Into the New

We took these pictures at the end of New Years Eve day. I thought it was particularly appropriate that I spent my last day of 2010 with some of the newest people in my life. I haven't been shy about sharing what's been going on these past few months, but the reality is that the entire 2010 was quite a rough year for me. Many of the reasons I started a blog came from certain things I was trying to deal with, avoid, get away from. I needed an escape, a creative hobby, and a way to meet new like minded people. In September I was lucky enough to have part of that come true. I was in the city for NYFW and met a ton of bloggers during the long weekend of activities. 

I am so grateful for everything that has come from having this space. In the past year, while my job and living space remained stagnant, so many things have changed. It has felt like I've been bouncing all over the place while my day to day routine remains completely unchanged. 

That said, at the end of the year I was set loose and began to travel again. I love traveling to new cities and meeting fresh people. For so long I wasn't able to do that as much as I would have liked. I did alot of reflecting this fall about how to be myself and also how to be ok with who I am in this moment. Traveling, exploring, pretending, and being extra disheveled is all a part of that. I even began to take advantage of my own city again.

My first fall trip was to Madison, Wisconsin to visit Merl. I got the chance to share some moody for her Fall Lookbook. I never would have thought in a million years that someone would pick me as their "model". It was such an amazing experience and something I won't forget about anytime soon.

In October I had some beautiful guest bloggers fill in for me while I was away. I flew to Denver, Colorado to visit one of my dearest friends Sarah. Even though we have a long distance friendship I feel like she is someone who really understands who I am as a person, the good, the bad, and the quirky. It was so refreshing to be around her and her husband, Trevor. I was able to relax in Denver and become more aware of the little idiosyncrasies that make me, me. 

  

At the beginning of December I ventured to Philly to unwind and let my friendship with Kim become a real-life love story. I unintentionally fell in lust with the city, and accepted that I need to find my creative roots again. Before I left Kim and I made plans to get back together to celebrate the New Year. I realized just how happy I should and can be in light of these new friendships.

Floppy Hat, Olive Sweater, and Boots from Madewell, Citizens of Humanity Jeans, Old Belt
Vintage Shirt from Tree & Kimball Market, Custom Harness from Clyde's Rebirth

To be honest, I don't like to look through my archives, or think too hard on the distant past. Despite the negative memories surrounding these two posts, it was the start of something much better. I feel like such a different person, in a completely different phase of my life. And things are starting to be really good now, so why mess with that? I know there will be set backs, but I have to remind myself that there is so much to look forward to and that the NOW is kind of nice these days. 

 

Having the blog these past few months has really helped me reflect on my life and appreciate all the good things and good people that have come my way (...hey Kim and Merl). While things may be hard with some of my relationships now, I have all these new connections to look forward to. There are so many amazing, caring, honest, reliable people out there that I just haven't found yet. "Oh. Hey. YOU. I can't wait to meet you." Welcome to 2011. 

Photos by Merl and Brian

I thought it was also pretty fitting that on the last day of 2010 I ended up wearing two pieces from my some of the best people I've met online. The shirt is a vintage find from Lisa of Tree & Kimball Market, and the Custom Harness is the same I wore here and here from Merl of Clyde's Rebirth. These two items fit so well into my daily life, but what makes them special is that they are from such wonderful friends. I also wore the hat, my newest favorite item, for my Christmas card with Lua. And I don't know who I'd be without jeans, tall boots, and some olive green in my life. A little nod to the past and an enthusiastic wave to the future.