Three years ago today, I sat down in front of my computer to start a fashion blog.
As a young Hill staffer with no money for August Recess travel, abandoned by her friends and colleagues, at the mercy of the hot Summer heat, I was bored. Really bored. And from that boredom, this blog grew like a tree in Brooklyn, we now had a fashion blog for Capitol Hill.
I don’t know that I gave any thought to what this blog might become. I don’t think I saw it lasting for three years. And I know that I never thought or hoped, really, that the site would grow from a readership of three to just shy of 300,000 pageviews per month. Such a dream would have been crazy talk.
But here we are, nearly 1,100 days later, talking about professional fashion, style faux pas and beauty tips like a bunch of girlfriends gathered around the living room braiding each other’s hair. So thank you for visiting every day. Thank you for telling your friends, co-workers and family members to read CHS. And thank you for making this blog a pleasure to write, because if it wasn’t for your comments and e-mails, I would have stopped a long time ago.
So today is my other birthday. Who knows? Maybe someone will even buy me a present.
leave a comment
Michelle says:
Congrats!!!
e says:
Happy Birthday!!!
Meg says:
Happy Birthday! I'm celebrating your blog just as much as you, because without it my wardrobe (and all the wardrobes of co-workers I've shared your site with) would be in disrepair!
KC says:
Happy Birthday!
Erica says:
Happy Birthday!
NessaLew says:
Belle, I read your blog on my RSS so I have never actually commented or made my presence known. My name is Nessa and I'm a lurker! But today I wanted to thank you for your style, influence, and swag! Happy birthday!
S says:
Belle, thanks so much for this blog. It is the highlight of my workday! Happy Birthday!
No Drama Momma says:
Happy Birthday! I started reading this blog two years ago, right before I moved to DC from the South (I found it while looking up stuff about my new city). I've read it every day since. Keep blogging, please!
anonymous says:
Happy Birthday, website!
Your posts are a breath of fresh air and I look forward to reading them.
PS. love that you mentioned A tree grows in Brooklyn, it's an amazing book
Lyndsi says:
Happy birthday! You give such great advice and straightforward answers to questions you receive. I always look forward to reading CHS!
D says:
Happy birthday! Thanks for all that you do – my closet and I thank you!
Rose says:
Happy Birthday! Dillard's is having an Antonio Menlani sale for your birthday!
Jessica says:
Happy blog birthday, Belle! Thanks for all of the advice. And as of this summer, as a special birthday present to you, I have officially retired and tossed my Vera Bradley bag and pair of Uggs. You showed me the light.
Mel says:
Happy Birthday!
AD says:
Thanks Belle! Your blog has been a mainstay in my daily reading since I googled “Capitol Hill Style” back in 2008 before moving to DC. I couldn't believe I found exactly what I was looking for and I've continued reading despite my move back down south. Cheers to Belle and Capitol Hill Style!
Rory says:
Happy Birthday! So far, CHS is the only blog I've followed for this long!
Anna says:
Happy Birthday!
Although I've never commented before, I have to say I truly love your blog. I just graduated from law school and have started to work at a small firm…your blog has provided me with style inspiration and has helped ensure I don't lose my personal style in my quest to be a professional who is taken seriously at work. Thank you thank you thank you!
~M says:
Happy birthday!!!
amy b.s. says:
happy blog birthday!
TA says:
Happy birthday to your blog, Belle! I love reading it everyday. I also LOVE the new graphics and everything. However, what is “Partner with Belle”–it says “coming soon?”
Belle says:
TA-Advertising. I have to pay for those shoes somehow.
RO says:
Happy Birthday!
DC Goodwill Fashionista says:
Congrats, Belle! -DCGF