Farewell, 2016

Another year in the books. Can you believe it, fashionistas?

This year has been particularly eventful for me. My brother got MARRIED. I graduated COLLEGE. And I became a full on career girl in a matter of minutes. WOW.

The more I sit back and think about it, the more I can't believe I've been through all this and more in only 366 days.


Recently I've noticed/read/heard lots of people talking about how this year is horrible. The year isn't ending on such a high note due to celebrity deaths, politics and just overall craziness in both the real world and social media world.

It would be easy for me to surrender and say, "YES, this year does indeed SUCK!" But I don't want to accept that. I CAN'T accept that. And I don't think that any of my readers should either.

So for today's post, I want to reflect on some of the great things from this year, both in my life and related to fashion. I want to share a few of my "realistic" new year resolutions. And finally, I want to motivate all of you to also reflect on the good things from the year and cherish those moments before the clock strikes midnight in a couple of short days.

Out of all the awesome somethings this year, here are the somethings that stood out as more than just somethings for me:

SOMETHING GOOD

This year, I made a conscious effort to surround myself with people who make me happy. I've spent too much time dwelling on the friendships I've lost and decided it was time to fully embrace the people who bring my life the most joy. My besties, Flyer fam, family, and none other than the man himself, Adam have made my life feel whole in 2016.

SOMETHING GREAT

In May, I graduated college on a Sunday and started my big girl job on Monday. I'm still trying to process how I pulled that one off, but graduating college was easily the biggest accomplishment in my life thus far. I wanted to make my family proud. And landing a job right away? Blessed doesn't even begin to describe it!

Although graduating was GREAT, leaving my school was (is) difficult. I had to leave behind my jobs, my awesome bosses and teachers, the newspaper, which was EVERYTHING, and of course, my friends. I am forever grateful for my college experience and miss it every single day.

SOMETHING FASHION-RELATED

I've seen a few bloggers pick out their favorite outfit from the year, and I really loved that idea. Here's the one I chose:

Xhilaration from Target top, LC Lauren Conrad skirt, Target tights, Sam Edelman boots

I loved this outfit because of its chic factor. The tights match the dark floral crop top perfectly. The leather skirt gives the look some texture, and I'm obsessed with these block heel booties.

SOMETHING BLOG-RELATED

This year brought SO MANY great things for the blog. I recently hit 43,000 page views on the blog. I also reached 700 followers on Instagram. I wrote seven new guest blog posts for Goodwill. Plus, I did some awesome collabs with some really great brands. I got to play with new sunglasses from Warby Parker, chat about two of my FAV places to visit with Turo, and more recently, tried on some gorgeous jewelry from Ettika. (Which you can get 15% off your purchase by using the code @mslaurafoxy at checkout!)

My followers are the BEST! I can't wait for you to see the next projects and fun things I have in store for 2017!

Here are my resolutions:

1 | STOP THE GLORIFICATION OF BUSY

I'm trying to figure out when I fell into this mindset that the busier, the better. Don't get me wrong, I like to keep myself busy! But there's a fine line between being busy and making yourself crazy, and I've danced along that line far too many times. I need to find a healthy balance between my active lifestyle and finding some down time to myself.

2 | WATCH MORE TV; READ MORE BOOKS

This goes along with the last resolution. I spend so much time being busy that I don't get to enjoy the little things, like catching up on "Gilmore Girls" or making it further than page four of Anna Kendrick's "Scrappy Little Nobody." One of my goals is to do these things; instead of cleaning my room or running errands, I need to enjoy the little things to myself. Everything else can wait.

3 | CLEAN OUT THAT CLOSET

My closet has gotten way out of hand; I've been trying to keep up with getting rid of old things as I get new things, but I also have a problem with LETTING SH** GO. You feel me? I swear there's shirts in there I wore in high school. My resolution is to get rid of the old stuff. Wore it yesterday or three years ago? Who cares! BYE!

4 | SHOP SMARTER, NOT HARDER

This totally ties into my previous resolution. My closet is out of hand because so is my shopping! I have this mindset that if I find a really good deal, I have to buy it. I know I shop smart, and I will continue to do that, but just because something is $2 doesn't mean I need it. I need to make smarter decisions at the checkout, which will also help me heal my closet problem. It's a win-win.

Finally, my own personal resolution is to be a better ME. A better girlfriend, daughter, sister. More patient, less crabby, more active and productive. More donuts, less negativity. A better person to others and a better person to MYSELF.

*****

Now (*drum roll*) it's your turn to go through your year, pick out the good things, pick out your SOMETHINGS, disregard your negatives and reflect. Go through your camera roll. Relive your highest moments. This year wasn't all bad, so don't forget to thank 2016 for the memories.

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