Monday, May 12, 2014

Weekend Wear




 

Here are a few shots from an outfit I wore this weekend!  I love the detail at the bottom of my shirt and the way the scarf pulls everything together! I think I could wear a scarf everyday and not get tired of them! I hope you all had a great sunny weekend!

XOXO,

K

Outfit Breakdown:

Shirt, scarf, sweater: Old Navy
Jeans: Target
Sandals: Payless
Bracelet: Target
Bangles: Alex and Ani
Rings: Francesca's
Purse: Aldo

*All photos are taken on an iPhone by Abby. Abigail Rosenberg Photography




Friday, May 9, 2014

Spring is here!





Warm weather has hit with a vengeance today! What better way to celebrate than with a colorful maxi dress? I got this dress last spring and have worn it plenty; I love how comfortable it is but it still looks very put together. Today I paired it with a jean jacket and sandals for a more casual look. 
               

Close up of my earrings which were borrowed from my sister. 

  

XOXO,

K

Outfit Breakdown:

Dress: Target
Jacket: Marshall's
Sandals: Banana Republic
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelet: Target
Earrings: Borrowed 
Sunglasses: Maurice's 

*All photos are taken on an iPhone by Abby. Abigail Rosenberg Photography










Monday, April 28, 2014

Forgiveness

  I have been thinking a lot about forgiveness lately and what it means to me. I think forgiveness is such a strong and important trait to learn and to have. We're human and we're flawed. We're going to get hurt by others and we're going to do the hurting some too. We need to apologize when we should and we need to forgive.

Forgiveness means to stop feeling anger toward someone who has done something wrong and to stop blaming them. Matthew 18:22 says that we should forgive those who have wronged us not seven times but up to seventy times seven. Wise forgiveness knows that while yes we need to forgive someone; often changes need to be made. If someone hurts you, you can forgive them but you can also say that you don't want to be around them anymore.

Forgiveness is saying that I'm making the decision to not let that affect me anymore. Forgiveness is a letting go of the pain that we've been holding onto. Do not be confused; you're not forgetting, you're deciding to not let the past weigh on you anymore. I've heard the expression "forgive and forget" many times but the truth is we aren't going to forget and I don't think we should. I don't think God forgets our sins. I think he knows what we've done but he loves us in spite of our sin. God separates us from our sin, He chooses to let them go.

Forgiveness is saying that there's pain or hurt and it's been weighing on me and I'm making the decision to take that off. I don't claim to be the expert of forgiveness or to have it all figured out but I do know this; forgiveness is hard, but I can not imagine walking around holding onto hurt and anger and hatred that must be so tiring. That would be even harder

Maybe there's someone you need to forgive, maybe you're holding onto something that you need to let go of. I'm praying for you. Don't let the sadness and hurt steal another day from you; what a shame that would be. You are too precious and valuable to be hanging on to what hurt you. Find freedom in forgiveness.

XOXO,

K

Matthew West "Forgiveness"

It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those that don’t deserve

Forgiveness
Forgiveness

Even when the jury and the judge
Say you gotta right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying ‘Set It Free’

Forgiveness, Forgiveness
Forgiveness, Forgiveness

Saturday, April 19, 2014

My Easter Outfit







I just love holidays and any excuse to dress up! This dress was purchased last year for a party and I'm excited for the opportunity to wear it again. The colors are great for Spring and Easter! I am so excited to spend time  with my family and celebrate the greatest gift we could ever receive- our forever salvation through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Praise Him! Happy Easter! I can't wait to see what everyone else is wearing!

XOXO,


OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Dress: Marshall's 
Sweater: Old Navy
Shoes: Loft
Sunglasses: Aldo


*All photos are taken on an iPhone by Abby. Abigail Rosenberg Photography









Sunday, April 13, 2014

Polka Dots




I recently purchased this polka dot jacket from H and M; I really like the way it fits and how it adds a little pop to almost any outfit. It will be great for spring or even chilly summer nights. With a price tag of $18.99 I will definitely get my money's worth out of this! Go pick one up! 

XOXO, 

K

Outfit Breakdown

Jacket: H and M 
Shirt: Marshall's
Jeans: Target
Shoes: Payless
Purse: Marshall's 



*All photos are taken on an iPhone by Abby. Abigail Rosenberg Photography

Friday, April 11, 2014

Maybelline Color Elixir


Left: Petal Plush
Middle: Breathtaking Apricot
Right: Celestial Coral 



This is one swipe each on my hand to show the color payoff. 

Left: Breathtaking Apricot 
Middle: Petal Plush
Right: Celestial Coral 


Left: Celestial Coral
Middle: Breathtaking Apricot
Right: Petal Plush

I just bought these three new color elixirs from Maybelline. I absolutely love them! They apply like a gloss with a spongy applicator, the color payoff is like a stick and they are moisturizing and long lasting. Totally worth the six dollars! I bought mine at Wal-mart but I'm sure they could be found at most any drug store as well.  While I love all the shades I'm surprised to say Petal Plush is my favorite I like that it's similar to my natural lip color but just a bit enhancing; it will be great for everyday wear. 


I just loved this picture of my sister and I so I threw it in. We aren't intentionally coordinating! I am wearing the shade Celestial Coral on my lips. 

XOXO, 
K


Saturday, April 5, 2014

This One Is Hard To Write

In the midst of outfits and jewelry and all things girly I don't want to lose sight of why I started this blog; I want to be a living, breathing example of someone who doesn't give up, of someone who didn't let her circumstances get the best of her and of someone who may have been through exactly what you're going through.

This past year I went through the most challenging experience of my life; my divorce. My quick marriage and my divorce. So much guilt and embarrassment follow those words. I've spoken about this plenty but to type it out for all of you to read is different. But I believe I'm called to be open and honest about it. What good is my story if I tuck it away and hide it and don't ever share it. Someone will be able to use my story, of that I'm positive. I truly believe that there wasn't anything I could do to save my marriage. God could've sure, but instead He pulled me out. He wants better for me. 

I don't know if I completely missed the mark and that the man I married wasn't a part of God's Will for me at all. Or maybe he was but when he lost sight of God he pulled everything down with him. Maybe it's both. I do know that like most hard things I'm stronger now. I'm wiser. I expect more. I won't settle and I'll pick up on warning signs.

More than everything I've learned, more than how far I think I've come, the most valuable thing is the growth I've seen with my relationship with my Savior. Wow. I have needed him now more than ever before. I always heard people talk about a personal relationship with Jesus I thought I had it. I didn't have it, at least not like I do now. It's been so intimate. For as much as I've told about this journey so much of it is still private, the sacred moments I had with Him. For so long I felt like He was the only one I could talk to. He allowed this to happen, He knew the why long before I ever would. I knew that if He had a reason for this it had to be for some good. And the pain I was feeling was going to lead to good. I knew that He wouldn't give me more that I could handle, I knew that he had ordained this and that I needed to let Him be my strength. That we would absolutely get through it, together.

How absolutely amazing is it that when I was going through all of this and God was my absolute strength, He was every other believers absolute strength too. He is so big but yet he's so near. I used to wonder how out of the whole world God could still hear me. He can. He does. If nothing else ever comes from this heartbreak I've been through, my refined relationship with Christ is absolutely more than enough. He is more than enough.

Did I still make mistakes, absolutely one hundred percent, yes. I'm sorry for those. But I've learned from them. I gave away so much of my power to this world, to a man who didn't treat me right. To someone who didn't deserve it. Not that anyone ever really deserves your power. Sure some people deserve your loyalty or companionship or attention or love or friendship but power is a tricky thing to own and tame and it's not something that should be given freely, if at all. We are powerful in Christ. Too absolutely precious to be lost with someone who doesn't treat you right, to be begging for attention from someone who doesn't even deserve a moment of your presence. And when I learned that it changed everything. And I stand in such freedom now. To God be the glory. You don't have to live in bondage to mistakes of your past. And there's nothing sweeter. 

I don't ever want to stray too far from this story and I don't want to forget where I've been. But I do desire to move through it and to simply live. So I think I'll sort of leave it here to rest. If anyone ever needs someone to talk to, for any reason, I'll be glad to talk about it then.

"No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me; from life's first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand." 

XOXO,

K


Pretty Little Details





I absolutely love putting together outfit ideas. Fashion is so fun to me; there's no real rules and almost anything goes. I love this black polka dot dress it's easy to accessorize and looks good with lots of different colors and patterns.

For this look I kept it pretty easy with a little red chain purse and my new fan necklace. Sometimes when I'm shopping I'm so busy looking for main pieces (dresses, pants, tops) that I forget about accessories. But seriously how fun are these? 

XOXO, 


Outfit Breakdown

Dress: Forever 21 
Shoes: Payless
Purse: Target
Necklace: Charlotte Russe 

*All photos are taken on an iPhone by Abby. Abigail Rosenberg Photography




Thursday, April 3, 2014

What's Trendy







Trends are a funny thing. Sometimes I feel like I buy a new shirt and next week it's already "out of style". I can't keep up. And I don't try; I wear what I like and I wear what fits. I really try not to care what people think of what I wear. My sister once said in the nicest way possible: "I don't like your clothes but you make them look good." That's fine with me.  

Every once in awhile there is a trend that I have to try though. For instance, I was in love with peplum at first sight! I've been eyeing similar jumpsuits like this in the stores for weeks. When I found this one at Marshall's for 19.99 I knew I had to have it. It is so comfy and I think it's quite chic.  I'll definitely keep wearing this even long after it's no longer in style. 

XOXO, 

K

Outfit Breakdown

Jumpsuit: Marshall's
Sweater: Gap
Flats: Payless 
Sunglasses: Steve Madden  (borrowed) 


*All photos are taken on an iPhone by Abby. Abigail Rosenberg Photography


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Making a Statement

Am I the only one drooling over spring jewels lately? I am obsessed with statement necklaces and can't get enough!  I've started quite the collection over the past year or two; I usually have good luck with Target's jewelry (my wallet thanks me for that!)






This is mostly all the jewelry I own and definitely my favorites right now! 

Jewelry Breakdown: 

1. Target (recently)
2. Charlotte Russe (approximately 2 years ago)
3 & 4. Bonton (last year)
5. Michael Kors from T.J.Maxx (6 months ago)
6 & 7. Target (recently) 
8. Kate Spade Outlet (2 months ago) 
9. Gifted 
10. Loft (last month) 
11. Francesca's (last year) 
12. Target (last year)
13. Target (recently) 

I put together a few outfits modeling some of my pieces!


 * Modeling number 11


above and below
* Modeling number 4




* Modeling number 1


* Modeling numbers 5 and 7

"life is too short to wear boring jewelry"

XOXO, 

K

*Photographs are taken by Jenna
*Photographs are edited by Abigail Rosenberg Photography

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Playing With Patterns



It feels like spring in Buffalo!

I am absolutely ignoring the fact that we're supposed to be getting a major snow storm tonight; I'm just embracing the sun right now! This outfit is one of my favorites lately, between the slight pattern on the sweater and the pattern on the pants it is sort of a lot to look at but I'm still loving it. Why be subtle? I love the added touch of sparkle with the necklace.

XOXO,

K


Outfit Breakdown:

Sweater: Forever 21
Blouse: Gap
Pants: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Very old
Necklace: Target

*All photos are taken and edited (iPhone) by Abigail Rosenberg Photography





Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions.

I've always been the type of person who worries way to much what everyone else thinks of me. Ever since I can remember I've made most of my decisions based on what I thought those around me would think instead of making a decision based on Gods word and what He says. I was so afraid of disappointing people and of possible rejection that I didn't even think for myself. There comes a time when you can't ask everyone else what you ought to do. There's a time when it doesn't all line up really easy for you. There's a time where you stand up and you be a man (woman) and you take a step of faith focusing on all the truth you know and you don't care (with holy regard) about what other people think.

I think I've finally reached that place. 

I'll always value the opinions of others but I'm ready to make decisions based on Gods word and way less on what others around me are saying. I'm ready to take the mask off. To stop trying to be what others want me to be or what I think others want me to be. What you see is what you get. You like it, you like it; you don't, you don't. I've learned that who I am in Christ is what matters. What He thinks of me is what matters.

In just shy of a month I graduate from school. Following that means many many decisions. The possibility of doors opening for me is so exciting. I'm praying for wisdom, for grace and for God to close doors that are not a part of His plan. I am so excited for the next few months and to see how everything will play out!

Great things are starting to unfold for me. The single greatest thing I've done for myself is to stop seeing myself as a victim. Was I victimized? Maybe. But to remain a "victim", to let another day be taken from me by remaining sad is the very worst thing I could've done. I realized that in spite of my circumstances I needed to rise up. I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself , to take my eyes off of me and realize that I have something to offer. To not believe that for so long was pretty arrogant because God says I do. I have struggles, you have struggles but we all have something to offer...

we all can overcome.

Asking for prayer for the next few weeks as I wait on answers. I am so excited for what may be ahead.

XOXO,

K


Friday, February 28, 2014

High Five For Friday

This week has been so busy! I'm pretty thrilled to see it end. School and work are keeping me very busy these days but I did have a little bit of down time this week. These are the five highlights of my week!

1.

It's not every week that a Sunday sermon is still floating around in my head five days after I've heard it. I am so blessed by a fabulous church and a pastor speaking truth. This message was phenomenal and exactly what I needed to hear.

2. I was able to do a little much needed spring cleaning this week! I love how pretty my room looks when it is clean. Lately, it hasn't been often. 


3.

On Tuesday my mom, sister and I went out for an impromptu dinner; this was our delicious and gluttonous dessert.

4. Monday was the last class of the first session of a four session counseling/mentoring class I'm taking. I've learned so much and it's been so exciting to see God move already. I pray I can be a blessing to others and God would use me as He sees fit.


5.

Today marks officially one month until I graduate from cosmetology school! I am so excited for what's to come. I can't believe how fast time flew by. These are a couple of the girls I've met who are some of my best friends now.

I hope you all had a great week too!

XOXO,

K

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

All Dressed Up






When I purchased this dress I originally thought I'd save it for spring with a pair of sandals or wedges. However, I'm always trying to think of multiple uses for my clothing to get the most wear out of them; tights and a sweater were the perfect items to winterize this dress! 

I'm still longing for the sandals though!


XOXO,

K



Outfit breakdown:

Dress and clutch: Marshalls
Sweater: Target
Shoes: Payless
Neckless: Borrowed 



Monday, February 24, 2014

This One's For The Girls

Maybe it's just me but lately I've heard an overwhelming amount of girls around my age complaining about the men they're dating or just the men their age in general. They're always so quick to blame their struggling relationships or absent dating life on the men around them.

I'm blaming the ladies.

Don't get me wrong, I think we have a lot of men around us who are not treating women like they should- but I think the bigger problem is the women who are settling for way less than they should.

The number of women I've met who are or have dealt with an unfaithful significant other is absolutely horrific (and this is just my own little circle). I don't for a second want you to think I'm making light the pain you're feeling- I am not. I am so sorry that you aren't being treated like the princess you are. You have to ask yourself how many times you're going to let him hurt you. How many times are you going to find yourself in a relationship with the same type of men and the same outcomes before you start demanding better? It seems to me that being unfaithful to a significant other is so common now that people are starting to just accept it as a part of life, a norm. I've seen studies that claim an affair can make a marriage stronger. What!? And it's not just men either, it's women too.

We need to start expecting more. 

Ladies, you were not created to fulfill a mans "needs" and you were not created to feel unfulfilled without a man in your life, you certainly weren't created to be walked all over. You were created in the perfect image of Christ. You are perfectly designed by God. Your worth is more than you can imagine. Proverbs 31:10 says you are worth more than rubies.

Singleness can be a difficult season. We live in a world that makes us believe it's built for two. I encourage you to look at this time as a blessing. God knows what He's doing. Your future steps are perfectly ordained by Him. That is so comforting to me. Discover yourself. Take a trip. Volunteer. Use this time. Just don't settle.

There is a man out there who will treat you like the precious jewel you are and until you meet him YOU need to treat yourself like the precious jewel you are.

Men will start rising up when we stop backing down.

"Never settle for less than you deserve or you'll end up with even less than you bargained for."

XOXO,

K

*This is not intended to sound harsh or inconsiderate. I  am writing with a genuine concern because I've been there and I speak from experience.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Notes on Moving Forward

For those of you who know me well you know that I've been going through a bit of a hard time. If you follow me on Facebook I've alluded to this season of loss. If by chance you don't know me well then I'll spare you the details but just tell you that 6 months ago my little world that I had created shattered around me and I'm still sorting through the pieces. I'm trying to figure out what God wants me to piece back together and what God wants me to leave on the ground, right where it shattered. 

I think God works in wonderful, glorious ways. And I know that He knows what He's doing. Every single step of the way. With that said, I don't think a single person who's reading this that can say that there hasn't been a time where they seriously questioned his ways. I remember specifically driving in my car one day, I was so angry. Angry at what happened, angry because it felt like God must have forgotten about me and angry for having those feelings. Even through that anger I was crying out to Him, begging him for clarity-- I realize now how beautiful it was that in those devastating moments I was still seeking Him. He was still my strength.

During the first few months I just wanted to hit rock bottom, I begged God to bring me to the bottom because I just wanted to start working my way back up. Several times I thought I hit the bottom and then I realized I wasn't there yet. I've hit the bottom. I'm slowly working my way back up.

I think I've finally reached a place of peace. 


Don't be confused, this peace isn't equal to a place of complete happiness or joy. It's just peace. Peace in the circumstances. Peace in my heart. Peace in knowing that God has always had my best in mind. Peace in the promise that God will NEVER leave me or forsake me. Peace in knowing, really knowing that God alone knows what the rest of my life looks like.

I've worried so much about the future and how it's going to look. Would I ever be able to move on? Would I ever feel normal again? Would I ever be happy? These are dark thoughts that have crossed my mind on many occasions. But I've chosen to let these thoughts go and to simply trust God and His promises; to dwell in Him and to focus on the truth. I've let go of the dissatisfaction and anger with His plan. He has a beautiful plan for my life, yours too. What's holding you back from letting go of all the things that are causing you to doubt Him?

I can't go back and change how I started to walk down this road and I wouldn't if I could. I've learned so much, I've come so far. I have a much better understanding of what it means to fully trust God and to let go of control of my own life. To surrender to His ways. I'm grateful that I've learned these things.

This road I'm on, the friends and mentors I have, the steps I'll take tomorrow and even next year are all perfectly ordained by Him and I am immensely grateful that I am able to serve such a mighty God, that He will use me as He sees fit and that He loves me enough to do whatever it takes to make sure my eyes are fixed on Him.

It feels good to be moving forward. 


Maybe you're waiting for something... Anticipating what is to come. Anxiously seeking out what will be the next chapter of your life. I am praying for you. God will meet you where you are. He is not surprised by what is happening in your life. He knows what will happen next. Try to rest in that.

XOXO,

K

"To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises." - Oswald
 Chambers' Gracious Uncertainty


Spring Vibe

                                                       



With all the dreary weather we've been having, anytime the weather gets a little above freezing I start craving warm weather styles. Though I still needed to stay warm, this mint green top and these booties feel a bit like spring to me! I love the pop of pattern with the cheetah print belt. 

Now here's to hoping these temperatures will last!

XOXO,
K

                                                                    

Outfit Breakdown:
Top: Ralph Lauren
Jeans: New York and Company
Belt: Target
Boots:Kohl's 
Bow Ring: Kate Spade