Monthly Archives: March 2020

What I Wore This Month

spring outfit ideas | daily outfits | Affordable Fashion Blog for Petites lady in violet

Well hasn’t this been a whirlwind of a month! I started the month finally able to start wearing all the cute and pretty spring things and ended it wearing all the casual comfies.  I’m thinking it might be time to start putting on normal clothes again this week.  We will see how everything goes.

For this month’s outfit recap, I included a few shots from a try on session I did over on Instagram Stories (@karenkocich).  Occasionally, I share new pieces when I receive them in the mail.  Since I didn’t have a chance to wear all my new spring items this month, I wanted to include them before they sell out!

Hope you enjoy this month’s outfit recap!  Fingers crossed next month will be filled with more fabulous spring outfit ideas!

spring outfit | blue embroidered top | tan crossbody purse | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

blue embroidered blouse | skinny jeans | bow slides |crossbody bag | sunglasses | earrings | necklace

casual weekend outfit | black tee with distressed jeans | Houston Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

black long sleeve tee | similar jeans | similar booties | sunglasses | necklace

spring outfit | white jean jacket with gray denim pants | Casual Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

white denim jacket | striped cami | similar gray jeans | gray backpack | necklace | earrings

spring work outfit | ivory high neck top | snakeskin heels | Texas Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

ivory top | dark wash jeans | snakeskin heels

business casual work outfit | gray leopard print top | brown double ring belt | Southern Style Blog Lady in Violet

leopard print top | bootcut jeans | brown belt | tan heels | necklace

spring outfit | floral ruffle hem top | bow top slides | Budget Friendly Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

top old by Cece | Jeans | bow slides | Necklace

rodeo outfit | striped jacket | cowboy boots | Houston Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

striped jacket | similar cami | dark wash jeans | similar cowboy boots | necklace | earrings

casual outfit | pink plaid top | bow slides | Daily Outfits Blog Lady in Violet

plaid topdistressed jeans | bow slides

spring outfit | pink floral print dress with bow front flat shoes | Southern Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

pink floral dress | bow slides

home loungewear | gray cozy cardigan with black leggings | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

gray cardigan | striped tank top | black leggings

comfy loungewear | cropped tank top with black leggings | Everyday Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

similar tank top one and two | black leggings

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The Perfect Hair Accessory for a High Neck Top

spring outfit | beige high neck blouse | brown leather tote bag | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

casual outfit | ivory flowy top | leopard print headband | Houston Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

casual spring outfit | button back blouse | dark wash jeans | Everyday Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

dressy casual outfit | dark blue jeans | brown suede heels | Petite Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

spring outfit | ivory ruffle neck top | cuffed skinny jeans | Casual Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

Today’s post is kind of special, it’s the first blog post shot by my boyfriend.  He’s been taking some of my outfit shots for Instagram, so I knew he was ready for the big time.  The photographer I have been using had a baby at the start of the month, so I knew I wouldn’t be able to shoot with her for awhile.  Originally, I had a few out of town weekends scheduled, so I knew it was going to be hard to book a time with my other photographer before I ran out of outfits to share.  I asked my boyfriend if he would mind doing a little mini shoot and he agreed.  Now, I’m so happy we did it because it led me to having a surplus of content so I can keep on posting!

My hair these past two weeks has been lots of ponytails and buns, and headbands are great for making this quick hair up do feel a little more polished.  About once or twice a week (during a normal work week), I take a pilates class at lunch.  Headbands have become a staple for me for hiding post-workout hair.

Headbands are also the perfect hair accessory to pair with high neck tops.  I like wearing my hair up with these tops.  I think it helps showcase the style and details of the top a little better, but I’m not always a fan of my hair up do skills.  Adding in a fun headband helps dress up my basic bun a little.  It also adds a fun pop of print to my ivory top.

My headband was a purchased from a local boutique during the end of year sale season.  I found one that is similar.  I’m planning to add a few more in different materials and colors. I’m really wanting a pink velvet one!

Have you embraced the headband trend yet?

| OUTFIT DETAILS |
Ivory High Neck Blouse | Dark Wash Jeans | Brown Suede Heels | c/oSimilar Tote Bag | Similar Headband (mine was a local boutique sale find) | c/o Pearl Earrings | Similar Gold Bangle

spring brunch outfit | ivory flowy blouse | tan suede heels | Texas Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

how to wear a headband | brown tote bag | Southern Style Blog Lady in Violet

date night outfit | cuffed blue jeans | brown suede heels | Popular Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

casual spring outfit | mock neck ivory blouse | leopard print headband | Outfit Ideas Blog Lady in Violet

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How to Style a Maxi Dress for Spring

spring outfit | long floral dress with denim jacket | Affordable Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

how to wear summer maxi dresses in spring | Houston Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

spring outfit | brown espadrille wedges with blue floral maxi dress | Casual Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

summer outfit | circle straw purse | stone bangles bracelets | Petite Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

Spring outfit | denim jacket over maxi dress | Everyday Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

Hello friends! I hope you had a good weekend despite everything going on.  I’m adjusting to a work from home lifestyle mixed with an evenings at home lifestyle.  My apartment has never been cleaner, lol.  Steve and I broke into my game collection this weekend and played a few rounds of Scattegories on Saturday followed by a minor binge watching of Tiger King on Netflix.  We only intended to watch a couple episodes, but this show ya’ll is crazy! Right when you thing you know everything another curve ball is thrown.  If you are looking for something to watch, I highly recommend!

Flowy maxi dresses are great for summer! They are perfect for beach vacations because they can work as both a swimsuit coverup and dinner dress.  I will also toss mine on before heading to a pool party or just to run errands or grab brunch on a hot day.  This one is also perfect for a day at home when you want to fill dressed up but still comfy.

You can easily make these summer maxi dresses work for spring too with two simple add ons.  First option, belt the waist.  This works for summer too.  It helps define your waist and can change up the look of the dress.  I place the belt a couple inches above my belly button to add the look of length to my petite frame and create a more slimming look.  Second option, add on a denim jacket.  A great option for cooler days!  You can roll up the sleeves to about a 3/4 length for a daytime look.  A denim jacket can both dress up or dress down a dress. I love the versatility of it.  For a spaghetti strap dress, it can make your outfit more work friendly.  If your maxi feels dressier, a denim jacket can give it a more casual brunch time look.

A few simple adds and your maxi dress is quickly transformed into a whole new look!

Photography By: LA Photography

spring fashion | belted floral maxi dress with wedges | Texas Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

spring outfits | denim jacket | double ring brown belt | Southern Style Blog Lady in Violet

summer outfit | brown espadrille wedge sandals | blue floral maxi dress | Budget Friendly Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

casual outfit | how to style a maxi dress for spring | Popular fashion blog Lady in Violet

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Most Popular Self Tanners Reviewed

reviews of the most popular self tanners | best self tanning products | Houston beauty blogger Lady in Violet

It’s no lie that I love a good faux tan! It’s safer than a tanning bed and quicker than laying by the pool.  A couple years ago, I shared exactly how to apply self tanning mousse.  After I wrote that post, I thought it would be fun to try out some of the more popular brands and products on the market.  I had always used the same product and wondered if something better existed out there.  I found some hits and misses along the way.

If you are still looking for the perfect self tanner or are curious about trying out one of these brands, I’m sharing my results and honest opinions on each one.

MOST POPULAR SELF TANNERS REVIEWED

LOVING TAN 2HR EXPRESS DARK
The Loving Tan mousse is one of the higher priced on the list.  It gives me a nice dark and natural looking color with little to no smell.  I use the 2Hr Express, but I will sometimes sleep in it for 6-8 hours. I find it works fine for both time frames.  When this one starts fading, it fades a little splotchy and uneven.  I always struggled with applying this one on my hands and feet.  It was often way darker or uneven.  I applied lotion prior which did help. Overall Opinion: Great for a dark color and quick tan.

ISLE OF PARADISE GLOW CLEAR MOUSSE
If sitting around in self tanner for 2-6 hours is not your thing, this might be the self tanner for you.  It contains no guide color, so you can apply and then go about your day.  I use this one before work.  I let it soak in for about 20 minutes before applying makeup and skincare products. You do have to be a little careful with washing your hands for the first couple hours. I tried both medium and dark, and prefer the dark shade.  It’s also a clean beauty brand.  Downside to this one, no guide color so you really have to pay attention when applying.  It fades quicker than other products. I wrote a full review on this one, HERE.  Overall Opinion: Great for a busy lifestyle with a stain free formula.

ST MORIZ TANNING MOUSSE DARK
The lowest price self tanner on the list.  I’ve used this one for years.  After trying more expensive tanners, this one still is my favorite.  It gives me a natural dark tan that lasts the longest.  It fades evenly like a natural tan with no splotchiness and little to no smell.  It also has very little sheet staining when I sleep in it.  It does have some, but it washes out.  My downside to this one – I sleep with one of my elbows bent which causes slight discoloration.  I’m probably the only one that notices it, but this was the only self tanner that didn’t fully develop in my inner elbow because of it. Overall Opinion: Great for a natural, dark tan for half the price of other self tan products.

ST TROPEZ EXPRESS BRONZING MOUSSE
As an express mousse, this one didn’t work out for me.  I would wear it for a full 6 hours for the best results.  I also noticed it develops more after you wash it off.  The first couple of times I used this one, I was super disappointed in the color immediately after showering.  After a few hours, I notice the color had deepened into a nice dark tan.  I find the St Tropez self tanners to be the worst at sheet staining while you sleep.  It washes out, but over time it started to not fully wash out. Overall Opinion: I’m glad I tried it to see if it lived up to the hype, but the results didn’t compare to others.  Leaving this one on the shelf for future tans.

ST TROPEZ SELF TAN CLASSIC
The most disappointing self tanner of all the ones I tried out.  I’m pretty sure this tanned my sheets more than it tanned me.  I noticed zero difference in color after using this product.  In addition, it stained my sheets the worst.  I used this product a few more times, but ended up stopping because of the lack of tanning results. Overall Opinion: I would not recommend.

ST MORIZ FAST TAN EXPRESS MOUSSE
I love the regular St. Moriz, but I was not a fan of their express mousse.  It had a little more orange tint to the end color and has the most noticeable smell.  It did develop quickly. I accidentally fell asleep and wore for 4 hours once.  It turned me way more orange than tan.  It’s an affordable option with my most natural tan developing around the 2-2.5 hour mark.  Overall Opinion: Not the best express option for a natural tan, but it is an affordable option for express.  Just be careful not to go over the 3 hour limit.

After trying all of these self tanning mousses, I decided to stick with my St. Moriz Mousse for now. The price and results just can’t be beat.  I do plan to keep the Isle of Paradise on hand for days when I need to tan and run.  If you are wanting to give self tanning a try this spring or summer, be sure to check out my post on the best way to apply self tanner for a detailed how to plus a few dos and dont’s.

Hope ya’ll have a great weekend! Thanks for spending some time with me this week!

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best self tanners ranked | self tanner reviews | Beauty Blogger Lady in Violet