On March 12th 2014 I decided to take the plunge and create a fashion blog. I had no sense of direction, no camera or photographer for that matter, a non-existent budget and no sense of technical efficiency to manage the back end of a website. Today however I am proud to celebrate ONE YEAR of growth, style and blessings. SwankxTAR's TURNS ONE y'all!!!
Looking back on some of the looks I've featured this past year (all photos click through to respective blog post)
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What a year. What a learning experience. What a struggle. What a joy. This past year has been a lot of things, but easy certainly wasnt one of them. Hats off to all the bloggers who have spent years perfecting this craft, I have so much respect for you all. Remaining consistent and relevant is no small task especially with limited resources at your disposal but I have found that passion, commitment and a great team can carry you a LONG WAY!
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Thank you to each and everyone of you who visit my blog each week and for leaving such sweet comments! I cannot begin to explain how appreciative I am. Lord knows how many days I have thought about throwing in the towel but your compliments along with the continued support of friends and family has kept me going!
There are a few special persons I owe MASSIVE THANK YOUs - who so graciously helped me to make this blog a reality; My friend/ consultant Jacquie J. thank you for giving me that kick in the butt at the right moment to finally create a space to catalog my love affair with fashion. My adopted sister, Jessica H, blogger of JessicaInTheKitchen.com for always being available to share your blogging wisdom. Allison, long time friend, hair crush and blogger of Candid Cinni for giving my blog a much needed facelift and never saying no when I ask for technical support. Thank you also to Alex M for your expert advice on websites, Swankxtar was finally able to drop the "blogspot" training wheels because of you!
Steven "Saving Grace" Smith.Thank you for seeing my potential and volunteering to capture my outfits in spite of your hectic med school schedule. I cannot thank you enough! Most of all, Thank you to my beau Gavin. Waking up so early on a weekend, patiently waiting while I try to get the right shots and jumping in as creative director or assistant photographer on occasions and never complaining even for a second; you are really one of one. There really would be no Swankxtar without these two men.
Again, thanks to everyone who has played a big or small part in making this milestone possible. I hope you will all continue with me on this journey as it has only just begun.....
until next time
Do Good, Dress Well
xTAR
Photography by: Steven Smith
15 comments
Congrats and Love the looks
ReplyDeleteMel
www.girlandthepolkadot.com
Love this lost!! You look amazing in every look!!
ReplyDeletexx Olivia
www.hellooliviablog.com
Congrats! These are such great looks; I love all of them!
ReplyDelete- Deniz
www.dressedupdeniz.com
OMG Tanaka! A year already!!! I am so happy for you. You have come along so far and look at you now! Not only do you look like a super model but you are also super talented and super beautiful inside and outside. Congratulations on this milestone and keep going and never stop. God is with you. XOXO, Jeannette
ReplyDeletewww.msjeannieandhercloset.com
Woo hoo! Happy Blog-iversary! You look amazing in all of these snaps!
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Congrats on the one year!! So exciting! SO many fabulous look!! Cant wait to see what you have in store for the next year!
ReplyDelete<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
i love love love your hair!!!! especially the chunky senegalese twists! happy one year!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Tanaka! You've build something truly beautiful in that one year. And I must say, you are one of the most versatile bloggers I've come across. You look so different in every single picture...super impressive :)
ReplyDeleteJasmin xx
http://www.whatdefinesus.com
Happy first blogaversary Tanaka! These looks are stunning and beautiful. You've come a long way considered you had no camera, photosgrapher and direction. I see now you have it all.
ReplyDeletexx
amazinG!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my new post on my travel and Fashion blog about "my walk-in wardrobe"
http://carrieslifestyle.wordpress.com
New Posts online about Hollywood, South Africa, Beijing, Monaco ...
I absolutely adore the first one!
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http://mypetitecorner.blogspot.com
Congratulations!! Looking at all these pictures and realizing you are a major style crush!!
ReplyDeletewww.officialfantasy.wordpress.com
I'm loving all these outfits! You are a gorgeous girl with an amazing style!
ReplyDelete-Tatiana
We Shop in Heels
Congratulations to you! Wonderful posts and outfits. I love the all white shorts look :)
ReplyDeletexo Bry
MyLittleSecrets.Naughty&Nice
Congrats dear...you're one beautiful young lady. Love your style...and your pictures.good quality pictures make a blog look awesome. Keep up the good work
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