The Edit Blog Love Sponsor Thrift Image Map

2011-02-20

2 Years is Longer Than a Hollywood Relationship

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Silk wrap dress? Thrifted
Coat? Thrifted
Boots? Holt's Last Call
Gloves? Danier
Necklace? Flea market
Clutch? Thrifted

Two years ago I started this blog. Two whole freaking years. No, we didn't go out this weekend to celebrate My Edit, The Brand (sorry, that's just what we need to call it now...). Well, I did go out but my friends and I celebrated $10 cab fares and 3 a.m. shwarma instead... It was good.

The thing with fashion blogging is that it's more than just a hobby. Sometimes I wish it could be a hobby. You know, like when I went to the bead store and bought wire, findings and sparkly beads because I was going to become a maker of pretty things. I still have those beads... they look nice in their original bag. But I am glad that this isn't one of those things that I started and then ignored. I love the way that blogging has given me confidence to take fashion risks, that it's given me a chance to write regularly again and that it's given me some real life Internet friends. It's about time I joined the 21st century and got myself world wide web buddies...

Last year, on the first anniversary of this blog, I wrote a pretty open post about the experience of blogging for a year. The day I wrote that post, I had a botany exam. The exam was really hard (like, you know?), and I might have done better if I hadn't spent so much time trying to articulate exactly how I felt about blogging. The fact that I chose to post instead of study is a pretty good indicator of how blogging can overtake one's life. I can admit it, I am a bit of a try hard when it comes to school and grades but clearly, at that moment, blogging trumped botany. Most of that post still rings true... from the good; the friends, the thrifting ,the dressing... to the bad; the moments of crippling jealousy. I want to say it gets better but sometimes, as the fashion blogging phenomenon grows, it feels like it gets more complicated. When I started my blog, I just wanted to talk about fashion and show off some of my thrift finds, I honestly had no clue that fashion blogging was an industry in and of itself. I remember during the first few weeks of blogging, I saw on some stat that my blog had drawn 71 unique visitors. I knew a handful of people from my family and friends read my blog but I was blown away that 50 random people in this world had stopped by my little blog. I still struggle everyday to keep a good attitude about any kind of stats. It is sooo easy to get caught up in the 'but she has...!' whiny attitude instead of being grateful that people have chosen to waste their boss' time on my little piece of Internet ramblings.

Morgan wrote a good post a few weeks ago about keeping a balance between living a life and blogging about a life. Between taking pictures, editing them, writing posts, participating in this varied and usually, pretty awesome, community, having a job, a family, friends and laundry; life is fairly hectic. And as I continue blogging, the line between real life and blogging starts to blur a bit. You know what's real? The credit card bill I am getting for booking a flight down to Austin to finally meet some other bloggers. It used to be my online life vs. my real life but it seems like the two will continue to get intertwined.

And besides finally meeting some other bloggers, continuing to take pictures in little Hamilton nooks and getting dressed, what else are my plans for My Edit, The Brand? Well, my next endeavour is getting a trademark on the use of sequins and the word 'the', so that anyone who uses either is, in turn, forced to link back to me. And with that kind of traffic, I won't ever need to worry about my botany exam mark...

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Ha... I kid about sequin trademarks... though I don't kid that blogging can be rather emotional and complicated. Yet, despite that, I do really enjoy the creative outlet and the journey it has taken me on. And for your readership, your comments and your sweet emails over the last two years, I am deeply grateful. Group hug?

62 comments :

Savannah said...

You have the most amazing style, everything about this look is to die for. You're so talented and inspiring I love reading your blog!

savannah-joyofliving.blogspot.com

thatdamngreendress said...

Big ol' internet hugs and high fives! Your inimitable style (that we imitate) and hilarious observations keep us coming back for more! Thanks!

I always feel somehow there's a shared experience with Canadian bloggers, even though the internet is placeless!

K.Line said...

What a gorgeous outfit to commemorate a terrific milestone.

Izabela said...

Congratulations on two years of blogging, and I hope you keep blogging for much much longer! I adore your style and all that you do with thrifted finds. Blogging really is a wonderful outlet and I'm glad that you are able to do that -- I love reading your blog!

Looks and Books said...

Happy blog anniversary! Your style is always inspiring and I admire your ability to balance a full life with running one of the best style blogs out there. I'm looking forward to the next two years!

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

i am a new reader and just wanted to say that your blog inspires me. although my fashion (and mommy) blog is new, i am not new to blogging. blogging has introduced me to some amazing people that i am happy to now call friends. so happy to have found your blog =) xo

the stylish housewife

Morgan and Lua said...

FIrst and foremost Happy Blogiversary!! I know it can seem like a silly thing to celebrate, but like you said, it's more than a hobby. If you had been at your work place for 2 years someone probably would have brought in cupcakes, or baked some cookies for you. You're worth it! It is hard work, as silly as that seems to admit. So go ahead, pat yourself on the back and get your cats to whip up something sugary and sweet.

Blogging vs. real life is certainly something I struggle with. Because while I'm trying to keep up with everything going on with my real life friends, I also want to stay on top of what you all are doing and be involved in my friendships online. It's been one of the most valuable things thats happened to me in the last year, and I can't imagine just never "speaking" to you or any of the other girls I've become close with again. CANNOT.

So while the work and effort and time is consuming, sometimes stressful and often full of frustrations, I think what we're both saying is that it's worth it, right? Oh gee, whatever. Congrats for starting something 2 years ago and for following through and still doing it. You're my modern day hero.

Miss you.
Congrats!
Celebratory drink is on me! (not really) (kindof) (in the future)

amy said...

You, your blog and that coat with the fur collar are all three fabulous. I can't wait to meet you during the Style Council Conference weekend! Kendi said I'd get to meet you... and I'm going to hold you to that.

Lindsey Dixon said...

Wow, 2 years! Happy Blogoversary! Your blog was one of the first ones I started to read and I still love it! As I love your gloves.

Lindsey Soup

joanna said...

congratulations! that's so exciting that you've reached the 2 year mark! Im not sure I've ever commented on your blog before (though Im a faithful subscriber on bloglovin) but those gloves are just so absolutely fantastic that I couldnt resist!

. said...

GROUP HUG! Although I'm just in it for the quick anonymous butt squeezes.

LISTEN - Happy 2-Year Anniversary. You're an inspiration, and not in the silly sense that I get stars in my eyes reading your posts or anything (neither confirm nor deny) but b/c your blog is QUALITY and makes me want to churn out the same. Here's hoping you'll still be around when I fail out of grad school b/c the Blog Monster finally swallowed me whole.

Sheila said...

Group hug! Happy 2 years of blogging - I adore your writing, your clothes, your thrifting (if you are ever on the West coast, let me know) and you deserve every accolade.

Love the outfit too, naturally.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on two years of blogging! Love reading you for the fantastic writing, fabulous outfits, and the thrifting tips. YAY, MY EDIT/JENTINE! :-D

Patricia said...

Awesome outfit, but it's your hair stealing the show. It looks GREAT today!

Jameil said...

Group hug! Happy 2 year! I love this outfit. Just because and also because it's the sort of thing that if I wore something remotely like it my mom would look at me, shake her head and wonder how my grandma's style jumped over her and into her child. LOLOL She gave me that look when she saw me at church today.

Unknown said...

I absolutely love this outfit!! Anything with elbow length leather gloves and leopard print is always a hit in my books!!

I just read your post from last year...and I couldn't agree more with you...over everything!!
Especially the jealousy aspect. I always feel SOOOO guilty for having jealous thoughts...and it's almost like the more readers I'm accumulated the more jealous I get. It's funny, when I had around 25 "followers" I was so jealous of the blogs with 50...and people who had more than that just seemed like super heros...and then when I reached 100 I was jealous of the blogs that had 110..silly silly I know..haha...why can't I look back and realize how far I've come instead of looking at everyone else and wishing I was as "cool" as them...hehe... And yes I'm talking about YOU!! Why aren't I as cool as you??? Oh wait that might be because you're wearing leopard print and elbow length leather gloves...and I'm sitting here typing this in yoga pants and my hair in a towel!!!

Happy Bloggiverary!!

Required2BeInspired

DanielleJoy said...

Jentine, I LOVE your blog. I have been following for months now, I just never commented (sorry!! combination of laziness and shyness). I read a ton of other blogs, too (whatiwore, kendieveryday, etc.) and your is one of my faves! You're so funny and quirky. And I LOVE your thrift thursday tips - I always look forward to them. You've inspired me to do more thrifting. great job, keep up the good work!!

sartoriography said...

Happy birthday to you and the brand. I am group-hugging the stuffing out of you. Wait, can you group hug one person? I'm not sure. I'll get back to you (and myself) on that one.

I totally agree about the emotional energy and time required to sustain this not-hobby hobby. I'm a PhD student who should be reading Nietzsche right now, but instead I'm envying your rad boots and thinking how much I love being a nerdy-pants, "Ooh, my clothes are so pretty!" blogger.

This blog is one of my favorites. I'm so glad you're willing to give so much time to it so that I can snicker at your jokes, drool over your clothes, and generally think, "Man, maybe I should've gone to University of Toronto in the end, because then I could've been pals with Jentine!" I mean, after all, who else would let me have the honor and privilege of spray-tanning a newborn with her?

Nadine said...

Has it really been 2 years? Like, whoa, man. I definitely consider you an internet-friend, and my kids love you too with your crazy-glamorous snow-ploughs-and-raccoons Canadian lifestyle. This outfit is exceptionally awesome - let's hug it out! Mmmmmm!

Chaucee said...

Congrats on two years!

The Suburb Experiment said...

You were the blogger that inspired me to start my own. You're so funny, I love seeing your thrift store finds and a lot of what you type about resonates with me.

Happy Blogiv. . . Bloggiv. . . Happy Two Years Having A Blog!!

Jenn

zeldahopper said...

HuG! I love your blog. I'm so inspired by your outfits, I think you are a one of a kind sparkly shoes marked-down, lemon poppyseed muffin, lily scented, pumpkin spice latte on a cold day, warm dryer sheets, the smell of basil in June kind of a blog. I nub it:-)

Siena in Style said...

wow you look like a million bucks!!

Anja said...

two years of blogging! amazing! Hope I will keep it up that long.
I have to say that I adore all your outfits. You have such an amazing sense of style, but this one is really special! Can't take my eyes off the pictures. Really pretty!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on two years of blogging! Your dress looks amazing on you!

Hooked on Shoes said...

Congratulations on your anniversary/birthday/fill in appropriate name!!! I love reading your blog, your stories always make me smile or even laugh (not good when at work).

I have been looking for the perfect leopard dress for ages now, I guess I have to take up thrifting as a hobby!

Stella said...

Yay to your blogversary! Yay to group hugs! I remember reading that post (though I think I didn't comment...I may have been too shy to do so), and how I could relate. No matter what happens in the blog world, I think the benefits outweigh the negatives. I've made some great friends, and I wouldn't give that up for anything!

Anonymous said...

Happy blog anniversary! I don't comment much but I read every post and enjoy your fashion and fun stories!

Did you go the shwarma place in the strip joint? My boyfriend (now husband) and I used to call the Hammer home, and apparently there is a difference between 'going for shwarma' and 'having shwarma'. One of them involves Hamilton's finest ladies :)

Dee

Secondhand Stella said...

Congrats on the 2 years!!!

Love the necklace. I love the contrast of it against the print of the dress.

Raquelita said...

Oh, gorgeous Yen! That dress! That blue necklace! That trademarked "the"! Happy Blogiversary!

Prissy said...

You look stunning...Hollywood couture!!

Hahaha...too funny. I think we're actuall ALMOST wearing the same exact dress today, except mine is not v-neck..other than that, its the the exact same.

Prissy
www.rushourfashion.com

laura said...

happy anniversary! and you look fantabulamazing in that dress! :)

Nana Erin said...

I'm so glad you've stuck around. And I am so so excited about Austin. I never dreamed I'd get to meet some of the people who will be there, and you are going to be a highlight for me! <3

Unknown said...

I swear, if you every try to leave blogging, I will come up to cold Canada and make you come back. You are the highpoint of my blog reading addiction.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, to you and your closet.

emily said...

You know, I heart you and I don't know if I would get my weekly dose of sass and sarcasm if it wasnt for you (especially since Merl is MIA most of the time -angry scowl)
But you know, you could have just come to Montreal to meet a blogger... saved a few pennies. Come ON now. (who am i to talk, im going all the way to lake tahoe this week to meet some lovely bloggers... yes, leaving SNOW for more SNOW. Eye roll at myself)
Congrats on the 2 years, isnt life crazy? some days I try to ignore the fact that fashion blogging is a "trend" ... that's really not why i started... I just thought HEY I can do this too!
And now I get all swept up in these blogging conferences (not that I attend but I occasionally watch online only to roll my eyes and close the window) and sometimes I want to say GFY. I want to blog for me... Hell, I'd LOVE to get paid to blog... I spend enough of my damn time on the thing, it would be good to do it full time. But Alas... not happening any time soon (or ever? who knows)
When I force myself to get dressed on the weekend just to take outfit pictures, I realize that there is a problem... I am an addict... that's the first step right? admitting there's a problem?

Ok Im gonna stop myself before I write a damn novel here.
What I want to add though is that I freaking love your blog because you keep it real {sista!} I love your snarkiness (snarkYness?) and the amazing outfits you put together with a mix of vintage and designer. It TOTALLY inspires me... oh wait you already knew that. I think a lot of people can learn a lot from your blog. Thrift stores are the shit. And apparently Holt's Last Call too.

Victoria said...

You look so gorgeous! Love love love

Kate said...

Your branding & trademarking has me in stitches! Oh my goodness! There was definitely a little eye rolling going on on my end during the IFB panels that addressed this. ;) AND, happy birthday, bloggie! I agree with all you had to say, and went back to read your first year re-cap, too. The lines between real life & blog life definitely blur & blend, and the random bits of jealousy never really go away, from my experience so far. But it happens to us all! So happy to have your blog as a daily source of entertainment - you are lovely. Truly.

Kyla said...

Ooooooh, I can't wait for Austin! And at least if the company sucks, the weather will be nice :) I kid, I kid. It's going to be AWESOME!

Santina said...

Congratulations, Jentine! Blogging is such a journey, and I, too, still struggle with stats. I'm a numbers kind of gal, but sometimes I wish I was a bit more fuzzy. I have to admit that I've thought about throwing in the towel quite a few times since moving to Mexico. I've watched those damn numbers drop as my outfits went from city chic (at least, I hope!) to beach bliss in the form of cutoffs and tees. I actually think the relationships that I've built through blogging are what keep me going. Keep up the good work, and I can't wait to see what's to come for My Edit, The Brand! :)

Oh, and you look gooooooorgeous!

Elissa said...

Congratulations on your two year blogosversary! It's not a small thing at all. You have fantastic style and your blog is one of my favorites. I always find something inspiring, intriguing and intelligent in your posts. I am looking forward to many more posts form you in the future!

www.dresswithcourage.com

C said...

HAPPY EFFING TWO YEARS! You are the hot blogger of the North, the mystical blogger that embodies all the perfection of the world; sequins, sass, and style. Since I've never met you in person, and I couldn't cough up the dough to go to Austin, I'm not even 100% sure that you actually exist. But I'm glad your blog does. :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on two years! I'm loving the flea market necklace you're sporting with the leopard today. I've only been at it for 6 months and I have felt those ups and downs too. I'm jealous that you're going to Austin.

rlutz said...

happy 2nd birthday!!
That outfit is killer...love the leopard, chunky necklace, gloves and that great coat!!

Elly said...

Happy blog birthday, Jentine! Two years is huge...especially two full years of your inspiring, fascinating, and fun posts! I always love reading My Edit (and hoping some of your tremendous thrifting luck will rub off on me...)

Also, this outfit is terrific! Love the print dress with those long gloves...

Jen said...

Congrats on two years! I read through this post and last year's post-- I have to say that although I really enjoy laughing out loud at your sarcastic comments, I also like reading these more personal and introspective posts. I agree with everything you wrote. Thanks so much for sharing such personal stuff!

Unknown said...

these pictures are gorgeous ( love the last one especially) and so is this post.

always down for some leopard and sarcasm

group hug! congrats on 2 years xx

Rachel H said...

Happy Blogaversary!!!
I've been following since the beginning and can't get enough (I hear that happens with wives of H's...).
Thanks for all the advice on fashion, thrifting and life in general. Keep up all the fabulous work you do!
Oh and ps. For your anniversary present I got you a trip to the nearest Talize or VV with me...or you can give me that white/black sequin top. Whatever's easiest ;)
xoxo

silvergirl said...

Congrats on the 2 year anniversary!
Really enjoyed reading your post. It made me smile many times!

brett

Ana said...

Congratulations on the 2 year anniversary! This is an outfit truly worthy of a celebration!

FutureLint said...

I remember that 1 year post! I LOVE that 1 year post! You look insanely elegant yet quirky today! Here's to two more years!!

Laura said...

Happy blogiversary! I love this outfit so much. Very elegant. Old-Hollywood esque. I agree with you that it can be a challenge to balance blogging and real life and I have only been here for 6 months!

joceline said...

I've lurked forever but I had to say I LOVE BOTANY! love that you were learning about it, i'm a huge plant nerd. always love your outfits and your humor, you're a daily read of mine!

Allison said...

Thanks for still blogging! I just started one and I am having a hard time keeping up with it! Congrats on two years :)

Anonymous said...

Great post. I don't often read blog being a visual person and all. But I was intrigued by the bolded phrases and such that I took a read. Keep up the sarcasm.

H to the izzo said...

I think different people are going to be drawn to different blogs. I look at some and think, why is this so popular, I just don't get it?

But yours has long been one of my favorites. I love your sense of humor, playfulness, writing, and your style of course. AND SEQUINS, I LUV THEM.

Emma at Daily Clothes Fix said...

Happy blogiversary. The scary thing about your two year anniversary is that means I have been following you for a year. That review post was one of the first I read.

Happy blogging for next year. I look forward to seeing where blogging and life takes you.

Unknown said...

happy 2yr blogging, love the the whole look. And I agree blogging can be emotional and time consuming, hence why mine will remain private in the foreseeable future.

Lauren @The Little Things We Do.... said...

yay for bloggy birthdays!

two years!! and to think i only found you a few months ago....all the awesome fashion i've been missing out on. i just may have to dig deeper into the archives some night :).

i completely hear you about the blogger/real life line getting blurred. i have a bloggy friend i'm hanging out with this weekend. she's visiting portland from san francisco. we've already visited twice, so now that it'll be 3 times, i think we count as "real life" friends.

i think i've finally gotten to the point where i live my life without thinking of how i can turn everything into a blog post. i put off blogging for real interactions often now, but i still consider my online interactions equally valuable. just good to balance, so i don't go crazy coveting everyone else's lives and pretty closets :).

here's to many more blog posts!

xo
Lauren

Marie McGrath (The Joy of Fashion) said...

Congrats on your two year anniversary! I'm sorry that blogging has brought complicated and difficult times, but I'm so happy that you stuck to it because you inspire so many people each and everyday. Thanks for sharing with all of us a little bit of who you are!

www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

Jessie @ Style and Pepper said...

love your take on all of this, my dear. it is something that i think about far too often.

excited to help you blur the lines of online friends and IRL... i can't wait to hand out in austin! XOXOXO

Anonymous said...

Happy two years of blogging! I've been reading you for about that long, and you've been among my favorites since then. Thank you for maintaining it - you're an inspiration!

kelsey said...

Is it too late for me to get in on this group hug??!!! I love this post. It's everything I want to say, but can never say it quite so well.