I’m writing you today from Florence, Italy!!! I cannot tell you how crazy it feels to type those words… I’ve talked about the semester I’d study aborad for years and yet it didn’t truly hit me that I’d actually be doing it until I hopped off the plane yesterday. This week was full of nerves, anxiety, and excitement for what’s to come.
Lots of time with friends and family and lots of time wondering what this next chapter will hold. I’ve only been here 24 hours but I have to say, if this semester is anything like it, I’ll be just fine. Before I go I want to say a huge thank you for your outpouring love and support as I navigate this new season of life. It has truly not gone unnoticed.
Please be patient with me as I settle into my new space, adjust to the time change, and find my footing with work-school-travel balance again. But also please know that I am thinking of you all each and every day! Talk soon.
With love, McKenz
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Sunday, August 14
I’m not going to lie, the fomo was hitting me hard today. Nobody talks about how hard it is to see your college best friends return to school without you. I spent most of the day lying in bed, looking through old photos and videos, reminiscing on times when we were all together.
Outfit Details— pjs all day… again, lol
Monday, August 15
Spent the morning getting styledby tasks done then drove over to Baltimore to do a little last minute back to school shopping + get dinner with Sam. We hadn’t seen each other in nearly two months so we had plenty to talk about. It felt so good to be back together again.
Outfit Details— tee: H&M, pants: Princess Polly, shoes: Steve Madden, tote: Aurelle, necklaces: Gorjana, rings: Gorjana, bracelets: Gorjana
Tuesday, August 16
A little bit of study abroad prep this morning—printing passports, getting euros, and filming a few packing Tik Toks. Dad and I got Chick-fil-A for lunch and I came home to the sweetest surprise… beautiful flowers from my sweet LTK team wishing me well with my senior year abroad. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by the best people.
Outfit Details— tee: H&M, bike shorts: Aerie, sneakers: Converse, bag: Lululemon, necklaces: Gorjana, rings: Gorjana, bracelets: Gorjana
Wednesday, August 17
More study abroad prep happening today… trying to film a viral Tik Tok series, enjoying my final few dinners with the fam and getting to catch up with old friends. A day well spent!
Outfit Details— top: SheIn, shorts: Halara, shoes: New Balance, bag: Lululemon, necklaces: Gorjana, rings: Gorjana, bracelets: Gorjana
Thursday, August 18
After much procrastination I decided today was the day I’d finally sit down and pack. I had so many clothes set aside and only two suitcases to bring… needless to say, narrowing everything down took me nearly all day. After a painful few hours I was finally able to get it under 50 pounds. Phew!
Outfit Details— romper: SheIn, shoes: Target, bag: Lululemon, necklaces: Gorjana, rings: Gorjana, bracelets: Gorjana
Friday, August 19
Last day in the United States, agh! Started my day off on a hot girl walk with one of my bestie’s moms—I always love catching up while I’m home. I then packed up the rest of my stuff, treated myself to a mani-pedi and enjoyed one last dinner at the Hornet’s Nest. Afterward I went over to see the Manions and say our last college goodbye. Crazy how the years have flown!
Outfit Details— tee: H&M, shorts: Princess Polly, shoes: SheIn, bag: Lululemon, necklaces: Gorjana, rings: Gorjana, bracelets: Gorjana
Saturday, August 20
Starting my European adventure today! I had a few hard goodbyes and then three (yes, I know, tragic) flights— Baltimore to NYC, to Amsterdam, to Florence. Getting over the jet lag, reuninting with my roomies, and settling in to the place I’ll call home for the rest of the year. What a day!
Outfit Details— crewneck: Aerie, pants: Petal and Pup, sneakers: Steve Madden, bag: Lululemon, necklaces: Gorjana, rings: Gorjana, bracelets: Gorjana