It might seem hard to believe, but this blog has been around for seven years now, making it my oldest “baby”. As is not the case where my actual children are concerned, I’m having a hard time coming up with reflections on how its existence has changed me, or what it means to me. After seven years, BCRL is just another fact of my life. Or, I should say, another habit. I blog because it’s part of my routine, but I rarely think about it. That’s not to say that I don’t put thought into my posts – because I do, or at least, as Ron Burgundy would say, “60% of the time, I do it every time” – but there’s no grand plan behind it. I write about whatever’s on my mind and won’t be embarrassing to have attached to my name for eternity. One thing I’ve learned in 7 years is that you never know who is reading.

Time for a quick walk down memory lane, you say? Why, that seems only natural. [Note: after I went through the archives for all the Mays since 2010, picking out an outfit I liked best from each of those months, I realized that I somehow ended up with a whole lotta pants. The irony — for someone who professes to hate pants — is not lost on me. I blame our capricious weather for the selection.]

May 2010
7 years ago
May 2011
6 years ago
5 years ago
5 years ago
remix challenge
4 years ago
Old Navy chambray shirt; House of Harlow starburst necklace
3 years ago
Loft windowpane pants
2 years ago
May 2016
1 year ago

I don’t know if I know more or less about style now than when I started. I’m pretty sure I know only a fraction more about the blogging business, and most of what I do know, I’ve been too lazy to implement. I hope I’m a better writer now, though this blog is probably not the best yardstick for measuring my progress. I still don’t have a media kit, and SEO talk continues to baffle me as much as it ever did.

And, no, I have no giveaways to bestow in celebration of this anniversary. Sorry.

I had a hard time motivating myself to write this post, and by now you are probably starting to understand why. The only thing there is to celebrate is the fact that I’m still here – repeated threats to quit notwithstanding. This is kinda how I imagine the mood of Eyeore’s birthday parties to be. Whoooo ho … huh. Sigh.

But you know what? There is, in fact, a reason to write this post. Because, like Eyeore’s awesome friends, you are here too.

I’ve said it before, and on further reflection (prompted by my anniversary musings), it bears saying again: I blog because I like talking to you guys about things that are interesting to me – whether that’s clothes or books or TV shows or things I’ve seen or done. I may be out of touch in thinking that the point of blogs is talking to people; perhaps that’s a notion that was more accurate in 2010 than in 2017. Regardless, it’s how I have always thought of this blog – as a conversation with like-minded people – and I’m too old now to change. My favourite posts are those where you write back … and, believe it or not, I don’t care if you’re only writing to tell me that I’m dead wrong. [As a side note, I have been fortunate in that, whether in discourse or even in point-blank criticism, my readers have been unfailingly polite. Thank you for that, and for taking the time to write.]

I have greatly enjoyed getting to know some of you, indirectly, through the comments you have left on my blog over the years. I know, I know; that sounds like a big hunk of fromage … but it’s true. Y’all are smart, and funny, and full of really good book recommendations. [Keep them coming!] I was thinking back on the last seven years, and making a mental list of all the things that have happened in my life during that time; I got married, had two kids, wrote 3 books, changed career course, met some amazing people … the list goes on. And it got me wondering: I would love to hear about what’s been happening in your lives. So if you’re feeling up to it, leave a comment and tell me when you started reading BCRL and what is different nowadays.

Oh, and if you are so inclined, feel free to add suggestions for topics you’d like to see tackled here – or, perhaps I should say, conversations you’d like to have. I’m all ears.

70 Comments on Seven Years

  1. Happy anniversary! I know I can here via Franish and basically never left but I don’t know when it was. 2014? I feel like Felix was around so it might have been early 2014. I know I went back and read every single post.

    I’m on blog number two but this one has been going a lot longer than the last one, so I too have birthed two babies during that time and gone back to office work. I think that’s what lured me in and kept me coming back, we’re at the same stage in our lives juggling young kids work, dressing for work, blogging about it.

    You’re a lot more thoughtful about style and ever changing style than I am and you write beautifully. I don’t know if I have any deep thoughts about style, I just like to play around with clothes old and new plus have tried and tested (interesting hopefully) outfits on hand for those mornings when it’s all rush rush rush.

    Anyway keep doing what you’ve been doing, works for me x

    • I think I found you through the WIW GOMI thread, and you were either pregnant with Felix or had just had him. Gosh, I fell in love with Boden because of you — you always make it look so fab! Thanks to social media, I definitely feel like I’ve gotten to “know” you (and your adorable kids) over the years … time flies!
      Thanks for reading — and also for sharing your life as well <33

  2. Wow – 7 years – congratulations! I reckon I found you about 2-3 years ago and I love reading your blog, and your books. In the last 2-3 years, I got married and was made a partner at my law firm. Big changes! Here’s to the next 7 years…. x

  3. I found your blog about 2 years ago and although your style is very different from my own (I don’t wear heeled shoes much anymore, for instance),and I’m older (55), and have a very different career (substitute teacher), I just Like you! I read your emails every morning and look forward to your ideas and thoughts behind your clothing choices. %95 of my wardrobe is thrifted, so on that we are perfectly in sync! Keep writing and talking with us! Happy Anniversary!

    • I do love the diversity of the readership — it’s what makes it so much fun. I learn new things (and look at things from different perspectives) all the time. Thanks for sticking around!

  4. Happy anniversary! I love your blog, your style and your ability to write well. Keep it coming!
    I would love to know how you to determine fake from authentic handbags (if you are in need of a blog post idea).
    Keep writing! You are the best!

    • Thanks, Gerarda! I was certain that I had written a post about authenticating bags before … but it turns out I didn’t. Or I can’t find it, LOL! Anyway, I will definitely add that topic to my list, though I am by no means an expert. I appreciate the suggestion.

  5. Happy Anniversary!
    I found you a couple of years ago, through Looks Good From the Back, I think, but started following daily just over a year ago. YYZ here.
    In the last 7 years – I graduated 3 kids from university – one a masters in nursing/ Nurse practitioner and two MDs. Last year I turned 50, ran a 5k, started thrifting (mostly for housewares) and hiked into the Grand Canyon (and out!).
    In the next 7 years I hope my husband and I retire and maybe get some weddings and grandkids over here.

    I love your blog, because you actually… BLOG!
    I know you don’t want to monetize it, but I think when you buy something new from a retailer its not unseemly to add a link to the item. Maybe it becomes a slippery slope after that – I don’t know.
    Congratualtions – I look forward to seeing where the next seven years takes you!
    xx

    • Wow – seriously, tell me all your secrets. Some days, I feel like it will be an accomplishment if I get my kids to high school without any major incidents, haha!
      Thank you for reading along!

      (p.s. I love LGFTB too!)

  6. 7 years! Congrats! Reading your blog is one of my favorite things to do during my morning commute. It has also really moved me toward thrifting. So thank you for that.

    I guess I started reading 2–3 years ago, though I lurked a bit before commenting. In that time I finally finished my PhD, got a pretty awesome postdoc, got a dog, proposed to my boyfriend when out walking our dog, failed to take wedding planning all that seriously (because it’s boring and stressful) and I’m getting married in about 6 weeks.

    Things I’d like to hear about. Origin story? How did you get interested in fashion? Were there any role models in your life? I’d also be curious to hear about your thoughts on the impact of your wardrobe at work. Has your interest been received positively or negatively? Are there ever certain types of things you shy away from wearing? (I always worry about being too overtly feminine, for example.) In general, I really like your more philosophical posts. I also like the ones about what you’re reading and watching – your taste reminds me a bit of my best friend from college.

    • I have always loved reading your comments, Liane, so thanks for coming out of lurkdom! And congrats on the upcoming wedding <3

      I think your suggestions would be perfect for an AMA post, so keep an eye out for that 😉

      • Aw, thanks! By the way, I just bought my first Alexis Bittar piece under your influence. Can’t wait for it to come! It’s actually possible it’s one you have.

  7. I am a new reader. I am already half way through the archives. I appreciate the time, effort, and style you bring to my little online world.

    • Welcome!! It’s always daunting when people tell me that they’re reading the archives because there a lot of stuff in there that’s pretty cringe-worthy (fashion-wise) in retrospect, but … I hope you enjoy it, haha!
      Thanks for reading 🙂

  8. Same as some of the above.. I think I have been reading for 3 years or so. Congrats on another anniversary! I love watching your style evolve but love reading your writing even more. I have only read Archer & Bell but enjoyed that as well 🙂

    • Hey, thanks for checking out my literary efforts — that means a lot. And for sticking with the blog through all of my evolutions 😉

  9. Happy Blogging Anniversary! I found your blog a little over a year ago, but have gone through the archives completely (at least twice!). You have such great style, aren’t afraid to go for it and stretch yourself, and are so thoughtful. I admire your willingness to let us all in, day after day! Thank you for everything!

    • Twice? Oh boy … I hope you skipped the 2012-2013 archives both times 😉

      But seriously, thanks for reading and commenting, it really does mean a lot to me.

  10. I also got here via Franish (maybe a year ago?), and I’m so glad I did! I stick around and read every single day because I love the outfits and accessories you put together. I’ve hunted down too-many-a (insert item here) thanks to your outfit presentations. My latest copy-Adina item is the black starbust House of Harlow necklace I scored on Ebay for $11. Keep doing what you’re doing!

    • What a great score! I love sharing my fave style-related things (in case you couldn’t tell), and I’m always thrilled to hear when other people track them down and end up loving them. So yay for spreading the love!

  11. Congrats on 7 years!! I found your blog about a year and a half ago through a Google search about pixie cuts (I was in the harrowing stages of growing mine out). I love reading your posts on my daily commute and have even purchased something from your Shop My Closet page.

    While most bloggers have moved away from regular posting or writing much beyond a curated list of links, you always have something interesting to say and have a unique point of view. Showing up every day to write, whether it’s something amazingly creative or not, is 90% of the battle.

    In the last 1.5 years, I packed up my life and moved to a new state, bought a house, and started a new job. It’s been a whirlwind!

    • That is a whirlwind for sure! But exciting too, I bet. And, hopefully, the pixie-grow-out period is long over 😉
      Thank you for reading (and shopping my closet)!

  12. NO BLOG GIVEAWAYS – THIS IS BS.

    just kidding. i’m so happy you’ve stuck with blogging and continue to be as honest and open as you’ve been from the beginning. loved getting to know you over the years!

    • I KNOW, RIGHT?!?! I am turning in my blogger card as we speak 😉

      Speaking of huge changes happening in the last 4-5 years … ahem, Ms Soon To Graduate Med School! And get married! I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter — I have a feeling it will be awesome. (Clearly, I am still a faithful blog lurker even after all these years.)

      Thanks for being an inspiration and a pal <3

  13. Oh man, I had so many thoughts going through this post.

    First up, I love that first outfit from 7 years ago. That skirt is awesome, and I’d wear it now!

    I’m looking at that picture from 5 years ago wondering if that was what you were wearing the first time I met you in person, but looking at Facebook that was December that year, not May (time flies!)

    Did you get a new phone 3 years ago? The focus of your photos improved dramatically!

    The most recent two years – how are those photos already a year or two old? I remember those like it was yesterday! That’s insane.

    The first post of yours that I distinctly remember reading was a review of Chanel Boy Blue. You actually started me on a little bit of a Chanel polish binge, lol.

    Oh man. So many memories. Happy 7th Blogoversary. I’m glad you’re still at it Adina 😀

    • I would wear that skirt too … if it still fit, LOL! I gave it up a long time ago, after baby #1 made his impact felt on my hips.

      I did get my first iPhone about 3 years ago, haha! Before that, I think I was using a fancy camera … poorly, as it turns out 😉

      It is CRAZY how fast time seems to fly by these days.

      Here’s to many more blogoversaries for both of us!!

  14. Happy Anniversary! I don’t know when I started following you – maybe 3 years ago? And I don’t remember where I discovered you, but I am so glad I did! Your outfits are so well thought out and put together, they are always perfection. And you look beautiful in everything, so there’s that. I have to admit, I’m drawn more to your colorful, quirky outfits than to your staid neutrals, but you do those very well too.

    Mostly, I want to thank you for turning me on to thrifting! I had never visited Value Village (Savers) until I started reading about it on your blog. Now I’m a regular, and recommend it to everyone! Thrifting satisfies my craving for new clothes without making me feel too guilty.

    Anyway, please keep blogging – you write beautifully, and your outfits are always inspiring.

    Have a great day!

    • That’s awesome — I am so glad to have inspired people to try thrifting. I know it doesn’t work for everyone (I was recently in a small town and experienced the disappointment of finding little to no selection) but when it’s an available option, it’s one of the easiest ways to make a positive change in shopping habits.

      Thanks for reading!

  15. Happy Anniversary! Thanks for blogging. Even though I don’t always comment, I read your posts every day. 🙂

  16. Congrats on 7 years! I’ve been reading for probably 3 or so? In which time I’ve gotten settled after a career change and gotten married, and plan to start a family soonish. I’ve loved reading your blog for the actual-outfits-for-a-professional-adult vibe, but also everything else (especially book recs!). I’ve been interested in seeing your style evolution…when I started reading, I think our styles were more similar, and I’m curious to see if I start having the same kind of draw towards more streamlined, less bright/busy/super-feminine as I do things like become a parent and gain more experience in my profession. I hope you keep blogging because I do so enjoy reading it…as long as you’re still enjoying doing it, of course!

    • yay, fellow book nerd! (I hope it’s okay to call you that ;))

      I don’t think being a parent has influenced my style all that much, though I do gravitate more towards pants and casual/minimalist looks on the weekend. I think my work life has probably had a greater impact, but I’m not sure if it’s solely responsible for the evolution in a more streamlined direction.

      Thanks for reading!

  17. Congratulations on your anniversary and may there be many more! I love your fashion and writing style and have been reading for many years, I went to the archives and read from the beginning and will do it again someday soon.

    I am over 55 and a substitute teacher living on an island. I thrift whenever I travel, and you have inspired me to buy almost nothing that is not thrifted. Thank you for my favorite blog.

    • That’s a fantastic commitment, and kudos to you for taking it on — I’m sure that living on an island doesn’t make thrifting easier. I’m glad I could provide some inspiration, or at the very least, support. Thrifters, unite!

  18. love the memory lane jaunt! and love each and every outfit! you look stunning in pants or skirts, casual, dressy, whether in a pixie or gamine waves. just a real fashion role model. keep blogging! -Tamara

  19. I found you through a SOMI post on GOMI, and never looked back! It’s refreshing to find someone who dresses adult, but not boring. I can’t recall how many years I have been reading your blog, but I did go back through the archives when I first started to make sure I didn’t miss anything. You are the only blogger who made it past the email notification cull I recently had! Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts down and show us your fashion choices. I just wish I could find a decent Adina-like thrift shop near me!

    • Glad to hear I made the cut, hehe!

      I wish everyone had a good thrift store nearby — it was a game changer for me in the last 3-4 years in particular. With that said, buying secondhand has been in the DNA of this blog from the beginning; I really started to get interested in style when I discovered consignment shops, and realized I could “access” some of the same fashion I saw in magazines at my “regular person” price points. Nowadays, with eBay and Poshmark and the like, shopping secondhand has become a whole industry. Who would have known?

  21. Started reading 2 or so years ago, believe I came here from a list of SOMI blogs I found on GOMI (not a GOMI user, but was looking for a fashion blog that was not hateable, and was looking in the right place). Since then I am 2/3 of the way through my residency and only 1 year away from working my “real job” for the rest of my life, and I have to thank you for being one of the few fashion blogs I’ve found that has work and age appropriate outfits! You always look classy, chic, and professional, and that’s hard to find. Keep it up!

  22. Hi Adina! I’m an infrequent commenter but I’ve been regularly reading your blog for a little over 2 years now. I found you while hunting for professional but modern workwear inspiration when I was interviewing for a new job with a more formal dress code. I love the way you choose clothes that are extremely sharp and professional with an artistic twist. And I really appreciate the fact that your focus is writing, books, and clothes, not selling products and holding giveaways.

    Thanks for continuing to write! I love your unique perspective.

  23. Based on your 7 year recap, I started reading 2/3 years ago. I have been mostly lurking ever since, but I have enjoyed reading both your blog and your books!
    Personally, I moved to a different country to start my PhD. Since I spend most of my days in the lab, I almost always choose comfort over dressing up.. So I live vicariously through your blog, although I did not start thrifting.. Yet 😉 Thanks for all the inspiration!

  24. Congratulations on the blog anniversary! I think I may be your “youngest” reader – discovered you maybe 6 months ago. I really enjoy seeing how you combine your outfits and also enjoy your writing. My style tends more towards preppy/classic (Boden is my go-to) so a bit different than yours (busy or large prints are a bit challenging on my 5 foot frame) but we share a love of blazers and dresses, being moms with small children and office/corporate work.

    If you have time to address it in a blog post or comment, I’d love to hear how you take your pictures – they are beautiful and seem effortless.

    Thank you for the inspiration!

  25. Happy anniversary! I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I think I’ve been reading for about two years now and in those couple years I have followed and unfollowed many blogs, but yours is one I truly look forward too. This is the first time I’ve commented on any blog, but I always find style inspiration from your outfits and I really enjoy your posts. You can tell that you write because you enjoy it and not because you are trying to fit into any certain mold. I hope you stick around for many more years!

  28. Happy Anniversary! I’ve been reading your blog for probably almost two years, and your blog is actually one of the ones that inspired me to finally get off the sidelines and create my own! May this creative outlet bring you many more years of joy.
    -D
    http://www.styledtour.blogspot.com

  29. My first thought was “…and I’ve been here the whole time!” Then looking at the recap I realized that is absolutely not true and I only thought that because you’re one of my favorite blogs. I started toward the end of leave with baby #2, I vaguely remember you mentioning how you were approaching the end of your casual outfits and had to get back into the workwear game soon.

    • hahaha! that DOES seem like a really long time ago, doesn’t it? I cannot believe my “baby” girl is now almost 4. Whaaaa?

  30. Congrats on your blog-iversary! I think I started reading you about 2 years ago from a favorites link on “looks good from the back.” I love your writing style, wit, and fashion sense, and I admire your thrifting prowess. I don’t have the time to go thrifting at the store, but you have inspired me to look more carefully on ebay and poshmark for past season bargains and to remix my closet, so thanks for being an inspiration and for always keeping it real. This is a great little corner of the Internet. 🙂

    • The LGFTB ladies are the best. Adrien inspired me to start buying MbMJ bags years ago, and they are still some of the best I own.
      Thanks for reading!

  31. I love your wit and your style and am impressed by your commitment to thrifting. It would be great to see a post on your purse wardrobe–that navy Coach bag looks good and I’d like to know the style.

    • it’s called the Peyton tote, and it comes in a variety of colours. I think it was a Factory style, because the quality of the material is only so-so, but I love their functionality. They are currently my fave work bags (I have two different colours).

  32. I accidentally found your blog through another blog. Don’t ask me which one..I don’t remember. It has been recent…since 6 months ago or so. I liked your blog so much, that I went back from the beginning and read all your posts. You are an excellent writer and so dedicated to your blog. Those that read your blog can can commiserate with wardrobe dilemmas, great fashion days, good hair days, bad hair days, getting a rock in fashion deal, mom life, and throw in work life. We are all right there with you. The exception is that you are the dedicated one to write about it. Your blog makes us laugh with your humor, nod our heads in agreement, and open our eyes to different possibilities whether it be fashion, finance or books. I’m glad that you continue to write because I continue to look forward reading your blog everyday you post. Thank you for all the time you put into it!

  33. Congrats on 7 years!

    I’m pretty sure I came here via Franish, maybe a year or two ago – I really don’t have a good sense of the time! I don’t aim to dress the same way as you, but I like parts of your style, and I like seeing how you wear stuff, and I’ve learned a lot from seeing how you put your clothes together. I really like that you manage to combine professional attire with personality/creativity – I’d love to figure out a way to express that in my own workwear, in my own way.

    I also absolutely love your books and Netflix reviews. I’m super excited whenever I see one of those. This may sound odd, but I’ve never watched or read something on your rec – some of the things sound good, but mostly I just really enjoy reading your thoughts. You’re a reviewer who manages to combine enthusiasm with thoughtfulness – lots of people manage only one or the other.

    Also your thrifting posts are great. Very enjoyable in a vicarious way!

    • Hahaha! No, I totally get it. It’s why I love to read the Wikipedia plot summary of movies I never plan on seeing 😉

  34. Congratulations!
    Since I haven’t read your blog from the start I can’t say what changed. But I can tell you what I like most about it: You show real outfits worn in real life and you show us all of them, not just the best or special ones. That is something you rarely find, because even those blogs that show real life outfits usually only show a best of. It’s refreshing to see someone with great style has ups and downs too. You always look great but some outfits are just more special. And that’s what real life is like. We can’t always look our best, sometimes we just look ok, sometimes even a bit boring and that’s absolutely fine. So thanks for letting us take part in your style journey and inspiring us how to have more of those great and less of the boring outfits in daily life.

  35. Congrats on 7 great years! You have a great voice in your writing and a very fun outlook on getting dressed.

  36. I’ve been reading about 2-3 years and really enjoy your blog! Like many, it’s inspired me to try more pre-owned shopping and thrifting. I’m also a lawyer and it’s nice to see someone with a similar dress code. And I always like your reading/Netflix/thrifting round up posts. As someone else mentioned, I’d be interested in hearing more about your “origin” story–what got you interested in style and blogging, etc.