Has it really been two years already?! When I started blogging I never expected anyone to read it, except for maybe my mom and boyfriend! Haha. Yet, I kept putting outfits together, taking photos in my backyard and sharing my love of styling and fashion with the hope of someone finding my blog and being inspired by my outfits. I started blogging as a creative outlet for my true passion, which is style and fashion. I got a point in my life where I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go, but I wanted a change, and knew that I needed to just go for it and jump in feet first, with cute shoes of course! There was so many times where I thought, “Does anyone even care? Why am I doing this? Is this a waste of time?” And right at that moment I’d receive an e-mail or a comment asking me where they could buy the skirt I was wearing, or if I could help them put together a look for an event they were attending. It made me feel so good to know I was helping someone and that what I was doing had purpose. So I wanted to say thank you for continuing to support me, encouraging me when I’m having a tough day and enriching my life. Each and every one of you has touched my heart with every like, comment, message and kind word.
This past year has been truly incredible and beyond anything I could have hoped for when I started OOTD. From speaking on a panel at UCSDwith other well known bloggers, to collaborating with world class brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Lorna Jane, Forever 21, among many others, to judging fashion events, and most recently hosting my first A-List party with Aldo. I’m also grateful for the wonderful photographers I work with, Jessica Chavez, Arlene Ibarra and Alexis Powell, for making me look good!! When I first started I would use a timer and run back and forth trying to get in the shot before the timer went off, it was pretty funny. Half the time I would be blurry or cut off. LOL
I’m truly grateful for every opportunity I’ve received and it wasn’t without a lot of sacrifice, effort and a few tears of frustration, but if you want something enough and work hard you’ll get there!! I believe in you! Thank you to my family and friends who have stuck by me, always supported me and knew that there would be times where I’d have to pass on a fun party to buckle down and work. Trust me I’d love to be partying on a beach just as much as the next girl!
I’m looking forward to what the next year brings and being able to share my journey with you! Thank you again so much for continuing to be a part of my life, you have no idea what it means to me!! Cheers to two years and many more to come!!!!! XXOO
P.S. Meet me back here on Thursday for a super fun GIVEAWAY!!!!
OUTFIT DETAILS-SHOP MY LOOK
Photos by Jessica Chavez
So PROUD of this amazing blog you have created!!! You have turned it into such a successful endeavor!! Love you cousin!!!! 🙂
Happy "2nd" Birthday Vanessa! This is an incredibly touching post and I had no idea that you achieved all of your success in just 2 short years (though I'm sure they felt very long to you!). That is truly something to be proud of! Your blog stands out & is better than the rest. Cheers to following your heart & turning your passion into your profession! <3
Beautiful photos!
Congrats on two years of blogging! That's a tremendous accomplishment to stick with it (I've had plenty of those "do I even want to do this anymore?" moments), and your blog is growing like crazy!
These photos could not be more gorgeous either!! You look absolutely stunning (can I please have your hair?) and that outfit is so fun for the occasion! Congrats again xo
~Jacy
http://www.lovelenore.com
Such gorgeous photos!!! You look amazing. Your photographers know how to compliment you for sure 🙂
http://www.myladylounge.com
You look like a princess, absolutely gorgeous! Your smile is infectious. Wishing you many many more blogiversaries and much success!!! Xoxo
Best,
Aida
http://www.mylifeinmascara.com
such pretty shoes!
http://sophistikated1992.blogspot.com
Thank you so much!!! Love you too cousin!! XXOO
Thank you so much Jacy!! Those moments are the worst, but it feels good to overcome them and know what you're doing has meaning!
You're doing great as well, love catching up with you!!
Thank you Sarah, you're so sweet! It certainly feels longer, in a good way, haha!!
Thank you so much Aida, and for being such a beautiful friend inside and out!!!
Much success to you as well! XXOO
Thank you Bettina!! My photographers are everything, I wouldn't be where I am without them!
Thank you Kierra!
Congratulations, Vanessa. I love the dress…gorgeous beyond words…love it, love it, love it! And you wear it so beautifully…really stunning. Love the dress, love the shoes, love the hair, love the eyes, love the smile. Truly perfect in every way. What a captivating girl you are…a princess! I'm so glad I found your blog and this amazing dress. I notice your photographers are all women…that's great, they seem to be able to capture your true essence and the beauty of the dress in every way. Keep up the good work and thanks. Oh.did I mention I loved the dress? lol
Love your skirt! What colour is it? Blush or ivory?
Thank you!! It's blush 🙂
Where did you get your skirt?? 🙂
Hi Tiffany! It's from Space 46 Boutique. http://space46boutique.com/collections/womens/products/the-wendy-tulle-skirt-blush-30-length