One Year Blog Anniversary

DSC_0508cc2

DSC_0255ee

DSC_0446eee

pizapvvv

DSC_0575cc

pizap

A year ago, I decided to embark on this entrepreneurial blogging journey. It’s been an amazing ride filled with many life lessons I never realized I’d learn. I am truly grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve been presented with, as well as building all these amazing friendships. I honestly, never imagined that I could inspire so many people by putting a few smiles on their faces. I’m all about encouraging one another, and this being said: I truly hope that my little space of mine – aka my blog – is a place of encouragement and happiness for you all. Where you are not only inspired by my outfit posts but you find a reason to smile and be happy.

I’m beyond grateful for all of YOU because you have not only encouraged me to strive for more, but you have encouraged me to start my own business as well. My jewelry designs have been so successful because of YOU, and I simply cannot THANK YOU all enough!

I also need to give a shout-out to my amazing husband and son. All of my pictures are taken by my husband, and my son is the reason why you see me smiling on my photographs. Yes, my blog is a family affair, and I would not want it any other way. They are my biggest fans and best friends (my boys just know how to make me feel special and beautiful every day).

Below are a few lessons I have learned being a blogger and entrepreneur. I hope you will find them helpful, as well as encouraging!

1. Don’t compare yourself to other bloggers, seriously. Find your own voice and style, and go for it! Comparing yourself to others will only discourage you and bring you down.

2. Don’t take rude comments to heart, and I must admit I had my struggles with this too. I participated in a contest once and faced some rude and hurtful comments from people who were cheering for “their” contestant instead. It was very silly and oh-so high school, but it did hurt. I had to learn to ignore it, and simply move on. And now the whole thing is long forgotten. All this negative energy was for nothing, and I’ve learned to never let this get to me again. Ever.

  1. Always be professional, and be nice to everyone. You really never know who you are going to run in hence a bad “rep” about you and your brand is a big “No, no”.
  1. Engage your followers and stay connected. This is the fun part, in my opinion. I LOVE getting to know you all! In fact, I found some of my best friends on social media.
  1. Last but not least…HAVE FUN!

As always, thank you for reading & for your continued support! It truly means the world to me!

PS: Graphic Image and I have an exciting coupon for YOU! Use springcontest at checkout and get 15% OFF your purchase (valid until 4/12!) + in YOUR honor I’m giving you FREE SHIPPING on my entire jewelry collection as well (valid until 4/12).

Much love!

 SHOP THE POST

pink-line

DRESS: OASAP c/o | SUNGLASSES: Illesteva via Neiman Marcus | BRACELETS: What Would V Wear “Handmade With Love” Collection

Follow:

Happiness

DSC_0296

gigi new york

DSC_0316cc

DSC_0369

DSC_0339

gigi new york

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.”

Martha Washington

Almost a year ago (my official blog anniversary is April 7! – stay tuned for an exciting post!) an enthusiastic Chicago girl hit the “publish” button, and I’m so grateful that I did just that. Ever since that day my little space of mine has taken me to such wonderful places, from meeting new and exciting people to fashion shows and networking opportunities that I will never forget! I’m beyond grateful for all of YOU because you have not only encouraged me to strive for more, but you have encouraged me to start my own business as well. My jewelry designs have been so successful because of YOU, and I simply cannot THANK YOU all enough! Hence today’s post is about YOU and the pure joy of happiness you all bring to me. Happiness, which I’ve learned, does not come from how many followers you have on Instagram, or how many likes you get on a picture but moreover it is a spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. I’ve made it a habit of mine to try and make at least one person happy every day. I’m all about encouraging one another, and this being said: I truly hope that my little space of mine – aka my blog – is a place of encouragement and happiness for you all. Where you are not only inspired by my outfit posts but you find a reason to smile and be happy.

As always, thanks again for your support!

I love you all.

 SHOP THE POST

pink-line

JEANS: Choies c/o (ON SALE for $19.90!) | SHIRT: T&J Designs c/o | JACKET: Choies c/o (ON SALE for $28.99!) | SUNGLASSES: Illesteva via Neiman Marcus | CLUTCH: GiGi New York c/o | BRACELETS: What Would V Wear “Handmade With Love” Collection | SHOES: Target | NECKLACE: T&J Designs c/o

 

Follow:

Midi Skirt

DSC_0684

pizap

pizap

DSC_0652

pizap

 I may have gotten a little carried away with pictures today but this skirt had me swooning. They are by far the most feminine and sophisticated clothing item in anyone’s closet, really. I especially love the long hemline and the volume to this skirt; and I must admit: I am yearning for Spring already! Hence I added these beautiful pink flowers to my outfit to create the feeling of Spring at last!
As always, thanks so much for dropping by & have a fabulous day!

Much love!

SHOP THE POST

pink-line

SKIRT: OASAP c/o (ON SALE for $27.30!) | HEELS: Wild Diva via Lulu’s | SUNGLASSES: Ilesteva via Neiman Marcus | TOP: OASAP c/o (Dress worn as a top – SHOP a top here)| RINGS: What Would V Wear Collection | BRACELET: What Would V Wear Collection

Follow:

White Jeans

DSC_0283

vanesa

DSC_0395

pizap

DSC_0257

It’s still chilly in Chicago but I cannot help but think of spring and what I’m going to wear. White jeans are so perfect for spring, and as impatient as I am, I decided to revive this late 90’s trend for today’s look.

Further, I would like to THANK YOU all for your tremendous support and love! My limited jewelry collection was such a success that I decided to have another one coming out this March! All of you are so precious to me, and I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people! Also, please continue to email and/or comment here on my blog because I really LOVE to hear from you! Speaking of emails…I received a lot of emails regarding my druzy rings, and I am sorry to say that I no longer have any left. I am completely sold out, and I won’t be making any more. I only have 1 purple bracelet and 4 pear shaped bracelets left. To shop click HERE.

As always, thanks much for reading & have a great day! I love you all!

SHOP THE POST

pink-line

 TOP: OASAP c/o | TASSEL SCARF: OASAP c/o (On SALE for $15.96!!) | JEANS: Forever21 (sold out, similar here) | SHOES: Wild Diva via Lulu’s | SUNGLASSES: Illesteva via Neiman Marcus | NECKLACE: Tiny Tags c/o | EARRINGSKate Spade c/o | HANDBAG: Louis Vuitton

Follow:

Sequins Part II

DSC_0821

BeFunky_Tilt-Shift_2vvv

DSC_0940

BeFunky_Tilt-Shiftvvvvvv_2

DSC_0922

headshot

…and how to wear them during the day.

I don’t think it’s a secret that I love fashion, and that I always look for ways to add some extra sparkle into my day to day wardrobe choices – even if that will consist of wearing sequins during the day. Okay, you may find it daunting to wear sequins during the day, but let me tell you: Sequins are not just for special occasions (even though this will make a pretty darn cute outfit for Valentine’s Day!) if you follow these simple rules: Keep your sequined look C A S U A L. Pair your sequins with something über comfy like this tee from T&J Designs to make the look relaxed as opposed to oddly fancy. Also, stick to a similar color family so your wardrobe pieces don’t compete for attention – LOL! Hope this helps, and please let me know if you would wear sequins during the day! Would love to hear from you!

As always, thanks so much for reading & have a fabulous day!

Much love!

shopthepost12SKIRT: T&J Designs c/o | SHIRT: T&J Designs c/o | SHOES: Wild Diva via Lulu’s | NECKLACE: T&J Designs c/o | SUNGLASSES: Illesteva via Neiman Marcus | EARRINGSKate Spade c/o | BRACELET: T&J Designs c/o

Follow: