Discuss: They Say It’s Your Birthday
Aug 2, 2013
Five years ago this month, Capitol Hill Style was born. Â Since then, it has grown from a one-horse blog read by less than 10 people to a resource for tens-of-thousands of women. Â I couldn’t have imagined that such an accomplishment was possible when started the site in 2008 as a diversion from the boredom of August recess. Â But I’ve never been so thrilled by a surprise in my life.
To celebrate this occasion, I was initially going to throw a party. Â But after some thinking, I realized that a party celebrating a blog birthday seemed over the top and a bit silly. Â So I decided to do something a bit different, a thank you to all of the readers who have supported this blog throughout the years, passing it on to friends and family members, co-workers and interns.
Every week for the remainder of August, I’ll be hosting a reader giveaway. Â The prizes will include some Capitol Hill Style favorites from retailers and brands that I’ve touted on the blog for years. Â Giveaways will be posted on Tuesday of each week and winners will be announced on Saturdays. Â So don’t forget to stop by each week for a new chance to win. Â There will also be three smaller giveaways, on hosted on Twitter, one on Pinterest and one on Facebook, so don’t forget to follow CHS on those sites as well.
Thanks again to all of you for coming back day after day, for sending in e-mails and re-tweeting posts.  This community has become a welcome distraction from the sometimes humdrum, sometimes chaotic world of politics.
Have a great weekend, xoxo Belle
Congratulations and Happy Birthday! I love your blog and you have really helped me to step up my style game!
Thank you for this blog!
Thank you, Belle, for being a great source of advice and information!
WOO HOO!! Happy Birthday!
Congrats, Belle! I’m a relatively new reader, but you’ve quickly become one of my favorites, with so much content that is both relate-able and useful.
Happy birthday, CHS!
While I’m sure you meant a private party for your ACTUAL friends….I’m fairly certain all of your DMV readers would be really down for a party. Except, what to wear? Hmm……
I meant a party for a lot of people, but it felt very “look at me, look at me” and I wasn’t comfortable with that.
Do it anyway! That little thing called life is calling your name! I totally get the anxiety though, I was the girl who didn’t have a graduation party, or even send notices because i was terrified that people would think I was being selfish/conceited.
the only issue I see is that you have blog readers from all over who would be so sad we couldn’t join you!
I always look forwarding to reading your posts and getting inspiration! I’ve found so many great clothes from you!!
Thank YOU for providing much needed professional guidance to me and other new-to-the-political-workforce ladies like me. This blog has been a tremendous resource, and has kept me from dressing, styling, and sometimes even speaking like a total noob on more than one occasion. Keep on keepin’ on!
I love the blog and I’m glad you started it. I also support the idea of a party. Or even a celebratory happy hour/meetup. It’s well-deserved!
I second this!
I second this! We’re always down for a reason to celebrate!
Because I’m in Boston now and not DC, I selfishly applaud your idea of not having a party 😉 But even if I WAS in DC, I think this trait sets you apart from so many of the bloggers out there! Happy, happy birthday. I check this blog on the regular and have introduced many people to it – thanks for keeping us in check, even though my bank account may hate me on occasion!
Happy blog birthday! 🙂
Happy blog bday Belle! Your blog is a refreshing read and a great resource for young professional women.
Love love love this blog! Congrats!
Congratulations on such a fantastic accomplishment! I read daily down here in Houston!! Thanks for always being “real” and for being a resource for professional women across the nation!!
Happy blog birthday! I love reading your posts every day and getting ideas for a professional wardrobe (should i ever move to a place where really professional dress is required…museums are not known for their dresscodes, in my experience)!! Congratulations 🙂
xo Shay
I check in your blog when I need to make a purchase for an item that I don’t have a lot of expertise (recent discovery:hot hair roller, three dot t-shirts). I don’t buy everything recommended here but always love to discover quality products. Thanks for quality content.
Congratulations on your milestone. I love your blog and faithfully read it everyday. You give really well balanced advice to your readers who are seeking Belleisms in their life. I love your fashion advice and have seen a subt,e change in the way I dress because if you. Keep up the great blogging. Your readers are here for you. Think about a real party when you celebrate 10.
I meannnnn, so if you’re not comfortable throwing a party, what if we- your readers- threw YOU a party? Okay, so maybe more of a happy hour social because well, we are DC after all. What do you think? Happy hour one evening as a little meet & greet, fellow reader meet up?! Maybe a style swap… Hmmm birthday celebrations galore!
You’s the best, Belle.
Em–I’d be there! (But OMG, indeed, what *would* I wear? Maybe I’d go for irony. Uggs, shorts and a formal work purse.)
Oh and if anyone did end up taking the idea of a happy hour and run with it–maybe we could pick a charity and pass a hat while we’re at it, to be classy?
Happy Birthday!! Congratulations on all your success, this is such a milestone for you!
I found your blog this past January and have checked it every day since. It has been totally invaluable in beginning my political career, and since starting my first political internship after finishing my undergrad, I so appreciate all the career advice you give as an accompaniment to your incredible style recommendations.
Quick question, will the contests be open to Canadian residents as well, or just American?
I know I’m late but this is a great blog. Congrats Belle!