Blended

Lately my life has been a blur of working on finals and rewatching Girls. As you can imagine, that hadn't left much time for taking blog pictures. I'm going to try to be better about that. Bet you've never heard that one from a fashion blogger before! 

Despite the stressors of school and the relationship turmoil among Hannah and her pals, I'm feeling pretty optimistic. I am planning on moving back to Alaska with my wonderful boyfriend after graduation (which is only 8ish months away)! Also, this term I took a class called Writing for Fashion and though I hated actually going to the class, I loved blending my love of words and fashion. I might see about creating a career for myself somewhere between the worlds of writing and style, but of course, that might just be my plan this month. 

I guess I should say a bit about my outfit. I love this top but struggled with it because I don't really like wearing just tank tops under things and typically loathe wearing bras. However, this bra from Victoria's Secret was super easy to wear underneath it, because the light colors blended in just enough but not too much. Also trying the whole literal-boyfriend-boyfriend-jean thing again, and one thing I can say is that it's super convenient to have such deep pockets.

Nike Suede Vintage Sneakers | Eric's Jeans | T-Back Bra (Similar) | Nordstrom Peter Pan Top

All There

 "Wherever You Are, Be All There." 

Maybe it's the sunshine talking, but I'm feeling pretty damn alive lately. I have always been the kind of person who feels emotions very deeply, which is both a blessing and a curse, but I have not always been the kind of person who embraces it. I'm still not really, but every once and a while I get a peek into what life is like when you live it 'all there', and I realize all over again how mesmerizing and stupidly wonderful life can be. Today was one of those days for me, and I feel like my outfit reflected that. Outfits are more than just a "style", to me, they're an emotion, and today's emotions were happy, lively, grateful, and all there.

Low-Rise Wide-Leg Patch Jeans - Urban Outfitters | Braided Halter Top - Urban Outiftters | Bracelet - H&M

Instagram Update: April Edition

My life has been so busy lately, which is great. I love being busy. Between meeting some of my boyfriend's family for the first time, Easter, school, modeling, and blogging, my days have been pretty full! Luckily, a lot of these things made for great Instagram posts. (That's what life's all about, right?) 

Anyway, the weather today in Portland is pretty nasty, so I thought today would be a good day to share a few of my favorite Instagram moments from the past few weeks with you. I hope you enjoy. <3

Don't forget to follow my Instagram! @kenziereese16

Heart of Gold

 Today was such a busy and productive day for me. I've been busy with applying for scholarships and keeping up with school. (Finals are coming up!) In about an hour, I'm going to head out to a casting call for Portland Fashion Week. They're looking for models and wanted to meet with me, so that's excited! In between all the busyness, as always, I took the time to take some outfit photos. Blogging is my favorite part of my day, aside from when I get to come home and snuggle my cat for the rest of the evening. (I'm not as lame as I sound.) Lately, I've been finding comfort and happiness in the little things. Today, a breeze went buy and it felt so good while wearing this flow-y top, I just had to stop and smile. When you're having a busy day, I think it best to focus on the little things; it keeps you grounded. 

Top - Urban Outfitters | Jeans - GAP | Bra - Free People | Boots - Free People | Watch - Anthropologie

Acutely Aware

 Hey everyone. I am feeling so refreshed and energized today. It seems like I am never at a neutral state. When I'm sad, it might only last a day, but it feels so deep and hopeless. When I'm happy though, I feel like every breath I take is such a beautiful experience. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that music has a huge effect on my mood. I've been listen to music with a specific purpose in mind, and the purpose in mind is to feel grateful and happy. Not happy in a sappy way, but in a genuine way, and in an aware way. I guess the word would be enlightened. A quote that comes to mind is one by Sylvia Plath, it best describes what I'm feeling lately, and what I want for myself.

"I want to become acutely aware of all I have taken for granted."

I have a March playlist to share with you guys later. It's just kind of a state-of-mind for March playlist; songs that make me feel this way, I guess. I hope you all become acutely aware of all you have taken for granted, even just for a moment today. <3

Shorts - Urban Outfitters | Sweater - Urban Outfitters | and Necklace - Urban Outfitters | Clogs - Free People

Do You Realize?

 Hey everyone. I haven't posted in a while. School has been kind of hectic (yay midterms) and I've had family visiting me throughout the month. I go through phases of great discouragement and great inspiration, and I guess this month has been more on the side of discouragement. I'm not sure why, exactly. Maybe there is no reason. When I feel discouraged and defeated like that, I often retreat into my own little world (which usually is located on my bed). I guess I'm kind of over emotional, and the littlest things can sometimes impact my entire week. I read a quote this morning; I'm not sure who it was by, but it was basically saying that you shouldn't compare your life to others, because our lives are all journeys, and those journeys are specific to each of us. So if someone has things or relationships or opportunities in their lives that you wish you had, remember life isn't a race or some big list you need to check things off of as soon as possible - Enjoy your time, and enjoy your wait. I'm not sure I've fully come to realize this yet, though I've certainly come to understand it. 

Top - BP@Nordstrom | Sweater - BP@Nordstrom | Shorts - Forever21 | Troopa Boots - Steve Madden

InstaUpdate!

 A little bossy, but whatever.

 Just some doodling I did while listening to music, in between Tumblr "reblogs".

 A silhouette painting I did of Bob Dylan. My obsession only grows stronger with age.

 A shameless selfie. A "mirror pic", no less! Can't stop... Won't stop...

 This is Portland's "snow storm". Adorable! In all seriousness, I would like to thank the city of Portland for being so overwhelmingly safe. I enjoyed not leaving my apartment for three days - Sincerely!

 Isn't this cozy, and so tumblr of me?

 Kind of, sort of, madly in love with these clogs. If it has an ankle strap in any way, I want it.

 Duck fat fries while bowling! For every carbohydrate burned, two more were gained!

 Venturing out during my retailing class to see how other stores decorated. This little store got the dang thing done I thought!

 Bob and the Monster! If you're a fan of Thelonious Monster, Red Hot Chili Peppers, or the early 1980s Hollywood punk scene, watch this movie. I was feeling totally inspired after.

 I just love the way my cat somehow takes on the shape of a cinnamon roll or some other dough-y substance when she's laying down. Her wedging herself between my boyfriend and I just sort of added to the cuteness.

 Gorgeous shoes spied in a waiting room. On my feet, no less.

 Kitty and Lisa Frank had one wild night by the looks of it. Better let her sleep this one off.

 Obsession growing with age, blahblahblah.

Free People. Need I say any more?

I hope you guys enjoy these posts because I really enjoy posting them! It's nice to recap and remind myself of all the little moments I've compiled. I completely forgot about how much fun Matt and I had snuggling up for Bob and The Monster, and how delicious those duck fat fries were when bowling. Hopefully I'll be able to get back to some outfit photos once the weather turns into something a little more pleasing!