Best of Style Your Senses 2018!

Can you believe that here we are on the verge of 2019, the last year in the this decade. It’s overwhelming to think about how fast the time has gone and that’s why I always try to make time for this “Best of Style Your Senses 2018” post at the end of each year. A post where I look back on the year that’s passed and recap it both professionally and personally, feeling grateful for the highs and sharing what I’ve learned from the lows…thankful always that you guys are here with me for this ride! This year has been one for the books both personally and professionally and it’s in a large part because of YOU…thank you from the bottom of my heart for your fierce support, constant encouragement and for continuing to show up here. It means so much to my family and I and I am excited to continue to bring you relevant content and am working on some EXTREMELY exciting things that I’ll be announcing over the next few weeks. I’m going to continue to diversify Style Your Senses as a brand that’s inclusive of all women and a place where every woman can come for affordable fashion inspiration that encourages a feeling of self confidence! I CANNOT WAIT TO TAKE YOU GUYS INTO 2019!!!!!!!! Before we get to that, let’s take a look back at 2018…

2018 Professional Highs:

Blog Growth | I’ve always vowed to never take my focus off of my blog. It’s the only form of social sharing that I own outright and it will always be my #1 priority. I want it to be an accessible resource for you guys where I’m able to stay creative and share a variety of content with you. Although it takes up most of my time, I still get excited about creating each post with you–from the idea, to the creative and then the photography and execution–each step is fun for me and I get giddy about sharing the final content with you! That said, I finally saw big gains in my blog growth this year, and it was so encouraging! This year, I had multiple millions of page views on this little site and even typing that makes me tear up. I have worked so hard behind the scenes on the actual blog and to see the return on that investment of time over the years is rewarding beyond measure. I hope that you continue to take in content here on the blog and am always open to your suggestions for posts!

GibsonxGlam @ Nordstrom | Being a part of this collaboration and having a top named after me at Nordstrom was something that I could have never even dreamed up! The Gibson team was absolutely amazing and it was a true honor to work with them on such a fun project. Not to mention, your overwhelming support for the collection was mind blowing! See the post about GibsonxGlam HERE.

Brand Partnerships | This year I was able to work with some of my absolute favorite brands and create content for them that I thought would still be relevant to you. Some of my personal favorite branded posts are below:

• Holiday Gift Guide for Walmart (my first shot at video content)
• Trunk Club Ambassadorship (I was chosen as 1 of 10 influencers to represent Trunk Club for 2018!)
• A Day in the Life | Summer Routine with Nordstrom (a glimpse of what our Summer schedule looked like)
• Back to School with JcPenney (a little about my baby girl starting Kindergarten)
• What to Wear to a Formal Party with Macy’s (the red dress was an all time favorite!)
• What to Wear for Fall Family Photos with Vineyard Vines (see our recent family pics and take some pro tips on how to survive photos where everyone is involved)

Amazon | I’ve been doing Amazon Fashion Hauls for 14 consecutive months now and have taken your lead in making them bigger each month! Amazon is big and intimidating (especially when shopping for clothes) and I take great joy in the thrill of the hunt there. I scout for the best of the best fashion finds each month and share them with you in a huge haul on the blog and in live try ons over on Instagram stories! Here are the TOP 10 Amazon Finds of the year!

Waffle Knit Top | This was the perfect transitional, layering top for Fall + Winter. Comes in 4 colors and priced under $25.

Compression Leggings | Still the best of the best leggings that I’ve found on Amazon. Under $20, too!

 

Mock Neck Pullover | The Free People dupe that’s 1/3 of the price and so cozy + functional. No wonder nearly every one of you bought one!

Basic Black Dress | This little dress is as cute as it is functional. I styled it quite a few ways this year and it’s really a great dress year around! Also in long sleeve HERE.

Side Snap Fleece | This fleece jacket is loads less than the designer-ish version and is super cute for casual wear!

Black Swimsuit | The one piece suit that’s appropriate, flattering and $25!

Linen Overalls | So many of you stepped out of your comfort zone with these easy to wear overalls. Cute with a tank under, and flip flops for an easy on-the-go mom outfit!

Embroidered Cold Shoulder Top | This fun and flirty top was perfect for warm Summer nights and the price did not disappoint!

Tassel Shoulder Bag | This saddle bag looks like Chloe, but is around $35! Great quality and comes in 3 colors!

Racerback Jumpsuit | A universally flattering and slightly sassy jumpsuit that you guys RAVED about!

2018 Top Posts | The most viewed posts on all of the blog this year!

(Aside from huge posts like my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and Cyber Week Coverage, these were the best of the best)

5. Best Swimsuits for Moms | I found FIVE fun, flattering, and mom-friendly one-piece swimsuits for you!

4. Denim Fit Review for Real Women | I braved the stores and tried on a ga-zillion pairs of jeans, narrowing down my favorites for you!

3. Gift Guide for Her | This gift guide was a huge hit! If you still need ideas (or have some Holiday money to spend), here are my top picks and personal wishlist!

2. Nighttime Skin Care Routine for Women in Their 30’s | How I’m taking care of my skin!

1.December Amazon Haul | This was a HUGE post and you guys loved it! Lots of great Winter staples and a go-to for gift ideas!

Other Popular Posts:

The Ultimate Guide to Whole30 | If you are looking to clean up your diet, this post is for you! Shopping lists, meal plans and all Whole30 essentials.

Capsule Wardrobe for Busy Moms | This one from 2017 continues to be one of the most viewed posts! 25 basics to styled hundreds of ways!

Maternity Essentials on Amazon | This throwback post goes wild on Pinterest and most of the items are still in stock if you are pregnant and need maternity clothes.

Charcuterie Board from Trader Joes | Yep, this one was SUPER popular and I’ve loved seeing you guys recreate it!

Top 10 Most Purchased Items | Here are the best of the best items that I’ve featured based on how many of you actually bought them!

1. White High Waisted Skinny Jeans | THE BEST WHITE JEANS of all time. I promise. Flattering, high waisted and amazing quality, these were the most clicked on and purchased item by SYS readers this year!

   

   

   
   
2. Birkenstock Sandals | The most surprising purchase of 2018! I saw them and loved them, but actually waited a while to buy them. Thankfully I did, because I ended up wearing them more than any other shoe during the warmer months. They are unreal comfortable and were a hit with you guys as well!
3. Wedge Sneakers | Yep, they made the list for a second year in a row! Totally worth the investment and are still on heavy rotation in my closet. They now come in a zillion colors and even prints (see them all HERE), and are as cute as they are functional.

   

   

   

   
   
4. Roll Tab Tunic | Another one that makes the list for a second year in a row. I know you’re sick of hearing me talk about it, but #sorrynotsorry. It’s a great go-to top for everyday that can be styled a zillion different ways. See this post for tons of ideas.

   

   

   

   
   
5. The Mallory Top | Ahhh I can’t believe I’m typing this! You guys sold this top out within hours and I was blown away. I hope that you are loving it and have been able to wear it confidently over the Holidays!

   

   

   
   
6. Destin Satchel | Hands down the most popular bag that I’ve ever featured on the blog. This bag can be worn as a handbag, shoulder bag or super versatile cross body. It has the look of Chloe but is priced under $70!

   

   

   
   
7. Slide Sandal | These were some of my most worn shoes this Summer. Easy to slip on and super chic, these simple slides were a great option for warm weather!

   

   

   
   
8. Cozy V Neck Top | My all time favorite lightweight sweater. It’s the coziest, most versatile sweater in my closet and I honestly want to own it in every color. Layer under it, layer over it, travel in it, sleep in it…I mean there’s not much it doesn’t do! Best news is that it’s under $50!

   

   

   

   
   
9. High Waisted Coated Black Jeans | I took a chance on these and boy has it paid off! They are some of the most flattering jeans that I’ve ever worn and I reach for them any chance that I get!

   

   

   

   

   
   
10. Waterproof Wedge Bootie | My go-to casual bootie. I throw them all nearly everyday and love that they are a comfy wedge, but do wonders for elongating and slimming the leg.

    

    
    

Overall, I had no idea how 2018 would ever surpass 2017 professionally and somehow it did. There’s NEVER been ONE day that I wasn’t excited about work and it still sparks a passion in me that I never even knew was there before this blog. I am so so thankful for it and don’t take it for granted–ever.

2018 Professional Lows:

Of course it’s not all roses and rainbows and I think that it’s important to address that all jobs have some sort of challenge…and mine is no exception. This was a year of working on thickening my skin, keeping my head down and staying focused. Putting myself out there, I’m bound to get some unwarranted negative feedback. I’ve learned to use that feedback to fuel me forward and motivate me to do more than I ever imagined. I think of those comments as I am raising my girls and I know that I want better for them. I know that I want to raise them to be kind girls who will grow up to be strong, uplifting women. If you make a hobby of talking about women on the internet- I promise you can do better too.

I’ve also had to REALLY focus on keeping my head down and my mind focused on my personal goals. It’s so easy to get caught up in the comparison game and it’s really really unhealthy for me to open that can of worms. When I felt any insecurities start creeping in, I had to learn to turn my phone off, close my computer and unplug for a little. I re-shifted my focus and didn’t let myself back on social media until I felt that feeling subside. It’s so hard because social media is my “job” but I think we should all back away from time to time and look at it for what it is—a glorified highlight reel.

I feel like you can use anything negative and turn it into a positive and I’ve tried so hard to do that this year. I’ve tried to really appreciate the lessons (regardless of how hard they were to swallow) and learn and grow from each!

2018 Personal Highs and Lows

Highs:

We prayed so so hard over the past few years for God to open doors for us to move back to Texas and be closer to our families to raise the girls. Our prayers were answered in January of 2018 when Dan received a job offer in Dallas. We put our house on the market, sold it within days and packed up and moved back to Texas by the 1st of March. It was an absolute whirlwind and we are finally feeling settled in our new area. God was so faithful to us throughout the journey and we are forever grateful.

Landry Started Kindergarten:

How on earth is this possible?? Our baby girl is in Kindergarten this year! She’s absolutely thriving in school and we have LOVED watching her grow.

Trip to Seaside:

Our annual trip to 30A did not disappoint this year! It’s our happy place and we loved watching both girls enjoy the beach!

Church:

What started out as a real low this year is ending on a high! We’ve spent the large part of the year “church shopping” in Dallas and it’s been the worst. We’ve really hated not having a church home and have felt sort of lost for the majority of this year. We spent countless Sunday’s trying new churches and none felt quite right. We both agreed to look outside of the Catholic church, but man the whole process is not easy. The good news is that I think we finally found a church home! We’ve been going for a few months now and it’s been an amazing experience for us all-which is such a huge relief! I will share more soon.

Personal Lows:

You know how they say you never know what you have until it’s gone? That’s how we spent quite a bit of the year—missing Charlotte and all of the things we took for granted there. Our friends, our quiet neighborhood, the humble and slow pace of the city, Landry’s sweet school, and the true familiarity that we had there. Dan and I both really miss so many things about Charlotte and spend lots of time talking about our lives there and how grateful we were for our time in the Carolinas. Landry also still REALLY misses it, so it’s hard to watch her be sad from time to time.

I also haven’t put enough effort into getting plugged in to our new city. I was lucky to come back to a wonderful group of friends, but I need to do a better job of stepping out of my comfort zone, and making some new friends in our area. Making new friends in your 30’s is hard and awkward, no?

Overall, the lows really weren’t low at all as we have our family and our health to be so thankful for. 2018 will go down as a wonderful year for our family…one of transition, change, growth and happiness. We are so thankful for YOU and hope you’ll join us for all of the fun that 2019 will bring—I CANNOT WAIT TO SHARE MY SECRETS WITH YOU GUYS!!!!!!!

Cheers to a Happy and Healthy 2019! xoxo-Mallory