Monthly Archives: December 2019

What I Wore This December

winter outfits | holiday party outfit | workwear | athleisure | ootd blogger Lady in Violet

Hello friends! Welcome back from our Christmas break! I hope your holidays went fabulously.  I really enjoyed my mini-blog break to really be present and have plenty of time to get to know my boyfriend’s family better. It was a week filled with travel, really good food, and of course lots of conversation and a little football.  I did miss you guys, and I’m so ready to kickoff 2020 in style on the blog!

For my last post of 2019, I’m rounding up what I wore this past month.  We finally had some good sweater weather here in Houston, so I was able to start wearing some of my winter outfits and create some layered looks.  With some travel and busy errand days on the books this month, leggings made more than one appearance.  I also included some of the outfits I wore to holiday parties and of course a few casual work looks.

With it being the end of the year, many items are currently on markdown.  YAY!  I also tried to include some similar items for those that have sold out, in case you want to try and recreate any of these looks.

We have a pretty low key New Year’s Eve planned.  We had a pretty busy week, and next weekend, we will be celebrating the bf’s birthday.  So we both agreed a cozy night in with champagne and some yummy food sounded perfect!  What are your NYE plans?  Will you be putting on sequins or all the cozy things?

See you in 2020 friends!

holiday outfit | striped tunic sweater | faux leather leggings | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

sweater | leather leggings | suede boots | c/o crossbody bag | earrings

christmas party outfit | dark green satin blouse | red heels | Everyday Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

green satin blouse | dark wash jeans | similar red heels | c/o red earrings | c/o crossbody bag

holiday party outfit | gold and black metallic top | tall boots | Houston Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

black & gold metallic top | black jeans | black boots | c/o necklace | earrings

winter work outfit | ivory sweater | blue floral maxi skirt | Everyday Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

c/o ivory sweater | c/o blue maxi skirt | c/o similar earrings | c/o similar necklace

business casual outfit | pastel floral blouse | flared bootcut jeans | Texas Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

c/o purple floral blouse | bootcut jeans | tan suede heels | c/o tassel earrings

winter outfit | dark gray sweater | brown suede heels | Southern Style Blog Lady in Violet

c/o dark gray sweater | dark wash skinny jeans | tan suede heels | c/o earrings

athleisure outfit | teal leggings | black quilted vest | Casual Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

similar black vest | leggings | similar black sneakers | c/o crossbody bag | sunglasses

comfy travel outfit | pink leggings | gray fleece pullover | Popular Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

similar gray pullover | black tank top | leggings | similar slip on sneakers

road trip travel outfit | dark purple weekender bag | gray slip on sneakers | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

c/otravel bag | similar gray pullover | black leggings | similar gray sneakers | sunglasses

casual winter outfit | olive green sweater | brown booties | Everyday Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

olive green sweater | high waist jeans | brown booties | c/o crossbody bag

casual outfit | white sneakers | denim jacket | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

similar denim jacket | black dress | c/o white sneakers | c/o brown crossbody bag | sunglasses

casual outfit | maroon long cardigan | gray jeans | Affordable Style Blogger Lady in Violet

long maroon cardigan | black tank top |similar gray jeans | similar sneakers | c/o necklace

 

HOME DETAILS

Best of 2019: The Fashion

best of 2019 fashion | top outfits of the year | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

Well here we are, closing out another year here on the blog.  I cannot believe I have been writing this blog for 5 years now! I celebrated my blogiversary back in October.  It’s crazy to think of how far this little blog of mine has come since those early days 5 years ago.  I still love every minute of putting content together too.  From creating outfits, sharing style tips, offering beauty advice, and other little life peeks, it’s been a fun 5 years.

This yearly recap is always one of my favorites to put together.  I love looking back through all my posts from the year and seeing which ones you all loved the most.  My overall thoughts, we all love cardigans all year round! This maxi dress was one of my favorite posts and this springtime color combo ranked high on my list too.

Thank You – Thank You – Thank You
I have to give a few huge thank yous to the people who help me keep this blog running and make my life a little easier.  First off, a MAJOR Thank You to my two photographers, Yash of Banavenue and Lauren of LA Photography.  They are both amazing people who make the photo taking process so easy.  I show up, walk and twirl, and they turn out the fabulous outfit photos you see here on the blog.  These two have huge parts in helping me keep turning out fashion content every week.

To my family, friends, and InstagramBoyfriend 😉 , thank you for always taking time to stop and take my outfit photo for the ‘gram, telling everyone you know about my blog, sharing my posts, and cheering me on in all of my blog endeavors.  I’ve had an amazing support system from the day I mentioned to a few friends over a glass of wine about this crazy idea I had to start a blog.  I’m so grateful to have them cheering me on and supporting me!

And to all of you who come share part of your day with me. THANK YOU!  I love reading your comments and inspiring you to put together some fabulous outfits.  My blog continues to grow and thrive because of each one of you and your amazing support, so from the very bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

I hope you all have a very happy holidays! I will be taking off from blog posts next week to celebrate the season with friends and family, but I will be back 12/30 for a look back at my December outfits. And of course, I’ll be posting my holiday outfits over on the ‘gram too. If you don’t make it back to the blog before the new year, I hope you have a fabulous time ringing in 2020!

Now, let’s look back at your favorite posts of 2019!  At the end, I’m also sharing the top 5 fashion items of the year!

JANUARY

work outfit | black leather skirt | black button up blouse | Popular Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in VioletHOW TO BALANCE WORK AND BLOGGING- view original post

FEBRUARY

rodeo outfit | denim skirt | black crop top | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in VioletRODEO OUTFIT WITH COWBOY BOOTS – view original post

MARCH

Spring outfit | floral top | blue skinny jeans | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in VioletCASUAL FLORAL TOP FOR SPRING – view original post

APRIL

spring outfit | short sleeve cardigan | distressed jeans | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

LAYERED OUTFIT FOR SPRING – view original post

MAY

summer outfit | coral puff sleeve top | white skinny jeans | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

CORAL TOP + WHITE DENIM – view original post

JUNE

summer outfit | denim jacket | white jeans | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

AN EASY OUTFIT FORMULA FOR SUMMER – view original post

JULY

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Fall Outfit Ideas | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

NSALE TRY ON SESSION – view original post

AUGUST

fall outfit | black off the shoulder top | dark wash flared jeans | Petite Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

FLARED BOOTCUT JEANS FOR PETITES – view original post

SEPTEMBER

fall outfit | red cardigan layered over striped tank top | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

EASY FALL OUTFIT FORMULA – view original post

OCTOBER

fall outfit | beige cardigan | olive pants | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

HOW TO WEAR OLIVE PANTS IN THE FALL – view original post

NOVEMBER

office holiday party outfit | lace top | leather pencil skirt | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

CHIC OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY OUTFIT  – view original post

DECEMBER

winter outfit | ivory draped cardigan | white skinny jeans | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

HOW TO WEAR WINTER WHITE – view original post

MOST POPULAR FASHION ITEMS OF 2019

STRAW CIRCLE CROSSBODY BAG
GRAY SKINNY JEANS
BASIC TANK TOPS
BOOTCUT JEANS
TWIST FRONT TANK TOP

 

Best Beauty Products of 2019

best beauty products of 2019 | top skincare and makeup products according to a beauty blogger | Houston Blogger Lady in Violet

With 2019 coming to a close, it’s time to look back at mine and your favorites from this past year.  This year, I upped my skincare game and tried tons of new products.  I also started trying out a few new makeup products and routines to try and find one that was quick and easy.  I found some hits and some misses, and some products that made there way into my regular rotation.  Keep scrolling to see which products made my list of the Top 10 Best Beauty Products of 2019!

NYX Epic Ink Eyeliner – My sister recommended this eyeliner to me, and I’m obsessed with it!  I have only used one other eyeliner since I started using this one.  It easily glides on and stays put all day long.  I never have issues with cross-transfer throughout the day.  I wear lots of shiny eyeshadows and this one goes over the shadow perfectly.

Living Proof Heat Spray – I have used the same drugstore heat spray for years.  Recently, I felt like my hair wasn’t as healthy, so I decided to change out some of my old tried and true products. First up, my heat spray.  After just one use, I was hooked on this product.  I spray a light mist prior to heat straightening.  My hair looks smoother and has less frizz.  I think it even straightens quicker.  It’s too soon to tell on overall health improvement, but I’m liking the results so far.

c/o It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Foundation – I’ve been using this foundation for a few years.  As much as a I experiment and try different foundation, I always come back to this one.  It goes on smooth and covers really well.  It has a natural look and lasts all day.

Anastasia Contour Kit – This contour kit is made for light/medium skintones.  It’s perfect for me because I can use all the colors.  It blends smoothly and gives a natural contoured look.  Learn more about how I use this kit to contour my face HERE.

Beauty Bio Glo Pro – I started using this tool last December, and I’m still in love with it.  I use this tool several times a week prior to my night time skincare routine.  It helps your products soak in deeper and work more efficiently. I also use the body and lip attachment, and I’ve had good results with both.  Learn more about my GloPro and how to use it HERE.

c/o Drunk Elephant Vitamin C Day Serum –  Earlier this year, I committed to a month of a fully clean skincare routine.  My skin was glowing after that month, and I’ve been trying even more clean makeup and skincare products since then.  This vitamin c serum was one of my favorites in my clean skincare routine.  I used it in the morning under my moisturizer. I noticed a big difference in my skintone evening out while using this product and reduction of dark spots. My skin glowed and looked healthier.  Other Vitamin C products have irritated my skin, but I had no issues with this one.  Read more about my clean skincare routine HERE.

Loving Tan 2 Hour Express Tanning Mousse – I’ve spent most of the year trying out a variety of self-tanners, some hits and some misses.  (Spoiler – I have a full review of all the ones I tried coming next year!)  My sister has been telling about Loving Tan for about a year or so now.  I finally decided to spend the $50 and try it out myself. So far this tanner is top of my list.  The color goes on well and lasts the longest.  I didn’t notice a selftanner smell and no sheet staining.  My only issue with this one is that it’s really hard to get your hands perfect. I had heard that about this one, and I’m still working on perfecting the art.  Need help applying self tanning mousse? Check out my tutorial HERE.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair – This serum is one of my favorites!  I received a sample as a bonus after purchasing some beauty products. I tried it out and before I went to bed, I started seeing this serum do its work.  My skin started looking almost instantly hydrated and glowing.  By morning, my skin looked refreshed, plumped, and smooth.  All adding to the reduction of fine lines.  I decided I need a full size bottle of this and having been loving it ever since.

c/o Givenchy Loose Powder –  I use this as a finishing powder to set my foundation and contouring.  You have a few different color options with this one, I like using the one with some pinks in it.  With all white powders, I find they do lighten up my ending makeup look a bit.  This one doesn’t do that because of the addition of a little color.  This one in my opinion gives the best smooth and airbrushed look.

Neutrogena Hydro Sheet Mask – A friend of mine has an obsession with skincare products, so when she tells me to put something on my face I listen.  She insisted I try out this mask one night.  It was my first sheet mask.  The mask applied pretty easily and stayed in place slightly suctioning to your skin.  All the hydrating goodness transferred across in the time I had this mask on.  My skin looked hydrated and glowing, and I’ve been addicted to this mask ever since then.

TOP BEAUTY BLOG POSTS

With all my new products and routines, I shared a little more beauty reviews and tutorials this year.  Your favorites included:
How to Apply Dry Shampoo
GloPro Microneedling Tool & R45 Retinol Review
How to Clean Makeup Brushes
How to Self Tan at Home remained a favorite beauty post from last year!

MOST WANTED BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Lots of beauty products were shared here on the blog and on Instagram! The reader favorites included:
A Neutral Nail Polish
Self Tanning Mousse
Mascara
Leave In Conditioner
c/o Face Oil

I hope you enjoyed the extra beauty content this year!  I already have some posts in the works for next year, and I can’t wait to share them with you.  Be sure to check back Friday when we recap the Best of 2019: Fashion Edition!

Striped Tunic Sweater

casual outfit | striped tunic sweater | brown heels | Affordable Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall outfit | striped loose knit sweater | light brown crossbody bag | Everyday Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

casual fall outfit | brown suede heels | tan leather handbag | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

casual style | black white striped sweater | gold bracelets | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall outfit idea | striped tunic sweater | high waist skinny jeans | Casual Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

Can you believe we are about one week away from Christmas?!?!?  My shopping is done, but now the task of wrapping all the gifts!  I like to pick a night, put on a Hallmark Christmas movie, pour a glass of wine, and make a fun night of it.  I then put all the wrapped gifts away in my closet, so my dog will not chew on them while I’m at work. LOL. She’s so good and doesn’t chew on furniture or shoes, but she does love to chew on boxes.

My friends and I hit up a fun Christmas Light Walk this weekend.  It’s a really fun event to attend.  A local neighborhood shuts down a couple streets and all the houses do it up with lights, and we walk around and check them out.  This week is filled with Christmas parties all around, so it’s going to be very festive week!

I’m kicking off this blog week with a simple casual outfit idea, perfect for those of us in warm winter climates.  This striped tunic sweater is perfect with both jeans and leggings.  I paired it with my leather leggings and boots for Thanksgiving!  For today, I’m going with jeans and a few tan add ons.  The top is a bit more ivory than white, so it works perfectly with the brown shades.

Also, I’m kind of madly in love with my new crossbody bag! It’s the perfect size for carrying on weekends. It holds all my weekend necessities – wallet, keys, sunglasses, phone, and lipstick.  It comes in a few different color options, but I chose this tan one.  This color will work year round and goes with tons of colors.  I have another bag in this shade that I carried so much, but it was just a bit bigger. I really wanted a slightly smaller one, and this one is perfect!

Next week will be a busy week of holiday festivities and travel, so I’m doing something I haven’t done in forever – I’m taking the week off from blog posts!  I love putting all the posts together, so it’s always hard for me to force myself to take a break.  With lots of holiday plans on the schedule next week, I really wanted to be focused and present.  As hard as it is to take a break, I am excited for the mini vacation.  I will  be doing some behind the scenes tech updates too.  So if you are checking out the blog next week, and something seems off that might be why.

The rest of this week will be filled with my best of posts from beauty favorites to my favorite, the top posts of 2019.  Then, I will be back December 30th with a look back at what I wore over the past month.  I can’t believe it’s almost 2020!  Hope you have a great week ahead!

Photography By: LA Photography

casual weekend outfit | 3/4 sleeve sweater | tan suede heels | Texas Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall casual outfit | striped tunic sweater | tan leather crossbody bag | Popular Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall outfits | tan crossbody bag | high waisted skinny jeans | Southern Style Blog Lady in Violet

casual outfits | dark wash skinny jeans | light tan suede heels | Budget Friendly Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall outfit | striped sweater | dark blue skinny jeans | Fashion and Lifestyle Blog Lady in Violet

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