Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

I started Vintage Inspired Passionista when I was 16 and looking for an outlet. I built the blog on the morals on which I was reared, and I wrote about things that I loved and not what other people told me to love. I rebelled against trends and the average idea of a “fashion blogger” to create a blog that truly felt like me. Now, three years later, I can look back and say: Wow! I am so glad I did this. I am so glad I took a risk with artistic photo shoot blogs, dressed how I wanted, and didn’t constantly worry about SEOs and all that jumbo. It’s never been about the stats or the fame–it’s been about L.I.F.E. (Living In Fearless Expression). P.S. Stay tuned for a killer blog week based on L.I.F.E. coming soon! *happy dance*

Never did I imagine that this blog would become such a big part of my life, and never did I imagine that it would change my life for the better. From learning how to be myself in a world full of critics to learning how to conduct professional interviews, VIP has “taught” me so much over the past three-ish years. The blog has also shown me the “big picture” about my future career–it has shown me that I don’t have to be a nurse/teacher just because that’s what all my friends are doing. I can do what I want to do *gasp* Woah…did you know that other people cannot make your life choices for you?! *wink*

Now, it has not been an easy journey. It has been rough and tough, but throughout my escapade, I have met some pretty splendid people, snagged some pretty amazing deals, and participated in some awesome events. But most importantly, I learned what it means to find yourself in a world where people are constantly trying to conform everyone to a norm…and I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to be Entangled By the Norm *wink*

Now…let me answer a question I get so often from new readers and fans:

Why did you name your blog Vintage Inspired Passionista?

Well, ever since I was a little kid, I have LOVED old things–from music and cars to clothes and trinkets. At the time that I started my blog, vintage wasn’t nearly the cool factor that it is today. I had to scrounge to find genuine vintage, and I had to worry about what people would say about my wearing “old stuff”. AND….look how the tables have turned–vintage is everywhere, and it is cool *wink* Not only do I love vintage, but it also inspires me + it is something I am passionate about–hence Inspired Passionista *wink* SO, if you put it all together you get a nifty little play on words–Vintage Inspired Passionista (VIP) = Very Important Person (VIP). :)