Not too familiar with The Working Wardrobe?  It’s where Rachel helps make it possible to look stylish in the corporate working world.  Not too familiar with Cerato?   Well, Cerato is not only one of the latest Chicago boutiques, it’s also is one of the few that features Chicago designers.   While visiting, we also ran into Jules, who was finishing up Cerato’s 12 Days of Christmas event with her jewelry trunk show.  As you’ll soon see, Jules lent a hand in blinging us out for the holidays!  We had such a blast picking out clothes and styling each other!  So much so that Rachel wound up going back and purchasing one of the items featured in the video!  Can you guess which one it is? Let’s watch and find out!

Below is more info. on the Chicago designers featured in our video, just in case you get the itch, like Rachel, to drop by and make a purchase of your own!

And…for more style advice for all your working wardrobe needs, visit The Working Wardrobe, or connect on Facebook or Twitter.

Happy Holidays everyone!

- Violet

———————————————————

Rachel Look #1:

Anna Fong “Zoe” sequined dress

Brynn Capella oversized clutch

Earrings by Jules

Juxtapose vintage ring

Rachel Look #2:

Anna Fong “Blake” leather jacket (Did you miss it???  Rachel just couldn’t stop thinking about this jacket, so she bought it!  Sometimes the best gifts for the holidays are the ones you give yourself.  )

Ali Ro ruffle dress

Jules Spinal Fusion earrings

Nancy Look #1:

Kate Boggiano tweed “Maggie” jacket

Jenny Han zig-zag tunic

Kristin Hassan wrap black skirt

The Wrist Wring bracelet and earrings by Jules

Brynn Capella clutch

Miriam Cecilia shoe attachments

Nancy Look #2:

C/FAN fur hood/scarf

Horacio Nieto “Nera” red party dress

Kate Boggiano “Alexandra” jacket

Bijoux layers necklace by Jules

Miriam Cecilia shoe attachments

Watch how the Working Wardrobe & Violet Revolution bring Holiday Looks to YOU from Cerato Boutique! is a post from: Violet Revolution

Recently, I stopped in Calvin Tran on Armitage to find some holiday dresses for all types of parties.  Tran’s designs are best known for their sleek, refined sexiness and versatility, as most pieces can be worn multiple ways.  Wallflowers, get ready to step out of the corner because Tran’s styles will get you noticed for sure.

I picked out these eye-catching, yet work-appropriate outfits for an upcoming office holiday party:

The luminous patterned ivory skirt could be paired with a black 3/4 sleeve top as shown, with a strapless top for more of a cocktail party look or a blazer for a more conservative look.

For New Year’s Eve, I want to look red-hot in this fun one-sleeved dress or saunter into a fancy soiree in this sexy backless black gown.  If you’re looking to leave a path of drool behind you, this is the dress for you.

I loved both the chartreuse yellow and navy one-shoulder top and skirt for their versatility.  You could wear either to a holiday party, on New Year’s Eve, or for another non-holiday occasion.  The skirt can be worn a multitude of ways, so you can get a variety of other looks out of it as well.

Want to see more Calvin Tran designs?  Watch him on the latest season of the hit BRAVO show The Fashion Show hosted by Isaac Mizrahi and Iman!

Are you going to any holiday parties this year?  What are you planning to wear?

-Violet

What to Wear: Get Noticed in Holiday Looks from Calvin Tran! is a post from: Violet Revolution

If you’re not familiar with them, you can literally create any size bag (cosmetic, tote, laptop, overnight, clutch, etc., etc.) from tons of prints and styles.  Here’s how it works:

They work their magic and…Viola:

Seems easy, huh?

Here’s a few styles we saw…

…but what we really want right now are these holiday handbags!  Forget a boring black bag, jazz up your outfit with one of the cuties in luxe holiday fabrics!

They obviously make good gifts for you, a loved one, YOU; and there’s still time to order yours for Christmas (no later than the 5th, so tick-tock).

Check them out at Glitter today at the Chicago Cultural Center and get 15% off!

Do you own a 1154 Lill Bag?  Why do you love it?  Which is your favorite?

-Violet

Holiday Handbags – What’s your Style? is a post from: Violet Revolution

I have two problems with the jean thing:1. It’s a holiday, we should look nice since we are celebrating something and 2. Jeans are tight, and when you are eating, they tend to be uncomfortable. The first time we decided on the jean thing, I was against it. I had a really cute dress I was looking forward to wearing, so I wore it anyway.  A part of me was happy with my decision because I was comfortable during and after the meal but another part of me was unhappy because I was way overdressed compared to everyone else.

The following year, I bit the bullet and wore jeans, but I dressed them up.  Instead of wearing flats, I wore a cute pair of heels and I wore a silk tank with a blazer. I felt comfortable because I fit in with the family (and their jeans), and I felt good that I dressed it up (it is a Holiday, afterall).

Do you feel this way too around the holidays?  If so, here’s my tips for anyone who needs to dress casual for the holidays:

1) Mix and match. You don’t want to be too casual for a holiday because it is a celebration and an event with your family. I’ve noticed A LOT of lace this season and think lace is a great way to dress things up. Whether it’s a lace top with jeans or a lace skirt with a plain tee and some tights, it’s a great way to add a bit of class and fancy to your ensemble.

2) Accessorize. Accessorize.  Accessorize.  Maybe wear a glitzy headband that really makes you and your outfit stand out. I’m a HUGE headband fan, and think they’re great to really add a pop to your ensemble. For example, I like to wear all black, but I tend to feel like it’s boring, so I add a feather or jeweled headband.  You could also do this with jewelry too, by incorporating some sparkly or colorful, chunky jewelry with your outfit.

(click photo for more info)

3) Opt for leggings.  If a holiday event calls for casual and you know you’ll be eating a lot, leggings are great to wear. You can easily dress up leggings by wearing a babydoll dress or any nice top/dress (you can wear leggings with anything as long as covers your behind).  A great way to dress up your leggings and make your legs look longer are a great pair of heels. I’m a big fan of booties right now, and with the weather being colder during the holiday season, they are a great way to be a bit more practical while being stylish. (Check out this look combining lace and leggings for Thanskgiving!)

Click here for more Thanksgiving outfit tips!

What to Wear: How to Dress Casual Chic for Thanksgiving! is a post from: Violet Revolution

Here’s some easy Halloween costume ideas that a fashionable girl can put together with what she has at home, or maybe at most, a quick trip to Walgreens or CVS.

1) Take advantage of the latest Fall styles and make them work for your costume:

- Cowgirl – Wear a pair of riding or cowboy boots you have on hand, with skinny jeans or leggings (I even saw riding leggings by Hue, I believe, at Macy’s), and a button down top.  Bonus if the top happens to be plaid, or if you have a vest to add to the outfit.  If you don’t have a cowboy hat handy, you can pick one up perhaps at a local drugstore, Claire’s which has quite a few cheap Halloween accessories, or even Target.  Wear your hair in braids or loose curls.

- 70′s/Hippie Look — A Hippie look might be kind of hard if you don’t have fringe or a psychedelic looking top in your wardrobe; but if you already have a pair of flared jeans in your closet (see yesterday’s post), you’re already well on your way.  Add a ruffled or tie-front blouse, oversized sunglasses, and platform shoes or boots to complete the look.  For an added bonus, try to feather your hair back a-la Farrah Fawcett in Charlie’s Angels, either by curling your hair with an iron away from your face, or buying a hot roller kit from Target or a drugstore and rolling the curler rods vertically (so it’s parallel with the length of your face) away from your face.

Variant: Get 2 more girlfriends, buy some fake guns, and go as Charlie’s Angels.

- Sandra Dee from Grease – If you have any type of a motorcycle or bomber jacket, wear it with leggings and a tight top of some sort.  In the movie, her top is black and off the shoulder, but really any fitted one would do.  She wore open-toed, red sandals, but any red or black pumps should suffice.  Whatever your hair color, buy a roller kit and roll your hair into tight curls all over and don’t comb them out.  Maybe try to pin some of them up a little bit to give it that puffy, full head of curls look.  You could also buy a wig, but it’s not necessary.  Add a real or fake cigarette (as a prop) to finish it off.

This would also be a cute couple costume if you can get your guy to wear a letterman/varsity or motorcycle jacket with a tee and jeans.  He’ll have to pomade the hell out of his hair or some other slick and shiny goo to mimic the “Danny-do”.

2) White or Black Russian — Go as a cocktail this year!  You must have some fur accessories for fall.  A fur vest, scarf, gloves, and/or hat with either a white or black top (if you have white or black skirt/pants, all the better!) would work.  Bonus if you’ve got fur boots too.  Then go to Kahlua.com and print out the drink recipe, and tape it to the back of your shirt.   You could also find images of the hammer, sickle and star from the old Soviet Union flag, and tape them on your hat, belt, etc.; or add some red into the look.  You can also add props — carry a Kahlua bottle, or wear a belt with shot glasses taped on.

3) Leprechaun/St. Patrick’s Day Aficionado — If you’ve celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago before, you might still have some Irish gear lying around…somewhere.  A cute look could be some green suspenders with shorts, a skirt, or pants (the more green, the better); a St. Patty’s, plain green, or plain white tee; beaded necklaces; and maybe your hair in braids on each side.  Bonus if you add a hat, or buy some green & black makeup and write on your face.  Add green nails and/or green or gold glittery false lashes for more fun.

4) Present/Gift (Variations: Christmas Present, Birthday Present, God’s Gift to Men, Good Things come in Small Packages (if you’re short)) — This has to be the easiest of them all.  Buy or find gift ribbon (the wider the better), and tape it vertically and horizontally to your outfit, similar to this:

A dress would work best vs. separates, but just tape the ribbon to your top if worse comes to worse.  Then tie the ribbon around your neck and either tape a bow or glue/staple one of those pre-made bows on.  If you have a hat, add a bow on there as well.  You could also wear some bracelets and tie gift tags to them to finish it off.

5) Pretty in Pink — If you have a lot of pink in your wardrobe, wear all of it and add some long pearl necklaces and carry a rubber ducky with you to mimic the Molly Ringwald movie, Pretty in Pink, from the ’80s.  Add to the look with a black oversized blazer and brimmed hat.

Those are my easy, no-fuss last minute Halloween costume ideas.  Have you ever had to put a costume together in a pinch?  What did you go as?

What are you planning to be this year???

What to Wear: Easy Last Minute Halloween Costumes is a post from: Violet Revolution

Here’s some cute pieces I might wear this weekend:

These tops/mini-dresses look really non-binding and versatile to me.  I can see myself wearing them with leggings or skinny jeans.  Certainly the tie-dye mini is shown without either, and worn as a mini-dress.  It’s not my style, but certainly looks good.  Sometimes it can be tough to put together a stylish outfit and feel comfortable in it; and since I want comfort, I’m thinking these are a good bet. I especially like that the coffee colored dress could be dressed up or down, and integrated into fall with a jacket, wrap sweater, or cardigan over it.

I also like this butterfly top because a) it makes me feel like it’s still summer, it is billowy on top so again non-binding and comfortable, and I could see myself wearing this with a cropped jacket or sweater over or thin, long-sleeve top underneath when it’s a little nippy out.

When I look at this military-inspired vest from Brooklyn Industries, I’m thinking I could throw it over a t-shirt and wear with shorts during the day; or wear it with a long button down shirt and leggings or with jeans at night.

Speaking of tees, I always like to find fun looking ones vs. something plain.  The faux-front pocket and faux-back zipper on this royal blue one is cute:

Two-tone dresses have been super popular this summer.  I like the basic black and white of this one as a) the black, a-line skirt isn’t too fitted for comfort, yet it’s still flattering, b) the printed top draws the eye upward, and c) I could still use this in the fall with a jacket over it and tights or tall boots.

What are you planning to do this Labor Day weekend?

What I Want to Wear this Labor Day Weekend is a post from: Violet Revolution

Shoes. First let me say that I don’t understand it when I see women wearing dressy heels to a concert.  I just want to say, “What are you thinking???”  First, these shoes cannot be comfortable.  Second, how can you stand in grass and/or mud in heels — aren’t you afraid your shoes will be ruined?  Third, walking through the parking lot, into the venue, to your seats, and then potentially standing all night has to feel miserable!  If any of you wear heels to concerts, please leave me a comment as I’d love to know how you do it.

With all the flats and low wedges out there, there are plenty of trendy, stylish, appropriate shoes to wear to a concert.  These studded flats have a soft padded footbed — perfect for walking long distances, yet still looking stylish.  If you don’t like walking too much in thong sandals (some of mine aren’t the greatest for such a feat), try these bright and cheery t-strap flats at Penelope’s.  For a little bit more height and an edgy look, these low wedges look like they are decorated with small pieces of sheet metal attached all over, but those are actually silver leather strips weaved in and out.  If you are really hell-bent on a higher heel, at least try these comfy decorated wedges by Tsubo.  I have a pair of Tsubo fashion sneakers.  They are so comfortable, I’ve had them forever and refuse to give them up!

Concert Worthy Jewelry. Nothing has a rocker vibe more than a cuff bracelet.  You can wear this black beaded medallion cuff by Rebel Designs or this clear, mirror plated cuff when taking your place on stage with the band (ok, maybe in your dreams) or any place else.  Concerts are all about having fun and dressing avant garde, so putting together an outfit around these feather beaded earrings would be a fun undertaking at the very least.

Casual, Easy Handbag. I’m not a fan of bringing an expensive bag to a concert. I just feel if I’ve spent that much on a bag, I don’t want it to get ruined.  It just bothers me sitting a bag like that down in grass or mud, or on the floor at a concert where people walking by in the pavilion can keep kicking it and dirtying it up. Something like this floral cotton bag is great because you can clean it easily in the wash, and the bright floral print will help camouflage any dirt on it.  This olive colored clutch by Olivia Harris is great because it’s small enough to keep on your wrist the whole night so you don’t have to put it on the floor if you don’t want to.  Although if you do, the dark olive or black colors will hold up well, and you can easily wipe away any debris off the smooth, soft leather.  If you’re going to Ravinia and trying to stay trendy while chilling out at a concert, try this crossbody rocker clutch by Rebecca Minkoff (or any small crossbody bag for that matter).  Not only will you be in concert mode by sporting an edgy, studded bag like this one; you’ll also benefit from wearing a lightweight style that keeps your hands free and your bag off the floor.

What to Wear: Best Accessories for Summer Concerts is a post from: Violet Revolution

Whether trekking up to Alpine Valley in Wisconsin, or kicking back on the lawn at Ravinia; you probably want to get into the concert vibe a little bit and dress the part for the type of concert you’re attending.

Now personally I’m in favor of jeans, shorts, or cropped pants at these types of events.  I just don’t like climbing over people on the lawn and dealing with sitting on grass in a skirt.  That is just me.  So pick your favorite bottoms, and pair them with tops from my Top 3 concert music genres to create the perfect summer concert outfits:

Bohemian/Soft Rock (Think: Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Sheryl Crow):

You can see from the below photo how cute this sheer artistic smock would be with some cropped boyfriend jeans.   I’d pair this with flats for a concert (more on that in an upcoming post).  A multi-floral spaghetti strap top will also keep you cool(er) at a hot summer concert, plus looks great with skinny jeans and flat sandals.  I also like these two peasant tops: the first has kind of a rocker vibe to it without being too hardcore, while the other has a more earthy, boho chic look to it.

Psychedelic (Think: Phish, Lollapalooza, Pink Floyd):

These tops are going to be a little funky, and a little crazy on the eyes.  I really like the black stripes and bold color mix in this top shown below — it reminds me of a black light poster.  The pattern in this top, , where it seems like the flowers are floating in clouds, is also whimsical.  Or you can combine a seemingly animal-looking print and bold color together for that Jimi Hendrix rocker look.

Rock/Pop/Metal (Metal, you say?  You know you liked a hair band ballad or two, once upon a time or even now, don’t be ashamed to admit it.) (Think: Tom Petty, Kings of Leon, Rihanna):

Edgy, filigree print tops reminds me of those printed “Obey” t-shirts my husband has (Has/Had?  Hmm…I don’t really remember if he still has these.  Does anyone know what shirts I’m talking about?) that sprouted up all over the place a year or two ago.  I really like the glam image on this tunic — it’s a little sexy, a little retro, a little provocative all at once.  And just for you dress lovers out there, you can defy my rule a little bit and wear the below vintage floral print tunic either alone if you want, or with skinny jeans or leggings.

So which concert look describes you best?

What to Wear: Top 3 Summer Concert Outfits is a post from: Violet Revolution

1) Casual Denim — I’d generally recommend a slightly lighter jean color in a loose, relaxed fit.  Wearing a dark, trouser jean is too formal for such a weekend, plus your trouser jeans are probably hemmed for heel length, so they’ll be dragging all over the floor.  I like these hybrid skinny boyfriend jeans by David Kahn as you still get a laid back look without a baggy fit.  Cropped jeans with a distressed look like these by AG are cute too.  I also like these slim jeans by Red Engine, as they look great with flats for a casual weekend, but you could also dress them up with heels and wear them out at home.

2) Minimal, inexpensive jewelry.  I’m not a fan of bringing expensive jewelry to a lake house.  Outside of maybe your engagement/wedding ring(s), you really shouldn’t have the need to accessorize with the good stuff.  Plus, A) you might lose it in the water or B) you might misplace or leave it at the house.  I’d bring a pair of larger earrings, like these swirl tiered earrings or plain large hoops and opt out of bringing a necklace so as I don’t want tan lines and to play around taking it on and off.  Then I’d maybe add some bracelets like these thin, wrap studded bracelets or these interwound multi-bangle bracelets.

3) Cover-up.  By now you might have seen the best swimwear picks (according to me!) and hottest swim color this season.  But you certainly will need a cover-up being on a boat.  Riding around makes it quite windy, and if the weather is on the cusp of being warm enough; you might be too cold sitting there in just your swimsuit.  Plus most women I know prefer to walk or sit around in a cover-up.  This 3/4 sleeve cotton lace cover up is a perfect choice if it’s a tad bit cooler.  If it’s a little warmer but you still want coverage on your arms, this bohemian tunic is a good choice.  I also love this traditional strapless candy striped cover up by Betsey Johnson.

4) Comfy, stylish flip-flops.  This is not the place to break out your 4″ wedges or stilettos.  You can wear platform flip-flops like this sparkly rhinstone pair, or be stylish and functional with this grey and purple slim little birds pair by Havaianas with little crystal accents.

5) Cute, casual tops.  I’m still a fan of cute t-shirts like this Champ de Mars tee with the Eiffel Tower on it; but you can also wear something a little more in between like this Antiquarian Blossom tee or this Madras purple flower top.

What to Wear: Perfect Items to Pack for a (4th of July) Weekend Away is a post from: Violet Revolution

Okay, so I always tend to lean toward dresses for these types of events because a) they’re easy and b) they’re your best bet if you don’t want to be too warm or too cold as you can always layer or un-layer if need be.  These lightweight drop waist dresses are in right now and perfect if the weather is a little cooler and not suitable for something sleeveless.  This one is in black but they also are easy to find in denim or khaki.  I love this purple feather printed tunic as it’s perfect to wear alone or with leggings underneath.  For a warmer day (or if you’re just going to brave it no matter what the temperature), try this braided one shoulder dress which can easily take you from day to night, should you have the stamina to continue the festivities into the wee hours.

If you’re not a dress girl, rompers will offer you a trendy alternative this season.  Here’s a comfy racerback capri length jumper (rompers are have a short bottom, jumpers have a pant bottom) that you can easily accessorize with a trendy belt, long necklaces and cute shoes.  This deep-v black one by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent is also versatile, but for more romper picks, check out my lookbook.

You can never go wrong with good ‘ol shorts and jeans.  How cute would this fun tunic be with these striped boyfriend shorts, or this floral embroidered peasant top with white denim capris?

Here’s an example of one of the dresses from above with cute shoes, and a cute bag:

What to Wear: Wells Street Art Festival is a post from: Violet Revolution