So for this post, I channeled my inner Lorde. I put on dark clothing and found jewelry items/accessories I would never have put together before. I then lined my lips with Truly Burgundy Colour Riche L'Oreal Lip Liner and filled them in with Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in the shade Plum Perfect. 

***Note: If you came here for unicorns, you'll be disappointed. Nothing else rhymes with uniform, but I think we can move past this misunderstanding***

 You know that one item in your closet that you've had forever and you don't know how to style it? You think "one day I'll find a way to wear this" but here you are years later, still holding onto that item of clothing? In reality, the only reason you have kept this item is because it has sentimental value in your life and memories, not because you'll actually wear it again. 
Well mine is my uniform skirt from high school. 

I had been wearing a uniform for 6 years and the idea of not wearing a uniform to school was odd to me. Instead of getting rid of mine, which I assume every other female Trinity graduate did two years ago when we graduated, I put mine in the back of my closet and every time I would go through it, I would pretend it wasn't there.
For me, it's truly not because I want to go back to high school (I mean high school was cool and all but we all have to move forward) but when you have it in your closet for multiple years you're like "well where else would it be?"
So for this shoot I brought this sucker out, brushed it off and wanted to take it from an old uniform skirt to something that can actually be worn on a day-to-day basis. I then ventured over to good ol' Trin and frolicked in the rain on the soccer field like i did every day of middle and high school. 

I can't believe I'm saying this, but The Sweltering Sweater turned 1 last week!

In typical Kaylie fashion (I'm late to everything) I am behind on getting this post up. The actual date was May 12th. I must say, it has been quite a marvelous year. This blog started out with myself and Angi and some sweet iPhonography. Since then, multiple talented photographers, 33 outfits, and many hours of editing (and I mean MANY hours of editing) have made this blog what it is today.

 I have learned so much (and continue to learn) about the blogging world. It's very scary putting yourself out there for people because you never know how they are going to react. I have also gained knowledge about the fashion world, both the strengths and the weaknesses. My main goals in creating this blog were to use my creative skills, cultivate my love for fashion and to encourage my readers that you are beautiful exactly as you are. To quote 'the beauty construct' by Nayyirah Waheed, (a Tumblr poet, you can see her Tumblr page here),

 "you see your face. you see a flaw. how. if you are the only one who has this face."

I want to remind all my readers that you are all #flawless in a way no one else is. You are the only one with your face, your body and your personality. Thank you for the kindness, encouragement and support you have shown me. This year was incredible and I can't wait to see what the next one brings!

My dress is from the Mossimo brand at Target. My belt is also from Mossimo.

BEAUTY:

Seven Oil: This stuff is amazing! You can use it for moisturizer for your skin or for your hair. (My only advice for hair is not to use it near your scalp because that can make the hair appear greasy) Because I regularly style my hair with heated tools, my naturally curly hair can easily become dry/damaged looking and worst of all FRIZZY! This oil has helped bring life back into my curly locks

EOS hand lotion: My parents gave me this for valentines day this year, but I opened it a week ago :P Not only does this lotion make my skin soft and smooth, but the shape of the bottle is convenient and fits in tiny places. You can put it in your purse, backpack or in your jean pockets (Yes, even womens skinny jeans!)

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser: Most people use this to erase dark circles or to blur their pores to look younger. Even though that is a benefit of the product, it also is a great highlighter and brightener for your face! I don't do contouring (mostly because I'm not really good at it) but when I do I use this to give me a glow.
MUSIC:
Four Walls by Brood

Lean on by Major Lazer

PODCAST:

Anything and Everything by Alyssa and Jefferson Bethke. They are very encouraging and SUPER funny! I love how they make traditional ideas contemporary and relevant

Happy Friday lovebugs! For this post I wanted to try something different (I actually didn't plan this, it just worked out beautifully) and do a post that featured items and styles from previous posts. 

To begin, you may recognize this Forever 21 top from a post I did with Aurora Peterson last August (seen here). It is so comfy and perfect for spring time because it is thick enough to keep you warm on a rainy day, but light enough that you aren't overheated. Plus the shape/size doesn't obscure your body shape and the detailing on the front gives it a feminine feel. 

The shoes (seen here) are from Target and they were in the clearance section! I love the way that they match my pants and how the two pieces add a pop of spring color to freshen up the look. 

Although these bow earrings (also from Forever 21) have not been featured in a post before, I thought they were a smooth transition from my last post and keeping with the bow theme.

Let me know what you think about doing more Flashback Friday posts in the future or your thoughts on this outfit in the comments below!