Denim and Lace

On February 12, 2013February 11, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I LOVE denim shirts. The way I see it, wearing one is kind of like flipping your outfit upside down-just like a great pair of jeans, a great denim shirt goes with everything. And because I always love my favorite skinnies back to a lace shirt, this outfit combo was a no brainer…

Instagram Filter: Rise

I guess I figured since I still have a bit of a tan from our vacation I could get away with bare legs and boots. But truth be told, tan or not, it was a little chilly to be without tights. And I hate to say it, because we have a long ways to go, but boy am I ready for summer!!

Thanks for reading!

Afro Circus

On December 11, 2012December 11, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas7 Comments

Whenever I put on polka dots, which seems to be pretty frequent these days, the Afro Circus song from Madagascar always seems to pop into my head. And if you’ve ever heard that song before, you’ll understand why I think it’s safe to say I’m as crazy about polka dots as Chris Rock.

Instagram Filter: Hudson

Chambray Shirt: American Eagle, similar

Long Sleeved Stripe Shirt: Macy’s, similar

Black Vest: Old Navy, similar

Black Skinnies: American Eagle Hi-Rise Skinny

Pearl Necklace: JCrew

Polka Dot Gloves: Target

Boots: Aldo Farmar, similar

I’ve always been a glove girl. But when I was doing some Christmas shopping at Target a couple of weeks ago and spotted these adorable polka dot mittens, I knew I needed to give them a try. And boy am I glad that I did! Not only are they incredibly comfy and cozy, but their sherpa lining kept my hands surprisingly warm at J’s final Cross race of the season on Saturday. Which also proved to be a very snowy and blustery day. I think it’s finally safe to say that winter has officially arrived in the SLC!!

Holiday Dressing

On November 26, 2012November 26, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

I love planning outfits for the holidays. In fact, I already know what I’m wearing on Christmas Eve (which also happens to be my absolute favorite day of the year). But truth be told, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday to dress for because it’s the only holiday where it’s perfectly acceptable to wear your stretchiest pants and be totally casual. And so, this year, in true Thanksgiving fashion, I opted to wear my favorite grey t-shirt, stretchiest legging jeans, and go-to wedge boots for a lovely dinner with friends. But because I was feeling festive and wanted to dress things up just a little, I also added fun accessories and a cute (but comfy)Rachel Roy twill jacket to complete my look. And let me tell you, a cute and stylish jacket (much like a fantastic pair of shoes) is a super easy way to dress up any outfit-a little secret weapon in your closet, if you will!

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Hunter Green Jacket: Rachel Rachel Roy, similar, similar, similar

Grey T-Shirt: Victoria’s Secret Pink Essential V-Neck

Skinny Jeans: Gap, similar

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Spike Bracelets: Aldo

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Monogram Necklace: Ketti Sorely Designs

Large Pendant: Stella and Dot Leona (ON SALE!!!!!)

Sunnies: Target

Leopard Cross Body Bag: Betsy Johnson

Wedge Boots: Steve Madden Brix, similar, similar

I still can’t believe another Thanksgiving has come and gone. Why is it that the things we always look forward to the most always seem to pass us by the quickest? But on the bright side, I can now officially put up my Christmas decorations, play Christmas music to my little heart’s content, and even eat Christmas cookies for breakfast if I feel so inclined (don’t judge). It really is the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it?

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!!

Fringe Benefits

On November 14, 2012November 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas11 Comments

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!

Layer It On

On November 13, 2012November 13, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

One of the best parts of fall and winter fashion is…layers!! I love that it is totally acceptable to take a few of your favorite pieces and layer them one on top of the other for a cozy and eclectic look. You can mix patterns, prints, different materials and textures-pretty much anything goes. But if you aren’t sure how to layer, a good place to start is with a buttondown underneath a sweater. And from there you can add a scarf, a light jacket (that would fit under something heavier), a boyfriend buttondown, or even a fun vest. Once you establish a great base, your options are really pretty endless…

Instagram Filter: Brannan

Sweater Vest with Fur Collar: Macy’s (on sale and it’s even called the Dolled Up Vest!!)

Grey Sweater: H&M (old), similar

Purple Plaid Buttondown: TJMaxx (old), similar

Skinny Pants: Gap

Gloves: Smartwool, similar

Heart Pendant: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Watch: Michael Kors

Boots: Vince Camuto, similar

I still can’t get over all of the snow we have right now. But the fantastic thing about Utah snow is as quickly as it comes, it’s usually just as quick to go (at least down in the valley). Although with the holidays just around the corner, I’m secretly hoping it will stick around for a while. In fact, it’s all I can do not to get out the Christmas decorations and music (but I try my best to wait until Thanksgiving to start my Christmas celebration-otherwise I’d drive J mad). So I just have to make it one more week, and then it’s game on. 😉

Thanks for reading!

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Rock Your Vote

On November 6, 2012November 6, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

When I was a freshman at Vanderbilt University and George Bush and Al Gore were running against each other for President, Al Gore held his democratic campaign party in downtown Nashville on election night. It was exciting to be in such close proximity to a piece of the election and my friends and I were even on MTV in an interview for Rock the Vote. It was also the first year I was able to vote in a presidential election. It was a big deal for me to be able to vote back then, and twelve years later I am still grateful to the have the opportunity. We are afforded so many freedoms in this country, one of which being the right to use our voices and exercise our right to vote. So please get out there and cast you vote today. It is a privilege that we should all be so lucky to take advantage of.

Instagram Filter: Walden

Dark Red Pants: Else by Joe’s (exclusively at Macy’s)

Chambray Shirt: Forever21

Leopard Scarf: H&M (last year) similar

Earrings: Target, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cognac Pumps: Boutique in Florence, Italy, similar

Instead of red, white, and blue, today’s look is red, leopard, and blue. A fall take on a summer patriotic look, if you will. But in all seriousness, this is one of those outfits that is a go-to fall uniform for me. Red and chambray look great together, and the leopard gives it a bit of spunk, which I love. The red jeans and chambray shirt would also look great with leopard shoes, or cognac boots instead of pumps back to the leopard scarf.

Happy election day!!! Now get out there and rock your vote!!!

Drop It Like It’s Hot

On October 29, 2012October 29, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized1 Comment

Drop. Waist. Dresses. I am absolutely LOVING this look. It is so fresh and such a welcome update to all of the trends we have been seeing as of late. They are fun, flirty, and a fall must-have if you love to wear dresses (like I do). And given my penchant for mixing sassy and sweet, I knew the combo of leather and chiffon made this dress a must have for my fall wardrobe…

Instagram Filter: Hefe

Drop Waist Dress: The Limited (ON SALE!!!!), similar long-sleeve version

Long Sleeve Shirt: DownEast Outfitters

Sunglasses: Target (old)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Spike Bracelets: Aldo

Clutch: Michael Kors via TJMaxx, same clutch in python

Studded Shoes: Vince Camuto

The only challenge with drop waist dresses this time of year is finding something to wear over them. I tried several blazers and different jackets with this dress, but none looked like quite right. So I ended up settling on wearing it with a plain long-sleeved black tee underneath, in true jumper fashion. But I am looking forward to playing around with it and coming up with more ways to style this piece. Perhaps a starched white blouse underneath will be my next concoction. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

My very cute, and very funny little dog, Charlie, kept photo-bombing my blog photos this weekend. What can I say? She loves shoes. In fact, when she was a puppy my favorite heels somehow always became her favorite chew toys (NOT good). But since we share a love for fashion, I figured I’d let her make her first cameo in today’s post! 😉

Avenge Me!

On October 15, 2012October 15, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas7 Comments

I have to say that I felt like a princess at the opera on Saturday night. The last time I wore a formal gown was on my wedding day, so it was pretty exciting to have such a fun excuse to get so dressed up. Plus, as I said in this post, as a student of classical music, the opera is very near and dear to my heart so I could not have been more thrilled to attend. And the event did not disappoint. Il Trovatore was simply fantastic. The cast was incredible, the story was captivating, and the passion and drama were palpable. Even my hubby enjoyed the performance and promised me that he would go again (which is no small feat!).

And of course, the dress. I gave you all sneak peek last week as to what it looked like off the rack. And while it was pretty in its original state, it wasn’t quite the dress for me. But the price was right (incredible, actually), and I knew with a few changes that I could make it my perfect dress for such an honorable evening. And I must say, I could not have been happier with the way it turned out!

Dress: Betsy Adams via Macy’s

Earrings: ArdenB (old) similar, similar

Bracelets: Macy’s, Target

Clutch: H&M (recent), similar, similar

Shoes: Michael Kors, similar, similar

After our red carpet appearance, we were asked a series of questions as we posed for additional photos for an upcoming issue of Utah Magazine. And one question that was asked of us was whether or not we recommend the opera, and if so, to who. My initial thought was that the opera is not for everyone. However, after our experience on Saturday evening-from a lovely dinner, to an exciting walk on the red carpet, to an absolutely fantastic show, to all of the amazing fashion filling the charming Capitol Theatre, I have to say that I would recommend the Utah Opera to anyone. It was an incredible experience and I absolutely can’t wait to go again. So thank you to Sara Neal and the Utah Opera for extending such a lovely invitation to me. You have found yourselves a lifelong fan.

Oh Baby

On October 8, 2012October 8, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

It kind of feels like all of my friends are having babies, and that’s probably because, well, they are (some are even on their 2nd or 3rd!!). And so, I suppose I have reached the age where it is no longer about weddings and bachelorette parties, but more so about new family additions and baby showers. But as long as these new life events involve parties, then that is fine by me!

That said, I love a good excuse to host friends in our home. Whether it is for dinner, game night, or a party, you usually don’t have to ask me twice. So when one of my dear friends announced she was expecting, I was thrilled to be afforded the opportunity to co-host a shower at my house in her honor. And it was a fantastic baby shower, if I do say so myself. We had a lovely group of ladies, TONS of delicious food and sweets, and the mom-to-be received some beautiful presents. We even played Mad Libs, and each created a hand-made onesie for the new babe. It was a lovely afternoon and I feel blessed to have been a part of the celebration. And it gave me the excuse to take the tags off my new hi-lo maxi skirt that I have been dying to wear…

Instagram Filter: Hudson

Skirt: BarIII via Macy’s (sold out online but still available in select stores that carry Impulse) similar

Striped Top: H&M (last year, but they sill have it in their basics department) similar, similar

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs via Etsy

Rhinestone Necklace: JCrew

Long Necklace: Macy’s, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Belt: Mossimo for Target

Cognac Pumps: Boutique in Florence, Italy (similar)

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I did this post about pairing navy and mustard together. And it looks like I am holding true to my word that it is a color combination that always works-no matter the season. But something about the rich golden color of this skirt makes it feel so perfectly suited for fall-maybe because it’s the color of autumn leaves. And in addition to it’s gorgeous color, maxi skirts are perfect transitional pieces between seasons. I can’t wait to come up with other fun ways to style this one over the next couple of months! Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Change in the Air

On August 20, 2012August 20, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

I hate to admit, but I can already feel it. Fall is starting to creep into late summer afternoons, the mornings and evenings are a little crisper, and long, lazy, sunlit summer nights are growing noticeably shorter each day. And while I adore fall, I can’t help but grieve the passing of summer every year. But, fortunately, in what could only be described as a coping mechanism fueled by my subconscious, I am suddenly gravitating towards richer colors and earthy pieces, and craving layers, scarves, and boots-a few of my favorite fall things.

So when I was packing to spend this past weekend in Sun Valley with one of my best friend’s from college, I knew that I wanted to bring pieces that still felt like summer but that were easy to layer in anticipation of an even more palpable feeling of fall in the air. And I couldn’t find anything more perfect in my closet than the below maxi dress-strapless with a high slit, but casual in fabric and print, neutral in color, and the perfect companion for a cardigan or dark denim jacket to keep me warm on chilly August evenings in one of my favorite mountain towns…

Instagram Filter: X-Pro II

Dress: Bar III via Macy’s

Large Gold Cuff: H&M

Gold Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Gold Necklaces: Macy’s

Turquoise Cocktail Ring: Sundance Catalog

Cat Eye Sunglasses: LuLus

Gold Sandals: Mossimo for Target (old)

So while I will no doubt continue taking advantage of the warm weather and summer fashion for as long as I possibly can, pieces like this maxi will continue becoming increasingly more appealing-summer in style yet fall in their coloring making them easily transitional from this season to the next. Perfect hybrid pieces to fill the spaces in between…