A Fashion & Lifestyle Blog by Kelsie Bynum
Since I’ve already gotten several DMs about Valentine’s Day outfits, I thought I’d go ahead and kick things off with a post rounding up my favorite red and pink items! Several pieces are actually on sale! Whether you’re going out or staying in, I found something cute for everyone. I mean, just look at that taco tee! Stay tuned for more Valentine’s Day outfit ideas coming your way 🙂
XOXO
Kels
CARDIGAN | TOP | JEANS | BOOTS | BELT
If there was a month that was just super awkward, it would be January. You don’t know what to do, how to dress, or what’s really going on! Lol. I saw a meme on Facebook that said January should be a free trial month, and it’s SO accurate! I have all these New Year Resolutions I’m *trying* to accomplish, but the weather is cold and rainy aka the least motivating. One good thing is that Valentine’s Day is coming up, so stay tuned for a ton of red and pink content coming your way! It is my favorite color combo after all!
As far as fashion goes, January is the perfect time to wear your staple, neutral pieces before Spring fashion starts. I’m thinking tan cardigans, denim jeans, and OTK boots like my outfit above! You might not feel the part, but you’ll look it! My fabulous cardigan is from Rayelle Collection, and it’s probably the most versatile piece you can own. It will transition with you throughout the entire year! The first word I thought of when I tried this cardigan on was cozy, but chic at the same time. Can you imagine how perfect it would be with an all-white outfit? I also saw this similar one on their website that I thought yall might love too! It’s chenille fabric! 🙂 Yall can receive 20% off your purchase with code Kelsie20 at Rayelle Collection so check out their website for more finds!
XOXO
Kels
*A special thank you to Rayelle Collection for sponsoring today’s post! All opinions are my own!*
SWEATSHIRT | LEGGINGS | SHOES | CUP
Happy Tuesday!!
We’re halfway through January, and I’m still not fully back on schedule from the holidays! Is that bad to admit? Hahaha. I know I can’t be the only one! Having a positive attitude about 2019 is one thing that’s helping me get back in my routine, though. It’s easy to make big plans and resolutions on New Years Day, but actually following through is the hard part. At least for me! This month is all about fresh starts and new chapters, but if you’re not careful, you will set yourself up to be overwhelmed and disappointed. I wanted to share 5 tips that I think will help you keep a positive mindset in January and the rest of 2019! 🙂
1: Focus on a Hobby You Love
My main hobby used to be blogging, but now that it’s my job, I want to find a new interest that brings me joy and happiness! I have always loved reading, so I think I’m going to better incorporate that into my routine this year!
2: Hit the Gym
I make the MOST excuses for skipping the gym, and it usually includes choosing the Chick-fil-A drive-thru instead! I can’t deny that working out makes me feel better, though! Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy… And you know the rest! 🙂
3: Make Plans with Friends
For me, working alone every day is SO hard. I’m an extrovert, and I just love being around others! Making plans with friends has been so important because I need human interaction. Lol! Even if you do work in an office with people, spending time with your friends is good for the soul! (Because you probably like them better than your co-workers lol)
4: Set Realistic Goals
I am the worst at setting realistic goals, especially in January. I shoot for the stars and get super overwhelmed by my big plans! I think it’s important to set small term goals that you can achieve quicker, which will help you work towards the long term goals!
5: Listen to Your Favorite Music
Music ALWAYS makes me feel better and more motivated! I love listening to Christian playlists on Spotify because it truly helps me keep a positive mindset or change a negative one! Whatever your favorite tunes may be, I encourage you to start your morning listening to it and see how it changes your perspective!
Now, I have to talk about my cute sweatshirt from United Monograms! I shared this Gucci inspired tee with them a few months ago, and yall LOVED it! (Still in stock too!!) But my caffeine queen sweatshirt might be my favorite yet! For one, I have actually turned into a caffeine queen, so this is pretty accurate. Secondly, this United Monograms sweatshirt is SO soft, especially on the inside! It’s fleece lined, and it’ll become your go-to loungewear at only $26 dollars! Mark my words. I ordered a medium for an oversized fit but a small would have worked too! If coffee isn’t your thing, United Monograms has so many options from food to sports. You also don’t want to miss their new Valentine’s Day collection either!
XOXO
Kels
*Special thank you to United Monograms for sponsoring today’s post! All opinions are my own*
Before I start, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind words about last week’s blog post! (Reflecting on 2018) Although I wish the year would have gone a little differently, every trial and tribulation was for a greater purpose! God never gives you more than you can handle, and 2018 was a testament to that. On a positive note, I started some amazing new friendships, I traveled to fun places, and I watched my blog grow to levels I only dreamed of! Now, I’m excited to start working toward all my New Year Resolutions for 2019… 🙂
Stop Letting Emotions Control Me
My mom swears I just need to take more vitamins because (apparently) being emotional is a sign of B12 vitamin deficiency… Hahaha. But generally speaking, I am a passionate person. If something (positive or negative) happens to me, I’m going to react in a BIG way! In 2019, I’m challenging myself to stop, think about situations from different viewpoints, and act with pure intentions.
Learn How to Forgive
The #1 thing I pray about daily is that I learn how to truly forgive, but I am SO stubborn. Even as a sinner myself, it’s hard to forgive others when you have been wronged! In 2019, I want to move forward instead of reflecting on past emotions/situations. I want to let go of the hate in my heart (just being honest here) and FORGIVE. Jesus forgives me and you EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. That really spoke to me, and maybe it speaks to you too!
Continue Being Independent and Content
2018 was the year I started understanding what it meant to be independent AND content with that. I pray that this momentum continues throughout 2019!
Get Back in Church
I’m embarrassed to even admit this, but I have been letting too many things talk me out of church on Sundays. I do watch the online services a lot, but there’s nothing like waking up on Sunday morning to go to church, eating lunch, and taking an afternoon nap! 🙂 I’m moving soon though, and I am super excited to find a church, a small group, and all that. More than ready to refresh and recharge in a new place and new atmosphere!
Learn the Business Side of Blogging
I spent 2018 so focused on building my blog and brand that I forgot to learn how to RUN a business. Sure, those marketing classes in college have paid off, and I’m not totally in the dark, but there’s room for improvements no doubt! Like taxes. WHAT THE HECK! I need the “Taxes For Dummies” ASAP! Hahaha. (Luckily, I do have my parents to show me, so yall don’t worry too much!)
Pray for My Future Husband
Like I mentioned above, I was super focused on myself and monetizing/building Sassy Southern Blonde in 2018, so I really shifted my focus away from my personal life! Of course, I still talked to people and all that, but I stopped wasting my time on people that didn’t deserve it. I remember working on my blog one afternoon SO NERVOUS this guy wasn’t going to like/text me anymore if I did this or that… And I’m still mad at myself for it. I could write AN ENTIRE NOVEL on being happy and single, but we’ll save that for another post! Bottom line: I stopped allowing guys *who didn’t know what they want* have a role in my life, and gosh, it felt good. In 2019, I am going to really pray hard for my future husband because I know God has a special guy in store for me! The key is praying for him and the traits you hope he has, BUT not yearning/begging for it to happen tomorrow. Everything will unfold according to God’s plan for my life and yours!
Enjoy Being in the Present
I have turned into such a planner the past couple years, especially when it comes to holidays! But so much that I forget to step back and enjoy it. Plus, the anticipation before the actual holiday is the best anyways! To me, it’s better than the holiday itself. Even though social media can be a depressing, negative place, I love when everyone comes together and shares their excitement for the impending day whether its Halloween or Christmas. Something that makes me really happy is celebrating every little holiday, so I’m going to try to do it more! (I’ve already hit Target dollar section hard for Valentine’s Day lol)
Don’t Allow Others to Affect YOUR Happiness
I used to be such a people pleaser, and I still am to an extent, but guess what? You’ll never please everyone! You’ll never be everyone’s cup of tea. The thing is that maybe you used to be, and you’re not anymore, but that’s okay! Like I said in my other blog post, some people aren’t meant to be in your life forever. They were there when they needed to be, and there’s no point dwelling on the past! Especially when it starts to affect your happiness and mental health. I remember feeling like I was drowning a few months ago! Small victories were nothing when I felt like I was losing the war. Then, I realized that you can only put up a fight for so long until it’s time to walk away. Sure, it’s bittersweet. But sometimes, it’s an answered prayer even if you don’t realize it yet!
Remember that God Loves You, Even When You are Unlovable
Regardless of what you think my life looks like, it’s not perfect and I am definitely not perfect! But the craziest thing is that even on my most unlovable days, God STILL loves me. And forgives me! I want to learn to lean on him during my best and worst days. Not just when I need him for something!
LEARN HOW TO MAKE VIDEOS
Truthfully, I have been dreading the growing popularity of videos and was really HOPING the experts were wrong about videos becoming the “next big thing” for 2019! Videos are something I know absolutely nothing about, and that intimidates me- having to learn something from scratch. But after doing a little research and ordering this ring light, I think I might enjoy it after all! Change is good!
PS: I will keep yall posted on new videos. Until then, you can subscribe to my Youtube Channel HERE 🙂
XOXO
Kels
CARDIGAN | TOP (Similar) | JEANS | BOOTS | HAT | PONCHO
Happy New Year’s Eve 🙂
Do yall have any fun plans tonight? I am currently in Nashville with my best friends! This is the 3rd year in a row we have done NYE here, and it never disappoints. We end up spending WAY too much money between shopping and Broadway but always worth it! Haha.
My striped cardigan, leopard poncho, and black jeans are from Bella Ella Boutique, and I’m pretty obsessed! Bella Ella is an adorable online boutique I recently discovered, and I knew yall would love them too. Anywho, I am all about colorful stripes (shocking, right? Lol) so this cardigan is a must-have. It’ll transition so well into the spring! And what do I love equally as much as bright colors? Probably, (most definitely) leopard print! I styled the outfit with this poncho for a different look. Both are paired with the cutest high-waisted black jeans that have a front bow! A huge selling point for me! (They fit TTS, I am wearing a 3) Everything is linked below! Drop a comment if you have any questions 🙂
PS: Don’t forget to check out Bella Ella’s new arrivals including some fabulous sweaters!!
XOXO
Kels
*Special thank you to Bella Ella Boutique for sponsoring today’s post*