Happy Shminkiversary to me!
It’s crazy to think one year has passed since I launched this blog!
I launched QS on October 5, 2011 and so much has happened this past year.
There are SO many of you who have been following the blog and I truly thank all of you for your support. I’m thrilled so many of you enjoy it!
I put the blog out with no real idea of what would happen or what could come from it — I was just looking for a place to share things that I enjoy.
The more time I spent working on and developing the site, the more I realized how many possibilities and opportunities there are.
To be honest, I wasn’t really into the idea of putting out a blog at first!
I remember flying from Miami to Vegas with Future (Aubrey’s DJ) and he said to me, “Why don’t you put out a blog? You’re so into fashion and girls always like what you wear. Make it about stuff you like, not just what everyone else is doing.”
I said, “Everyone is a blogger these days. Who cares what I have to say?”
After a little convincing during the flight, I decided to go for it…and I’m glad I did.
I never thought the blog would really go anywhere or be recognized in one year, but it has, and it’s pushed me to work harder and reach higher goals. Actually, it’s pushed me to work harder and reach higher goals in regards to everything in my life.
I couldn’t been more happy! From the features and collaborations the blog has been included in, growing in my career alongside one of my best friends and all of the great people I continue to meet; this past year has been fabulous and I’m glad you guys are along for the journey!
As a thank you to everyone, I’ve decided to host a giveaway featuring three of my favorite things!
The giveaway is for…
Essie Nail Polish in “Fiji” (My #1 Color)
Seche Vite Top Coat (My #1 Top Coat)
To qualify, you MUST:
- Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite post was this year and why
- Like Queen Shmink on Facebook
- Follow and Tweet Me on Twitter (include hashtag #ShminkFaves)
- Follow me on Pinterest
-*Extra entry* Follow my blog on Bloglovin’ and let me know that you did!
Be sure to leave your correct e-mail address when posting your comment (as this will be the e-mail I will contact the winner at). This giveaway will end on October 22, 2012. I will announce the winner on October 23, 2012.
Don’t forget to stalk me on Currently Obsessed to stay on top of all my favorite things!
Good luck Shminkies!!
28 comments
Ariam T. says:
Oct 15, 2012
I am/have been obsessed with your ‘Key Lime Bun’ post for quite some time now. While I loved it for many reasons, I will narrow it down to my top 4 reasons:
1) I have always resorted to the classic bun and loved how you made the chill up-do look super chic.
2) I am a pants girl and I love how you made the pants look just as girly as a dress or skirt.
3) The wedges. Enough said.
4) You selected an overall killer palette–bright and light combos. Gorgeous.
Alright, I’ll quit the gawking.
Lan says:
Oct 15, 2012
Omg you were so cute!
My favourite post is Red Leopard. The title really says it all. I love leopard print. To wear it head to toe…as a jumpsuit is pretty bold. You pulled it off! My favourite blazers are bright colored blazers. I really like that you paired it with a red blazer. Those two pieces together looked amazing. And on top of all that you got creative and used a belt as a necklace (I’ve never heard of anyone doing that before) and it looked great. Lastly, your hair and makeup was on point!
Erin Vandermeulen says:
Oct 15, 2012
My favourite post you did was ” Dancy Pants” . I love how you seem so relaxed and at peace in those pictures. You are an inspiration to women young and old . You seem so comfortable in your own skin and always so gorgeous. I do follow you on Twitter , Facebook and Pinterest. I actually just joined Pinterest so I’m still figuring it out but I love your style and look forward to a new post every day. Keep doing what your doing , your so shminktastic!
Tracie says:
Oct 15, 2012
Congrats on your first year! Do it! I have enjoyed this journey with you as well, and I know much more success is to come. Omg! you were sooo cute as little shmink, and you had tons of style back then, I see. Those cheeks!:) hmmm….let’s see… out of many fabulous posts, I would have to pick “Dashing Diva” as my favorite because I love pieces that are very versatile and can easily make the transition from day to night. The Helmut Lang skirt did just that. The Dolce Vita heels were so jazzy, I had to purchase a pair!(Which I get major compliments on!) :) Thanks so much Courtne! <3
Jess says:
Oct 15, 2012
My favourite post hast to be product praise. A bit selfish, but it introduced me to “They’re Real” mascara, a product I cannot do without now. Any beauty post I particularly enjoy, I don’t mind spending money on quality products, but sales pitches often make my head swim. Thanks for posting those and being so honest.
My favourite ensemble is “Floral Party” the dress is so feminine and pretty and I love Zara blazers, especially the colours ones, give so much more creative capacity to ensembles. The accessories are perfect, and your hair and nails are totally fierce in this post too!
Congrats on such a successful first year, can’t wait to see how much further you go!
Jess says:
Oct 15, 2012
Oh, I forgot to say one that “Floral Party” has my favourite background in it as well! So chic, and your personality really shins through!
Mata says:
Oct 15, 2012
My favourite post of all time was Hey Shorty because i really enjoyed the fact that you took a swimming pant and turned it into such a sexy summer outift…it seemed to me then that you can even take a smiple towel and turn it into a ready to go super outfit…also i believe that th ability to to that really shows that one is talented and creative enough to rock the fashion industry.The heels were amazing and looked so comfy and also the sunnies just added the PERFECT LOOK FOR SUNNY DAY thing. I loce red nail polish and really like that color because it was just really poppy and nice to look at :)
RS says:
Oct 15, 2012
I actually have more then one favourite (Backyard Hippie — love the idea of the Missoni scarf as a cover-up/top), Dashing Diva, Light Bright, Shminking in San Jose). Choosing the main favourite post this year was one of your earlier ones called “Rainbow Fish.” I like how the outfit is simple/casual, but with the Missoni head wrap and shmink it adds the perfect amount of glamour to make it look complete. I also adore the gold metallic shirt — it inspired me to purchase a similar one to it and I’ve gotten so many compliments wearing it. The nail polish also puts the outfit together and it looks absolutely divine.
Congratulations on your 1 year Shminkiversary Courtne!
P.S. you were adorable as a child!
Jenna Hayes says:
Oct 15, 2012
I seriously love all your posts because your style is absolutely phenomenal, but my favorite post had to be crush on crimson. The outfit is so simple but so classy and gorgeous! I love that color for the fall time. It’s so rich and stunning! I also really liked the turquoise bracelet because of the color contrast between that and the crimson. I’m also obsessed with the jacket! Sooo pretty! Everything just works about the outfit, & the dress fit you like a glove! Loved the ankle booties as well :)
Phylicia says:
Oct 15, 2012
Hey girl,
So choosing a favourite post is difficult… but I’d say my favorite is the one where you made drake’s tee into a dress. I love it, not just because I’m jealous that you get to wear his clothes, but the fact that you were creative enough to turn a guy’s tee into something super femine and chic without it even being recognizable as men’s clothing. Also you made it so that it showed off your best features, your legs! Super jealous!
And congrats on your one year anniversary!
Alexandria says:
Oct 15, 2012
Ever since seeing “Touch of Blush” I have been hooked and have loved all of the posts, but my favorite outfit post was “Rainbow Fish.” I loved everything from the gold sweater, to the purple flats, and then the pop of color with the Missoni turban. And I completely adore the purse! I just love everything about this outfit and the vest is the perfect shmink touch!! Keep up the fabulous work and congratulations on your one year anniversary! :)
Jasmyn says:
Oct 15, 2012
Happy One Year Shminkiversary! Keep up the amazing job your doing on the blog. You have inspired me to jazz up my wardrobe for this fall/winter and my nail polish collection is now ever-growing!
It’s so hard to pick a favorite post! But my favorite of all would have to be your “Orange Doll’ post where you wore the Missoni Cardigan! (Rockin’ in the Lot & Vintage Canary are two of my other favorites.) After seeing that post I have been obsessed with all things Missoni! I can’t wait to see if you decide to pull out the cardigan in another one of your fall/winter posts like you did for “Mintsonni” . From the nail polish to the shoes everything comes together so nicely! And you are never afraid to show off your legs which are amazing btw. Now if only I could find the cardigan in that color…
Jasmyn says:
Oct 17, 2012
bloglovin’ followed:)
CHAMONIX. says:
Oct 16, 2012
Happy Shminkiversary!!!! So happy for you and your efforts are a great inspiration for me!! Thank you!!
My favorite post of ALL IS….SHOW GIRL!! I love the post so much that I purchased the Zara Print Pants from you directly LOL. The pants are so my style and when I saw them I just simply thought I gotta have those for summer. You can dress them up for a night on the town with the boo thang or slip them on for a girls night in.
I am really big on patterns, I also appreciate the earthy colors of the pants which matches my personality. I love wearing items that express who I am and these pants are a great match!
NESS says:
Oct 16, 2012
My abslolute favorite post was After Eight! The color of the top was gorgeous and the combination of textures from the skirt and shmink collar was so dynamically different. I am a layer lover so that collar won me 10 times over. It was an ensemble that was so sexy and chic.
NESS says:
Oct 17, 2012
P.S. I am now following you on Bloglovin’
Miranda V says:
Oct 17, 2012
Hey Courtne! I Loved your Fall Fashion picks with eBay post because a) you looked hot, b) I want everything c) i LOVE seeing you doing well and this was an awesome opportunity! Cheers to that!
Happy Anniversary Love! Keep up the good work
Taylor says:
Oct 17, 2012
You launched the blog on my birthday.. Cool!! Happy Anniversary and congrats on your accomplishments thus far. This was really difficult but I finally decided on my fave post. My favorite post is “Light Bright”.. Pink pants and a fur coat? WOW! I thought it was brilliant.
Jenna Watson-Brawn says:
Oct 17, 2012
My favorite post is definitely “Shmink’s OVO Fest Day” because I loved seeing a glimpse into Queen Shmink’s life. It’s nice to see hard working women especially in the music industry because there are so many terrible stereotypes. But do know, that was a hard choice as I really love all of your posts. Which is more and more rare with blogs these days.
Jenna says:
Oct 17, 2012
Followed you on Bloglovin’ too!
Carol says:
Oct 17, 2012
Congrats on the anniversary!! My fave fave post so far would have to be “Animal Instinct”. I am obsessed with leopard print and try to incorporate little pieces into my outfits. I loved that you paired it with purple where most people (ie. me)would have chosen something plain like a black shirt or something. Posts like that make me want to try new things and venture out a little. Can’t wait to see the Shmink Empire continue to grow!!
Kristle N says:
Oct 19, 2012
My favorite post of the year is “Spring Treats” because I am such a makeup junkie! You have made me fall in LOVE with Sephora I swear I am like an addict, I can’t get enough of it! Every time you put up a makeup post I get excited because you don’t do it often so its always fun to catch one. I love to hear/read your opinion of a product because I get to learn about new makeup brands that I never even thought existed like Anastasia which I LOVE!! Thanks for sharing your life with all of us, can’t wait to see whats next to come!!<3
Rachel says:
Oct 19, 2012
Happy 1st year anniversary and congratulations on all the success! I wish you many more productive years!
Even though I’m totally in love with almost every single outfit, ‘Edgy Sexy Cool’ has to be my favourite post this year! It’s fun. It’s colourful. It’s effortless. This ensemble is the epitome of casual cool with a dash of Shminkitude! This is how to do simple without being boring; it’s a mix and match of terrific pieces, simply thrown together to create a cool but upbeat look. The happy spectrum of colour makes it sweet yet sexy as the vibrant hues of purple, burgundy and blue combination is just enough to whet the “cool inner rock” chicks’ fashion palette. The colours provide contrast but compliment each other without being overpowering. It’s extremely well put together; the fit is very flattering and also vivid and fiery yet sophisticated. Loving the YSL belt, Muubaa jacket and the Missoni hat of course! Simplicity at its best.
im also following you on all of those sites except for bloglovin’! xxxx
Denisha says:
Oct 20, 2012
Honestly, my favorite post has got to be the Casual Cat one. First of all, I love pictures where people are holding umbrellas (it’s all Gene Kelly’s fault…I’m determined to re-enact Singing in the Rain). But it’s also the post where I actually started carrying an umbrella around with me, and it’s been so useful! But onto the outfit, I really just love how you’re able to turn a casual outfit into something that’s super gorgeous. I love the headband that you’re wearing and the way that the colors complement each other. Purple is my favorite color, so I’m always looking for new ways to dress it up with neutral colors that really make it pop (which it did, along with the headband). Jewelry is, of course, amazing, I love the way you dressed up the outfit with the accessories. I love the location as well! This is the outfit that I’ve attempted to re-create the most often since I’ve been at George Mason. It’s not hard to do and it’s casual yet sophisticated, you put your own creative spin on it, and it’s perfect for this fall weather too! I followed you on everything, BlogLovin too. Happy 1-year Shminkiversary :-)
Makayla says:
Oct 20, 2012
My favorite post this year was the “Plain Jane” post. Since Im only 14, there’s certain things I can and cannot wear because of my age, and since it’s very casual it’s also very notible for it’s fashion worthiness. Like you said, nothing beats jeans and a t-shirt.
Royal says:
Oct 21, 2012
My favorite post was hard to VERY DIFFICULT to choose because I’ve been following your fashion journey from the very beginning, but I finally settled on “No Barking in Missoni” (although Show Girl and Garden Glow were very close behind). The ensemble was gorgeous, your nails were amazing, your hair was fun yet sleek and sophisticated, and accessories set the whole thing off! However, these were not the reasons I chose this particular post; I chose this post because I have always wished that I was shorter (I’m close to your height, about 5’10), but seeing how you used the print on the wide leg pants to emphasize your height made me more comfortable with mine and has given me the confidence to try things that showcase my height. From one tall girl to another, thanks for the Shminkspiration ;D
Royal says:
Oct 21, 2012
Oh, and I forgot to tell you that I’m following you on Bloglovin and stalking you on currently obsessed.
Evonne says:
Oct 21, 2012
Congratulations on your 1 year Shminkiversary!!
I’ve been following Queenshmink since day one and my favorites posts are: Have Some Manners (October 10, 2011); I loved the etiquette snippets you shared from Curtrise Garner’s book…it was also the first time I posted a response on your site. I know I’m breaking the rules already. My favorite post from this year is Black & Blue (June 20, 2012) — I love the casual nature of your outfit: the wedges, the romper and the vintage necklace — I’m also being a little bias, you were in my city. The St. Regis is right around the corner from my office and you captured some really great pics around town especially the double-decker bus. :0)
You are liked on Facebook, followed on Twitter, Pinned on Pinterest, Stalked on Currently Obsessed and Loved on bloglovin. Again Congrats on 1-year and looking forward to another of great fashion and style tips from QueenShmink.