Tuesday, December 3, 2013

One Year of Blogging

Blazer- Juicy Couture (old, similar here, here), Blouse- Express, Skirt- Target (found on store for $11.98 clearance!), Heels- Windsor
Photography: Shutterberry

One year ago, I made my first post on this little blog. You can go read it here. But if you decide to keep reading some of my first posts, just promise you won't make fun of how silly I looked posing in front of my full length mirror taking pictures on my cell phone. I've come a long way from that.

I probably have a similar story as most for how I decided to start this blog. I like fashion, I like shopping, I like reading other blogs, and I like Pinterest. A lot of my time revolved around fashion in some way, but that time felt wasted. I thought it would be cool to document my outfits in a place where I could go back and look at them, as well as share them with others. I created Style Diary as a creative outlet.

In the past year, I have met so many great blogging friends, reviewed items from several fashion companies, hosted and co-hosted seven giveaways, been featured on Aeropostale and Bisou Bisou by Michele Bohbot's Facebook pages, published 245 posts, gained over 1150 followers, had almost 100,000 pageviews, and learned a lot about myself.

So what have I learned from blogging? Style blogging, to be more precise.
  1. It's hard to develop "personal style." Since I started this blog, I have begun following infinitely more style blogs than before. I look at the Fashion page on Pinterest more often. I subscribe to twice as many fashion magazines. I gain inspiration from all these places for my own looks, and sometimes I wonder how unique my style really is. But in the end, I've never said every outfit I post is incredibly original. They are, however, a compilation of things I love, put together with inspiration drawn from anywhere I manage find it.
  2. Blogging takes a lot of time. Planning, outfit shoots, designing, and writing all take up a good portion of my free time, but I don't mind it. It's a good use of my time since I am creating something I am proud of. 
  3. I actually enjoy writing, which is why I have integrated more posts like this where I do more writing than posing.
  4. It's easy to get lost in the "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality. I have to make sure I keep my focus on what I'm creating and be proud of it, instead of just trying to keep up with everyone else.
I want to say a huge thank you to all of you who take the time to read my blog. It really means a lot that I am able to share my style with you!


Linking up with  Style Sessions | Love It Link It

27 comments:

  1. Katie, HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Your blog is such a lovely place to come for inspiration that makes sense on a "normal" budget - thank you for taking the time to inspire us all!

    You look absolutely smashing in these photos, and I love the new header; it feels more "you" if that makes sense.


    Can't WAIT to see all that you do in the future - here's to many more years!
    xx Johanna

    Dear Life, We Need To Talk

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  2. Congratulations, Katie! You have come such a long way in a year! I had no idea you only started this a year ago. I thought it was at least 2 or 3 years.

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  3. You look beautiful here Katie! So glad to have connected via our blogs- congrats on one year!

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  4. Congratulations on your one year!! This is a great milestone for you! I love that blazer too, looking forward to following you blog more <3

    Linking up from Style Sessions

    x. Sabrina | Simply Sabrina

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  5. Thanks so much Johanna! You always leave the sweetest comments. :) I'm glad you noticed the new header! I worried it wasn't different enough to be noticeable

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  6. Thanks Charlene! I'm always glad to see a familiar face on here :) Thank you for reading!

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  7. Thanks so much Rachel! I'm really glad we connected too! :)

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  8. Thanks so much Sabrina! I appreciate your sweet words! :)

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  9. Happy blog birthday, doll!
    You look so festive in this shoot- perfect for the holiday!
    Wishing you much success to come. :)

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

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  10. Stopping by from Love it Link up! Happy blog birthday! It's always fun to look back and see how you've improved over the year!

    <3 Vicki
    wildeinthecity.blogspot.com

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  11. Happy blog anniversary!!

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  12. Happy Birthday Katie!!!!!!!!! Well blog birthday!!!!! Congrats on one year. You look amazing. Love your outfit. Stunning :) I totally agree blogging takes a lot of time and yes it's hard not to want to keep up with the joneses.

    Don't forget to link up tomorrow to my weekly tres-chic fashion Thursday link up.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.com

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  13. Happy one year! You look fabulous. It has been a pleasure to follow along :)

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  14. I’ve chosen this to be one of my “What I Love” looks for this week. I hope you'll keep an eye out on my blog tomorrow.

    Terry
    http://terrystwocents.tumblr.com

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  15. Thanks Vicki! I had a lof of fun looking back at my oldest posts while I was putting this together :)

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  16. Thanks so much Agi! I always appreciate your comments :)

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  17. Thanks Faith! I'm glad we connected through the world of blogging :)

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  18. Thanks so much Terry! I'm flattered, as always :)

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  19. What perfect photos to celebrate your first year! So excited for you, girl! You deserve it and are so fun to follow and read! Can't wait to see what year 2 has in store!
    morepom.blogspot.com

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  20. Wow glad I found you off Terry's list. You are looking so pretty from head to toe....and more power to your blog. Happy Anniversary!!!


    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  21. Thank you so much Carylee! You are so sweet! :)

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Thanks for your sweet comments!