What goes around, comes around.
Let’s look at blogging, for example. You’ve got to start somewhere, and my somewhere was years ago while diving in head first to this whole thing, totally clueless about…well, everything. I remember setting up my tripod on the rooftop of my building, taking photos with a self timer, and then brainstorming names for a blog and liking “Isn’t That Charming”. I didn’t really know what I was doing — I just knew that I liked photography, writing and creating. So I set off to do just that.
My first posts are fun to look back on.
(And, let’s be honest, a little really embarrassing at times.) For example, remember when I cut up a sweater to create a scarf and hand warmers? (I actually thought this was a NOVEL ideal at the time.) Or, what about the time when I made a DIY tulle skirt? Then I did a full outfit post on it? Yea…that skirt actually fell off of my body while dancing at a company holiday party. That’s when I discovered I really wasn’t much of a “DIY” girl and should pivot my content strategy. (Ha!)
What’s really interesting about looking back on my beginning days here is not just how much has changed, but how much has remained consistent. In a lot of ways, things are the same, but just more defined. They’re practiced. Honed in on. A heck of a lot better.
I once wrote about describing my style and what my closet staples were. While I now think “City girl meets boho chic” is a bit of a mouthful (Today I’d just say “Feminine classics”), it’s interesting that scarves, beautiful jewelry, pops of color and chic touches are still my go-to’s for personal style. My looks are different, sure, but the elements are the same.
Even when I consider blogging on a macro scale, this is true.
Let’s look at photography.
I started this blog with a cheap camera and only the knowledge of my personal interest to guide me in imagery. Today, investing in better equipment, a more fine-tuned sense of settings and posing, and a better understanding of photography/visual elements has allowed for me to improve. It’s now a pivotal part of this blog and my profession.
Let’s look at copywriting.
Writing has always been a huge passion area of mine. I’ve had posts I’m proud of, and posts I’m meh about. All have been important in progression. My writing has certainly become more extensive and expressive as I’ve continued to practice.
In all of the above examples — in almost every area of content creation — the experience gained is varied but the elements are the same. I don’t claim to be the best in any of these areas, but I can tell you with confidence that I’ve gotten better. I suppose that’s really all that one can ask for and expect of ourselves.
It all could almost be viewed as a metaphor to life right now.
Think about it.
It’s funny how things tend to come full circle in life. I grew up in metro-Detroit, and after a decade of living elsewhere, have moved back. In grade school I was a total bookworm, and today I love to read and write. In high school I’d pour for hours and hours over magazine photos and even would to hang favorites – my walls were covered – because I loved the angles, colors, aesthetics and styling of the photography. Today I’m blogging and practicing creative consulting/services, which is basically a new, modern day way of content creation. I used to love babysitting, and now I have my own babies that I love to be with. Growing up I was a little boy crazy (ha!), and today I’ve got to tell you…I’m crazy about my hubby. 😉 And, yup, I still love tulle!
I think if we all step back and think of our lives, there examples of things that have come full circle for us. Of course, there are big elements that have changed and will never be the same again. That’s the whole purpose and defining principle of growth, after all.
But what if there are certain things that have always been, and will always be? What if “what’s meant to be” has been all along? What if it all just takes experience and time to develop?
It’s kind of a cool thought, in my opinion.
They say that hindsight is 20/20. What does yours say about you? What are the things and elements in your life that have changed, and what are those that have remained the same?
I think, in a lot of ways, our answers can even help to define our future. 
Here are few outfits elements pictured here that have always been a constant in my wardrobe.
French accessories, such as scarves and a fabulous beret. The Atlantic-Pacific x Halogen beret pictured here is so lovely because it’s classically black, meaning it can be worn with lots of different looks, but the embellished pearls give it a great pop of personality and charm.
Pearls. Always a lovely accessory for a ladylike look.
Tulle has always been a fabric that I gravitate toward. I love how feminine it is, and how flirty yet . This one is a half slip that can be worn so many different ways! (See another outfit example here.)
A little black dress. Need I say more? This is a lovely, form fitting black turtleneck that can literally be worn anywhere and with anything. Swing by here to shop lots of great dress options!
Day heels. The blush options from Everlane are amazing! 
