3 Year Blog Birthday!

- Fashion, Outfits

Blogging Anniversary_3 YEARS!

Today officially marks THREE YEARS since I began blogging (and a bit of a new look here)! I purchased rachelslookbook.com in October but didn’t do my first blog post until November 20, 2011. I was trying to get a feel for how to do the whole blogging thing before diving into it, then just realized it was better to dive into it.

3 year blog anniversary

3 years of blogging!

3 year blogging anniversary

3 years!

Celebrating three years of blogging

Outfit Details:

Dress, TJMaxx – Check in stores, only $24.99! (Similar here, here and here) // Heels, eBay (Similar) // Lipstick, MAC Faithfully Yours

Here are some thoughts and things I’ve learned over the past three years:

Nothing here is ever perfect.

Sunday scrambling to find balloons or glitter or something else to shoot outfit photos with for today’s post before the sun went down turned into indoor photos at a nearby bar where we were grabbing dinner to celebrate. This is a classic case around here – and you know what? That is OK with me because that shows exactly what my blog has been about… just sharing my everyday style and sometimes that means last minute indoor photos (and no extravagant, styled photo shoot). I try to keep things real around here because I like sharing a part of who I am with you. Sure a lot of what I share is positive or happy or great events in my life, but I try to keep a good balance. For example, this post most recently kind of described my whole year, which hasn’t been the best of the best, but I have learned a lot about myself and who I want to be this year.

Meeting people with the same passions has been the best part.

There are so many great opportunities out there, and the opportunity to meet so many amazing, like-minded people has always been the best part about blogging for me. When I went to Heather’s wedding a couple weekends ago, many people asked me how my boyfriend and I knew Heather and her now husband… it was a funny story to say the least trying to explain talking to each other through comments on blogs and deciding to meet in real life, then deciding we liked each other enough to keep hanging out. So we concluded blogging is like Match.com for finding girlfriends haha! But seriously though, my blogger friends (whether I’ve met you in real life or not) mean everything to me! And I’m so thankful for all the support along the way.

Letting things go. 

I don’t need to tell you if you are a blogger how hard it is to not compare yourself to others blogging about similar topics. Putting yourself out there also opens the door to criticism. My most recent experience with this was probably the biggest test for me to see how far I’ve come because for the first time I simply let it go. I will take constructive criticism, but comments like ‘you’re funny looking and fat’ just don’t deserve my time. I used to let things bother me, and allow it to affect me for way too long. I’m not saying I don’t still have moments where I get down on myself or moments where I compare myself to others, but I eventually realize I’m being silly.

Opportunities.

Blogging has also brought some amazing opportunities, collaborations and sponsorships. My most memorable opportunity ever related to my blog was my chance to fly to New York and do a photo shoot with People Magazine – still feels like a dream! This past year, I would say I loved being able to collaborate with Piperlime, Sole Society, Neutrogena and Murad! It is so amazing to work with brands I already love and respect!

Where to go from here.

My final ramblings on this post… things I want to accomplish with this blog in the next year! I want to continue sharing more outfit posts… this is how I started three years ago and I hope to keep sharing as much as possible. I’ve read many posts on dressing for the blog vs. dressing how you normally would and I must say — after blogging for my first year, I found myself dressing solely for the blog. I had to take a step back and find me again, which is why outfit posts went down to maybe only one per week. While I usually only to choose to photograph my favorite outfits, I try to share as much as possible and want to share more work outfits (These are the hardest for me, especially now, because the last thing I want to do at the end of the work day is make my boyfriend take pictures of me, but work is 5 days of my week so it is important to share this)!

Also, more interaction again. When I fell off of a more regular blogging routine last year, I also stopped interacting as much. Learning from and being inspired by other bloggers is one of my favorite things, it has been nice to spend more time doing that again.

Anything you would want to see more of in the next year?! Let me know!

And Finally …THANK YOU!

And finally THANK YOU! I would not still be here doing this without the support of my fellow bloggers, my friends, my family, my boyfriend AND photographer AND reason I started this in the first place…. so THANK YOU! Interacting with this amazing community is by far the main reason I keep blogging and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings! CHEERS!

 

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44 Comments

  • Reply
    Carlos Federico
    November 20, 2014 at 6:46 AM

    Love this?…

  • Reply
    Rachelle
    November 20, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    yay happy blog anniversary, so happy to have met you on the internet.

    xo
    PinkSole

  • Reply
    Ashley
    November 20, 2014 at 7:35 AM

    Congrats on 3 years, babe! And here’s to many more!
    PS- how hot are you in this post?! Such a baaaaabe!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    • Reply
      Rachel
      November 20, 2014 at 12:40 PM

      Thank you Ashley, you are so sweet!

    • Reply
      Rachel
      November 20, 2014 at 12:41 PM

      Thank you! 🙂

  • Reply
    Ashley | SB
    November 20, 2014 at 9:12 AM

    Congrats on 3 years! Here’s to many more!
    Also the dress is gorgeous on you!

    Ashley
    Sunday Brunch

    • Reply
      Rachel
      November 20, 2014 at 12:45 PM

      Thank you Ashley!

  • Reply
    Jacy
    November 20, 2014 at 9:54 AM

    Rachel, you are just a beautiful person inside and out! You look absolutely stunning here (seriously, so gorgeous), and I’m glad you guys got to go out and celebrate! I can definitely echo the fact that you show your true self and real life on your blog, because I feel like I know you really really well, even though we’ve never met 🙂
    I hope this next year of blogging brings you many blessings, opportunities, and empowerment!

    xo,
    Jacy

    • Reply
      Rachel
      November 20, 2014 at 1:18 PM

      Awww thanks Jacy! I feel like it can be hard to show who you really are through a blog, so I’m glad you feel like I show my true self! Same to you girl! I feel like I know you even though we’ve never met in real life… we will one day! 🙂

  • Reply
    Jess Zimlich
    November 20, 2014 at 10:21 AM

    Three years is such a milestone, congrats! I love that you decided to post these photos anyways, you look simply gorgeous 🙂 And I must say, this is my favorite post of yours to date…so much realness!

    • Reply
      Rachel
      November 20, 2014 at 1:29 PM

      Thanks Jess! 🙂 I wanted to say more than just “YAY It’s my blog birthday” and so I’m glad I accomplished that 🙂

  • Reply
    Chelsea
    November 20, 2014 at 10:36 AM

    What an amazing DAY!!!! Happy 3 years darling, I am so lucky and honored to have you in my life! Hey blogging is real, indoor, outdoor – whatever you are sharing a passion of your life. I love reading it and seeing you style as well as reviews of your fav. products! I love you and am so proud of you for being real on your blog, hope to meet one day, I know we will! Congrats!

    XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com

    • Reply
      Rachel
      November 20, 2014 at 1:34 PM

      Thank you Chelsea! I enjoy sharing all of these things and know we will meet someday!

  • Reply
    Happiness at Mid-Life
    November 20, 2014 at 4:40 PM

    Congrats on your blog's anniversary! I love your story about this photo shoot. I always want to go different places to take pictures but in reality – I just don't have the time to do that since this is a hobby. Glad for you for letting things go that people comment – you are beautiful inside & out!!

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

    P.S. Hope you will stop by & join TBT Fashion link up.

  • Reply
    two birds
    November 20, 2014 at 11:05 AM

    Blogging is totally Match.com for meeting girlfriends! Hahaha! Congrats on three years!

  • Reply
    Beth
    November 20, 2014 at 1:43 PM

    Happy blog anniversary dear! I have loved following along and learning more about you and I am happy we had a chance to meet in person once – we must do it again soon! Blogging really is a way to make wonderful friends, I would agree with that!

  • Reply
    Amy Ann
    November 20, 2014 at 2:23 PM

    Congrats on three years! As a fellow blogger, I know what an awesome accomplishment that really is. You’ve gotten to do some awesome things and provided some great insight here. Loving this dress on you! So fierce.

    xo, Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

  • Reply
    Ginny Mossman
    November 20, 2014 at 9:18 PM

    Happy Blogiversary! Here's to another great year!

  • Reply
    Alecz
    November 20, 2014 at 3:56 PM

    Congrats! I’ve just started my blog, so I’m always looking for tips! You’ve done a beautiful job with yours. And the dress you’re wearing here is stunning!

    http://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

  • Reply
    Laura
    November 20, 2014 at 7:56 PM

    Congratulations! 3 years is such an amazing milestone! Keep it up!

  • Reply
    Nikki
    November 20, 2014 at 9:49 PM

    Congrats on 3 years!

    Nikki
    thefashionablewife.com

  • Reply
    Ada
    November 21, 2014 at 1:40 AM

    First of all that watercolor dress is gorgeous and you look divine. Such pretty waves on the hair, also.

    Huge congratulations on your 3 year blogiversary. I love your blog because it has a little bit of everything, of course with your own flair and great taste in fashion and personal style. You have had so many opportunities along the way. I am happy for you Rachel. Keep having fun blogging and continue to be a beautiful blogger (inside out). The blogging community needs more gals like you.

    Hugs my friend. <3 Ada.

  • Reply
    KizzyDoll
    November 21, 2014 at 5:10 AM

    So sweet….Happy 3 Years to you doll…I hope many more are to come!! I always enjoy coming here, you look stunning, love this dress!! Gorgeous gorgeous xx

  • Reply
    Darcy
    November 21, 2014 at 9:10 AM

    You look sooo cute! Congratulations on 3 years.. what an accomplishment!
    http://www.amemoryofus.com

  • Reply
    Red Tag Chic Los Angeles
    November 21, 2014 at 9:26 AM

    Awwwww wishing you more power as you enter your 4th year Rachel – its been a blast getting to know you via your style & blog!!

    Rebecca
    http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

  • Reply
    Hollyn Baron
    November 21, 2014 at 9:27 AM

    Congrats Rachel!

    You deserve all of your success – this post was so fantastic and inspiring!
    A great way to start my weekend.

    xo
    Hollyn
    http://psimfromthemidwest.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Rachel
    November 21, 2014 at 9:43 AM

    Congrats on 3 years! So glad we’ve becoming blogging buds 🙂

    • Reply
      Rachel
      November 21, 2014 at 10:27 AM

      Thank you Rachel! – so glad we are blogging friends! Hopefully someday in real life!

  • Reply
    Because Shanna Said So
    November 21, 2014 at 10:14 AM

    Happy three years!!!!! You have gotten to do so many amazing things! I am proud of you!! Keep doing what you are doing and yes, let things go…that’s the hardest for me!

    • Reply
      Rachel
      November 21, 2014 at 10:28 AM

      Thank you Shanna, it is such an honor to “know” you 🙂 And it is hard to let things go, but life is so much better when I do!

  • Reply
    Katie
    November 21, 2014 at 1:51 PM

    Cute dress! So chic! And congrats on your 3 years! xo – Katie – hauteallure.com

  • Reply
    Jessica
    November 21, 2014 at 4:14 PM

    Happy Blogiversary! That dress is so cool! Love it! Here’s to many more years of blogging!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

  • Reply
    Claire
    November 22, 2014 at 4:17 PM

    Happy 3 years doll!

    God bless,
    XO, Claire
    http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    AJ
    November 22, 2014 at 8:33 PM

    Happy Blogiversary!!!! Gorgeous dress too!

    -AJ

  • Reply
    vett
    November 23, 2014 at 9:04 AM

    congrats!! this post is so true, but you can only compare your blog to your blog — keep up the great work!!

  • Reply
    Kirsty
    November 23, 2014 at 11:23 PM

    A very happy third blogaversary!
    Keep up the awesome work! I love following along!
    Also love that dress!
    x Kirsty
    http://geelongfashionista.com

  • Reply
    Kim of A Very Sweet Blog
    November 24, 2014 at 12:37 PM

    Congratulations Rachel! You always do such a great job! Keep it up! Plus you’re a nice person.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    • Reply
      Rachel
      November 23, 2015 at 3:18 PM

      Awww well thank you! That’s so sweet of you to say!

  • Reply
    Brynn @ brynnash
    November 24, 2014 at 9:36 PM

    Happy, happy 3 years of blogging, Rachel! It’s been so much fun following along with you, a fellow Minnesotan 😉 I really enjoyed reading your reflections on your blogging experience as well. It sounds like you have a pretty good idea of what direction you’d like your blog to take in its 4th year…here it comes!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Murad
    December 1, 2014 at 9:49 PM

    Congratulations, Rachel! Here's to many more years of success and inspiration! We're very lucky to have you on board as an ambassador.

  • Reply
    4 Year Blog Birthday! - Rachel's Lookbook
    November 23, 2015 at 3:05 PM

    […] resist getting a big four balloon to celebrate, and in case you missed last year’s 3rd blog birthday post, or my very first blog birthday post, you can check them out. Maybe it’s a silly reason to […]

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