Happy Birthday RGR!

It's hard to believe that as of today, I've been blogging six years! I started on this date back in 2008. I've come a long way since then. I still love gloves but my style has definitely evolved. Thank you all so much for reading and for your amazing support. This journey has given me so much. I've met the most incredible people many that I now call friends. I've gained more personal confidence from blogging and social media. Although I've gotten negative comments and hate mail, that has only served to boost my inner strength. My original goal was just to get to see some fashion shows (mostly NY Fashion Week). I've seen shows but now Fashion Week is one of my key goals for the coming year. I'm also considering some fashion related business ventures. None of these things would have ever been possible without each of you reading and commenting. Thank you!

This isn't my cake (found here) but if I bought or created an RGR birthday cake, this one would be perfect! I love it!

On February 1, 2011, I posted my very first outfit photo. It was a huge accomplishment for me. I'd always hid a bit in photos to hide the lower half of my body. Posting regular outfit photos has really helped me to feel more confident in myself and my curves.

I posted this photo to instagram last week and I've gotten lots of positive feedback on the styling of this lovely cape jacket. Proof of my style evolution.

I have gone through some low times with blogging. There were times I felt burnt out and needed to take a break. Recently I've felt a resurgence in my love of blogging. It may have something to do with my upcoming blogger collaboration. If you live in the DC area or can come in for the weekend, I'd love to meet you! Stop by the Shopaholics Suite on November 8 and say hi.

Thank you again for reading and enjoying my posts. I really enjoy reading your feedback. Show me some birthday love in the blog comments or on twitter, instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#1)

"Personal style is about having a sense of yourself and of what you believe in, which is basically self-confidence. When you have that confidence, you can wear whatever you want and project something personal about who you are and how you feel. Dressing, then, can be an adventure. You dress for the role you are playing on a particular day."

- Ralph Lauren

I wish I had a full picture of this outfit.  I was on my way to a fundraising event. This was a last minute ensemble. My budget was really tight and I didn't want to buy a new outfit. I own a black satin ball skirt that is my go to when I'm at a loss. I combined it with a gray t-shirt and two necklaces (combined into one big statement necklace) that I found on the sale rack.  A gray tee definitely isn't what one would think of when going to a semi-formal event but it toned down the fanciness of the skirt.  The look was chic. I felt confident.

Confidence - What I've Learned from Feminists and Strong Women

You can be wearing the latest in designer duds, if you have no confidence you are done. Wearing just jeans and a t-shirt, confidence can take you almost anywhere. There is one single thing that feminists, strong women, and successful women have in common and that's confidence. Wearing clothes that fit and make you feel good can help but confidence comes from within. Part of that is being happy with who you are, inner self as well as your outer self.

Think about that today as you get dressed.  Don't leave home without your confidence. It's your best accessory.