skinny Jeans: Gap

Earings: Target

Watch: Michael Kors

Spike Bracelets: Aldo

Necklace: Macy’s, similar

Bow Pumps: Kelsi Dagger via TJmaxx, same shoe

I love shoes. Nothing completes an outfit for me like a fabulous pair of kicks. Maybe it’s because I have spent my career as a shoe buyer and designer, or maybe it’s my destiny, but shoes are and always will be my favorite fashion accessory. And as crazy as it might make my husband (sorry J!), I just can’t help myself . Pretty sure I’ll be a shoe collector for life.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween!

Mixology

On August 13, 2012August 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love mixing stripes together! It is one of my absolute favorite looks-well, that and mixing stripes and polka dots. And while it might seem counter intuitive, it is more do-able than one might think. The only thing to keep in mind is some sort of contrast, whether it be in color, size, or direction.

When I bought the below skirt (which you can also see here), I didn’t just buy it because of my fondness for stripes, but because I also knew it would be a great base piece that I could use to create a variety of looks. And even though I always seem to gravitate towards creating more nautical looks with this skirt, I have gotten quite a bit of use out of it. But it occurred to me last week that one thing I hadn’t tried was pairing it back to a striped top. And because of its wide stripe, I knew it would be an excellent candidate to pair back to my favorite mini-stripe one-shoulder top. Slightly nautical, yet playful and fun-the perfect outfit to keep me cool on a super hot evening here in the SLC.

Instagram Filter: Hudson

Mini-Striped Top: Wet Seal (old)

Striped Skirt: H&M

Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Watch: Michael Kors

Earrings: The Icing

Belt: Mossimo for Target

Striped Cross Body Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Shoes: Dolce Vita Jude

And not only do I love mixing stripes, but I also love a good one-shoulder top or dress. It is one of my favorite silhouettes-such a fun, yet refined look. It always makes me feel a little extra glamorous and is a good way to step up a look without really putting forth much extra effort-anything that shows a little extra shoulder is a winner in my book!

Happy Monday!

Favorite Product Friday: Skinny Belts!!!!

On June 1, 2012June 1, 2012 By all dolled upIn Favorite Products, Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized6 Comments

Since this was a short week (which by the way felt like one of the longest weeks EVER), and I only got around to one true outfit post, I thought I would make this Friday’s Favorite Product post a bit of a hybrid. That said, today I want to talk about skinny belts.

I have never been a huge belt person, but because of my obsession with TLC’s What Not to Wear, Clinton Kelly planted a little bug in my ear many years ago: you always want to accentuate the smallest part of your waist. Seemingly a no brainer, but tougher than you would think given the current trends-all those long, flowy tops which are not particularly easy to wear. But about a year and a half ago, I discovered J’s Everyday Fashion and noticed she was putting belts back to just about every outfit and a little light went off in my head. What better way to accentuate the smallest part of your waist than with a belt??? Duh!! At that moment, I started collecting belts here and there and find that I now wear them all the time. And not only are they a great way to feel thinner by accentuating your waist, but because they are available in so many colors and styles, they are a fabulous accessory and a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit.

Striped Top: H&M (recent)

Skirt: BCBGMaxazria (last summer)

Sunnies: Guess via TJMaxx

Earrings: The Icing (recent)

Necklace: Basil the Cat via Etsy

Pink Skinny Belt: Cotton On (recent)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Shoes: Overstock.com (old and cute, but horribly uncomfortable) 😦

You can also check out some other examples of how to wear skinny belts here, here, here, here, and here.

One word of caution. Be careful of the width of the belt. Sometimes the wider the belt, the less it does for your figure. I find that skinnier belts seem to work better and be more flattering. But have fun and play around with them to figure out how to make belts best work for you. Just remember to make sure you accentuate the smallest part of your waist to achieve the most flattering look!!

Happy weekend and Happy June!!!!