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February Favorites

Happy leap day everybody. I can not believe that tomorrow is the first day of March. Life seems to be flying by my eyes but that could just be due to how busy it seems I’ve been. Today I am here to share with you my favorite products from the month of February. If you have any suggestions please leave them below. Thank you for all the support. Wishing you the best in the week ahead. With love, McKenz.

Makeup Favorites:

  1. A few weeks ago I picked up the Wet N’ Wild palette in the color “Comfort Zone” for only six dollars from the drugstore. I’ve recently set aside my high end eyeshadow palettes and used this palette everyday this past week. The shadows are rich, creamy, and packed full of pigment. This is definitely a must have.
  2. The Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in “blackest black” has been on repeat for the last few weeks. This mascara lengthens and separates my lashes and for only six dollars it’s a huge steal.
  3. I have been loving a lighter face of makeup right now. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer has been one of my favorite products lately. It evens out my skin tone and leaves my face with a slightly dewy look leaving me looking refreshed and sun kissed.

Nail Favorites:

  1. I’ve been loving a super pale color on my nails lately. This color is called “Baby’s Breath” from gap is the perfect mix of nude and pink.
  2. Another nail polish I’ve been using on a regular basis is the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Top Coat. It leaves a gel finish and keeps my manicure lasting for days.

Fashion Favorites:

  1. These black lace up flats are from Old Navy and have slowly become my favorite pair of shoes in my closet. They’re not ideal for long days of walking but look super cute none the less.
  2. Leg warmers have been some of my favorite accessories lately because they easily dress up my outfits and add warmth to any outfit. they aren’t pictured but my favorite pairs are from Kohls and Fransescas.
  3. My rose gold watch from Target is one of my favorites. I love this watch to add a pop of color as we head into the warmer months.

Other Favorites:

  1. “Stick Figure” by Lori Gottlieb was the book I read this month. It’ about a young girl who suffers from an eating dioarder and is also a true story. It’s an easy read but definelty a good one.
  2. My favorite songs from this past month were “How To Save A Life” by The Fray and I have recently fell back in love with Jack Johnson. my favorite songs from him are “Better Together” and “Banana Pancakes”.
  3. My favorite show this month is Gossip Girl. I’m addicted and currently on Season 4 Episode 18 and anxious to find out the ending.
Weekly Wrap Up

Weekly Wrap Up #9

Happy Sunday everybody. I’m so amazed at how fast February went by and am so excited to see what March will have in store. I’m hoping it will bring some warmer temperatures and that we can leave the snow in February. This week was packed full of cheer events and a bunch of new clothing item. I got to spend time with my friends everyday this week and went to church this morning where we had a very eye opening service. I can’t thank you all enough for the endless love and support and helping me reach 380 followers on Instagram. This week it has really hit me that life is far too short to be anything but happy. Squeeze your loved ones extra well tonight and thank your friends for all they do. Life isn’t gaurenteed, my friends. Wishing you love and happiness in the week ahead. With love, McKenz.

2.22.16- I’m so excited about wearing my new boyfriend jeans from Gap. Tonight was a bitter sweet one, the last day of basketball before play offs and senior night for my girl Johanna and our other four girls. Gonna miss you all so much.

Outfit Details- necklace: Forever 21, shirt: H&M, sweater: American Eagle, boyfriend jeans: Gap, laced up flats: Old Navy, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani and Charming Charlies

2.23.16- Spending the full lunch hour with most of Savage Friends. Miss seeing these girls every day so much and am so eternally greatful for all the memories and laughs we’ve shared together.

Outfit Details-  sweater: Old Navy, flannel: Old Navy, necklace: Forever 21, jeans: Hollister, boot toppers: Fransescas, booties: Sam Edelman, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani and Charming Charlies

2.24.16- Having fun mixing paint with my friends for our upcoming project. Thanks Madison for letting me borrow your Vineyard Vines shirt today, you’re the best.

Outfit Details- long sleeve: Vineyard Vines, necklace: Forever 21, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani, jeans: Hollister, socks: Kohls, bean boots: DSW

2.25.16- A super soft outfit that’s cute too and snapping a picture with my girl jessica. Miss her and our daily art class talks so much.

Outfit Details- long sleeve: Old Navy, scarf: Old Navy, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani, jeans: Hollister, leg warmers: Kohls, riding boots: Target

2.26.16- Came into school Friday morning and was wearing the same lace up flats as Emma, great minds think alike to say the least. And super excited to be wearing my black boyfriend jeans!!

Outfit Details- long sleeve: Old Navy, black ripped jeans: Gap, laced up flats: Old Navy, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani, necklaces: Charming Charlie and Forever 21

2.27.16- Cheering on our girls basketball team throughout their first play off game, we took home a win, scoring 44 more points than the other team. Also, babysitting and spending the night with Jeanie.

Outfit Details- sweater: Gap, scarf: Old Navy, jeans: Hollister, boot liners: Hunter, rain boots: Nordstrom Rack, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alec and Ani

2.28.16- Embracing my inner five year old and coloring pictures of penguins in summer scenes because I’m sick of thirty degree weather and snow.

Outfit Details- long sleeve: Old Navy, jeans: Hollister, watch: Kate Spade

 

 

 

 

Fashion

6 Ways To Style Rain Boots

Good morning everybody. I am so so happy that today is Friday and that I have found time to sit down, unwind after the stressful week, and catch up on some Gossip Girl. It’s been rainy and snowing quite frequently here on the East Coast so today I decided that it could be helpful to style my rain boots six different ways. I hope you all are enjoying Wednesdays post, if you have any suggestions please leave them below. Thank you so much for the love and support, wishing you nothing but the best; with love, McKenz.


My first pair of rain boots are from the brand Hunter. They’re in the color Hunter Green and are the tall, matte style. I purchased mine around Christmas time from Costco for a surprising price of $80.00 which is almost half the price of the rain boots sold at Nordstrom and on the Hunter website. I love to wear these shoes to add pops of color to an outfit. I feel that my Hunters were a smart purchase because they are real rubber and they keep your feet completely dry throughout the messy weather.

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#1: layering a flannel and sweater – I love this flannel because it has pops of hunter green and navy which coordinate perfectly with my boots and the sweater that I layered over top of it. This outfit provides more than one layer and keeps me warm in the midst of crummy weather.

Outfit Details: sweater – Old Navy, flannel – Old Navy, jeans – Hollister, rain boots – Hunter, watch – Kate Spade, bracelets – Alex and Ani, dainty necklace – Forever 21

IMG_8398.JPG#2: with a denim jacket – If you’ve read my blog than you would know that my denim jacket is one of my favorite pieces in my closet. I also love a good striped shirt which I paired with this jacket and a scarf which matches my rain boots perfectly.

Outfit Details: denim jacket – Kohls, long sleeve – Gap, scarf – Old Navy, jeans – Hollister, rain boots – Hunter, boot liners – Hunter, watch – Kate Spade, bracelets – Alex and Ani

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#3: a scarf and matching shoes – This outfit is probably one of my favorites because it’s simple and consists of basic colors which are versatile when adding additional pieces. I love pairing my Hunter socks with a matching white sweater.

Outfit Details: sweater – Gap, scarf – Old Navy, jeans – Hollister, boot liners – Hunter, rain boots – Hunter, watch – Kate Spade, bracelets – Alex and Ani


 

Unfortunately, I don’t know the brand of my second pair of rain boots. However, I purchased them from Nordstrom Rack about a year ago. They are an inch shorter than my Hunter rain boots and are black and glossy. I love these shoes because they go with all neutral tones and are perfect for days when I feel like adding in a few pops of color into my outfit.

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#1: with a flannel and jacket – My army jacket is one of my favorite clothing pieces and it looks perfect with a neutral toned flannel. I also love adding a sweater over the top of a flannel to create an extra layer for added warmth.

Outfit Details: jacket – TJ Maxx, flannel – Old Navy, jacket – Hollister, rain boots – Nordstrom Rack, watch – Kate Spade, bracelets –  Alex and Ani, dainty necklace – Forever 21

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#2: a simple sweater and matching socks – Hunter socks won’t break the bank and they make your shoes appear as actual Hunters. I love wearing a white sweater to match them and a black scarf to coordinate with my boots.

Outfit Details: sweater – Gap, scarf – Old Navy, jeans – Hollister, boot liners – Hunter, rain boots – Nordstrom Rack, watch – Kate Spade, bracelets – Alex and Ani

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#3: a vest and turtle neck- I have a love for a good turtleneck and a matching vest. This one pairs perfectly with my rain boots and will keep you dry in case of bad weather in the forecast.

Outfit Details: turtleneck sweater – Old Navy, vest – Gap, jeans – Hollister, rain boots – Nordstrom Rack, watch – Macys

Makeup

Drugstore Eye Makeup Tutorial

To everyone that has asked me to post an eye makeup tutorial featuring all products from the drugstore, this one’s for you. I recently purchased a few new products from CVS and have been using them consistently for the past few weeks. I hope you guys are having a fabulous Wednesday and enjoyed Mondays post. Thank you for all the love and support, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and on the blog. With love, McKenz.


 

The first thing I do after applying my face makeup is apply the Maybelline Color Tatoo in the color Barely Branded to my eyelids. This acts as a base and provides a smooth base to ensure full eyeshadow pigmentation and lasting abilities. apply with fingers

My favorite palette from the drugstore is Wet N Wild in the color Comfort Zone. I love Wet N Wild because the formulation of their eyeshadows are both soft, creamy, and packs in intense pigmentation.This palette has eight  The brow bone color is a champagne color that I am applying all over my lid. apply with a flat shader brush

After this I am applying the third color on the left of this palette into my crease, avoiding the inner third of my eye. This color will enhance my eyes and this sparkly shadow is gorgeous. This color is similar to “haute chocolate” from the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette. apply with a crease brush 

Lastly, I am going to be taking the fourth color on the left of this palette and applying it to my outer V. I am making sure to apply this only in the outer third of my eyes so that it won’t take away from the crease color that we just applied. apply with a dense crease brush

Next, I am going to be taking a dot of Vaseline and applying this evenly to my eyebrows, this allows them to stay in place in all day. After, I’m taking the NYX  Eyebrow Cake Powder in the color Light/Medium and filling in the sparse areas of my brows and reshaping the ends. 1.) apply with fingers 2.) apply with liner brush

Last but not least, I am going to be applying two coats of my Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Blackest Black. This mascara lengthens and separates my eye lashes all at once. After, I’m applying my the Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes in Black to my lower lashes and inner corners to fully coat the pesky lashes that are hard to reach with a full sized mascara.


 

… and that’s all for today. I hope you guys enjoyed, leave requests below if you have any!

Fashion

10 Ways To Wear A Scarf


Happy Monday everyone. One of my biggest winter wardrobe staples are scarves. I really do feel that they can totally transform an outfit while adding an extra layer to keep you warm. Today I am showing you ten different outfits, all paired with a scarf. I hope you enjoy and if you missed yesterdays weekly wrap up, click here. I hope you enjoy, leave me some requests if you have any. With love, McKenz.


If you’ve read my posts before, you would know that my army jacket is one of my most cherished pieces in my closet. I love wearing it with neutral colors and adding it to a simple outfit to dress it up.

Outfit Details: jacket- TJ Maxx, long sleeve- Old Navy, scarf- Target, jeans- Hollister, socks- Kohls, booties- Steve Madden, watch- Kate Spade, bracelets- Alex and Ani

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I love the hunter green and navy in this flannel which match perfectly with my scarf and sweater. Bean boots are some of my favorite shoes. They’re warm, durable, cute and match the rest of my outfit perfectly.

Outfit Details- flannel: Old Navy, sweater: Old Navy, scarf: Old Navy, jeans: Hollister, leg warmers: Kohls, bean boots: DSW, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani and Charming Charlie

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I love wearing scarves with my dresses to add something to my outfits. Also, this is one of my favorite dresses that is still in stock online at Old Navy. It’s comfy and can be worn in all four seasons. You can easily add a jacket if you’re in a colder climate, too.

Outfit Details- dress: Old Navy, scarf: Old Navy, riding boots: Target, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani

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My denim jacket is another one of my favorite pieces, although some will argue that it went out of style three years ago. I love a scarf over my flannel to add an extra layer. I also love my red scarf to add a pop of color into my wardrobe.

Outfit Details- denim jacket: Kohls, flannel: Old Navy, scarf: Old Navy, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani, jeans: Hollister, leg warmers: Kohls riding boots: Target

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Even in the rain I still love wearing a scarf. This is one of my favorite outfits because it;s simple, timeless, and can transition from fall to winter super easily.

Outfit Details- sweater: Gap, scarf: Old Navy, jeans: Hollister, boot socks: Hunter, rain boots: Nordstrom Rack, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani IMG_8422

I love this pink oxford, I’ve had it for quite some time now and love it paired with a scarf, a statement necklace, or even left open with a tank top underneath. I tend to stick to earth tones when it comes to my winter wardrobe so the pink is a nice change of pace.

Outfit Details- sweater: Gap, jeans: Hollister, scarf: was a gift, riding boots: Target, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani and Charming Charlie

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My lace up flats are my absolute favorite pair of shoes by far. Don’t be fooled they are like any old pair of flats and can be worn in the winter despite what others may think. Mine are super comfortable and part of Old Navy’s winter collection.

Outfit Details- long sleeve: Old Navy, scarf: Target, jeans: Hollister, lace up flats: Old Navy, watch: Kate Spade

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Maroon is my favorite color and this off white scarf from Old Navy (like most of my scarves). It is one of my most worn, considering it matches almost everything in my closet.

Outfit Details- scarf: Old Navy, long sleeve: Old Navy, jeans: Hollister, leg warmers: Kohls, riding boots: Target, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani and Charming CharlieIMG_8421

This bejeweled scarf I got from Target a few seasons ago and it matches perfectly with my favorite pair of maroon booties. I love pairing gold jewelry with this outfit to match the jewels in the scarf.

Outfit Details- sweater: Gap, scarf: Target, jeans: Hollister, booties: Old Navy, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani and Charming Charlie

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And last but not least, one of my favorites. A flannel with a sweater paired over top and a scarf to match the accent colors of the flannel. I almost always have on socks that match my scarf, it’s my favorite way to dress up any outfit.

Outfit Details- sweater: Old Navy, flannel: Old Navy, scarf: Old Navy, jeans: Hollister, leg warmers: Kohls, riding boots: Target, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani and Charming Charlieimage


 

Weekly Wrap Up

Weekly Wrap Up #8

Hello everybody and happy Sunday. I usually devote my whole Sunday to blog related stuff, I like to catch up and cram as much as I can into one day. For the most part, I’ve been successful. I want to thank you guys for 380 followers on Instagram and almost 70 followers on the blog after only two short months! If you’re one of my newer followers, weekly wrap ups are something I do at the end of every week. I post a picture of what I wore every day and a picture of something that made me happy through each day. I’m a firm believer in looking at the glass half full rather than half empty so my 52 Weeks of Happiness project is something I like to keep up with. I hope you guys enjoyed this weeks posts. I’m really pleased with the content and outcome of them and am so happy to have completed my first collab with Lydia. If you missed it, click here. Thank you so much for reading and sticking around, have a happy Sunday. With love, McKenz.

2.15.16- Happy Presidents Day! We had the day off today so I spent some time with my sweet Abby and went to see Nicholas Sparks’ new movie “The Choice” with my sister, Jeanie, and my mom. 10/10 would recommend.

Outfit Details- sweater: Hollister, scarf: Old Navy, leggings: American Eagle, socks: Hunter, rain boots: Hunter in the color Hunter Green

2.16.16- Mother Nature was in our favor today so we got the day off of school. Spent the morning watching Gossip girl with Abby while eating my favorite breakfast- a blueberry bagel and blueberries.

Outfit Details- sweatshirt: Old Navy, leggings- Target C9

2.17.16- Nothing better than some Chcik-Fil-A nuggets and ranch, food tends to be the highlight of my day sometimes… oops.

Outfit Details- shirt: American Eagle, button up: Old Navy, army jacket: TJ Maxx, jeans: Hollister, socks: Target, rain boots: Nordstrom Rack, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani, necklace: Forever 21

2.18.16- I love my mom so I had to snap a quick selfie on Snapchat with her, so thankful for all she does for me.

Outfit Details- flannel: Old Navy, leggings: Victorias Secret Pink, scarf: Old Navy, boot toppers: Kohls, riding boots: target, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani

2.19.16- Love my girls Kate and Ashley and all the memories we’ve made together. So proud of Kate for becoming 5th in the state for swimming this weekend!! You girls trock my world.

Outfit Details- scarf: Target, tank top: Old Navy, cardigan: Abercrombie&Fitch, jeans: Hollister, socks: Kohls, booties: Steve Madden, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani and Charming Charlies

2.20.16- Got to watch my two little munchkins place first place at their cheer competition and went out later to get pizza and shop around with a bunch of my friends to have an early birthday celebration for my girl Nicole.

Outfit Details- unfortunately the picture for today got deleted but just for the heck of it: sweater: Old Navy, jeans: Hollister, lace up flats: Old Navy, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani, necklace: Forever 21

2.21.16- Wishing one of my best friends Nicole a happy fifteenth birthday and planning out a bunch of blog posts for the upcoming week. Can’t wait to sit down and catch up on gossip girl, so hapy that I finally made it to Season 4 wooo!!

 

Fashion

How To Style A White Sweater (Collab)

Good morning friends and Happy Friday! Today is very exciting and yet it may seem small to others, it’s very big to me- my first collab! I frequently get asked about how I wear my white sweater and/or tops. I find that there are endless outfits to create with this timeless piece and lucky for you, my friend Lydia and I are showing you four different ways to style a white sweater! My looks are going to be more on the casual/lounge side and Lydia’s are going to be a little dressier and perfect if you’re looking for something classy and chic! Below are all of her links, send her some love because she definitely deserves it: fashion blogwherethepreetythingsare.net Instagramwheretheprettythingsareblog

I know I’m definitely not the only girl that wants to hit the snooze for a whole hour on Monday mornings. However, for some reason nothing irks me more than starting the week off with an outfit I threw together in three seconds and lacks all adjectives, especially style. I love the way olive green and off white look when paired together and if you live on the East Coast, you’re fully aware that Mother Nature isn’t always in our favor which is why I love layering my army jacket over this already warm sweater. Pair it with some matching socks and you’re in for a put together look while staying comfy and cozy in leggings. Feel free to switch it up and add jeans if the leggings aren’t working out for you.

Outfit Details: Sweater- Hollister, jacket- TJ Maxx, leggings- American Eagle, socks- Target, riding boots- Target, watch- Kate Spade, necklace- Forever 21, bracelets- Alex and Ani

A white sweater and riding boots is a combination that will never go out of style whether it be fall or winter. I like this outfit because it can easily be altered to your taste. The sweater on its own, a flannel underneath, or even a jacket over top are all ways to wear this simple and classy outfit. Not to mention the fact that nothing screams “quick outfit idea” louder than a sweater and some dark wash skinny jeans. I cuffed my sleeves for this look and added some of my favorite arm candy to dress it up a bit.

Outfit Details: Sweater- Hollister, jeans- Hollister, leg warmers- Kohls, riding boots- Target, watch: Kate Spade, necklace: Forever 21, bracelets- Alex and Ani


 

I hope you all enjoyed my looks and Lydia’s as well. I want to thank Lydia for collabing with me and all of you for the endless love and support that I hope you share with her. Thanks for sticking around, have a happy Friday. With love, McKenz.

Lydia’s Blog- wheretheprettythingare.net Lydia’s Instagram- wheretheprettythingsareblog

My Blog- styledbymckenz.wordpress.com My Instagram- StyledByMcKenz




Hey dolls! My name is Lydia and I’m a fashion and beauty blogger over at wheretheprettythingsare.net. I post affordable fashion (think outfit of the days and my outfit on polyvore but under $150), beauty (tips, tricks, and tutorials!), and lifestyle posts. I’m really excited to be collaborating with Mckenzie this week on styling a white sweater. While I’m writing my post on her blog, she’s writing her post on my blog. You can check out her rendition of styling a white sweater here. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog and stalk me follow me on social media!

Instagram (personal: @lydiamonson_  blog: @wheretheprettythingsareblog) // Twitter (@LydiaMonson) // Snapchat (@rainydaycooking) // Email (lydia.wtpta@gmail.com)


I always get tons of questions on how to style a white sweater, and it’s a pretty simple and cute outfit to create. I love styling sweaters in general, especially white sweaters, because you can have so many options with them. Add, you can pull off some pretty cool bottoms, like these. I’ve got 2 casual outfits I’m sharing with you today. Before we head into the outfits, I’m gonna give you some styling tips just to make sure we don’t have a wardrobe malfunction ;).

TIPS WHEN WEARING A WHITE TOP:::

Make sure to even out your outfit when wearing a bright white top or copy your top. Like my outfit below, I balance the crisp white with a more dull and dark pair of jeggings and black booties.

Yes, you can wear white in the winter. No, it’s not a fashion sin.

Try pairing your white top with a pencil skirt and/or a scarf to give it more of a wintery feel and look. Another cute look for fall/winter would be to pair your white sweater with overalls and heeled booties 😍

To add more definition to your outfit, pair with some distressed denim, colored pants, or patterned bottoms.

Keep your accessories to a minimum, to keep your outfit clean and simple.

OUTFIT 1:::

lydia outfit 2

top: american eagle // bottoms: american eagle (sold out of copper) // booties: sam edelman

Up first, I’m wearing this gorgeous white sweater + copper jeggings + black booties. As you can see from the first picture, I definitely take a lot of time doing my hair for pictures, lol! Like my tip above, the outfit is balanced so you get the perfect amount of bright and casual. Lately, I’ve really been liking mock neck sweaters. It’s like a turtleneck without the commitment. Amiright ladies? I ordered a size bigger (normally an XS but this is a S) and it was def a little large. I shrunk it up, but it’s still a little large. Hopefully it will shrink up after a few more washes. If you guys have any tips on shrinking outfits, comment below!! You definitely don’t need to size up for this sweater, wear your normal size! Plus, you can dress up this outfit with high-heeled booties, too!

Because I can’t wait, let’s talk about these jeggings. If you didn’t think copper-colored jeggings could get any better, they’re made of velvet. This is when I would cue my favorite saying “On a scale of literally to even I can’t”. Ever since Pitch Perfect I’ve kind of been obsessed with velvet. Is that weird? Didn’t think so. You guys know my love for comfy clothes, and these jeggings don’t fall short. This entire outfit is worthy of a LOTR binge.

OUTFIT 2:::

lydia outfit 1

top: american eagle // bottoms: american eagle // booties: nordstrom 

Next outfit, I paired with some distressed jeans with heeled booties. I love these jeans with a passion. They’re seriously the best jeans ever, and have the perfect amount of rips. I love pairing these jeans with some graphic tees (tucking them in) with some converse, too!


Thanks for reading! Which outfit was your favorite? Don’t forget to head on over to my blog to check out McKenzie’s post, click here.

Instagram (personal: @lydiamonson_  blog: @wheretheprettythingsareblog) // Twitter (@LydiaMonson) // Snapchat (@rainydaycooking) // Email (lydia.wtpta@gmail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fashion

3 Ways To Style A Leather Jacket

Happy Wednesday everybody! Today I am going to be showing you three different ways to style your leather jacket! I dressed up as Sandy from the movie Grease for Halloween last year and needed a leather jacket. So I went out and bought this one from the kids section at Target for $20.00. If I’m being honest, I haven’t reached for this jacket since Halloween, so when I was requested to style a leather jacket I was up for the challenge on finding a few different ways to wear mine. I hope you guys enjoy the looks I’ve put together. Stay smiling today. With love, McKenz.


 

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This first look is my favorite. I figured most people have either a white or black tank top somewhere in the back of their closet which is why I chose this clothing item for the outfit. I decided to cuff my jeans with this outfit and wear my lace up flats to add a chic feel to my already edgy outfit.

Outfit Details: jacket- Target, tank- Old Navy, jeans- Hollister, lace up flats- Old Navy, necklaces- Charming Charlie and Forever 21, watch- Kate Spade, bracelets- Alex and Ani


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I love flannels and I know most people do so I decided to pair my black and white one with a fitted, black t-shirt to break up the draped feeling that my jacket and flannel create when combined. I paired my black and white converse with this look to keep it monochromatic. But, feel free to switch it up with a colored flannel or even a fun pop by adding a colored shoe or purse!

Outfit Details: jacket- Target, flannel- Old Navy, t-shirt- Target, jeans- Hollister, shoes- Converse, watch- Kate Spade, necklaces- Charming Charlie and Forever 21


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I love this outfit for a time when it’s super cold outside and you’re in need of pairing durable shoes with a stylish top. For this look I simply zipped up my jacket and added a white scarf to match my boot socks. Feel free to add as many layers as possible under this to fully bundle up!

Outfit Details: jacket- Target, scarf- Old Navy, jeans- Hollister, boot socks- Kohls, rain boots- Nordstrom Rack, watch- Kate Spade


 

Makeup

Beauty Basics: Everyday Makeup Tutorial

Over the last few months I have received what seems like endless amounts of questions and comments on my everyday makeup routine . Today I decided I would do my first makeup tutorial, unfortunately, it is not a video tutorial but that will hopefully be coming soon if you guys are interested in seeing that! If you don’t understand the terminology I’m using or the places I’m applying my makeup click here, and if you don’t understand the purpose of a certain makeup product click here. Please keep in mind that I am in no way a professional makeup artist and am just a fourteen year old girl sharing what I have learned over the years. I hope you guys enjoy!

For the face makeup I tend to change it up from week to week. If my skin is acting up I’ll have a fuller face of makeup on. Where as sometimes all I wear is under eye concealer. Some days I go for a strong contour and other days I just go for a highlight. The same goes for my eye makeup. I hardly ever wear the same eyeshadow look twice or repeat the same lid color in the same week. Although I feel that there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing the same makeup everyday, I have lots of makeup and find it super fun to change up my look on a day to day basis. However, today I am showing you one of my most worn face looks and a favorite eye look. *keep in mind that some makeup is from the drugstore and some is high end.*


 

Step One: Face Primer I’ve been using the ELF Mineral Infused Primer everyday to provide my face with a smooth canvas before applying my makeup. I find that this primer helps minimize my pores, conceal fine lines, keep my makeup in place, and prevents my face from getting oily throughout the day. Also, I love that this primer doesn’t break the bank at only $6 per bottle (14 mL).

Step Two: Foundation I don’t like wearing a full face of foundation so I lighten up the coverage of my Maybelline Matte+Poreless Fit Me Foundation in the color 125 with the Cetaphil Moisturizer. My face tends to be super dry so I find that taking a drop of moisturizer and a drop of foundation is the best way to moisturize my skin and even out it’s tone. I apply this with my beauty blender for a natural and flawless complexion,  I also love this foundation because it absorbs natural oils and keeps your face matte throughout the day.

Step Three: Face Powder For years I have used the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder to set my foundation and keep my face makeup in place all day. This is a pressed powder that leaves you with a shine free complexion. I like to apply this with my ELF powder brush to pack it in and ensure that it won’t budge throughout the day.

Step Four: Under Eye concealer and powder My under eyes are horrendous due to the fact that I seem to never have a full eight hours of sleep and I naturally have super vainy under eyes with blue undertones. To conceal these, I use the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer which works wonders and is only $7 from the drugstore. This concealer has a sponge tip applicator and helps depuff the area around my eyes. I set my under eyes with the banana powder that comes in the Anastasia Contour Kit. I find that this keeps me from looking dead. If I decide to skip foundation I almost always use these two products to still keep a refreshed look.

Step Five: Contour Contouring is my favorite makeup trend that has been going around lately. I find that it can bronze up the face while slimming your features at the same time. I use the second bronzer from The Anastasia Contour Kit and apply this with the ELF bronzing brush. I contour my cheekbones, nose, and temples to sculpt and define my features. I love this palette because it has three completely matte bronzer’s, a powder, a banana powder, and a shimmer highlight that is beautiful. I think that this palette is gorgeous and well worth the splurge.

Step Six: Highlight I use the color Vanilla from the Anastasia Contour Kit to highlight which works perfect on my olive green complexion. I love applying this to the tops of my cheekbones and on my cupids bow for a glowy effect that looks gorgeous as the sun hits it.

Step Seven: Eye Primer and Base I always get asked about my eyeshadow and what makes my eyeshadow look different from the person asking me. I swear by the Urban Decay Primer Potion to prime my eye lids to keep my shadows from creasing and wearing away quickly. I can not give the Maybelline Color Tatoo in Barely Branden enough thumbs up and praise. This product is the reason I fell in love with eye makeup. It’s a creamy base that is a dupe for the MAC Paint Pots and your wallet will love you for it at only $7 per container. (I use this everyday and it takes me about a year to finish one.) It has a creamy texture that keeps shadows from creasing and keeps colors vibrant. I apply both of these with my fingers. Also, don’t be afraid  to apply these messily, it’s going to be covered up anyways!

Step Eight: Eyeshadow My favorite palette is hands down the Urban Decay Naked Palette. If I could keep only on palette I would choose this one. It has ten shimmery eyeshadows and two matte eyeshadows that have a beautiful, creamy texture and work wonders with blue eyes and an olive complexion.It is $52 but if you’re looking for something that is versatile and will last you a long time I highly recommend splurging on this item. I first am applying the gold shadow, “Half Baked” all over my lid with a flat shader brush from ELF.

After this I am taking a blending/ crease brush from ELF and mixing “Buck” and “Naked” which are two matte brown shades and placing these into my crease and blending them from my outter corners towards the inner third of my eyes to act as a transition shade before applying sparkly and deeper colored shadows.

Taking the brush that comes with the Naked palette I am applying the color “Smog” into  the outer third of my crease and straying away from dragging this towards my inner corner.

The last thing I’m doing is applying “Darkhorse”  with a tapered crease brush into my outer V to define my eyes and deepen up the look. Along with this, I’m dragging just a lit bit of this onto my lower lash line.

Step Nine: Eyebrows and brow bone highlight The next thing I do is apply the colors “Virgin’ and “Foxy” from the Urban Decay Naked  Basics Palette to my brow bone. I feel that this really makes your shadows pop and it defines your eyebrows and leaves them with a clean finish. This palette has five matte shadows and one shimmer and is perfcet for a natural, beginners look. However, it is a little dryer compared to the other Urban Decay palettes. To do my brows I take my trusty old Vaseline and apply just a little bit with my fingers to sculpt out and shape my brows. This keeps my brows in place all day and is so inexpensive. Lately to fill in the sparse areas of my brows and shape them I’ve been using the center three browns from my Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 palette and an angled brush. I also take a little bit of “Virgin” from the Naked Basics palette and apply it with my fingers into my inner corners to brighten up the look.

Step Ten: Mascara If I’m being honest my eye makeup doesn’t look like anything special until I apply mascara. I like to layer the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara which provides lots of volume and an intense finish, and the Maybelline Great Lash to really lengthen and separate my lashes. An added bonus is that it’s super easy to remove and is very gentle on the eyes. I use the Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes “lower lashes” on my lower lashes and on the pesky little lashes in my inner corners.

Step Eleven: Lipstick and Lipgloss Last but not least I am applying my favorite lip combo which is what I reach for on an everyday basis. I use the Maybelline Color Whisper in the color “Some Like It Taupe”. This is a gel formula that provides a very sheer finish. I add the NYX Megashine Lipgloss in the color “Sugar Pie.” I’m a five year old at heart and never leave the house without lip gloss on, I love this NYX one because it packs in moisture leaving my lips hydrated while still providing shine.


 

… and that’s a wrap for my everyday makeup routine. If you’re interested in a video edition please let me know, and if you have any questions please leave them below, I am happy to answer them! If you guys liked this I will definitely consider doing another look in the future. Thank you so much for all the love and support, if you have any requests and suggestions I would love to hear them. Don’t forget to follow me here on the blog and on Instagram @styledbymckenz. Wishing you the best. With love, McKenz.

 

Weekly Wrap Up

Weekly Wrap Up #7

Hey friends happy Valentines day! I hope you all have eaten lots of junk food, watched too many sappy movies, and shed just a few tears. I, on the other hand, have been up and on the move since nine a.m. working and planning blog posts. I’m just glad that tomorrow we don’t have school due to Presidents’ Day so I can sleep in late, catch up on YouTube videos, and catch up on my blog reading. I wanted to thank all of my 350 followers on Instagram, you guys are awesome! I hope you’ve found true happiness this past week, because I have realized that you can’t have a happy life without a happy mind. Wishing you the best. Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours. With love, McKenz.

2.8.16 – I love looking down and seeing all nine of my Alex and Anis stacked together, they’re all so cute and make me so happy.

Outfit Details – shirt: Athleta, sweater: Old Navy, scarf: Steve Madden, jeans: Hollister, socks: Kohls, boots: DSW, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani

2.9.16- I adore cheering for boys basketball; and even though we lost terribly tonight, I love having everyone together. On top of this, our school’s pom squad had their senior night and we got to wish them well as they all enter the next chapter of their lives.

Outfit Details – sweater: Old Navy, scarf: not sure, sorry guys!!, jeans: Hollister, socks: Kohls, rain boots: Nordstrom Rack, watch: Macys

2.10.16 – “Happy are those who trust in the Lord.” I love this bible verse so much because it’s a constant reminder to have faith in the Lord because He is always leading us to better things.

Outfit Details – jacket: TJ Maxx, flannel: Old Navy, sweater: Gap, jeans: Hollister, boot toppers: Fransesca’s, riding boots: Target, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani and Charming Charlie

2.11.16 –  Celebrating one of my best friends, Celia’s, fifteenth birthday with a little throwback from homecoming. Madison and I miss you more and more everyday and wish you would come back to us. )-:

Outfit Details – sweater: Loft, necklace: Charming Charlie, jeans: Hollister, lace up flats: Old Navy, watch: Kate Spade, bracelets: Alex and Ani

2.12.16 – Layering up for one of the coldest days of the year and slaying every makeup game today. My happiness today is found in my daily eye pic, today’s is curtain edition, lol.

Outfit Details – shirt: H&M, flannel: Old Navy, jean jacket: Kohls, leggings: Victoria’s Secret Pink, leg warmers: Kohls, riding boots: Target, watch: Kate Spade, necklace: Forever 21

2.13.16 – Today my best friend Jeanie and the rest of our pom squad became Division One County Champs. It makes my heart smile to see her and the rest of the team as happy as they were. This year our small little hick town captured state titles in football and wrestling and county titles in cheerleading and poms; I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this town.

Outfit Details – shirt: school, cardigan: Abercrombie Kids, necklace: Forever 21, jeans: Hollister, leg warmers: Kohls, riding boots: Target, watch: Kate Spade

2.14.16 – I love my daddy who surprised me this morning with this gorgeous bouquet of flowers that had some sunflowers mixed in which are my absolute favorite!! Now curled up on the couch and watching Gossip Girl!

Outfit Details: shirt: Target, workout leggings: Target