2nd Blogiversary!

It's my 2nd blogiversary!  I have really enjoyed blogging and have learnt so much through this process and made some lovely friends.  I thought in this post I would share with you some of my fave outfits and what I have learnt over the past two years.

Things I have learnt from blogging so far:

To embrace my style:

Blogging has helped reconnect me to my style and preferred way of dressing.  I was definitely stuck in a rut and had lost my creativity.  Through blogging I have embraced my love of colour and accessories and this has helped me to become more in tune with myself and my individual style. 

To think before I buy:

Before I started looking at blogs and starting my own, I never thought before I bought!  If I wanted something and could afford it, I would buy it!  I didn't even consider whether I actually needed it, what I would wear it with or if it was made ethically.  I still have a long way to go, but now I do think before I buy.  I think about how versatile the garment is, how much wear I will get out of it and whether the company I'm buying from adheres to ethical trading initiatives.

To shop at op-shops:

I had only been to op-shops a few times before I started blogging and found it to be rather underwhelming!  Most of the clothing was just the usual retail stuff with nothing of good quality and lots of, how can I say this nicely....crap!  Imagine my surprise to find how much more positive my op-shop experiences have been in recent times!  I have found some great pieces at op-shops and really enjoy the search for the perfect quirky and unique item!  I have also donated more clothing and accessories recently to some of my local op-shops that are always asking for donations.  I know that some places have too many donations to process, but it is nice to shop locally and donate locally!

To make the most of what I already have:

I used to always be looking to buy, buy, buy and would end up with several pairs of earrings that were almost the same or several skirts and tees that were almost identical!  Now I know what's in my wardrobe and try to wear what I have first before buying something new.  I admit I still have a long way to go, as retail therapy is indeed still something I engage in from time to time!  I am by no means done shopping for new items and am certainly not ready to preach otherwise!  However, I have definitely become more mindful of how I shop and strive to make the most of what I already have.  Blogging has really helped open my eyes to my shopping habits and has encouraged me to be creative with coming up with new outfits with my existing pieces.

That there are wonderful people in the world:

Blogging has been a wonderful experience for me personally too!  I have "met" so many lovely people through my blog and one in real life too!  Being a stay-at-home mum can be quite isolating at times, but through blogging I feel more connected to the world.  I enjoy sharing my outfits and new purchases with you and feeling a part of such a supportive online community.  Thank you to everyone who leaves comments on my blog!  I really appreciate them and am so glad to have had the pleasure of getting to know you through blogging! 

Here are some of my fave outfits from the past two years! 

The best of Amber!  Isn't she lovely?  She has been very supportive (tolerant!) of my photo taking of her for the past two years!  Admittedly, there has been the occasional hiss and scratch, but nothing major! ;)

Thank you for visiting my blog! XXX

Linking up with Mica at Away From The Blue and Jacqui at Mummabstylish