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.

My Go To Spring Makeup Look

Published on April 16, 2018 by kendallshea22Leave a comment

Hello everyone and happy Monday! Does anyone else feel like the weekend flew by?? Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like I didn’t have much of a weekend. Either way, it’s time to hit the ground running and get stuff done this week.

Today I want to show you the makeup look that I have not been able to stop wearing.

Eye shadow: Kat Von D Pastel Goth Palette Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner Lipstick: Kylie Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Exposed

When it comes to makeup, I have always been a bit of an experimenter. I have always been the first one to try new colors, brands, products, and trends. But lately I’ve found myself in a bit of a makeup rut. I got too comfortable and ended up stuck in a routine of the same products, the same colors, and the same look. And you know what? I’m sick of it. So as soon as spring came around, I knew it was time to change things up and add a little (or a lot of) color to my makeup routine.

Top: H&M Kimono: Target Jeans: Old Navy Shoes: Restricted Bag: Vintage

I received the Kat Von D Pastel Goth palette as a gift last summer, and honestly I had no idea what to do with it. It was one of those things that had been in the back of my mind, but once presented with it, I was clueless. The palette itself is absolutely beautiful. From the shades to the packaging, it is very aesthetically appealing. In case the name didn’t already give it away, the main colors in the palette are pastels; yellow, peach, pink, lavender, blue, green, white, and black/gray. The pigmentation is unbelievable. And while I loved having it in my collection, it remained untouched for the better part of a year. I kept reaching for it, opening it up, and admiring the aesthetic beauty of it, but I could never bring myself to use it.

I know I said I was an experimenter when it comes to makeup, and that is very true, but I also like to have a look in mind when I’m doing my makeup. If I don’t have that inspiration in my head then I resort to something I’ve done in the past. And since I hadn’t come up with any looks that involved the colors in this palette, I continued not to use it.

I don’t remember who it was that first introduced me to this idea, but I started seeing girls on social media wearing bright yellow eye shadow with thick black liner. The contrast of those two colors is what drew me to the look, and I think it looks very editorial. I tried it out and haven’t gone back since.

I love this look, and I am so glad I have finally started using this palette. The best part is the same principal works with all the other colors in the palette too! I’ve done peach, purple, and blue eye looks with it. However I don’t see myself doing a green based eye shadow look anytime soon! This palette is definitely made for spring, and I can’t wait to use it more regularly.

Whether you love it, hate it, or plan on trying it for yourself, I hope this look has at least encouraged you to branch out of your comfort zone and try something new. So often we find ourselves stuck in the same routine, and frankly that can get pretty boring. So take this week to find something in your life that has become routine and replace it with something out of your comfort zone. I promise you won’t regret it.

Love, Kendall

Spring Break Recap

Published on April 6, 2018 by kendallshea22Leave a comment

Hello everyone!

It’s been a whirlwind of a week, am I right? Well after the crazy fun time I had over spring break, I took about a week to get my crap together. But now I’m back with a spring break recap for you all!

T-Shirt: Target Skirt: Old Navy (Similar) Jacket: Old Navy (DIYed by me)

When my roommate and I first started planning our senior spring break trip, we knew we absolutely wanted to go to Universal Studios in Orlando. Harry Potter has been such a bonding experience for us since we first met freshman year (she literally read the entire series to me out loud because I had never read them before), so seeing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter was priority number one. Disney was sort of an add on because my roommate had never been, and I hadn’t been in 4-5 years. Due to budget constraints, we decided to buy tickets for one day at Universal Studios and Island of Adventure so that we could experience the entirety of Harry Potter World, and the one day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom because it’s a classic, duh! In all seriousness, we chose Magic Kingdom because it had the most rides and attractions that we wanted to do.

Once everything was booked, I immediately started planning outfits in my head. Although let’s be real, I’ve been planning these in my head for months.

For Universal I went for a modern day Hogwarts student vibe, and personally I think I nailed it. In case you were wondering, I’m a Gryffindor. Shout out to my fellow Gryffindors! I’ve had this Hogwarts t-shirt for awhile now, and was grateful for the excuse to wear it! I paired it with this black circle skirt so that I could be comfortable and still look cute (don’t worry, I wore shorts underneath it!) The weather while we were at Universal was very stormy, and we actually experienced a few showers while we were there. Because of this my denim jacket not only completed the outfit, but also came in handy. I love how the patches and pins just added some color and personality to my outfit. To finish the look I brought my cream, leather backpack.

By far, this park was more than I could have ever hoped for. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was absolutely magic. It truly felt like we had been transported to Hogwarts. Because of the weather, it was not busy at all. We barely had to wait for any rides, and the experience was completely worth it.

T-Shirt: Disney Store (old) Shorts: Old Navy Jacket: Old Navy (DIYed by me) Ears: Disney (obviously)

We went to Disney the day after the storm, so it was much cooler due to the cold front that the weather brought in. Yet another reason I was glad I brought my denim jacket. I have had this Alice in Wonderland t-shirt for so long. Luckily it still fit and came in handy for this Disney inspired outfit. I paired it with these peachy pink linen shorts from Old Navy to bring out the pink in the shirt. My goal as soon as I got into Magic Kingdom was to find the perfect pair of ears to go with my outfit. I definitely lucked out, because these vintage Minnie Mouse inspired ears matched the colors in my outfit perfectly.

As far as the day went, it was really nice outside which was great. However, because of this is was crazy crowded. We waited 2 hours for one ride. TWO HOURS! It was brutal. But when we got to watch Cinderella’s Castle light up at the end of the day it was so magical that it melted all our stress from the day away and made it all worth it.

Overall, I had an amazing time over spring break. This trip was a long time coming, and I’m so glad my roommate and I finally did it. Even though we were exhausted by the end of it (and a little broke) I believe that the memories we made were one’s that will last.

So what did you do over spring break? Have you ever been to Universal Studios or Disney World? If so, what was your favorite thing about it? Let me know in the comments down below!

See you guys next week!

Love, Kendall

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

How to Style a Fur Vest

Published on January 19, 2018 by kendallshea22Leave a comment

Happy Friday, everyone!

Raise your hand if you are loving this cold weather? Now raise your hand if you are sick and tired of it? Well, guess who just raised both of her hands: me!

I’m sorry if you are ready to move onto spring and summer, but I just can’t let the winter fashion go. I love being able to wear sweaters and jackets and multiple layers. But on the other hand, I hate going outside when it is below freezing. I just want that chill in the air, without feeling like I’m frozen by the time I get home. Is that too much to ask??

Today, I am sharing the perfect winter outfit with you: a fur vest! When I first got this vest for Christmas about two years ago, I had no idea how I was going to wear it. And to be completely honest, it just sat in my closet collecting dust up until recently. My dad likes to joke that this vest looks like “squirrel fur,” but don’t worry it is 100% faux fur! I understand that a lot of you might think that a fur vest looks tacky or outrageous, and a few years ago I probably would have agreed with you. But when styled correctly this piece can be both stylish and warm!

Sweater: Old Navy Fur Vest: Old Navy (similar) Jeans: JCPenney’s Belt: Anne Klein Booties: Dolce Vita (similar)

I think my favorite thing about fur vests, and this vest in particular, is the texture and amount of interest they bring to any outfit. The different colors of brown layered on top of each other really create the allusion of dimension and body in the fur. Because of that, I think it is best to layer a vest like this over a much simpler outfit.

If you are worried about wearing a statement piece like this, it is best to keep the rest of your outfit toned down so that the vest adds to the ensemble instead of taking away from it. I paired this dark, forest green sweater with this outfit because the color really compliments and enhances the colors of the vest.

When I think of fur vests I am often reminded of the boxy and unflattering shape that they tend to have. To prevent the amount of fabric from completely taking over, I put on some skinny jeans and tucked my sweater in the front. By doing this, I am clearly accentuating my waist and breaking up the boxiness of the vest. I also added some height with these brown suede booties.

Whether you are on the curvier side (like me) or the more petite side, this step is essential in making sure you are wearing the vest, and the vest isn’t wearing you.

Because the rest of the outfit is simple, I decided to add some gold accents with the jewelry and accessories. Layering necklaces is such a trend right now, but in order to do this right you need to make sure you choose two necklaces with varying styles, lengths, or widths. Here I have one gold necklace with a thin, delicate chain and pendant, and one gold necklace with a thicker, more textured chain. I also added this Anne Klein statement belt to bring attention to my waist and really pull this whole look together.

Overall, the colors, fur, and accessories give this outfit a slight 70s vibe with a modern twist. I can’t believe this started with an item that took up space in my closet, and became one of my favorite looks I’ve shared on Becoming Kendall. Whether you are looking for some inspiration and tips for rocking your own fur vest, or you feel inspired to pull that item you never grab for out of your closet and create an amazing look with it, I hope this post has helped you. Feel free to share your own tips on how to rock a fur vest, or any other statement piece, in the comments down below!

Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you next time!

Love, Kendall

Today’s Look: Home for the Holidays

Published on December 25, 2017 by kendallshea221 Comment

Well Merry Christmas, y’all!

I know it’s been a long time since I posted anything new. But after the past couple of months I’ve had, this break was much needed. As some of you may know, earlier this year I severely injured my knee, which resulted in surgery and physical therapy. After that, I decided to continue my hiatus for personal reasons which I will share in a following blog post. Needless to say this year has been rough for me, but I’m just glad to be surrounded by the ones I love for the holidays and to be one semester closer to graduation. I plan on getting back into a routine of sharing these moments with you through blog posts.

But enough about the past, let’s talk about the present (ha, present…Christmas…see what I did there?)

Sweater: Old Navy (similar here and here) Skirt: Old Navy (similar here) Boots: Steve Madden (similar here for 40% off!) Coat: Cato (similar here and here)

For this outfit, I went with something that was festive, without being straight up Christmas-y. I got this red plaid skirt on clearance, but the weather had started to warm up, so I didn’t get much wear out of it until recently. I love the pop of color it brings to an otherwise dreary outfit. I paired it with this light grey turtleneck sweater to add some contrast to the overall dark tones of this outfit. Of course I had to add these thigh high boots and coat to provide some warmth, because while I may be in Oklahoma, it can get very chilly this time of year.

I chose the boots, because they cover up my legs without having to wear tights (although you could add some if you wanted to) and then the coat was added to make the outfit seem more cohesive and festive. If you are in the market for a new coat this year, then I definitely suggest something in a bright and bold color. In the winter, we tend to cover up our outfits with big bulky coats, so why not make the coat itself a fashion statement by picking something fun.

No matter what circumstances are surrounding you this holiday season, I hope that you find even the smallest moments of happiness. I know that for many Christmas is a time for family, but don’t forget to take some time for yourself to reflect, rest, and find peace. And most of all, enjoy every moment you can. Savor it. Tell the people around you how much they mean to you. Look forward to the things God has in store.

Merry Christmas, everyone! And Happy Holidays!

Love, Kendall

Travel Diaries: The Struggles of Living in New York

Published on July 18, 2017 by kendallshea222 Comments

Live from New York, it’s another installment of Travel Diaries!

Hey y’all, (I know, living in New York hasn’t stopped me from saying y’all) it’s been about seven weeks of me living here in the city, and I just wanted to update you guys on my journey. Also, in case you couldn’t tell, I updated my website and changed a few things. I would really like your thoughts and opinions on the new look, so please leave a comment down below letting me know the things that you like or don’t like. Thank you!

Now I know that the title of this post may scare you, it may make you think that this post is going to be sad or depressing or negative, but I can guarantee you that this will not be the case. This post is meant to be realistic, candid, and honest, because that’s what I feel like you guys deserve.

This truth is that living in New York is not a constant sitcom episode, and I am not Carrie Bradshaw or Rachel Greene (although truth be told, I sometimes feel like I am 😉 ).
Top: Forever 21 Jeans: Old Navy Shoes: Forever 21 Purse: TJ Maxx

So as someone who is interning in New York, I don’t get to do a whole lot of adventuring, or as my friend’s call it “prancing.” But when I do have free time, I feel like I am almost expected to do Instagram worthy things, or else what am I even doing here?

This brings me to my first struggle: You feel like you constantly have to be doing something cool or touristy in the city. This really sucks when it comes to wanting to relax and recuperate after a long week of working. But at the same time, if you sit in your apartment and watch Netflix all day, then what are you doing with your life? So here I am trying to find the balance between living my best life in NYC and exploring, while also taking time to myself to relax both mentally and physically. I’ll let you guys know when I’ve achieved that balance.

Another struggle is worrying too much about the perfect social media post. I feel like every time I go out I am constantly worrying about adding things to my Instastories, or my Snapchat Stories, or getting the best “candid” Instagram pic. And I know that posting on social media or sharing your experiences is not necessarily a bad thing, but there seems to be this idea that we attach to things like social media (especially for bloggers) that we have to show the perfect version of ourselves. I am guilty of this as well, but we also tend to put way too much value in things like views and likes. I’m trying this new thing where I just post things that make me happy and not worry about how many likes I am getting or if the picture I post is absolutely perfect. I’m just so sick of thinking a day is ruined because I didn’t get the perfect Instagram picture. I want to do things for the experience first, and the social media posts later.

Now it’s time to get serious. If I’m being honest, New York has been a really lonely experience for me. I know that may shock some of you, and some days are more lonely than others, but when you have several people that all have different schedules, different “cliques,” and want to do different things, you’re bound to feel left out every once in awhile. And for me, it’s a little more than every once in awhile. But never fear, I have found some true friends that have kept me company and help ward off the loneliness. Heck, I’ve even made some new friends. And here’s the best news yet, my mom comes to visit this week! I can not wait to have my best friend with me again. Just think about all the shenanigans we’ll get into up here!

Long story short, I did not write this post so I could throw myself a pity party, or to say that New York is terrible. In fact, I love living here, and I hope I come back for good after graduation. I just felt like you guys deserved to unadulterated truth; my life in New York is far from perfect. But I am making it my home. And those moments when everything just seems to fall into place, and I just know in my soul that this is where I am meant to be, those moments make all of the struggles worth it.

I hope you enjoyed this episode of Travel Diaries. Until next time, don’t forget to take some time to relax.

Love, Kendall