Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Happy Birthday DBJ!

 Outfit Details: JCrew Orange Print Top, Madewell Slim Boyfriend Jeans, BCBG Blazer, Kate Spade Watch, Ray Ban Aviators, Jeffrey Campbell Shoes (similar)

It's officially been 1 full year since I started my blog. ONE year! To me, this blog is an extension of my heart. I know that may sound super strange to some people, but to me style is an expression of our personality. It's poetic and should be used to help boost our confidence. When I first launched my blog last March, I envisioned creating an environment where everyone could come to pull inspiration or knowledge for their own wardrobe (sorry men- I'm slightly lacking in your department but I hope to change that one day very soon). After a few months, I started to receive Facebook messages and emails with photos of real life wardrobe inspiration from friends, family members, and even strangers. That's what I do this for. I enjoy sharing my weekly outfit posts, but I enjoy even more seeing your outfits and hearing how something presented on my blog was used to help build a special outfit.  

I do have to admit the past year has not been easy. There were so many moments when I thought I couldn't handle my blog on top of my full-time job, or I would get discouraged spending hours trying to figure out photoshop, new blogging platforms, how to resize photos properly without losing resolution, or even how to code to customize a post. Seriously, this list could go on for hours. There was so much I did not know, so much to learn on top of simultaneously trying to stay afloat. And I'm still learning...that's why this blog has become so special to me. It's created a platform for me to share my passion, but it's also challenged me. 

I could spend hours talking about my blog journey this past year, but what I really want to do is thank everyone who has offered to help me, guide me, provide direction, advice, or even a connection to a brand or person I wouldn't otherwise have. I started to list out friends, family members, colleagues, bloggers, photographers, and acquaintances I've made via social media who have supported myself and this blog, but then I was like yikes, this list is really long and it's going to feel like a graduation roll call. So from the very bottom of my soul, thank you to everyone who has supported me, shared my posts, cheered me on and encouraged me to keep pushing forward. 

We are never quite sure at the beginning of every journey where it will take us, and along the way we still might feel uncertain. Just remember as long as you are constantly learning, refining your skills, and laughing along the way, it's still worth it. 

Special shout-out to my fiance, mother, and sister for volunteering to help take my photos...or perhaps being forced to ;). Love you, mean it.

xx,

22 comments:

  1. Jess,

    HAPPY ONE YEAR!!!! So proud of everything you have done and the mini celebrity (thats what Michele and I called you the last time we met up) that you have become! You are the go to girl for everything fashion not only by your family and friends but strangers as well... how cool is that?? I cannot wait to see where your journey takes you..<3 Congratulations Jess!!! Xo

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    1. Jenna, thank you so SO much for your sweet comment. I miss you and Michele so much. Next time you two get together...please let me know!! Thanks again for all your support :) <3 xoxo

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    2. Congrats Jess!!!! You are truly an inspiration. Your work is beautiful and we are all so proud of you! Miss you both! Would love a reunion soon!

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    3. aww thank you SO much Michele. That means so much to me. You two are so sweet :-D! Let's make a mini reunion happen!

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  2. Happy first year!!!!! Congrats dear!!

    www.plogstyle.com

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  3. Happy 1 year!!! You do an AMAZING job....and I love what you said about style being an expression of our personality, so true!

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    1. Aw thank you Cari. That means so much to me coming from you! xoxo

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  4. Happy one year Jess!!!! xoxo

    www.mlshaughnessydesigns.com

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  5. Congrats on your one year, Jess! Your blog has grown by leaps and bounds and I couldn't be more happy for you. To many more years of awesome blogging!

    xo, Alina
    www.STYLEBYALINA.com

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    1. Thank you Alina, you have truly been an inspiration to me. I appreciate all your advice! xoxo

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  6. Hi Jess, What a eye-catching and adorable post! A huge congrats to you on your one year anniversary! Your smile is contagious and your personality shines through in every blog post that you do! You have that something special about you....and I can't fail to mention that you are a joy to work with! I wish you many more years of growth and continued success with DBJ! Happy Birthday to your amazing blog! xo ~ Dawn

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    1. Dawn! This is the sweetest message ever! Thank you for all of your support and encouraging words. I'm so glad we were able to connect this past year. It's people like you that make this worth it. :) <3 xoxox

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  7. Happy 1 year DBJ!! Keep the inspiration coming :)

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  8. So cute!! Happy Birthday!

    xoxo,
    Ananda
    www.superfashionable.com

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