Year One: A Look Back

In honor of my blogiversary, I spent some time looking back at what I wrote during my first year of blogging on my own. Before creating Sincerely, Jennie I blogged on another site with my former college roommate. It was a blast to keep in touch with her long-distance, but after three years we decided to end that blog. Making the decision to continue blogging on my own was easy because I was ready to create content that’s personal to me, a 20-something professional in Chicago.

Looking back on this year I am pleased to see that I did create content that reflects who I am and my interests. I spent more time talking about my style, I shared news about brands that I love and amped up the number of posts about beauty and hair, since that’s a big passion of mine. I also wrote more professional posts since I do work full time and a lot of my life revolves around the office. Continue reading below to see my top nine posts from my first year blogging.

1. A favorite part of blogging is getting introduced to new brands that I come to love. BluMoss Swimwear happens to be one of those. I took one of their one piece swimsuits on a recent trip to Florida and was excited to share the sunny, blue photos with you all!
2. I love playing with my hair and trying new trends or styles. When I was offered the chance to review the Irresistible Me 8-in-1 Hair Curler I jumped at it! The wand has helped me create so many different looks over the last few months and is still in heavy rotation for my beauty regimen.
3. To bring you all more posts about navigating the office space as a young professional, I turned to some of the most impressive young professionals I know. I had fun working with my friends to compile key office style tips.
4. My most popular post this year has been Rental Reviews. Thank you to all who’ve commented or read it! I try out programs like Rent the Runway’s Unlimited program for my own curiosity, and want to be sure to share what I learn with you. Since they seem to be so popular, I’ll try to do more reviews during my second year.
5. My favorite part about personal style is experimenting. Sure I have favorites looks that I often return to, but what is style without the occasional loud piece? These pink high heels are one of those items for me, and they can be for you, too! My one shoe, six ways post shows why a statement item is essential in your closet.
6. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are some outfits that are your go-to. Depending on the accessories, they can work for many occasions. This outfit post about basics, shot by friend and photographer Hannah Drews, showcases one of those outfits.
7. Another highlight of my year was my 28 birthday. It started off with breakfast and pampering by Blohaute at DL Loft. There are few things that can get me up before 7 a.m., especially on my birthday, but I will rise early for braided styles and yogurt parfaits. Here’s to hoping my 29^th is just as good!
8. This past year I did more traveling, largely thanks to my boyfriend’s wanderlust. We enjoy visiting new cities and want to share the gems we find in each one with you. This traveling post in Seattle is just one. To see where else I went this year, click here.
9. One of my favorite features on the blog is Sincerely, Reading. I started it because I read an amazing book that I had to share (“Where’d You Go, Bernadette”) and noticed that a lot of other bloggers are great sources for book recommendations. To build up your reading list, see the reviews my guest bloggers have submitted.

Thanks again for following along, and please drop me a note if there’s anything you’d like to see in year two of Sincerely, Jennie!