Lifestyle Malikah Kelly Lifestyle Malikah Kelly

Spring Clean Your Life: How to Refresh Your Routine and Achieve Your Goals

Spring is more than just a season; it's a feeling. It's the gentle warmth of the sun, the vibrant burst of new blossoms, and the undeniable urge to shake off the winter blues.

This time of year, is a great time to refresh the energy in your home, but also in your life! Because spring cleaning is essential, but not exactly fun! I always try to extend that refreshing energy beyond my home, but to other aspects of my life – my daily routine, mindset, social calendar and health.  Consider this your guide to spring cleaning your life, a holistic approach to resetting, reorganizing, and embracing the joy of the warmer months.

Spring Clean Your Life: How to Refresh Your Routine & Achieve Your Goals

The Mental Refresh: Clearing the Cobwebs of Winter

Winter can be a time of hibernation, both physically and mentally. As the days lengthen, it's crucial to shed those lingering shadows and cultivate a brighter outlook.

  • Digital Detox: Start by decluttering your digital space. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, unfollow accounts that don't inspire you, and set time limits for social media. This conscious pruning creates space for more meaningful online interactions and reduces mental clutter.

  • Mindful Movement: Trade in your winter sluggishness for energizing activities. Embrace outdoor walks, yoga in the park, or even a simple stretch in the morning sun. Movement fuels both body and mind, releasing endorphins and boosting your mood.

  • Journaling & Reflection: Take time to reflect on the past few months. What worked? What didn't? What are you grateful for? Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and setting intentions for the future.

  • Cultivate Gratitude: Make a conscious effort to appreciate the small things. Notice the budding flowers, the birdsong, and the longer daylight hours. Gratitude shifts your focus to the positive, creating a sense of contentment.

Reorganizing Your Routine: A Fresh Foundation

A well-organized routine provides structure and frees up mental energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

  • Time Audit: Track how you spend your time for a week. Are there time-wasting habits you can eliminate? Can you delegate tasks or automate processes? Identifying time leaks allows you to reclaim valuable hours.

  • Prioritize & Plan: Define your goals for the spring and summer. Break them down into manageable steps and schedule them into your calendar. This proactive approach prevents overwhelm and ensures you're making progress.

  • Streamline Your Space: Apply the KonMari method to your physical environment. Declutter your closet, organize your workspace, and create a serene sanctuary in your bedroom. A tidy space fosters a calmer mind. Her style may have been a little extreme but modify the principles for what works for you.

  • Make Meal Prep Happen: As the weather warms, embrace lighter, healthier meals. Plan your weekly menu, shop strategically, and prep ingredients in advance. This saves time and ensures you're nourishing your body with fresh, seasonal produce. And if you are working on a fitness journey to shape up for summer, planning meals will help bring you closer to that goal.

Plan Your Summer Adventures

Spring and summer are synonymous with fun and adventure. Plan activities that bring you joy and create lasting memories.

  • Outdoor Escapes: Explore local parks, hiking trails, or beaches. Pack a picnic, rent a kayak, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll. Immersing yourself in nature is a powerful way to recharge and reconnect with yourself.

  • Community Connection: Attend local festivals, farmers markets, or outdoor concerts. Connect with your community and discover hidden gems in your neighborhood.

  • Creative Pursuits: Try a new hobby, like painting, gardening, or photography. The longer days offer ample opportunity to explore your creative side.

  • Travel Booking: Now is the perfect time to plan a vacation! I just came back from an incredible adventure in Cambodia and am planning a summer trip to Indonesia.  Think about some destinations that have been on your bucket list or plan a smaller mini adventure.  Even if it's a weekend getaway, plan something small and affordable, but unique to look forward to.  

  • Social Gatherings: Host a backyard barbecue, organize a picnic with friends, or plan a sunset hike. Spring and summer are perfect for creating shared experiences and strengthening bonds.

  • Seasonal Eating: Research what local produce is in season and plan meals around it. Farmers markets are a great place to begin.

 Spring cleaning your life is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and celebrate the small victories along the way. As you shed the layers of winter and embrace the warmth of spring, you'll discover a brighter, more radiant you.

This spring let's not just clean our homes but cultivate a life that reflects the beauty and vitality of the season. Let's bloom brighter, together.

 What are you looking forward to most about Spring?


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How to Get the Bridgerton Fashion Look in 2021

If you haven’t watched Bridgerton on Netflix by now, what are you even doing! The show has been the talk of the ton for weeks now, and once you watch the first episode you’ll immediately understand. The story, the diverse cast, the Duke of Hastings, and the soundtrack make it a must-watch. And then there is the fashion! The look of the Regency era elite was dainty, feminine, and full of intricate details; seeing it all on screen is a feast for the eyes. The fashion on Bridgerton is already having an influence and come Spring it will be all the rage. Since you may not have a modiste on call to whip up a custom ball gown for you overnight, I found some of the best Bridgerton inspired fashion pieces you can buy now! Most of these pieces are under $100, so you can get the trend for a steal.

Hopefully we’ll be able to return to the social scene soon enough, because these looks are just too pretty to be stuck at home. Now all you need is a Duke of Hastings look alike!

How to Get the Bridgerton Look in 2021

How to Get the Bridgerton Look in 2021


Regencycore Bridgerton Inspired Dresses

The ladies on Bridgerton wore dresses almost exclusively, as was the social norm of the Regency era. Regencycore fashion almost always featured an empire waist, lace, ribbon, and romantic embellishments. The Bridgertons favored a pastel blue palette, while the Featheringtons went bold and bright. Get the look with these stunning Bridgerton inspired dresses below!

Bridgerton Style Accessories Under $100

The ladies of Bridgerton made statements with their accessories. Everything from their headpieces to their gemstones was carefully thought out and coordinated for the perfect suitor catching look. For the girl in 2021, accessories are a great way to have a subtle nod to the fashion of the Regency era, without going all in with the Bridgerton inspired fashion. An oversized feathered headpiece may look absurd in 2020, but a lace or pearl headband or hair clip is perfectly appropriate. And since you are probably not dropping big bucks on an over the top hair accessories, check out these Bridgerton inspired hair accessories under $100!

Corset Tops and Regency Inspired Separates

While the ladies in Bridgerton favored dresses, we are women of a modern time! Styling separates is a great way to work in some of that Regencycore charm. Think jeans with a lace blouse or one with gathered details. Check out some of my favorite Bridgerton style blouses below. These may not all be authentic to Regency era fashion, but are a great way to get the look.

Bridgerton Inspired Beauty Looks

I’m still not over the natural beauty of the ladies on Bridgerton! Every character, no matter her age, seemed to have the same fresh glowy skin and effortless makeup. The natural makeup was even more striking when paired with the elaborate hairstyles of the Regency era. To get the look, focus on skin care and no makeup makeup. Think deep moisturizing, all over highlighter, and pale pink cheekbones and lips. The Multiple by Nars is a great way to get that fresh Daphne Bridgerton glow. And you can’t speak of Daphne Bridgerton without discussing those bangs! Micro-bangs are an interesting, and not easy look to pull off. Play with the look with a cheap pair of clip in bangs! You can trim them, or just position them differently on your head to make them appear longer or shorter.

What was your favorite part of Bridgerton? For me it was definitely the fashion and the diverse cast. If you are as obsessed with it as I am, we’ve got 8 seasons coming up to look forward to!

Bridgerton Inspired Fashion
fashion tips from Bridgerton
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How to Instantly Look More Stylish This Summer!

Spring has been interesting to say the least. With all of the restrictions due to covid we have been spending more time at home than we have in ages. It looks like things are slowly starting to loosen up, and it’s time to have some fun while staying safe! I personally haven’t worn much other than sweat pants or leggings in almost 3 months, so getting dressed up again is a new adventure in itself.

In full transparency, I haven’t done any new summer shopping and don’t plan to. There is still way too much economic uncertainty due to covid for me to feel comfortable spending money on new clothes. I have been doing small things to help stimulate the economy the best I can, but shopping isn’t really one of them. However I have been getting creative with new ways to style things I own, and adding in accessories that elevate my look at an affordable price.

styling a summer short suit
what to wear this summer
summer outfit ideas
Leo Mazzotti Jewelry
Classic Summer Accessories

Even though I’m on a clothing shopping hiatus, jewelry makes such a difference. The right pieces can take your look up a notch and will work for every day cool girl style or for formal occasions. If you are looking for stylish, minimalist jewelry, check out Leo Mazzotti! The accessory brand is based in Switzerland and makes jewelry inspired by Italian style. The jewelry is pretty and dainty and the shipping is always free. The sent me a few pieces for review and I was so impressed with the quality. It looks and feels like fine jewelry, but the price points are almost all under $50.

I went for a classic silver sparkling necklace and earrings. They are timeless and classic and can easily be styled with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a formal gown. For this post, I paired them with a yellow summer suit from Revolve for a playful sophisticated look. I love that this set can be dressed up or down, just by leaving off the blazer and trading heels for flats.

Since restaurants in LA are slowly starting to reopen, I wore this look to dinner with a friend in Santa Monica after this photo shoot. It felt good to shake the quarantine crust and get dressed up again, even though I totally forgot how to walk in heels! Hopefully we can continue to have more (safe) summer fun!

matching suits for summer

If you are in the market for some new summer threads, I’m linking this outfit and a few others I love below! And since there are plenty of Independence Day sales kicking off this week, keep your eyes peeled for additional markdowns. Stay safe and stylish babes!

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Style Malikah Kelly Style Malikah Kelly

4 Quick and Easy Ways to Improve Your Style for Spring!

dtla photo shoot locations.jpg
dtla photo shoot locations.jpg

 Can you believe we are already halfway through January!  Last year I felt like January dragged on forever but this year it seems to be flying by. Since Spring will be here before you know it, why not start thinking about how to transition your wardrobe? Spring is honestly one of my favorite seasons to start shopping, although I will probably barely notice the change of seasons here in LA! NY gets to experience the best of every season, but LA is warm and sunny almost all year round. Can’t complain because the weather in LA is absolutely the best, but I do miss dressing for different seasons and embracing seasonal fashion trends. Here are my tips for transitioning your look from winter to Spring!

blogger pinterest graphics

 Start by Denim Shopping for Spring 

Jeans are always a staple for women. Whether they are high waisted jeans, or oversized boyfriend jeans, denim is an essential! I love freshening up my denim wardrobe for Spring with new fits, washes and details. Lighter shades, metallics, and prints are all fair game. Once you have your perfect pairs of jeans, think of fun ways to style them. A classic white button blouse will work with pretty much any pair. That look can easily be dressed up or down depending on your shoes and accessories too! I also love styling high waisted mom jeans or oversized boyfriend jeans with a fitted bodysuit or crop top for a look that is sexy and sporty. 

 Update Your Spring Floral Dresses

Yes, we see different versions of spring florals every year, but they don’t have to be boring and predictable! Spring florals can be edgy, stylish, modern, and romantic, depending on the scale, placement and color. If you are looking for Spring outfit ideas, a floral dress is always a good place to start. You can layer it with a cute chunky knit or stylish denim jacket and they pair well with everything from boots to penny loafers. Embrace the Spring vibe with some fun, flirty and feminine dresses. 

 Play with New Fabrics and Textures for Spring

Spring is time to lighten up so start by getting rid of your heavy winter fabrics! Go for easy, breezy materials like silk, chiffons and light weight cotton. I love a flowy chiffon dress or a pair of silk jogger pants, and they are just as chic in natural silk or a more affordable synthetic version. Plus, items like this easily transition from Spring to Summer, so you can continue to get use out of them throughout the year. 

Add the Perfect Spring Accessories

Now that you’ve got your cute Spring outfits planned, it’s time to think about the accessories! Updating accessories is a fun and affordable way to get your wardrobe ready for a new season. Swap out your go to Fall or Winter bag for something in a lighter color or fun material. Think about picking up some new costume jewelry. And since it can still be a little chilly, don’t forget the legwear. You can still wear tights in Spring, and they are a great way to add a special touch to your look. I also like the idea of adding a pair of cute socks with a print or ruffle detail for an unexpected bit of texture.

affordable spring outfit ideas

 If you’re anything like me, you want to update your wardrobe without over spending. Check out some of my favorite sites for affordable fashion and shop some of my Spring faves below! 

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