Winter Surplus

On January 7, 2013January 7, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

This past Fall, I couldn’t seem to get enough of my army surplus coat (you can see it here and here). And since the weather has turned, and the temperatures have dropped, I have found myself really missing it and all of its casual coolness. So I was thrilled to snatch up this mixed-media jacket from American Eagle a few weeks ago. It’s the ideal combination of leather and surplus with a nice cozy lining-perfect to keep me warm on chilly winter days…

Instagram Filter: Rise

I am so excited about my new Rebecca Minkoff bag! It was a Christmas gift from my mom and dad and I can’t stop using it. I love the bordeaux color, all of the zippers, the rose gold hardware, and it’s versatility. Hands down, bags don’t get much better than those made by Rebecca Minkoff.

Happy Monday!

Sugar and Spice

On January 3, 2013January 3, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas4 Comments

One thing I love about fashion right now is that just about anything goes. And one look that has particularly caught my eye as of late is mixing girly sequins back to rough and tumble boots (see this post) and plaids. I love the unexpected contrast and the mix of texture and styles. And of course it’s always fun to throw in a little print mixing to sweeten the pot.

Instagram Filter: Valencia

I knew I had to have this JCrew sequin shirt the minute I saw it. But I could not bring myself to pay the full ticket price for it, so I had to wait, and wait, and then wait some more for it to go on sale. But my patience paid off. A piece I love for a fraction of the retail price? Can’t beat that. Hope you are all having a great week-thank goodness it’s a short one!

Welcome 2013!

On January 2, 2013January 2, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I must say that the beginning of January is always a mixed bag of emotions for me. On one hand I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of a new year and the promise of adventure that it brings, but on the other, I am always sad to say goodbye to the most wonderful time of the year. Funny how that works, isn’t it?

J and I had an amazing Christmas in Montana this year and feel incredibly blessed to have had the chance to spend ample time with family and friends. We hadn’t spent Christmas with my family since 2009 so it was a welcome opportunity to gather everyone together to celebrate. Plus, as an added bonus, I always love to wear sequins, and the holidays present the perfect excuse to do just that! Not that you ever really need an excuse to wear sequins!

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Heart Silk Blouse: JCrew (sold out) similar, similar; Sequin Skirt: American Rag ; Belt: Merona; Leggings: American Apparel; Drop Earrings: INC for Macy’s (only black available); Gold Charm Bracelet: Juicy Couture via Nordstrom Rack; Gold watch: Michael Kors; Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.; Diamond Cocktail Ring: Gift; Boots: Aldo Farmar (last year) similar, similar

I must say that one of the things I am looking forward to the most this year is writing more blog posts and sharing outfit ideas and tips with all of you. Thank you so much again for your continued support and encouragement. I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday season.

Cheers to 2013!

Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree…

On December 17, 2012December 17, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas, UncategorizedLeave a comment

I love attending Christmas parties. The festivities and spreading of cheer create such a palpable joy in the air and there is so much to celebrate and be thankful for. But I also love Christmas parties because they give me the perfect excuse to wear…SEQUINS!! And while I think sequins are acceptable all year round, there is just something that makes them extra special during the holiday season…

Instagram Filter: Walden

Striped Buttondown: JCrew, similar

Sequin Skirt: American Rag for Macy’s (check in store), similar, similar, similar

Leopard Belt: Express

Tights: Hue

Jeweled Earrings: INC for Macy’s (check in store!), similar

Monogram Necklace: Keti Sorely Designs

Watch: Michael Kors

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Pumps: Nine West

J and I attended a White Elephant party this weekend and had a fabulous time. It was nice to share an evening of laughter with friends that are very dear to us. With the unimaginable events that unfolded in Newtown, CT on Friday, I am reminded more than ever this holiday season to be grateful for the abundant blessings in my life and to hold to tightly to the ones I love. My heart and thoughts and prayers are with the heroes and angels who lost their precious lives that day, and also with all of those who survived or have been touched in one way or another by this horrendous tragedy.

God bless you Newtown, Connecticut.

Primary

On December 3, 2012December 3, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

I love my red skinny jeans. In fact, I’ve found over the last year or so that despite their vibrant hue, they are just about as versatile as blue jeans. And in addition to going with just about anything, they are also just plain fun. Especially when mixed with the unexpected-like neon and snow leopard.

Instagram Filter: Rise

Snow Leopard Shirt: JCrew, similar, similar

Red Skinnies: Else by Joe’s Jeans

Sunburst Necklace: House of Harlow

Neon Belt: Macy’s, similar

Gold Watch: Michael Kors

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Shoes: Aldo for Nordstrom, similar, similar

I love mixing primary colors together-there is just something so refreshing and simple about the combination. It’s sort of like going back to the basics. But a word to the wise, when mixing primary colors, limit yourself to two at a time. Otherwise, you might end up looking more like a finger painting project you did in the 1st grade rather than a fashionista.

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

Gingham Style

On November 19, 2012November 19, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

Oh how I love to mix different textures and prints together. And currently topping my list right now are polka dots back to, well, pretty much anything. And while I have been trying to shield you all from my out-of-control addiction to polka dots, I think I may be on the verge of needing an intervention. Seriously. I am out of control.

But the good news about polka dots is that they play a very similar role to stripes. Meaning, you can pair them back to just about anything. And while polka dots and stripes are one of my all time favorite combos, lately I am becoming a huge fan of polka dots and plaids. Now normally when mixing prints a general rule of thumb is to mix something bigger with something smaller. But, of course, as you can see below, there are exceptions to every rule. And I have to say that I am loving my mini polka dot sweater back to my hot pink gingham button down…

Instagram Filter: Valencia

Mini Polka Dot Sweater: Forever21

Pink Gingham shirt: JCrew Factory

Skinny Jeans: Gap

Heart Pendant: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Watch: Michael Kors

bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Sunnies: Calvin Klein

Neon Bag: Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Wedges: Aldo Terina (ON SALE!)

Our weekend went by so quickly. Even though it was packed full of events and fun outings, I almost feel like I blinked and now it’s Monday again. This time of the year always really flies by for me-I just wish the weekends would slow down a little. Sheesh.

Here’s to an abbreviated work week!

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!

P.S. Don’t forget to like me on Facebook and Follow me on Twitter (right nav), and you can also catch me on Instagram: alldolledupblog

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!

L.O.V.E.

On October 22, 2012October 22, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Does anyone else remember that Ashley Simpson used to have a music career (outside of her lip synching debacle on SNL)? I had completely forgotten until I saw this shirt hanging on the rack at one of our Macy’s stores. And like a tidal wave, the bubbly lyrics and catchy tune of L.O.V.E. came flooding back to me and I knew the shirt had to be mine. 😉

But in all seriousness, and aside from my forgotten love for the younger Simpson’s bubblegum pop, I have been obsessing over graphic tees all fall. They are fun, catchy like your favorite pop song, and have the potential to add a little sass to any outfit while boasting the comfort of a t-shirt. And not only that, but in addition to obviously being great with jeans, they work well with blazers and cardis, colored and printed skinnies, and even skirts and leggings. Just another fab item to add to your wardrobe helping you to create endless outfit possibilities!

Instagram Filter: Amaro

LOVE Tee: Material Girl via Macy’s (sold out) similar, similar, similar

Grey Cardi: Old Navy

Black Ponte Pants: INC via Macy’s

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Watch: Michael Kors

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs via Nordstrom Rack (last summer)

Handbag: Coach (last fall)

Boots: Kenneth Cole via TJMaxx (recent)

I actually wore the above outfit on a road trip to Montana this past weekend. It was comfy and cute, and an easy transition from 8 hours in the car straight to dinner with family and friends. The only thing I had to do was change my shoes. I wore the black boots pictured above for dinner, but wore my Uggs in the car to keep me comfy and warm. And although sometimes tough to create, I often love outfits that can transition from one event to another the best. The older I get, the less time I feel like devoting to changing my clothes throughout the day so I’m always a huge fan of items that make things easier. So if you are on the hunt for a great graphic tee, H&M and Forever21 are always a great place to start and should both have plenty of options at affordable prices!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Lip Service

On October 11, 2012October 11, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

As much as I love color, sometimes I just want to wear something neutral that doesn’t require much effort or coordination. But because I love color so much, those types of outfits always feel slightly boring to me. Well thank goodness for bright lips and nails to solve that dilemma!! In addition to accessories (of course), one of my favorite ways to add a pop of color to an outfit is either on my nails or on my lips. And while pretty, polished nails are always a staple for me, lately I have found that a swipe of bright lipstick not only adds interest, but brightens the face making me look and feel younger, and maybe even a teeny, tiny bit (gasp!) sexy. And come on, who doesn’t want to look and feel young and sexy???

Instagram Filter: Lo-Fi

Printed Blouse: The Limited (on sale!!!)

Skinny Jeans: The Gap

Watch: Michael Kors

Heart Necklace: Tiffany and Co.

Long Necklace: Personal Collection of Charms

Sunglasses: House of Harlow

Cocktail Ring: Gift from my J

Studded Pumps: Vera Wang for Kohl’s (sold out) similar

Orange Lipstick: MAC Morange

I think I will always be more of a lip gloss girl, but am finding that I’m wearing lipstick more and more frequently. And while these are still far and away my favorite, MAC has some fantastic colors and I find their lipsticks to be very comfortable when layered with a chapstick or a lip gloss. And while I’ve been bold and tried everything from hot pink, to orange, to bright red, one trend I haven’t tried yet is a burgundy lip. Oh the drama!!! But I think I’m ready to give it a go. Stay tuned…