September 2020 Favorites + Happenings

Where has the time gone? It feels like I was just sitting down to write my August 2020 favorites + happenings post and somehow it’s already time for September’s edition. I swear time moves so much faster at school. I can’t lie, this is a month I’m ready to put behind me. It wasn’t a bad month, it was just… a lot. 

And although October is already looking fuller than my September, I’m starting off with a clean slate and something about that is giving me peace of mind. Today I’m talking fashion, favorites, failures, and more with you. Get comfy, it’s gonna be a long one!

Fashion 

September is one of those months where you have to take each day as it comes. Some days it’s 85 here and others it’s 55, you never know what you’re going to get lol! I’m a summer lover so I did my best to jam my final shorts, skirts, and tanks in while the weather allowed for it. We’ve had a few super chilly days here though that have required me to break out the booties and sweaters.

Deep down I am excited for fall fashion but mentally I am in denial… I’ve included a handful of my favorite outfits above as per usual but I have a few pieces that have stuck out in my wardrobe this last month. For one, my Superga sneakers. I have these in white and black and they are the best “in-between” shoes. They don’t look too sporty but they’ve got a platform which makes them a bit trendier than your average sneakers. They work with absolutely anything which I love!

I’ve also been sporting my Nike sneakers more often and have loved all kinds of slip-on mules lately. They are the best transition shoe for summer to fall. My favorite pairs are from Dingo and Chinese Laundry. Pleated tennis skirts are my calling right now—I swear Tik Tok can convince me to try just about any fashion trend!

I’ll be honest, it hasn’t been my favorite month of shooting content here at school. I was so excited to get back to Kent for all of the photo locations and content opportunities but it’s been hard being without a consistent photographer. I still cranked out some awesome looks *pictured above* but it’s taken some adjustment getting used to the change.

Although my outfit of the days have been a bit more summer, I’ve been easing into fall clothes for my Monday-Friday posts sharing lots of tips + outfit ideas for transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall. I’ve also been cranking out a bit more loungewear than usual since it’s what you guys seem to be loving/wearing the most!

Accessories

Felt hats have been my absolute jam this month. I’ve always loved hats but this month they have been even more of a favorite than usual! Not only are they great for hiding dirty roots but they instantly pull together any outfit. Both of these ones are from Lulus.

As for jewlery, I’ve been keeping things pretty simple with just my favorite gold jewels. I tend to say goodbye to my bright, fun earrings and start wearing thick gold hoops a ton in the fall. My Fossil watch, Mantra Bands, and Ana Luisa rings are always on repeat. Baguette bags have been another favorite of mine!

Workout 

Truthfully, I haven’t been nearly as good about my workout routine as I would like to be this school year. But, I still have some cute activewear for you this month. I’ve been loving all of my Fabletics sets! They have so many cute options and I’m finally getting to wear the pile of new ones that were sent to me over the summer. My trusty New Balance sneakers never steer me the wrong way!

Beauty 

I’m about ready to give up on this category entirely, lol. I feel like I either have ten new products to talk about or nothing at all and sadly this is one of those months where I just don’t have anything new to share. And truthfully it’s because I love all of the products I use and have finally found a makeup, skincare, and hair care routine that works for me and satisfies all of my needs.

I’ve actually been getting so many questions about my everyday makeup routine recently that I decided to upload an updated tutorial to my YouTube channel today. It’s nothing special— just my natural, ten-minute makeup I do every morning. I’ll link all of my everyday products here for you to shop!

Entertainment 

Similar to last month, I didn’t watch a lick of tv, and if I did have time to watch YouTube I was catching up on Keaton Millburn or Brooke Miccio’s vlogs. I know they are everyone’s tried and true favorites at this point, but they are the perfect amount of chatty as I get ready in the morning.

As for music, I have been on such a Cody Johnson kick this month; his music is so upbeat and has the perfect amount of “energy” for when I need a mid-day pick me up or am on a morning walk. A few other solo song favorites of the month were Georgia Time by Riley Green, Dance or Drink by Shotgun Rider and Simple Town by Walker Montgomery.

I’ve been trying to switch things up and find some new favorites so if you have any recommendations be sure to leave them down below for me!

Looking Back At September 

This month was a whirlwind; last month I said I wasn’t going to worry about the numbers but rather myself and honestly that’s been a lot easier said than done. I know numbers aren’t everything but they really are the easiest way to measure your growth and seeing mine become stagnant after six months of them skyrocketing was a slap in the face for me.

I was hoping to hit 32K on YouTube and 16K on Instagram and am sitting at 30.6K and 15.5K. Not exactly the numbers I had in mind and yet I am trying to be proud of the growth I did have rather than disappointed by what I didn’t.

It’s been a month of adjusting— not only for me balancing school and work but for every other college student. The reality is everyone is back to school and finding their new normal so naturally, everyone is consuming less content right now and I am trying to remind myself of this as I see my numbers slow.

I did however celebrate a big YouTube milestone this month: 30K. My mom expected me to be at school when I hit it (I ended up taking a quick visit home and hit it while in Maryland) but to make me feel the warmth of my loved ones despite being alone in Ohio, she rounded up my thirty biggest cheerleaders to leave me love on this special occasion. I felt so showered with warm wishes as my family members, friends, and mentors wished me well on such an exciting accomplishment. My roommates surprised me with cookie cake and balloons and I rang in this special moment with some of my sorority sisters.

Looking Ahead To October 

I’m going to keep my goals in the same spot that I set them last month. As much as I want to have that “go big or go home” mindset that I preach so often, I also know that it’s just not my reality right now. After all, I’m not the only one feeling overwhelmed with responsibility.

I do have a few other goals that are non-numbers related on the horizon. We’re well into the fourth quarter at this point which means it’s time to start planning out collaborations and content for the holiday season. I know December feels far away but it’ll be here before we know it and I’m hoping to do daily uploads since I’ll be back at home. Fingers crossed. Keeping my chin up and reminding myself that slow growth is still growth and that I have the best support system backing me!

My Month At A Glance

September is always the busiest month of the year for me. My time that was once consumed by cheer practices and Friday night football games is now spent recruiting girls for Alpha Phi and running around campus keeping up with other things. We had virtual sorority recruitment and Bid Day which was definitely different but we welcomed 55 new members to our chapter which was exciting!

I’m taking a little this semester so we have spent the last two weeks (and the next three) meeting with three girls a week. Essentially we take them on “dates” to get to know them and see who we vibe with. I’ve met so many sweet girls already and am excited to keep meeting new faces!

I also took a trip home mid-month. It was my first time driving home and it felt good to be by myself for a bit. I’ve gotten so much closer with my roommates this month which I am so grateful for but I definitely enjoyed a little alone time. Plus, I needed a few days to just be home, squeeze my parents, and catch up with Con and his family before things get even crazier in October.

My classes are going well so far. I have three exams today and tomorrow and while online classes aren’t my favorite way of learning, it’s certainly my favorite way to structure my days. I am so grateful for a school schedule that gives me the freedom to work whenever I please. I truly don’t know how I will feel when life returns to “normal”—whenever that may be. I am so lucky to be able to get a degree while chasing my dreams here on Styled by.

Well, friends, it’s 11 pm when I’m finishing typing this and I’m exhausted, to say the least so I’m going to leave you at that… I hope you’ve had an awesome September and if it wasn’t the month you had hoped for (I feel ya!), keep moving forward. Time for a kick booty October!

With love, McKenz

This Month On Styled by McKenz 

• My First Apartment Tour
• Fall Transition Shoe Trends
• Weekly Wrap Up #36 2020
• 5 Loungewear Outfit Ideas
• 10 Beauty Products I Reach For Daily
• 4 Ways To Wear Graphic Tees
• Weekly Wrap Up #37 2020
• 3 Fashion Nova Denim Favorites
• 16 Fall Date Outfit Ideas
• 3 Ways To Wear Loungewear This Semester
• Weekly Wrap Up #38 2020
• Lulus Pieces I’m Currently Loving
• Hello Molly Outfits For Every Occasion
• 3 Ways To Wear Shoulder Pad Tees
• Weekly Wrap Up #39 2020
• 4 Casual But Cute Outfits For Class