Monthly Archives: April 2020

How to Pick the Right Denim Color for Your Outfit

how top pick the right denim color | what jeans to wear | Everyday style blog Lady in violet

I’ve shared a few posts breaking down how I build an outfit. Today, I thought I would do something a little different and show how changing one item can change the overall look of your outfit.  When I’m putting together a look, one of the bigger decisions to make is which jeans to wear.  I consider factors like where I’m headed and the overall vibe I want to achieve with my look. To show how one simple swap can change your outfit, I kept all other details the same.  Keep scrolling to learn about how to pick the right denim color for your outfit.

summer outfit | ruffle hem cami top | dark wash jeans | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

DARK WASH JEANS – A must have for any closet.  Dark wash jeans can create both a polished and casual look depending on the darkness of the jeans.  I tend to pick these jeans for when I’m heading somewhere casual, but still want to give of a polished look.  Dark wash jeans are also great for a casual work environment.

casual outfit with black skinny jeans and espadrille wedges | Personal Styling Blog Lady in Violet

BLACK JEANS – I wear my black jeans the most in fall and winter.  Black denim is an easy way to make an outfit look a little more dressed up since they sometimes can look similar to black dress pants.  Black jeans are great for evening looks when you want to wear jeans but also want to look a little dressier than normal blue jeans.

summer outfit | tie strap top with white jeans | Attainable Style Blog Lady in Violet

WHITE JEANS – The perfect color to dress up your spring and summer outfits!  White jeans are also great to pair with neutrals for a winter white look.  If you are headed to a nicer event where you can still get away with jeans, white denim is the perfect choice.  It adds an instant polished dressiness to your outfit.

how to pick the right jeans for your outfit | distressed denim | Attainable Style Blog Lady in Violet

DISTRESSED JEANS – If you are looking to give an all casual vibe, the distressed jeans are perfect.  Great for heading out to daytime parties and casual gatherings.  You can also use distressed jeans to dress down a fancy top and make it look more casual.

casual outfit | gray skinny jeans tank top with ruffle hem | Petite Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

GRAY JEANS – I think gray denim walks the line between day and night, casual and polished.  It’s not a common jean color, so you can wear it to a variety of events and use it when you want something different.   If you are heading to a dressier jeans event, gray may or may not work. I would opt for white on this one.  Gray jeans work well for casual evenings and daytime.

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Sephora Sale Favorites

sephora sale favorites | beauty products | Houston Beauty Blogger Lady in Violet

Calling all my beauty lovers!  The Sephora Spring Sale is officially open to all! The saving range from 10-20% depending on your Sephora Beauty Insider status.  The more you spend at Sephora each year the better the discount.  This sale happens twice a year – Spring and Holiday season.  I like to purchase items that don’t normally go on sale, have higher price tags, or that I use religiously, plus a few fun extras.

To help you shop this massive sitewide sale, I’m sharing my top 5 skincare and makeup products in the sale.  Most of these you have heard about from me before on end of year lists, tutorials, or product reviews.  I’m also sharing a little peek at some of the items I have on my wish list.  I’m currently in the process of narrowing down my cart. Wish me luck, lol. Happy Beauty Shopping Friends!

TOP 5 SKINCARE FAVORITES

GloPro Microneedling Tool
A staple in my evening skincare routine! This product helps open up your skin cells to improve the absorption of all those skincare products.  You can check out my full blog post review HERE to learn more about how I use this tool.

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask
I’ve tried lots of masks, and this one remains top on my list.  It’s one of my favorite masks for exfoliating, clearing out dead skin cells, and revealing smooth glowing skin.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
It’s still one of my serum must haves! I’ve reviewed it before HERE.  It leaves my skin glowing and hydrated.

Dermalogica Phyto Nature Firming Serum
I think this might be one of the best serums that I’ve tried so far.  I love using it under my makeup in the morning, and it also works great at night.  If you want just one serum to use day and night, I recommend this one.  I wrote a more in depth review HERE.

Drunk Elephant Retinol + Hydrating Serum
If you are over 30, I highly recommend incorporating retinol into your skincare routine.  Retinol helps restore firmness and elasticty, can boost collagen, and help with cell turnover.  I mix this one with a bit of the hydrating serum a few nights a week. I haven’t had any issues with irritation or dryness, and I’ve seen a reduction in fine lines and increase in smoothness and glowing skin.

TOP 5 MAKEUP FAVORITES

Better Than Sex Mascara
My Holy Grail Mascara! I still love trying others and usually have at least 3-4 other mascaras in my makeup drawer.  This one is by far the best for both volume and length! I always have a tube on hand.

Anastasia Contour Palette
The shades in this contour palette are perfect for my skintone, not too dark or too subtle.  The colors apply and blend easily.  If you need tips on applying, I shared a step by step tutorial on how I apply this palette HERE.

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Foundation
I’ve used this foundation for years.  I love the overall coverage, the lightweight feel, and that it can survive a Houston summer.  I wear the color Tan.

Givenchy Prisme Loose Powder
I’ve been playing with other finishing powders, but I keep going back to this one.  It gives the best airbrushed look and really helps hold my makeup in place all day.  I use the shade viole rose.

It Cosmetics Brow Power Powder + Application Brush
I was a hold out on coloring in my brows. I thought many of the products looked bad up close and not natural.  I decided to give this powder a try, and now I’m hooked.  I use it just to lightly fill in my brows, and I think it has such a natural look to it.

ON MY WISHLIST

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Set
I don’t think I have ever used a lip liner…  I plan to look into buying one during the sale, and I’ve heard good things about this one.

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops
Self Tanner Problems – my face usually fades quicker than my body.  Another blogger mentioned using these drops for those kind of days, and I immediately added to my wishlist.

Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops
I’m such a big fan of their mousse, and I’ve been dying to try these drops out!  You mix them right into your moisturizer and can adjust the color by how many drops you use.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter
Another blogger share find.  She applied this under her foundation kind of like a primer to help giving a nice glow to her finished look, and she mentioned some days just wearing this for a no makeup look.  I thought it would be fun to try out.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer
I have the blush version of this and love it. My old bronzer is almost out, so I decided to try something new.  This one had good reviews, so it made the cut.

Beauty Bio The Quench Moisturizer
I’m a big fan of this brand.  I’m in need of a new morning moisturizer, and this one is on my short list.

 

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Navy Embroidered Blouse

spring outfit | blue embroidered blouse | bootcut jeans | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall outfit | blue embroidered top | tan brown crossbody purse | Casual Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

casual spring outfit | dark wash bootcut jeans | brown espadrille wedges | Petite Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

Casual Outfits | Blue and white embroidered blouse | dark blue flared jeans | Everyday Style Blog Lady in Violet

Hello Hello! I’m kicking of another week at home, and I’m really starting to find my rhythm and routine. It’s definitely been a process and adjustment, but I’m starting to get the hang of it all.  I think the biggest thing of all is to give yourself grace each and every day.  How are you doing with all the extra time at home?

If you follow me over on Instagram, you may have seen that I hosted a little date night with my closet last week.  I really do miss getting dressed and putting outfits together everyday. I wonder a bit if personal style will change a bit after this is all over.  Will we start gravitating towards more comfy or will we start dressing up a bit more?  While I have always loved neutrals, I’ve been noticing my wishlists being filled with more light and neutral  colors and items that can be worn at home but also out and about.

I wore this navy embroidered blouse on one of my last outings before stay at home started.  We had plans to head out to Steve’s parents for lunch one afternoon.  I had just received this top in the mail, so it was an easy decision to wear it. The sophisticated elements of the top like the navy embroidered details, square neckline, and 3/4 length sleeves make it perfect for when you want to look casual chic. I’ve been gravitating towards the square neckline.  I love how it accentuates the collarbone without showcasing too much skin.  It gives such a classy look to the top.

casual fall outfit | navy embroidered top with dark wash flare jeans | Texas Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

spring outfit | navy blue and white embroidered top | brown small purse | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

casual outfit | dark blue denim | brown wedge sandals | Sophisticated Style Blog Lady in Violet

casual outfits for petites | navy and white long sleeve top | dark wash bootcut denim | Popular Fashion Blogs Lady in Violet

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4+ At Home Workout Ideas

at home workouts | no gym workout ideas | Houston Lifestyle Blogger Lady in Violet

After my first week of staying home, I realized that I need movement and working out in my life! It gives me energy, calms me, and helps me sleep better just for starters.  Starting week 2, I began trying out different workout plans and types of workouts to find the best ones for my space and time.  I think it is so important right now to stay active and moving!I rounded up 4 at home workout ideas that I’ve found to work for me, plus a few extra ideas if mine aren’t your cup of tea.

My daily workout schedule includes a daily walk, strength training or pilates, and yoga.  I included links to FREE videos, fitness apps offering free trials, and a few other resources that can all help you stay active everyday.  At the bottom of the post, I listed a few Houston area studios and my top club gym offering classes.  Some are free and some have a small fee.  If you are looking to support a small business, buying a few online classes from your favorite local studio is a great way to help them out!

workout ideas | red mesh leggings | good walking shoes | Fitness Blogger Lady in Violet

GO FOR A RUN OR WALK OUTDOORS – If you have the ability to get outside and get some fresh air, a walk or run is a great way to get in cardio.  I have knee issues which prevent me from running long distances, so I will alternate between walking days and interval running.  You can use apps like RunKeeper to build in custom interval workouts.  This app also gives you time cues.  I set it when I go on my daily lunch break walks to give me the time every 15 minutes, so I know when to turn around or head back inside. To make an hour long walk go by fast, I listen to music on Spotify or audio books on Overdrive that I online borrow from my library.

CLIMB STAIRS AROUND YOUR BUILDING – If you live in a building, apartment or multi-story home, another cardio idea is to walk up and down the stairs.  If you have multiple sets of staircases, go up one walk to the next and go down that one.  Repeat your way around the building.

WALK THE PARKING GARAGE – I’ve seen people do this before, and I think it’s a really smart idea!  It’s a good way to get in some incline walking and stay covered on rainy days.  Just watch out for cars!

at home workout ideas | yoga mat | lululemon leggings | Healthy LIving Blog Lady in Violet

YOGA – This workout is great for both the body and mind.  I’ve been doing yoga almost every morning, and it has been the perfect start to my day.  Yoga can help you stretch out muscles that may be cramped from less activity, strengthen your muscles, and yoga breathing can help calm you and reduce anxiety.  Yoga With Adriene is a great free yoga option. I found her videos to be great for beginners! If you want something more advanced, I have been using the Intermediate Yoga Flow classes in the Peloton App.  These classes remind me of the classes that I take at yoga studios.  FYI – The Peloton App is running a FREE 90 day trial right now. I’ve been taking full advantage of it and their workouts!

STRETCHING – If yoga is not your thing, a few light stretches will help keep your muscles limber.  I like to stretch my legs and back the most especially after long walks or sitting all day.  If you type in Stretching to Pinterest, you will find tons of different stretches you can do.  Also, the peloton app has stretching workouts.

simple home workouts | video strength classes | light dumbbells hand weights | Healthy Lifestyle Blog Lady in Violet

STRENGTH TRAINING – Keep your muscles strong and engaged with strength training.  You will need some weights for this one, although you can also look for bodyweight only moves too!  I have had this weight set FOREVER, and it’s really come in handy this month!  You can pick up a similar set at a sporting good store, Target, or Walmart.  Below are some places I like to use for FREE workouts:
XHIT DAILY on YouTube – This arm video is my Favorite from this channel.
The Peloton App – A variety of class length options are great for getting in quick workouts.
Lauren Gleisberg – She posts lots of circuit workouts for both gym and at home.  I find them super easy to follow and effective.
Alexia Clark – She posts workout videos on her Instagram that are effective and easy to follow.

no equipment at home workout idea | pilates | paper plates workout | Popular Lifestyle Blog Lady in Violet

MAKE YOUR OWN PILATES/ REFORMER CLASS – I spent the first couple of months falling in love with MegaFormer class, and I had planned on trying out a reformer pilates class but then everything closed.  I have seen so many people post about simulating some of the moves using paper plates or socks.  Search Paper Plate Workout on Pinterest for workout ideas. This article also has some good moves. I did a few moves from my Megaformer class the other day, and man I could feel this in my abs!  I do the movements slow which is similar to the slow controlled movements of my megaformer class.

how to workout at home | minimal home gym equipment | Healthy Lifestyle Blogger Lady in Violet

I live above someone in my apartment complex, so I’m choosing to be a good upstairs neighbor and not do too many jumping around workouts.  Below are a few other workout options that I think are awesome, but not good for my environment.
DANCE CLASS/JAZZERCISE – This You Tube channel offers a variety of dance classes for FREE!  The Sculpt Society App also has upbeat dance and cardio classes.  You can try Free with a 14 day trial.
UPBEAT CARDIO CLASS – You can find these in fitness apps like the Peloton App or Aaptiv.
CALL YOUR LOCAL STUDIO FOR EQUIPMENT – Many studios in my area rented out equipment like spin bikes, trampolines, and weights.  For most of them you had to have a monthly membership, but it may be worth looking into.  Many local studios are also offering online classes for a small fee or for FREE!

A few of my top studios offering classes:
Revolution Studio (this is where I take spin and yoga) – Fee Required offering strength, spin, and yoga
Define Body (I take their Barre classes) – free for one week, must enter email
Orange Theory – Daily Free Circuit Workouts
Atrium Yoga – Fee Required offering live yoga workouts
Black Swan Yoga – Free Yoga Workouts
Lifetime Fitness (my favorite club gym!) – offering free at home workouts

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simple workouts you can do at home | minimal home gym items | Healthy Lifestyle Blog Lady in Violet