Leopard

Leopard makes everything better. Well not really, but it does make just about every outfit better. So if you are looking for a quick and easy way to take an otherwise simple outfit up a notch, then try adding a leopard belt, purse, scarf, or even a pair of leopard shoes. And I promise you, it will do just the trick…

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Instagram Filter: Hudson

Denim Jacket: Else, similar | Dress: TJMaxx, similar, similar | Necklace: Stella & Dot | Belt: Express | Sunnies: Gap | Clutch: Hobo International | Shoes: Calvin Klein

J and I are heading to Vegas today for a bike race and a mini-vacation.  And I have to say, I am so looking forward to getting out of town for a few days and enjoying some pool time, a little shopping, excellent food, and a couple of shows.  Be sure to follow along on Instagram to keep up with all of our adventures!

And if you’re new to All Dolled Up, please be sure to follow along on Facebook and Bloglovin’!

Hope are you all having a wonderful week!

Graphic

I am really into graphic tees right now. Like, really into them. I love the idea of throwing on a tee-shirt back to a ripped up pair of jeans and then adding fancy heels and accessories to dress up the look. I guess maybe it makes me a feel a little rock and roll. Plus, it’s a great way to be super comfy while looking put together at the same time.

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Instagram Filter: Walden

Tank: TJMaxx, similar, loving this one, and this one | Jeans: American Eagle | Feather Earrings: Forever21 (old), similar | Cuff:  Fair Trade (local boutique), loving this one | Sunnies: Target (old), similar | Bag: Steve Madden (old), similar | Pumps: Sole Society

So I have to say, as much as I love graphic tee’s, I do find it a little difficult to find a good one.  It seems to me that more often than not, the sayings on them tend to be a little young, or too cliché for me to want to broadcast on my body.   So if you are on the hunt for one (and you should be!) the best luck I’ve had in finding cute, age appropriate graphic tee’s is at JCrew, JCrew Factory, American Eagle, and TJMaxx.

Hope you all had an amazing weekend.  Can you believe that it’s almost Labor Day?  I know that I sure can’t.

FPF: Polka Dots

Pretty sure I’ve blogged enough about polka dots to give them a deserving spot on my FPF list. Whether it’s a top, a pair of shoes, a bag, a skirt, a dress, or a pair of pants, polka dots are one of those trends that can truly work for everyone. I mean really, how many other patterns are out there with the ability to portray both a youthful and sophisticated feel?

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Instagram Filter: Valencia

Top: TJMaxx (old), similar | Polka Dot Pants: Else (old), similar, similar | Neon Belt: Macy’s, similar |  Necklaces: Kenneth Cole, Tiffany and Co. | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: Stella & Dot | Bag: Steve Madden(old), similar | Sunnies: Gap | Heels: Chinese Laundry (old), similar, similar

Happy, happy Friday everyone!  I am back visiting my old stomping grounds of Bozeman, MT for the weekend and am so looking forward to getting some miles on my bike, checking out some of my old favorite places, and of course, getting to see friends we haven’t seen in far too long.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

xx-

Abby

Inspiration Station

Often times when I put together an outfit, it’s because I am inspired by a pair of shoes, a handbag, an image I’ve seen, or in this case, a necklace. I am loving statement necklaces this spring, and this one is one of my favorites. I love the pretty flowers, chain length, and the unexpected and unique combination of mint and neon yellow. So much so in fact, that an entire outfit came to fruition because of it…

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Instagram Filter: Amaro

Mint Blouse: TJMaxx (old), similar, similar | Skimmers: JCrew (on sale for under $30!!!!!) | Necklaces: Macy’s, JCrew | Bracelets: Oia Jules, Aldo, Stella & Dot, Juicy Couture | Watch: Michael Kors | Clutch: Michael Kors | Sunnies: House of Harlow | Pumps: Aldo (sold out), loving this style

I just wanted to take a minute and send my love to Boston.  I feel so heartbroken by the events that transpired yesterday and can’t even begin to imagine the hurt and the devastation that the victims and their families are feeling right now.  And while I wish I had more to offer, I hope they know they have my support and prayers.

God bless you all today and in the days to come.

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Monotone

Sometimes throwing together a monochromatic look is a welcome change from the usual. Plus, pairing two like colors is an easy concoction to create and a great way to change-up your look without investing in anything new…

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Instagram Filter:  Valencia

Blazer:  H&M (old) similar, similar | Silk Tunic:  H&M (old) similar | Skinny Pants:  INC | Sunnies:  Marc Jacobs  | Necklace:  JCrew, INC | Bracelets:  Anne Klein, Stella and Dot, Juicy Couture | Watch:  Michael Kors | Bag:  Michael Kors Hamilton | Shoes:  Steve Madden (old) similar

I don’t know about you, but I am so happy it’s the middle of the week already.  I am practically counting down the days until the weekend-the end is in sight!

Thanks for reading!

xx

Denim and Lace

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…

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Instagram Filter:  Rise

Dark Denim Shirt:  American Eagle, similar | Lace Skirt:  Kensie via Macy’s (on sale!) | Belt:  Target | Layered Pearls:  JCrew (less expensive version here) | Gold Watch Charm Bracelet: Anne Klein | Gold Watch: Michael Kors | Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co. | Sunnies:  Rampage via TJMaxx | Boots:  Aldo (old), similar, similar

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!

xx

Layer It On

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…

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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!

xx

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

L.O.V.E.

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!

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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!

xx

Panthera Uncia

When I was in the 5th grade, we had to select, study, and write a report on an endangered animal. And given my love for all things animal print, it should come as no surprise that I picked the Snow Leopard. Even at an early age, I suppose I was able to appreciate the beauty of this cat and the gorgeous pattern of its coat. So when I was in JCrew a couple of weeks ago and saw these incredible Snow Leopard print pants, not only did they remind me of my 5th grade project a lifetime ago, but they inspired me to have them. Printed pants are all the rage this season, and I figured what better way to rock them than by paying homage to one of my favorite animals!

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Instagram Filter:  Sutro

Knit Blazer:  Express (old) similar, similar

White Tee:  Forever21 similar

Snow Leopard Print Pants:  JCrew (on sale!!)

Sunglasses:  Guess via TJMaxx

Silver Bracelets:  Tiffany and Co.

Chain Necklace:  JCrew (recent)

Pink Shoes:  Nine West via Macy’s (lots of fun colors to choose from!)

Printed pants.  I suppose you either love them or you hate them.  I, for one, love them but recognize that they are not the easiest trend to pull off.  So I will share a little tip I have found to work in my favor when trying them out:  the smaller the print, the more flattering.  So if this is a trend you are feeling brave enough to try, start with smaller leopard prints, polka dots, or even smaller floral or ditsy prints.  These will be much more flattering to the figure than larger, wider prints that can create an illusion making you look bigger as well.  And one more tip, which is a general rule of thumb in fashion, darker colors are always more flattering. 

Here are some great options if you are on the prowl (pun intended!) for some cute printed pants this fall season:

Else (by Joe’s Jeans) Polka Dot Pants (I own the black version of these and will do a post about how to style them in the near future!)

Else (by Joe’s Jeans) Leopard Print Jeans (ON SALE!!!)

American Eagle Polka Dot Jegging (super cute, but run small so buy one size up!)

American Eagle Tie-Dyed Skinny Jean

The Limited Floral Skinny Jean

JCrew Cafe Capri Jacquard Dot Pant

JCrew Cafe Capri in Safari Cat (ON SALE!!)

JCrew Cafe Capri and Art Polka Dot (ON SALE!!)

Happy hunting!

xx

Fashion Obsession

Every once in a while I stumble upon a fashion find that I love so much, I may or may not become slightly obsessed. The last time it happened was when Rebecca Minkoff first came on the scene in a big way with her studded Devote tote. The Hills was at its peak and when LC started carrying the black version with the gold rivets, I knew I had to have one. So, I saved up all my money and treated myself to one for my birthday. And boy did that bag get a lot of use. In fact, it still makes me happy every time I open up its dust bag and take a little peek. I guess that’s what we call nostalgia.

And maybe it’s purely coincidence, or maybe I just happen to have a thing for black pieces with gold embellishments, but I am pretty sure my new Vince Camuto gold spiked heels are going to be my next fashion obsession. It was love at first sight when I spotted these pumps at a Macy’s in Detroit a couple of weeks ago. I was shopping with my mom and my aunties and thought they would think I was crazy for trying them on-they are after all, completely covered in little gold spikes from heel to toe. But the vote was unanimous and we all fell in love with them on the spot. And looking at these photos, it’s not hard to see why-they are definitely a pretty darn special pair of shoes.

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Instagram Filter:  Sutro

Blazer:  H&M (last fall)

Black Tee:  Victoria’s Secret Pink Essential V-Neck (best tee’s EVER!)

Snakeskin Shorts:  Rachel Roy (sold out)

Ring:  House of Harlow

Gold Watch:  Michael Kors

Clutch:  Michael Kors via TJMaxx

Sunglasses:  Guess via TJMaxx

Shoes:  Vince Camuto

I know that we’ve already established the importance of adding a colored blazer to your wardrobe this fall, but it should also be noted that a spiked or embellished pair of shoes should also be a must on the wishlist.  And now that I am finished mourning the passing of summer, I can officially get excited about my fall shopping and start checking things off my wishlist-like a pair of spiked pumps for one.  Hooray!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

xx