Beginners Guide To Mixing Prints

Published on May 24, 2019October 23, 2019 by kendallshea221 Comment

Early this year I posted a question on my Instagram story about what kind of content you guys wanted to see on the blog, and one of the most popular responses I got was: “How do you mix prints? What are your tips? I don’t even know where to start!”

Honestly, I wasn’t sure where to start. To me, print mixing almost comes naturally to me. Like it’s something I’ve been doing for so long, that I just do it without a second thought. So after much contemplation, I have come up with a few tips to help you get a better understanding of how to mix prints in a fashionable way.

Color Palette – When picking the printed items you want to wear, the best place to start is by finding a similar color palette. For example, I used the navy in the tie dye tank top below to pull out the navy and overall jewel tones of the floral skirt. By pulling one similar color between the two prints you create a more cohesive outfit.

Utilize Accessories – If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a full outfit of print, you can easily start by wearing a printed top or bottom and then pairing it with a printed accessory. If you feel like a pro you can even use accessories to add a third print to your look, like I did with the gingham shoes below!

Break It Up – One way to create a more flattering look with a print on print outfit is to add a belt or jacket in a solid color to break up the overall appearance of the print. This adds contrast and also creates a more visually appealing look. You can also do this by making sure your prints are different in scale, so there is one large print and one smaller print.

Confidence is Key – When in doubt, wear it with confidence. I honestly think that you could rock a potato sack if you had enough confidence. And when you see someone who feels good in what they are wearing, you notice.

My Go To’s – Here are some of my go to combinations to help get you started: stripes and florals, stripes and leopard/animal print, tie dye and florals, polka dots and gingham, and plaid and stripes. Of course I also love to double up on prints, like stripes on stripes, gingham on gingham, plaid on plaid, and polka dots on polka dots!

I hope this helped you guys get a better idea of how to mix prints in your own wardrobe. I encourage you to take out all of your printed clothing items, lay them on your bed, and just start matching them up to create new outfits. You’ll be surprised to see what you can come up with!

Love, Kendall

Five Last Minute Holiday Outfits

Published on December 23, 2018 by kendallshea22Leave a comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

No, I’m not talking about Christmas necessarily. I’m talking about the time of the year where you and everyone you know put on your most festive and sparkly outfit and post cute pics on Instagram to stunt on all your haters, am I right?

Although that may not be your exact reasoning, the majority of people spend their holidays surrounding by family, friends, and holiday parties. And if you have any Instagram presence at all, you probably post a picture to commemorate the occasion. Or in my case, the outfit haha.

And if you are anything else like me, you probably wait until the very last minute to pick your holiday outfit. Well today, on Christmas Eve Eve, I am here to hopefully prevent the ill fated combination of procrastination, stress, and sequin covered clothing. Below I am going to share five of my favorite festive outfits that are perfect for all types of holiday occasions! Hopefully, these outfits inspire you to stop procrastinating on any future holiday outfits. Worst case scenario, at least I got to wear some super fun outfits, take cute pictures, and post them on Instagram.

Sweater: Old Navy Scarf: old Belt: DKNY Leggings: JCPenney Boots: Steve Madden

Outfit 1: Going to See Christmas Lights with Bae

I’m going to be honest with you for a second, I only added this outfit because I wanted an excuse to wear a big fluffy scarf. Problem is that I don’t like going outside, and I can promise that you will be way too hot if you wear this indoors. So this outfit, while cute, is for those rare occasions when you go look at the Christmas lights around town with your family, or when you go ice skating with your bae.

I will be doing none of those this year, mostly because when I post this I will be arriving in sunny Florida for the holidays. But ya know, if you’re looking for the perfect outfit to wear out in the cold that also gives you an excuse to snuggle with your man, I wouldn’t blame you. It’s the perfect combination of festive colors and comfortable fabrics. Plus the cinched in waist and all black pants makes your legs look long and your waist line more flattering. See? I got your back.

Shirt: Thrifted Skirt: Old Navy Shoes: Boots

Outfit 2: Christmas Dinner with the Family

If you’ve been following me and the blog for long enough, then you know that this skirt always makes it’s way out this time of the year. I love the bright red buffalo plaid and the warmth of the wool material. Since it’s a little on the mini side, and like me you probably have relatives that judge you for wearing ripped jeans let alone a short skirt, I suggest pairing it with opaque tights.

This look is a level above jeans and a shirt, but it’s still very comfortable. And considering how much food we are all bound to eat on Thanksgiving 2.0 aka Christmas Dinner, I opted for a loose shirt instead of a form fitting one. Whatever it takes to hide the food baby!

Sweater: Old Navy Skirt: JCPenney Shoes: Franco Sarto Purse: Vintage

Outfit 3: A Very “Corporate” Christmas

When most people thing of work holiday parties, they probably think of boring outfits and meaningless small talk. But that doesn’t have to be the case. I have always been a firm believer in wearing fashionable outfits to work. Maybe it’s the stylist in me, but professional clothing doesn’t have to be plain or boring, and as long as you are following the dress code it doesn’t hurt to stand out and be confident.

While this outfit is a little more on the “safe” side, the details are what really makes this outfit pop. I decided to keep the color palette of this simple with black and white and hints of gold. The added texture and shine of the leather skirt creates interest, and even though the heels are not very high the gold embroidery makes them stand out. The sweater adds pattern and warmth, and the the gold necklace stands out on the high neck of the sweater. My favorite piece, however, is the gold, beaded antique bag. I own many antique and vintage bags, and I love them because they are so different and unique. Definitely a conversation starter too!

Sweater: Thrifted Skirt: Burlington Shoes: Nine West Clutch: old

Outfit 4: That Fancy Holiday Party You Never Thought You’d Be Invited To

Am I the only one that thought when you became an adult you would always have super fancy holiday parties to go to? Maybe I just watched too many movies, or maybe I’m just not at that stage of life yet. Either way, I am highly disappointed. Maybe next year I’ll throw a fancy holiday party for all my friends. After all, sometimes we need to work for the things we want.

Until then, I’ll continue to be overdressed for all my “regular” holiday parties. Any excuse to wear this gorgeous floor length, pattered, silk skirt. Doesn’t it just scream “Merry Christmas!” Since the skirt is thin, I wore it with a red sweater to bring out the color in the skirt and add some warmth. Throw on some heels, gold jewelry, and an embroidered clutch, and you’re good to go! That is if you have somewhere to go haha.

Dress: Old Navy Shoes: Old Navy Turtleneck: Old Navy Fanny Pack: Amazon

Outfit 5: When You Just Want to be Extra for the Holidays

This last look doesn’t have a partially occasion attached to it. In fact it doesn’t really have a rhyme or reason to it, apart from me just wanting to look super cute and extra for the holidays. Also I just got this red beret and I think I’m in love.

Sometimes when the holiday spirit hits you just right you have to go all out with color, pattern, accessories, and even poses. I layered the striped turtleneck under the dress to add a little extra pattern, and personally I love the way plaid looks with stripes. The belt bag/fanny pack not only worked to cinch in my waist in an otherwise waistless dress, but it also added an element of fun with the gold beetle and lion studs. The red beret is really the finishing touch here, though. I feel like without it, the outfit just wouldn’t look complete. I must admit, my outfits don’t always turn out the way they look in my mind, but this one turned out even better than I could have imagined!

Well, I hate to the the bearer of bad news but that’s the end of the holiday content on the blog. I hope you got some fashion inspiration, holiday inspiration, or a little bit of both. Enjoy the holidays with your loved ones, and I’ll see you next time!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Love, Kendall

How To Stay Warm in Skirts and Dresses During the Winter

Published on November 26, 2018October 23, 2019 by kendallshea22Leave a comment

Hi y’all! Can you believe it’s the most wonderful time of the year?! I’m not talking about Christmas, although I do love a good holiday. No, I’m talking about fall and winter! I realize this may be a controversial opinion, don’t attack me, but I definitely prefer cold weather to warm weather. There’s just something about that chill in the air, wrapping up in a cozy sweater, and wearing a bunch of layers, that really brings out my inner stylist. In fact, I currently have 10 or more outfits that I want to style and wear, so definitely check my Instagram for some outfit inspiration! (shameless plug)

In fact, most of my favorite outfits for this time of the year involve skirts and dresses that normal people would probably pack away with their spring and summer wardrobe. So today, I’m going to be showing you some of my favorite ways to wear my spring and summer pieces in the fall and winter while still staying warm!

Dress: Old Navy Suede Jacket: Old Navy Shoes: Dolce Vita Beret: Walt Disney World

1. Opaque tights are a must!

When it comes to wearing dresses and skirts in the cold, tights are essential. And the thicker the tights, the better. I own a wide variety of tights in different colors, prints, and opacity (thickness). You can pretty much buy them anywhere you go, and although I’ve never spent a lot of money on them, they almost always last.

Jumpsuit: Old Navy Turtleneck Sweater: Thrifted Shoes: Adidas Superstars

2. When in doubt, layer it up!

I originally bought this jumpsuit in the spring, and I quickly fell in love! Since it is sleeveless you wouldn’t think to wear it in the fall and winter, but with some simple layering it can quickly become cold weather appropriate. This trick can also be used on anything sleeveless that you want to wear this time of the year. Just add a sweater or long sleeved shirt under or on top, and you’re good to go!

Skirt: Vintage Sweater: Old Navy Boots: Steve Madden Hat: Target Purse: Anne Klein

3. Over the knee boots are your friends.

If you don’t own a pair of over the knee boots yet, then what are you doing with your life?? This style of boots has been in the spotlight for a few years now, and they are not going anywhere any time soon. I bought these as a Christmas gift to myself on sale from Steve Madden. I had been wanting them for awhile, but knew they were going to be an investment piece because I wanted a quality pair that would last. I’ve had these boots for almost two years now, and I would say not only have they held up, but they have also become a staple in my wardrobe. I love wearing them with skirts and dresses when it’s chilly (or I just haven’t shaved my legs in awhile. You feel me girls?) They help keep my legs covered and warm, plus they look incredibly stylish. I particularly love them peeking out of longer skirts, dresses, and cropped pants.

Whether or not you love the cold weather season, dressing warm is absolute essential. And if you’re anything like me, you want to look cute and stylish while your doing it. I hope these three tips help you brave the cold, and try to incorporate some of your favorite spring and summer pieces into your fall and winter wardrobe. Just remember to bundle up, and stay warm and cozy!

Love, Kendall

Today’s Look: Floral Jumpsuit + Facing the Unknown

Published on May 5, 2018 by kendallshea222 Comments

Hello guys! Well it’s almost here. I can hardly believe it. Exactly one week from today, I will be graduating college.

While this time of my life has been full of congratulations, there has also been a lot of fear and anxiety. As a soon to be college graduate, I feel like I should have my life together, be moving out of my parent’s house, and working at a real “grown up” job. A lot of my friends are doing these things as I am typing this. And here I am faced with the unknown.

Jumpsuit: Old Navy Jacket: Old Navy Purse: Kate Spade (similar here) Shoes: Rampage Necklace: Kendra Scott Earrings: Lane Bryant Sunglasses: Old Navy

I’ve never been good at dealing with the unknown. I’m the type of person who has to have everything planned out. And if you had asked me a year ago I would be graduating without a job in line, I would have told you you were crazy. I had seen it happen to other people, and I just knew that I wasn’t going to let that happen to me. And yet here we are.

I am by no means discrediting the hard work of people who graduate college without a job right away. However, I am still learning that it is okay to move back home after you graduate and take some time to figure it out. At the end of the day, I am worried about what people may think of me. I’m afraid that people will think I am a failure or a disappointment. But the truth is, if they think that about me then they must not know or care about me well enough for their opinion to really matter.

Through all of this, my parents have been my rock. They have made sure that I know I have a safe place to come home to after this is all over. They know me better than anyone, and they know that sometimes I am my own worst enemy. I psych myself out, and never stop worrying about things. But every time I call them crying with a new concern, they talk some sense into me and help me calm down. I love them so much, and I don’t know what I would do without them. If you guys are reading this (and I’m sure you are) you guys are the best!

Whatever you guys are dealing with, I hope you know that you don’t have to face it alone. That’s what support systems are for. That’s what God is for. I know that it can be hard to ask for help sometimes, but no one is strong enough to handle everything on their own. Reach out to those around you, and you can get through anything.

Love, Kendall

P.S. Wish me luck guys! My last finals week is coming up.

Today’s Look: Waiting for Spring

Published on March 15, 2018October 23, 2019 by kendallshea22Leave a comment

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; I’m ready for spring. I know it feels like it’s right around the corner, and technically it is because the spring equinox is next week. But some days are still too cold to whip out the floral dresses and sandals. If you are like me, and you just can’t wait until it stays warm so you can start wearing dresses and skirts then look no further. Today’s look is about just that; how to wear a dress or skirt in early spring.

Sweater: Old Navy (old)(similar here and here) Skirt: TJ Maxx (similar here and here) Bag: Vintage Belt: Ann Klein

For this outfit, I wore this amazing, brightly striped sweater that has been on repeat since I got it. The colors in this sweater make it the perfect piece to wear in the fall and winter, but also in early spring. Now when the whole midi length trend started I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but now I am a full supporter. This long, flowy skirt style is very flattering and girly. It honestly makes me feel like a princess. My inner child comes out, and I just want to twirl all day. While the thin material of the skirt doesn’t offer much protection from the cold winds, the thick knit sweater definitely helps balance it out. You could also add some tights or leggings under the skirt, or even a pair of tall boots; I love the 70s vibes of that look!

Because the sweater is such a bold print and color, I toned it down by taking one of the neutral colors in the stripes and used that for the color of my skirt. I thought about wearing this skirt with the sweater untucked, which is a huge trend right now, but decided that it didn’t look very flattering on me. So I resorted to tucking the sweater into the skirt and belting it to further emphasize my waist. I thought the brown in the belt really complimented the rich tones in the sweater, and pulled the whole look together. Honestly, if you only listen to one clothing recommendation from me, please get yourself a sweater like this that can be worn almost all year round. Add some color, or keep it neutral, but definitely pick one that reflects your style and is versatile!

(Side note: we took some of these pictures inside the cutest little mansion in my home town. It was built in the early 1900’s and is now a museum/restaurant. How adorable is this bathroom!?)

Finally, to enhance the spring vibes of the outfit I wore these blush pink, tassel earrings which also pull out the pink stripes in the sweater. Because the sweater is so bold, I only wore a simple and delicate necklace with a hexagonal charm. I completed the look with this vintage, straw bag to add some texture, interest, and vintage charm. I know that straw bags were a huge trend all last spring and summer, and I doubt they will be going away anytime soon. If you are still on the hunt for one I would definitely check out Etsy. They have a ton of unique and cheaper alternatives. I stole this one from my mom who got it at a flea market, and it has quickly become my spring staple bag (sorry not sorry, mom!). If you do happen to get your hands on a straw bag, especially if it is vintage, keep in mind that they aren’t the most durable. But if you take care of them, they can last you a lifetime.

That’s all I have for this week, guys! Also, my Spring Break starts this weekend so if you want to keep up on all the adventures be sure to follow me on Instagram (@kendallshea22). My roommate and I are planning on going to Orlando for Universal Studios and Disney World. We couldn’t be more excited!

What are your plans for Spring Break? Are you just as excited for spring as me? Let me know in the comments down below.

Until next week!

Love, Kendall

Today’s Look: Happy Valentine’s Day!

Published on February 14, 2018 by kendallshea221 Comment

Hello everyone! I know that Valentine’s Day is such a polarizing subject; you either love it or you hate. But for me, regardless of my relationship status, I tend to be pretty neutral. Valentine’s Day is a great time to be with loved ones, romantic or not, and treat yourself and those around you to something special. For me, today is a pretty normal day full of work, class, and blogging. However, I plan on treating myself to one of my favorite meals and a night of relaxing and watching some of my favorite shows. There’s also something special about telling those closest to you how much you love them and what they mean to you. Regardless of your feelings on Valentine’s Day, I hope you enjoy today’s post.

Sweater: H&M Jeans: Old Navy Booties: Old Navy (similar here) Silk Scarf: Vintage Purse: BCBG Max Azria Glasses: Kenneth Cole

I’m sure if you have been on social media at all today you have probably seen tons of sappy posts full of the colors pink and red. When I was planning this shoot I realized I don’t really have a lot of pink or red, and to be honest, it’s not really my style. So instead, I came up with this casual, toned down look that takes a little inspiration from today’s romantic holiday.

Okay but this scarf! I was antiquing with my family in Arkansas one day, and I fell in love with it. It’s made in Italy and has a beautiful, romantic Victorian scene on it with a blush pink outline. I knew that even if I didn’t find the courage to wear it, it would be worth it just to own and admire.

But I decided I couldn’t leave it at that. It felt like a great disservice to this beautifully made scarf to sit in my closet and not show it off. So I decided to style it. This required a lot of research on Pinterest about what to wear it with and how to tie it. I ended up tying the scarf in a very French inspired way and went with a simple outfit, because I wanted the scarf to be the statement piece.

Here’s how I tied this scarf, in case you were wondering.

Start with a square scarf
Fold the square in half to form a triangle
Roll the bottom of the triangle in 1-1 1/2 inch folds until about half way up the scarf
Take the long folded ends, and with the remaining triangle in the front of your neck, wrap the ends around the back of your neck
Pull the ends in front of your neck, and tie them in a knot over the triangle
Adjust and tighten as needed

Sorry if that is confusing to you. I tried to explain it as best as possible. Just think of it like a fancy bandanna!

I paired this scarf with this cream sweater from H&M. I thought about wearing it with a striped sweater, but decided this solid one looked better with the colors in the scarf. To keep the colors in the outfit light and pastel, I wore my light blue denim jeans with distressing at the ankle. This little detail, along with these snakeskin booties, really pulled the look together. I just love the subtlety of the muted colors and little details. For me, its a simple outfit that really packs a stylistic and unexpected punch.

Although I’m not the biggest fan of Valentine’s Day, or bright pink and red outfits, I feel like this look accomplishes the task of being a slightly festive Valentine’s outfit, while also being something you could wear any other day of the year and no one would find it outrageous. Like me, this outfit celebrates Valentine’s Day in the most neutral way possible. Maybe that’s why I love it so much…

I wish you all a wonderful Valentine’s Day, whether you are as single as a Pringle, or happily in a relationship. Hold the ones you love a little tighter than normal today, and carry that love on passed today. Because the ones we love deserve more than just one day a year, am I right?

I’ll see y’all next week!

Love, Kendall

Three Items You Can Transition from Winter to Spring

Published on February 9, 2018 by kendallshea222 Comments

It’s that time of the year again! The time of the year when one day feels like we are in the middle of winter, and the next day feels like spring is in the air. It can be very difficult to know what to wear this time of the year, especially when you want to wear something cute and trendy without freezing. Below I am going to show you three of my favorite items, how I style them now, and how I’ll be wearing them once it’s warmer.

Shirt: Old Navy Skirt Old Navy (similar here) Purse: BCBG Hat: Target (similar here) Booties: Old Navy (similar here)

First off, this skirt! I have been obsessed with this skirt all fall and winter, and I just know that I’m going to get some more use out of it once spring starts. I love pairing it with black and white. I’ve never been one to shy away from pairing neutrals together, and when done right, black and brown can look very chic. I wore it with tights to help keep me warm, and these black ankle booties. When it starts getting warmer, I plan on wearing it with graphic tees and sneakers or ankle booties (sans tights), or even light weight blouses. Even though the skirt is (faux) suede, the material is quite thin and comfortable, and I think when paired with colors like cream, blush pink, or even light blue it will instantly look more spring-y.

To me this silky shirt is an instant classic in my wardrobe. I know most people would say that a white button down is a must have, but for me a pin stripe button down is just as versatile and much more my personal style. I’ve always been a fan of stripes, and the vertical stripes on this blouse are flattering on any body type! The material has a silky finish that gives it a vintage 60s and 70s vibe. I paired it with my suede button down skirt to play off of that vintage look. In the spring, I plan on wearing this shirt with a denim skirt, shorts, or boyfriend jeans and then sandals or mules.

The last piece in this outfit is this newsboy/baker boy/caddy hat. This style of hat has been such a huge trend lately, and the funniest thing is that I’ve had this hat for years! When I was younger, I was constantly buying hats and then never wearing them because I was too worried about what people would think. It has taken a lot of conscious effort, but I have slowly started to erase this mindset. So when this look started making it’s rounds on Instagram and fashion blogs, I knew I had to break this old hat out. Plus it saved me some money! Even though this hat has a very fall and winter look to it, I plan on wearing it throughout the early stages of spring with graphic tees, boyfriend jeans, denim skirts, and sneakers. If styled correctly, this hat can add an interesting element to a casual outfit.

I styled the rest of this look with these delicate, dangly earrings, and vintage, gold bow necklace. This necklace is actually my Grandma’s! She gave it to me recently when she noticed me admiring it. I love the statement it adds to every outfit. My Grandma certainly has style. Thanks Grandma!

I know Groundhog’s Day has come and gone, and according to the groundhog we are supposed to have more winter weather coming our way, but I can’t stop thinking of all the spring outfits I want to wear. Guess, we will all have to wait. Hopefully this post helped you see your winter faves in a new light, so you can style them in spring as transitional outfits!

Until next time!

Love, Kendall

Today’s Look: The Two Trends I Used to Hate

Published on January 30, 2018 by kendallshea22Leave a comment

Hello everyone! I hope you had a relaxing weekend. I spent the weekend back home with my family, and left feeling rejuvenated and motivated to take on this week! I guess we will see how long that lasts.

Today I wanted to share an outfit with you that I was initially very skeptical about: boyfriend jeans and camouflage. I realize that neither of these trends are new, and I’m a little late to the party, but it took me awhile to fully get on board. In my mind, boyfriend jeans only looked flattering on skinny girls, and camouflage was meant for hunting. Boy was I wrong! These two items have quickly become my college winter uniform.

Jeans: Old Navy (on sale for $30!) Jacket: Old Navy (also on sale for $30!) Sweater: Target (old) Belt: Anne Klein Shoes: Puma Purse: Ross

Boyfriend jeans are meant to fit your waist like regular jeans, but loosely fit your legs and hips. Plus, these jeans are a straight cut so they do not taper at the bottom of the leg. I always thought that of all the extra material would make me look heavier than I am, but this cut is actually more flattering on me than skinny jeans. I got these in my regular size, and they fit like a dream. They have a slight high waist, light wash, and distressing on both legs.

I have a love/hate relationship with distressed jeans, and by that I mean that when I try to buy distressed jeans, they are never as distressed as I want them. They are either too distressed or not distressed enough, but these are just right. I never knew how comfortable jeans could be until I started wearing boyfriend jeans! I typically belt them with something tucked in the front, because this is an overall more flattering silhouette. But you can wear them with things untucked as well.

Because the jeans are so light, I paired them with this dark grey turtleneck sweater for some contrast. This sweater has been a favorite of mine since I got it at Target a couple years ago. The chunky knit helps add a textural element to the outfit. To top the outfit off I added my new favorite jacket: this Old Navy camo utility jacket. Like I said before, I always thought camouflage was only meant for hunting. And if camo was worn for fashion it always came off as tacky to me.

When camouflage started making its rounds as a trend, I kind of rolled my eyes and avoided it. And then this jacket came into work one day, and it immediately caught my eye. I have this same jacket is two other colors, khaki and olive green, so I knew that I would like the fit of it. I tried it on one day just for the heck of it, and fell in love. I wasn’t sure how I would style it at the time, but I knew I had to have it. And I know that I am eating my words, but camo definitely works as a neutral! You can wear it with anything, and it adds pattern and interest to even the most casual outfit. I find myself reaching for this jacket almost everyday, and it pairs so well with boyfriend jeans, a tee shirt or sweater, and sneakers. This has basically become my everyday cool girl outfit.

When it came down to accessories, I knew I wanted to wear my new Puma Ignite sneakers. I got these for Christmas and have literally not taken them off since. They are a creamy off-white color, and they definitely give my Adidas Superstars a break. I chose them because they are different from any other sneakers I have. Most of my collection is flat and round, much like the shape of the superstars, but these provide more support for my foot and are insanely comfortable. I also think they are a lot easier to clean than my Adidas. But don’t worry! They still have a special place in my heart.

To me, this outfit is very model off duty, effortless, and cool. I am obsessed.

If you take away one thing from today’s post it should be to never judge a trend without first trying it out yourself. Never be afraid to try something new, especially when it comes to fashion. And no matter what, be comfortable and confident in your own skin!

I hope you guys enjoyed this post. Let me know your thoughts on the camouflage and boyfriend jeans trend. What trends do you hate, and do you think you will give them a chance now?

See you guys next week!

Love, Kendall