The Vault: My Favorite Blog Posts of 2014

For better or for worse, one of the best things about blogging is that your website essentially doubles as a digital diary.

Today, we’re recapping the best of the best from corals + cognacs in 2014 — and incidentally, my favorite posts have seemed to be yours, too.

If you’ve been a reader for awhile, today’s post will take you back — in a good way. If not, this will be a great way for us to get better acquainted.

First-and-foremost, though, I just wanted to say a quick thanks. For reading, sharing, commenting — all of those things. From the good to the bad and the oh-so-honest, we’ve been through a lot together in the last year.

I’m really grateful that you guys enable me the opportunity to explore my viewpoint of the world through what I’m wearing (and writing). I’m looking forward to sharing infinitely more stories and style with you in 2015!

Now, without further adieu… From dating to FAQ’s and my love affair with New York City, here are my absolute favorite blog posts from 2014.

A post about… My Love Letter to New York City:

“Together, there will be dive bars, late nights and awkward mornings in unfamiliar boroughs. There will be vodka sodas and soul-confirming conversations.”

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A post about… 29 Things I’ve Learned in my 20’s:

“A bird sitting on a branch is never afraid of it breaking, because her faith is not in the branch, but in her own wings.” A post I published on my 29th birthday — read, bookmark and share this one.

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A post about… My frequently asked reader questions:

Tips on how to get organized, stay focused and increase your blog following — plus, what I would have told myself when I started blogging. Read ’em here!

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A post about… Me and public speaking.

I loved this one — it’s a similar post (to the one above) but instead, it recaps a conference I spoke at over the summer. The discussion went a little something like this.

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A post about… All my friends getting married.

“All my friends are getting married — and I’m just building a killer ass wardrobe.” Yep! More on that here.

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A post about… The First Date Outfit:

“If I can’t find a guy who will appreciate the perfect transitional pairing to my faux-leather mini and strappy summer sandals, do I even really want one?” Who’s with me, ladies?

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A post about… Sounds and the City:

“Rush hour in Manhattan rivals the freakin’ Running of the Bulls, so the redundancy isn’t so bad -zoning out means your chances of having a panic attack decrease by the day.” … This and more on why we call it the city that never sleeps.

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A post about… Beauty and Confidence

I spoke at a benefit for low-income women in New York City, and right before I took the stage, I threw my speech away. Here’s what happened (and why).

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A post about… Being mindful (and believing in yourself):

“… Sometimes, we could all use the reminder: You can achieve anything that you align your mind (and actions) to.” Read more here.

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A post about… How to take better Instagram Photos.

Ready to up the ante on your Insta-game? Here are five of my very own tips on how to take your snaps to chic new heights.

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A post about… How to Get Into Fashion Week:

Oh, Fashion Week. Every season, it comes out nowhere — and after seven blurry days of street style, cross-town cabs, booze and ankle blisters, it’s gone as quickly as it comes. Here’s my advice for taking Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week by storm — whether you’re a NYFW newbie or veteran.

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And last but not least, you’ve gotta love those… Outfit Outtakes.

‘Nough said.

What were your favorite blog posts and topics from 2014? Is there anything you’d like to see more of in the year to come? Tweet me or sound off in the comments below. In the meantime…

Happy New Year, my friends! Here’s to sending off 2014 in happiness, health, success and significantly fewer hangovers.

Love,
Hallie

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Lydia Hudgens Photography