Connect
Author Archives: Karen
The Backup Plan
| DETAILS |
PLEIONE Print Roll Sleeve Blouse | LOFT Scuba Pencil Skirt | SOLE SOCIETY Kimber Wedge Sandal | GIGI NY All in One Bag | GORJANA Zion Necklace, Chloe Large Studs, Mika Necklace | BAUBLEBAR slim Hinge Bangle, Old [SIMILAR] | RAYBAN Original Aviator Sunglasses | STILA Stay All Day Lipstick in Fiery | ESSIE Fiji
You ever have those days where you stand in your closet completely undecided on what to wear? Or what usually happens to me, the outfit you had planned has one or more parts in the laundry basket? As frustrating as this is, I also have put together some of the most fabulous outfits in this moment. I am usually more experimental in mixing up pieces and often do not have the time to second guess or overthink an outfit decision. My look today is one of those last minute outfits for me. This top pairs amazingly with the skinny Loft moto pants that I wear on the weekly. When they are dirty which they very often are, I have to go for the backup plan. I have recently fallen in love with pairing my tunics with pencil skirts, so why not try out this checked print blouse with my top go to black pencil skirt from Loft. This is my second tunic blouse from Pleione, the first an amazing mixed media tunic. I love the cut and fit of their tops. I was actually on my way to check out at Nordstrom when I saw this top. The print initially drew me in, and when I saw that the brand was one I had a good experience with, I had to try it on. Definitely, a print I see wearing well into fall this year. With this outfit, I decided to break away from the normal black pumps and pencil skirt rut I sometimes fall into when rushed to get dressed in the morning. I love my pumps, but at the end of winter I am always itching to get back in my sandals and wedges. These wedges looked great a few weeks back with skinny jeans, and I am really liking how they pair with pencil skirts. A nice break from the usual, and often expected black pump.
Follow Lady in Violet INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | SUBSCRIBE
Traveling Texas
| DETAILS |
H&M Jersey Top | TREASURE & BOND Destroyed Leggings | DV BY DOLCE VITA Conary Booties in Taupe | Boutique Scarf, Old [SIMILAR | SIMILAR] | KENDRA SCOTT Elisa Necklace in Platinum Drusy, Rayne Necklace in Pearl, Macy Earrings in Iridescent Slate, Arden Bracelet in Platinum Drusy | BAUBLEBAR Crystal Mason Ring | RAY BAN Original Aviator Sunglasses | ESSIE Fiji | MAC Lipstick in Faux
If there is anything you become accustomed to growing up in Texas, it is a road trip! I admit it, I am not a huge road trip person. I hate sitting still, and I do not like being in a confined space for long periods of time. Traveling Texas does make it a little better though. I will never forget driving to my best friend’s wedding in spring a few years ago, looking out at the massive fields of bluebonnets in bloom. Then there was the three hour drive from home to college with the tall pine trees and small towns. Texas road trips definitely have amazing views! I am super pumped for my road trip this weekend with some of my girlfriends. Our sorority is having their annual state convention in Dallas, and we have decided to make a fun girl’s weekend out of it! So I have decided to dedicate my post to a little road trip style.
Sitting in a car for four hours requires comfortable clothes! We will be arriving to Dallas and going straight to the convention, so I also need my outfit to go from car to a mingling event pretty effortlessly. My H&M jersey top fits the bill for travel comfort! It’s lightweight and a little loose so I can adjust comfortably in a car. Plus, jersey is the best travel fabric since it doesn’t wrinkle very easy. Since we are going straight to an event when we get there, I am considering skipping my normal shorts or leggings for jeans. These jeggings may fit the bill though since they are kind of a combo of both. Most important for a road trip is shoes that I can easily slip on and off. Flats and booties are great for an easy wear shoe. Normally I would probably go for a flip flop, but winter is making a guest appearance for one more week so those are out. For my road trip today, I can’t guarantee this will be exactly what I wear. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t change three times before walking out the door. I mean I already have like 3 outfits packed just for the Saturday luncheon. Regardless, my outfit will be very similar and have the same casual, laid back feel to it. Hope ya’ll have a fabulous weekend!!
Follow Lady in Violet INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | SUBSCRIBE
Customized to Perfection
| DETAILS |
ESHAKTI Ponte Sheath Dress c/o | STEVE MADDEN Nala Platform Pumps | ELAINE TURNER Bella Chocolate Python Clutch | KENDRA SCOTT Skylar Earrings in Tiger’s Eye | GORJANA Zion Necklace | BAUBLEBAR Slim Hinge Bangle, Old [SIMILAR] Mini Pave Links Bracelet, Old [SIMILAR] | MAC Lipstick in Faux | ESSIE Fiji
I love dresses! I have an entire Pinterest style board dedicated solely to beautiful dresses. Sometimes I think that if I owned enough, I would wear a dress everyday! A couple years ago, I set out on a quest to increase the number of work dresses I own. When I looked at the dresses already in my closet, almost all of them were sleeveless or cap sleeve. So I decided to try to buy more dresses with a short to 3/4 length sleeve length that I could wear more easily across different seasons. I found tons of dresses I loved with cap sleeves or sleeveless, but short and 3/4 length sleeves was not so easy. Then I found eShakti, an online boutique that allows you to customize dresses to fit your needs. Depending on the dress you select, you can change the sleeve, neckline, and length. Warning, you will spend hours on this site playing with all the options! You can also enter your measurements to have the clothes made just for you. My alterations lady is not going to be happy, but I’m thrilled to find a website with such a cool customization feature. The dress in today’s post, originally started as a cap sleeve, below the knee dress. I loved the color and style of the dress (and that it has pockets!!!), so I decided to try out the customization feature and order it with an elbow length sleeve. But I just couldn’t stop there. I’m on the petite side, and prefer dresses that are just above the knee, so I also decided to change the length of the dress to above the knee. I am really pleased with the result, a gorgeous work dress with a shorter sleeve. Exactly what I have spent months trying to find, delivered to my front door about a week after placing my customized order.
As a special treat for my readers, eShakti is giving you an extra 10% off with promotional code ladyinviolet valid through March 13, 2015. Promotional code is not applicable on clearance/sale, gift card, or overstock categories. In addition to dresses, they also have skirts and tops you can customize to your style.
Follow Lady in Violet INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | SUBSCRIBE
Spring Transition
| DETAILS |
BANANA REPUBLIC Fitted Non-Iron Sateen Shirt | LOFT Modern Skinny Jeans, old [SIMILAR] | ALDO Heels, Old [SIMILAR] | ELAINE TURNER Drew Black Leather Clutch | KENDRA SCOTT Elle Silver Earrings in Slate, Elisa Necklace in Platinum Drusy | STELLA & DOT Renegade Cluster Bracelet | RAYBAN Original Aviator Sunglasses | ESSIE Fiji | MAC Lipstick in Faux
Some of the craziest weather months in Texas are the transitional ones! In one day, we can go from 80 to 40 which calls for a little planning ahead in the outfit department. I think the spring transition is my favorite of all the seasonal transitions. It might be because I much prefer the warmer weather, and February means warm weather ahead. Plus, I love wearing wedges, sandals, dresses, and tank tops! Dressing for transtional weather means wearing multi-functional pieces like a button down blouse. In the mornings, I keep the sleeves down for the cooler temps. Then in the afternoon, I can easily roll up my sleeves, and go enjoy a glass of wine on one of the fabulous patio bars in Houston. The spring transition is a fun time to start re-introducing some of those spring staples like wedges or a strapped heel where I might normally wear a riding boot.
I also use this time of year to get one last wear out of my favorite winter clothes. Some other fun outfit ideas for this time of year, pair your favorite sweater with shorts or an above the knee skirt and strapped heels or sandals. Love your riding boots? Pair them with skinny jeans and a tank top. What about those scarves? I love pairing mine with a solid colored t-shirt or tank top, jeans or shorts (depending on the temperature) and wedges. Have any other tips for transitioning your style between seasons? Leave them in the comments below, I would love to read them and learn more ideas!
Congratulations to Cynthia L. winner of my Mint Julep Boutique Gift Card Giveaway!! Thanks to all who entered and The Mint Julep Boutique!
Follow Lady in Violet INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | BLOGLOVIN | SUBSCRIBE
