Monday, December 30, 2013

2013: a wrap up & send off

I can scarcely believe that 2013 is drawing to a close.  As many of you know, this year has been a pretty difficult one for me; not only am I still struggling to find my place in the world and some semblance of independence, but the break up of my nearly-3-year relationship really pulled the rug out from under me, and I'm still reeling from that a bit.  But this year has had some really great things, too.  I've been forced to re-evaluate my priorities (something with which I am still grappling), and find what truly makes me happy.  I have caring, loving, hilarious, creative people in my life.  I have taken stock of what I have (and what I haven't....... name that musical), and I know I am a very fortunate girl.  I have dealt with immense heartbreak, but I have been surprisingly resilient.  I am still able to find so much joy.  This blog is one of the things in my life that continues to bring me joy.  Although I have not been blogging for quite one year yet (that'll happen in February!), I still wanted to give a look back at some of my favorite outfit posts from 2013 (try not to cringe too much at the early photos!):


During the early stages of my blog, I was just starting to figure out my camera.  In February, I started my blog and wore the prettiest pink feather dress.  In March, I started workshopping a staged reading and wore a cat-themed newspaper print dress.  In April, I saw a lot of Shakespeare and wore a dress with the dreamiest collar in all of creation.

                                  February                            March                               April 

This summer was strewn with flowers, it seems.  In May, I wore a lilac dress to the Lilac Festival.  In June, I dressed up like a rose and reaffirmed my unapologetically-girly aesthetic.  In July, I frolicked amongst purple thistles in lavender garb.

                                     May                                 June                                   July

In August, I crammed in lots of summery things, started rehearsals for a show I loved, and vowed to wear more vintage.  In September, I endured tremendous heartbreak, but still managed to find some joy.  In October, I celebrated my birthday and Halloween, rehearsed for two shows at once and wore some of my favorite outfits to date.

                                 August                             September                           October

In November, I wore a Betsey Johnson bag, played a witch 24/7 in children's theatre shows and finally started feeling like myself again.  In December, I braved the snow and had lots of family time.

                                            November                                            December

I feel like I really hit my stride with my blogging this fall (ironically enough, since everything else in my life sort of fell apart), especially when I was asked to be a part of Flock Together.  In spite of what I went through, I did enjoy many aspects of 2013.  Nevertheless, I am glad to see it go, and I welcome whatever comes my way in 2014.  :) 

Have a wonderful Monday!
xox Sammi

16 comments:

  1. Hard to believe you've been blogging less than a year. Everything seems so...put together and your style so polished and refined. Hope 2014 is your year!

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  2. I remember reading your blog back when you took outfit pictures indoors. This year flew by!

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  3. Great review post!! It's crazy how much can change in a year isn't it? I'm sorry that this year was particularily hard for you, but the hard ones make us appreciate the good ones even more.
    Loving all these looks!! So fun!
    xJennaD

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  4. So many great outfits. I wish you all the best in 2014.

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  5. A wonderful round up of the beginning of your blogging. You have done really well!

    I hope the near years brings you everything you wish and more!

    ~K | bluehairinbelgium.blogspot.be

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  6. I feel like I've been writing this on a bunch of different blogs today, but I genuinely mean it when I say that it has been such a pleasure becoming friends with you and watching your blog grow this year! You really are such a strong person, and I can't wait to get to know you better and see more from you (and your amazing dress collection, I might add) next year.

    Oh, and about your comment on my blog, Bo Burnham performed at my college and I got to interview him for the paper! It was seriously amazing. He was the nicest guy, and just let me sit and talk with him for as long as I wanted. It was probably in February or really early in th year, and I still haven't stopped freaking out about it haha

    Have a great and safe NYE, Sammi! :)

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  7. I didn't even realize that you've blogged for under a year! You are truly a doll and a sweetheart Sammi! I wish you the happiest new year in 2014 ever - you've come out of so much and have done it with so much class and strength. It goes without saying...your style is elegant and I could go on and on about your amazing dress collection!

    In regards to your comment - I will definitely be putting that house dress up for swaps. I bought an XL to accommodate my pregnant belly, but am intending on getting it tailored to a medium. If you want it beforehand, I'll send it over your way, just let me know. My other teacup / menu print dress is finally in the mail and should be arriving at your door shortly :-)

    Have a wonderful NYE lady!! xo Marisa

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  8. Everything you own seems to be gorgeous, and you put things together so well! Happy new year, Sammi!

    xox

    Kalie H.
    Kalieandgimli.blogspot.com

    p.s., congrats on the shout out from Betsy Johnson ;)

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  9. Your first outfit post was amazing! I love your style and especially love seeing your blog/style evolve throughout the year. I'm sorry you've had such a rough year, but here's to hoping that 2014 brings you much more happiness.

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  10. Wow, I can't believe you haven't been blogging for a year yet-you are already amazing! Your style is whimsical and beautiful and retro and PERFECT! So glad to know you Sammi and I hope the new year brings renewal and happiness to you!

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  11. Happy new year my dear <3 I love all your cute outfits and hope 2014 will be a wonderful year for you and you will get closer to finding the place where you wanna be. Kisses

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  12. I have adored following your blog and your incredible wardrobe, which just seems to be a endless supply beautiful dresses! major major wardrobe envy and it always makes me so happy seeing what you've been up!

    You have been so incredibly strong with your breakup which will make you a stronger person in the long run and down the line you'll say to yourself it was the best thing to ever happen to you.... (that's a long way off!)

    Wishing you a happy new year angel xxxx

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  13. I read all of your blog posts, and am always so inspired by you- your emotional strength, your creativity, your style, and most importantly your willingness to grow as a person through trials and persevere. I hope the new year brings you rainbows and candy print dresses and all the joy in the world!

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  14. Wow, I can't believe you've been blogging for less than a year either! Your blog seems so polished and professional! I hope I reach the level you have by the time I get to (not quite) a year! :D

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  15. "...What do I find? ...With the sun in the morning and the moon in the evening, I'm alright." (Annie Get Your Gun)

    I feel like you are such a kindred spirit, Sammi! You love theatre and girly dresses and it seems like not many people are into that anymore. At least, not many that I know. I admire your style and am encouraged by your strength through everything you've faced. It's been fun seeing the evolution of the blog and I wish you all the best this coming year.

    xoxo, Alesha
    www.oldfashionedwhimsy.blogspot.com

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