Lucky No. 4

love

Today is Stripes & Sequins’ fourth birthday, so I thought I’d take some time to reflect.  When I started this blog, this industry was so different.  I don’t need to tell you that.  I knew of a few bloggers, but Emily and Dianna were the only bloggers I actually followed.  And I read sites like Refinery 29 and WhoWhatWear.  That was really it.  I started this site as a place to catalog the things that I loved and the things that were inspiring to me.  At the time, I was working in a job that I absolutely hated.  I was twenty eight years old and completely uninspired + miserable at work… questioning my place in the world.  I worked for a really cool brand, but my boss was terrifying.  I got yelled at a lot.  Real yelling.  At work.  I will leave it at that.

So, like I said, when I started this site, I was uninspired.  I had no entrepreneurial spirit.  I was a little lost, career-wise, and not sure what I wanted to happen next.  If you’d told me that blogging would lead me to a career change, introduce me to some of my closest friends, and that I’d one day even have a shoe line, I probably would have laughed in your face.  I saw blogging as a creative release from a bad work day, but certainly not as an exit strategy from the corporate world.

Four years later, I would most definitely call myself an entrepreneur, and I wouldn’t even have my current day job if it weren’t for my blog.  So yeah, I guess you could say that starting a blog changed my life.

It isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.  If I’m being totally honest, there were several times this year where I thought very seriously about quitting blogging.  I’d imagine what my life would be like if I went home after work and didn’t have another job to tend to, and I’d fantasize about work-free weekends.  Not feeling the need to document everything on social media.  And there have been days {and there will still be days} where my heart just isn’t really in it.  And if we’re really going to be real, sometimes I question whether my blog is really adding any value to peoples lives at all.  I love pretty, shiny things, but sometimes I feel bad if the only thing I’m contributing here is making you want to shop more, and getting you to consume more and buy more things.

Blogging can be really weird.  The majority of my close friends are not bloggers.  Most don’t read blogs.  And certain things can be hard to explain to them… like outfit posts.  Truthfully, outfit posts are something I really struggle with.  The upside:  you guys like them, and I like being able to show you what clothes look like on a regular person.  The downside: even four years in, getting your photo taken is still super awkward.  As is explaining to friends why I pay a professional photographer to take my photos.  (It sounds so incredibly vain and narcissistic.)  Explaining this stuff can be excruciating.  My closest friends get it, but a lot of people don’t.  I laugh it off, all the while cringing inside.

All of that aside, those bad/awkward/weird moments are maybe 5%, and the rest of it is pretty great.  I cannot imagine my life without this blog.  The people I’ve met {and haven’t met… Internet friends are friends too!} the opportunities I’ve had… it’s all a little bit surreal.

When I think about my fifth year of blogging (!!!) I want a few things for this site.  I think I’ve grown up quite a bit this year and my site has been slowly growing with me.  In a way, four years in, I’ve finally found my “voice” as a writer and have enjoyed writing some more thoughtful posts.  It is a funny thing to say, but I actually think the sadness that I experienced this year helped me to become a better writer.  The heart of my site will always be fashion, but I want to infuse the site with more home content, more travel, health + wellness, and yes… more DIY projects.  And I’ll always keep things real…  there will always be pretty photos and shiny things to buy, but that doesn’t mean that my life is perfect – or that I want you to think it is.  I’m rambling now, but that’s what you can expect this year.

Most importantly.  A blog is nothing without its readers, and I’m so incredibly grateful for every single one of you.  This was a really tough year for me personally, and your support during the more difficult parts helped me get through it.  Although I don’t always have time to respond to every comment here {I try!} I read them all and take your words to heart.  Thank you so {so} very much for reading.

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  1. Meghan:

    I am so happy you began blogging so we met as a result and I am so proud of everything you have accomplished! You continue to inspire me and I’m so grateful for your friendship! Congrats my love, you deserve all the success in the world!

    1.22.14 Reply
  2. Liz Schneider:

    Congratulations Grace! Your blog is an inspiration to so many! You rock.

    1.22.14 Reply
  3. Kristy:

    Grace.. your quote today is inspiring and exactly what I needed, at the exact moment.

    I have been in a career turmoil for the past 3 months…leaving a job I didn’t want to in order to gain more financial security for my family. This past week…actually, 2 days ago I contacted my old employer and presented to them the option of rehiring me to replace two part time job duties.. they were completely on board and want me to start immediately.
    So I am now leaving a job I’ve had for less than 90 days and I am 35 and feel like a failure… I am leaving a job and work environment I hate but I am also so scared of being so honest with myself and fessing up that I was never really qualified for this position in the first place.

    Being an adult stinks at times… this is that time. I can’t wait to go back to my previous employer….but reading your quote “LOVE WHAT YOU DO” is exactly what I needed to see. Thank you, thank you.

    1.22.14 Reply
  4. Pamela:

    Congratulations! I love your blog!

    1.22.14 Reply
  5. ceislin:

    Seriously love this post and so true about how hard explaining blogging can be to non-bloggers… that blank stare never gets old! Can’t wait to follow along year 5!

    Classy Chic & Chardonnay
    http://ceislin.com

    1.22.14 Reply
  6. Jessica Rose:

    I’ve started blogging recently and your blog is inspiring to me…especially as at the moment me and my mu seem to be the only people who read it!! 😉

    http://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk

    1.22.14 Reply
  7. Raquel:

    Congrats on 4 years, here is to another 4 & more.

    1.22.14 Reply
  8. shopgirlcapetown:

    Your blog inspired me to create my own where I also share some of my passions. It really is hard work especially when you’re not doing it full time, but its also incredibly rewarding once a post goes up. Thank you for the incredible content, we appreciate your hard work and honesty 🙂

    1.22.14 Reply
  9. Allie:

    Happy blogoversary! You’ve done such a great way of staying true to yourself while having such great success. Here’s to many more years of this fab blog!

    1.22.14 Reply
  10. Vanessa:

    I’m so happy you keep on blogging! I really love the mix of diy posts and fashion posts. Can’t wait to see your travel and home posts!

    1.22.14 Reply
  11. Holly:

    I’m two years into a job that I really don’t like. Lately I’ve been exploring new employment opportunities. I always find that in times like this I always turn to my blog to help my fulfill what is lacking in other areas.

    I don’t know how it took me so long to find your blog, but I’m glad that I did. I look forward to your outfit posts… and well, anything you post actually! Please keep it up 🙂

    1.22.14 Reply
  12. Rachelle:

    Happy 4th Grace, your blog is one of my favorites if not one of my favorite. you’re really inspirational and your honesty. It may not always be easy but you make it look easy. 🙂

    1.22.14 Reply
  13. The Single Diaries (@SingleDiariesXO):

    Thank you for sharing your raw thoughts with us! As a lifetime writer, I have also found that emotion is where the best content comes from. Congratulations, and can’t wait to see where the next year takes you!

    Catherine | The Single Diaries
    http://www.thesinglediaries.com

    1.22.14 Reply
  14. Jewel at Eat.Drink.Shop.Love:

    Congrats on your blogging anniversary! It’s been great to see your blog grow throughout the years.

    1.22.14 Reply
  15. Alyson Miller Seligman:

    congrats on your four years. it’s so funny to think when we first started chatting via twitter three years ago, when TAGG was just getting started, and even the many emails we’d exchange and involve V, too. We’ve all come along way personally and professionally, I think, mostly for the good, but like you said, some of the crazy weird stuff like putting ourselves out there in outfit photos. Such a strange thing. Anyway, think you’re amazing, honored to have you as a friend and cheers to a kick-ass year five!

    alyson
    http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com

    1.22.14 Reply
  16. Lauren:

    I enjoy your blog and will keep checking in. Keep it up!

    1.22.14 Reply
  17. Dana:

    Congrats on your blogging anniversary! I also started blogging as an escape from a (terrifying) day job, but I am still so amazed by how much I love it now. Thanks for always being such a entrepreneur/career/blogging inspiration!

    1.22.14 Reply
  18. kimberly:

    Four years – wow! I feel so blessed that we’ve had the chance to meet and have been able to stay in contact through our sites. When I was just a newbie blogger, you were so sweet & welcoming to me and I will never forget that. Oh, and I couldn’t agree more with you about outfit posts – my least favorite part of blogging BY FAR! 🙂

    1.22.14 Reply
  19. Kayla:

    Happy 4 years Grace! SO amazing and your blog definitely DOES touch people lives! : )

    Kayla
    http://www.lovelucygirl.com

    1.22.14 Reply
  20. Lauren:

    Your blog definitely adds value to my life! It’s inspiring and uplifting, even if we aren’t purchasing the products your posting about! Thank you for putting so much effort into your blog, it really does show.

    1.22.14 Reply
  21. Sharona:

    Congrats on your anniversary!! I’ve loved reading the blog throughout the years and want you to know you definitely add value to my life — I look forward to reading your posts every day! Reading your posts make me happy, and I think that’s incredibly important — I know I’m not the only one who feels this way! The effort you put into your blog shows, and that’s why we keep coming back — thank you so much for the daily smiles! 🙂

    1.22.14 Reply
  22. Belen Baquerizo:

    Congratulations!! You are great and I mean it.
    You deserve everything and the rest will fall into place <3
    Xo,
    Belen
    http://www.blog.androbel.com

    1.22.14 Reply
  23. Denise:

    So many great thoughts, my how time does fly. Four years, doesn’t seem possible, see when you love your work it doesn’t seem like work..Bill..

    1.22.14 Reply
  24. Rachel {Love This Life}:

    You have such a great blog and keep everything real, which is a true accomplishment in (materialistic) industry. Congratulations on four years – I’m so looking forward to reading year #5!

    1.22.14 Reply
  25. Sherri D:

    Your blog really grew on me this year… it is now my absolute favorite and the first one I read every day and the only one I’ll read when I don’t have time to read others. Truthfully, I think your blog did get better as year four progressed. Maybe we’re a little nosy or maybe it’s because we (your viewers) really sense that you are extremely real when you post. I think it’s more of the latter… I’ve been inspired by your most recent stories and am so glad you continue to post! I think, we all, as bloggers, struggle with self-photos, over-posting, over-sharing and need to step back every once in a while… then someone tells you how they love your posts and everything goes back to normal. Now I’m rambling. Thanks for a great post – you seem to deserve all that has come to you!

    1.22.14 Reply
  26. BalancingB:

    Beautiful post and so true! I left my job almost a year ago to follow my passion and love. It is not always easy (or pretty), but an amazing experience that has filled me with so much strength and happiness. Wishing you a very happy milestone, and here is to many more.

    1.22.14 Reply
  27. Katherine Quigg:

    My friend and I just started our blog a couple months ago, and that is exactly how I feel about it. It’s a lot of work, and it seems very silly, but somehow it has a really positive impact on your life and career! Congrats! I hope we can stick with it for 5 years too 🙂

    1.22.14 Reply
  28. jillian:

    grace i LOVE reading your blog and you are absolutely a unique voice in a sea of bloggers. it inspires me to find my own voice and stick to only posting about the things i really love. happy anniversary and i cant wait to see what the future has in store for you! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

    1.22.14 Reply
  29. thyworkingactor:

    Thank you for sharing Grace. I love the more thougthful posts and I think you’re so brave for showing all the side of blogging, not just the fun side.

    1.22.14 Reply
  30. Betsy:

    I hate to hear that you feel like you’re contributing to consumerism and that your blog makes your readers feel like we have to shop more. I never feel pressured to buy what you post, and I really, truly enjoy reading daily. It’s a great escape where I can view fashion without going to the store and being tempted to buy it! Congrats on 4 wonderful years of bloggin!

    1.22.14 Reply
  31. Faith:

    Your blog is definitely adding value. As a student who wants to work in retail marketing (especially focusing on social media), finding your blog and getting to read about your work and daily life is amazing.

    1.22.14 Reply
  32. Kate Palermo:

    Grace, I’ve only been a reader of your blog for the past few months, but I think you’re incredibly inspiring. I find myself able to relate to you way more than some of the other blogs I read and like the fact that you aren’t only about posting all of the ootd posts (don’t get me wrong I like when you post those too). Congratulations on your 4 years and I can’t wait to see what you have in store next!!!

    1.22.14 Reply
  33. Sarah:

    I loved reading this post. Grace – you’re such an inspiration. Even though I haven’t met you in person, I really look up to you! I actually started my blog in ’09 during my last year of college, but it never really took off the way yours has. It’s still more of a hobby, I guess. And at times, it has certainly been discouraging. It’s hard explaining to other people what I do with the site, and what my goals are, and why I take photos of myself, etc. Basically, the same things you touched on in this post. It can be embarrassing and awkward. I think about quitting sometimes, and I’ve decided that when it stops being fun the majority of the time, it will be time to retire my site. But it’s not there yet… I decided a few years ago that although it certainly is a priority, it’s not my first priority, if that makes sense… And I really try hard not to compare my site to other people’s because that only stresses me out. But I really admire your dedication, your voice and ability to open up to your readers, and that you’re always so true to yourself and your values. I just wanted to chime in and let you know that I appriciate what you’re doing and I see you as a role model 🙂 Happy blog anniversary!

    1.22.14 Reply
  34. Jordan {Queen of LA}:

    aw grace, i cannot believe it’s been 4 years! in addition to being my absolute blogger role model, you’re a true “internet friend” – i value your advice, suggestions, and honesty more than you know. so impressed with how you’ve continued to grow s&s! xoxo

    1.22.14 Reply
  35. Brittany Sampson:

    I am so glad I read this. While I have only had a blog a few moments, it always makes me feel so weird asking a friend or my parents to take pictures of me in outfits….I am becoming more proficient with my camera timer these days. I am glad/nervous to read that 4 years in you still feel weird because I am in the same boat. Most of my friends don’t have blogs and very few read them so explaining it to them without sounding totally into yourself is a task.

    I am glad you choose to keep going with this blog. I love it and the things you put on here. While for some it may make them spend more for me it opens my eyes to new products and other options that I might not have known. I don’t always purchase said things but it is always nice to know about a new designer, new product, etc.

    1.22.14 Reply
  36. holly & molly:

    Congrats on your blogging anniversary! Looking forward to another great year of reads from Stripes & Sequins!

    1.22.14 Reply
  37. Diana:

    Congratulations on your blogging anniversary! I just stumbled upon you a few months ago, don’t even remember from where. I know it can feel pointless sometimes but, as a stay at home mom who loves NYC, I love your posts and getting a glimpse at your life. And I love things that sparkle too. Thank you for doing what you do!

    1.22.14 Reply
  38. Kate:

    I loved this post & everything you had to say. I have loved getting to know you & your blog better this past year! You are one of my very favorites! Happy 4 years!! Can’t wait to see what year 5 brings. xo!

    1.22.14 Reply
  39. Carol:

    Happy 4 to Stripes & Sequins! I started to read your blog regularly last year. I’ve been going through some personal stuff and really connected with you about those posts. Thanks for sharing and being a happy place for me to visit! I bought a pass to check out Core Fusion, excited about that!

    1.22.14 Reply
  40. Rebecca {at} Preppy Panache:

    Congrats on your anniversary! Even if you do inspire me to shop, and I don’t actually do any DIYing, I love following along when you do.

    1.22.14 Reply
  41. Susanne:

    Congrats on your anniversary! I love your blog and I adore your outfit posts – I actually try to look for bloggers that aren’t rail thin because it doesn’t really show me what the clothes look like on a human body and I already am overexposed to models and don’t need more of the same. I purposely don’t do shopping posts – but I really enjoy looking at them – yours included! Your site is very enjoyable, so more power to you!

    1.22.14 Reply
  42. bclaire:

    Well, I love your blog a lot (one of my favorites!), and while you do share a lot of shopping ideas, you are also one of the most down to earth, real, and inspiring bloggers I follow. It’s very clear that while you love the sparkly stuff in life, you are actually a good human who cares about doing things that matter! Happy four years!

    1.22.14 Reply
  43. Sarah C.:

    Girl, I stumbled onto your blog this fall and am SO glad I did. I love your honest, reflective posts and your more lighthearted outfit ones. We’re all a mix of serious and silly, and you do it beautifully! If you ever need a break from blogging I’m sure this community would understand, but please don’t ever feel you aren’t a blessing to your readers. Sitting down to read your latest post is like a great chat with a good friend :). Congrats on the anniversary!!!

    1.22.14 Reply
  44. Pat schwab:

    Grace, congrats on 4 years. I enjoy your blog and thanks for the inspiration.

    1.22.14 Reply
  45. Lauren:

    Grace I adore your blog and have been following you for 2 years now! Thank you for sharing your life/words/pics/diys with us. You’re truly an inspiration. Stripes and Sequins is a lovely escape from my uninspiring corporate job. I’m 28 and have been thinking its about time to start a blog of my own; this post makes we want to start NOW! Thanks for being a trailblazer for all the bored corporate millennials looking for a new path to personal AND professional success.

    1.22.14 Reply
  46. Cara:

    Congratulations on 4 years down, Grace! Reading your blog is a part of my daily morning routine, and I’m looking forward to what’s in store for you and Stripes & Sequins in the year ahead 🙂

    1.23.14 Reply
  47. Sarah:

    Congrats on the blog’s birthday! I rarely comment but read your blog everyday and absolutely love it. I have yet to actually get around to trying one of your fab DIY pieces but am aiming to this year! I too broke up with my fiance last year (this happened within a six month period where I lost my dad who was my everything and my grandma). Sometimes we have to go through trauma to ‘clean’ our lives and come out the better for it if that makes sense. As long as you have your health, your family and a positive attitude everything will turn out great 🙂 Heres to another year of great blogging!

    1.23.14 Reply
  48. Diana Pimentel:

    Beautifull words and that I identify so much with!

    Really love your blog , dont stop please!

    Diana P

    http://fashionafter30s.blogspot.pt/

    1.23.14 Reply
  49. farihar:

    I normally don’t comment on blog posts but I really wanted to leave a message on this particular post. Yes most fashion and lifestyle blogs tend to veer towards the materialistic side, nudging people to go and consume more. But the reason I actually started coming to your blog and following you was because of the dose of real life you give us in posts like these, when you talk about your insecurities and dreams. You’re a real life genuine human being, and it shows through in your blog. Congratulations on 4 years, and thank you for opening up your life and heart to us!

    1.23.14 Reply
  50. Linda:

    First, let me congrat on 4 years, too. I enjoy reading you through netvibes. I have to excuse for not commenting at all. (I´m german and it´s hart to find the right words..)
    Second, let me tell you that your post is one of the most un-narcisstic I´ve read in the blogosphere. A person who runs her blog only to get attention and applause, would not have kept up to your schedule fpr four years. I also feel not urged to buy or click anything through your posts. There are far more intrusive spaces out there. So please keep on going and don´t quit!
    Best regards,
    Linda

    1.23.14 Reply
  51. Jillian:

    Happy birthday s&s! We love you!

    1.23.14 Reply
  52. Myfanwy Hood:

    Congrats on celebrating four amazing, life changing years 🙂 I’m so glad you didn’t quit blogging. I love reading it and seeing your awesome outfits.

    1.23.14 Reply
  53. Kayleigh Clark:

    Congrats, Grace! I love this blog so much–it’s actually one of my favorites. You are inspiring and so real. I always start my day by reading Stripes & Sequins 🙂

    1.23.14 Reply
  54. Christa:

    Congrats on 4 years! I’ve only just started and I understand all of what you just talked about! I’m so happy you’ve stuck with it, and it inspires us to think about our future with blogging as well!! Good luck with all of your future endeavors, and I can’t wait to see them!!

    xo
    Christa
    http://www.gardeniasandmint.wordpress.com

    1.23.14 Reply
  55. Nnenna:

    Congratulations on four years of blogging Grace! Your blog is one of my favorites and I’ve enjoyed following along over the years. I really love your more longform, in-depth posts too and I’m excited to see the new content you mentioned above.

    1.23.14 Reply
  56. misformarketing:

    Great post Grace! I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog as a pause in my work-day, congrats on all of your accomplishments!

    1.23.14 Reply
  57. Chelsea:

    Congratulations on 4 years! Your blog has been such a lovely place to come, read a little, and get some inspiration. I’m glad that you have continued through the valleys and look forward to continuing to follow along! Cheers and pop the champagne!!

    1.23.14 Reply
  58. Lexi @ Glitter, Inc.:

    Congratulations on four years – that’s fantastic! I’m always amazed at the places blogging has taken me in these few short years, so I can only imagine how you must feel (I mean, a shoe line … wow!) I can’t wait to see what this next year brings for you!

    1.23.14 Reply
  59. fashionsbit:

    I started blogging just almost 5 months ago and your blog is so much inspiring me. I love all of your posts, your weekend readings and DIYs. I am happy you are here !
    http://fashionsbit.blogspot.com

    1.24.14 Reply
  60. Laura:

    Beautifully written post Grace! Congrats on 4 years.

    Hope you are having a lovely time here in Ireland xo

    1.25.14 Reply
  61. Jessica S (@jesshereandnow):

    Happy Birthday S&S! I loved hearing your reflections on the past 4 years & am happy to have found you a couple of years ago. This is one crazy roller coaster, and you are a very real inspiration to other bloggers (my hand is raised)
    xx
    Here&Now
    Enter to win a $500 shopping spree!

    1.25.14 Reply
  62. HMC:

    Congrats and thanks for being honest about blogging! It’s good to hear that it isn’t all rosy, because you make it look so easy!! Cheers to year five!

    1.26.14 Reply
  63. Iris:

    Grace, what you’ve been going through with 28 is what I feel now, except the part with the boss. I am trying to find my way in this big big world and somtimes feel like failing big time. So, I decided to focus on my blog a little bit more (though I am not planing to go big..) and post one story every week- I am doing good so far. Maybe I’ll get lucky, just like you, and find my real “love” in what I do. My best, I

    1.27.14 Reply
  64. Candace:

    I love this! Focusing on my blog more has led to some pretty weird conversations with friends and family. I struggle with exactly the same feelings. Some people laugh blogging off and don’t take it very seriously at all, but the truth is the bloggers I know work SO hard. We each are creating our own magazines, and sharing all of our likes, dreams, and experiences. It’s inspiring to have real conversations with people in the same industry. We are all here for each other. Keep going! I’ll keep reading!
    xoxo Candace
    http://www.FromCtoC.com

    1.28.14 Reply
  65. Aimee:

    Thank you so much for this post. It really touched me and hit home on a lot of levels. I’m completely starting over in my life, my business, and my blog and life is full of ups and downs that are more noticeable these days. I can’t express how much I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and how much I appreciate this post, in particular. I’m reading it today, almost a year after it’s publishing date, and it couldn’t be more timely or relevant for me. You are a positive contributor, Grace. Your Instagram is even in my inspirations list! Whenever you feel like giving up blogging, know that you are a valued source of smiles for your readers. Thanx 🙂

    12.29.14 Reply
    • Grace Atwood:

      Oh my gosh thank you so much – this makes me so happy to hear!! 🙂 xx

      12.31.14 Reply