November 2018 Favorites + Happenings

Suddenly we’re closing out on November… it feels like it was January just yesterday! As per usual, I’m wrapping up this month’s favorites while getting super real about those Senior year feelings and an exciting announcement regarding the blog for the month of December. Get comfy, it’s going to be another long one!

Style

Typically when I wrap up my favorites in terms of style I have a few outfit favorites but this month I found myself with a few specific pieces in mind that I wanted to share with you all. My first favorite is definitely this teddy jacket from SheIn. I received this from SheIn for a collaboration in late October and have loved it ever since. Not only is it super trendy but it keeps me warm and looks adorable with almost any outfit. I’ll link it here so you can shop; definitely size up and be sure to use my code ‘mckenz20us’ for an extra 20% off your purchase. I’ve found myself wearing this black turtleneck like crazy. I have a few ribbed turtlenecks and find that they are just such an essential in my closet for layering and styling purposes. If you don’t have one you seriously need to consider getting one. I’ve also been big on my fur vest now that we’ve been experiencing some cold weather. I’ve had this vest for almost three years now and it’s never gotten old. Chic, sassy, and fun it truly is one of my favorite pieces to wear!

For shoes I found myself gravitating towards these adorable new booties from Details and my black over the knee boots from DSW that are such a staple. This beautiful stone bracelet is also from Details and paired so nicely with my DKNY watch this month – I cannot wait to wear this combination throughout the holiday season.

Beauty

I’ve got just a few beauty favorites this month starting with the Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray. The cold temperatures have been leaving my skin feeling so dry and my makeup sort of ‘stale’ midway through the day. I love spritzing this on around lunch time to refresh my makeup and skin! Ardell Eyelash Whispies 105 have been my latest obsession. It was a huge month of cheer for me and these are the fake lashes I wear when competing. I have at least ten extra pairs and had been wanting to learn how to apply falsies myself so I’ve worn them quite a few times this month. After some trial and error, I have loved the extra flair they add to my makeup look and know I’ll be wearing falsies much more especially when shooting for the blog.

I meant to include the Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer in the picture but totally forgot last minute. With all of those cheer competitions and no time to run and get a spray tan, I found myself using this lotion almost every day after the shower. To avoid streakiness I towel dry myself just enough to not be completely dry and then apply all over as normal lotion. It has a faint smell but it’s not noticeable by morning and after about three applications I find myself significantly darker. I’ve never been a self-tanner but this is so easy and leaves the prettiest glow that I know I will continue to use it from time to time throughout these chilly months.

Faith

I’ve neglected the word of God this month and I feel so guilty about it. Not only did I not make it to church once, I didn’t even pick up my Bible. I’ve continued talking with God daily but in Decemeber I am making it a priority to be better about my faith. I feel lost without it and know that it’s doing me no good to neglect it during this time of need and uncertainty!

Entertainment

Alright, can we just take a moment for the A Star Is Born soundtrack?! I have yet to see the movie but cannot stop listening to the soundtrack, especially Shallow. Lady Gaga is amazing!

I need all the Christmas movie recommendations below as I finally have some spare time to watch a few; I know you Hallmark lovers are out there!

Looking Ahead/Goals

Things felt like they were finally starting to look up as far as all things blogging go this month. I saw an increase in views, worked with a handful of brands I love, and stayed consistent in my posting!

December is one of my favorite months on the blog as it’s all things holiday. I always feel it’s a mix between closing one door and opening another which is a bittersweet feeling as I wrap up my third year of blogging. This month I’m looking forward to my blog anniversary photo shoot as well as a few other exciting projects!

You heard it here first, but I am going to be attempting to do Blogmas this year! I successfully blogged every day in July and August but have yet to take on the daily challenge while being in school so fingers crossed as to how well it goes. I cannot wait to share all my exciting ideas with you, host a few giveaways, and up my Instagram game this month!

Life Lately

I said it already but this month absolutely flew by! It started off with competing at the Regional Cheerleading Competition where we placed third followed by the next week where we placed fourth in the entire state of Maryland. The week after that I watched my school lose its first football game in four years. 53-1 isn’t too shabby for a high school record, am I right??!

To be completely honest with you all, I have felt so emotional this month. Suddenly I am overwhelmed with the realization that my life will never be the same as it is right now. With each week of November came the letting go of something I thought I’d have with me forever. I’ve spent a lot of time chatting with my older friends, asking if these feelings are “normal” and I’ve gotten mixed responses. The nostalgia I’m experiencing, several said they felt too whereas others said it didn’t really affect them until they were walking across the stage on graduation day. I suppose these are normal feelings to be having as a Senior in high school.

Suddenly I am left remembering freshman me typing her November favorites, wondering what her life would be like three years from now. A part of me can’t wait to read this post in three more years and smile at the uncertainty I’m feeling. How thankful I feel this month for a platform that has helped me grow in every way imaginable!

Aside from that, things have felt like they have slowed down and yet picked up in other aspects. To close out the month I’ve spent my time working at Winter Cheerleading tryouts, blogging up a storm (or so it feels like), chatting with future college friends, and taking this time in as it’s one I know I’ll look back on and remember forever!

Do you remember how you felt as a high school Senior?! If you do, I’d love to hear below along with any other questions, comments, or requests you may have for me. Here’s to all the November favorites to come…

With love, McKenz

This Month on StyledbyMcKenz

• Let’s Get Dressy This Season
• Two Outfits I’m Wearing This Fall
• Weekly Wrap Up #44
• 10 Pieces You Need This Fall
• The Travelon Purse I’m Currently Styling
• Weekly Wrap Up #45
• 3 Pairs Of Boots Every Girl Needs
• November 2018 Pinterest Outfit Recreations
• Teddy Coats and Tan Hues
• Weekly Wrap Up #46
• 30 Zaful Pieces I’m Loving Under $30
• Three Last Minute Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas
• Weekly Wrap Up #47
• Shop The SheIn Cyber Sale
• Gift Guide For The Globetrotter
• Gift Guide For The Girl Boss