The other day, someone asked me how long I’ve been blogging, and I had to think about it for a minute. Turns out, as of today – June 10, I’ve officially been a blogger for one year. WHAT? In a lot of ways, it feels like I’ve been doing this for a lot longer – and for good reason.
During my first year of blogging, my social calendar was way more full than I thought possible. Through different community / creative organizations, like Style Collective, Chicagogrammers, Windy City Blogger Collective and the Rising Tide Society, I’ve done a lot – from finding new spots for brunch or drinks after work to a photography workshop and a faux-ligraphy class – I’ve officially tried everything once {and it’s not just for the photo opts}!
As a lover of all the free things, obviously I think the events are great – but it’s more about the people that I’ve met. Up until the start of Gilded Gal, most of them were just random faces who filled little square photos on my phone, or gave me major food envy as they ate their ways through the best Chicago restaurants. Since meeting my Instagram friends in person – and sharing food, drinks and a shot-ski {or two} – I can tell you that they are just as cool as they seem on Instagram – so cool that many of us are real life friends, too ?
Before I started Gilded Gal, one thing that I thought was true – and I believe to be even truer now – is that our personal style and our goals are constantly evolving. Starting GG, I had some lofty expectations about where I would be at the start of year two – I’d have thousands of followers, I’d be photo ready every day and I’d still be sharing sharing snippets of my life, style and city. While those are still my goals, I can tell you that it’s be easier said than done {yesterday I woke up 20 minutes before I needed to leave, so photo ready? Not so much). As I kick off year two, I’m excited about the way I see Gilded Gal evolving, and I want to share a sneak peak of a couple things I’m working on.
One new addition to the site will be city and neighborhood guides – both in Chicago and during my travels. Like many Chicagoans, summer is my favorite time in the city. Not only is it easier to feel energized and inspired when the sun is out, but the weather is also perfect for exploring different neighborhoods – especially since festival season it well underway! During the next few months, look out for my new travel series, Gilded Gal Goes. If you followed my Insta stories during any of my recent trips, you may already be familiar with this, although I can’t wait to give you a more in-depth look – especially about my trip to Dubai!
Another feature that I’m so excited for is a shop page! You might remember that last summer I shared my weekly Friday Faves – although I loved doing roundups, I had a hard time keeping to a schedule. So, instead of waiting until Friday to share my fave products with you, I will be posting them periodically on my Shop page – which will launch next week!
Under this tab, you’ll find two additional pages: Shop my Instagram and Shop my Insta Stories. I love the convenience of online shopping {who doesn’t?!}, but I know it can be difficult to judge sizing when the only person you have to compare the fit to is a 5’10 model. I’m hoping these new pages will make it easier for you to directly shop the items that I love.
I’m so excited to see what’s in store for Gilded Gal during my second year. To those of you who have followed along during my first year – thank you! This has been so much fun, and I’m grateful for each of you.
Before you go, is there anything that you would like to read on Gilded Gal? Tell me in the comments below!
I can’t wait to continue sharing gold standards on a bronze budget with you.
xAlex
Side note: How pretty is this pink Zara blouse? I’m loving ruffles this season, and even though it’s pink & frilly, it doesn’t feel too girly. I love it with my Rebecca Minkoff heels, pom-pom clutch from Francesca’s, Self Made Modern tassel earrings and Madewell jeans, but I think it would look so cute dressed down with white shorts and espadrilles for a street fest!
*Photos by the sweet {& super-talented} Alisha, of Lish Marie Photography. Thank you for helping me celebrate my one year “blogiversary” in style {& with sangria}