I’m so happy to share with you today my first official post on my new blog! I’ve been talking about starting a blog for several months now with my co-workers and friends Margaret and AJ, who have been encouraging me to dive right in and start a fashion and lifestyle blog, and I’m so excited that the day is finally here! Check out my About Me section to learn more about me.

Part of being a blogger is sharing your experiences and giving your online community a glimpse into your life, so what better way to introduce my fashion and lifestyle blog with all of you then to talk about and share my experiences on Father’s Day.

Father’s Day is a difficult time for me because I lost my father due to a long battle with esophageal cancer going on eight years in August. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him, miss him or think about what he would be doing right now if he were here. I was young, 24 years old, when my father passed away, but I’ll never forget how passionate he was about food (he loved to eat and was always open to trying new dishes), family (he always talked about the importance of being together, celebrating together and supporting each other) and the beach (he would stay there all day, even after the lifeguards packed up and left). He always supported me in everything I wanted to do so I think he would be over the moon and proud of me following one of my passions and launching my fashion and lifestyle blog today.

I’ve included one of my favorite pictures of him and I. I graduated from college and I was going to my friend Jessica’s graduation party and my dad and my mom were heading out as well, and we took this picture quickly before we all left. Even back then, you can see I loved fashion and statement necklaces! Please feel free to share your favorite photo of you and your father in the comments below. I would love to see them.

Even though today is a difficult day, I’m spending it with my family, which is what we always did when my father was alive. I’ve also shared a picture of my outfit today, as my dad would always comment on how “perrty” aka pretty, I looked. He was originally from Maryland, so his accent would come out every so often.

I love leopard print so these shorts had my name all over them. This short sleeve shirt, tucked in slightly in the front, was the perfect addition to my outfit of the day, especially because it’s so comfortable. When I found these earrings with a pop of color in them, but also animal print on the bottom, I knew I had to buy them. How cute are they?! All of these pieces I’ve linked are from Express, so feel free to check them out!

I hope you all enjoy your day and to all the fathers, Happy Father’s Day.