2014. No expectations.

The new year always comes with so many expectations. It forces people to make goals to improve themselves and their lives. And if they don't achieve these goals, there is a sense of failure. I know for me personally, I make a list every year. Not for anyone but myself. The list tends to go something like this:

1. Work-out 4-5 times/week.

2. Accomplish 10 things on my bucket list.

3. Eat healthier. 

4. Be more spontaneous. 

5. Read my bible every day.

Now, these things aren't bad things to strive towards. But most aren't attainable in my everyday life. I get busy. I forget to read my Bible sometimes. I shovel Chick-fil-A down my throat weekly. I don't make time to work out and I don't really like being spontaneous. So why should you try and be something you aren't? 

In my opinion, the whole "New year, new me" thing doesn't make much sense. You are who you are. Just because the date changes, doesn't mean you will. Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with trying to improve yourself. In fact, that's what I strive to do daily. I want to be a better version of myself. 

Take the pressure off of yourself. Don't give into the expectations of this world. Do what you want to do. Make this your year and live it the way you want. Don't have expectations or do. Change something about yourself or don't. Make this YOUR year. 

These are some things I strive towards everyday, not just for 2014:

Make way for the new. 

Surround yourself with positive people. 

Take time for yourself. 

Follow your arrow. 

Constantly challenge yourself. 

Don't stress the could haves, would haves, or should haves. 

Be brave.

Read and learn.  

Find joy in the ordinary. 

Let your past make you better, not bitter. 

Start each day with a grateful heart. 

Be adventurous.

Wherever you are, be all there. 

Think less, live more. 

Forget the rules....if you like it, wear it. 

Do small things with great love.

Believe in yourself and all that you are. 

Dance even if you don't think you're good. 

Pray without ceasing.

Find beauty in everything. 

Focus on how you feel, not how much is on the scale. 

Take risks. 

Collect moments, not things. 

Be a girl with a mind, a woman with attitude and a lady with class. 

Follow your heart but take your brain with you. 

Don't find your worth in others, find it in Christ. 

So many awesome things happened for me in 2013. I joined the best sorority on campus and gained 80+ sisters. I finished out my freshman year and moved out of a dorm that became my home. I became best friends with my hallmates. I spent time with my family. I finally picked a major. I celebrate my nineteenth birthday. I went to the best concerts ever. I spent way too much time on social media. I learned a lot about myself. And I grew up. I can't wait to see what this year holds as I try to live and believe this:

"I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ. I prosper in everything I lay my hand to. I have gifts and talents, and God is using me. I operate in the fruit of the Spirit. I walk in love. Joy flows through me." 

-from Joyce Meyer's "The Confident Woman"

be kind.work hard.stay humble.smile often.stay loyal.keep honest.travel when possible. never stop learning.be thankful.always love. 

2014: Bring it. 

-k

it's been awhile.

So I kinda took a really long hiatus from blogging. Whoops!

Before I was focusing so much on how many views I got and making sure that my posts were being seen instead of just doing it for myself. 

I want this blog to be my creative outlet. 

Something that will hopefully inspire others.

This is a place for me to be my complete self and let people know what's going on in my life! 

I hope I actually get back into the swing of things. I might even do a revamp of my entire blog. 

We'll see. 

Until then here's what I've been up to lately on Instagram!

Just doing hoodrat stuff with my friends. 

But really the opposite. 

Stay blessed x0

Dorm Decorating 101

Helllooo my beautiful readers. 

Today I have decided to create a post for all the girls going to college for the first time in the fall. Decorating an 8x11 space can be challenging and the stress from trying to figure out the perfect layout is not something you want to deal with. 

I have gotten a lot of interest through Pinterest regarding my personal dorm room! So I have included pictures from my dorm and a few helpful tips and tricks from how to decorate, to where to shop. And I may even do another post later listing what you need to bring with you to survive the dorm experience.

 :-)

Tip #1: 

Set A Budget and Communicate with your Roomie

The budget is the most important thing, people (besides talking to the person you will live with for the next 10 months!!). How much are you willing to spend on your temporary home? Is your roommate going to spend the same amount as you, or contribute to the decorating at all? Will you do a matching color scheme? (I really hope so)

If you are like me, I'm detail oriented and very specific on what I like and do not like. I am also a very visual person and appreciate design. Therefore, I was willing to spend more time and slightly more money to get what I wanted. 

My roommate and I decided early on that we didn't want to spend too much money. 

Also figure out your needs. 

For the basics I spent: 

Bedding: $65 total- comforter, sheets, mattress topper [Target]

Pillows: $30 total- fabric & stuffing [DIY pillows made by our Moms]

Rug: $20 [IKEA]

Lamps: $20- floor lamp & desk lamp [IKEA]

Curtain: $20 [Target]

Fridge: Free [thanks Jared!]

Printer: Free [thanks Daddy!]

Fan: $15-$25

Alright so those are the basics for you what you will see in the pictures below. This does not include our christmas lights, monogram canvas, command strips and storage. 

Tip #2:

Make the Most of Storage and your Layout

It helps to know the layout of your dorm ahead of time. Most schools have some kind of orientation so make sure you try and find a room similar to the one you will be living in! You don't want to be overwhelmed (like we were) when you get there. 

Also know what all comes in the room. Most traditional college dorms will include (per person) 1 chest of drawers, 1 tall wardrobe, 1 desk and chair, and the bed. 

Decide if you want to loft your bed. Lofting can be a scary thought, but it allows for much more room if you do the layout right. We opted for an L-shaped layout which allowed for our chest of drawers under the bed and us each having our "own side." Having your own section of space is important, especially in your shoe box dorm room. 

We totally guessed when it came to layout and luckily it worked out the best for us! Many people changed their's throughout the year, but we stuck with ours because we loved it so much. 

Picture of the layout. Our wardrobes were both next to the door. 

Tip #3:

Bring the Necessities. NO CLUTTER ALLOWED.

See that picture above? Notice how everything has it's place? Here's another of my roommate's side. 

 Everything has it's place. 

DO NOT BRING EVERYTHING IN YOUR DRAWERS AT HOME. 

It's not necessary. You can live without the 5 bottles of Bath and Body Works lotion and 10 different journals and notepads. I promise. 

Clutter=stress. You will already be stressed enough taking on a new place, new people, and classes. Bring what you know you will need [post on that to come later.]

Also, try to keep everything compartmentalized. This will cut back on clutter immensely! 

Remember: the longer you are there, the more stuff you will accumulate over time! Keep this in mind when deciding what all you need to bring on move-in day. 

Tip #4: 

Make your Dorm Room feel like Home

Besides the budget, this is on of the most important things! You have to try and make your temporary home feel like an actual home. 

Add personal touches...

Monogram anything that doesn't move. Bring your favorite stuffed animal(s). Add a rug and pictures from home. Paint your favorite quote on a canvas. Stick to a calming and warm color scheme. 

My room at home has always matched so when I came to school I knew I would have to have the same. Again, I'm slightly OCD so I love a good color scheme. We finally decided on blue, yellow, and grey which we loved! 

My favorite part of the room would have to be the christmas lights. We knew from the beginning we wanted lights and we searched Pinterest for months before my clever roommate found something we both liked. We took 2 strands of regular white lights and our excess fabric from our pillows, cut them into strips, and tied them in knots around the strands. Our original idea was to have them go around the whole room but we were happy enough to have them draped along the wall. We got the most compliments on our lights. 

Added lamps and lights creates a nice ambience and reminds me of home. 

I hope you all found this post helpful! I will be posting a list of what to bring soon! Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions in the comments below. 

Thanks for checking up with me :-) 

Here's some more pics of our little shoe box! 

My side: the lovely fridge and printer. 

Our Ikea rug! 

-k 

brights+dots+flowers

Hey ya'll! 

This is my first type of post like this so it's going to be a work in progress. I want to do more posts like this so give me your feedback if you like what you see ;-)

I wanted to take a walk around before dinner with my little brother and we found these adorable places and decided to take some pictures! 

Outfit Details:

Shirt J. Crew Factory//Shorts J. Crew Factory//Shoes Vince Camuto {similar here}//Necklace Mart find {similar here}// spike bracelet Nordstrom {similar here}// link bracelet {similar here} and watch Mart find

-k

summer essentials: HATS

Next up on my list of must-have for summer: the perfect hat! 

My brother always tells me that I'm not a hat person, but I refuse to believe him. Mostly because I'm constantly looking for the perfect hat. 

Hats not only protect you from the sun, but also from the disaster of a bad hair day. 

So, continuing in my never-ending search I have found the cutest possible hats I could find that I believe look good on almost anybody. 

These are a few of my favorite hat styles for the summer: 

{Panama}

A wide-brimmed fedora, this hat dresses up any casual summer outfit. 

(image via stephaniesterjovski)

^^LOVE her website!

(image via popofstyle)

{Floppy}

Always a southern staple. Perfect for the beach or a low country boil! 

(image via barefootblonde)

(image via threadsense)

(image via twigsandsand)

{Headband/Headwrap}

I know this technically isn't a hat but whatever. It still goes on your head, right?

(image via refinedstylefashion) 

(image via refusestolabel)

Of  course if you're like me, you'll usually go for the ol' baseball cap to cover up the mane. 

Which hat will you be rocking this summer?

Thanks for checkin' out this post! Stay on the lookout for the next item on the essentials list coming later on this week. 

Love ya'll. 

-k 

summer essentials: SUNNIES

Everyone needs a good pair of sunglasses (or numerous pairs that are continuously lost & replaces). The trick is not only finding ones that fit your face, but also make you feel good. 

"With my sunglasses on, I'm Jack Nicholson. Without them, I'm fat and 60."

^^ I can totally relate, Jack. 

I always go with the most hipster-looking ones I can find just because I can. And because honestly they make me feel invincible. Weird, I know. 

 here are some of my favorite frames: 

{the classic aviators}

AND they can be unisex

 can you say HAY ZAC EFRON

{the cateye}

 

meow. 

{the wayfarer}

also unisex: 

hottie rob.

{round}

I'm a sucker for these. So hippie chic. 

ughh. so perf. 

These are my own favorites that I got from Target. Love them! 

Now go out, buy yourself a new pair of sunnies, and conquer the world. 

-k

{OOTD}

Here's what I wore to work today... my 2 favorite brands of all time. 

Vince Camuto and J. Crew

Ahh...how I love them so. :-)

Follow me on Instagram, too: @kyliegibbs

-k

summer essentials

 

Can I get an AMEN for it being summer in the south?

Pool time. BBQ. Freckles. Ice cream. Late nights. 

(random list of things i love about summer) 

Sandals. Hats. Bikinis. Sundresses. Wedges. Sunglasses.

(list of must-haves for summer)

This week I will be posting each day a summer item every girl needs to own. 

Be on the lookout. :-)

-k

I'm back, baby

Sorry to have abandoned my blog for the past month and a half. I've found little inspiration as of late, BUT recently I have stumbled upon some things which have reignited my love for blogging. I can't wait to start sharing more about my life and my style. 

One of the main reasons I stopped posting is because I was scared no one was reading my blog and that I was doing it all for nothing. But I am done thinking with that mindset. 

This is the new mantra. 

I hope only good things are ahead and that this small blog will continue to grow as I grow with it. 

xoxo, 

-k

Something today, to inspire you tomorrow

Think Happy Thoughts. 

Choose to see the good things. 

Forget about the bad things. 

Such a great daily reminder. 

Happy late Tuesday! 

xoxo, Kylie

Currently Crushing: Anna Sophia Robb

I've been watching The Carrie Diaries on Hulu lately and I'm a little obsessed with Anna Sophia. She has such a timeless look and amazing acting chops. Not to mention adorable style to boot.

Here are some of my favorites of her.

Simple beauty look. 

And from The Carrie Diaries

So fab. 

xoxo Kylie

OMG I have a Blog.

I can't believe that I actually have a life & style blog!!! I'm so excited to begin this journey and I cannot wait to see where it takes me. 

I'm currently attending what is now called the University of North Georgia as a Marketing Major and recently became a part of Phi Mu Fraternity!

My family and friends are my world. God is my Rock. 

I believe in.....
 -the power of a good hair day
-not wearing makeup sometimes
-the freedom of dancing like a fool
-watching Netflix in bed all day

I'm not what one would call "outdoorsy" but I sure as heck love the North GA mountains. They can cure a world of woes. 

I might think I'm dating multiple celebrities. It's fine. 

I don't believe in....
-waking up early
-holding back tears
-washing my hair everyday
-wearing tennis shoes with anything other than Norts

Go Dawgs, sic 'em. 

My motto stands: a healthy dinner=an unhealthy amount of dessert. 

Freckles are my favorite. 

I'm fiercely independent and strong-willed. 
But I'm also insanely bossy.

Pink is my signature color. 

I love anything and everything about the South but I dream everyday of being in the city. 

I don't pick favorites. I love all things vintage and girly. I try to find beauty in everything and I love being inspired daily. 

//Which lead me to start this blog. This is where all my inspirations, my dreams, my thoughts will all come together//

Enjoy.
kisses+hugs,

-Kylie