Sunset at the Shepard Inn

Have you ever been to West Texas? I'm just going to warn you, in case you ever find yourself there, that there seems to be a shortage of Sprint Cell coverage and hotels with wifi. It's beautiful and wild and there's a lot of barbecue restaurants, but be prepared for some forced unplugged time. (Which isn't bad! Just bring a book.

We stayed at the Shepherds Inn, an air&b out in the boonies...I mean Buffalo Gap, Texas! Unfortunately we didn't realize there was no cell coverage for us there, and unfortunately we didn't think to ask the  homeowner for the wifi password before we got there at midnight. I grew up in Montana, so normally no wifi isn't an issue for me but with orientation the following morning, I had some last minute info I needed to access. 

So what else is there to do but drive back into town and park in the McDonalds parking lot and mooch the free wifi till 2 in the morning. Ah, country living.

After we got back from orientation the next day, it had just stopped raining and I can't even explain it, but the light was warm and red in the most magical way I'd ever seen. Several deer were enjoying the wild grasses in the empty field across the street and the sun was setting behind the mountains. 

And I was ruining all the serenity by running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, trying to capture everything before the sun slipped away. 

(not an uncommon practice for me)

Even though our arrival to the Shepherds Inn was a little tumultuous, the following evening made up for it. The way the golden light spilled across the flowers and courtyards was beautiful....and the deer didn't hurt either ;) Last time I visited West Texas it was the dead of winter, but this time it was in full bloom and such a treat to see it in all it's Texan glory. After all, They say everything is better in Texas, and I'd have to agree.

(except where cell coverage is concerned!)

Happy afternoon in Highland Village

Do you ever just go somewhere and feel COMPLETELY out of place? Normally that feeling for me is reserved specially for the gym, I'm always a fish out of water where workouts are involved. That being said, I experienced that feeling in a totally new setting while in Dallas. Located right near SMU, Highland Park Village is brimming with designer shops, couture grocery stores and parking lots that resemble those of an Audi dealership. Normally I love to slide my way in to an expensive area, pretending (even if it's just for a moment) that my reality of college student isn't true and that I can actually afford all the $8 latte's my heart desires.

Unfortunately, that isn't the case.

And also unfortunately, I couldn't even find a way to feel like I fit in at Highland Park. 

Too many Nike swooshes on ladies dressed to the nines in athleisure. Too many judge mental looks....so what if my bag is from old navy! Sorry I got a better deal than you! Too many overpriced gluten free, refined sugar free, dairy free desserts. It was all just a little too much for me.

We took our cupcakes and ran to the nearest park, and while it was still in the Highland Park vicinity, it proved to be much more peaceful and felt a lot less pressured to put on a perfect facade. I can only pretend to be rich for so long! 

Like, 5 minutes. My bank account doesn't allow for much more than that. 

Texas or Tuscany?

Texas or Tuscany? You decide. 

We were driving around and found this adorable little area outside of Dallas. It felt like we had been transported to Tuscany, but the best part is everyone spoke english. And there was starbucks! And it didn't require an 8 hour flight.

Now that I think about it, I'll take Tuscan Texas over the real deal anyway. 

An afternoon in McKinney

The only thing I can think of when I see these peaceful, tranquil photos of a lovely evening in McKinney Texas is "wow. Makeup is awesome." The day before I made the great mistake of going to the inlet and being in full sun for 8 hours...with no sunscreen.

And somehow we think I'm smart enough for college? Only time will tell.

Needless to say, It wasn't my best move. But wow. I'm glad I live in the 21st century where makeup exists because even though my nose was literally bright red and also burning hotter than the Texas sun, you'd never be able to tell. Praise the Lord for foundation and please pray that I don't wind up with skin cancer. 

ATL A-BLOOM

"Let patience have 

her perfect work. 

You have to make it 

through 

winter and spring 

to get to summer."

THE LITTLE JACKET THAT COULD

Hi, I'm Kryn and welcome to (apparently) the only thing I ever wear. 

T H E   J A C K E T //  O L D  N A V Y  U T I L I T Y   J A C K E T

(why the popped collar?)

I got this jacket in Miami, it's weird that I'd have to go closer to the equator to find a decent jacket but you know, that's Florida for you. Anyway, it's proven to be the best $40 I've ever spent. The pockets are perfect for my passport, phone and candy ;) (and tampons! if need be) 

When I was in Dallas (at the arboretum) I was wearing this jacket and taking photos. When we got back in the car I thought that those photos looked kind of similar...then I realized it was because I wear the SAME jacket on literally every trip. Same pose, same jacket, same sad attempt at being a model; It was all so familiar. Then I was curious at how many photos I've actually taken in the infamous green Jacket....

and the rest was history! (/a blog post?)

ONE: SAN FRAN // I'm not sure if this was the inaugural trip with said jacket but either way, wow. God has been good to me. 

TWO: D.C BLOSSOMS // Cherry Blossoms are my favorite thing so of course, I had to wear my beloved jacket! I also didn't have another jacket, but that has nothing to do with it. Also, RIP to the days of ban.do pins! (Here's the DC post, in case you're curious/love cherry blossoms!)

THREE: THE AFTERLIFE?? // Though it isn't as aesthetically pleasing, this one is the best. Shows how practical this jacket can be, right? Nothing like laying in the road near some strategically splattered ketchup for the sake of art.

FOUR: SAN FRAN AGAIN // Back in San Fran and of course, with a new Ban.Do pin. Maybe it was a sign though, because this was the trip that I tripped on Jen Gotch's skirt. (Original post)

FIVE: COLD WEATHER // Ice skating in florida is always tricky because no one really has winter coats. So we either freeze or...freeze. But it's a fun thing to experience for three hours so we manage.

(Photo from my 17th birthday )

SIX: AMSTERDAM //  It wasn't really cold enough for a jacket that day but still, I was on a trip so it seemed like a mandatory choice.  (Amsterdam and Ansel Elgort, All in one post!)

SEVEN: SEATTLE // These are some of my most favorite travel pictures/memories ever, so  what a bonus that the sacred green jacket is a part of them.  (More Seattle Photos here!)

EIGHT: TAMPA // Katie and I had totally matching outfits, right down to the brand of our glasses. Moral of the story: wear green jackets and you will get to unintentionally twin with your friends.

NINE: DALLAS // This is the most recent adventure I've had in this jacket. It was FREEZING this day so I also had a mexican blanket wrapped around me...except when the camera came out. (arboretum post)

TEN: HOME // Obviously this is old and obviously I'm aware of the fact that I peaked during senior year so please don't remind me of how much better I/my hair looked. But hey, look at my jacket! Unlike me, it gets better with age.

I don't have any more trips planned currently (other than you know, the daily trips to Target) but you can bet that next time I pack a suitcase, this is gonna be the first thing I throw in.

I mean pack lovingly with care ;)

CHARMING CHARLESTON

Charleston has been on my list for so long! But even longer than that was my list of things to do in Charleston...which ironically we did not cross anything off of it. I guess that just means we will have to go back? 

I think that sounds about right!

And if you want to know the real reason I didn't cross much off the list, i'll tell you if you promise not to turn me in. My all time favorite fashion blogger just moved to Charleston. I don't really read any blogs anymore, except Gal Meets Glam. I read it literally just as religiously as I do my bible, and I have everyday for the past 4 years. I practically grew up with Julia! (we are on a first name basis, she just doesn't know it yet.)

Anyway, my mom and I are really good at finding things (of little importance) and we found Julias house, which happens to be on a historic homes walking tour so it actually isn't hard to find. So we parked a couple blocks away and walked by and JULIA. WAS. ON. THE. PORCH. Taking blog photos no less! My 12 year old heart died and went to heaven and so did my 19 year old heart as well.

I didn't take any photos or try and talk to them because, despite what this post suggests, I am not a creepy stalker. I'm just a deeply connected to Julia and her wardrobe and her penchant for pretty dresses. And now, I've seen her in person! Between Julia and tripping on Jen Gotch, I think I can die happily now.

Or at least not have a panic attack overtime I see someone who I follow on instagram IRL?

Hopefully our next trip to Charleston will involve actually crossing things off the to-do/see list but for now, I'm fairly content with everything that happened. And in case you were curious, Julia lives in a pink house.

No wonder I love her.