As the New Year falls upon us, I only hope that I can do better at keeping up with things and posting in a more timely manner on here. That said, yes this is such a late New Year's Eve outfit post. But did you really know exactly what to wear tonight anyways? Well if you didn't, you can look at it as a good thing because I've got you covered! For your celebrations tonight and into the new year, from dinner parties to plays to church wear, this outfit is intended for the nice evenings when you just want to get all dolled up.

 I actually wore this to the Nutcracker Ballet, seeing as the blush tones and the bows went along just perfectly with what I think of when I see the Nutcracker. Then it dawned on me how versatile the look was, and I couldn't wait to share it with you!

This top is from the chicest small online boutique called Shop Mazzy. It's amazing quality (seriously so soft), comes quickly from real people instead of just another factory, and the price is another selling factor in my books! I adore the shop and the people behind it, as they care so much for each of their customers in ensuring they are absolutely satisfied with their clothing.

With that said, I have become an ambassador for Shop Mazzy, as the reasons above just made it seem like the perfect fit for my style and the blog! So you can order the same top, along with so many more cute-as-can-be clothing items, and also receive an extra discount with my code KATLIN15 , just because you deserve to treat yourself every once in a while. Especially when it comes to looking nice and confident.

 I've already written a year recap type of post - see previous post on home page - that includes the greatest learning experiences from this past year. One of those being the realization that I should pursue being a personal stylist. God has just placed it on my heart to use this talent and passion for good and for the glory of Him and His kingdom, helping others to feel confident and find that they can place their worth in more than just their appearance, but in God himself.

 It's late at night writing this again, so I'm going to wrap it up. While things may not seem so clear, remember it's the faith that they will get better, the fog blocking your view from the end of the road will clear up in time as God reveals to you that everything can and will be turned to good. Even the things that may not seem so good in the moment. There's a purpose for it all. And I just pray for strength as we each go on our ways in pursuit of that purpose.

Well, I can now say that it has been quite the year. This Christmas was a good one. As I wrote on an Instagram post, I had everything I needed, and the only thing I could have wished for was that everyone be together again, rather than separate as we all have been so very much this year. I'm already planning next year, hoping to rent a few cabins up in the mountains for the family to all be in one place instead of scattered, just like the good old days.


I find it somewhat odd to reflect on a year. On one hand, it seems as though everything that happened throughout the year took place a million years ago. But on the other, it all seems so fresh, like it was just yesterday. It's the middle of the night writing this, so bear with my memory for a minute as I try to place what this year was even all about.

It was a pretty big year. I wrote on my very first magazine, not even just as a contributing basis, but as an actual team member of the magazine. I couldn't be more thankful for that learning experience that grew me as a person and as a writer. I went on my first trip unsupervised that I had planned all on my own - to NYC of all places. I honestly still have no idea what I was thinking not bringing along someone who knew the area and trying to be in charge of the plans. Safe to say, things are better left in God's hands, not mine. After all, I pretty much crack under any hint of pressure or crisis.

This year God has opened my eyes and expanded my mindset so greatly. I haven't really known what I was going to do, but recently God has been revealing to me that I should pursue becoming a personal stylist, to help others find their own style to be confident in and use it as a ministry opportunity as well.

The Lord has brought some incredible, God-loving friends into my life - people that I can laugh with, discuss heavy topics, and guide each other as we go about living Christ-centered lives. He has also brought challenges into my life - actually, that may have been my bad from wanting things now instead of waiting for Him to bring it into fruition, whoops. But He has used it for good, teaching me in areas of patience, trust, and witnessing to others.

Before this year, I hadn't realized some things that I do now. I have often talked about the waiting period on this blog, about how tough it is to be in that time of waiting for something - anything - to come through for you. But now I have a clearer view of the reason for the waiting. That reason being that timing is a crucial thing, and oftentimes I'm just not ready yet. I've been told time and time again to just go for it, you'll never be ready, just take the leap of faith right now when you want to. What's stopped me from turning those words into action? It didn't feel right. God placed it in my heart that no matter how much I want something right now in my way, that's not always the best way.

You see, there's a right time and place for everything, and if you're not in that right timing things will end up going all sorts of different than you had thought. Maybe I haven't had a chance with the guy I've been pining over for the past year and a half because I'm just not ready yet. My heart is growing so much in this time of waiting, seeing how this could be used greatly for the kingdom of God instead of on the minuscule level of my selfish wants. Maybe I haven't reached the point of financial stability even enough to do things on my own, because God wants me to trust in Him more than in what's in my wallet, and He's given me this precious time to be with family so I don't have to be out all on my own. Maybe I'm not a well-known blogger or fashion stylist or writer because He is working and perfecting my craft to be used for His glory over mine.

While the wait is hard, trust me I know, it truly is for the best. There's not much more fulfilling than understanding God's reasoning behind something. Only thing better is feeling His love encompass you spiritually, emotionally, and even physically like He's right there holding you close.

Only two words are needed to sum up this year - learning & understanding. I am most thankful for the opportunities and experiences that have been graciously extended to me over the past twelve months. I wouldn't be where I am or who I am without it. And even more than that, I am thankful for all that God has impressed upon me and blessed me with this year.

To another year and maybe even many more 🥂♥

With Christmas right around the corner, it can be difficult to come up with outfits for those last minute parties and events. But no worries - all you really need is a chic top and some wardrobe pieces that you may already have to pull out a Christmas-ready look in no time!

This black mock neck ruffle sleeve blouse (similar here and here) is everything and more for the holidays! It may just be my favorite thing to style recently because the options are endless.

Here you see just two of the ways that I have worn it - both perfect for different types of events!

The first look fits the theme of a formal Christmas dinner party effortlessly, or even an evening at the Nutcracker ballet. All you have to do is pull out one of your summer mini dresses - bonus points if it's green or red! - and layer the blouse over it, tying the blouse in the back to cinch that waistline and create some form. Add a pair of neutral pumps and a black mini bag and you're all set!

With the second style, I opted to go more casual. That's not to say that it's not still nice enough to wear to a friend get-together type of dinner for the holidays! Just take the same top, pair it with jeans, black ankle boots and the same mini bag, and you're ready for a casual chic night out.


The Christmas spirit keeps flickering on and off this year. When I really put in the effort to do Christmas festivities with friends - wreath making, movie watching, Christmas parties - it flickers on. But it's the moments when I'm alone, it's hot outside, I'm not in my own decorated cozy room, just sitting in silence that I don't feel it so bright. I think it's in those quiet moments of solidarity that I must direct my focus on God and His reason for this entire season. While it's important to spend time with others, it's especially vital to have that alone time to really reflect on Jesus coming to this earth, all of the events that surrounded his birth, and ultimately what leads up to his sacrifice that saved us, that being the greatest gift we could ever receive. 

In all of the hustle and bustle of this Christmas season, the styling, the planning, even the giving... take some time out to reflect, to remember what we're really here for and the promise we're given through Christmas.