12 Posts from 2021 + Year in Review
Instead of doing a roundup on the top posts of the year (because those are usually posts that weren’t published this year!), I thought I would go back through the Archives and share one post from each month of 2021.
But first…
Year in Review
2021 was a relatively quiet year on StyleWise. I’m a bit tapped out on ideas, and outfit photos are less fun than they used to be.
Plus, I decided not to accept any sponsorships in the fourth quarter, so I’ve had less of a push to publish.
I think all of this is fine. Traditional blogging has changed so profoundly in the face of social media that it’s practically a relic of the past decade.
Still, I like being here and working on things.
You’ll have noticed that I went through several design changes this year because I was trying to find something that struck a balance between speed and attractiveness.
Google made several algorithm changes that *profoundly* impacted my blog views (in a bad way). So, I’ve been doing what I can to get the proverbial house in order so that my site is more searchable.
I also dealt with a TERRIBLE blog client earlier in the year that left a bad taste in my mouth about partnerships. It seems that, as influencer marketing expands, people are less and less civil. Ironically, collaborations these days feel less collaborative and more transactional.
With Covid raging on, my personal aesthetic has been through the ringer. I spent last semester back in person, getting used to being seen again. It was nice, but it’s reduced my urge to perform for the internet.
All in all, it’s been a weird year!
By the Numbers
- 567,000 page views
- 290,000 unique visitors
- 98 posts
- 73,930 words
- $660 donated to ACLU, Xerces Society, NAACP, and First Nations Development Institute
12 Posts from 2021
Some of my favorite posts from the year, month by month:
January: Is Tradlands Ethical and Sustainable?
February: Are Linen Sheets worth It? Quince Review
March: Observations on Whiteness
April: The Ethics of Coffee: A Complicated Story (guest post)
May: Biden and the Border Crisis (guest post)
June: Is Christy Dawn Worth It? Dawn Dress Review
July: Alternatives to Babaa Sweaters (That are Still Sustainable)
August: Plus Size Sustainable Brands: 19 Size Inclusive Options (a friend helped me with this one)
September: Sustainable Office Clothes for Women: 17 Thoughtful Brands (I also republished this piece on abortion)
October: Launching a Fair Trade Business: Challenge and Promise (guest post)
November: Is Saie Worth the Hype? Unsponsored Review
December: Shampoo Bars: Good for Hair or Just a Gimmick?
Putting together this post made me realize that I am quite fond of the deep dive article. I am thankful for guest writers who brought their expertise to the table for StyleWise this year.
I also had fun putting together shopping posts and reviews.
In 2022, I’m honestly not sure what I’ll want to post about. I’m about to make a significant career change and (probably) move states again, so it will be a whirlwind!
If you’ve been here for awhile, you’ll remember that I used to do an annual reader survey. I stopped because I haven’t felt that I had the capacity to respond to feedback or spend a lot of time doing research for this blog. But if you have suggestions, questions, or other ideas, feel free to comment here!
Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.