favorite outfits
I'm not sure if any of these outfits have a common look/theme, other than these outfits have a bit more structure and a more neutral pallet. For my body-type, I definitely prefer a cinched in waist and light layers to slim. Out of all the looks, I think the poncho and maxi dress is my absolute favorite. It was so far out of my comfort-zone, but I loved the way I felt in it, the bold print with a more subdued color pallet and the booties with the dress. It wasn't the most slimming, but it might have been the most fun!
least favorite outfits
favorite purchases
Hunter Adjustable Back Gloss rain boot: These adorable boots fell into the category of love, but couldn't justify spending our household income on expensive wellies. I'm so thankful for everyone who clicks through an affiliate link, because not only does it help me understand what you like (based on number of clicks), it also helps justify the occasional splurge. Now that I have them, I love them, they're just so much fun!
Kendra Scott necklaces: I probably own too many of these now (in black, mother of pearl, rose gold/navy and chalcedony) but they're really become my grab and go necklace. If I had to choose, the chalcedony and mother of pearl are probably my favorites. The first because it was a Mother's Day present and in one of my favorite shades and the second because of it's versatility.
regret purchases
Loft striped cardigan: I love everything about this sweater: the weight, the pattern, everything except for the fact that after a few wears it's starting to pill horribly. I hadn't even had a chance to show it to you guys on the blog! I wore it to the hospital and it looks a mess. I'm hoping a sweater shaver (if I can find the darn thing) can salvage this purchase.
Baublebar Crystal Mason Ring:
This ring just makes me sad. The design is so cute, but the darn thing kept loosing stones. The first time I contacted customer service (who were super helpful, so points for that) and they sent me a replacement, only for the exact same thing to happen to the replacement ring. I decided to live with the missing stone only for the ring to turn green. Every time I wore it, I'd have a green "x" on my finger afterwards. I finally had to accept it wasn't going to work out and trashed it. :( Anyone know where I can get one that doesn't lose stones or turn green, because I really do love the design.
Most pages views*
It's rewarding that some of the posts that were more time consuming to put together actually ended up being the most viewed! The Five Day Getaway Packing List was perfect in Gatlinburg. I wore all my pre-planned outfits and it made packing (and getting ready every morning so much easier. The 12 Outfits for Christmas post was probably the most crazy to put together, mainly because I decided to do it last minute (it's always so much better to have a plan). My poor husband shot three-four outfits everyday for three days straight on our lunch break. I was editing and throwing everything together at the very last second. I'm still glad I did it since I was in the hospital the week leading up to Christmas (and didn't come home until Christmas Day) I missed out getting to wear these outfits in real-life. At least I got to wear them for the blog. Of all three posts, Six Ways to Tie a Blanket Scarf was probably the easiest. I just kept the same basic top and pants on and changed out accessories. One Saturday afternoon we shot photos in front of our front door. I'd have a look, we'd shoot a few photos I'd go back in and figure out how to style the scarf next, we'd go back out and take a few more.
*I didn't include Budget posts in my top three (the top three then would have been my July Budget, August Budget and Five Day Getaway Packing List).
Favorite Instagram photos
I love how on my blog Instagram I can put things like my shoes by a stream or pretty flowers and it's totally and completely normal. Just an "oh what a pretty picture" moment. Now on my personal account my friends and family would be all like, "um, no, who do you think you are, Ansel Adams or something? Now, where are the pictures of the baby?" Speaking of the kiddo, you guys, this photo cracks me up every time I look at it. I went to the bedroom for maybe an hour to work on something and left daddy in charge and this is what I came back to: the room in shambles, kiddo running around squealing in delight and her destructiveness and husband blissfully sleeping through it all. Seriously, how can guys do that?
What I've learned
It's okay to start (and stay) small. I don't want this space to ever become all about page views and money, but about connecting with people and sharing something I really enjoy and hope you do too. I'm not saying the page views and a little additional shopping income aren't nice, because they are, I just don't ever want them to become the driving force. For those of you who have read awhile know, you know I work full time and I have a toddler, so blogging is a definitely a hobby and that's okay. I see all these great blogs with amazing content and photos, and I want that for this space, but I also have to remind myself to take a deep breath, remember that I can't do it all, and above all else, this is suppose to be fun! I hope you enjoy it too. :)
Future posts
While I love sharing my day-to-day outfits, I have been missing getting my DIY/craft jam on. I definitely plan on having more crafting posts as well as dressing room reviews and "adventure" posts. I've starting linking up with Anne from In Residence on her Currently series, so that will also become a monthly feature as well. Make it Work Monday isn't gone, I'm still posting everything third Monday, but have suspended the monthly linkup. Are there any posts in particular you would like to see? Please let me know in the comments below!I hope you all have an amazing New Year! Our big plans are to have a lazy pajama morning and watch Elf (because I missed out on all the Christmas movies in the hospital - unless you count Halmark, my roommate and I binged on Hallmark holiday movies), take the kiddo out to see Nana and Papa this afternoon, then it's a early night for this girl (and I can't even blame it on recovering, I'm just getting too old for late nights). :)
Oh Erin your Hunter Wellies were deffo your best purchase, not the cheapest Wellingtons on the market but certainly the best and may I say you look gorgeous when you wear them. I've been slipping my Wellingtons on every time I've gone out just lately they keep my legs warm and save my Tights getting splashed when it rains, the girls at work have started to call me "Welly" because I wear my Wellies in the Office.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes in 2016
Julie
x
You're so right, they were worth every penny! I have a friend in my office who wears her Hunters all the time, so we match every time it rains. :)
DeleteI enjoy your blog & this year-end review is a great idea. You have such good taste & have given me some good ideas on using many of my clothes instead of just buying more. Of course, your love of Loft & J Crew Factory do make me want to shop more sometimes!:)). I'd love to see more of your dressing room reviews & please keep the outfit pics coming. Happy New Year & continued luck with your blog!
ReplyDeleteI do have a bit of a Loft/J. Crew Factory addiction. :) Shopping can be a bit limiting were I live, but I'm looking forward to exploring some other stores! Have a wonderful 2016!
DeleteJust discovered your blog and I'm loving it! You've given me some great inspiration! Thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Stephanie! Hopefully 2016 will be full of lots more inspiration. :)
DeleteLooking forward to a variety of new outfits and lots of new purchases in the new year. Here's to a dressed-up 2016!
ReplyDeleteExcited about all the future fabulous outfits and purchases of 2016!!
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