Author Archives: Karen

June Reader Favorites

Happy July! We are officially in the heart of summer!  July is a fun month for me. It starts with a vacation, a fun family day for my Mom’s birthday in the middle, and ends with my favorite sale of the year – The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Have ya’ll checked out the catalog preview yet?!!? Mine came in the mail this week, and I’m so excited!

I’m kicking off the month with a look back at your June favorites.  It looks like ya’ll are loving all the things for summer from floral dresses to versatile tops to the it bag of summer.  Lady in Violet and I will be taking a little mini vacation for the remainder of the week. I’m sharing more about it and a little heart talk at the end of today’s post.  I will be enjoying my first trip to Colorado this week with a group of friends.  I’m really excited to explore somewhere new!

Keep scrolling to see if your favorite made the list this month!

A reminder on how I figure out which items ya’ll loved –

I use an affiliate program called Rewardstyle. If you click on a link from my blog or social media that takes you to a product page on a retailer’s site, Rewardstyle is able to track that your visit to that site originated from me. The Rewardstyle affiliate program pays me a commission per purchase made. Basically, if you click on one of my links and end up making a purchase, I earn a small commission.

Because I use this service I also have access to certain data analytics. This means I can see and keep track of which items are clicked on and which lead to a purchase.  I do not see who clicked on the link or what items might have been purchased. For example, if you click on my latest pair of heels and then purchase a new red lipstick too, I will only be able to see that a purchase was made and that the heels link is how you arrived to the retailer’s site.  It’s kind of similar to how a salesperson may earn commission in the store.

I’m a numbers gal, so I love diving into all the data every month.  These analytics allow me to keep track of what ya’ll loved and didn’t so much love.  If I see one item is clicked on and/or purchased more, I might consider sharing a restyle over on Instagram.  These commissions are an easy way for you to support my blog without having to do anything extra and a way for me to cover the variety of expenses that come with running a blog.  So if you have ever made a purchase through one of my links know that I am so grateful for you and your support of my blog.

Now on to your June favorites!

Casual weekend style | white skinny jeans | straw purse | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

CIRCLE STRAW CROSSBODY BAG | ORIGINAL POST

layered summer outfit | white jean jacket | striped tank top | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

BASIC TANK TOPS | ORIGINAL POST

YELLOW FLORAL DRESS  | ORIGINAL POST

spring outfit | light pink chiffon dress | statement earrings | Houston Fashion Blogger Karen Kocich

PINK FLORAL DRESS | ORIGINAL POST

summer outfit | pink puff sleeve top | stone pendant necklace | Houston Fashion Blogger Karen Kocich

CORAL TOP | ORIGINAL POST

-A Little Heart Talk-

As I sat down this weekend to prepare all of my content for the week, I started feeling stuck.  Unable to focus on the work at hand, and I honestly could not figure out what was blocking me.  With my upcoming trip, I had planned out what my content would be and had everything ready, I just needed to put it together.  This feeling of being stuck and off of my normal game isn’t new, I have felt it before.  It’s that feeling you get when you are on the brink of something wonderful and fabulous.  That moment when you almost subconsciously start self-sabotaging your future growth and success.  That inner fear of leaving your comfort zone, and stepping out into something new.  I think it happens to many of us, we just don’t quite realize what it is.  Whenever I start feeling like I’m blocking my growth and trying to hold myself back, I think of one of my favorite quotes.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson

So as I sat staring at my computer this weekend, I realized I needed a vacation from more than just my full time job, but this fun little part time one too.  The blog has been doing so well lately.  The new lifestyle direction has left me filled with excitement and an overflowing list of post ideas to share with you, but my focus to put it all together was missing.  So I decided to have a real vacation, enjoy the moment, stay present with my friends, and not worry about posting to the blog or Instagram.  I love that this blog allows me to share my light.  But every now and again, you need to take a break and recharge your light a little.  So for the rest of the week, that is what I’m planning to do.  Recharge and restore.  I will be back with blog posts on Monday, and I plan to post to Instagram if it feels right in the moment and to let go of the pressure to need to post everyday.

And if you ever feel a sense of overwhelm or fear by the great things that are building in and around you, know that it is okay to take a day off to recharge your light too.  I hope ya’ll have a fabulous 4th of July, and I look forward to seeing you guys back here next Monday!

Yellow Floral Dress

summer outfit | yellow floral dress | nude colored sandals | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

spring outfit | yellow maxi dress | statement earrings | Houston Fashion Blogger Karen Kocich

summer outfit | long yellow dress | nude colored heels | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

summer dress | yellow floral maxi | petite fashion blogger Lady in Violet

Happy Friday friends! We have made it to the weekend!  I am headed to my first Astros game of the season this weekend, and then plan to just kind of relax and chill the rest of the time. I have a trip coming up, so I’m planning to start packing and prepping for that too.

I wore this dress to the grand re-opening of a restaurant a week or two ago.  This yellow floral dress is so perfect for a summer outing or party.  If you need a dress for a summer wedding, this would be perfect! Yellow is one of my color obsessions this summer, so this dress was a must have for me.  I love the flowy chiffon fabric and style.  It has great movement when you walk and move.  I received quite a few compliments when I wore it out.

It comes with fabric to tie around your waist, and you can also go without for a more flowy look.  I think the without option would be great for a beach or tropical vacation. I like to tie it to create a more polished look.  Since I am 5’3, this dress fits me more like a maxi dress.  If you are taller, it would probably be more of a midi length.

I hope ya’ll have a fabulous Friday and an amazing weekend! Thanks for stopping by this week! I always appreciate the love and support!

Photography By: Banavenue

Summer outfit | yellow floral dress for wedding guest | Affordable Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

spring outfit | yellow maxi dress for bridal shower | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

summer outfit | long yellow dress | circle straw bag | Affordable Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

summer outfit | yellow floral long dress | nude colored sandals | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

SHOP THE LOOK

Current Beauty Favorites: Face Oils & Serums

best anti-aging face oils and serums | Houston Beauty Blogger Lady in Violet

Face oils and serums are a staple in my skincare routine.  These skincare products are perfect for adding and locking in moisture while delivering anti-oxidants to gives skin a healthy glow and smooth look.  Face oils are the best for adding and locking in moisture.  I try to use one twice a week.  Oils are especially soothing after an exfoliating mask.  Serums add moisture and a good number of anti-aging ingredients to soak in to your skin while you sleep each night, so you wake up with glowing and more youthful looking skin.

I apply my face oils and serums in the evening, so they have all night to soak in and work there magic while I sleep.  While the word oil, probably makes you think greasy.  Most face oils are light in texture and quickly absorb.  I usually just look a little shiny before bed, and have a nice radiant glow in the morning.  These four are some of my current top favorites.  All of these oils and serums leave my skin looking refreshed, hydrated, and more youthful in the morning.  Most of them with just one use.

To Use: I wash off my makeup and then apply my oil or serum of choice. I use about 2-3 drops depending on the product.  For some serums, I do follow up with a moisturizer.

c/o DERMA RADIANT GLOW FACE OIL – This oil includes the essential oils Jojoba, Argan and Seabuckthorn.  These oils really help nourish your skin and add in moisture.  My skin soaks this stuff up!  It’s very lightweight and absorbent.  This one takes a few uses to see the benefits, but over time I noticed a smoother and hydrated skin with a nice healthy glow.

c/o DRUNK ELEPHANT VIRGIN MARULA FACIAL OIL – This oil features a cold pressed process to extract the oil preserving the anti-oxidants to deliver your skin the best this oil has to offer.  After just a couple uses, my skin looked more plump and moisturized. This plump and moisturized effect really helps with fine lines and gave me a nice healthy glow.

KIEHL’S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY CONCENTRATE – This oil features a blend of the distilled oils Lavender Essential Oil, Evening Primrose Oil and Squalane.  After just one use, I noticed results with this one.  It added instant hydration and an amazing morning glow.  This oil improved fine lines and leaves my skin feeling soft in the morning.  The essential oils do give this one a very distinct smell that’s going to be a love it or hate it thing.  It doesn’t bother me at all.  Also, I had a friend use this and have a bad reaction to her skin with breakouts.  She ended up giving me her bottle just so it wouldn’t go to waste.

ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCE NIGHT REPAIR – This serum is one of my favorites!  I received a sample as a bonus after purchasing some beauty products.  The sample was good for about two uses, but after one I went and purchased a bottle.  Even before I went to bed, I started seeing this serum do its work.  My skin started looking almost instantly hydrated and glowing.  By morning, my skin looked refreshed, plumped, and smooth.  All adding to the reduction of fine lines.

top face oils and serums for anti-aging skincare | Houston Beauty Blogger Lady in Violet

Face oils and serums do tend to be on the pricey side of skincare products.  I find them worth the price because they deliver the best results for hydration and anti-aging.   Since you only use a few drops at a time, all 4 of these will last you for awhile especially if you only use them a couple times a week.  My routine is to use an oil only 2-3 times a week and a serum and moisturizer combo the other days.

Do you include face oils and serums in your skincare routine?  What are some of your favorites?

SHOP THE PRODUCTS

20 Outfits with White Jeans for Summer

20 outfits with white jeans for summer and spring | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

Hello friends!  I had so much fun this weekend sharing some summer styling tips.  One of my staples for summer is a good pair of white jeans.  It’s an easy way to dress up a causal look and really helps add a little vibrancy to those bright summer colors and prints.  Today, I’m taking a look back at spring and summer outfits I’ve styled featuring white jeans.

I’m pretty sure every single one of these outfits features my Paige Skyline White Jeans.  I love them so much that I own two pairs.  The denim is thick which means not at all see through.  I have had my first pair for about 4 years now, and they still look crisp white.  I have tried other pairs, but the fit just doesn’t compare with these.  I think the cut of them is flattering to my body type.  White jeans will accentuate all areas whether you like that area or not, so finding the right cut for you is super important.  Nordstrom has a pretty good return policy, so you can order different styles and try them on in the comfort of your home.

I hope you enjoy this look back at 20 outfits with white jeans from the past couple of years, ok and a few older than that, but I loved them too.  Hopefully this will give you some different ways to wear your white jeans for summer and plan a few weekend or vacation outfits.

SHOP MORE WHITE JEANS

20 outfits with white jeans for spring and summer | Affordable Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

The Basics vs The Trends

ORIGINAL POSTS: one | two | three | four

black and gray outfits with white jeans | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

Black & Gray

ORIGINAL POST: one | two | three | four

floral tops with white jeans | Casual Outfits | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

Floral Print Tops

ORIGINAL POST: one | two | three | four

pink tops with white skinny jeans | casual outfits | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

All the Shades of Pink

ORIGINAL POST: one | two | three | four

summer outfits | blue striped tops with white jeans | Affordable Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

Blue Striped Tops

ORIGINAL POST: one | two | three | four

Want more outfit ideas? Check out a white jeans roundup I shared a few years ago HERE!