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!

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