Top: J.Crew | Bottoms: Citizens of Humanity, also here | Shoes: Soludos | Earrings: Nordstrom | Watch: Michele, band here | Lips: Urban Decay in Heartless with Gubby Lip Liner | Desk | Chair | Blanket | Computer | Notepad | Phone Case | Candle | Lamp | Picture Frame | Pencil Holder
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Today Cashmere & Jeans is celebrating our one year blog anniversary! 🙂 It’s crazy to think that just one year ago, I hit publish on this website. And I have all of you to thank! Whether you have been here from the beginning or you have just started to follow along- thank you!!! Some days I don’t think anyone reads this and then I get a question from one of my readers or a text message from a friend confirming, that you do in fact read. I love hearing from you, so never be afraid to reach out 🙂
I’ve learned so much along the way. I literally knew nothing about building a website, photography or really anything more in depth about social media other than how I socially use it. I’ve taught myself so much in the last year. By no means would I consider myself an expert in any areas, but I’ve come a long way.
Lately, I really think my ‘brand’ has been more true to who I am. I use to hate taking pictures for the blog. Maybe hate is a strong word, but standing outside in the freezing temps just didn’t get me excited. And in Chicago, we also have to deal with the strong wind and tons of people. Insert my new found best friend- the white wall. It is on our sixth floor of our building which has a ton of windows and natural light. And I’ve noticed me having more fun in my pictures. My personality is starting to shine thru! And I’ve seen all of you respond to these photos in a positive light too! It might be a little boring but I love how my outfits pop against the stark white. And I don’t have to deal with the frustration of being cold! I plan to get out more once the weather warms up, but for now I’m sticking with my new best friend- the white wall! haha
I wanted to reflect back a little on the past year and share with you some highlights and things I’ve learned along the way:
- I’ve managed to keep my website alive if you will. No one has hacked it (knock on wood) and for that I give myself a pat on the back!
- It’s always better to shoot photos with second day hair. I swear they turn out better!
- I clearly like to shop- A LOT!
- This is my top post on Instagram!
- This year I got accepted into the rewardStyle program which you have to apply for and be accepted to get in! Cheers to that! This is how you guys can shop all of my outfits in the LIKEtoKNOW.it app
- Right after I got accepted, my photo I took got regrammed by @liketoknow.it.home. I was shocked when I saw that go live!!! And so excited! Here is the photo.
- J.Crew asked me to use one of my photos on their websites. They have since asked to use a lot of them over the year (I shop their so much) but this one was the FIRST one!
- Take a look back at my first post here!
- I’ve learned I have to really butter Kurt up and ask nicely to take photos over the weekend! He likes it best if I ask in advance and promise to take him to lunch or make breakfast after 🙂
- This is your most read posts followed by this one.
- I’ve worn white jeans in 26 different posts and too many times to count on Instagram- best investment EVER!! These are my favs.
- My favorite post is this one! I got to shoot with Addie and I truly believe you need a puppy before a baby. Kurt and I preach it all the time! This one is also a close second place. It was so special because Kurt was truly thankful that I included him in the blog. He actually read the post the night we celebrated his birthday and was beyond touched!
And to celebrate this first anniversary, I want to thank all of you with a GIVEAWAY!!! Today I will be giving away a $100 gift card to my favorite store- J.Crew!!!!! Check Instagram today for all the details. You just need to follow a few simple rules to enter:
- Follow me on Instagram
- Follow me in the LIKEtoKNOW.it app
- Comment done on the Instagram photo (it will be an image of the J.Crew gift card) and tag three friends who you think might like to follow my blog.
- And that’s it! Giveaway ends Wednesday at midnight
- Good luck!!!!!
Shop the Post
xoxox Amanda
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