Finding Your Personal Style Part 1: Fashion Inspiration

Probably the most asked question I get is “How did you find your personal style?” And honestly, that question is a tough one to answer. Finding my personal style has always been a process, and it’s something that is constantly evolving. But I also believe that finding your personal style is an integral part of fashion.

If you don’t know your personal style you are more likely to succumb to every trend you see, have a closet bursting full of clothes, and yet still proclaim “I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!”

So that is why I am starting Part 1 of a series here on the blog with steps to not only help determine your personal style, but to fine tune your wardrobe so that every day you look forward to getting dressed.

The first step to define your personal style is to find inspiration. This can be from magazines, bloggers, Youtube videos, street style, Instagram, Pinterest, or even Tumblr. By gathering images and people that inspire you, you can more easily discern patterns and things that are repeated in those images. For example, if you are constantly pinning images on Pinterest that have distressed jeans, flannel, leather jackets and Doc Martens you might be able to describe your style as grungy, edgy, or punk.

My favorite ways to get fashion inspiration are Pinterest, bloggers I follow on Instagram and YouTube, and of course magazines and online fashion media. While I find my style to generally be hard to categorize, I know that I am drawn to more feminine silhouettes, vintage inspired clothing, and classic prints. However, I also love juxtaposing masculine or edgy pieces with feminine or classy pieces. Therefore I have a hard time committing to just one word to describe my style. I know what I like, and I stick to it.

Maybe your personal style isn’t as obvious from the images that inspire you. Maybe, like me, you have multiple facets of your style. That’s totally fine! Definitions aren’t what’s important here. What’s important is knowing the things you are attracted to in your clothing items, and staying away from things that don’t fit into your style. If you are confident in your style, then you wont feel like you have to buy into every micro-trend the minute you walk into a Forever 21.

While I’ll never knock someone for trying something new, especially in fashion. Being aware and knowledgeable of your personal style will save you from a lot of the heartbreak and annoyance of finding something your bought forever ago in your closet with the tags still on it. Although this is not foolproof, even I mess up sometimes, it will cut down on the amount of wasted funds and wasted closet space. And who doesn’t want that?

So, what do you think? Have you found your personal style, or are you still just as lost as you were before? Hopefully this post has helped you get a start on narrowing in on your personal style. And if not, then you can look forward to the next installment in this series as further help. No matter what, always trust your gut and wear what makes you feel confident!

See you guys next time!

Love, Kendall

Trends to Look Out for in 2019

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past week (or you just don’t follow fashion) then you would probably know that Saturday marked the end of New York Fashion Week. Now even for a Fashion Merchandising Alum like me, fashion week is both incredible and confusing. The trends that we see walking runways during events like fashion week can often be overwhelming and intimidating. But it doesn’t always have to be that way. Today I am going to break down some of my favorite trends for 2019, as well as show you how to incorporate them in your everyday style.

That’s So 70s Style

One trend that was popular on the Spring/Summer 2019 runways was 70s inspired looks. This included bright scarf prints, warm earth tones, corduroy, and crochet and fringe details. The easiest and cheapest way to incorporate this 70s inspired trend is to thrift for vintage pieces. Focus on things like corduroy pants, scarf print blouses, skirts, or dress, crochet bags, and fringe on everything.

Modern Utility

As I’m sure you all know, the infamous fanny pack is back in style. And while I wasn’t so sure a the beginning, I am now a full fledged fanny pack enthusiast. This trend consists of cargo pants, khaki and army fatigue tones, fanny packs/belt bags, large pocket details, camouflage, and boiler suits/jump suits. Wear masculine inspired pieces and throw on a fanny pack to carry all your things hands free and you’re good to go!

Wild Animal Print

A trend that isn’t going any where any time soon is animal print. Animal print has been huge over the past year, and it is only going to get bigger. Runways for Spring/Summer 2019 showed that animal print is here to stay, and I’m not complaining. These leopard print pants are an absolute fave right now in my wardrobe, and honestly, I don’t want to let them go. I didn’t think animal print could be so versatile, but adding a touch of leopard, cheetah, or snakeskin can elevate and transform even the plainest of outfits.

80s Vibes

Yet another decade that is making a comeback is the 80s. Things like shoulder pads, puffy sleeves, pant suits, chunky belts, pleats, midi length skirts, and gaudy accessories are going to be very popular this year. Take inspiration from the eighties by wearing a strong shouldered blazer, belting it for an extra flattering effect. Add some layered, chunky gold accessories, and you are ready to go back in time.

Logo Mania

With the re-release of the iconic Dior saddlebag, prominent logo designs are becoming a huge trend. The easiest way to accomplish this is to focus on popular brands: Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Fila, Guess, Micheal Kors, etc. The more pronounced and obvious the logo, the better. Bonus points if you ind a piece with a repeated logo as part of the pattern. I know this trend may sound expensive, and it definitely can be, but the best thing to do is start with things you already have in your closet. From there, thrift stores and places like TJ Maxx or Marshall’s are the best way to hop on this trend without dropping the big bucks.

Wild Wild West

If you know me, then you know that I am the last person to condone cowboy boots, and I still don’t own a pair, but they are going to be everywhere this year. Whether they are true vintage cowboy boots, or modern western-inspired boots, they are on the feet of every blogger out there. To go with our western theme, plaid, fringe, prairie dresses, suede, and leather belts are everything you need to look on trend without looking like you walked straight off the set of a John Wayne movie.

Monochrome

Last, but certainly not least, is my favorite trend for the year: monochrome! I used to shy away from wearing all one color, but a look like this can make such a statement, while also looking fashionable. This trend is also the easiest to accomplish, because you most certainly have these pieces in your closet. Just pair multiple pieces of the same color in various shades, and voila you have a monochromatic outfit! It’s so easy, and oh so chic. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.

Were you shocked by any of these trend predictions? Which ones are you most excited to add to your every day style? Let me know in the comments down below!

Love, Kendall

Current Favorites

I can’t believe it’s 2019, and January is already almost over! Where has the time gone? If you’re anything like me, you probably started this year super motivated to make some lifestyle changes, like most people are at the beginning of a new year. However, the second I mess up or put things off for another day, I start to feel like a failure and tomorrow turns into next week or next month. I hate to say this, because it seems like lately everyone has their crap together, but I am a mess. I have sat down in an attempt to write this blog post several times over the past couple of weeks, but fear and anxiety of it not being good enough, kept me from accomplishing it and continuously putting it off.

But that’s not how I want my 2019 to go. So I’m going to focus on the positives today by sharing with you some of the things I have been loving lately. These things have inspired me, motivated me, and kept me entertained over the past couple of weeks.

Beauty Favorites

Silk Scarves: Vintage Jewelry and Hair Clips: Vintage Hair Care: Ouai

Since chopping my hair into a bob, learning how to manage and style my new haircut has been a journey. I love the length and color, I think it comes off super chic and fashionable. However, my hair tends to lay flat and sticks to my head like an unflattering helmet, so movement, texture, and volume have been my biggest hair goals.

Thanks to my Sephora Beauty Insider points, I was able to get my hands on some samples from the hair care brand Ouai, and they have been life changing to say the least. The samples included a leave in conditioner that makes my hair look soft and healthy, a finishing creme that cuts my drying time in half, a hair oil that adds the perfect amount of shine, and the texturizing spray that is like my favorite dry shampoo and hair spray had a baby. A combination of these products has helped me learn exactly how to style my hair into the wavy bob of my dreams. I may have to repurchase all of these products in full sized bottles (that is if funds allow).

Speaking of styling my new hair, I have been loving the vintage touch of hair accessories lately. Whether it be the hint of glamour with a bejeweled hair clip, or the flash of pattern with a silk hair scarf. I am all about accessorizing, and hair accessories are my latest obsession. I feel like they complete a look, and add a fashionable detail to even the plainest outfits.

Last on my Beauty Favorites list will come as no surprise to those that know me. I have not been able to stop wearing them. I’m talking about the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bombs. We all know that Kylie Jenner helped add to the hype of matte liquid lipsticks. I used to wear them religiously. After a while though I got sick of the drying damage it did to my lips. Thus Fenty Beauty lip glosses walked into my life, and changed it forever. Now hardly a day goes by that I don’t have one of the shades on my lips. They are the perfect product to layer over any lipstick to add some of that glossy, moisturizing shine. Plus they give me early 2000s vibes in the best way!

Fashion Favorites

Hat: Target

If you follow me on Instagram, the items in this category will not surprise you at all because they have been repeatedly featured in my pictures. I never used to be a hat person. In fact, growing up I would always convince my mom to buy hats for me and then proceed to never wear them because “they didn’t look good on me.” I wanted to be the kind of person that looked good in hats, but I just wasn’t. That, however, has changed now. I’m not sure if it has more to do with my new hair cut and color, or the fact that I have grown into a much more confident adult, but I love wearing hats now. My absolute favorite hats are berets, but I also love my baker boy/newspaper boy hats. They add a finished look to a lot of my outfits, whether that be through a splash of color or pattern or just covering up my bad hair day.

Another Fashion Favorite of mine, as you can probably tell by the above photos, is my large, gold initial necklace. It’s almost an exact dupe for the old Celine one that everyone and their dog had late last year, but for a fraction of the price.

Speaking of fraction of the price, I have been super into thrifting lately! Not only is it great for the environment, but it’s great for the wallet too. I snagged this colorful Lucky Brand sweater while on vacation in Florida, and it has quickly become a staple in my winter wardrobe.

Another piece I haven’t been able to stop wearing? these wide leg, leopard print pants. I never would have thought that I’d fall in love with such a wild (ha, “wild” get it?) pair of pants, and yet here we are. They are beyond comfortable, and I feel amazing every time I wear them.


Pants: Lane Bryant
Blazer: Target

Although the blazer trend has been in the forefront of runways and street style alike, I was never one to hop on the train because I simply thought I didn’t look good in them. I would buy a professional looking blazer to wear to job interviews and the like, but then when I tried to style it any other way it just looked weird. Ever since, I had been on the hunt for a plaid blazer that I could wear everyday. Then I found this one, and the rest is history.

Purse: Karl Lagerfeld

Last but not least is my new designer baby. This purse was a Christmas gift, and I couldn’t be more in love with it. The quality is amazing, it goes well with everything in my closet, and I know it is going to be a forever item. This is the first purse that I own that I would consider “designer” and I plan to treasure it. You can definitely expect that this won’t be the last time you see her. (Side note: I’ve noticed a lot of people name their designer handbags. Is this totally weird or totally genius? What do you think I should name mine?)

Miscellaneous Favorites

Fitbit Alta: Fitbit.com

This last category is for things that I have been loving lately that are technology, pop culture, or food related. Another gift I received for Christmas was a Fitbit Alta. I had been wanting a smart watch for awhile now, and when the Alta went on sale for Cyber Monday, I made sure to notify my parents. I absolutely love it, and because the style is slim and black, it goes with everything. Another technology item that has been changing my life recently is my WaterPik. I’ll admit, I have never been very consistent with my flossing. And with the advice of my dentist, I decided it was time to invest in a water flosser. Lucky for me, this particular model is cordless and relatively inexpensive. Needless to say, it has changed the game for me.

These last couple of things are pop culture related, and if you know me well you can probably already guess them because I haven’t been able to shut up about them. The first is the new movie Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse. If you haven’t seen this masterpiece of a film yet, then run (don’t walk) to your nearest theater and buy a ticket. I truly don’t think I can put into words how amazing this movie is. It even won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Film! Let me end by saying this, the second the end credits rolled, my brother and I wanted to buy tickets again and go see it the next day.

One more to go! Well technically two. These last two are both albums, and I have not been able to stop listening to them since they were released. The first one is Trench by Twenty-One Pilots and the second one is Sweetener by Ariana Grande. If you haven’t heard of either one of these albums, then I’m sorry but you must be living under a rock. In my opinion they are both of these artists greatest work. Cohesively, each song on these albums tells a story. If you have not listened to them, then I highly recommend you do so from start to finish. It’s the best way to enjoy them fully.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I feel like it’s been a long one. If you’re still reading this, congratulations, you made it to the end! I hope you enjoyed reading about some of the things that have gotten me through this New Year slump. What are some of the things you have been loving lately? I’d love to hear about them!

And don’t worry, I have tons of content planned for 2019. I appreciate your patience, and I can’t wait to share it all with you!

Until next time!

Love, Kendall

Five Last Minute Holiday Outfits

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

Christmas Home Decor Tour + Tips

Hello guys and Merry Christmas!

I know its’s not technically Christmas yet, but in exactly one week from today it will be, so that’s got to count for something right?

Anyways, today is the start of holiday content on the blog, and since I’ve been so inconsistent with posting lately (I know I’m the worst but I’m working on it!) I am planning on making this week a double post week! So you can expect this post today and another holiday themed post this weekend!

One of my favorite holiday traditions is when my family watches the movie White Christmas while we put up and decorate the tree. It’s been a tradition for as long as I can remember. My mom and I sing and dance to the “Sisters” song, and my brother and Dad pretend to care haha.

Needless to say that decorating the house for Christmas has always been one of my favorite things to do this time of the year, and I wanted to share that process with you, as well as a few tips on how to decorate your home on a budget!

1. Update Existing Decor with Holiday Touches

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to decorating for Christmas, besides the tree, I would suggest you focus on updating your coffee table, dinner room table, shelves, and other surfaces with holiday related items. This can be as simple as switching out a picture frame for a holiday saying, or adding a dish for holiday candy. If you have the space, clear off an entire dresser top, mantle, or accent table off and use it to create a nativity scene, display a winter village, arrange your holiday plates, or (like my mom always does) a show off of your collection of snowmen figurines.

2. Use What You Have

If you are on a budget, a great idea is to use Christmas cards as holiday decor. Just keep cards you really like, or go buy some, and frame them around your house. It’s super simple, and a whole lot cheaper than most holiday decorations at the store. Another easy tip is to use pine cones, holly, jingle bells, Christmas ornaments, and cinnamon sticks in your decorations. Not only are all of these things super affordable, but they are also incredibly versatile. Simply add any of them to a bowl, plate, or any other decorative container, and you’re good to go! Bonus points if you use multiple types of these items together.

3. Don’t be afraid to DIY

Even if you aren’t a self proclaimed DIY Queen, don’t be afraid to try a simple project, like a custom wreath. Get inspiration from sites like Pinterest if you’re wanting to follow directions, or come up with your own ideas. If you are able to incorporate things you already own, even better! Honestly, there’s nothing greater than creating your own decorations. You get to make something you could never find in store, and even though it may take some time and work, oftentimes it can be much cheaper than store bought alternatives. Plus you get the satisfaction that you made something you can proudly display in your own home.

The best thing about decorating for the holidays is your house never has to look the exact same way twice! Around here, we are constantly changing things up, adding new finds or creations, or just experimenting. I hope you take these tips and inspiration and use them to create your ideal Christmas home decor!

I’ll see you guys later this week for another holiday related post. Until then, Merry (early) Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Love, Kendall

How To Stay Warm in Skirts and Dresses During the Winter

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: Waiting for Spring

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.

Photo Feb 16, 2 04 13 PM

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!Photo Feb 16, 1 39 01 PMPhoto Feb 16, 1 56 52 PMPhoto Feb 16, 1 39 57 PM

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!?)

Photo Feb 16, 12 51 50 PMPhoto Feb 16, 1 42 07 PMPhoto Feb 16, 1 39 48 PM

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.

Photo Feb 16, 1 57 24 PMPhoto Feb 16, 1 40 59 PMPhoto Feb 16, 1 54 45 PM

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

Photo Feb 16, 2 04 07 PM

Today’s Look: Happy Valentine’s Day!

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.

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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.

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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.

  1. Start with a square scarf
  2. Fold the square in half to form a triangle
  3. Roll the bottom of the triangle in 1-1 1/2 inch folds until about half way up the scarf
  4. 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
  5. Pull the ends in front of your neck, and tie them in a knot over the triangle
  6. 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!

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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.

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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…

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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

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Three Items You Can Transition from Winter to Spring

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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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

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.

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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

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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.

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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.IMG_5782IMG_5875IMG_5787

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.

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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?

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See you guys next week!

Love, Kendall