a look back at 'diary of this girl'

^^^ my first (professional) blog header! ^^^

in the five years i have been blogging (more than five-and-a-half,
really!), this little blog has evolved. i, too, have come a long way personally, 

professionally and otherwise! i started blogging as a creative 

outlet upon landing my first "real" job after college. 

i wanted and needed a hobby; i have always been passionate about both fashion
and writing. a fashion and lifestyle blog

felt like the perfect means to channel these interests. 

and in 2012, 'diary of this girl' was born!

in the beginning, my photos were taken on various phones
by anyone and everyone willing 

(from family and friends, to coworkers and random passersby). 

my small presence on the internet was a way for me to stay connected with family

and friends who didn't live in the seattle area;
they would email or text that they enjoyed following along
during my post-college life adventures!

my initial posts included various rants, inspirational quotes 

(often borrowed from the web) and very (very!) poor quality outfit 

pictures. i have to admit, i wish i still had some of the clothing

i wore in the early posts. for example, where are those sneakers 

and that one pair of polka dot shorts!?

^^^ my second blog header ^^^

this blog was and continues to be a great passion of mine.

after five years, i still thoroughly enjoy writing content, putting together 

outfits, and of course, talking about all things fashion.
 i hope you will continue to follow along, too!

 the photos (thankfully) got better over time, and i think my 

decision to work with a professional photographer in late 2015

was the best choice i could have made for my blog. 

my blog looks and feels more polished, and i am grateful for

the handful of photographers i have had the pleasure of working with.

i still enjoy browsing the archives to read what was going on 

in my life at the time (also fun? seeing the

dramatic change in the length and color of my hair!). though 

the quality of my photos were sub-par at the start, they're a great representation of 

how much i have learned and grown as a blogger. you live; you learn! 

my favorite part of blogging? the supportive

community of bloggers i have met in the seattle area!

i feel fortunate to live here, where fellow bloggers are less

competitive (and more welcoming) than other u.s. cities.

i cannot tell you how much i enjoy attending blog-related events,

or simply catching up with fellow bloggers over a cup of coffee.

you can bet food and outfit photos for social media will be required, too :)

and don't worry, i by no means plan to give up blogging.
rather, i want to reiterate how much i enjoy this unique, creative
process; i hope you will continue visiting here for fashion tips,
inspiration, and to stay in touch with other life events.
i still have an intense shopping addiction, outfit ideas galore,
and some fun collaborations planned for future posts. xoxo.