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Lookbook: Valentine’s Day Outfit Idea (Hint: Just Add Red)

Violet — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:32:58 +0000

After all the snow last week, hopefully you’re taking the time this weekend or on Monday to celebrate Valentine’s Day. People may feel like it’s such a Hallmark holiday, but how often do we take time out to spend it someone we love? We tend to get so preoccupied with everyday life that we forget to tell someone we care (which sounds sad, doesn’t it?).

Make the evening special with a special look. This may sound hokey, but dressing a little different from the everyday norm makes us feel, I don’t know, more optimistic, even excited about the events to come. Why else do people dress up and paint their faces in team colors for a sporting event? Not to mention, colors themselves can channel different feelings, and it’s no surprise adding some red can help you feel bold(er) for the evening. But what if you don’t own a red dress, or the idea of wearing THAT much red seems ridiculous? What do you do? Add a pop of color to your existing outfit! Here’s how:

Take the Ali Ro striped dress below. If you want to make it more festive, mix and match a few red accessories, like the ones I’ve picked out here. You can add one, a few, or if you’re really feeling bold that day; go for it and wear them all. Even though the ring and belt seem large here, they won’t look so overpowering on. If you’re not too style savvy to begin with, keep it simple to start. You’ll feel more confident, and can always add more when you feel more comfortable with your style skills.

How are you planning to spend Valentine’s Day this year?

Day Dresses by Ali Ro
Pumps by Charles by Charles David

Center:

striped Ali Ro dress at CUSP

Counter-clockwise from top left:

rhinestone hat

McQ safety pin red belt

Red Pumps by Charles by Charles David at Lori’s Shoes

Foley & Corinna disco city crossbody handbag at CUSP

Kate Spade flower ring

Betsey Johnson lip earrings

Happy Valentine’s Day!
- Violet

Lookbook: Valentine’s Day Outfit Idea (Hint: Just Add Red) is a post from: Violet Revolution

Lookbook: The New You for the New Year

Violet — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 16:00:40 +0000

New Year’s resolutions. We all make them. One common theme among fashionistas like ourselves is (or should be) the ‘New Year make-over’. What better way to start off the New Year than to give yourself a little sprucing up after the hectic and stressful holiday season? Here’s a good starting point on how to stay trendy but give yourself a little refreshing and revamping for the new seasons to come.

The 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s are all making come backs with styles that are easy to translate from casual to business wear, given the proper addition of a couple staple pieces and accessories. Draping is a good way to revamp any boring business outfit to be more trendy and fun, while still staying appropriate. Akira’s Black Label has a fantastic crème colored dress that drapes down at the neck. Pair that with a some casual heels or booties and a black blazer or dark grey sweater for modesty’s (and warmth’s) sake. As far as accessories go, keep it simple. With a dropped neckline like this, you don’t need to draw more attention to your décolletage, so go with a simple bangle style bracelet or two and a moderately sized statement ring.

Get the Look:

From Akira: Black Label Dropped Pocket Dress, House of Harlow Sunburst Ring, Crocheted Cardigan

From Francesca’s Collection: Rings of Fire Bangle Set, Chinese Laundry Wicked Bootie

Casual wear is all about bold this year! The key with any bright color is picking one that suits your skin tone. For example, if you tend to have a more yellow-based or olive skin, bright yellow and magentas won’t necessarily be your best options, and if you have a very rosy or reddish skin tone you’ll want to watch it on corals and reds that can almost push you towards looking like you’re constantly blushing. Silver jewelry goes best with most jewel tones that are going to be. To revamp the look a little bit, look for bracelets or necklaces that compliment your silver rings from last year as well as the new bright tones in your closet. Try pairing these jewel or crème toned 70’s style dresses with a more modern, yet vintage, looking shoe like Jeffrey Campbell’s Lita heels. It’ll add a new edge to the vintage feel of your outfits.

Get the Look:

From Akira: Black Label Cut-out Design Dress in magenta, Low Luv by Erin Wasson Gladiator Ring with Aztec Design, Jeffrey Campbell Lita Platform Bootie in Taupe Suede

From Francesca’s Collection: Drops in the Ocean Necklace

The key to making yourself over this year isn’t a whole reworking of your look. It’s changing up your statement items a little bit and giving those trusted and true old outfits a new flare.

- Violet

Lookbook: The New You for the New Year is a post from: Violet Revolution

Lookbook: Five Must-Haves for New Years Eve

Violet — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:00:46 +0000

A few days ago, I was flipping through my calendar and discovered we are almost at the end of December! Where did time go? As I reminisced about my year, I thought about the new friends, adventures, and fun 2010 brought me. Then I got to thinking, how exactly will I ring in the New Year on the 31^st?

New Years Eve is a celebration of YOU! Living in Chicago makes way for a great time, all the time! Celebrate the night by embracing the past and present of 2010. But most of all, celebrate the future of what 2011 holds for you. So whether you had a great or a so-so 2010, it doesn’t matter. New Years Eve is an exciting, new start for everyone!

Truth be told, dressing for New Years Eve is a piece of cake! Why? Because this is the perfect Holiday to have fun with your outfit! Wear that glitzy dress you have been holding out for. Curl your hair, wear red lipstick, and strap on those killer heels! You should dress and feel like a celebrity on this special occasion.

Here are 5 must have items you will want to check out when planning your outfit. See the pictures below to check it out.

The dress is simple enough to be dressed up as much as one would like. The back of the dress is mesh so it gives it that vivacious factor. Accessorize the dress with the cute, sparkly handbag or shimmery, rhinestone ring. If you are feeling extra celebrity-like, purchase the studded high heels. These heels will absolutely take your breath away. They definitely have that WOW factor! Last but not least, keep those lips of yours shiny and bright with lip gloss. You’ll want to be dazzling for that midnight kiss.

You will be turning heads and known as the Fashionista wherever you go this New Years Eve. Trust me, you’ll want to meet 2011 in your best outfit!

Clockwise from Top Left:

Metallic Scoop Neck Mesh Dress –Front at Akira
Benefit Ultra Shine Lip Shine at Benefit Cosmetics
Rachel Leigh Long Crystal Ring at Scoop NYC
Metallic Scoop Neck Mesh Dress – Back at Akira
Sam Edelman Lorissa Peeptoe Spiked Heels at Akira
Silver Bells Bag at Francesca’s Collections

Lookbook: Five Must-Haves for New Years Eve is a post from: Violet Revolution

Lookbook: Sparkle this Holiday with Jewelry from Objets d’Envy

Violet — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:00:48 +0000

I recently caught up with Kirsten from Objets d’Envy to check out the latest holiday jewelry looks.

Kirsten certainly knows how to make a girl shine. If you want to sparkle and be the belle of the New Year’s Eve, corporate holiday party, or family ball; adorn yourself with these sparkling lovelies from Objets d’Envy. Guests loved checking out Kirsten’s latest designs while savoring bites from Province in the West Loop.

As every fashionista knows, accessories are the perfect way to complete any outfit, and out of all the accessory options, jewelry is what people notice most. It is important, however, to keep in mind what’s appropriate for each event. You never want to overdo jewelry, so you should stick with one statement piece at a time with optional pieces to compliment it. Jewelry should flatter your outfit, not battle for attention, so select simpler ensembles for bolder jewelry and vice versa.

Here are three choices of statement pieces I loved for a holiday get-together with your family. They are fun, can be worn casually or dressed up, and filled with colors that everyone from your niece to your grandma will appreciate.

Above: A shiny, stone-clustery cocktail ring, a Perle necklace, which hangs like grapes from a long loop chain, or a Rock Candy bracelet, the signature piece that launched the whole company with its eye-catching, oversized, Swarovski crystals clusters.

When it comes to work, you want to be elegant; but still break out of the box from your normal 9-5 gear. Choose from one of these three options below, partner the get-noticed piece with a beautiful but simple dress, and you’ll be sure to get compliments from all your co-workers.

Above: A Rendezvous necklace with layered loops of interlocking black shimmer, ruby and gold 4-drop dangly earrings, or a shimmering, jeweled-ball-charmed bracelet with gold links.

No one wants to bring in the new year with a poorly picked accessory. This year, shine like a Hollywood star on New Year’s Eve with these three alternatives below. You may even have a few more offers coming your way for that midnight kiss.

Above: Magnetic closure, whole-bunch-of-sparkle bracelet with a centered gathering of accent stones layered on top of a strand of neutral-colored stones, an Amuse gold necklace featuring a rope of Swarovski charms that hangs from a delicate chain, or double blue-jeweled earrings with dangling gold strands.

We want to know what you think! Which piece would you wear?

Lookbook: Sparkle this Holiday with Jewelry from Objets d’Envy is a post from: Violet Revolution

Lookbook: Spring Ahead with Looks by Horacio Nieto

Violet — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:00:38 +0000

Everyone may be preoccupied with the upcoming holidays, but as every good fashionista knows designers are already showing their spring and summer lines. Last Monday night, Horacio Nieto presented his upcoming warmer-weather collection in an exhibition called, “The Desert & The Sea”, which included his womenswear and Arlo menswear for the Spring and Summer of 2011. The women’s clothing colors were mostly bright–with vibrant blues, purples, teals and other colors of the sea. The collection featured outfits for a nice weekend outing or work, along with a few floor-length gowns for a formal event. Finish off your look, like Nieto’s models, with bouncy curls, high heels, a cute clutch, and longer, understated necklaces by Jules.

Which ensemble would you wear?

Dresses by:

Horacio Nieto

Jewelry by:

Jules (Click for a closer look at jewelry from the show!)

Shoes and Handbags (except handbag pictured with teal dress) by:

Loris Shoes

Lookbook: Spring Ahead with Looks by Horacio Nieto is a post from: Violet Revolution

Lookbook: Thanksgiving Outfits You’ll Gobble Up!

Violet — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 15:48:09 +0000

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Do you know what you’re wearing yet? Here’s some casual and dressed up outfit ideas to survive the Thanksgiving holiday in style. You don’t even need to buy new earrings or a bag, because the two I’ve selected are wearable with either outfit (not to mention wearable for any occasion). Most of the pieces below can be bought locally, or of course, online.

Casual Thanskgiving Look:

Bell Sleeve Tunic Dress

Ruched side zipper leggings at Nika Butik

Dolce Vita Bentley High Heel Dress Boots

Dressy Thanksgiving Look:

Taupe Floral Detail top by Cynthia Steffe at Perchance

ADAM Circle Skirt with Double Belt

Lace Rose Tights

Luxury Rebel Renata 3 Tab Suede Booties

Shared by Both:

Black Spinel Gem Weave Hoops by Jules

Patent Leather Clutch at Perchance

Lookbook: Thanksgiving Outfits You’ll Gobble Up! is a post from: Violet Revolution

Lookbook: How to Look Stylish and Stay Warm!

Violet — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:40:17 +0000

As I ran out in my military jacket to grab a coffee this morning, I’m reminded all too quickly that it’s getting colder out there. Not quite time for my down-filled coat yet, but I seriously need something warmer, yet stylish, to segue into the…gasp!…blistery days ahead. I think I can still bear a shorter coat, but more heavy weight. I like this motorcycle bomber jacket because you can wear the collar as a cowl neck, shawl, or hood. It will go great over this cross-hatch dolman short-sleeved top, as the sleeves won’t be too thick under the jacket, and I can always wear a lightweight long sleeve tee underneath. The twiggy trouser pants have a little more weight to them, and with a skinny ankle, I can tuck them in these smokin’ hot studded over-the-knee wedge boots. Top it off with either a chunky knit black beret for a little edge, or the www.etsy.com/listing/58898125/upcylced-rust-orange-wool-hat-with-brown” target=”_blank”>sweet floral accented beret, depending on my mood, add a warm beverage (mmm, hot chocolate is my favorite), and I’m ready to go!

How do you get through the colder fall months before winter sets in?

Lookbook: How to Look Stylish and Stay Warm! is a post from: Violet Revolution

Lookbook: Date Night with your Sweetie

Violet — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 15:25:17 +0000

Do you know what this weekend is? In case you forgot, it’s Sweetest Day! Whether you actually celebrate Sweetest Day or not, check out my look below for a date night. I like this look because it’s appropriate to wear on a first or fiftieth date. It’s also versatile enough to dress up or down, as well as convert to different looks by wearing the shirt dress with leggings, skinny jeans, or adding a vest or scarf on top, to name a few ideas. You can also wear dressier shoes like the ones shown in the photo, or switch them out for more casual lace-up boots. Whatever the setting for your “date night,” this outfit is sure to start you off on the right path.

Clockwise from Top Left:

Foley & Corinna Buckle Python Hobo at Krista K

Rebecca Taylor Pintuck Tunic Dress at Krista K

Kaia Peterka Leather Cuff at Perchance

Melinda Maria Gold Mademoiselle Ring at Perchance

Joie Refugee Lace Up Boot at Krista K

Wide Stud Belt by B-Low the Belt at Krista K

Wide Rib Tights at Krista K

Lookbook: Date Night with your Sweetie is a post from: Violet Revolution

Lookbook: 3 Hearts Boutique

Violet — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:38:55 +0000

Recently, we attended a party for a good cause. I am sure you can think of all kinds of “good causes” to have a party, but this one is to simply help others. The 3 Hearts Boutique celebrated its launch at The Palm Court in The Drake Hotel to give attendees a sneak peek of its signature fall collection and exclusive signature items. Here’s a sampling of various necklaces, bracelets, and earrings available at the event:

3 Hearts is all about helping women feel good about wearing today’s hottest fashion trends while helping support either The Children’s Hospital or The American Cancer Society. When you see the 3 intertwining hearts logo, which is meant to represent “your heart, our heart, and their heart”; it’s a reminder that we are all connected when using our hearts to give back and support those who need our help.

But that doesn’t mean all the jewelry is made with hearts in the design. No, actually there are many eye-catching styles to suit just about everyone. There’s vintage-inspired, classic, edgy and trendy, sparkles, classy and conservative, and just plain fun.

Some of the styles below are from the event, and some are available to buy online right now. From top to bottom, left to right below:

Oversized Gumball Rings in assorted colors

Vintage Heart Locket Melissa Necklace (here’s what it looks like open: )

Edgy Rhinestone Madison Bracelet with Metal Strands

Tri-Color Tri-Heart Necklace

Silver Heart Beaded Bracelet

Dainty Lavender Bow Earrings

Assorted Wooden Bambi Bangle Bracelets

Blue Rhinestone Trimmed Watch

Assorted Rings from the Show

Lookbook: 3 Hearts Boutique is a post from: Violet Revolution

Lookbook: What’s Inside Violet’s Handbag

Violet — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 14:53:55 +0000

So this week I’m participating with a bunch of other lovely ladies to do a post on what’s in my handbag. I had to actually sit down and think about this because I never really think about what’s in my bag, and furthermore, what would be interesting about what’s in my handbag. Honestly, I don’t know that any of it is that fascinating, but here goes:

The most obvious object is a wallet, Usually I carry a rectangular slim one like the studded Temperley London Aurora Wallet above, but sometimes, if I’m carrying a small clutch, I move the essentials (ID, Credit Card, Cash) to the baby version. So this is not my bag (my bag is pictured above!), and a total side note, but check out the Rebecca Minkoff heavy Metal Flame bag below! I’ve always wanted to have a coordinating wallet and bag, but never seem to find anything that works together.

If I know it’s going to rain and I don’t want to carry an umbrella, sometimes I stuff a mini-one in my bag. I am loving this Marc by Marc Jacobs Mademoiselle Danger Mini Umbrella. (My current umbrella isn’t nearly as cool…something I need to work on.)

When the weather is a little iffy, I bring a lightweight cardigan in my bag. Something that looks like the 525 America Tye Dye Open Cardigan pictured above. This was an absolute must when I went to Europe last fall. I needed a little something to stay warm in the mornings, but by afternoon, it was short sleeves all the way.

I’m a big coffee person in the morning. I just can’t function without it, so a Starbucks Card is always somewhere in my bag.

I don’t like carrying oversized bags, so I’m not one to bring a cosmetic bag with me. I try to keep it short and sweet by bringing something like Benefit’s rush hour makeup multi-tasker, which is both a lipstick and a cheek stain in one. I also tend to get pink around my nose, and since I tend to wear deeper eyeshadow shades, I like to keep my lips more pale. So I never leave home without Benefit’s you’re bluffing – concealer or some other concealing foundation.

I’ve also gotten into the habit of bringing a business card holder with me wherever I go. I have the silver rhinestone one, but I also like the black one with the gold stars. They’re both fun, and why keep a plain holder with you when they make decorated ones like these?

So inquiring minds want to know…what do you keep in your handbag?

Lookbook: What’s Inside Violet’s Handbag is a post from: Violet Revolution