Hi there, friends! I just cannot wrap my mind around the fact that it’s already time for me to write one of my last posts of 2016 [there will be one last outfit post tomorrow because #deadlines]. This year went by SO fast and I’m certain it’s because it was JAM-PACKED. While I was in Paris for New Year’s last year, my girlfriends and I chose a word that we wanted to be the one word that we FOCUS on in 2016. For me, it was nurture. In 2015, I felt like there were quite a few areas in my life that weren’t getting any love from me. I felt like I was only nurturing the blog, and hustling hustling hustling. It was, I suppose, necessary to achieve growth and success but I felt like it wasn’t right …. for me, at least. I wanted a little more balance across the board. I can confidently say, as I think about this year, that I have certainly done that. I absolutely love what I do but, I decided at times throughout the year to take days [here and there] off of social media, opt out of the crazy assumption that we should post on our blogs every single day, etc. so that I could nurture friendships, me time, travels, adventures, embrace new interests and passions [for me, it’s been photography], relationships, etc. I mean … nurturing was the whole point of me being in London. It wasn’t to travel as much as possible or have a pretty backdrop for all of my blog post photos …. it was to nurture a relationship that meant something to me. If I’m honest, it wasn’t convenient for me professionally. Running a blog is quite the feat – remember when I shared what we do in a day in this post? – and so is moving somewhere! Ha! Trying to figure out how to do all of the things there that I do here to run the blog was a challenge and I probably paid for it. But … who cares? I may not have experienced the growth and success professionally that I have in the past [and maybe I’m the only one that really realizes my shortcomings in that area, and that’s okay. Just take my word for it] but, I can honestly say that this year – focusing on nurturing other areas of my life – has made me realize how much richer and fulfilling your life is when you aren’t making your whole life revolve around work. There is more to life!
I love putting this post together every year. It’s so fun to look back at all the posts I put together and it always blows me away! Maybe I did more than I give myself credit for 😉 Here’s a list of some of the most popular posts and my favorites from 2016:
Favorite Destination
aside from London because, y’all know … I’m obsessed
Favorite New Product I Started Using This Year
Favorite Blog Post Accomplishment
this post was unlike any post I’ve ever put together, shot, written, etc. so I’m super proud of it
Heartfelt thank you’s to all of the brands who have partnered with S&T this year: Nordstrom, Urban Decay, Kate Spade New York, Julie Vos, Baublebar, ModCloth, Olay, Chicwish, Marks & Spencer, Dune London, Sole Society, TULA, Nordstrom Rack, Banana Republic, Kendra Scott, Ripley Rader, Ulta, Smashbox.
Thank you to all the photographers who have made S&T a beautiful place to come to this year, most especially – Victoria Metaxas, Kaylee Labor, and of course, Miguel Emmanuelli. The three of you make all of the ideas in my head become a reality with your crazy amazing talent, and I am so thankful to have you all in my professional and personal life in the capacities that you are. You all mean so very much to me and I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of imagery we capture in the years to come!
To Justine – One of the best decisions I have made this year has been bringing you on as my right hand girl. So much that has been accomplished this year has been because of you. You are truly the reason why I am not a real wreck of a person, stressed out of my mind, and have space in my apartment to walk around, ha! You make me believe that all the things in my head can really get done and happen! Thank you for all the ways you have contributed to the success of Sequins & Things this year. Looking forward to 2017 with you! xo.
Last, but certainly not least, thank you to YOU! I may be the person that puts the blog together and keeps it running but YOU are what allows me to do this full-time, for a living! I hope you know that I don’t take that for granted and I am so very thankful for that. You all bring me so much joy! Reading your comments, chatting with y’all on Snapchat, seeing how you react to certain posts … it makes me smile and is so fulfilling. Thank you, thank you, thank YOU! I love you guys! Have an amazing New Year’s Eve celebration … be sure to check back before you start your festivities! I’ll have a super sleek look to finish out the year! xo.
Great year end posting . All your outfits are lovely and tastfully done.
Thank you so much! xo.
All of these outfits are so beautiful, can I have your wardrobe please!
The Little Things | Louise x
Haha, come over and shop anytime! xo.
Happy New Year! Blessings to you in the coming year.
Thank you so much, Lydia! To you, as well!
Love Love Love your blog!!! I started following you earlier this year and I’ve really enjoyed reading each and every post. I have a dream to start my own blog one day and you are such an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work ????
Hey Casandra! Aw, well I’m so glad you found me then! Get started on your blog – the only way to know if it’s for you is to give it a try! Everyone has a unique perspective to share so go for it! xo.
I discovered your blog this year. And you have really inspired me in the fashion department. I have so many go to outfits that I can wear with confidence and bought some statement pieces of jewelry that I normally shy away from. I bought designer shoes and sunglasses this year that I love, that you recommended. I have good pieces now, so I don’t need a lot of cheap ones. I’m so excited for 2017 and new outfit inspiration. Thank you xoxo 🙂
That’s so encouraging for me to read, Sara! Thank you for sharing that with me! xo.
Congratulations on a beautiful year! I love reading your blog, because you are so real and thoughtful! I pray that all of your dreams come true! XO, Desiree
Hey Desiree! Thank you so much. So sweet of you to say. I don’t know how to not let y’all in so I’m happy it’s not too much hah! Wishing you the same this year! xo.
Scrolling through these photos and kept saying, “Oh, that one was my fave! Wait…no, this one. Oh, I forgot about that one!” All the best ones!
Your blog brought so much depth this year. So much real, so much personal, so much fun to follow along. I felt like I was with you in London. Thanks for allowing us to be your friend! Excited to walk 2017 along with you! Xoxo
Your comment seriously made my day! What I left you with is ALWAYS the goal. Thank you SO much for sharing that with me and I’m excited to have you follow along with me this year! xo.
I have followed along since almost the beginning of your blog and truly enjoy seeing your posts each day. I love your style and I look forward to seeing what you wear. May 2017 be a year filled with blessings for you!
Oh wow! Thanks for sticking with me for that long! That’s so flattering! Wishing the same! xo.
I came upon your blog midway through this year and I’m so happy I did! I enjoy every post you do and loved seeing some faves of yours that I missed. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2017! Have a fun and safe Happy New Year!!!
Thank you so much, Michelle! Can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store, as well! xo.
This is why you’re one of my favorite bloggers! Relate-able, genuine, inspiring, and great outfits at affordable price points! I always enjoy coming to your blog on a daily/weekly basis and I think it’s in large part to your voice. Like you, I struggle with finding a life/career balance that works for me. Yes, by choosing to nurture yourself (and your relationship) this year, your blog may not have grown as much as you’d like, but the experience and putting yourself first is truly invaluable and worth so much more than anything else, career/career growth included (personal opinion). In fact, my goal for 2017 is to finally put MYSELF first (career, everything else will come second). And that is one goal/resolution I’m excited for in 2017!! Thank you for being such a truly genuine person and Happy New Year!
Lisa
http://www.theeverydayelevated.com
Hey Lisa! Oh my goodness, thank you so much for your comment! It brought a huge smile to my face because I do want to be an inspiration to my readers outside of just what to wear, and it was happy to hear that I am even to just one person. And, yes, I think doing things outside of work and focusing on other important things, even ourselves – which I think society and people close to us like to make us feel bad for doing, will totally come back to you in such a positive way, just like it did for me this year. Good luck with your resolution, girl! Hope it’s a great year! xo.
I just wanted to comment and say that I don’t know what your blog was like in previous years, because I wasn’t a reader yet, but I stumbled upon this site this year and it’s become a daily visit for me! So if you think this year wasn’t your best, just know that your work in 2016 was enough to make me (and lots of other people I’m sure) a loyal reader! You have lovely style and I’ve really found your posts so relatable.
Thank you so much, Jenn! That is a very good point and good to know! I am so glad to have a reader like you! Appreciate you sharing and excited to bring you even more in the new year! xo.
What a wonderful year it’s been! I’ve love following along 🙂
xx Kathryn
http://www.chicandshimmer.com
Thank you for following along, Kathryn! xo.