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3 Tips to Restyle a Dress
| DETAILS |
TRINA TURK Elin Dress | BP Denim Vest (similar) | SAM EDELMAN Dawson Sandals | VERA BRADLEY c/o Quilted Tess Bag | KENDRA SCOTT c/o Rae Necklace, Skylar Earrings, Andy Bracelet, Grady Bracelet (similar) | BAUBLEBAR Ladder Cuff | GORJANA Mika Necklace | PRADA (c/o Ditto) Sunglasses **Try One Month FREE with code LADYINVIOLET | Lips: MAC Craving
We have all done it, splurged on the pretty dress thinking I’m sure I will wear this all the time. It’s a gorgeous dress, but then you realize it’s one of those memorable dresses that you can’t wear to every event all summer long. I splurged on this dress last summer, and found it on sale but still a bit of a splurge for this summer. I always love trying to come up with new ways to restyle a dress, so I can wear it not only multiple times but to different kinds of events. A little over a week ago, I wore this dress with my heels to Afternoon Tea for a birthday celebration of several of my friends. It’s such a statement dress that it really doesn’t need much else.
BUT, I wanted to come up with a cute casual look for this dress. Something I could wear to a backyard party or family function. My denim vest is my summer go to piece to easily change the look of a dress and create a more casual vibe. Not going to lie, it’s also something I add on when I am so not in strapless bra mood. Another easy way to change the look of a dress is with your shoes. I could have opted for wedges if I wanted to go dressy casual, but to take the look even more laid back, I opted for my flat sandals. I like the nude shoe, so it still lets the colors of the dress be the focal point. My last restyling tip is all about the accessories. I typically go really simple with this dress when I wear it all dressed up. For a fun casual look, I added a long pendant necklace and some colorful bracelets that complimented the colors of the dress. When I added all these pieces, this look had a lot going on, so I went with a simple white bag. I think the white really helps to brighten the colors of the dress. There you go, 3 easy tips to restyling a dress from fancy to casual. If you want to see the previous way I styled this dress last summer, check out my post HERE.
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White Off The Shoulder Top
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ANTHROPOLOGIE Off The Shoulder Blouse | BLANK NYC Distressed Denim | STEVE MADDEN Stecy Sandals | ELAINE TURNER Saddle Bag (similar | similar clutch) | KENDRA SCOTT Carole Necklace in Black Pearl | GORJANA Tavia Earrings, Joplin Bracelet | HENRI BENDEL Hinged Cuff, Miss Bendel Bangle *ON SALE! | PRADA (c/o Ditto) Sunglasses ** Try One Month Free with code LADYINVIOLET | Lips: MAC Craving
Hey! Ok so first off I had the most amazing weekend! It kicked off with a spin class and frozen mimosas for my friend Ashley’s birthday, followed by a Sunday afternoon blogger workshop with guest speaker Ashley of Sugar & Cloth, and concluded with Afternoon Tea at Bistro Menil to celebrate my FIVE friends who have birthdays in May. It also rained tons, but thankfully not interrupting any of my fun activities! I sometimes find the more fun the weekend, the harder the Monday is, so I’ll take an extra cup of coffee thank you!
I’m kicking off the week with one of my favorite trends right now – the off the shoulder blouse. I added my second one to my wardrobe, and I LOVE this one!! It also keeps with the color that is coming in strong for summer, white. The material is lightweight which is always great for summer heat. I like the length not too long but goes just long enough. The top is an elastic band so with this style you can also pop the arms up and wear it like a normal tee. I really like the tops that have this option in case this is a short lived trend, I can still wear this shirt next summer. Check out that last picture to see this top worn this alternate style. One thing I have noticed with so many of these tops especially a white off the shoulder top is that they are a wee bit sheer. I purchased this top to wear underneath mine. It’s a great length so it doesn’t show even under shorter tops like this one.
Something about the clean white top and distressed denim had me reaching for my silver jewelry to complete this look. I just loved how the black pearl looked against the white, and the simple long earrings were the perfect accent to the off the shoulder look. I also tossed on a few of my new bracelets to create an on trend but still sophisticated look.
Now about that second cup of coffee! 🙂 Thanks for swinging by ya’ll!!
OH and if you are in Houston and interested in attending a future blogger workshop, sign up for the Houston Blogger Union. My friend Jillian started the Houston chapter, and we had our first get together this weekend. I have heard sneak peeks of what is coming, and trust me you want to join!
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Shop Guide: The Crossbody Bag
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1) Henri Bendel 2) Vera Bradley 3) Tory Burch 4) Rebecca Minkoff 5) Sole Society 6) Kate Spade 7) Cesca 8) Dolce Girl
My latest bag obsession is by far the crossbody bag! I love that these bags are super cute and functional. I think over the past few years they have also become even more stylish. I noticed I started prefering them to my clutches for events and nights out. They free up your hands to mix and mingle all night long. I wear mine both as a crossbody and shoulder bag. A few even easily transform into a clutch if needed.
I compiled a few of my current cravings for this list. I obviously love a bag in a bold color. Vera and Henri are always the best for great bold colors. I think they are so smart to pick colors that can work with so many other colors in an outfit, and can be dressed both up or down. Tory Burch is great at creating timeless styles that can be worn for years. I love this little Rebecca Minkoff one as a great little black bag that is perfect for everyday use and for special events.
Most of these options are on the pricier end, but I personally don’t mind spending s little more on a purse sometimes. Over the years, I have found the quality in the higher priced purses to be totally worth it! I can carry them for years with little wear and tear damage. It doesn’t mean I don’t love a bargain, and brands like Sole Society and Halogen help me get my trendy bag fix. Brands like these also sometimes create dupes for some of the more popular high dollar purses.
If you follow on Instagram(@karen.rock) or snapchat (ladyinviolet), then you saw that we hit up one of our favorite special occasion restaurants last night. They are closing at the end of the month, and we just had to go for one last meal. I have a busy weekend ahead. Most of my gal pals have May birthdays, so this weekend will be spent celebrating!! We have some really fun things planned, and I can’t wait to celebrate with all of them!!
Have a great weekend ya’ll and thanks for taking some time to swing by! I really appreciate it!!!
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Casual Weekend Uniform
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NYDJ Henley Top (a few other colors/prints on sale!) | AG The Stilt Jeans (similar) | STEVE MADDEN Le Crew Lace-up Flats | SOLE SOCIETY Kianna Crossbody | JULIE VOS Coin Pendant | STELLA & DOT Renegade Bracelet | NADRI Crystal Bangle (similar) | KENDRA SCOTT c/o Fran Earrings (similar) | Nails: JULEP Shari | Lips: MAC Craving & CLINIQUE First Date | KAREN WALKER (c/o Ditto) Number One Sunglasses ** Try Free for One Month with code LADYINVIOLET
If you ran into me on weekends while I’m running errands, there is a good chance I’m wearing something pretty similar to this outfit. I love easy to throw on, still looking chic, and functional outfits. This top has been one of my favorite clothing purchases of late. I love a simple and classic solid top. I love that the material is lightweight, perfect for the Texas heat. It also doesn’t really require ironing. I wear it to work too with pencil skirts and slacks. It is just perfection!! A few of the colors and prints are on sale, I’m thinking maybe I need the blush pink or light blue one. The white one is definitely on my wish list because it would make such a great layering piece. I was hoping it would go on sale too, but no luck yet.
A few of my other weekend must haves are a comfy pair of jeans and shoes. When I plan on walking tons like shopping both mall and everyday errands, I pull out my flats. I love my heels and wedges, but flats are my go to weekend shoe for errands. I really like these lace-ups because they work great to make an outfit look a little more dressy. I can not rave enough about my AG jeans!! I think I’m not the only one because whenever they are on sale, sizes are slim pickings!! I like that you have a little stretch for movement, but they hold their shape – perfect for weekends!
I have also realized I am so over clutches and all about the crossbody!! I went to an event last night and carried one of my clutches. It was the first time in awhile, and I struggled to balance my clutch, shaking hands, giving hugs, champagne, yummy snacks, and shopping. I think about 20 minutes in, I was like yep only buying crossbodys from now on! Luckily, I’ve noticed many clutches are starting to come with an attachable strap!
So now that I’ve talked about my casual weekend uniform, I am kind of ready for the weekend and it’s only Wednesday….. Well I guess I will just hope the next couple of work days fly by, time can slow down after 5 😉 Have a great day ya’ll!
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