Mint To Be

On March 5, 2013March 4, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit IdeasLeave a comment

Like everyone else this season, I think it’s pretty safe to say that I am obsessed with the color mint. It is such a beautiful, refreshing hue and goes with such a multitude of things. But right now I am especially loving it back to neutrals…

Instagram Filter: Amaro

I think a neutral leather (or faux if your prefer) jacket is a must have item in any closet. Especially this time of year when we start to gravitate towards brighter colors and pastels. It’s a great basic and the perfect alternative for your go-to black jacket!

Thanks for reading!

I’ve Got the Blues

On January 15, 2013January 13, 2013 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas3 Comments

Ok, ok, so I don’t really have the blues. In fact, J and I are heading to Nicaragua this week for a nice, long 10 day adventure. So if anything, I am incredibly excited! But speaking of blues, I am absolutely LOVING cobalt this season. It is one of those shades that anyone can wear and look fabulous. It is rich, striking, and just has a way of looking special when you wear it. And, it’s a great way to make it look like you put some effort into an outfit when you really didn’t. Case and point below…

Instagram Filter: Walden

It’s hard to believe that the day after tomorrow I am going to be sitting on the beach soaking up the sun with a cold drink in my hand. Wow, am I excited. But even though I am going on vacay, things will be business as usual on the blog. So make sure and check back daily for new outfit posts! And for a glimpse into our trip, be sure to follow me on Instagram: alldolledupblog and Twitter: ADolledUpBlog (right nav).

Happy Tuesday!

The Fab Four

On August 14, 2012August 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas7 Comments

When I look back on my summer wardrobe, there are four specific (fabulous) pieces that really stand out to me. Pieces that I not only wore more than just about anything else in my closet, but that will also all transition perfectly into my fall wardrobe. And good thing! Because I’m not ready to let go of any of them yet.

When J and I were in Montana on vacation, I was too busy playing all day everyday to ever save myself much time to get ready for evening fun. So most nights, I found myself rushing to get ready and throwing outfits together without much thought and absolutely zero rhyme or reason. And on one such night when getting dressed for dinner with our dear family friends, I just happened to throw on all 4 of these favorite thing at the same time-which is perhaps why I am so pleased with the results of this outfit!

So what are these fab four pieces?? Drum roll please!!!

1. Bubble Necklace: If you follow this blog you know how much I love my bubble necklace. And understandably, I am not alone in my obsession. This necklace is such a fantastic way to add a pop of color to any outfit and brighten up an other wise boring or mediocre ensemble. AND because of its popularity, there are now many sites offering a version similar to the original JCrew but for a fraction of the price. (check out these great finds here, here, and here)

2. Gap Skinny Jeggings: I LOVE these jeans. You can see them in just about any post where I am wearing pants. I have them in black and in a dark wash denim and both have become my go-to jeans, even with a closet full of cute bottoms. They have enough stretch that they are incredibly comfy, but don’t bag out and keep their shape all day long. The length is great, not too short, and not too long and bunchy at the ankles, and the fabric is the perfect density-not too thick and not too thin. AND Gap has them in store and online again. Check them out here.

3. DV by Dolce Vita Jude Wedges: These wedges are the best. They are incredibly comfy, a great height, and look really great on the leg with jeans or with skirts (check out yesterday’s post to see them with a skirt!). Dolce Vita actually had these shoes in their higher end line last year (the Jade) and because of their extreme popularity, created a version for their DV line this year at a little more affordable price. And right now many sites and stores have them on sale, so you can get a great deal on them (here, here, and here). Plus they look great with tights too (I also have them in red suede and can’t wait to wear them through the fall/winter!).

4. Denim Vest: Oh my love for this little denim vest just keeps going strong. Not only do I love it with dresses, and tanks, but I also love it over long sleeves. You can see some other ways I’ve styled it here, here, and here.

Instagram Filter: Earlybird

Denim Vest: Macy’s (similar, similar)

Chiffon Top: H&M (recent)

Skinny Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans

Bubble Necklace: Ily Couture

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules

Cocktail Ring: House of Harlow via Nordstrom

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Cognac Wedges: Dolce Vita Jude

Even though I don’t want to see summer go, I’m already starting to get the urge to start layering, wearing boots, and shopping for fall. But this post is a good reminder that as we move from season to season it is always good to take stock and evaluate what you already own in your wardrobe and find pieces that you can transition (just like my fab four) so that you aren’t creating duplication and unnecessary repetition in your closet, all the while saving yourself some money!

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!

Feathers and Lace

On July 17, 2012July 17, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas2 Comments

Last week was a tour of small town America for me. I spent the better part of the work week in Casper, WY visiting one of my stores only to come back to the SLC and turn around and head straight to Beaver, UT to cheer my hubby on in the Crusher (an insane mountain bike race in the Tushar mountains). And while it was a fun event and my hubby did amazing, I couldn’t have been happier to get home to the SLC on Saturday evening and sleep in my own bed! I also couldn’t have been happier when my hubby suggested that we head out to a fun dinner on Satruday night to celebrate his stellar performance.

And truth be told, after a week in small towns, I was feeling pretty casual, so decided it was a perfect opportunity to wear my cute white lace top (first mentioned here) back to some skinny jeans, and finished the look with feather earrings to create a bohemian cool feel-which was fitting for our evening and my mood.

White Lace Top: INC via Macy’s

White Tank: H&M

Skinny Jeans: Gap (sold out online-but check our local store!)

Flower Clutch: Coach (last summer)

Silver Bracelets: Tiffany and Co.

Gold Bracelet: Oia Jules via Etsy

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Feather Earrings: The Icing (last summer)

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Rampage via TJMaxx

Gold Wedges: Steve Madden via Dillards (recent)

As I said in my previous post about lace, it really is a perfect summer piece. Whether you prefer it in shorts, a skirt, a top or in color or neutrals, you really can’t go wrong. And not only is it of course “on trend” this summer, but lace is timeless and something you can hold onto in your closet until it comes back around again-which it always does.

Come Sail Away

On July 16, 2012July 16, 2012 By all dolled upIn Outfit Ideas1 Comment

Perhaps it is the result of living for so many years in the South, but I have an on-going love affair with embroidered shorts. Whether it’s critters, or sea animals, or boats, or anchors, or dragonflys, I just love the color contrast and cute preppy factor. For men, or women (and even kids!), they are always a winner in my book. In fact, I just bought my hubby a pair of pale blue JCrew chino shorts with bright blue whales and also snagged the below peach shorts with little orange sailboats for me. I mean really, can you get much cuter???

Orange Featherweight Sweater: JCrew Factory (recent)

Peach Sailboat Embroidered Shorts: JCrew (recent)

Yellow Bubble Necklace: JCrew via eBay (BE CAREFUL when buying a bubble necklace this route-there are LOTS of fakes out there!)

Gold Chain Bracelet: Oia Jules via Etsy

Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Neutral Wedges: Guess via DSW (recent)

Another great thing about embroidered shorts (in addition to all of their cute and preppy lovely-ness) is that they are a great piece to dress up or down-or even land somewhere in the middle like I did with the above outfit. They look great back to a t-shirt (or tank) and flats, or back to a mid-height wedge with fun accessories (as above) , and would even look fabulous with some higher heels, and a cute button-down for a night-on-the-town type of a look! So if you are like me and love these adorable shorts, then I suggest hitting up your local JCrew-they hands down do this trend better than anyone else.

Happy Monday!!!

The Cold Shoulder

On May 23, 2012May 23, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Steve Madden1 Comment

One thing I know for sure, I definitely did not get the cold shoulder from my friends and family on my birthday-in fact so many people in my life reached out and made such incredibly sweet gestures, that it is safe to say it was one of my best birthdays yet. I did however, choose to wear my new bright pink cold shoulder top to my birthday dinner at my favorite wine and tapas bar with our very dearest friends. It was a wonderful evening and I am so grateful to all who came out to celebrate, for the beautiful weather, the lovely gifts, and time spent with so many sweet friends that I don’t get to see nearly enough. I was a very blessed birthday girl this year!

Pink Cold Shoulder Top: RACHEL Rachel Roy via Macy’s

Skinny Jeans: Gap Jeggings

Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita Jude via Macy’s

Necklace: JCrew via eBay (again, a word of caution if you go this route-there are a lot of terrible fakes on eBay right now)

Clutch: Steve Madden via Macy’s (sold out)

Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack

Bracelets: Tiffany, H&M, Forever21, Macy’s, Thailand (yes, the country!)

Sunnies: Guess via TJMaxx

I love the cold shoulder trend. I think it is a great way to dress up a simple top-in fact, the other cold shoulder tops in my closet are primarily jersey and most of them seem to have stripes. I tend to gravitate towards them because they are comfy enough to make you feel like you are slipping on your favorite t-shirt, but add a few accessories and some cute shoes, and you have an outfit fit for just about any occasion-including a birthday dinner in your honor! 🙂 They also tend to be flattering on my most figures and are a great way to transition from long sleeves to tank tops. I know I never feel quite ready to show my pasty white arms in the month of May, so a cute cold shoulder top is the perfect middle ground.

Happy Hump day!!

Neutral Layers

On May 14, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Nordstrom Rack, Outfit Ideas, Uncategorized6 Comments

Sometimes dressing to go out in the evening can be a bit tricky this time of year. The days are warm enough to get away with tanks and tees, but the evenings cool down just enough to ensure that some sort of jacket or layer is necessary. And while I love blazers and cardigans (of course), it gets a little boring to always fall back on one of those options. So what else is there?

In the fall, my go to layering piece is usually a black leather jacket. I don’t have a super “girly” style, so I love the idea of pairing a rough-and-tumble piece back to something a little more sweet. But alas, my black leather jackets feel a little heavy for this time of year, which got me thinking. What about a neutral colored leather jacket? Something a little lighter to fit the season?

Well thank goodness for my job! I was at a meeting in one of my stores, and just happened to see it-a neutral colored, shrunken lamb leather jacket. And I knew on the spot it was the perfect piece to add to my collection to give me a fresh new layering option for cool nights out on the town. And even more than that, it’s a jacket that will also be perfect when summer fades to fall…

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Jessica Simpson via Ross

Gold Hammered Earrings: Street Vendor in San Francisco

Leather Jacket: Guess via Macy’s (sold out online)

Chiffon Flower Petal Top: Bohme (SLC Boutique)

Belt: American Eagle

Red Skinnies: Else by Joe’s Jeans via Macy’s (sold out online)

Tortise and Gold Watch: Michael Kors via Nordstrom

Bracelets: Tiffany

Leopard Wedges: Aldo (sold out online)

And while it was a little bit of a splurge, I am so happy I decided to add this jacket to my wardrobe. I have already gotten a lot of use out of it, and know that I will continue to do so once the summer months have passed and fall is upon us. Black is always in, but neutrals are a great way to change things up and an excellent staple to pair back to pretty much anything, including red pants and leopard shoes! 🙂

Happy Monday!

Mix Master

On April 29, 2012April 29, 2012 By all dolled upIn Michael Kors, Outfit Ideas, TJMaxx6 Comments

Not only do I love mixing colors, but I also LOVE mixing prints-particularly stripes or polka dots back to florals. It feels so fresh and so new to me-just like spring. And who doesn’t appreciate spring???

That said, this might come as a shock, but when I first laid eyes on these (AH-mazing!) shoes, I was on the fence about buying them. I adored them, no doubt, but was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to wear them very often, or that they might be a “one hit wonder”. So I gravitated towards the gray and black version thinking they were still fun (kinda) and definitely more practical. BUT when I went to check out, the fabulous sales clerk steered me in the right direction and said it wouldbe an atrocity if I didn’t purchase the blue and pink version. And I guess all I needed was a little validation, because those were the ones I took home. And it was definitely the right choice!!!

Polka Dot Silk Top: Nordstrom (recent)

Pink Tunic: H&M

Skinny Jeans: Gap Jeggings (sold out online)

Shoes: Steve Madden

Necklace: Got Beauty (local SLC boutique)

Earrings: TJMaxx

Cat Eye Sunnies: Guess c/o TJMaxx

Watch: Michael Kors c/o Macy’s

Bracelets: Macy’s, H&M and Tiffany

Surprisingly, I have gotten quite a bit of wear out of these fun shoes. They really do go with a lot, largely in part because it is acceptable to mix prints with stripes and polka dots (which it should be!). And while I bought them when I was living in SF this fall, I am confident that they are going to get far more love from me during the warmer months of spring and summer. Not only do they make my outfits fun, but they are one of those pieces that make me feel extra special every time I wear them-add that extra little kick in my step, if you will. And as a self-proclaimed shoe addict, I can definitely appreciate that!