You may have noticed that things look a bit different around here! After lots of tweaks, the new version of Skinny Dip went live on Friday and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I told my designer, Ashley, that I wanted something more editorial, yet still fun and playful – a look she totally nailed. I absolutely love the pink drop-cap detail at the beginning of each post and the custom heart-shaped pin-it button she added!
As anyone who works on the internet can probably understand, your website and blog is like your office. It has to feel like home. When this is no longer the case, things just feel off. Over the past year I’ve slowly started to feel like design I had (which had been more or less consistent since 2012), while I loved it, was no longer ‘me.’ A lot has happened over the past three years: I’ve become a Nationally syndicated columnist, I’ve finished writing a book and grown in many other ways, including turning writing into a full time career. It makes sense that my web design was no longer a perfect match (and because of this, it kept me from blogging as much as I wanted to.)
I liken this experience to jeans I (until recently) owned: a pair of gorgeous, Paige denim, dark skinnies. I got them about 5 years ago and they were honestly, some of the best pants I ever had the pleasure of calling my own. Like my blog, they were with me during some of the best moments (my first trip to LA) and some my worst (my very painful breakup with my ex.) I kept them around because they had once hugged my body perfectly. However, when I went to try them on a few months ago, I could barely get them over my hips. Instead of lamenting over the fact that I am no longer a size 23 double zero, I did what felt more joyful: I got rid of the jeans and spent some money buying pants that actually fit – a decision I never regret.
Even when you know change is the right thing, letting go can still feel a bit scary. However, I’ve learned that I much rather embrace change and the unknown than cling to situations, people and branding that no longer feels 100% in line with where I’m at in my life. Skinny Dip will continue to change and grow as I do.
In case you want to see the evolution of the site over the years, I’ve included a few screen caps!
2009
2010
2011
2015
I love looking at how much the site has changed! Because I was very attached to my old design, I decided it needed a proper send-off celebration. So, I enlisted the help of Joe the Intern and Hammer to ceremonially switch out the old design for the new and carry it off to the Skinny Dip hall of fame.
Here’s to lots of new adventures and stories!
xox
