THE CITIZEN INDEX

Friday, June 10, 2011

By Any Other Name

"My name is Bella.
And I am a personal style blogger."
This is my personal style blog. I'm saying this, an obvious stating of the obvious because I've just realized that it might not be so obvious. I mean, I've come to realize that not all of you know me. Many of you are new here, having stopped by from a blogger event I've taken part in, or stumbled upon my +40 Blogroll,  perhaps liked what you saw, and stuck around. 

Well HELLO. Forgive me for not saying hello sooner. I've been motoring forward as if you all have been around since the beginning but the humble fact is this blog had less than 1500 visits for the entire month a year ago, and that a post written exactly one year ago today had a mere 8 comments. You can read it here. (note: Blog is almost 3 years old- I'm just noting the stats from a year ago. -Bella) A LOT has changed since then, and all of it, thanks to you folks, to you friends, for the better. So HELLO, and THANK-YOU. 



Now I realize I'm still a small potato blogger. I don't get 3500 page views a day like sweet Faye over at http://fuyume.net/ or the heavy hits of Already Pretty, Grit & Glamour or Kristy Elena over at Full Time Fabulous. But my blog growth has still been incredible, and the people, the friends I've made in this short amount of time are more incredible still. I've connected with bright spirits like Sacramento, Anika and Roz.

Recently I've been bowled over by the phenomenal style of a group of  over 40 year-old bloggers who prove post after post, outfit after outfit, the wise words of Coco Chanel: that style is eternal. I am besotted with mature style vixens like Judith, Desiree, Vix, Reva, and Dusk and, and, and, oh the list could go on and on and it does right here.
Because of these people and my incredible blogging community, my life HAS COMPLETELY CHANGED. My world has opened up- is opening up for me in ways I never imagined, yet have been secretly dreaming about my whole life. 

I have never felt more like ME. I get to be creative and express my personal style on a daily basis. I have had the pleasure of discovering kindred spirits, and get to experience the joy of encouraging others to put themselves out there and take part in their personal expression of self. And it all started by me braving it and snapping a picture of me in an outfit. Who knew being taking a photo of yourself could feel so revolutionary? 

My name is Bella Q, and this is my personal style blog. I am a Citizen Rosebud and I wish us all to "bloom madly."

Now Wearing: 
  • Custom Hand-made Hat by Picollo
  • Target Floral Sunnies
  • Anika Burke stone bracelet
  • Vintage Laura Ashely Rosebud Romper
  • Vintage silk obi belt (thrifted)
  • Dr. Scholl Platform Wedges
  • A Whole Lotta Attitude


57 comments:

Anonymous said...

You look fantastic in this jumpsuit and the rose in your hair is wonderful. Amazing what a positive difference a year makes!

Ruby said...

WONDERFUL!!

AnPhibian said...

Well, if you are a small potato blogger, then those of us who are Tater Tots salute you! Love the Over 40 blogroll -- wonderful resource. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Bella, this is my favorite post yet! It is so lovely to meet you! I just DIE for your jumpsuit!! A year later, I am so lucky to have "met" you.

The Semi Sweet said...

Love the post!! I remember falling in love with your blog right at it's humble beginnings:) You wrote a comment on my blog and I then became hooked to yours:) Happy Bloggerversary!!

And that jumpsuit is just effin' awesome. You wear it so well!

Shybiker said...

You go, girl! Love the attitude. And the colorful outfit is great, too!

Heather Fonseca said...

Wooooooot!!!!!!!!
I know what you mean. I love being a personal style blogger. At this point, making money off my blog is irrelevant. I just love doing it.

And that romper looks great on you. I might have to reconsider my "No rompers" stance.

Love,
Heather

Fashnlvr said...

I couldn't have painted you into a corner any better than you did here! I love that jumpsuit - and I am not a jumpsuit-lover by any means. The rose print, satin sash and rose in your hair is phenomenal. I still covet those sunnies!! Glad you have in here with me in the "small potato" blogger sack!

Unknown said...

So glad you wrote this! It's your personality and kindness that keeps me coming back :)

FASHION TALES said...

I can never believe you're over 40 yr blogger. Amazement, beautiful. Love the Shakesphere reference dear. And where was this lovely romper yesterday when I needed other good ones to pull from? haha! Keep doing what you do- so well :)
Cheers,
Madison

Laura said...

Wow that's such a cool jumpsuit! It's so great that you've grown so much with blogging! :)
- Laura S

Marie said...

That is a seriously fabulous jumper! Lovely post, and so glad to have met you in the blogging world.

Marie @ Lemondrop ViNtAge

Ofelia said...

Great job accessorizing the jumper! I like the fact that you acknowledge your new followers because when people read and comment in our blogs we connect and become part of this community.
I personaly have to thank you for including my blog in your over 40 list. This brought great amounts of traffic to my little blog!
So Thanks my dear!

My Heart Blogged said...

I have loved reading your blog, and getting to know you. Thank you for putting yourself out there, and sharing your life with us. By the way, this jumpsuit is lovely on you. You look fabulous!

Comtesse de ferveur said...

Hear hear my lovely! That jumpsuit is swoonbloom (I made up a special word for it)!!!

Mode Plus said...

So glad I came across your blog (through Anika) and yes, let's bloom together. Love your outfit and I am a little "jealous" of your headpieces, chérie. And oh, how cool of you to tweet in Dutch. ECHT STOER, B! <3

mispapelicos said...

You are always stunning, my dear, dear friend and I love u.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Vix said...

Wowser! That jumpsuit is awesome, and so are you. xxx

Unknown said...

Well, it's so nice to meet you Bella! You look AMAZING in that gorgeous jumpsuit and I am a hair flower ADDICT! This blogging business is starting to really change my life too and I am SO lucky to also have 'met' such amazing and wonderful women all over the world. You rock!

Sarah xxx

Barbro Andersen said...

You are brilliant, Bella! Just brilliant. It's so funny how something so simple can change our lives forever. Let's continue to be brave!

I'm so glad I get to "know" you through blogging <3

Anupriya DG said...

I think I know you (even if a li'l bit) & I can proudly say that I LOVE the Bella I know! You are one of the most beautiful, fearless, bold & vibrant characters I've come across......and I hope to get to know you better with each post! :)

P.S.: One of your best outfits......loving the flowers all over!!

theequinebovine said...

favorite look to this date. girl, you be lookin' goooood.

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

What a great picture to say HELLO with!! The jumpsuit flatters your body like crazy and I love the flowers in your hair...YOU LOOK FIERCE!! Have a fun weekend!!

Kimi said...

Ohmigod. Your jumpsuit!! I love it.

I'm a new(ish) reader. I enjoy your blog because of the obvious joy you get from dressing to illuminate your personality, and I like your fearless style.

Dusk said...

Bella... you are, as your name means... Bella by any other name, would still mean beautiful. In every way and counting. You are my kind of woman, a true role model... fierce, feminine, fiesty and fabulous! Brilliant, bold and bodacious too! It is a privilege to 'know' you.

This is one of my all time favourite Bella looks! WOW! You look wonderful! So Bella.

Collette Osuna said...

LOVE your jumpsuit hot mamma!! I love YOU too...and miss you even more:)
Hugs and kisses friend:)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your amazing growth and even more amazing journey. Love you in the jumper too. It's wonderful to be in the blogging orbit with you.
xLaura

http://bucklebuttonzip.com

Lakota [Faith Hope and Charity Shopping] said...

I just found you via the lovely Comtesse and fabulous Vix - and what a great post to find you on. Love your jumpsuit and congratulations on a year of blogging. I am 4 and bit months in and am loving it more than I could ever have guessed!

citizen rosebud said...

Hello Lakota! Just for the record I have been blogging as the Citizen Rosebud for over 2 years. I just brought up my stats from one year ago to share the compare. 8 comments from a post a year ago, to the generous +30 right now shows how many "new" readers I've been fortunate to acquire and I wanted to acknowledge that.

Casey said...

I love this. I would so rock that romper if they made it in size Amazon ;)

Helga said...

Well,thank goodness you got yourself out here,cos I am so thrilled to have met you!!!
You totally ROCK!!!!xxx

Kimberlee said...

Awww awesome! Hello Bella - we love you :)

WendyB said...

Aw....love this. And that outfit!

Porkchop Rules said...

YOU GO GIRL! WORD RQ blogger queen!

Elle said...

You have grown so much- blogging really does make up bigger than we ever could have been . I love your boldness. And this is an amazing look on you. You rock the jumpsuit.

Stephanie Loudmouth said...

You look gorgeous! Love the hat.

Pretty words to go with pretty photos. The blogosphere is something special, isn't it?

stylefrontier said...

this is a lovely post
and you look amazing bella!
have just followed your blog as well
have a great weekend
xoxo

Alexis of NorthOnHarper said...

I just have to say--- your confidence inspires me!

The Foolish Aesthete said...

Congratulations on a year of blogging! As someone who's only been on the blogging circuit for 2 months, I am so amazed at this community! Love the red rose! xx

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary Bella!!! I am a rather new fan/friend and I am so happy to know you. You are constantly thoughtful and consistently fearless and I hope even if your blog focus changes you don't change that about yourself. GAWSH I can't believe you are over 40...rude ass, Bella!!!

It is really crazy the world that we step into when we blog...I had no idea it would foster so much love, inspiration and admiration.

BLOSSOM BLOSSOM BLOSSOM.

P.S.- Your romper is so perfect on you...this whole shoot might be my favorite from you.

Anonymous said...

Hahahaha, I'm kind of laughing at myself b/c in my head I wrote "bloom bloom bloom" but in life I typed blossom 3x...lol oh mind, you need sleep. At least still applicable!

Raquel said...

You look awesome, those heapieces are lovely.
And hello, despite knowing you're a personal style blogger for a long time now, I wanted to say hello too :)

citizen rosebud said...

Hello my dear Black Sheep/ Raquel. MUAH!

Best Of Palm Beach said...

That hat Bella, is just divine!

Veronica
http://bestofpalmbeachconsignment.com

Eboni Ife' said...

oooh Bella, I love that jumpsuit. You know I have a soft spot in my heart for jumpers and rompers of all kinds, but FLORAL jumpers are especially fabulous!!

GRIT AND GLAMOUR said...

Thanks for the shout, Bella...but I am no heavy-hitter...I'm just like you!

Can I just say how incredibly flattering that romper is on you?! You look fantastic! Only you could put on a Laura Ashley floral romper and make it look tough and sexy. Only you. Bloom on, babe!

Lee Oliveira said...

Fantastic is an understatement word to say.. I loooove your jumpsuit.
Looks beyond hot on you.
Lee x

Jenmarie said...

You totally rock that romper Bella! I had no idea you've been blogging for 3 years, that's fantastic!

Luna Tiger said...

Lovely flowered outfit !
http://selenite.weebly.com

Beautifully Invisible said...

You and V both rock jumpsuits like it's no ones business. Floral + Bella = match made in heaven. Perfection.

This is such a lovely post! You are amazing... you and Anika are the heart of this blogging community. Without the two of you it would be a sad, cold place. You are in no way a small potato blogger. You are big time even if you may not know it! And I am delighted to have met you :)

Marta said...

Oh Bella, you look bellissima!!! I am on a desperate search for such a jumpsuit! so if you won't be able to find it in your closet, it may be in Poland!
Marta

jessica said...

Erm, Im in friggin love with that jumpsuit. Seriously. You look amazing, fab print and colors! I cant believe your over 40 either. Really cant.

Jill said...

You look so great in that jumpsuit, it's so flower-infused Charlie's Angels. Yay late 1970's and you!

Anna said...

Congrats on the growth of your blog! That is awesome!

gabrielle said...

im so happy to be a fellow rosebud. your blog makes me happy- i love your eclectic style.

xxoo always

Anika http://www.byanika.com said...

Hello.+I+love+you.+You+have+helped+me R%!VJ: Cnv f GN7F =:#yScnE
R0P ~) <D

Unknown said...

How did i miss this one ??????
Thank you so very much my Bella (can I claim you as all my own?)......
these photos are killer!!!!!!!!!
xXXx
Reva