Author Archives: Karen

Green With Envy Blogger Event

Greenstreet Downtown Houston Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

Last week, some fellow Houston area bloggers and I were invited to Greenstreet in Downtown Houston to check out the newly renovated space.  For my Houston readers, this area was formerly Houston Pavillions.  I visited this area a few years back for a Bachelorette Party and remember being a little underwhelmed by the space.  I will say I was quite impressed with the renovations that have taken place in this area.  The middle area now features a green lawn space and hosts game nights, music nights, Friday Flicks, and hosted watch parties for the Rockets playoff run.  The area also had twinkle lights in the palm trees, so I was a pretty happy girl.

Our  night started at McCormick & Schmick’s for a little cocktail hour to mix and mingle.  This Orange Crush Signature Cocktail was AMAZING!  The rim is dipped in sugar, so each sip has a little added sweetness.  We also enjoyed a few appetizers including these chicken quesadillas that were also delicious!  I saw my friend who always plans happy hours for my girl group this weekend, and told her to add this place to her list!  I definitely plan on going back and enjoying another evening on the patio.  The patio overlooks the green lawn, so you can also enjoy live music on certain nights.

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in VioletGreenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

After a couple cocktails and quesadillas, the Greenstreet team told us a little about the area and the fun things coming.  A big new addition will be the 5 Star Hotel Alessandra.  The hotel is planning to open in late 2016 which is just in time for a major sporting event to land in Houston, The Super Bowl in February 2017.

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

Then, we got to my favorite part of the night- SHOPPING & STYLING!  We headed up the escalators to check out the BCBGMAXAZRIA store on the second floor of Greenstreet.

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

I am a huge fan of BCBG, and this is probably one of the prettiest locations I have been in.  The store has a boutique feel and lots of natural light.

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

For this event, we were asked to style a couple outfits for the upcoming festival season.  Then my favorite words were shared, “We are also having a SALE!”  That’s right BCBG is having a pretty big 40% off sale right now!!

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

How fabulous is this fringe skirt picked up by blogger Natalie?!?!

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

I love styling outfits, so this part of the night was really fun!!  I quickly gravitated towards this light turquiose pleated dress.  I could see it working for a festival outfit, but also as just a fun dress to wear out this summer to lunch or on a date.  (More details on my festival inspired looks are at the end of this post.)

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

After completing a little styling and a little shopping, it was off to Forever 21 to create a budget friendly look.  I was excited to check out this store, because I had heard about the downtown store, but I’ve never had the chance to go.

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

Me being me, I set forth towards the shoe section first.  I mean I absolutely have planned outfits around my shoes before!  This is a huge store with 2 floors, so it was a lot to take in!

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

I love layering, and Forever 21 has tons of options when it comes to a layered look.  Plus, with their affordable prices you can afford to buy a layered look with 4 or 5 parts.

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

I had so much fun with my fellow bloggers!  If you are in Houston, you need to check out the new Greenstreet Downtown!!  They are constantly growing and increasing their restaurant, shopping, and entertaining options.  I definitely can see this place quickly becoming one of Houston’s hottest new spots!!  Check back tomorrow, when I will be sharing all the details of what I wore to this fabulous event!

Greenstreet Blogger Event Recap | Lady in Violet

For the event, I created two festival inspired looks shown below.  When I am going to an outdoor event on uneven ground where I will probably be standing/walking most of the time, I usually leave my wedges behind and opt for a cute pair of sandals.  This first look you may have seen me post on Instagram the night of the event.  I loved this belt so much, I purchased it!  I love silver detailing, and was excited to find a nude belt with a silver buckle!  I decide to pair this turquoise dress with a fringe purse in navy.  I’m really loving all these fringe clutches out right now!

BCBG Festival Inspired Outfit Idea | Lady in Violet

Oufit 1 – BCBG
Cayanne Pleated Dress | BCBGeneration Stanley Gladiator Sandal | Rylee Zipper Tassel Clutch | Houndstooth Plated Waist Belt

One of my favorite style ideas for a kimono is to wear it over a camisole type dress like the one below.  I would wrap the belt around the kimono to create a waistline.  I picked this super colorful kimono because I wanted something bright to go along with the bright coral of the dress.

Forever 21 Festival Inspired Outfit Idea | Lady in Violet

Oufit 2 – FOREVER 21
Chiffon Surplice Cami Dress | Striped Ornate Print Kimono | Geo Cutout Pendant Necklace | Tasseled Leather Sandals | FOREVER 21+ Faux Leather Double Braid Belt

Special Thanks to Greenstreet Downtown for hosting me for this fabulous night!
PHOTO CREDIT: Greenstreet Houston

Lady in Violet

The Bluest of Blue

Office Outfit - Printed Top with Blue A-line Skirt | Lady in Violet

Work Outfit - Printed Top with Blue A-line Skirt | Lady in Violet

Baublebar Earrings  and Gorjana Necklace | Lady in Violet

Cobalt Blue A-line Skirt | Lady in Violet

Office Outfit Idea - Printed Top with Blue A-line Skirt | Lady in Violet

What I Wore to Work - Printed Top with Blue Skirt | Lady in Violet

The Limited A-line Skirt | Lady in Violet

Work Style - Printed Top with Blue A-line Skirt | Lady in Violet

Office Outfit - Printed Top with Blue A-line Skirt | Lady in Violet

| DETAILS |

LUSH Roll Tab Sleeve Shirt | THE LIMITED Paneled A-Line Skirt | SAM EDELMAN Camdyn Pump | GIGI NY All in One Bag | BAUBLEBAR Crystal Dandelion Drops, Mini Pave Links Bracelet, Old [SIMILAR] | GORJANA Taner Pave Bar Necklace | RAYBAN Original Aviator Sunglasses | MAC Lipstick in Faux | ESSIE Limo-Scene

Hello Monday, we meet again! I had such a great relaxing weekend!  I spent most of Saturday out by the pool, and Sunday afternoon I went to a friend’s baby shower.  I have been so busy with work and blogging that it was great to have one day to relax and one day to catch up with friends.  It was definitely a pretty great weekend!

If you follow my Instagram, you may have seen me post this outfit last week.  I wrote in the picture that the skirt reminded me of beautiful blue water.  For starters, I was definitely in need of a pool day!  A month of clouds and rain was no fun!  But this skirt definitely has some similarities to a bright blue pool.  The skirt is an a-line cut with a good swing and bounce to it.  The movement and flow of the skirt was definitely reminiscent of the relaxing movement of the water.  I love this bright cobalt blue color.  It definitely reminds me of the bluest of blue ocean waters in the Caribbean.  The skirt comes with a matching top, but I knew I already had a few tops in my closet that would be perfect with this skirt. One top that immediately came to mind was this Lush top.  On long workdays, a looser fitting top paired with an a-line skirt is just soooo comfortable!  But it also still has a professional office look to it.  Thanks for stopping by today and have a fabulous week!

RESTYLED & REMIXED
LUSH TOP: Teal Jeans

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How to Choose A Colored Satchel

How to Choose a Colored Satchel | Lady in Violet

Summer Office Style - Blue Sleeveless Dress and Brown Wedges | Lady in Violet

Loft Henley Drawstring Dress | Lady in Violet

Tips for choosing the perfect colored satchel | Lady in Violet

Henri Bendel West 57th Satchel | Lady in Violet

Office Outfit Idea - Drawstring Dress with Wedges | Lady in Violet

How to choose a colorful purse | Lady in Violet

Summer Style - Blue Dress and Wedges | Lady in Violet

Office Outfit - Blue Sleeveless Dress with Wedges | Lady in Violet

How to Buy a colored handbag | Lady in Violet

| DETAILS |

LOFT Henley Drawstring Dress  | ALDO Brown Wedges, Old [LOVE THESE!] | HENRI BENDEL c/o West 57th Satchel | GORJANA Zion Necklace, Mika Necklace | BAUBLEBAR Gold Ladder Cuff, Mini Pave Links, Old [SIMILAR] | KENDRA SCOTT Elle Earrings in Slate | RAY-BAN Original Aviator Sunglasses | ESSIE Limoscene | MAC Lipstick in Faux

First off, I just have to say this dress is so comfortable! The fabric is lightweight and just perfect for our HOT Texas summers!  If they had this dress in more colors, I would probably buy another one!  In a previous post I professed my mild obsession with clutch purses.  Another love of mine is a colored satchel for more everyday use.  I have this thing about mixing brown and black, so I have a hard time committing to a black or brown everyday purse.   I am actually super picky when it comes to the requirements for my everyday handbag, so when I find one I like I usually feel obligated to buy it.  I have been on the hunt for about a year now for a cute everyday satchel that zips and comes in a pretty color.  This was not easy!  For starters, a bag that zips is not that easy to find, and when I would find one I never liked the color options.  A few weeks ago, I attended the Henri Bendel perfume launch and fell in love with the West 57th Satchel. I loved that it fully zipped, fit comfortable on my arm, came with a strap for crossbody use, had no dividers inside, had a pocket for my phone and came in lots of fun colors to choose from.  Ya’ll that is only like half my requirements list. 🙂

 Since 98% of my everyday bags are colorful, I thought I would share a couple of my tips to choose the perfect color for an everyday bag.  First up, check out your closet.  What colors do you see and What colors don’t you see?  I love green and teal colors, but I do not own very many clothes in these colors.  I do not want my bag to match too many of the clothes in my closet, so I try to stick with colors that are not big in my wardrobe.  I do want my bag to compliment the colors of my wardrobe though, so I also look at what colors I have tons of.  I wear lots of blues, purples, and dark pink/magenta colors.  This bag is officially called green, but it does have a hint of teal in it.  This shade mixes perfectly with the colors that make up the majority of my wardrobe.  I also considered what colors I would probably not wear this color with like red, green and certain shades of orange.  Again, I check my closet and decided I did not own too many of these colors.  Another factor in choosing a colored bag for me is for the color to look professional.  I take my satchels to the office, meetings, and networking events, so I want a color that is not too loud.  I do however like to pick an eye-catching color.  It will definitely help you stand out a bit in a crowd, and possibly even be a conversation starter.

Henri Bendel has some great color options in classic styles which I absolutely love!  Plus, they are celebrating their 120th Anniversary right now, and having a big sale on their site!  The color of my bag is sold out in the West 57th Satchel, but I did see it still available on a few other bags.  I hope these tips help if you are looking to breakaway from the same ol’ black and brown satchels into a fun colorful one!  If you are in the market to buy a colored bag and would like some more advice, let me know I would love to share more on my experience in picking the perfect color!

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Super Bright Pink

Bright Pink dress for Summer | Lady in Violet

Everly Pink Dress with gold necklaces | Lady in Violet

Elaine Turner Annabella Clutch | Lady in Violet

Summer Outfit - Pink Shift Dress with Nude Sandals | Lady in Violet

Bright Pink Dress accessorized with gold jewelry | Lady in Violet

Kendra Scott Rae Necklace and Gorjana Necklaces Layered | Lady in Violet

Summer Style - Bright Colors and Shift Dresses | Lady in Violet

Bright Pink Dress for Summer | Lady in Violet

Summer Outfit - Pink dress with gold jewelry | Lady in Violet

| DETAILS |
EVERLY VNeck Shift Dress | ENZO ANGIOLINI Brodee Sandal | ELAINE TURNER Annabella Chevron Clutch | KENDRA SCOTT c/o Rae Necklace | BAUBLEBAR Slim Hinge Bangle, Old [SIMILAR]  Mini Pave Links, Old [SIMILAR]  | CHAN LUU White Crystal Cuff Bracelet | GORJANA Mika Necklace,  Taner Pavé Bar Necklace,  Aldridge Drop Earrings | ESSIE Fiji | GLOMINERALS Lip Crayon in Empress Rose

Ya’ll, there is A LOT of color on the blog this week!  I am definitely becoming a slow convert into loving wearing bright colors!!!  This dress is just the icing on the cake!  It is super bright pink, such an awesome color to wear this summer.  I am a big fan of Everly dresses because they are such light and easy dresses.  They do sometimes run a little big, so you may need to go down a size.  I picked this one up at the Bevello grand opening a few weeks ago, that store was a plethra of bright colors!  I was excited to see that they carried some of my favorite brands like Everly, BB Dakota, and House of Harlow.

With my new colorful wardrobe coming together, I have had to rework how I accessorize a bit.  I usually wear a very neutral color palette with lots of black, so I can accessorize with just about any color I want.  With all thes bright colors, I have to pay a little more attention.  I am a fan of mixing colors, like I think this dress would look fabulous with turquoise jewelry. I have noticed I am really starting to like wearing white jewelry.  I think it really pops against the color versus wearing it with an all black look.  Although I would totally still wear this necklace with a black top.  I have always been a fan of all the fun colors of Kendra Scott jewelry, but I also love how much she gives back to the community.  One week from today, I will be joining my fellow Houston area ZTA Alum for a Kendra Scott Gives Back Party benefiting the ZTA Foundation and MD Anderson.  This party is just one of the fun Think Pink Houston events happening this year!  I have already started planning what I am going to buy at the event.  These earrings are definitely on the list!  If you are in the Houston area, I would love to invite you out to shop next Wednesday at the Kendra Scott City Centre location, see the invite below for all the details!  And if you come by, don’t forget to say hi!

Kendra Scott Give Back Invite- ZTA

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