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

My Winter Skincare Routine

Published on January 9, 2018 by kendallshea22Leave a comment

Hey guys! Happy Tuesday!

I don’t know about where you are, but here in Oklahoma it has been very chilly. And for me, that only means one thing: dry skin! However, there is one catch. I have combination skin, which means that parts of my face are extremely dry and other parts are extremely oily. Sadly, the colder months only intensify these problems. So today I am showing you the products and routine that I use on a daily basis. If you suffer from problems similar to mine, I would highly recommend trying out some of these products and finding the routine that best suits you and your skin!

I know that everybody’s skin is different, and while these products work for my skin, they might not work for yours. I am not a dermatologist, nor do I claim to be. I am just here to share my personal experiences and encourage you to develop your own skincare regimen.

1. Biore Charcoal Cleanser 2. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Melting Balm 3. Biore Acne Scrub 4. Mario Badescu Rose Facial Spray 5. Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water 6. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer

Cleansing –

I tried this Biore cleanser and exfoliating scrub by chance this summer, and I fell in love! The charcoal in it helps take care of the oilier parts of my face. And while I’ve never had an issue with acne and blemishes, this cleanser and scrub have completely gotten rid of the occasional spots I used to get. If you have combination, oily, or acne-prone skin, I would highly recommend this product. However, if you skin tends to be dry, I would look into a product like Farmacy’s Green Clean Makeup Melting Balm. This oil based cleanser is moisturizing while completely melting away all of your makeup. I know that sounds weird, but I have never seen a product that takes off my makeup so easily (and I wear a lot of it!) I typically use this first to get all of my makeup off, and then wash my face again with the cleanser and scrub.

Facial Spray (Toning) –

After washing my face, I use the Mario Bedescu Rose facial spray or the Kerstin Florian toner water. By spraying it all over my face, I feel refreshed. The Mario Bedescu spray has aloe and rose in it, which is meant to reduce facial redness. The toner is supposed to help close your pores and shrink and tighten them. Now I don’t actually know if this is true, or if this step is completely necessary, but I have noticed a difference in my skin’s look and texture. So take that as you will.

Serums/Oils –

Now you are probably wondering: if I complain about my skin being oily, why would I put more oils on my face? Well the two oils/serums that I use both have ingredients that make them great for my skin type. I use a serum with hyaluronic acid, which is actually good for providing moisture to oily skin, while still being lightweight. It is easily absorbed, and doesn’t leave a sticky or oily residue. I also use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is good for acne spots and blemishes because it helps dry them up. I use this one more sparingly, as I tend to have very few breakouts, but it is good to have just in case. Both of the specific serums I use are unavailable online, but if you look for products that have those key ingredients in them they should do the trick. I would look at places like Walmart, Target, or your local drugstore.

Moisturizer –

This is my favorite moisturizer, and I have been using it for about three or four years now. The Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer has been a bit of a “holy grail” in my skincare routine (before I really even had a skincare routine). For me, this product gets the job done and without breaking the bank. Since I tend to do my routine at the end of the day, I like to finish off with a pump of this moisturizer and then let it absorb into my skin over night. I always wake up with soft and dewy skin. Plus it has a little SPF in it for protection.

This is the routine and the products that work for me. It has taken many years to curate and create this regimen, but I am very pleased with the results. I very rarely stray from this routine, except to try a new product or treat myself to a face mask. And while I know that this list of products won’t work for everyone, I hope that I have at least brought a couple of things to your attention.

If you have tried or use any of these products on a regular basis let me know! Or if you have any holy grail products of your own, leave them down in the comments. I would love to know!

I realize that this post might not be for everyone, and if you get nothing out of it I hope you at least get this: Take care of your skin. Take care of yourself. Find your own routine. Be confident in your own body. And love yourself.

Love, Kendall

P.S. If you have any other beauty/skincare tips you would like to hear from me next, I would love to hear it! Maybe a round up of my favorite face masks? Or my holy grail makeup items? Let me know!

Three Things I Learned in 2017

Published on January 4, 2018 by kendallshea221 Comment

Hello and Happy New Year everyone!

I am so excited to share today’s post with you guys. This is a subject that has been on my mind for a very long time, but I only just found the right words for it. As you know, I just finished my second to last semester of college, and it was the toughest one yet. Earlier in the semester I severely injured my knee, and required surgery. As a result of this, I missed so much school that I spent the rest of the semester playing catch up. The work load just kept piling on, and the stress was almost too much to handle. Almost. But I am here to tell you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I survived what has been the hardest year of my life, and I came out a much stronger person.

Below, I am going to share with you the three lessons I learned from my personal experiences of 2017, and how I grew as a result. I hope this will encourage you to look back on your year and focus on the things that grew you as a person. And if you feel like you didn’t achieve the level of growth you wanted, then work on it this upcoming year.

Sweater: Old Navy Jeans: Old Navy Jacket: Old Navy (available in navy here) Booties: MIA (available in black too! and on sale for $34!) Glasses: Kenneth Cole

Disclaimer: I know what you are thinking. “Kendall, do you only shop at Old Navy?” The answer is…pretty much. I work there so I get a nice discount, but all of my opinions are honest and my own.

1) Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up!

Whether it be in an office setting or within a friend group, you should never be afraid to voice your concerns and speak your mind. This was one of the biggest lessons I learned during my internship in New York. While working for a magazine, I had so many questions about the work behind the scenes. Why did we do the things we did? What affect did it have on the production? Who made those decisions, and what was the thought process behind them? I wanted to understand it all on a deeper level, and my superiors knew that. So when I asked these questions, they answered them. In fact, as the internship continued, they encouraged these learning sessions and enjoyed my enthusiasm towards my job. I understand this may not be the case in every situation, and that’s where the ability to discern whether your voice is appropriate in that setting comes in handy.

For example, if your friends are making plans without you and you feel left out, you should let them know. It may change nothing, or it may help them realize that they were leaving you out and hurting your feelings unintentionally. Or if you are applying for a job, it is good to be consistent when you check on the status of your application. You don’t have to do this everyday, in fact you definitely shouldn’t, but if you haven’t heard anything back for 10-12 days, it may be worth another call or email. No matter the scenario, you can make a lot more opportunities for yourself if you learn to speak up.

2) Achievement is Relative

Now this one may sound a bit weird, but let me explain. When I was unable to walk because of my knee injury, I felt helpless. I couldn’t do anything on my own. I was constantly having to ask for help from those around me. It was truly a humbling experience. And something I learned from this is that we need to celebrate the little things. When you are injured, or stressed, or having a rough day, the littlest things are achievements. Getting up out of bed and going to class. Getting a big project done early. Drinking enough water. All of these things are achievements, and should be celebrated. Not everyone is able to climb Mount Everest or run a marathon. And sometimes the simple act of getting out of bed, can feel as big as Everest.

3) I am Stronger Than I Think

If there is one thing this year has taught me, it is this. I am so much stronger than I ever thought I was. In 2017, I moved to New York on my own to pursue my dream internship. I lived in the big city for about three months and I loved every minute of it. I survived a surgery, which five months ago I never would have imagined I could do. I am terrified of needles, a fear which did everything it could to prevent me from going through with the surgery. But with the help and strength of those I love, I was able to overcome this fear. Not only did I go through with the surgery, but I also worked hard in physical therapy for weeks to get my mobility and strength back. After all of that, I had to put my nose to the grindstone and work hard to catch back up on all that I missed, while also getting my grades up.

At the beginning of the year, I never could have imagined that I would be able to face all of the things that were thrown at me this year. But by the grace of God, the love of my family, and my own personal growth, I was able to get through 2017. I only hope that this post allowed you to reflect on your year in a positive way, and to look back on all the ways you grew. I wish you all a Happy New Year and I hope that 2018 is filled with even more growth and happiness for the both of us.

Cheers!

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