Sundance – All Dolled Up

One of my favorite positions that I’ve ever held was when I managed the buying and product development for the Footwear and Accessories department at Sundance Catalog. It was my first big job in the fashion industry and I have been hooked ever since. And not only did it reassure me that I was meant to have a career in the retail world, but it also instilled in me a deep love for handbags (which I’m sure my hubby is especially grateful for). 😉

That said, I designed the below bag with my agent partner in Italy a couple of years ago. And of course since the Italians are much more fashion forward than we are, we were a little too far ahead of the fringe curve. So while it was always one of my favorite designs, it wasn’t featured in the catalog until after I’d departed. But with fringe popping up all over the place this season, I was happy I held onto my original sample. So while I’m still on the fence about fringed boots (and sweaters, for that matter), I can definitely rock a fringed bag.

Instagram Filter: Nashville

Faux Leather Jacket: BarIII for Macy’s, similar, similar, similar

Grey V-Neck: Victoria’s Secret Pink (best t’s ever)

Jeans: Gap

Pink Necklace: TJMaxx (old), similar

Sterling Monogram Necklace: Birthday Gift

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunnies: Target

Fringed Bag: my design for Sundance, similar, similar

Pointed Toe Pumps: Nine West

Another thing I should note in this post is the importance of owning a great biker jacket. They are a perfect fall staple and a simple way to dress up a t-shirt, a great piece to throw on when running out the door, and an easy way to sass up an otherwise sweet outfit. Leather or vegan, depending on your personal preference and price range, there is sure to be a style just right for everyone this fall. And with the progression of man-made materials, the faux options available this season are better than ever with many that could pretty much pass for the real thing. Fantastic style without breaking the bank? Count me in!

Happy Hump Day!

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. 🙂