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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Reflections of 2014

Well, 2014 was certainly one for the record books of Jessica. I imagine that when I look back on 2014, I will remember it as the year that everything changed.

2014 was the year that I quit a PhD grad school program, earned my Master's degree, switched careers, got married, changed my name, moved 4 times in 2 months, jumped head first into teaching 7th graders, learned how hard it is to teach 7th graders, fell even more in love with my husband, said goodbye to old friends, welcomed new friends, & finally realized that it is ok to just be a work in progress.

Part of this incredible year of growth, was coming to terms with not being perfect, with letting some of the cracks show. One way that this manifested, was having to let go of a few things, infact, 2014 produced the least amount of posts since I started blogging 3 years ago.

By the numbers:
2012 - 436 posts
2013 - 374 posts
2014 - 286 posts

I hope that this new blogging schedule works for you guys. It lets me post when I want to, when I feel like I have something to share, & not simply push publish on a "ok" post, just so I will have something gracing the blog each day. Blogging is supposed to be fun!

In terms of the blog, this could also be called the year of photographers. I had the great privilege of working with 4 incredible Nashville photographers. I love the creative eye with which each helped me shape my vision for this space.
Photo credits from L to R: Kate Davis (I love the street style photos we achieved here) // Zipporah Photography  (she was a rock star during this conscious consumerism series shoot!) // Alyssa Torrech  (I'm obsessed with how she captured the light in this work style post.) // Rae Marshall (I really love this wedding guest style post that we did together.)


As always, I had fun looking back at my style evolution in 2014. Below are my 12 favorite outfits - everything from my everyday jean style to some that are bit fancier!


1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12



And in full disclosure, there were some outfits that looking back, just weren't me. Behold these 6 "flops":
1 (too tight skirt) // 2 (I had to always adjust this dress & felt uncomfortable) // 3 (those pants are doing me NO favors) // 4 (I greatly dislike the finish on that skirt's fabric) // 5 (not a fan of this print mixing after all) // 6 (just a mess!)

One area of the blog that I was especially excited to develop in 2014 was the addition of new Series. While I need to continue to work on maintaining these, I loved introducing the Sip, Shop, See Series for highlighting my favorite Nashville areas, the Teacher Wardrobe posts showing my everyday teaching style, our Wedding, Nashville's Sweet TreatsHoliday Happenings, & my favorite monthly collaboration -  Bloggers Who Budget.



Getting notifications of the comments left on blog posts seriously make my day! If you are looking for some great discussions in the comment sections, check out this post about appropriate interview attire, this one about the best dress pants (so hard to shop for!) & this one about how your personality dictates what you wear.


Some of the most "Pinch Me Moments" of 2014? Hard to narrow down the list, but they would have to include an awesome Nordstrom Rack collaboration, including flying out to San Francisco to meet the teamShooting with Le Tote (love everything about their business!), making the Macy's "American Icon's" video (posts about it here & here). Meeting Because Shanna Said So (the SWEETEST lady in the biz!) Our wedding on Style Me Pretty, attending the Southern Blog Society Conference & working with the Nashville Style Collective


To be honest, I am still blown away when brands want to work with me. I love putting my perspective on a project & sharing with you all! And 2014 was definitely studded with working with some amazing brands! Including (click to see the posts featuring each brand): Aerie, The Impeccable Pig, Zappos, Murad, Dillard's, Levi's, Of Mercer, Nordstrom Rack, Macy's, MiH jeans, Gigi New York, Boden, Daisy Gem, Redesigned by Two, Chicwish, Living Proof, Le Tote, Kendra Scott, Onze Boutique, Vera Bradley, Lisi Lerch, Mickey Lynn, Lulu's, Shop Dress Up, Maidenform, Fresh Produce, Half United, Shoe Carnival, Kohl's, White Plum, Style Lately, Off Broadway Shoes



While 2014 was a pretty spectacular year, I do have some big blog goals for 2015. 

- I would like to make more "pinnable" pictures (putting labels on pictures)
- Create a better organized tagging system for easier searching on Here&Now
- Continue exploring my new motto: "less quantity, more quality"
- Photograph more of my everyday style

What would you like to see on Here&Now in 2015? (I really do want to know!!)

How was 2014 for you? What is your big goal for 2015? 

13 comments:

  1. 2014 was incredible for you! I really like your new blogging schedule because I know it is what is working for you! It's not about just getting a post up. It's really genuine when you do post!


    www.theadoredlife.com

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  2. I'd be interested in more work appropriate attire

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  3. Sounds like 2014 was an incredible year for you! I'm looking forward to that being my 2015. Cheers to every year being better than the last!

    x. Sabrina // Simply Sabrina

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  4. I can only imagine how much of a whirlwind 2014 was for you! Can I just say that I love how you included "flops"...Even though I really do love #3 :)


    One of my big goals is to continue to grow my blog, but do it in a way that allows me to remain present in everyday life. And I'm also working on doing the splits haha


    Cheers to 2015!



    26 and Not Counting

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  5. Jessicaaaaa! Wow, 2014 was a huge year for you. I love year re-cap posts, they're my favorite. And yes, your new blogging schedule is a-ok with me! I mean, you're teaching full-time. I hope you are doing it when you find time for it, and enjoying it!

    I'm glad you included your biggest "flops" of the year, it is interesting to see you critique yourself and reflect on what you would have done differently. As for greatest hits- I love the ladylike dresses you pulled off this year!

    I would love to see more of your casual style and teacher style! Here's to a great year for you, and hope to see you around lady!

    ♥ perfectly Priya

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  6. I love this post Jess! 2014 was such an exciting year for you, and I am so glad we finally got to meet and become real life, pug lovin', blogger buds!


    xoxo!

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  7. I love your recap! What a great style!

    ♥♥♥

    Jeanne

    http://fashionmusingsdiary.com

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  8. This little roundup was great, and while 2014 wasn't the best year for me I'm more than hopeful that 2015 will be my best yet.

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  9. glad you had a great 2014. I hope 2015 is a better on for you

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  10. what a year! and what a handful of cute outfits!!

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  11. i love your blogging goals!! and love how you picked out your fave and least fave outfits! we all have those posts where we look back and wonder what we were thinking!! haha

    xx nikki

    www.dream-in-neon.com

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  12. It looks like 2014 was a blast! I love your various looks! Great fashion!

    Jessica @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

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  13. The "hot mess" pics are funny because probably only 2 or 3 were not great. Thanks for all your work!

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Thank you for your comments, they make my day!!
xx