“Culottes are my new obsession. I am seriously in love”, I told my roomies just a few weeks ago, holding up a photo of dressy, white culottes on my phone. “Culottes? What the heck is a culotte? Those look like gauchos. Do you mean gauchos- like what we wore in the 4th grade?”.
Culottes, gauchos, same thing. Either way, I still love them. A lot. Being 5’0, it can be difficult finding full jumpsuits and flare-legged pants that don’t completely drown me in heaps of fabric (or require the usual visit to the tailor for routine alterations). Culottes rocks- for every figure, every height. I find them to be surprisingly flattering, especially paired with some dressy sandals/heels. Even better than that, they are comfy x 100. For special events, it can be natural to reach for your typical sundress or your favorite maxi, but why not try something a little out of your comfort zone? Culottes can be perfect for that summer wedding, paired with statement jewelry, a clutch, and dressy sandals. Daytime? Opt for metallic sandals and a loose, beachy braid, and you’re good to go.
Have you tried culottes yet? If so, let me know if you love em’ or hate em’. Later this week here on the blog, I will be sharing my new – and very first – apartment! I am so excited about it, and I am finally done unpacking. Hope you all are having a fabulous week so far!
xoxo,
Mackenzie
Here are some more culottes to keep you cool for the summer:
*Inserts cute picture of myself with a balloon*. HAPPY ONE YEAR. It feels like just yesterday I was dabbling around on WordPress, possibly cussing under my breath at the computer in a haze of technological confusion. I can’t say blogging made a whole lot of sense at first, and to be honest, at times it still doesn’t. But that doesn’t mean I love it any less. Blogging has given me so much; it has given me confidence, and joy, and the most magnificent creative outlet. Most importantly, blogging has taught me such an abundant amount. Over this past year, I have grown so much and I have learned more than I could have ever imagined. It’s absolutely crazy to think back at who I was a year from now and how life was in general. Things change so much, but that change can be so beautiful.
I wanted to take the time to thank you. Thank you for supporting me, loving me, and encouraging me- through my flaws and mistakes and all. Last May, I started this blog as an almost ‘transition’ from Tumblr. Thank you to the many that have followed my life over the past three years through Tumblr. Thank you to the new friends that have recently joined this journey [I am so glad you’re here!]. And thank you to those that have somehow stumbled upon my tiny corner of the internet over the past twelve months. I can’t even express in words how much it truly means to me. I am so thankful for each and every one of you. I really, really am. So cheers to one year of ‘official blogging’ and to many more incredible years to come.
Happy Wednesday! When you were in middle school, did you ever take photoshoots for fun with your friends? I definitely did. No shame, no shame at all. We always had a blast [and now as a college student, I love to look back at the photos from my awkward middle school stage and LOL]. Fast forward nine years… definitely still having photoshoots for fun. My excuse this time? I got a new lens! After saving for months and months, I finally splurged on my dream Canon lens. So of course after leaving Best Buy, I had to play around with my new lens right away. My sister, friends, and I headed to the city to snap a few fun pictures in the heart of Dallas. Our favorite location to shoot? Trinity Groves. SO cute. My kind of perfect, summer afternoon.
Hello friends & happy Tuesday! Pretty recently, I told myself I was going to stop buying printed pieces. Over the years, my closet has accumulated too many prints to count. It’s fine. It’s not like I’m a real adult or anything. However, I decided I would start trying to replace some of my patterned pieces with solid, neutral colors. But let’s be honest. What fun is that?
This past week, my sister and I were shopping at our favorite local boutique, girligirl (If you live in the DFW area, you have to check it out!!). For months, I had been eyeing this adorable sunflower adorned romper from [yes, you guessed it] Show Me Your Mumu. I debated back and forth about ordering it because I was like, “It’s so cute!! … but I should probably buy something solid and neutral…. but it’s adorable!”. So when I saw this piece in person, I decided to try it on. I fell in love. Yesterday, my sister, some friends, and I went and snapped some photos in Dallas to try out my new camera lens (which will be on the blog later this week). I wore this new romper, and I have never received so many compliments on a piece before in my life. It’s so unique, and it definitely makes a statement. I surprisingly love the fit of this romper. It almost looks like a top or a dress at first, but it’s actually a romper. I paired it with a long, crochet cardigan duster, lace up sandals, and a choker necklace. I can’t wait to style this fun piece all summer!
I hope you are having a great week so far! Thanks for stopping by!!
Wedges + sandals = flatforms. Meet your newest summer obsession & the hottest shoe trend. Never did I ever think I would fall for the flatform wedge, but I have to admit, I am a little obsessed now. When my mom and I spotted these Steve Madden beauties, we both snagged a pair (she opted for the tan and I went with the gold). Best part? They are under $100. Other best part? They are so, so comfortable. I love that they are versatile and can be easily dressed up or down. Whether you have a special event like graduation or you want a casual pair of wedges you can pair with rompers and shorts, these gems are perfect. I have a feeling these may be my newest faves [which is why they deserved a photoshoot of their own!].
I hope you all had a lovely weekend!
xoxo,
Mackenzie
Here are some other flatforms to keep on your radar:
In the 7th grade, the cactus craze started. I remember getting probably five cacti plants for my birthday that year from friends, and my obsession with them never really ended after that. By the time high school graduation rolled around, I had something of a cactus garden accumulating in my room. Over the years, my love for cacti has not died whatsoever. I celebrated my 21st birthday this past weekend with my college friends, and my birthday sign was a giant, glittery cactus [pictured below]. It was so perfect! Long story short, I have an undeniable love for cacti. I am a sucker for succulents, what can I say?
Earlier this semester, my mom surprised me with this amazing, cactus cardigan that she snagged at a local boutique. Not only is it unique, but it’s super comfy (which is always a plus in my book!). I paired it with a soft black tee, distressed denim shorts, and lace up sandals for a casual and easy look. In the past, I’ve always been pretty anti-cardigan. However, this one has definitely been a huge game-changer for me. I have a feeling I will be embracing the cardigan all season.
On a slightly random note, I have officially moved out of the sorority house. The past two years living in this beautiful house have been incredible, and I am so thankful for the friendships & memories I have made. Moving out today was bitter sweet, definitely more bitter than sweet in all honesty. However, I am excited for this summer and the adventures ahead.
Hello, hello! Lately, I have been living in sunglasses. I think mostly because I’ve just been a little lazy about putting on makeup lately. Also, they just make me feel a little extra sassy- I’m not going to deny that. There are so my sunglasses out there to choose from. Whether you like cool & classic or totally trendy, there’s a style for everyone. I’ve picked out some of my faves out for the summer [I’ve been eying *no pun intended* one & two for a few weeks now..] –
Happy Tuesday! Guess what? I got a new camera, and I am so in love. For the past few years, I have been borrowing my mom’s 11-year-old Canon Rebel. It was great, but it was definitely time for an upgrade. After doing tons of research, I finally found the perfect one (in my price range). I decided to purchase the Canon 6D, and I couldn’t be happier with it. To test out my new camera, my mom & I snapped a few photos of my favorite accessories for spring time. I think these accessories are especially great for spring and summer special events + weddings. For the bag, I opted for an adorable Vineyard Vines straw clutch that I picked up at Nordstrom Rack last year. It’s the perfect size! When the Sam Edelman Yardley lace up sandals came out, I knew they would be definitely be a staple for both work & play. Plus, they are beyond comfy, which is always a perk. I love all the color options, and I have to say the metallic ones are my new faves. To finish the look off, I added an iridescent Kendra Scott necklace. I really love the way they can dress up any look & add just a touch of glam.
With just nine days left of junior year, I have been packing and studying like crazy. My countdown for summer has officially started, and I know I am going to be taking so many photos this summer in California! Let me know if y’all ever want to see posts on photography/cameras/lens/editing/etc.
Have a great week, friends!
xoxo,
Mackenzie
Here are some other clutches, metallic sandals, and statement pieces for spring:
Happy Sunday! Hands down, this weekend has been one of the best weekends of my entire life. On Thursday, my Grandma, mom and I headed to Las Vegas to celebrate my 21st birthday! We arrived at the Wynn hotel, which was such a gorgeous place to spend the weekend [it’s also where we snapped these pics]. During our weekend, we enjoyed some shopping, eating, casinos, and the incredible Le Reve show. If you ever go to Vegas, you definitely have to see the Le Reve/The Dream show. It was one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen, and I was in owe of how talented all the performers were! It’s definitely a great show for all people, of all ages. On a slightly-random side note, I only got kicked out of the casino once this weekend [the security guard didn’t believe I was actually 21, but it happens, it’s fine]. Being 5’0 doesn’t really help me look my age, but it’s something I will appreciate years down the road.
Long story short, I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend with my family. I’m celebrating my birthday with my college besties this week, and I am excited to have one last celebration before exams begin! In the past, birthdays have never been a big deal to me. I’m not quite sure why, but they just never seemed too important to me.However, your 21st is definitely a special one & I decided that I wanted to go all out for once. I wanted to find a birthday outfit that screamed ‘twenty-fun‘, so my sister, Allie, helped me pick out this unique, orange floral set. I paired it with my favorite lace up sandal heels and minimal accessories. It was definitely the perfect bday outfit & I absolutely loved wearing it on my special day!
Though I am sad this perfect weekend is over and that I have to go back to the ‘real world’, I am really grateful that I got to spend some time with my family and enjoy such a fun city.
Hello friends! Guess what? Tomorrow is my birthday & I am officially going to be twenty-one twenty-fun!! I feel old. A few weeks ago, my mom called me & surprised me with a birthday trip to.. you guessed it.. Vegas! This afternoon, my grandma (aka my bestie!), my mom, and I will be jetting off to the ever so fabulous, Las Vegas! After a stressful few weeks of school, I am beyond ready for a girl’s trip to the ‘City of Lights’ with my favorite people. My fingers are crossed that we win big & make some good memories!
I’m going to be honest, I have a total love/hate relationship with packing. As an avid procrastinator, sometimes packing just gets put off until the very last minute. Here are some of my go-to tips for packing:
1. Check the weather
The first thing I do before last-minute packing is checking the weather for the week on my phone. If it’s going to be chillier than anticipated, I pack long sleeves and sweaters. If it’s suppose to rain all week, I make sure that my rain jacket pullover goes into my suitcase as well. Knowing the weather for the trip will definitely help you pack!
2. Plan accordingly for each day
The second thing I do when I begin to pack is to figure out what my specific plans for the trip are. Two nights = two dinner outfits. One day at the pool = one bathing suit. Know how many nights you will be staying and what you will be doing each day so that you can pack & be prepared. It can be helpful to make a list of the things you need to pack: one bathing suit, two dinner dresses, one pair of wedges, one pair of sandals, one pair of denim shorts, etc.
3. Pack layers + things you can mix and match
Layers, layers, layers. Layers are a huge lifesaver when it comes to packing, especially if you are cold all the time like I am. I usually pack a few things I can layer up like a chunky cardigan or a soft pullover. It’s always good to be prepared. Also, bring pieces you can mix-and-match. It will save room in your suitcase and give you tons of outfit options for the trip.
4. Be frugal with shoes
We all know by know that my shoe obsession is slightly out of hand, it just is. I love shoes more than anything (okay, except for maybe Chipotle). However, they take up a ton of room in your bag and can make things extra-heavy. I’ve learned that less is more when it comes to packing shoes. Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane, and try to keep it down to 2-3 (max) pairs of shoes for the trip. It’s fun to have options, but it’s important to try to pack lightly when it comes to shoes. [tip: if you’re packing boots, fill them with pairs of socks, bras, etc. to help fill even more space].
5. Keep important things in your carry on
I learned this gem the hard way this past summer! Make sure you always carry your most important belongings with you on your carry on, just to be safe. Medications and toiletries included!
I also wanted to share with you guys some of the things I packed for my trip to Vegas. A few weeks ago, I texted my sister, asking for her help to find the perfect b-day outfit. I finally decided on this gorgeous two piece from Show Me Your Mumu. I love this set because it can easily be mixed-and-matched all season (picturing the crop top with denim shorts + sandals for summer concerts & that midi skirt with a chambray button down for church + work). Here are some of the things I packed for Vegas:
