After a month break, I am back. This month is a new beginning and I am taking December to focus on good intentions with myself, and remember how grateful I am for all of the good people in my life. There is nothing like a step back that brings you two steps forward.
Starting of WOTW with a new month, seems fitting to me.
Aritzia, Aritzia, Aritzia. The new colt favorite (and personal favorite of mine) has been steadily releasing their fall collections throughout the month of August. First came Wilfred, then came TNA, now comes Sunday Best.
Sunday Best is an Aritzia in-house brand that is tailored more towards their Gen-Z customer. The many tennis skirts, sweater vests and baby tee’s are the 90’s reinvention that we didn’t know we needed. And this 90’s to early 2000’s look is all the rage and a huge hit with the company’s target audience. But there is one issue with this style being so popular – the copying of designs from other companies.
I was beyond excited to see Sunday Best’s fall collection, but there were a few things that stuck out to me from their release. Their graphic tee’s are almost exact designs from Réalisation Par and Brandy Melville.
While this original design from Brandy Melville has been copied many times in fast fashion, I was not expecting to this at Aritzia in their fall collection. They have also made similar designs on other shirts with the words “Ranger”, “Rodeo Kid” and “Buckaroo”.
The second design that I immediately recognized from another brand is this shirt originally designed by Réalisation Par. This brand rapidly increased in popularity through social media as their floral dresses were seen on many influencers throughout the summer. Their dresses weren’t the only thing that stuck out on their website. Their unique baby tee’s were flying off the shelves. Constantly sold out, this is an immediately recognizable shirt. So I was yet again shocked to see this on Aritzia’s website. Aritzia and Réalisation Par bring in the same kind of customer, so this won’t go unnoticed.
While unfortunately designs are copied all the time, I am disappointed with these pieces from Aritzia. What sets Aritzia apart form its competitors is its timeless, unique yet classy pieces that are wardrobe staples to keep in your closet for years. But with this collection that is launching on Thursday, it shows that the company is taking a different approach to reach their target audience. And to be honest, the target has been missed. By this ever so slight rebrand from Sunday Best, they are putting themselves on the same playing field as other overdone Gen-Z brands. What they have works, there is not need to change that and it shows in their numbers. Some of their past quarters have hit company records in terms of revenue, so I am curious, why the change to be like everyone else?
The collection comes out tomorrow. While I will be browsing the new items, you won’t find me making any purchases from Sunday Best.
Just over a year ago I started this website out of boredom to use as a creative outlet during quarantine. At the time I was entering my senior year of college, working through being unemployed and navigating where I was going to be as one chapter of my life was closing. Throughout that time so much has changed in my life. I have since graduated college, started a full time job, worked an internship, the list goes on and on. The past twelve months were the most I’ve ever grown as a person and I wouldn’t change anything for the world. But with growth comes hardships, and with hardships come lessons. I have learned so much about myself and those around me and am extremely grateful for where I am today.
Have I learned a lot? Yes. Do I think I know everything there is to know about life? Absolutely not. I am just now entering into my real adult life and am about to figure out how fast life hits you, especially learning how to deal with finances lol. But I am ready for that next chapter especially after an extremely tiring year. This past year was difficult for all of us adjusting to a “new normal” during a large part of our lives. Whether you were in high school not getting your normal, social experience or an adult not knowing how to stay attentive in the workplace from the comfort of your living room, it was tough. And so I don’t think it was just me that grew, but everyone. Everyone spent more time with themselves than they have before and this self-discovery is leading to lots of people working on themselves. Now I don’t want to think of taking care of myself as “work”, but it is. At the end of the day you are the only person you have, so make sure you take care of yourself. I know I am trying to take care of me.
With that being said, here are some lessons that I have learned over the past year.
The hard truth. Do you ever post something on Instagram and you’re concerned with how your body is posed at a “bad” angle? Or if your smile looks a little weird? Yes, of course you do. Otherwise you’d open Instagram and take photos straight from the app opposed to uploading from your camera roll. Okay, so what if I told you no one cared? No one cares how you look, what you’re doing or who you are with. Why? Because everyone is too focused making sure they are putting the best version of themself out there for everyone to see. This goes past appearance as well, my website is a perfect example. I could post everyday on this website and never tell anyone about it because I am scared that people will make fun of me behind my back. But do I care? Maybe a little, but not really. I am doing something I love and talking about things I am so passionate about which at the end of the day is what is important to me. So wear the outfit, post the photo, just do things that will make you fulfilled.
The word pursue I think could be my word if the year. In my case, pursuing refers to my admiration for the fashion industry. Ever since I was a kid I have wanted to work in fashion, but kind of let that go as I heard all of the stigma around working in that industry. “It is so competitive, you will never make it”. “You know you can’t make any money in fashion”. The negativity around what I am passionate about is off-putting, and I want to change that. Twenty one years later and I still want to go into something that is talked about so negatively. And because I still had this mindset I changed the trajectory of my future. I worked extremely hard at an unpaid internship just for exposure. I had my first articles published in a magazine. I got into Parsons graduate school to get my masters in fashion management. And this all happened within the past year! So if you are passionate about something, pursue it. Passion will get you anywhere.
This one is big. People come and go in your life, that is natural. People can still remain extremely close to you while growing into themselves, and sometimes that individual growth will take you in different directions. And that is okay! But people can walk out of your life in a more difficult manner, which is a hard pill to swallow. I have had people that I thought I was so close to leave and not come back, and that can be extremely hard. But on the bright side, I have also had people who have stuck by my side no matter what is going on in my life. And those are the people that I want to surround myself with as much as I can. Because when your friendships are so secure and you know that no matter what happens you will have your people, even if it’s just two or three, you have it all. And people who want to stick around will make sure you know that they want to be with you. The effort that they put into your friendships shows a lot about what they think if you. So if you love them just as much, make sure you let them know.
Be smart about this one, you should NOT say yes to everything. What I mean by this is to put yourself out there more, and you will have more life experiences and memories to take with you as you get older. For example, if someone ask you on a date? Say yes. If your friends want to go to the bar on a Tuesday night? Say yes. At least for me, I am at a time in my life that every adult looks back on and says they were the best years of their lives. I want to be able to look back at this time of my life and think that this were the best years I have had because I grew and experienced so many new things. So next time you ask me to do something out of my comfort zone; the answer is yes. Life isn’t getting any shorter.
On a more practical note, think about budgeting your money far in advance before you need to. Because I am now twenty one years old, living at home with my parents, just started working for the first time after a year and a half, and signed on a new apartment in Chicago. I wish so badly that I would have started budgeting money more wisely throughout my college years, and not spending it all on clothes from Urban Outfitters that will get ruined from a cup of jungle juice in a frat basement. Money is a sensitive topic for many that I am still trying to learn about, but for now my advice is budget your money. This is also a reminder for me to budget mine as well lol.
I have been gluten and (mostly) dairy free for two years now. I had always had a sensitive stomach but never knew what was wrong, then later found out it was gluten and dairy causing me pain. In the two years that I have fixed my stomach. I have felt so great, mentally and physically. I found out from a doctor that your brain and your gut health are directly correlated. SO with me learning how to fix my stomach problems, it also helped me mentally. If you take care of your body properly and fuel yourself with the right foods that make you feel amazing, stick to it. And those foods are different for everyone so I can’t give any advice there. But find out what works for you and keep it consistent because you will almost immediately see and feel a difference.
Last but certainly not the least; everything will work out. This is still a hard pill for me to swallow, but you just have to trust that whatever you’re going through will be okay. This is such a general lesson but I try to remind myself this in every single situation I put myself into. I am the world’s biggest overthinker, which is something I am working on. So for that I am trying to run through steps in my head when I worry about things, the first one being “is this out of my control”? If the answer is yes, let it go. You just have to have faith that everything will be okay. Doesn’t matter if that is in two week or two years, if something is meant to be it will be.
If you have read any of my previous blog posts… you know I have a crippling love for Aritzia. But the price tag? Not so much. Lucky enough their annual clientele sale is going on right now, with twenty to fifty percent off everything if you’re a loyal customer. If you are not yet part of the clientele sale, don’t worry. They have many other items up to fifty percent off for you to try. Making a few purchase during this sale isn’t a want, but a need.
With half of my wardrobe coming from this store, I have found truly the best pieces and will tell you what is worth your money.
Oh and I recommend heading to www.artizia.com before everything sells out. Sale ends 06/20.
I only have this hoodie in one color due to the steep price for a plain hoodie, but that will change when the weather starts to get colder. I have this in black and have washed it a MILLION times and there is not one sign of wear.
I don’t own this skirt but I bought it for my sister for her birthday and she wears it all the time. It is super light and flowy with built in shorts, and isn’t too athletic so it an be dressed up or down.
Megan’s rating: 8/10
I talked about these in my very first blog post almost a year ago they are still a favorite. I work out and lounge in these – they are basically a second skin.
Again with the cozy fleece, it just doesn’t miss. I have two pairs of the three inch short, but it comes in other lengths including two, five and six inches.
This is hands down the best cropped t-shirt I have ever owned. I have this in white and brown and have worn it into the ground. I wear a size medium and it is tight fitting, but not in a “it’s too small” way.
When it comes to denim I am an avid Agolde lover. But again the price is not ideal for my post-grad budget. These jeans from Aritzia are the closest dupe I have found in length, style and material. They are the perfect straight jeans and hit just above my ankle. Even though they are just a plain pair of jeans, they are cut extremely trendy and flattering. And right now they are only $68.
Want to know how I know this is the perfect tank? I have it in three colors.
Good thing it comes in nineteen more!
As someone who wears primarily sneakers, I struggle finding this right sandals to wear when the weather heats up. From strapping to chunky, open toed shoes are going to be the backbone of my wardrobe especially living in Texas.
I have been eyeing these sandals all season long, and have included my favorites for beach days or a night out.
This was a trend from last year that has carried in the spring and summer months. Such a classic, elevated basic that goes perfectly with jeans, trousers and more.
Check out these from & Other Stories.
Mix different materials into your outfit by including a satin pair of slides. This colorful pair is from Cult Gia.
Tired of wearing the same nude sandals every time you grab dinner and drinks? Try adding color in your shoes opposed to your clothes.
This shoe comes in four colors and is by Gianni Bini.
Want a slightly more elevated sandal besides a pool slide to slip on as you leave the house? Tkees is the best option. These are so comfortable and can be worn it’s almost anything.
These cloud slides have taken over the internet at the casual slide of the summer. The waterproof, platform sandal is perfect for the beach, pool, etc.
Get these on Amazon, and they are prime.
Definitely the Pinterest shoe of the summer, the bandana sandal has been seen everywhere on social media, and will be not being going away this season.
There are many dupes of these, but the original are from Arizona Love.
These. Shoes. As someone who is almost afraid of wearing color, I am obsessed with these. SENSO never misses.
While these are definitely an acquired taste, these Ganni sandals are at the top of my list. These come in so many colors and are so easy to style. And, they are from a sustainable brand.
It’s that time of year – Sephora’s Spring Sale. I am a Sephora addict loving everything from their skincare to fragrance. I have tried an ample amount of products, so I can tell you what’s worth it and what you can get to find the best bang for your buck.
While looking for makeup, skincare, etc. I tend to look towards clean products. Clean products are so much easier on your skin. Simple ingredients for a simple beauty look, and a simple, glowy look is exactly what I strive for. So if that’s what you like as well, I highly recommend the products below.
These are my holy grail to keep me look like i have some life to me. These aren’t clear drops like most on the market, but a bronze color with some shine that is perfect to mix into your moisturizer.
I purchased this product last summer and have bought it ever since. If you have uneven skin/ redness and just want to even out your skin tone this is perfect. It’s super light which is great for the upcoming hot spring and summer months.
This is a great face mask to use a few times a week to clean out your pores. I struggle with my pores and this makes a difference. It’s a clay mask and leaves my face feeling fresh and hydrated after I rinse it off.
The most natural lip color you’ll ever wear. So light and natural, it feels like I have nothing on. Honestly if I could only have one lip product for the rest of my life, it would be this.
I used to be a fan of the Drunk Elephant moisturizers, but they got too pricey to continue to purchase. This is the BEST dupe I have found. And even better – it is $17.
You know that Laneige lip balm treatment everyone raves about? This tops it. I approve, and my mom does too. The best lip balm I have and it has lasted forever, a little goes a long way.
Nothing makes me feel more clean than this body wash. All natural ingredients, so it is great to make sure you don’t break out anywhere on your body. Also I love that this is fragrance free, because I can apply any scent of perfume after showering without it being too overbearing.
Wearing sunscreen is so important and something I am realizing as I get older. I wear this every day on my face after I apply my moisturizer, and it goes on great and doesn’t have a sunscreen smell. More of a matte, gel-like consistency.
My favorite cream blush. This comes in a large and mini size, and sticks to my face like no other. Super blendable and since you can use it on your lips & cheeks, it creates a really cohesive look for your makeup.
This concealer comes in so many shades and has great wear throughout the day. My favorite thing about this concealer is the fact that it has hyaluronic acid, so I don’t feel bad about putting this on my acne.
I am not really one for vanilla fragrances, especially in the summer. I love a clean, fresh and slightly floral scent and this is perfect. It smells fresh out of the bottle and smells more floral as the day goes on. The best of both worlds!
As I prepare to work in the real world, my days are becoming more hectic & I need to remember that I am on the right path. You need to remember you’re on the right path, and everything will work out just the way it’s supposed to.
I have recently graduated college (sad), so I know the stress of finishing the perfect dress for photos, ceremonies, parties, etc. Since these dresses are typically white across the board, I have found some of my favorite white dresses to wear under your cap and gown. These range in price, style, and formality so you can find your perfect dress.
I have linked all of the dresses shown in the header photo. If you are looking for more dresses, there are more linked in my LIKEtoKNOW.it.
Revolve Amanda Uprichard Dress
Alice + Olivia Tuxedo Mini Dress
Revolve For Love & Lemons Sunbeam Dress
Nordstrom Endless Rose Eyelet Dress
Shopbop Free People Shirt Dress
Anthropologie Satin Midi Dress
Having a spring break doesn’t mean you have to go anywhere, but you can still dress like you are! Whether you are in warm weather or spending your days off in the snow, I know you’re thinking about purchasing some new pieces. Below are some styled outfits for your warm or cool spring break.
Kayce Wright 