Long overdue

I seriously have not posted in a few months.  For one, because it's been the holidays/finals/etc. and I've been so busy I honestly haven't had time.  Blogging should be something I do for fun (even when I am the only one reading my posts) rather than stressing myself out over doing a post everyday.  No thank you!

So, I'll go ahead and do a little catch up!

My holiday was fabulous.  I was able to spend quality time with my family...  I miss them so much and am sad that I don't see them often enough.  I wish we lived closer!  I got so many fun things for Christmas, but all I really wanted this year was a nice SLR camera.  I have been wanting one for so long and finally got one and a lens!  I'm so excited and plan on doing outfit posts once the weather warms up a bit.  I am still learning how to use it but once life slows down a little I'll figure that out a little more.

Right now I'm working part time and going to school full time and going to the gym daily so it can be hard finding any free time whatsoever.  But I promise, I will get there!

I do have to talk fashion, though, since it's my first post in a long time.  I love preppy (think J.Crew, Gap) but I also love a little edge (Zara, F21) and so I really have no distinct style.  I simply wear what I feel like.  And lately I have been scoring some awesome pieces at great prices.  I usually have a difficult time justifying spending a lot on one item.  I'd rather go shopping and come home with 5 new things rather than 1.  I feel like I have a really good eye for quality and trendy pieces that are stylish and affordable.  For instance, lately I've been getting some great basics from Cotton on.  If you haven't checked them out, you totally should.  They have the best T's and basics that you can dress up with some cute jewelry and shoes.  I think that's what fashion is all about- taking trendy and cheaper pieces and mixing them with higher end, classic pieces.

It's so funny because I work with like 8 girls and we always tell each other the deals we find.  We all usually end up with the same thing by the end of the night because we've all gone and bought it if it's a crazy good deal.  For instance, I've gotten an adorable down jacket from F21 for $15 when it was originally 70, a $5 basic hi-lo top that looks way more expensive than that... etc.  It's GREAT!

Today, I found these amazing booties that look like these, for basically a fraction of the cost.  Like seriously?! So awesome.

F21-$39- trust me, the picture does no justice because when I saw them I almost died and thought to myself that they look pretty dang close to the Chloe version

Chloe- $1325

And like this polka dot sweater

F21- $22

J.Crew- $258 

As you can see, it IS possible finding the cute, trendy pieces for a fraction of the price.  I think it just takes a little patience and time to figure out which of the pieces you don't mind investing in and which you would rather get the deal (like me!) :)

Another tip, too: wait til things go on SALE.  There have been so many times where I've just purchased an item in the moment and because I felt like it rather than waited and usually, it goes on sale for like half the price.  Patience is something I plan on working on this year ;)

new found obsession...

Okay you guys.

So I know some of us like to indulge during the holidays.  Whether it means indulging in buying pretty things from pretty stores or eating amazing food, we like to indulge.

Well, when J.Crew has it's 25% off sales, I indulge.  Probably when I shouldn't, but hey, it's the holidays and it's the thing to do.

So I decided to purchase these babies online about a week ago- and I just received them... and let me tell you.  The best pant purchase I've EVER made.  And that is no exaggeration.  These have been all over youtube, blogs, etc. and I didn't realize what I was missing, until now.

So I guess this is a little review... if you will.  It is $$$ well spent.

J.Crew Pixie Pant.

Okay. So these pants are AMAZING.  I cannot even describe to you how perfectly they fit.  I almost ALWAYS have a hard time finding pants that fit on me.  I have a bum and really small waist and so I always have a gap in my jeans in the waist.  I absolutely hate it and it makes shopping for jeans so annoying.  I have realized there are only a few brands that work for me and that is J.Brand and Paige- jeans from that brand seem to always fit really well.  And a few pairs from J.Crew that I own always fit great.

Anyway, so I was hesitant to buy these because I was worried about the gaping issue.  Well let me tell you- these fit like a CHARM. I was so surprised.  I was getting ready to hate them when I put them on, fearing the lovely waist gape.  But nope- they conform to me perfectly.  

I was also nervous about these because they are actually PANTS, not leggings, and I don't love the leggings as pants look.  But I realized when I put them on they really do look like pants, and not leggings.  They are MUCH MUCH thicker and feel so much more substantial.  Perfect.

The thing I love about these pants is they work for nearly everyone.  People on youtube and bloggers with all different body types look fabulous in them.  They come in two different lengths- 28 inch and 30 inch inseam.  I bought the 30 inches because I don't want them extra cropped.  They hit a little above ankle on me which is exactly what I was aiming for.  If you want a more cropped look, I recommend the 28 inch inseam.

Sizing: I am usually a 25 in all brands unless I have a waist gaping issue I size down.  But in J.Crew I am either a 00 or 0 in their skirts and jeans.  J.Crew tends to run large but it really depends on the item of clothing.  In these pants I ordered a 0/25 and they are PERFECT.  No waist gap and no problems whatsoever.  So I recommend ordering in your regular size.  I know some people size down but I don't want them too tight because that's just never cute.

So the bottom line is order these.  They are PERFECT for the holidays because guess what!! They are stretchy pants and you can eat as much as you want without having to unbutton your jeans.  And they look amazing, they are super slimming- and I am telling you- you WON'T regret it. :)

xoxo, Kyla

holiday lips

As the holidays approach, we start pulling out our sequins, sparkles, sweaters, and of course- red lipstick!  Red lips have always been a favorite of mine (really, any time of year but in particular, Christmas.) It is important when achieving that perfect red lip to take a few necessary steps in order to make sure it's flawless.

Tips: always exfoliate nude, bare lips before applying lipliner (I like to use a toothbrush.)  Lipliner is key when achieving a red lip- you want those lips to stay in place and looking amazing all night!  Make sure to use a Q-tip to remove any excess- (I even use a little eye make-up remover to go around the edges of my lips with a Q-tip to make sure it's not bleeding outside of my natural lips.)

Image via Pinterest

And there you have it!  Gorgeous, red, holiday lips.

Wearing MAC Ruby Woo

Christmas Couture

A little Christmas Eve/Day outfit inspiration...

1/2/3/4/5/6

Happy December 1st!

making mistakes

Yesterday, I had an interesting experience that I want to share.

I was driving slowly and changing my music on my iPod when I realized there was a red light and I was not in the proper lane I needed to be in.  I looked behind me and the mirror to check if there was anyone in the lane next to mine to switch lanes, and I didn't see a car.  So I quickly turned on my blinker and started veering into the right lane when I heard a massive horn behind me.  I looked up at my rearview mirror and saw a woman in her mini van (probably full of kids) mumbling to herself and flipping me off- classy, right?

Anyway, I initially felt bad because I should have looked to make sure no one was there, but a few hours later I realized I was still thinking about it!  Why didn't I look closer?  Why did I move over so fast?  I could have done this or that better, I probably scared her, etc. And I kept blaming myself for this small incident that happened hours ago!  I realized I do this a lot, and it's something I need to change- I need to learn to just let it go. 

I tend to hold on to mistakes or experiences, and I tend to think about them numerous times to the point where I feel like the whole day is ruined just because of that simple, small mistake.  I tend to be really hard on myself and blame myself for things that I didn't do, couldn't change, or for simply just making a human mistake.  

I know for most of us it makes us feel bad when we hear someone gossiping about us, or saying things that aren't true about us (I've had my list of those... in high school I was told that I apparently got a boob job at 14, I was pregnant so that's why I moved to Utah... Like where does that even come from?! Not true, by the way.) And whenever I hear something like that, I tend to over think it- why would someone say that about me?  Why would someone make something up to make me look bad?  And the truth is, I will never know the answer- so why continue dwelling on the negative people or the negative comments?

This is something I struggle with for sure, and have for many, many years.  I am always making sure I treat people perfectly, leave the perfect impression- but the truth is, people will always find something negative to say if they're looking for the negative.  Some people will always try to bring you down, regardless of how you treat them.  A friend of mine recently told me "You really just have to forget about what people think."  And it's so true.  You can't always care what people think about you. 

You have to realize that what's most important is how you feel about you.  If you feel you gave it your all or you really tried to have the best intentions, do not dwell on the past or things you could've done, would've done, should've done.  I am really trying lately not to dwell on the things I can't change- as long as I know I've done my best, at the end of the day, that's all that matters. :)

christmas wish list

Well, Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is just around the corner!  I am super excited for Christmas this year because we are spending it with my family and I rarely see them.  It is fun to get together with them; I miss girls nights with my sisters and mom!  I miss seeing my cute brother who's growing bigger and taller right before my eyes, and of course my dad who is the biggest support and is always, always there for me.  I just adore my family and can't wait to spend Christmas with them!

For Christmas, I used to love a bunch of little things (because no matter what it was, I always wanted the MOST presents possible as a child... who doesn't when they're young?!)  But now I really just like spending time with my family and I have a hard time choosing what I really want.  I feel like I have all I could ever need so Christmas time to me is more about making memories with my family and husband. But this year, I really, really REALLY wanted a camera.  Not only for blogging, but because I really do enjoy photography.  You wouldn't know it because my husband and I rarely take pics together- so that's why a camera is necessary this year. ;)  I am taking some photography and graphic design classes next semester, so I'm really excited to learn about photography.  I absolutely cannot wait to take it to Paris with me- I will be annoyingly snapping pictures all vacation long. :)

This baby will be mine. :)

And to be honest, that's my christmas list. haha.  Lame, I know, but I truly can not think of one other thing I have to have at this moment!  My mom insists though, so I'm sure there will be a few other fun things underneath the Christmas tree ;)  

What are you wishing for this Christmas?

thinking

I came across this amazing excerpt/poem and I thought I would share.  It will leave you thinking and remembering that life is not about having materials, being the best, having the most, living for other's acceptance of you- no, life is about loving yourself, & truly living. 

THE PARADOX OF OUR TIMES

Is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers

Wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints

We spend more, but we have less.

We have bigger houses, but smaller families

More conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees, but less sense

More knowledge, but less judgement

More experts, but more problems

More medicines, but less wellness.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often

We have learnt how to make a living, but not a life.

We have added years to life, but not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back

But have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbour.

We have conquered outer space, but not inner space.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted our soul.

We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We've higher incomes, but lower morals.

We've become long on quantity but short on quality.

These are the times of tall men, and short character;

Steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare,

More leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are the days of two incomes, but more divorces;

Of fancier houses, but broken homes.

It is a time when there is much in the show window, and nothing in the stockroom.

A time when technology can bring this letter to you,

And a time when you can choose,

Either to make a difference .... or just hit, delete.

Oh, how unfortunately true this is- like we're all running the same race, trying to be just one step ahead all the time, and never actually reaching the finish line.  After reading this, I truly thought about how I could change my life and myself to becoming a better person.  To realizing that the most important things in life aren't things.

Hope you got some inspiration from this, too. 
xoxo