Sassy Southern Blonde

A Fashion & Lifestyle Blog by Kelsie Bynum

30+ BOOKS TO READ WHILE SOCIAL DISTANCING

30+ BOOKSI have been wanting to share my favorite books with y’all for months, and I thought now would be the perfect time since we’re all stuck at home! My passion for reading books started when I was a little girl but has definitely been neglected over the years. That is about to change, though! Although I’ve read several of them below, I’m challenging myself to finish a book a month. Currently, I’m reading Open Book by Jessica Simpson, and it’s incredible! I’ll probably go with a mystery next just to switch it up. Before I added these to my list, I went through and read each synopsis to make sure it was a book I actually liked! I pulled several of the books from the poll I posted on Stories too! 🙂

XOXO

Kels

TWEED SET + MY ENNEAGRAM TYPE

I know I’m late to the party, but I finally took the enneagram test! I am a type 7, which was no surprise to me. The most interesting part of the results was that it revealed what your typical behavior at great, normal, and poor levels! Basically, how you act at your best and at your worst. Overall, Sevens are extroverted, optimistic, and spontaneous! With these traits, it’s easy for Sevens to become over-extended, scattered, and exhausted though. They can also have issues with impatience and impulsiveness!

The deeper I dived into this information, the more I realized how fitting the type 7 was to me! From the good traits to the bad, every single one made sense. At some point, I was reading an article that told me how most sevens think, and I had never realized it was how my brain worked until now! Their basic desires are to be satisfied and content and basic fears are being deprived of and in pain. This hit very close to home!

The Enneagram Institute further mentions how Sevens are super enthusiastic and approach life with curiosity, optimism, and a sense of adventure! They choose to do things that stimulate their minds and that’s why they usually have a lot of tasks happening at once. I related to this because I always have a mile long to do list, and I get a natural high from being busy! It’s hard to turn my brain off some nights! Haha.

Another trait of a type 7 that resonated with me is how indecisive most of us are. We are so worried about making the right choice that we cause ourselves anxiety! THIS IS ME. Especially when I’m traveling, I have to have THE perfect itinerary. I want to go to all the best, most popular spots! I don’t like being idle because it makes me feel like I’m wasting precious time! Sevens yearn for freedom and satisfaction, which can be a negative thing sometimes.

 I could go on for DAYS about my enneagram type because I LOVE psychology and understanding how my mind works! It’s crazy to me that so much goes on in your subconscious that you don’t even know about. Or you don’t realize at first! Apparently, most Sevens use rationalization as a defense mechanism aka they love to justify things to make themselves feel better. Another point that is very spot on!

This blog post just got SUPER long, but it wasn’t intentional! Haha. I just thought it would be fun to share more about being a type 7 since it helps y’all get to understand me better! This might even require a part 2 once I do more research! 🙂 If you want to take the enneagram test, I will link the free one I did HERE!

PS: I planned to talk about this pink tweed set more, but just know it’s worth EVERY penny! And it’s actually super affordable. My mom thought I spent hundreds on it judging by the quality and fit! I think it’s the perfect mix between Jackie O and Elle Woods! 🙂

XOXO

Kels

NYFW 101 + 8 Tips For Attending :)

NYFW 2019NYFW 2019NYFW 2019NYFW 2019PART 1

Several of y’all asked how I was able to go to NYFW and the process I went through to make it happen! I know it’s kind of surprising, but anyone can attend. I will say it’s easier for people with jobs in the fashion industry! Finding invites to all the events is the trickiest part, though! The group of girls I went with brainstormed and researched for months to prepare accordingly. We created our schedule based on the brands we work with, want to work with in the future, PR companies who send us products, and fashion shows happening on the days we were in town! Flying in on Thursday afternoon made it difficult to schedule meetings with showrooms/PR companies because we only had Friday. (Most are closed on the weekends) Next year, I want to arrive on Wednesday so I can have two full days to meet with brands! We definitely overextended ourselves this year! But it’s okay because we still had an amazing time and made it work!

Another common question asked was if the trip was sponsored, and it wasn’t at all! I paid for my hotel, flight, Ubers, etc. Although expensive, the experience and networking made it worthwhile for me along with seeing my blogger friends from all over the country! 🙂

As far as invites go, some brands will email you directly to invite you a few weeks prior, but most require you pitching yourself to score a spot on the guest list! I still don’t know how I found half the contacts I did on the World Wide Web, but it was very beneficial! Only one fashion show couldn’t get us in because they were full! I do wish I would have emailed more brands with fashion shows going on. I’d love to attend several next year! I will share my NYFW schedule in the next blog post with outfit details, but today I wanted to tell you guys some tips that I found helpful or wish I would have known!

-Create a dream list of brands/fashion shows/PR companies you want to connect with

-Give yourself enough time between meetings and shows so you aren’t late

-Wear comfortable shoes or bring a cute bag to put them in

-Step outside your comfort zone with your outfits

-Travel with a group of girls you are comfortable with/have similar schedules

-Book your hotel/flight 1-2 months prior because prices will only increase

-Start emailing brands at least 1 month prior so spots aren’t full

-Don’t get discouraged if you aren’t able to meet with every brand or if people never email you back! You’re going to hear no a lot more than you’ll hear yes, but that’s okay! 🙂

PART 2

And here were other questions asked that I wanted to include at the end lol:

Q: What are some new trends you loved?

A: So this NYFW was technically for Spring 2020, but I will list the fun Fall trends I loved since that season is the one approaching! My favorites were snakeskin print (obviously), suit sets, PUFF SLEEVES (favorite one), satin, plaid, and fun feathers!

Q: Which celebrities did you see?

A: I personally noticed way more Housewives/reality tv stars than anyone else, but that was quite alright! (I’m a reality tv junkie lol) We saw Melissa Gorga (RHONJ) at the Victoria’s Secret party, Stephanie Hollman (RHOD) at a PR showroom, Paige DeSorbo (Summer House on Bravo), Sofia Richie and Victoria Justice all at Rebecca Minkoff! I’m sure there were more, but these are the main ones I remember! Haha.

Q: Do you have a New York City travel guide?

A: YES! I went last Christmas with my mom, so we did a lot more tourist things than I did at NYFW! Linking the travel guide HERE!

PS: My next blog post will be recapping outfit details from NYFW, so stay tuned for that coming later this week! 🙂

XOXO

Kels

BEST LABOR DAY SALES

LABOR DAY SALESCARDIGAN: 25% off with code PARTY25

LABOR DAY SALESWORKOUT SET: 40% Off

LABOR DAY SALESLEOPARD PULLOVER: 25% Off

LABOR DAY SALESCOLOR BLOCK HOODIE: 50% Off

LABOR DAY SALESSWEATER: 25% off with code PARTY25

LABOR DAY SALESMAXI DRESS: 25% off with code PARTY25

LABOR DAY SALES

ABERCROMBIE | 50% Throughout The Store (MY PICKS)

AERIE/AMERICAN EAGLE | 25-60% Off Everything (MY PICKS)

BOOHOO | 20% Off Everything

DSW | 25% Off All Sandals (MY PICKS)

EXPRESS | 40% Off Everything (MY PICKS)

FREE PEOPLE | 25% Off Select Summer Styles

FOREVER 21 | 30% Off Everything (Code: LABORSLAY)

GAP | 40% Off Everything (Code: DAYOFF)

GOODNIGHT MACAROON | 40% Off Site Wide (Code: LABOR19)

J. CREW | 40% Off Your Purchase (Code: SUNSET)

J.CREW FACTORY | 50% Off Everything

LOFT | Extra 40-60% Off Sale Styles *MY PICKS*

MACY’S | Extra 20% Off  (Code: WKND) *MY PICKS*

MISSGUIDED | 50% Off Everything (Code: LDAY50)

NASTY GAL | 60% Off Everything

NORDSTROM | Up To 40% off (MY PICKS)

OLD NAVY | Up To 50% Off

PINK LILY BOUTIQUE | 25% Off Everything (Code: PARTY25)

RED DRESS BOUTIQUE | 20% Off Everything (Code: OMG20)

UNITED MONOGRAMS | Up To 75% Off

VICTORIA EMERSON | 40% Off Everything

XOXO

Kels

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE: Everything You Need To Know

NORDSTROMWhat is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (or better known as the #Nsale) is BACK! This is the HOLY GRAIL of sales and my #1 favorite one to promote. Or overly promote! Lol. I’m going to apologize in advance for all the #Nsale talk, but I promise it’s the best sale of the entire year! It’s truly worth spending your money on because ALL the merchandise is NEW for Fall 2019. So basically, you’re receiving huge discounts for brand new products! THIS is the time to stock up for Fall! Trust me! 🙂

When does the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale start?

July 9: Icon Pre Shop In-Store Shop

July 10-11: Icon + Ambassador Pre Shop In-Store

July 12: EARLY ACCESS AT 12:30 EST! *For Nordstrom Cardholders ONLY*

July 19: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Opens to the Public

How do I receive Early Access to the sale?

Receiving Early Access is the KEY to shopping the #Nsale July 12 at 12:30 pm EST! (Or 11:30 am CST) You can ONLY shop then IF you have Early Access, which is easily achieved by applying for a Nordstrom card. I cannot stress enough how QUICK top items sell out! Last year, nothing was restocked for Public Access, and people were furious. Myself included! I know this part can be confusing, so please DM me if you have questions. I want to make sure all my followers know what’s going on! 🙂

Where do I apply for a Nordstrom card and does it cost money?

You can apply for the Nordstrom card HERE and it is 100% FREE to get! In fact, you will receive a $60 Nordstrom Note to spend during the #Nsale if you apply now. I highly recommend doing this! *There’s NO annual fee*

Is shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale through Early Access worth it?

Maybe I’m biased, but I SWEAR this sale is 1000% worth shopping through Early Access! There are pieces from last year that I remember selling out before I placed my reorder, and I stalked the website for returns. Speaking of returns, Nordstrom offers FREE returns aka buy the jeans in 2 sizes and just send back the pair you don’t want. Easy as pie! 🙂

Do you make money promoting this sale?

Yall. I know it sounds slightly insane, but I lose sleep and sanity during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Lol. I just want to make sure I am doing my absolute best to help you guys find great deals! With that being said, the ONLY way I profit from any of this is IF you use my links. It takes so much time and energy to create these blog posts, try on hauls, collages, etc. and I cannot express how thankful I am when you shop through my links! I only make a tiny amount (usually a few dollars) per sale, but it adds up.

How can I give you credit?

Going off the previous question, there are several ways to shop through my links!

#1: My blog, Sassy Southern Blonde! All things #Nsale can be found under the “Nordstrom Anniversary Sale” tab! I’m dedicating an entire section, so everything is EASY to find! Simply click the link you want to shop, and it will take you to Nordstrom’s website. If you purchase ANYTHING in that window, I will receive credit!

#2: LIKEtoKNOW.it App! Be sure to follow me there because I will be posting so much exclusive content. Search my username “kelsiebynum” or go directly there through THIS link. If you don’t want to use the app, you can buy everything I post in it under the “Shop My Instagram” tab on my blog!

MY BIGGEST TIPS:

  • Set a reminder for Early Access on July 12 at 12:30 pm EST!
  • I want to be your one stop shop for ALL things Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so please keep checking back for updates and more blog posts! I will ALWAYS share new posts on Instagram. Just watch my Stories and the #Nsale highlight on my IG profile!
  • Check out the newly released catalog HERE for an idea of what you like!
  • Go through your closet and decide which items you want to update! Need a new pair of tan boots? Or some basic tees? Make a list and go from there! Have a strategy when you SHOP!
  • Let me help YOU! I am going to be rounding up my favorite items and categorizing them on my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale tab so you can shop from my blog. I’m finding the best of the best, and you don’t want to miss out! YAY

Have a question I didn’t answer? PLEASE email or DM me, and I will respond ASAP! Anything to help yall! 🙂

XOXO

Kels