Elle Vox’s The Best Of: 2013

I still can’t quite comprehend that another year has flew by. I’ve achieved so much, went through a whole lot, started going to college (!!!), and worked harder and harder to bring Elle Vox where it is today. I learned a lot about myself and about everything and everyone around me, I discovered things I never knew, and I gained an entirely different perspective on the way I see things. Although it can be very stressful trying to juggle between college and my blog, I still love it. I feel so grateful for the opportunities I had and I enjoy working hard.

For the first time in my life, I am certain about what I want in my life. I have so many dreams and ambitions in my head but I am actually very sure about this one big fat goal in my head, and I will chase it (and no, it’s not getting a boyfriend like many of friends, especially my best friend, seem to think). I am working hard everyday to reach that dream and I am very positive about 2014 – so let the quick rewind of 2013 begin…

Handmade

If you’ve been following my blog since the beginning, you’d know about this “Clutch Craze” phase I’ve gone through. It just happened out of the blue and I started sewing (by hand! No machine, people) clutch by clutch without stopping. I’d finish one in about a month, and quickly go onto the other. My mind was filled with inspiration and ideas, and then it got to a point where it was very time and energy consuming that I quit. 

I’d really like to get back into it, but obviously on a more moderate level. I want to redo some of the clutches I made since I gave most of them away. Below are the three clutches I’ve posted about this year. 


Union Jack Clutch | Embroidered Pencil Case | Embellished Envelope Clutch

Fashion illustrations & their corresponding outfits

My fashion illustrations have gone so far since I started this blog back in 2011. I actually take the time to sketch and avoid rushing through it, and they’re much more detailed now. I’ve learned so much more about drawing (shadows and highlights and all that shizz) and hopefully in the coming year you’ll see some much better illustrations. Below are some of my favorite sketches from 2013. 

A Stride in Stockholm | You Can Call Me Catrina | Swinging From Clouds | Berry Busy


The Olsens | Ode to Sherbet | Hell, Go Figure | Where the Wind Blows

Collaborations

A year ago, I had no clue that ‘blogger opportunities’ existed. The blogging community has diversified so much since I started blogging that sometimes it’s tough catching up. There is more to it than just publishing, it’s gotten a bit more serious and sometimes I feel like I have an image to represent since I’ve gained a readership. I was lucky enough to work with several brands, and below are my favorites. :)

Boticca | Stylight (and check out my interview here) | Brilliant Earth

Inspiration

Personally, my favorite posts are the ‘Inspiration’ posts. I love clothes – no, no scratch that. I am infatuated with clothes. I could spend hours and hours in stores just looking at the fabrics and materials of different clothes. When you’re a fashion/style blogger, clothes aren’t just stuff you wear anymore. You get really, really into it and you start caring more for quality rather than quantity. I am now familiar with hundreds of designers and brands now, and sometimes I can identify a certain designer just by recognizing details on a garment. That’s why I enjoy catering clothes for you guys – do give me some ideas for these posts, I’d be glad to help! :)

College Attire 101: The Essentials | Traffic Light Colors | The 90’s | Holiday & NYE Outfit

Designs

Last, but not the least, I designed my first ever gown this year! Although I taught myself to sew, I still don’t know how to sew clothes since they’re a bit trickier than just bags and clutches. One day though, I will be sewing (and again, no machines) my own gowns and clothes. You can read all about the process of how I designed my high school prom dress here

Here’s to a whole new year full of adventures and opportunities. I wish you all a happy 2014 and remember, have fun while you can, but work much harder and you’ll see everything you ever wanted happen before your eyes. Happy new year. :)

new year