Best of Blake: 2013 Edition

2013 has been a great year—both personally and as a blogger. I started my second year of law school, I launched a new and improved blog layout, I’ve had the chance to work with some really great brands and have been featured in publications that I’ve been a fan of for years.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of my favorite looks/pieces and moments from 2013.

I love this night time shoot featuring a dress from GoJane that I took this summer in NYC. We had such a hard time getting the lighting right but once we did the results were pure perfection. (If I do say so myself…and I do. lol)

This look from a few months ago holds a special place in my heart. Not only do I love this blazer/skater skirt combo, but it’s also the look that was featured as part of Glamour.com’s Fall Date Night Idea piece. That was such a major moment for me as a blogger! I’ve really been working hard this past year at diversifying my readership…but in a manner that is still very “Blake” and doesn’t abandon the readers who’ve been with me from the very beginning. This feature was sort of my “atta boy” moment and proof that perhaps my slight rebranding efforts are being well-received and appreciated.

Another goal I set for myself, as part of my efforts to be a better blogger in 2013, was post more “completely styled” and polished looks. I’m a pretty simple girl in my every day life when it comes to accessories. I live for a statement necklace and a great shoe…but that’s about it. I very rarely carry a purse or handbag (if I can help it) and my nail polish is always a H.A.M. (Terrible, I know!) So I figured it was time to do better.

This handbag from the Philip Lim for Target collection (gifted to me by one of my readers & featured here) is one of my favorite accessories from the year. I think what I love about it is the fact that it’s large enough that I can still use if for my “real life” (like tossing in a book or two) but it’s still totally fashion.

Speaking of great shoes, these lace-up sandals by Breckelle’s were pretty much my favorite thing EVER in 2013. They were super inexpensive, but exude such high style. I get tons of compliments every time I wear them …and a girl never gets tired of compliments!

This look was yet another one of my favorites from the past year. I’ve had this faux fur vest for over a year and had never worn it. For some reason each time I put it on, I hated it …but couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. This day was different though. I put it on and all of a sudden I felt like a million bucks.

Two words…THESE. JEANS. I love them long time! They’re high waist, distressed and fit like a glove. What more can a girl ask for?!

And last but not least—this look from this summer featuring a popular shoe from Shoedazzle. This was yet another look that resulted in a really awesome feature. Shoedazzle sent pics this look out in their email blast to over 3 million of their subscribers and let’s just say…that day’s traffic was insane!So those are some of my top features and looks from 2013. What were some of your favorites? Did you have any great moments in 2013? What goals have you set for 2014?