Monthly Archives: January 2020

What I Wore in January + Reader Favorites

winter outfit ideas | what I wore in January | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

Did anyone else feel like January was extra long this year?  I feel like we should be halfway through February already.  Of course, I also know in a few months that I will be shocked how quickly time has flown by.  Maybe it has to do with it being such a slow month compared to the busy holiday months it follows.  Either way, I’m ready to be inching closer to warm Spring weather and outfits!

I’m doing a two for one with today’s post and sharing a look back at what I wore in January plus your favorite items and blog posts.  My month was filled with sweaters, jackets, and cardigans.  When I was putting this post together, I realized I definitely had a favorite shoe this month.  I included a few workout looks too.  I’ve really been enjoying doing class pass this month.  I found two new favorites – barre and megaformer pilates – that I’m planning to keep in my workout rotation along with gym time and spin.

My boyfriend and I have a busy weekend planned out.  We are doing a little outlet shopping on Saturday, and then watching the Big Game together on Sunday!   If you missed it, I shared a few Super Bowl party outfit ideas and tips on making a yummy game day snack board earlier this week.  I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. Next week is going to be all about Valentine’s Day here on the blog, I can’t wait to share the outfits with ya’ll! See you soon.

winter outfit | bright pink cardigan | white sneakers | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

cardigan | tank top | jeans | c/o sneakers | c/o crossbody bag | sunglasses | necklace

cozy brown sweater with leopard print flats | Casual Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

c/o sweater | jeans | leopard flats | earrings

casual outfit | light gray mini backpack | metallic silver heels | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

long sleeve tee | similar distressed jeans | heels by Schutz (similar) | c/o backpack purse

fall outfit | navy tweed jacket and gray skinny jeans | Budget Friendly Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

cropped jacket (BACK IN STOCK) | white blouse | similar gray jeans | tory burch flats | necklace by Stella & Dot (old)

winter outfit | green velvet blazer with dark blue jeans | Texas Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

velvet blazer | ivory cami | jeans | heels | c/o crossbody bag | earrings | necklace

workout outfit | blue tank top with black leggings | Fitness Blogger Lady in Violet

similar tank top | sports bra | leggings | similar sneakers

pilates barre class outfit | pink leggings | floral grip socks | Healthy Living Blog Lady in Violet

tank top | leggings | grip socks

winter outfit | green printed top | dark wash flared jeans | Southern Style Blog Lady in Violet

sweater by Liz claiborne (old) | flared jeans | heels | earrings

winter work outfit | tan oversized sweater | light pink pleated midi skirt | Workwear Blog lady in Violet

c/o sweater | skirt by TopShop (0ld) | heels | earrings

casual winter outfit | oversized ivory sweater | tory burch flats | Popular Fashion Blog for outfit ideas Lady in Violet

c/o sweater | jeans | tory burch flats

winter work outfit | sweater and skirt combo with black boots | Affordable Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

c/o sweater | similar skirt | suede boots | c/o earrings

casual fall outfit | plaid top layered over striped tank | brown heels | Everyday Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

plaid shirt (old) | striped tank top | jeans |brown heels | necklace

cozy winter outfit | light pink draped cardigan | dark blue bootcut jeans | Love this fashion blog (Lady in Violet)

c/o draped long cardigan | ivory cami | bootcut jeans | brown heels | c/o earrings | necklace

READER FAVORITES

MOST CLICKED ITEMS

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

TOP BLOG POSTS
What I Wore in December
12 Healthy Lunch Ideas
How to Mix Brown and Black Like a Pro

How to Make a Charcuterie Board

how to create a charcuterie board | super bowl snacks | party appetizers | Houston Blogger Lady in Violet

Who is watching the big game this weekend?  I have a private gathering of the boyfriend and I, and I promised him some yummy snacks!  One easy party appetizer to whip up is a charcuterie board.  It requires little prep work, and you can use your creativity to turn it into the eye catcher and statement maker of your snack table.  I’m sharing my step by step process on how to make a charcuterie board, so you can pull this off for your next party.  I love serving these for holiday parties, bridal and baby showers, dinner parties, or just a fine wine night with friends.

A few of my favorite cheeses are gouda, brie, goat cheese with honey, asiago, and port salut.   All of these are on the more mild end and mix well with other party snacks.  When picking meats, I look for variety packs with 3-4 meats.  It helps add a good mixture and comes pre-sliced!  When I’m planning to buy a large amount of fancy cheese, I usually try to stop by Trader Joe’s because they have amazing prices on their cheese.

Now let’s get to the how to portion of this post! Keep scrolling for a step by step look at how to make the perfect meat and cheese board.

ingredients to make a cheese board | party appetizer | LADYINVIOLET.com

COMMON INGREDIENTS:
Variety of hard and soft cheeses – I opt for 4-5
Variety of Italian Meats – I usually buy a variety pack
2-3 different crackers
grapes and apples
jam
nuts

tips for making a cheese board for holiday party | Lifestyle Blogger Lady in Violet

I start buy laying out my cheese on the board.  For this board, I purchased 5 because I like to have an extra in case one runs out during the party.  I try to have an even mix of soft and hard cheeses.  Since the soft ones tend to spread a little when being served, I placed them on the island portions where they will have more space.  If I plan to use a sauce dish, I will work it in during this step too.

super bowl party snacks | best way to make a meat and cheese tray | Food Blogger Lady in Violet

I love that this tray has inserts for the crackers! It makes it so easy to place and keep the crackers standing.  This might be a new requirement for all my cheese and cracker boards.  After I decide on cheese placement, I start placing my crackers organizing them by kind. I typically opt for water crackers, a whole wheat type of cracker, and a pita cracker.

how to put a cheese tray together | bridal shower food | Top Houston Blog Lady in Violet

Once I have all my crackers in place, I open up my cheeses and place them in their permanent homes on the board.

what goes in a charcuterie board | baby shower food | Popular Lifestyle Blog Lady in Violet

I like to include a jam on the board to mix in with the cheeses.  You can place this in a separate container or layer over a brie.  Fig and raspberry are two of my personal favorites to mix with cheese.

how to make the perfect charcuterie tray | party appetizer ideas | Lady in Violet Blog

Now the real fun begins.  It’s time to style your board.   The Italian meats are the next main part of my board, so I start placing them in the bigger areas remaining on my tray.  To save space, I roll each piece and lay them next to each other.  You can layer them on top of each other too.

how to make a charcuterie board for a party | Lady in Violet Blog

Once I have my meat in place, I start adding fruit.  I decided to add apples to my container, but you can also add them on the board and place jam or nuts in the container.  Grapes make great filler for any big or small spaces needing a little color.  Last, I sprinkle almonds around my brie to fill in the extra space.

what to put on a a meat and cheese tray | football snacks | Houston Blogger Lady in Violet

With the last almond added, my charcuterie board is complete!  This party appetizer can be put together pretty quickly.  I like to set it out about 20 minutes prior to party time so the cheese can slightly soften and be easier to cut.

how to make a charcuterie board | dinner | party appetizer idea | Houston Blog Lady in Violet

 

ake a charcuterie board with pictures | party appetizer ideas | holiday party snacks | Houston Blogger Lady in violet

15 Super Bowl Party Outfit Ideas

15 Super Bowl Party Outfit Ideas | casual outfit inspiration | daily ootd pics | Affordable Fashion blog Lady in Violet

Where are all my football fans at???  I’m a pretty big football fan. For starters, I grew up in Texas, and we live and breath football here.  I’ve played Fantasy Football for years, even one once!  Every Sunday, you can usually catch me somewhere watching a game.  Fresh out of college, I worked in sports television which only fueled my love for the game.  I also formerly worked for network television station which every 3 years airs the big game. Working in sports for several years and then at a tv station that airs lots of NFL, I was engulfed in many of the back end things.  Last year, I made a career change and watching football totally changed for me.

I was no longer involved in the work that went to put on the game, if something went wrong with the airing it no longer was going to be my problem come Monday morning. This football season, I got to sit back and just enjoy the games.  Every so often I would miss the craziness that is football season at a tv station, but I also enjoyed getting to be on the outside of things and just enjoy the season.

As a football fan, the Super Bowl is kind of bittersweet.  It’s what you’ve been watching for all season, and it also means football season and my Sunday plans are over.  Over the years, I’ve hosted parties, attended parties, and watched alone.  No matter what, I always had yummy football snacks and always dress for the occasion.

I rounded up 15 Super Bowl Party outfit ideas that would be perfect no matter what your game watching plans.  Both team colors are red this year, so you may need add in some gold or white accessories to make your team choice stand out!  When my team is not playing, I opt for a casual non-team color outfit.  Keep scrolling for some Super Bowl outfit inspiration including some red outfit ideas, something for those wanting to look dressy casual but also comfy, and lots of comfy outfits!

Hosting or attending a party?  Check back Wednesday for tips on creating the perfect party snack!

GO TEAM GO!

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

ORIGINAL POST

Winter Outfit | Red Cowl Neck Sweater | Suede Boots | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

cozy winter outfit | red puffy coat | layered over striped top | Houston Fashion Blogger Karen Kocich

ORIGINAL POST

LadyinViolet dresses up a red and black plaid shirt with a long statement necklace.

ORIGINAL POST

CHIC AND COMFY

thanksgiving outfit idea | black off the shoulder sweater | brown peep toe booties | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

fall outfit | ivory one shoulder sweater | stuart weitzman boots | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

casual fall outfit | long white blouse | tan slouchy boots | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

CASUAL AND COMFY

Casual Outfit | Navy Sweater | Brown OTK Boots | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

winter outfit | how to mix brown and black | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

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

ORIGINAL POST

fall outfit | dark pink wrap top | distressed blue jeans | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

fall outfit | black puffer vest layered over thermal henley top | Popular Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

cute fall outfit | gray twist waist top | pink converse sneakers | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

fall outfit | gray cardigan | black booties | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

Athleisure Travel Outfit | Black Leggings | Olive Pullover | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

ORIGINAL POST

SHOP THE LOOKS

 

Maroon Sweater

winter outfit | maroon sweater | brown tall boots | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall outfit | burgundy turtleneck sweater | black leather backpack purse | Texas Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall outfit idea | brown leather boots | black backpack purse | Petite Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

winter outfit idea | maroon lightweight sweater | black skinny jeans | Houston Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

Happy Happy Friday!!  Oh why do short weeks always feel the longest?!?!  After a busy weekend and work week, I am ready for a pretty chill and relaxing weekend to close out January.  I have no plans as of right now, and I’m really excited about that. I will probably end up catching up on a few things around the house.

Back in November, I headed to my first Texas A&M football game.  I mentioned it when I shared my red puffer coat a week or so ago.  This maroon sweater was the other item I wore to the game.  My original plan was a lightweight sweater based on the weather predictions. When the forecast changed to colder game time temps, I decided to add the coat to the mix.

Turtleneck sweaters are hit or miss for me.  I don’t want to them to feel too tight around the neck.  These mock neck style tops are a great alternative for the look without worrying about too tight a feel around the neck.  The mock neck style in a solid color is a great basic wardrobe staple add to your closet.  You can make it work both casually and professionally.  A lightweight version can also be layered under cardigans, vests, and jackets.

I picked my sweater up from Nordstrom Rack, and I noticed it was low in stock.  I found a few similar ones HERE and HERE in case you like the look.

Photography By: LA Photography

casual fall outfit | burgundy thin sweater | black leather backpack | Everyday Style Blog Lady in Violet

winter outfit | burgundy turtleneck sweater | gold bangle bracelet | Southern Style Blog Lady in Violet

fall outfit | black leather backpack | maroon sweater | Budget Friendly Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

casual fall outfit | burgundy sweater | brown leather boots | popular fashion blog Lady in Violet

SHOP THE LOOK