A Much Needed 2023 Recap

It’s officially been one year since I graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. And while I had always planned on pursuing Styled by McKenz full-time, I never imagined being so… unsettled? If you know me, you know I’ve always been a planner. Always certain of where I am and where I’m going. And so I assumed that I would graduate from college, get an apartment, and begin working normal 9-5-ish hours for myself…from the comfort of my new home. 

News flash, this year was anything but that. Instead of moving across the country and planting roots in a new city, I left pieces of my heart scattered across the world. I’ve never identified as “wanderlust” but 8 countries, 19 states, and 46 flights later I’m starting to think I might be. 

This year reminded me that Styled by McKenz could be more than just black yoga pants on sale. It could be the opportunity to see the world and the privilege to bring my best friends along for the ride. So that’s what I did. 

Opportunity after opportunity presented themselves, each one harder to say no to than the last. Needless to say, I finished 2023 off with Southwest’s A-list status.

I’ve been all over the place—both figuratively and literally as I create content for hotels, resorts, and tourism boards around the world. It’s allowed me to wear my funky fashions in their intended destinations while feeding that growing “travel bug” seed that studying abroad planted in me.

I figured today I’d walk you through my year and all of its adventures. Buckle up… it’s going to be a long one! 

Started the year off strong with a week in Oahu, Hawaii. I brought my parents as a Christmas gift and had a blast showing them around. We did a luau, sunset sail, secret island beach day, and more. A trip I will never forget! 

First all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I brought my sorority big, Ally, as my plus one and we had the sweetest trip together. Velas Vallarta went all out for us with oceanfront massages and a private sunset picnic.

Off to Boston to reunite with my content besties Sam and Jules. It was a fun change of pace getting to be bundled up for a change. 

Then off to Denver—my first time in Colorado! A casual trip full of good food and fun, snowy fits! 

From Denver straight to New York City. I had my Carrie Bradshaw moment at New York City Fashion Week. Felt so good to be back in the city attending a few events and gifting suites with brands I love. 

Then off to Florida for a 2-week road trip with Sam’s family. We hit Orlando (my first time in Disney!), Sarasota, Miami, and Saint Pete… for the first time. After a fun-filled weekend, I knew that would be a destination I’d be revisiting over and over again! 

You might need a little refresher but I lived in Beverly Hills summer of 2022 as I finished up my college internship. I loved it so much and was almost positive I’d want to move back after y study abroad semester (August-December 2022) and graduation so I left my car parked out there. 

I didn’t end up moving back, clearly not quite ready to settle into a lease. So, I flew to California and drove around for a couple of road trip weeks. We hit Marina Del Ray, Hermosa Beach, San Diego and San Luis Obispo. It was so special being back!

@visitlasvegas flies us in for Saint Patrick’s Day! A weekend full of Irish pubs and good music. 

Flew home to Maryland and spent some time with the fam before packing my car and heading to….

Florida! At this point, I was wanting to slow down for a bit. Sam, Jules, and I booked an Airbnb in Saint Pete for 6 weeks. We swam every day, walked on the beach, went out with new friends each weekend, and laughed more than ever before. It was some of the most fun I’ve ever had. 

Best Western hired me for a 2 week, 5-city road trip. So we packed the car and started driving back north! The first stop was in Savannah, GA which was full of southern hospitality and spooky charm. 

Then Charleston, SC arguably one of my favorite places on earth. There’s just nowhere like it. 

First time in Charlotte, NC, and was shocked at how much I loved it. I can see why so many twenty-somethings end up moving here. 

And sleepy Wilmington, NC which I was so charmed by. 

The whole crew meets us in Nashville for our final stop. Celebrating my 22nd birthday with college friends, content friends, and the whole family. Couldn’t have asked for a better “final hoorah” of the road trip. 

I then paid a quick visit to Ocean City MD/NJ for Barefoot Country Music Fest. I’m still dreaming about how hot Riley Green looked on stage, haha. 

Let’s pack the car again and road trip to New England! I was so charmed by Cape Cod, Newport, RI, and Martha’s Vineyard. Plus, it was the perfect excuse to break out all of the “coastal grandaughter” pieces I was being sent. 

Off to Cabo for another all-inclusive stay. I got to bring my twin sissy along for the fun! This was another Velas property and they treated us like royalty spoiling us with poolside coconuts, cocktail-making classes, and private sunset beach picnics. 

From there I flew right to Jamaica for my first brand trip with Cheap Caribbean. Got to meet with their entire team while spending time with my sorority little, Logan, who joined me for the fun. We zip-lined, tubed, and got to play mermaids. 

Had to fit in some family time. Stayed a week in the northern woods of Wisconsin with my grandparents. Lots of golfing, fishing, and early happy hour-ing with them. Moments I’ll cherish forever!  

Our usual week of family vacation in the Outer Banks wasn’t enough for me… I insisted on two this year! There’s just nowhere like it. 

Off to Tulum for 10 days… reunited with my Naked Cowgirl crew to celebrate Jules’s 30th birthday. It was a trip like no other — we swam with bats in a cenote, ate $1 street tacos, and ran from dogs in the middle of the street. Needless to say, I’ll probably never forget that trip lol. 

At this point, I was really missing my people so I started making my rounds— OH to squeeze my college friends, WV to see my sissy, and IN for my manager’s wedding! 

Couldn’t get enough of the tropics. Skipped fall NYFW for a weekend in Key West, Florida, and had enough fun there to leave me hungover for a week. My college roommate Lauren came with me to celebrate her 23rd birthday and it was just the best mini weekend. 

I’m literally insane— let’s go to Europe for a month with a single pink suitcase. Starting off with ten days in Italy. A pinch-me moment being back exactly a year after studying abroad. Venice, Florence, and Rome are the ultimate itinerary. 

Flew from Italy to Copenhagen, Denmark for the week. I was amazed by its slowness and sustainability. 

Then to Ireland for a few days of fun. We did a little bit of everything— church tours, pub crawls, and a little countryside visit. 

Despite it being gloomy, I was pleasantly surprised by London. Somehow it was everything and yet nothing like I expected it to be, residential yet touristy all at once. 

Finishing the trip with a week of island hopping on a private yacht… in Greece… It’s been two months and I still can’t believe that happened to me. Working with Navigare was truly the highlight of my year. It was just Sam and I visiting a new island each day, jumping into the bluest water. As I slept in my little cabin on the boat with the window open, under a full moon, I couldn’t help but think my God, I’m living the dream.

Home from Europe and was craving sunshine and stability. So, I flew to Saint Pete to try and find a lease. 

But nothing felt quite right. And an irresistible opportunity presented itself at the start of 2024. So, let’s postpone moving a little while longer… might as well see NYC at Christmas for the first time! 

Had to squeeze in one last international trip before the year wrapped up. Had the best time in Punta Cana with Mike. We got to paraglide, snorkel, and spend some much-needed quality time together. 

Phew, back to reality. Home in Maryland for the holidays and soaking up this time with my family, reflecting on what a truly epic year I’ve had! 

It’s been one hell of a ride and I’m reminded each day how lucky I am to be chasing this dream. 

Thank you guys, for your endless love and support, and for giving me the freedom to follow my heart, wherever it may lead me. I can’t promise I’ll be settling down anytime soon… but I do know I’d love to have you stick around. Can’t wait to see where 2024 takes us together. 

All my love (from all over), McKenz