Rachel Zoe vest (awesome option!); Target cardigan (option), belt, hat (option), dress (option), and boots (option.)

What would I tell my novice blogger self? The funny thing is, when I look back on my original posts and see how awful the photos are, and how unpolished the whole thing is, I can’t help but remember how FEARLESS I felt. Hitting publish on that first post? Linking it to my Facebook account to that people I knew whole read it? It was terrifying! But also exhilarating, and it gave me this rush of feeling that continues to this day. A feeling of doing something that is purely for myself, an expression of what I love in one tidy little space. Blogging has given me everything: a love for writing and a wish to continue to do more, a better view of what exactly my style is and how I want to portray myself, a newfound appreciation for photography, and a knowledge of how to run a blog that actually makes money. It is mind-blowing what this blog has accomplished, but really, the feeling it gives me to be able to write my thoughts out and reach people daily? That is everything.

I would say to my blogger self, be fearless and be yourself. Don’t be shy to market yourself and be ruthless in doing so. Don’t worry so much about what people think, and just do what makes you happy. 

I’m not ashamed about the length of time it has taken to learn the ropes of blogging, or any of the mistakes I have made. I have grown, daily, and birthed something here that I am so proud to call mine. My advice to you? Create something that makes you proud, and brings you happiness. Don’t give up! Be consistent and blog even when you don’t feel like it. Always think of ways to make your site, and yourself better. If you want to be a good writer, read good writing, it will inspire you! Create a routine that works for you, and content that keeps you coming back for more (I try to write stuff that will be useful or helpful!), and the rest will fall into place. Work hard, set goals, and never forget why you started in the first place.