Goodbye 2018 — The Best of What Nicole Wore

It’s hard to believe that a new year is here already but…2019 is here!  Today I’m saying goodbye 2018 and sharing some of the most popular posts and photos from the year, a couple of my favorites, and my word of the year for 2019.

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Goodbye 2018 — The Best of What Nicole Wore | Instagram

Instagram will always be a love-hate relationship for me; I didn’t see a ton of growth this year but I also didn’t resort to what I saw as unethical tactics like loop giveaways, international giveaways with a guaranteed number of followers, bots, follow/unfollow, or straight up purchasing likes, followers, and comments.  TBH, it’s been sad to see bloggers I admire using these to get ahead, but I stuck to what I felt was right and created content I was proud of.

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I introduced a new series that got back to my style blogging roots with #WNWremix.  Each post features three different outfits that all include one of the same items.  As you can see, 3 of my nine most popular posts this year were from that series so it’s something I’m excited to continue in the new year.  While I continued to wear colors from all over the spectrum, I finally found a Lightroom preset that fit my style and stuck to it during the last quarter of the year.

RELATED: Why I’m Not Sweating the Instagram Algorithm Anymore

And I got even better about using Stories even more to connect with my audience.  Through showing off the quotes that inspired me, what beauty products I was loving (and hating), and more of my personal life, we got closer.  {Maybe a little too close? IDK sound off in the comments.}  I tried to step away from the “sell, sell, sell” mentality.  While it’s great when someone purchases through an affiliate link {thank you SO much to those of you that do!}, my blog started as a place to talk about getting dressed on a  budget and making the most of your wardrobe.  Changing my content to “you need to buy X, Y, & Z this week to be stylish” just doesn’t make sense.

Goodbye 2018 — The Best of What Nicole Wore | The Blog

My blog kept growing as I got better on the backend with search engine optimization and Pinterest.  {One of my old posts even went viral!}  I took a photography class at the beginning of 2018 so that I could better understand how to use my DSLR.  I see so many people thinking that you -have- to update your camera body and lens every so often to take your photography to the next level.  While those things undoubtedly do make for better photos, actually understanding how to use your camera in manual is the biggest key.

RELATED: New Season, New Goals? Revisiting My Resolutions

The 5 most popular blog posts this year were:

1. 24 Hour Challenge + What to Do in Saint Louis
2. Best of Trader Joe’s: Haul, Reader Favorites, & Lunch Ideas
3. How to Make 20 Outfits from 10 Wardrobe Staples
4. First Date Behavior + Go to Date Night Outfit
5. How to Affordably Dress for KY Derby + Target Giveaway

It’s super exciting to see a travel post as the most popular as it’s out of my norm but something I’d like to do more of.  I already have started to plan another capsule wardrobe post; while it’s different to shoot than most of my style posts, it makes me get creative and was a post I received SO many comments and emails about.  And of course, WNW does Derby will be back again in 2019.  I’ve started to brainstorm around the series a bit during the holidays and am looking forward to bringing you brand new fascinators, hats, and dresses!

Goodbye 2018 — The Best of What Nicole Wore | Personally

This year was so special for me professionally: I was chosen (and paid) to speak on a marketing panel, I was featured in Southern Living Magazine & on the cover of a local magazine, I (electronically) signed on the dotted line for some contracts that were beyond my wildest dream when I started What Nicole Wore.

RELATED: Networking in Real Life: Personal Branding & What Not to Post

I made new friends. I left a volunteer role that I outgrew and took on a new one that challenged me while playing to my strengths.  I forced myself to be social even in situations where I might not know anyone.  I traveled alone and with friends.  I went out on a date and met a guy I really like.

I also cried a lot. I shared my 2018 in review on Instagram Stories over the weekend, but I think it’s important to show more than just the highlight reel.  Before finding the right guy, I dated someone that was emotionally manipulative.  I spent a lot of the year feeling small and unworthy.  I played the comparison game far too often.  I let others dictate how I felt and spoke to myself.  I wasn’t always grateful for the blessings I received.  It’s safe to say that, your girl has A LOT that she could work on in the new year.  {Super grateful to have the opportunity to get better.}

Goodbye 2018 — The Best of What Nicole Wore | Word of The Year

Consistent — adjective. acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate.

Y’ALL.  I really think this word is going to challenge me.  Remaining consistent long-term can be tough for me.  My mind wanders, I get bored, etc.  Last year, I found myself growing in my intentions and this year I want to take that and see myself apply it every single day.  I know it will be tough for me; I’m a big believer in treating yourself, but I think its possible for me to stay consistent while still respecting my personal boundaries.

RELATED: How I Want to Grow this Year & Holiday Snaps

I want to be consistent in bringing out new content both for my blog and social platforms.  In the past, I’ve gotten caught up in trying to do more, more, more.  This year I want to be consistent in putting out 3 blog posts a week and intentionally sharing content to social media beyond Instagram.

Let me know in the comments what resolutions, goals, or words you’re hoping to embrace in the new year!