2016: A Year In Review

December 30, 2016

Wow, wow, wow. What a year it has been!

In a blink of an eye, my sweet little baby has become such a big girl! She dresses herself, is full of personality, and talks and talks and talks! Her “Terrible Two’s” aren’t so terrible…yet. Exhausting for sure! Harley definitely has her moments and can be the most dramatic person to ever exist [true story], but overall Casey and I are having the most fun with her at this age.

2016 has been the best year for Sunflowers and Stilettos thus far. I’m really proud of myself for turning this hobby of mine into a business. Having the opportunity to travel, work with some of my favorite brands, and connect with so many of you has really been a dream! I’m more motivated now than ever before to continue to grow!

With all that being said, working two full time jobs and averaging less than 5 hours of sleep a night has been tough…really really tough! Therefore, I need to come up with a better plan for 2017 as my goal is to blog more frequently, create better content for you guys, and engage even more on social media. I want to do all of this without jeopardizing my health and sanity andddd my social life. Implementing a strict schedule to balance work and life is something that’s easier said than done when you throw caring for a toddler into the mix, but I’m currently trying to come up with a better system to implement in the new year.

Below are some highlights from this past year. Take a trip down memory lane with me!

2016: A Year In Review

JANUARY

mommy and me fashion, mother daughter matching clothes, baby girl faux leather jacket, Sunflowers and Stilettos blog

We started the new year in New York because we always spend 2-3 weeks over the holidays with Casey’s family. Towards the end of the month, I traveled to Costa Rica for the first time for a friend’s Bachelorette Party and put together a little Travel Guide for you.

Look at what a little doll Harley is in this pic! Ugh! She was such a little nugget back then!! Shooting with her is NOT easy, although I’m sure very entertaining for anyone spectating. After reviewing my analytics for the year, it seems that my Mommy and Me posts are some of my most popular ones. I hope to incorporate them more regularly in 2017.

See full post HERE.

Photo by Andrea Henry

Location: Long Island, New York

FEBRUARY

suede co ord set, skirt set, Kendra Scott body chain

February was a really exciting month for me! I attended New York Fashion Week for the first time ever, and even wrote a three part series called the Newbie Guide to NYFW, which had an amazing response! But more importantly, I feel like this was a turning point for me emotionally. I finally had the self confidence that was previously lacking and truly started believing that “I can do this.”

See full post HERE.

Photo by Gen Street Style

Location: Downtown Miami, Florida

MARCH

how to style overalls, what to wear with overalls

I just love this outfit! This picture was taken during NYFW and as I just said above, this was a crucial moment for me. Looking at this picture brings back all those memories and feelings of accomplishment.

March was also when I hosted my first big event with Macy’s, which was so much fun [and nerve-racking!!]!

See full post HERE.

Photo by Luccia Lowenthal

Location: Upper East Side, NYC, New York

APRIL

Chicwish Pastel Blue Stripes Off-shoulder Top with Bowknot

Off shoulder tops sort of took over my closet this year! This one is a favorite for sure and it’s still available!

One of the highlights from April was traveling to Los Angeles for my friend, Ashley’s gorgeous wedding. Casey and I brought Harley, and we spent a whole week out there. You can see a recap and LA Travel Guide HERE.

I also co-hosted a blogger brunch with Lauren down in Miami for fellow fashion bloggers in South Florida. It’s hard getting everyone together because we’re all so busy, but when we can make it happen it’s always a good time!

See full post HERE.

Photo by Jenna Martinovic

Location: Parkland, Florida

MAY

mom life tee, mother daughter matching tees, I Love This Mom Life tee, Mommy and Me tees

Harley was a hot mess during this shoot, but I remember her being so funny! As soon as the camera was on her, she’d run away and start hysterical laughing. Of course she would smile and say cheese the second the camera was down. She knew exactly what she was doing.

See full post HERE.

Photo by Jenna Martinovic

Location: Parkland, Florida

JUNE

white embroidered co ord shorts set, ASOS Shorts Set worn by fashion blogger, Jaime Cittadino

This year I started to really love matching sets that can be worn together or separately. You get more bang for your buck! This embroidered two piece one is perfect to wear in the Florida heat.

See full post HERE.

Photo by Jenna Martinovic

Location: Parkland, Florida

JULY

 pom pom straw clutch, chambray off shoulder top, NYC hearts graffiti wall soho

I had been wanting to shoot by this wall for the longest time so when Casey, Harley, and I spent the summer on Long Island with my in-laws, I ran into the city one early Saturday morning to make it happen.

This month I also shared an About Me blog post, which touches on my background, personal life, and answers some blogging related questions you guys have asked. Would love for you to check it out!

See full post HERE.

Photo by Andrea

Location: Soho, NYC, New York

AUGUST

Mommy and Me fashion, Mother Daughter Matching Outfits, Mommy and Me blogger Jaime Cittadino of Sunflowers and Stilettos

In addition to the couple of Mommy and Me posts this month, this NYC shoot is another personal fav!

See full post HERE.

Photo by Jenna Martinovic

Location: Coconut Creek, Florida

SEPTEMBER

Fashion Blogger Jaime Cittadino of Sunflowers and Stilettos in Old Navy #50Styles50States

I was bummed to miss September’s NYFW, however, had a blast in Key West with some friends and family which obviously is way more important.

This was a fun little collab with Old Navy!

See full post HERE.

Location: Boca Raton, Florida

OCTOBER

Gigi New York Kelly Saddle Bag, Camo Jacket, Camo Button Down, Camo and stripes pattern mix by fashion blogger Jaime Cittadino

In October I visited Boston and Nantucket on a blogger trip. It was a very busy week, but an awesome experience and I am so happy I was able to be a part of it!

See full post HERE.

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

NOVEMBER

Street style look, street style fashion, city style by fashion blogger Jaime Cittadino, Sunflowers and Stilettos

In November I kind of took a break with photoshoots since I had so much content from my Boston trip to carry me through the month. Casey, Harley, and I went to Marco Island for a long weekend to unplug and just be together as a family.

See full post HERE.

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

DECEMBER

Farmhouse Inn, Sonoma California, travel blogger Jaime Cittadino with Sunflowers and Stilettos

I can’t wait to share with you guys more from our Sonoma trip [which will be published next week]! While we love traveling as a family, it was so nice and much needed being alone with Case. It was definitely one of my favorite vacations.

December is always a hectic month, but I love that we get to come to New York to visit with family and friends!

See full post HERE.

Location: Forestville, California

Cheers to the end of an amazing year, and to an even better one ahead!

Love you guys! Have a very happy and safe New Year’s Eve! See ya next year!!

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  • Shelby Back December 30, 2016 at 11:34 am

    I loved reading this roundup! It sounds like you had an amazing year!

    xo!
    Shelby
    http://www.glitterandgingham.com

  • Ashley DTKAustin December 30, 2016 at 11:42 am

    I love the 2016 recap!! You had such an amazing year!! I can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store!

  • Anna English December 30, 2016 at 11:44 am

    What a wonderful year! So glad to have met you in person last winter!

  • Taylor Aube December 30, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    I love this round up and seeing your style transform throughout the year! Such fabulous outfits dear 🙂 Happy 2017 to you and yours!
    http://stopdropandvogue.com

  • Maggie December 30, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    Happy 2017!! Love this roundup!! Your two-piece looks are my fave 🙂

    http://www.maggiealamode.com

  • Laura @ Walking in Memphis in High Heels December 30, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    I cannot believe how big she has gotten! I came up with a schedule this time last year, and it has made all the difference!

  • Nataly December 30, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    Sounds like you had an amazing year! Hope your 2017 is even better!

  • Kelsey December 30, 2016 at 7:00 pm

    It’s so crazy how quickly a year can go by!! This was a fun roundup to read!!

    xo Kelsey | http://www.chasingcinderellablog.com

  • Greta December 31, 2016 at 1:26 am

    You have had such a great year! Your little is too cute and looks just like you!

    Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com

  • Audrey Stowe January 1, 2017 at 8:23 pm

    What a great year! Love all your outfits and your little girl is precious!!! Happy New Year!

  • Nicole January 4, 2017 at 10:08 am

    Love seeing your outfits through the months! You are so stylish! Happy 2017!