January 2022 Favorites + Happenings

January felt like the longest and shortest month all in one. I spent the first ringing in the New Year + celebrating six whole years of Styled by McKenz. It feels like yesterday and forever ago at the same time…

Years ago I decided to begin sharing my favorite products at the end of each month. They’ve since evolved into so much more— a way for me to recap my favorite outfits, beauty products, share a mini life update, and more. I’d like to think I do a pretty good job of keeping you in the loop but I know that some pieces and parts get lost in the shuffle. Therefore, this designated, monthly time to sit down and chat will always be something I look forward to.

Just wanted to reintroduce these posts for all of the new faces here + let all of you loyal viewers know they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! I’ve got lots to fill you in on today…

OUTFIT OF THE DAYS 

I’ve only been back at school for a little over two weeks and yet I’ve found myself falling right back into my usual habits, reaching for the same few pieces over and over. I picked up two pairs of straight-leg jeans from Express last month (I’ll link below) and cannot stop wearing them. I’ve never been a fan of this style on me but these two pairs totally changed the game. They are so easy to style with chunky boots and lots of layers which have definitely been needed here.

We’ve also been having snow left and right so my favorite leather shacket and puffers have been on repeat. I still can’t kick the yoga pants obsession and have taken on a new liking for scarves?! What is happening to me, lol. I feel like it’s seventh grade all over again and yet there’s something comforting in knowing that what goes around comes around.

Oh, I also have finally found the perfect black boot. I honestly wasn’t expecting to love these Petal and Pup booties as much as I do—I grabbed them on a whim and suddenly wear them every time I walk to class or go to a party. They are just the right heel height, giving you a little lift while still being comfortable. I highly recommend.

WORKOUT 

You’ll notice this category come and go as the month’s pass. I either work out six times a week or not at all, lol. I’ve always been this way and find that unless it’s a routine, I don’t end up going. Luckily with school back in session, I’ve made my way back in this groove.

Honestly, I’m not working out to change my appearance or because I feel like I “need to”. And it’s definitely not because I love to work out; to be quite frank, I find my mental health skyrockets when I get some sort of movement in each day. I have more energy throughout the day, sleep better at night, and find that my overall quality of life improves. So, I’ve been getting my butt in there. Some days I do 12-3-30 on the treadmill, others I do a mix of abs, and the stair stepper. I haven’t been holding myself to any standard and instead am prioritizing just showing up at all.

Plus, I like an excuse to wear a cute outfit. I actually discovered this new collection from SheIn and am obsessed. These are exact dupes for the Lululemon On The Moove zip-up and their Align tank. The matching leggings are buttery soft + make your butt look extra perky. And unlike most leggings, I don’t end up sweating through the lighter colors which I appreciate. I’m excited to pick up more colors in February! Use code Q4mckenz15 for 15% off.

FASHION 

If I’m being honest, my usual “editorial” style photoshoots have pretty much become extinct here in Ohio. We’ve had over three feet of snow in the last two weeks and it’s been brutally cold that getting out to shoot pictures around campus just hasn’t been in the cards.

Thankfully I did spend ten days in Hawaii to kick off 2022 meaning I got to shoot all kinds of adorable swimwear + beachy pieces. If you missed those 25 outfits read this blog post next. It’s safe to say summer fashion is much more my speed. I cannot wait for my next trip… I’m not sure if it’s the sun that makes me feel more alive or being able to shoot content creatively in new spaces. Either way, I’m not complaining.

BEAUTY 

I mentioned in my December favorites post that I had been using a handful of new products from Tula! I’m still using the trio—Hydrating Day and Night Cream, Triple Vitamin C Serum, and the Cooling and Brightening Eye Cream once a day as I find twice is too harsh on my skin. They just sent over a few new products too that I’m excited to try. I’ll have to put them to the test this week and will keep you posted on what I think! Anywho, if you decide to try that trio, use my code BYMCKENZ for 15% off.

I’ve also been slugging with the Cerave Healing Ointment. You guys know I’ve raved about this stuff for years now. It’s incredible and truly is the only thing that will heal my skin during these freezing cold months. I don’t use it every day, just when my face needs a little extra love.

I also wanted to give an honorable mention to Blondie and Co. I didn’t have time to get my hair colored and cut over winter break so I went to this local salon in Kent. I saw Ashley, asking for a fresh vanilla blonde baby light and face-framing layers. She did an incredible job and was so accomodating. If you’re in the area and are looking for a new salon, I highly recommend it. Plus new clients get 15% off their entire service.

ENTERTAINMENT 

After falling down the *that girl* Tik Tok trap, I decided to follow suit and pick up a book for the first time in months. As a kid I was an avid reader, whipping through a new book every three days. As I got older, other things took precedent and I found myself pushing this hobby aside more and more, especially as blogs consumed me.

However, it turns out this Tik Tok influence was a positive one. I’ve finished a book a week since prioritizing “no phone” time before bed and first thing when I wake up in the morning. I’ve been sleeping so much better and just enjoying this time to escape from reality. I read In 5 Years and The Silent Patient last month and loved both of them. I’m onto Collen Hoover’s Ugly Love now and will have to keep you posted next month on what I think.

That being said, if you have any book recommendations, please pass them along. I’m hoping to bring this habit into February with me!

As for music, I’ve strayed away from the country and have been loving a few slower, more relaxing songs. A lot of Brandi Charlie as she gives me all the nostalgia. Favs are listed; follow me on Spotify @mckenzmorgan for more!

JANUARY REFLECTIONS 

I love January, let me tell you. There’s nothing better than a fresh start + I’ll take any excuse to set a few new goals. This January I really wanted to take a step back and appreciate everything I accomplished in 2021. It was a very pivotal year for me and my brand and I found myself finally giving myself a pat on the back for it. Of course, my six-year anniversary was the perfect celebration thrown into the mix.

year six celebration!

I ended up having an insane month of YouTube growth, finishing off just a few shy of 65K! My Instagram grew a ton as did my Tik Tok while my Hawaii content continued to grow.

I’m not sure if you noticed, but I also changed my upload schedule here on the blog going down to just three posts a week as opposed to my usual four. After years, it suddenly felt like four was too overwhelming, too much to keep up with. By taking a step back I’ve been able to focus more time on diversifying my content + it’s made writing a lot more enjoyable for me.

FEBRUARY GOALS + MANIFESTATIONS 

That being said, I’m going to keep that same posting schedule in February too. It’s a shorter month and with another content trip on the calendar, I think it will be necessary. As for my other platforms, I’m just hoping to keep the momentum. I had a great start to the year and contracted in some really exciting brand deals! I’m hopeful that these will go over well and that I can hit 35K on Insta and 45K on Tik Tok.

I also want to prioritize reels, posting at least once a day. We’ll see how that goes… fingers crossed!

MONTHLY TRAVELS 

I’ve decided to add a new section to my monthly recaps where I share my travels. I have a trip planned for just about every month this year and with all of my study abroad adventures coming next semester, I figured this would be a fun addition. On the third, I helped my best friend Sam move into her new apartment in Los Angeles. The next day we left for Hawaii!

I have been dreaming about this trip for ages now and it was as fun as I had imagined. It was the perfect balance of work and play, getting to explore the bluest waters, highest mountains, and yummiest food while partnering with the most amazing properties. I stayed in my first penthouse suite which was unreal and I found myself pinching myself throughout the entire trip, realizing that this is the life I dreamed of.

COLLEGE LATELY 

Let me tell you, coming back to the cold after ten amazing days of sunshine was hard. I spent the second half of the month anxiously adjusting back to my “normal life” and a semester full of in-person classes. I have long Tuesdays full of my senior Fashion Merchandising courses and spend the rest of the week grinding with Styled by work + seeing friends. We celebrated Krista’s 21st birthday, enjoyed our first snow day, and found a new favorite place to go out to on Thursdays.

Random, but we also started using Hello Fresh and have been loving it! The meals are so different than what we typically cook and the ingredients come pre-portioned, causing less waste. I hope we keep this up next month as it made dinner time a lot more enjoyable + stress-free. You can use my code MCKENZIE for 16 free meals + 3 free gifts!

I have a feeling February is going to be just as chaotic. I’ve got tons of projects on the horizon, a trip to California on the calendar, and a handful of sorority events in the works. It’s fun, exciting, exhausting, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

With love, McKenz

THIS MONTH ON STYLED BY MCKENZ 

1. Styled by McKenz Turns Six
2. Weekly Wrap Up #53 2021
3. Setting My 2022 Goals
4. A Floridian Winter Outfit Guide
5. Weekly Wrap Up #1 2022
6. A Guide To Nokomis, Florida This Winter
7. Fall 2021 Semester Recap
8. Weekly Wrap Up #2 2022
9. 25 Outfits To Wear In Hawaii This Season
10. Oahu, Hawaii Travel Guide 2022
11. Weekly Wrap Up #3 2022
12. 5 Neutral Winter Outfits For Every Occasion
13. 8 Cozy Loungewear Looks To Rock This Winter
14. Weekly Wrap Up #4 2022
15. 15 Outfits Ideas For Valentine’s Day 2022