August Favorites

August 31, 2016August 27, 2016 StyledbyMcKenz12 Comments

Hello everyone. I can’t believe how fast the Summer flew by. I’m already a few days into the school year and so excited for fall now that I’ve said goodbye to Summer and my time away from school. I sat down and rounded up all of my favorites from August (as well as July since I didn’t post a monthly favorites last month.) I hope you all enjoy!

As far as footwear goes, I have been wearing my lace up shoes like it’s my job. i have three pair of sandals which are all from Target, two pairs of flats which are from Old Navy and Glicks, and one pair of espadrilles that I picked up from Forever 21. the lace up trend has been all the talk lately and I am in love with it. I love this style shoe because they can easily be transitioned into different seasons.

The elementary schooler in me is still in love with skirts. These too have been coming back in style which brings me s much happiness, as I love the denim and button front trend. The denim on the left was thrifted and is from the brand Mossimo, the right is from Kohls, and the denim on bottom is from Guess. These all look so cute with sandals and will pair perfectly with booties once fall is in full swing.

I honestly haven’t worn much makeup over the last two months because I have spent most of that time at the beach or at cheer practice. However, when I am reaching for makeup I have been using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade which so many of you have recommended to me. I got it in the color Blonde and am so in love with the way it so easily shapes and fills in my brows. I also strayed away from my holy grail Maybelline Matte Fit Me Foundation and reached for my Loreal Infallible foundation which seemed to be a bit more dry and works better during the hotter days. I also have been using this Revlon Liquid Lipstick which actually has a hint of color to it which is unusual for me. I love the finish of it.

I have been loving the draped pearls look this month and picked up this cheap pair from forever 21 for only $5. They look perfect with high neck tops and are a nice touch to a boring outfit. I’ve also been wearing my Boho Betty bracelet a bunch. Don’t forget you can get 15% off your order when you use the code “styledbymckenz”I also finished up my Pink body mist in the scent “Sunkissed” which was my summer scent. I’m sad to see it go, it smells amazing.

Throughout the last two months I finished Proverbs and Matthew. if you’re a Bible reader like me, I would definitely recommend reading the epilogue to Proverbs. Gb and I finished it together and it was easily one of the most beautiful set of verses I have ever read. I also enjoyed Psalm 37, Genesis 31, and Psalm 33. This month I have been shown first handily that God’s plan and love for us is so real. he works and He does what he knows will better us in the future. give him your questions and He will give you your answers.

As for TV I am slowly but surely making my way through One Tree Hill, I just started Season 7 and am so in love. for music I have been listening to Cherry Wine by Hozier, Like Real People Do by Hozier, I Found by Amber Run, Love In the Dark by Adele, and Come Home by One Republic.

Well that’s a wrap for today’s monthly favorites. I hope you all enjoyed. If you have any questions, comments, or requests please leave them below, I am happy to talk. Sending you all my love and happiness in the month to come. My thanks for you all is absolutely endless. With love, McKenz.

Fashion · Makeup

GRWM: First Day Of School (hair, makeup, outfit)

August 29, 2016August 27, 2016 StyledbyMcKenz10 Comments

Good morning and happy first day of school!!! I am so happy because I actually enjoy school and am starting my sophomore year of highschool today. I figured there was no better post to do then a Get Ready With Me which are some of my favorite posts ever. I also wanted you all to be able to see how I did my hair, my makeup look, and what I ended up wearing on my first day. To everyone else that started school today or within the last few days; good luck and I hope you have a wonderful year! Now without further ado, let’s get into it!

Hair:

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

If you’ve read any of my previous Get ready With Me’s you would know that the only thing I ever do with my hair is straighten or curl it. I hardly ever style it because of how thin it is. Today I didn’t want tight curls because I don’t like the way they photograph but the humidity was so bad that I knew it wouldn’t stay straight/ I combed out my natural hair and then straightened it with my CHI flat-iron before using my 2 1/2 inch curling wand from CHI to create big, loose waves in my hair. I used my Got2BeGlued hairspray to keep my hair in place all day.

Makeup:

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Starting off with a fresh face and applying my Nivea Mens Shave Balm all over my face to create a base for my makeup that will ensure my makeup stays in place all day. I am then going in with my Maybelline Matte Fit Me Foundation and applying this with a damp beauty blender to even out my skin tone and cover any imperfections.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

I am then setting my foundation with the NYX Studio Finishing Powder which will keep me matte all day and ensure that I have no flashbacks from the camera. I am then taking the NYX HD Concealer and applying this under my eyes in a triangular shape and covering any acne that my foundation didn’t cover. I am then setting those areas with the banana powder from my Anastasia Contour Kit.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

I am then applying my Urban Decay primer Potion all over my lids to keep my eye shadow from creasing throughout the day. I am then going in with my holy grail Maybelline Color Tattoo in the color Barely Branded and applying this all over my lids to create an even base for my shadows.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

To start off the eyshadow I’m applying Bootycall from the Naked Two palette all over my lids. I am then using the color Milk Chocolate from the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette as a matte transition shade. I am mixing the colors Snakebite (Naked 2) and Hazelnut (Too Faced) and applying these into my crease straying away from my inner third. i am then taking Haute Chocolate (Too Faced) and applying this into my outer V.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Taking my Anastasia Dip Brow in Blonde on an angled brush I am filling in my eyebrows and reshaping them to my desires. I am then going in with he NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk and sculpting out my brows/highlighting my brow bone. I am then taking the Covergirl Flamed Up Mascara, Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, and Too Faced Chocolate Bar Mascara and coating my eye lashes.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

To finish off my face makeup I am taking my Anastasia Contour Kit and contouring my nose, cheek bones, and temples and then highlighting my cheek bones, bridge of my nose, and cupids bow

Then to finish off the makeup look I am applying my favorite lip product ever; the Buxom Full On Lipstick in Brooklynn.

Outfit:

For the first day of school I always wear a dress. I hardly ever dress down during the school year, so to most people this outfit isn’t “fancy” for me to be wearing to school. I picked up this adorable dress from Forever 21 and it paired perfectly with my black Urban Outfitters bralette. I wanted some part of my outfit to scream different and unique. I figured my espadrilles were the perfect piece to incorporate, they are from Forever 21 as well. My layered necklaces are from Forever 21 and Charming Charlies. My watch is from Kohls and I kept a pretty regular stack for me on today. My bracelets are an assortment from Alex&Ani, Charming Charlies, and Boho Betty. Use the code ‘styledbymckenz’ to get 15% off your Boho Betty purchase!

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Well that is a wrap for this blog post. I really hope you all enjoyed reading this, it is by far one of my favorite posts I’ve ever done and I’m not quite sure why. Anyways, as always, leave your question, comments, and requests below and I will be happy to chat.PS thank you all so much for your support in helping me reach 400 followers here on the blog. You all are incredible! I am sending you all my love and luck in the upcoming school year. With love, McKenz.

Instagram//YouTube

Weekly Wrap Up

Weekly Wrap Up #35

August 28, 2016 StyledbyMcKenz2 Comments

Oh my gosh I never thought this day would come but here we are. The last day of Summer is always so bitter-sweet but I’ve had the best day and am looking forward to the school year ahead. This week was so hectic between cheer practice, Celia back in school, last-minute school errands, and soaking up the last week of the sweet Summer sun. Read all about my week and catch my outfit details below! I can’t thank you all enough for the love and support you all continuously show me and am so excited for you all to be on this journey with me. I hope you guys enjoy. With love, McKenz.

My Summer In Review: Weekly Wrap Up #25, Weekly Wrap Up #26, Weekly Wrap Up #27, Weekly Wrap Up #28, Weekly Wrap Up #29-31, Weekly Wrap Up #32, Weekly Wrap Up #33, Weekly Wrap Up #34

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Processed with VSCO with c9 preset

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Processed with VSCO with c3 preset

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Processed with VSCO with a4 preset

8.22.16- Sending my best friend Celia off to private school today. Hard to believe that after ten years I won’t be running towards the bus stop with her. I’m so proud to call her my friend and can’t wait to watch her do amazing things.

Outfit Details- shirt: Old Navy, pearls: Forever 21, jeans: Hollister, shoes: Jack Rogers, watch: Kate Spade

8.23.16- Woke up early to go to the dentist and then came home and spent some much-needed time praising Jesus before heading to cheer practice. Psalms always amazes me.

Outfit Details- shirt: Hunter&Honey, jeans: Hollister, shoes: Target, watch: Kohls

8.24.16- One of my favorite days of the year is Fall Sports Picture Day. I love seeing everyone all dolled up and in their uniform. I’m so excited for or first game which is almost a week away!

Outfit Details- uniform, shoes: Nfinitys

8.25.16- Spending the night with Jeanie after a long day of cheer practice and blogging. Basically our last hoorah of Summer as far as sleepovers go.

Outfit Details- shirt: Hunter&Honey, jeans: American Eagle

8.26.16- My Friday night was spent at the football scrimmage where we won big time. I had the best time watching my friends and hanging out with everyone before school starts. I love football and am so excited for our first game next week.

Outfit Details- dress: Forever 21, shoes: Palm Beach Sandals, watch: Kohls

8.27.16- Spent my day up at the high school coaching the little girls as they cheered for their first football game of the season. Crazy to think that I was in their shoes two wears ago, and now I coach with my old coach.

Outfit Details- shirt: American Eagle, bralette: Urban Outfitters, jeans: Hollister, shoes: Birkenstocks, lanyard: Vineyard Vines

8.28.16- Spending the last day of summer packing my bags for school tomorrow,ou to lunch with Gb, and taking my annual walk with Celia before heading in to mentally prepare myself for the stress that I know the upcoming school year is bound to bring lol.

Outfit Details- shirt: NAU, shorts: Under Armour, shoes: Converse

Uncategorized

Leibster Award

August 27, 2016August 27, 2016 StyledbyMcKenz8 Comments

Hi friends, I can’t believe I have been nominated for yet another Leibster award! i am grateful for all the people that have nominated me over the months and have taken time out of their day to learn more about me. I was nominated by the lovely Girly Blogger and will be answering her questions today as well as nominating eleven other beautiful ladies!

Rules: post 11 facts about yourself, answer 11 questions from your nominator, nominate 11 other bloggers, ask them 11 questions, let them know you nominated them

11 Facts:

I start school in two days and am super excited. I miss all my friends and am anxious to see who will be in my classes and who my teachers are.
When I’m older I hope to have four kids. i would also love to foster a kid or look into adoption. I think that kind of stuff is life changing for not only the kid but the parent.
On my personal Instagram I change the VSCO filter every (9 rows) 27 pictures.
I had my ears pierced but I ended up having to close them in the sixth grade and never got them re-pierced because of cheerleading. I would love to get them redone though.
I could sit in my room and plan out outfits for hours. i like to write down and take pictures of as many ideas as possible so I can have some ideas when I’m lacking inspiration.
Throughout the years I have wanted to be a life coach, author, fashion designer, photographer, and an English teacher. As of right now, i’m not sure what profession I want to pursue but I think I would like to go into fashion journalism or fashion merchandising.
I hope to one day be considered wise. I think that is an amazing character trait to acquire.
I have never traveled out of the country but would love to go on a mission trip one time. I really wish my church had things like that, that would be a dream come true.
If you read my blog posts you probably here the names Celia, Jeanie, Madison, and Gb majority of the time. Celia has been my best friend for over ten years, she’s a neighborhood friends and we’ve grown up together. Jeanie is my best friend and we go to the same school still unlike Celia. Jeanie and I became friends in middle school. Madison is my twin sister and only sibling. And lastly, Gb is my best guy friend. he’s a couple years older and we read the Bible together a lot.
Sometimes I sit in bed at night and cry happy tears because of how far blogging has taking me physically and emotionally. It’s a beautiful feeling to have.
I hope one day I can show my kids my blog and they can read it all and laugh at all the ‘funny’ things we wore and the ‘strange’ hair styles. I hope they can read my Weekly Wrap Ups and feel like they’re reading my diary and get a feel for waht my life was like growing up.

11 Questions:

Who is your favorite YouTuber? My favorite YouTuber is definitely Danielle Marie, she is the absolute sweetest thing and lives such a cool life. She’s a constant reminder that my dreams can be reality if I pout forth the effort and have the passion for it.

What do you love most about blogging? I love blogging because I am able to connect, inspire, and and interact with people I have never even met before. That never fails to make my jaw drop. I love being able to sit in my room at thee end of a blogging day and carry so much pride in my heart because i have created something that I couldn’t imagine living without now.

How would you describe yourself in one word? If I could chose only one word to describe myself it would be full.

What color is your hair? Dirty blonde but I color it to keep it blonde. However, not a frosty blonde. i like it pretty warm, almost sunkissed.

How do you see yourself in the future? I’m not sure honestly. I have some ideas of what I want to do and where I hope to be but I’m not sure if that stuff is exact. I hope to see myself happy and doing what I love. Whatever that may be when the time comes.

Do you have any pets? One dog, she’s a Shitzu Bichon named Abby.

When did you start blogging? I started blogging January 1st 2016.

What is your favorite season? By far fall. it’s so cute. I love the colors and the clothes and the feel. Something about it is enchanting, it’s definitely the best season of them all.

What is your favorite book? My favorite book changes often because I do like to read. for something fun I love The Devil Wears Prada and I really liked Just friends by Billy Taylor.

Do you play an instrument? Nope, but I would love to learn how to play the piano!

What is your favorite childhood memory? When I was four years old Madison and I found out that we were going to be cheerleaders and we ran around the front yard screaming with delight and doing cartwheels like there was no tomorrow. It’s crazy to think that eleven years later we’re still cheering. Although, I’d like to think this is still my childhood and that it is not over yet!

11 Nominees:

alsoknownaschar

girlwiththecurlyhairblog

simply southern sparkle

theprepbyd

My 11 Questions for them:

What is your favorite color to wear?

What made you start blogging?

What is one thing you want to do before you die?

What is the most heart warming thing you have ever encountered?

What is your favorite tv show?

Have you ever been in love?

What holiday is your favorite and why?

Do you have any siblings?

If you have one, what is your first kiss story?

Do you have an Instagram for your blog, if so what is it?

Favorite song?

Makeup

Back To School Middle School Makeup Tutorial

August 26, 2016August 22, 2016 StyledbyMcKenzLeave a comment

Ah middle school… the beginning of most girls makeup journeys. I get asked quite a bit when I started wearing makeup, what I started off wearing, and how I learned to do my makeup/got good at it. To answer your questions; I started wearing makeup in the sixth grade. Not a lot, but that’s when I started. In sixth grade I wore mascara, by seventh grade I was wearing mascara powder and bronzer, and by eighth grade I had moved on to powder, concealer, mascara, a bit of eyebrows, and eyeshadow. Throughout all of that I was also wearing random lip glosses from Bath&Body Works and free samples that were hidden in the closet. I was never really taught how to do my makeup by anyone other than myself. I watched YouTube videos and mostly used trial and error to develop the skills I have. Luckily if you have no idea what you’re doing you can use my blog posts or YouTube videos as reference! The answer to ‘how much makeup is enough makeup’ doesn’t really exist.Wear what you feel confident in and what looks realistic. I wore makeup at a much faster pace for the reasons that it became an art and a passion to me, the average girl wasn’t wearing nearly as much as me by freshman year of high school and still isn’t.

Anyways, today I threw together a makeup tutorial that I felt would be beneficial to all middle schoolers. I hope you all can take something from this blog post and walk away with a bit of knowledge. Remember that you never NEED makeup, but it’s fun and interesting to some people. if it makes you happy then so be it.

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

No matter your age I always recommend you use a primer to keep the makeup that you’re wearing on all day. I took the Nivea Shave Balm (ELF Mineralized Primer is also very good) on my hands and rubbed this into my skin, covering all areas.

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

Under eyes have always been my troubled area. if you have any acne or bags under your eyes you can take a concealer and apply it with your fingers or a beauty blender. I’m using the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer.

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

I am then taking the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder and buffing this into my skin to keep my face from getting oily throughout the day. I would highly recommend starting out with powder as your first face makeup product if you are in middle school.

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

Most girls in middle school wear mascara, stay away from the heavy black eyeliner if you can and stick with a black mascara that will intensify and lengthen your lashes.

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

I am then filling in the tales of my eyebrows where they are rather sparse. You can use an eyeshadow that matches closest to your brow color for best results. I’m using the Anastasia Dip Brow.

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset

In middle school I loved lip gloss. It’s fun and shiny, I’m applying the Buxom Lip Gloss which is a mauvey pink shade.

That is it for this makeup look, I hope you all enjoyed. This look is perfect for highschoolers too if you prefer less makeup and to keep a very natural look. I love this look and still wear it from time to time. Remember to always be confident in yourself and do what you love! Thank you so much for stopping by. With love, McKenz.

Instagram//Pinterest//YouTube

Fashion

Back To School Clothing Haul (try on)

August 24, 2016August 22, 2016 StyledbyMcKenz12 Comments

I love shopping and I love back to school so I figured, why not haul all my Back To School clothes?! Last weekend Madison, my mom, and I went down to the mall and shopped for a few hours. Boy oh boy did I score big time! I have tried on all of the pieces I bought and listed where I purchased them and the size they are in. I am 5’2 if that helps for sizing references! Please keep in mind that none of these clothes were sent to me and i save up almost all year for this shopping trip, as it is my favorite time to buy new clothes.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Old Navy XS, Old Navy XS

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Forever 21 Medium, Forever 21 Small

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

TJ Maxx XS, TJ Maxx XS

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

TJ Maxx Small, TJ Maxx Small

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

TJ Maxx XS, American Eagle XS

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

TJ Maxx XS, TJ Maxx XS

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Old Navy Small, Hunter&Honey Medium, Kohls 0

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Forever 21, Palm Beach Sandals, Target

Soooo what did you all think?! I really didn’t need any new clothes but like I mentioned before I had saved up for some cute things and had many gift cards. I know there are no pants featured in this haul and that’s because I honestly didn’t need any, all of them fit from last year. My favorite places to get jeans are Gap and Hollister. Def check them out if you are looking for some cute new pairs. As you can tell I scored big time at TJ Maxx too, I love that store and always find something super trendy and affordable. I really tried to expand my color palette and I’d say I did fairly well, except for all the white tops, those are my weakness. Lastly, never buy anything full price! Everything goes on sale or clearance eventually. Save yourself the cash!!! And remember to look everywhere and keep an open mind; sometimes the best things are hidden and the cutest outfits start out bland!

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this Back To School clothing haul, I have only one more Back To School post left so stay tuned and make sure to check out the posts from the rest of the series. Thank you all so much for reading I hope you have a great day. With love, McKenz.

Back To School Series- Back To School Outfit Ideas, Back To School Essentials + Freshaman Advice, What’s In My Backpack

Instagram// Pinterest// YouTube

Makeup

YouTube Video: Full Face + Simple Eyes Makeup Tutorial

August 22, 2016 StyledbyMcKenz2 Comments

Good morning everyone! Today I filmed another YouTube video. I have decided to upload every other Monday and am in desperate need for video ideas (I’m trying to keep this channel strictly about makeup!) if you have any, please leave them below! Today I am sharing with you a full face of makeup and super simple eyes for an all around flawless look. This makeup look is perfect for people that don’t like heavy eye makeup. Also, you could swap out the nude lip for something bold to draw more attention to the lips; feel free to alter this look or copy it if you would like to! I have had so much fun filming for you all and really hope you guys enjoy this video. Please keep in mind that I am still very new to this and tend to ramble on because I am not used to talking to a camera lol.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Go check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-d64NOUcyU

Thank you all so much for the love and support, I appreciate it so much! i hope you all have the best day! With love, McKenz.

Recent Posts- Weekly Wrap Up #34, What’s in My Backpack, Back to School Essentials + Freshman Advice

Weekly Wrap Up

Weekly Wrap Up #34

August 21, 2016 StyledbyMcKenz6 Comments

Hello friends! I can’t believe this is my second to last Weekly Wrap Up of the Summer. That makes me sad but I am so excited to get back into a daily routine and to be cheering on the sidelines at football games. This week was full of cheer, Dunkin, and bible verses. I can not thank you all enough for helping me reach 1,000 followers on Instagram (@styledbymckenz) I have so much love in my heart for all of you and it brings me to tears thinking that this is only the beginning. Thank you to each and every one of you for joining me on this journey, I truly would be nothing without you all. “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 I have seen God work wonders in m life these past couple weeks and am so aware of His glory. I hope you all have the best week ahead, thank you for everything. With love, McKenz.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Processed with VSCO with c1 preset

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

8/15/16- Reading the best verses from Psalm 33 to the epilogue of Proverbs. It was so good to read with Gb and be reminded that everything we do is rooted out of love from the Lord.

Outfit Details- shirt: Hunter&Honey, jean shorts: American Eagle, shoes: Target, watch: Target, bracelet: Boho Betty

8/16/16- Had our last Dunkin date ever with Jenna this morning 😦 So sad to see my BFF go to college but I know she’ll do amazing things.

Outfit Details- shirt: American Eagle, shorts: TJ Maxx, shoes: Birkenstocks, watch: Target

8/17/16- No cheer practice for the high school today which means blogging all day before going into town to coach the little mini cheerleaders. I hope one day they can look back and say it was all worth it the way I was able to.

Outfit Details- shirt: Ron John, shorts: Nike, shoes: Nike, sports bra: Target

8/18/16- A hard day spent at cheer practice was followed by having Celia and Jeanie over for a few hours. Also my new Palm Beach Sandals came in the mail today and I am SO in love with them.

Outfit Details- shirt: American Eagle, jeans: Hollister, shoes: Rainbows, watch: Target, bracelet: Boho Betty

8/19/16- After what seemed like forever, Gb and I FINALLY got together. We ate dinner and then had a pillow fight with Madison. She and I obviously won because of our twin telepathy. Afterwards Gb and I watched Forest Gump together. It was a good night.

Outfit Details- shirt: Hunter&Honey, shorts: Under Armour, sports bra: Nike, shoes: Nike

8/20/16- A day spent makeup shopping is a day well spent. After lazing around Madison, my mom and I went out to run some errands. I came home to organize my makeup and spend an evening watching One Tree Hill. I also hit 1,000 followers on my blogging Instagram today and I couldn’t be happier or more thankful.

Outfit Details- shirt: Hunter&Honey, shorts: Nike, shoes: Rainbows, bralette: Urban Outfitters

8/21/16- Woke up bright and early and headed to Dunkin to kick off Celia’s last day of Summer. I wish mornings with Jeanie, Colleen, Madison, Celia and I could last forever. Now I’m home blogging and planning out back to school stuff.

Outfit Details- shirt: Target, boxers: Old Navy, shoes: Birkenstocks, bralette: Urban Outfitters

Instagram//Pinterest//YouTube

This Week’s Blog Posts- Life Update, Back To School Outfit Ideas, Back To School Essentials + Freshman Advice, What’s in My Backpack

Continue reading “Weekly Wrap Up #34”

Uncategorized

What’s in My Backpack

August 20, 2016 StyledbyMcKenz6 Comments

Good morning everyone, today I am here with another Back To School post. Today I am going to be sharing with you what’s inside of my backpack! I hope you all enjoy.

I suppose I will start off with the actual backpack itself. I have the North Face Borealis in the color “black/powder blue”. This backpack is quite large and hold lots of stuff. It can be used for school or hiking. It has three pockets,a laptop space, two side cup holders, and a whistle. I used this backpack my freshman year and will be using it again this year. They are rather pricey but I found it well worth the money. My only complaint about this backpack is that when you first start to wear it the straps do rub pretty bad on your shoulders but it goes away after the first week. Over all I do really enjoy this backpack and almost every girl in my school wear a North Face one because the quality of them is amazing.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

The main are of the backpack has quite a bit of room and is where I keep the majority of my stuff. First I keep my folders which is where I store all of my papers and homework. I have six white Five Star folders with gold metallic stickers from Hunter&Honey that say the subject. AS you can see this year I will be taking Journalism, AP NSL, Honors English 10, Honors Spanish 3, Honors Algebra 2, Honors Chemistry, and Tech. Moving on I have a five subject journal that is white with an aqua monogram. I loved having a five subject last year and it was so easy to stay organized. I also have a black one subject notebook for my college level class. As for my Lily Agenda, it’s a large and I keep it right in front of my spirals. Where your laptop would be stored I keep my pencil pouch which is gold sparkly and from Target last year. It holds pencils, pens, a highlighter, flash cards, and white out.

The next zipper pocket has a bunch of random pockets and such. I keep perfume, deodorant, hand sanitizer, floss, and lip balm within them. Outside of those mini pockets you do have room to put something so this is where I store my Vera Bradley lunchbox.

The next and last pocket is about a phone and a half width’s deep. So I keep chap-stick, a pencil and my phone in this pocket. In case you were wondering I have a white and grey Lifeproof case and the stickers on it are from Hunter&Honey as well. I also keep my Contigo water bottle in one of the side pockets of the backpack.

Well that’s it for what’s in my backpack. If you all have any questions, comments, or requests please leave them below. I am so pleased with my Back To School series so far and hope you all are enjoying it. Thank you so much for reading, stay tuned for more Back To School posts and a new YouTube video coming soon! Have a wonderful day. With love, McKenz.

Instagram//Pinterest//YouTube

Recent Posts- Back To School Essentials , Back To School Outfit Ideas, Life Update

Uncategorized

Back To School Essentials + Freshman Advice

August 19, 2016August 19, 2016 StyledbyMcKenz14 Comments

Back to school season is upon us and I am ready to share with you all my essentials for a successful school year. I am going to be a sophomore in high school, am a Varsity cheerleader, makeup artist for the theater department, and obviously a blogger. Balancing a social life, academics, and extracurricular activities can be quite the hassle; here are my tips and essentials that help keep me sane throughout the school year.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

I would highly recommend keeping an agenda or planner with you during the school year. It’s the simplest way to keep all your events, school work, and uploads in check. I wouldn’t have survived freshman year without mine. I have a Large Lily Agenda and would be happy to do an in-depth post on it if you would like to see one. Along with this, go back to school with supplies you actually like. You spend the majority of your time at school in a classroom, try to enjoy it as much as possible. I love white and gold because it makes me happy so that’s what my school supplies look like!

For the first few months of school I wear open toed shoes like it’s my job. My favorite pairs are Jack Rogers, Birkenstocks, and a pair of lace up sandals from Target. These shoes will never fail you; between these three options you’ll be set for almost any occasion.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

I would definitely recommend having a good pair of jeans that you feel confident in for those days when Fall starts to creep around the corner. My favorite pair are theses light wash distressed Girlfriend jeans from Gap. I would also recommend having a little black dress as it is perfect for school days, going out, dinners, and even dances. My favorite one is from Old Navy and I wear it at least twice every month during the school year. It can be transitioned to all four seasons which is why I end up getting so much use out of it.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Have an accessory that makes you feel good and that you enjoy pairing with your outfits. I like layered necklaces, bandannas, and pearls. Along with jewelry I would HIGHLY recommend wearing a watch. Whether it’s a $20 Target watch or a $200 Kate Spade, having a watch is one of the most useful things to have in high school if you ask me.

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

I wear a full face of makeup almost all year round. However, the one product I would recommend finding a favorite of is lipstick or lip-gloss. I have a few favorites that I throw into my backpack for days when I forget to apply anything or am in need of a little pick me up. I love Maybelline, Nyx, and Bare Minerals lip products. I also love to wear bralettes during the school year. They are the easiest way to dress up a plain outfit and are so comfortable. Urban Outfitters has the best ones and they’re only $20.

My last essential is having a lanyard and Vera Bradley wallet. Everyone and their mother carries these around in my high school. It’s the easiest way to have your keys, money, and school ID all in one place. We typically wear these to sports events or throw them in our backpacks. My lanyard is from Vineyard Vines and my wallet is from Vera Bradley but the pattern has been retired for about three years. Also, the crown key chain is from Michael’s Craft Store.

To all the incoming freshman here is my advice to you: make friends and make A LOT of them. You don’t have to become best friends with them or hang out every weekend but introduce yourself to everyone. Be friendly towards others and always be open to new ideas. Your friend group will change someday and that is okay. Along with that, you don’t have to stick to your grade. Some of the greatest friends I have are upperclassmen, they don’t bite; however, you do have to watch out for some of them, you don’t want to fall in with the wrong crowd. Stay on top of your schoolwork. Freshman year is the easiest it’s going to get. If you’re going to be at school seven hours a day you might as well put in the effort to do well. Go to every school event. Go to dances, go to Football games, go to pep rallies. High School is what you make it. It’s your choice whether they are the best four years or the worst four years. And lastly, be confident. Enjoy it while it lasts and be excited for this new chapter in your life!

That is it for today’s blog post, I hope you all enjoyed. if you have any requests for future blog posts or YouTube videos please leave them below I am willing o take any suggestions. Thank you so much for reading. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and are getting excited for school! With love, McKenz.

Instagram//YouTube//Pinterest

Recent Posts- Back to School Outfit Ideas , Life Update, Weekly Wrap Up #33