Baby I.

"I get all tongue-tied and twisted.

I can't explain what I'm feeling.

And I say baby, baby, baby."

-Ariana Grande.

5AM starts to the day are unnatural. And yet, I found myself (in a cloudy state of mind, by the way) reflecting on where I am and where I'm going. Literally, in a year from now, I could be waking up to the sunrise of the London skyline instead of the Nashville view. In six months, I could be wedding planning with my sister for life or be getting new pictures of my soon-to-be niece/nephew. In three months, I could be hanging out with my family, buying a Christmas tree and pretending to have a "white Christmas" although California coast weather does not permit such a thing. I really don't know what's going to happening. But I can just be right here and right now.

Despite complicated and somewhat bad planning, I ended up at the Cheesecake Factory tonight with three other girls that just make my heart so happy. Sitting around a booth with these ladies while telling stories about high school make life in the moment more worthwhile. By no means are we wild and crazy chicks, but that's not me anyways. Sitting on the couch, watching JT on SNL and stuffing my cake with Kahlua-cake dessert is what I want in this time of my life. Singing pop music in the car is what I need to be doing in this moment. 

Always cherish the journey. It can get dark. It can be rough. But always, always, cherish the journey. It's the best motto I know and life is greater than ever before.

PS: Check out my first ever published article, everyone! I'm finally proud of myself for getting something out there and focusing on what I love.

http://belmontvision.com/2013/09/some-like-it-hot-nashvilles-hot-chicken-craze/

Wrecking Ball.

"Don't you ever say

I just walked away.

I will always 

want you."

-Miley Cyrus.

TGIF, literally. It's been the longest week and probably the most stressful one I've ever had in college so far. Hence my lack of updates and posts. But it's all been exciting nonetheless. I'm quite stoked about what's to come in my future and I'm gaining confidence in myself...WHAT. That's a first in the book of Kelly. 

As the days and weeks go on, I'll keep you guys in the loop. Mainly, the news has been about the same stuff: journalism, weddings, London. The future looks beautiful and bright and I can't begin to express my love for my life right now. Life is just a blessing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, here's my unpopular opinion: OBSESSED with this song and video. These lyrics just hit in all the right places of the heart and the video is artistic. People need to get over the controversy of naked people. Excuse me, but if you are my age and you're offended by seeing side boob and awkward tanlines near certain areas, you need to grow up and get out. We all know what the opposite sex looks like without clothes...not a big deal. She looks beyond beautiful and even though I'm not the biggest Miley fan out there, she's doing her thing and i DIG it. Props to you, Miley. 

Who You Love.

"Oh, you can't make yourself

stop dreaming who you're dreaming of.

If it's who you love,

then it's who you love."

-John Mayer & Katy Perry.

I abandoned you last night. I'm so sorry. My drowning in equestrian club numbers and AP style writing resulted in an irresponsible blogger moment. Really now, you may think I'm being facetious but I honestly mean my apology. It makes my heart ache when I can't tend to my online diary. 

Fashion Week is over tomorrow (say whaaaa!!), but here are some of my favorite from the past couple of days. I'm so excited for next spring!

If I ever have the chance to wear any designer, Marchesa will be my number one. Love this white two-piece ensemble. Intricately beautiful.

Nanette Lepore knows just the right amount of girly-girl to add to her line. This multi-colored floral piece is cute and flirty and wonderful.

Forever praising Michael Kors. Just go check out this show. IT'S SO GOOD I CAN'T EVEN HELP MYSELF. OBSESSED.

Great handiwork, J. Mendel. Hands down best design technique right there.

This gown literally just gave me chills. Like, I'm about to cry because this dress is too beautiful for words. This, my friends, is where fashion becomes art. Speechless, Naeem Khan. Definitely one of my top favorite designers now.

If this lavender piece alone doesn't make you love Badgley Mischka, you better reevaluate your life choices. Amazing show, guys.

Last but not least, my man, Marc Jacobs. This line you have created is too rad. The sneakers, the menswear inspiration, you've done it all. Always a fan.

Also, time to start my promotion of my new campus rep position for the Serengetee brand! I'm so excited to be a part of this cool company with an amazing mission. Basically, this site sells different products from shorts to tees to crop tops with patches of cultural-inspired prints on them. There is everything tribal you can imagine, plus country and state flags and the occasional limited print. These clothes are just plain rad and they have a charitable cause to back it up. For every purchase, 5% is donated to one of many charities around the world. Some stand up for education, some fund medical needs, and they all make a difference for the better in someone else's life. Like I said before, I'm beyond stoked to work with this incredible company that has sweet goals and high values. 

Check out the Serengetee Facebook page and here is a link to the site if interested in buying yourself a dope shirt:

http://serengetee.com/

Old Pine.

"The summer shone

beat down on bony backs,

so far from home

where the ocean stood..."

-Ben Howard.

Switching things up for tonight. Sure, I'm missing out on some of the best that Fashion Week has to offer. But tonight means so much more to me than anything.

My sweet friend, Nikki, and I went on a yoga date. Quality time with this Southern miss is always filled with deep talks and little laughs that make my heart quite happy. Even though it's only been a bit over a year that we've known one another, I feel as if I could trust her with my biggest secrets, which is a huge stepping stone in my friendship path.

As she told me the story of how she recently is now in a relationship (!!!!!), I couldn't help but admire how beautiful of a person she truly is. She is completely genuine and honest in all of her intentions; she means every word she says and every action she does. Seeing her from the inside out, she has a kind soul and an open heart filled with grace and Southern charm. She's got a voice like sweet tea (not my own observation, but a compliment paid to this pretty lady months ago) and a light shining inside herself brighter than the sunshine on the shores of Florida. She's all winter weather and country roads. And that's only the beginning of her.

Long car rides with this wandering soul are so refreshing and I couldn't have asked for better timing with this one. I can't wait to see what our sophomore years and so forth will lead to. Not only in our friendship, but in her optimistic future. 

I'm so lucky to have blessings like Nikki in my life. 

When A Heart Breaks.

"This isn't easy.

This isn't clear.

And you don't need Jesus

til you're here."

-Ben Rector.

Before I start boring you with my Fashion Week rants, I have a special shout out to make. So, my roommate's third cousin (yes, I know, that's hardly a relation) is a young girl named Kelcey. She and my roommate grew up playing together and hanging out for the majority of their lives. Although distance has made them grow apart in the later years, my roommate's love for Kelcey is huge. 

You see, Kelcey has Hodgkin's lymphoma and has been fighting for about three years. Due to her illness, Make-A-Wish offered to take her greatest dream and let her meet One Direction. When the time came near, Kelcey became too ill and couldn't participate. But this dream could not be squashed. Kelcey's family members (including my roommate, Kelly) started reaching out on Facebook and Twitter to get Harry Styles to at least tweet this sweet girl. 

In hopes that possibly a trend would amount, I listened to Kelly's story about Kelcey and immediately tweeted the hashtag, #harrytweetkelcey. Within hours, it spread like wildfire all over social media, reaching radio stations, fan clubs and even celebrities like Katie Couric and Jason Mraz. 

And this afternoon, her wish was granted. I just want to say a massive thank you to Harry Styles for being a true gentleman and treating a fan to their dream. I'm so grateful for your tweet (and follow) of hope for that precious girl's life. Mr. Styles, I respect so much more than ever before. I also want to pray and send all my love to Kelcey and her family for all they have gone through. You are an inspiration and I'm hoping for the absolute best.

Thank you for allowing me to share that story. It means the world. 

Now, fashion. Here are some of my favorite looks for you to  "oooh" and "ahhh" over.

Band of Outsiders.

Diane von Furstenburg.

Vivienne Tam.

Thakoon. 

(One of my favorite lines of the season so far.)

Victoria Beckham.

DKNY.

Derek Lam.

Tracy Reese.

Lela Rose.

Monique Lhuillier. (OBSESSED, MUCH.)

Tom Ford.

"I don't pop molly,

I rock Tom Ford.

International

bring back the Concorde."

-Jay-Z.

Pretty sure you know the standard of this week by now. New lines premiered, new opinions and favorite looks unveiled. But before I begin, quick recap of my day today.

1. Hot Chicken about killed my mouth and lips and body. Too much spice, too little tolerance.

2. I am in dire need to go learn how to ride a horse. What a cool sport.

3. Being outgoing may be stepping outside my box, but every time, I am grateful for the experience I get and the people I meet.

4. My BR family is honestly filled with some of the greatest people. So excited to get to know them even better in weeks to come.

Shall we begin?

Goodness me. Alexander Wang outdid himself. No wonder I'm so in love with his designs and aesthetic. He just...gets me. This little number is grey yet fabulous with the babydoll ruffle look. Love this silhouette.

Let me repeat myself: white is the hot color for spring. I'm calling it now. Although this Alexander Wang look is geared toward the first season of next year, I'm pretty sure this dress is simply classic. Good for business and trendy for clubs. 

Pajama/menswear chic, much? I'm a sucker for that collar, but the styling is what really draws me in. Love those boxer-like shorts and the revealing button-down. Too good, Mr. Wang.

Leather meets sporty was the Kenneth Cole look for spring. Hoodies are just plain rad and I quite like the  cool girl look about this. 

This Ciacobbe piece better be worn on some carpet whether it be a premiere or an awards show or something. It's so futuristic and classy, how could someone not? 

I'M SO OBSESSED WITH THIS OH MY GOODNESS. Ah, a little black dress just melts my cold heart. Jill Stuart, bravo. I love you for this piece.

This picture does not do this outfit justice. The effect of this Herve Leger by Max Azria look is filled with 3-D movement and I love those tassles. Fashion-forward in my point of view. Hotpants, cropped jacket, perfection.

No wonder I've loved you long time, Lacoste. This sheer, white pantsuit is modern and fresh and so not you. But I'm loving this direction. The monochrome trend you got going on is not dying anytime soon. I respect that.

Maybe I'm mistaken, but Rebecca Taylor seems to have lost her super girly edge. (Forgive me if this is not true...I'm losing my mind at the lack of sleep.) White leather skirt = beautiful in every sense. YES.

**Pending**--Still waiting on Monique Lhuillier. Brief synopsis: flowy gowns and pretty silhouettes. Basically, it was love at first look.

Cough Syrup.

"Life's too short to 

even care at all, oh.

I'm losing my mind, losing my mind,

losing control, oh oh."

-Young the Giant.

Friday Five is a little different today. Due to the numerous amount of shows put on at the tents today and my lack of energy before bed, this will be short and sweet. Hopefully, tomorrow will be more fun than what it sounds like at the moment. Oh, the joys of waking up somewhat early on a weekend morning.

Best line of the day: Jason Wu. Bowing down forever to your cool and chic approach to the spring season. That black pantsuit is classic and white seems to be all the rage on the runway.

I just heard about Houghton not too long ago. And I was pleasantly surprised with what the show had to offer. Tons of forward looks, but I'm a sucker for hot pants and cropped sweaters. Too cute and so fresh.

Rebecca Minkoff always seems to know what she's doing. Sticking with the black and white trends that apparently are taking over the season of spring 2014, this look is delicate and rough all in one. My kind of power girl.

Peter Som, I like your stuff for the season. It's got a unique sophistication that is too hard to describe in mere words. But the design of this number is purely rad.

Prints galore all over Nicole Miller's line. This was the total highlight of the show for me...black and white and hot all over. What a structure standout.

The 90s were definitely present in the Rag&Bone collection. I'm all for some grunge fashion, especially when black overalls like these are involved. I'm on board, Rag&Bone.

Never heard of Nonoo before today. But with all of their collars and pastels, I was very impressed with what this brand has coming in its future. Simple silhouettes ruled this runway, but this short suit caught my eye instantly. Loving the mix of light blues and a short is sexy in my book.