E X T R A O R D I N A R Y .

So what may seem like a very ordinary day to most is now one of the happiest and most important days in my dairy planner. This day last year was the day i officially quit my full time job and walked out the front door to start an exciting journey with Gary Pepper Vintage - with no idea what lay ahead, where this road would take me or how many amazing opportunities or wonderful people were out there waiting for me. When i looked back in my archives i was surprised to see i had quit my job the day before New Years Eve. Maybe it was the overly sentimental part of me making a subconscious decision to try and start the New Year fresh or maybe i just knew it was time to start something new? Either way i was just as surprised to find this entry which i posted this time last year with only a few sentences i must of managed to put together on the day:

"Free. So it's Wednesday, and i quit my job today. In exactly two weeks i'm going to be a self-employed full time op- shopper... holy shit. Words cannot describe, but these photos can."

And you know what? If you were to ask me to try and describe how i feel every single day i would still write the exact same words. This is not a job, but a dream i can't believe i'm lucky enough to live in. So instead of posting some photos from weheart.it com like i did last year i thought i would take some more personal photos which really reflect how i am feeling today :)
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(Vintage Yellow Dress - available in store soon, Topshop Heels, YSL/Camilla And Marc Rings)

When i thought about how i wanted to celebrate a few things instantly came to mind: hearts, balloons, colours and sunshine. I really love the view from this cliff and you can't help but feel like you're on top of the world when you're up here. You can see so far out to see you don't really know where the horizon ends, which makes it the perfect place for dreamers like me to come and imagine what a new year will bring! I wanted to make these photos brighter than my usual style so i paired this gorgeous yellow vintage dress (available in store soon) with some freshly painted pastel blue nails, By Australis, and a few brightly coloured helium balloons. You'll also spot my "one year" gift to myself in there too - my new triple barrel gold ring by Camilla and Marc which i absolutely LOVE!

When i was purchasing these cute heart shaped balloons the man behind the counter asked "Oh, are these for New Years Eve? That's a great idea!" little did he know i was really thinking "Actually, No. I'm planning on dressing up, climbing a cliff face and jumping up and down in the wind whilst my boyfriend takes photos of me". Sounds odd but it seems to have become one of the most normal parts of my week.
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So after 12 magical and memorable months together I'd just like to say a very big and warm thank you to each and every one of you who have in one way or another supported my store, my work, and myself throughout 2010. Whether it be an email, comment, tweet, or message, i find inspiration in each of your kindly written words and feel overwhelmed by how quickly complete strangers can feel like some of your closest friends. I mean it from the bottom of my metallic foiled heart - thank you for making one of the biggest and most daunting decisions i've ever had to make one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life so far. You bring colour into this life and make everything look so beautiful, exciting and new, so thank you for helping make this year just that little bit 'extra' ordinary and for making today something worth celebrating for. Bigger and better things are planned for 2011 so i'm literally jumping with excitement to see what this year will bring and I honestly can't wait to spend it with all of you!!!
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Here's to a new year full of light, love, happiness and health, with no fear and absolutely no looking back. Wherever you are in the world, whatever you inspire to be, always remember to do what you love and to do it well. Leave them all behind...

Wishing you all the very best for 2011 and Gary Pepper and i will see you in the New Year! :)))))

130 comments:

  1. wow, the look and all the colors are gorgeous!!

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  2. you are truly inspirational, genuine, and beautiful inside and out. happy almost new year<3

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  3. Oh my, I love these photos!
    You look gorgeous, and your shoes are perfect!
    Happy new year!!


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  4. You look amazing! I'm loving all the jewellery you're wearing. And congratulations on one year!

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  5. Congratulations Nicole, I'm so glad you decided to take that leap one year ago today. Well done you are an inspiration for the rest of us. xo
    On a completely unrelated note who ever won the Bec & Bridge giveaway? I can't seem to find it anywhere on the blog?
    Hope you have a fantastic New Years Eve and may next year be even more amazing than the last.
    Love Chelsea

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  6. So inspiring Hun!
    Beautiful pictures as always :)
    Happy New Year!

    xoxox

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  7. congratulations! its a great feeling to know you are your own boss! lots of love from canada!

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  8. LOVE the photos!! You look so gorgeous :D :D
    Have a good New Years Eve! :D
    http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

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  9. Wow these photos are sparkeling !!!! Love em !! Happy new year ! xx

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  10. You look so beautiful! And the pics are totally amazing! Cute dress!!!

    http://style-in-sight.blogspot.com

    ps
    wish we had such nice weather here instead of the snow:D

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  11. Oh my God, I wished I had the exact right words to sum all that up, but the photos are out of this world, and you write so lovely, and the sentence at the end, Leave them all behind you....You are insiration to everyone who thinks they CANT!

    Have a lovely new year x

    http://peaceandloveand.blogspot.com/

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  12. nicole i remember reading that "i've thrown it all in!" post a year ago (i am definitely going to flash everyone on a highway if i ever quit a job!) and i have loved reading every single on of your posts since then. you're such an inspiration.

    hope the new year only you brings beautiful, happy things.

    alexandra xox


    brightlighstandvelvetcloaks.blogspot

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  13. this almost made me cry, i actually got teary. it's a beautiful post and even though my life is nothing like yours and we are doing different things, it seems to relate to me so much!

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  14. Im so happy for you! I havent been reading your blog for very long but I love it so much. Your pictures are always so amazing and I must say that this is my favorite shoots of you cause Im a girl that just LOVE colors. I hope that 2011 will bring you more love, happines and success!

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  15. Amazing and very very inspirational!

    http://ivoryskin.blogspot.com

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  16. CUTEST pictures :) :)

    I love all the colours sooooo pretty !!

    Hope you had a lovely Christmas :)

    Char x

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  17. amazing shots!! happy new year in advance! :)

    overdressedgirl

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  18. Happy New Year, Nic! May you have a more fabulous 2011!

    http://deathbyplatforms.blogspot.com/

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  19. Oh wow, these pictures remind me of summer and feeling good and happy about myself, considering it's winter over here in England. Even though I haven't been following you as long as others have, I have really become to love your blog as it gives an insight into your life and you seem like such an interesting person, so thank you for blogging and I'm looking forward to seeing what you have to blog too this new year. <3

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  20. wow amazing photos, you just look gorgeous!

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  21. You're beautiful and these pictures are just stunning. How inspirational you are!!! Your blog is my favorite! Lots of love and best wishes from Atlanta, Georgia!!!

    XXOO.

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  22. i live in an island and i know how can you feel with this view..you really can feel you're in the top of the world.keep it real, you rock..and a happy new year to you too

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  23. this is awwwesome ! Which brand is your nailpolish and where did you get that ? I fell in love with it <3

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  24. i live in an island and i know how can you feel with this view..you really can feel you're in the top of the world.keep it real you rock..and a happy new year to you too

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  25. such sweet pictures!
    wish you a happy-happy new year, too :)

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  26. Amazing photos, so gorgeous! You are such an inspiration and I am truly happy for you and all your success! Have a beautiful new year!!!

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  27. You are a genius!!!!!!!

    Amazing POST!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

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  28. I love it! Love all the bright colours! Happy new year my favourite blogger:) !

    xoxo tessi

    http://tessi-la-la-land.blogspot.com/

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  29. You look gorgeous ! Lovely pictures ;)

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  30. A fresh start can do wonders :) I want to start over too...but what should i change?

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  31. people would be so much happier if they were brave like you and did what they wanted to do:)
    margief
    x
    www.margieheartsclothes.blogspot.com

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  32. I love the dress and the heels are just gorgeous. You can't imagine how your words made me feel stronger than ever you're such an inspiration, I also wish you a Happy New Year and lots of good things !...=)

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  33. You are beautiful! I love these photos they look like so much fun! I love the yellow dress and the pumps!





    www.shevahh.blogspot.com

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  34. Congrats, Nicole! I love the photos and the colour scheme. Hope you're having a good holiday : )

    xx The Little Dust Princess

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  35. Love the outfit and the photos!!
    happy new year!!!
    :)

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  36. Congratulations on your accomplishment and thank you for your beautiful and inspirational post.

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  37. woooooah!
    it's all so cool!!

    xo

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  38. this post is absolutely beautiful. with all your success in just your first year, you are such an inspiration! hope 2011 will be a even better one!

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  39. This was so inspiring and I just wanted to tell you that these pictures made me smile and they most definitely brightened my day. :) I'm so glad that I found this blog because without it I wouldn't have known of an amazing person and store like GPV. I'm so happy for you and excited about all the new things that are happening with this store and hopefully one day when I get older I can follow closely in your footsteps. Have a great day!

    xxx

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  40. Amen.
    (Such inspiring little words).

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  41. this is so so pretty!! and congrats!! xx

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  42. Gorgeous photos!! you looks so pretty!!
    <3
    http://reserveradefashion.blogspot.com

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  43. Gorgeous girl, I love your photos! They definitely express your feelings beautifully :) Wishing you and yours nothing but happiness in 2011! Happy New Year's!


    http://pancakeSTACKER.blogspot.com

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  44. Oh my GOD!! This looks amazing!! I LOVE the photos! I am so freaking jealous right now.

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  45. omg you make me wanna go to australia! you inspire me so much! :)

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  46. congratulations! your photos are filled with so much joy, it's wonderful you went pro!
    :)

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  47. By far my favorite post of the year. Beautiful words & images. :)

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  48. The photos are simply great. They are full of happiness :)

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  49. These pictures are incredibly pretty!
    You make me so jealous wearing a tiny little dress and jumping around in front of an amazing summer view. I'm sitting inside with a fleece blanket and all I can see is some kind of grey/brownish substance which seems to be melting snow! Damn, I crave for summer :-)

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  50. (oh and congratulations on quitting your job! not something someone normally would say for quitting your job but in this case these words are totally perfect!)

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  51. Love the photos and the post Nicole. Continue to grow in 2011!! :)

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  52. you always have a gorgeous pic,.absolutely stunning :)

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  53. Naw congratulations!! Truly magical photos and SO happy!!

    Happy new years little lady!

    x

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  54. The hugest of congratulations! I am so glad that things are working out for you.

    After reading your thank you to your readers, I have to agree that it is strange, yet the magical thing about blogging, to feel such a connection and happiness for people that you have never met.

    I think you are so brave for doing this and making it work so well!

    Such beautiful photos and an amazing spot to hang out and dream about the future. xx

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  55. Awwww thank you so much Nicole! You are seriously so humble and so sweet-reading your blog always brightens up my day, it's just a chockfull of grounded optimism. I wish you all the success for 2011 as well-but I'm confident that you will take the world up by a storm.
    <3
    Olivia

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  56. Nicole, I absolutely loved this post! You can just feel the wind blowing and the carefree, happy feelings pouring out of each photo! Happy New Year to you and best wishes in all that you do :) xoxo

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  57. Totally in love with this post!
    You have 2 new followers :D
    Happy New Year!

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  58. Such a colorful and upbeat photo shoot :) I feel happier just looking at your smile and the cute balloons. You made a really bold decision 12 months ago but I'm glad it went well for you. I enjoy your content quite a bit, you've got a new follower now ;)

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  59. Omg these pictures are so beautiful and so are you! Can't believe you live in nsw, i see your cornetto add everywhere haha. Happy NYE.

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  60. OMG!! YOu look so beautiful in these photos!!!!
    The yellow is the happiest color!! and you look perfect on it :)


    HAPPY NEW YEAR! :D

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  61. My you are quite the jumper, and a risktaker I might add. It looks as if you could easily fall off that cliff.

    These pics are darling!

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  62. Wow you are so gorgeous!!! I love every single photo of you in this post! So happy! :)

    One Love,
    http://bubbbbbbaf.blogspot.com
    new post

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  63. You look exceptionally amazing here :0 And I hope you have a happy new year!

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  64. o wow, Nicole this really is one of my favorite posts from you. it seriously exudes bright happiness! i really love all the photos. haha, and i love how you explained you bought the balloons, secretly for a photoshoot :P. I really have loved reading your blog and following your store ever since I began learning and blogging about fashion myself. thanks for always inspiring girl! & happy new years! :)

    <3, Kathleen.

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  65. That jumping shot of you at the cliff is just perfect!!

    You deserve all the success coming your way!! Happy new year:)

    xx

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  66. You look oh so very pretty! Love the bright photos as well--it's a fresh contrast to the dreary weather where I am.

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  67. so brave !

    i hope i can do that too :(



    killer000angel@yahoo.co.uk

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  68. very nice pictures! I'm jealous! I'll never be as photogenic!

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  69. you are so goddamn inspirational, babe!
    I've been reading your blog through the year and the amount you have acheived is phenomenol!
    well done xxx

    ps. you look beautiful :)

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  70. i can only imagine how you felt...i'm starting my own business this year and you have inspired me...thank you and you deserve every opportunity that comes your way!!

    Happy New Year
    http://fashionablenotebook.blogspot.com

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  71. you're sooo modelly <3
    I really love each and every shots of you ;)

    Have a nice year ahead! and good luck to GPV!

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  72. Aw, so sweet, the picture third from the bottom is just perfect! Very Happy for you!

    Ceri x

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  73. AMAZING shots!

    You look stunning.

    Happy New Year! =]

    xo Nicole

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  74. Stunning as always..what a fun and beautiful post. Have a happy new year and I cant wait to see what you have in store

    xoxo Monroe

    Fashion Steele NYC

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  75. OMG, I ♥ it :O

    amazing *-*

    _____________________________

    http://piink-cupcake.blogspot.com/

    Fashion|Hair|Beauty|♥

    German|English|French|Russian|Moore

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  76. happy new year nicole!
    its been a great year of following your blog!
    u've inspired me in so many ways!
    ps
    my bf (i've been making him read ur blog)
    wants to know what camera you use for ur photos?

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  77. beautiful shots! i'm so glad that i discovered your blog, your blog is one of the best!

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  78. Very inspirational and absolutely beautiful pictures! All the best for the new year and continue living your dreams!! :))

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  79. the picture of u jumping on that cliff gives me chills! its so uplifting and glamorous at the same time :)

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  80. Congrats on your achievements--lovely pictures!

    xoxo
    Stella
    http://www.jadore-fashion.com/

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  81. happy new year sweetie!

    helen xx

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  82. Happy New Year!
    You look amazing in the photos and the scenery is beyond beautiful~

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  83. happy new year nicole! best wishes for 2011!

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  84. Awesome pictures!
    Can i ask where you got your necklace from? its beautiful!

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  85. happy anniversary & new year...I'm a bit late having had no phone reception & internet for a week :-) it was quite fun living on a little beach and reading a book.

    Looking beautiful & vibrant in these photos- this year is going to be bigger than the last :-) Chat soon x

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  86. extraordinary is the rings you are wearing, the nailpolish, and well, this post.
    happy new year, and congrats

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  87. you got a awesome blog!

    lots of love,
    http://lisanne95.blogspot.com


    ~
    do you want free blog promotion? take a look at the tab 'blog promotion'!

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  88. that yellow dress is divine!! what a great photo shoot to reflect and celebrate the year! your boyfriend does an amazing job each post! congrats on everything that you have achieved!

    always a pleasure to visit your store and blog!

    youronlyblackswan.blogspot.com

    x Your Only Blackswan

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  89. Amazing photography and the vivid colours are so captivating!

    Taking such a huge step to pursue your dreams is so inspiring and you've done such a fabulous job. I'm excited to see what you have installed for us followers in 2011. Well done!!

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  90. wow what whimsical photos! you always look like a dream!

    It's so great you've found something you love and you've managed to make it successful! Good luck with this new year! I know you'll make it an awesome one!

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  91. You have made me a beautifull 2010! thank you for show me a world full of magical pictures, places, dresses, shoes..(hihih) you have passed the line of the bloger to be an really artist!
    I really wish you a happy new year:)
    xoxox
    Paula

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  92. Just stumbled upon your blog and it's phenom! Love it!

    Totally adding you to my blog roll :)

    You're gorg!

    xx
    Jen

    http://belledecouture.com

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  93. is that yellow dress vintage circa 2003?

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  94. am really so glad you took that chance last year, your really are a true inspiration. I hope that i will finally get to purchase my first Gary Pepper piece this year with the opening of your online shop, every single one of your finds/creations are beautiful. I've finally found a vintage store that stocks things I actually want to wear! I hope 2011 brings you all the best. x

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  95. Hey Nicole,
    I love your stunning shots! & your creativity with the baloons! I just wanted to ask you where u got the baloons from and how much were they?

    THANKS NICOLE!
    Hope you had a beautiful new year & im pretty sure did! :)

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  96. hands down, my favorite post from you :)

    i'm still too scared to drop everything and do what i love [shopping] as a career but seeing your story inspires me to at least start dreaming about it.

    xo,
    lin

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  97. This is my first time at your blog, but I'm so happy for you! Sounds like you have a great adventure ahead!

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  98. Nicole I've said it before and I'll say it again you are an inspiration! Well done for quitting your job and doing something you love... Look how far you've come!

    All the best for the new year, GPV, You & Luke and more I hope everything is as you wanted it to be!

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  99. thank you for all the beautiful and kind words you all left on this post. I really appreciate it and absolutely loved reading through each and every one.

    wishing you all the best for 2011!

    Thank you for reading :)

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  100. The colours in these photos are just stunning! I love your balloons, very nice touch. Congratulations! NHG x

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  101. these are the most gorgeous shots! and congratz on everything

    http://postmodernrunway.blogspot.com/

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  102. Stunning colors! You are beautiful and wishing you much happiness in 2011!

    xoxo Mary Jo

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  103. YOU ARE YOUR BLOG ARE SO EXTRAORDINARY

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  104. awh, good for you. i love your blog and i love your ebay store. you've achieved such amazing things and this has made me feel very inspired.

    happy new year x

    17andalwaysdreaming.blogspot.com

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  105. Hi, i was just curious as to what camera you use, and editing program?
    you're pictures are always absolutely wonderful, and you are completely and utterly gorgeous. so is the clothing =]
    i hope you have a lovely 2011, and i'm hoping that one day i can afford to buy something from gary pepper.
    - rose

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  106. such beautiful vibrant colors! This post has made me like the YSL ring! I have never been a fan till now

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  107. Congrats on loving your dream for one year! Gary Pepper Vintage is truly inspirational!

    Anthea,
    Embracing Style

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  108. cute balloons! ... and girl by the way!

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  109. Congratulations on this major anniversary - seriously cool. I can't wait to see where things take gary pepper in 2011~

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  110. beautiful pictures. lovely dress and amazing heels!
    Happy New Year!!!

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  111. beautiful pictures! i just love this color palette!

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  112. love this pics!!!

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  113. The black pumps look so gorgeous with your bright dress. Lovely pics :B

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  114. you are a total and complete inspiration to all of us who are still trying to find exactly what makes us tick.

    thank you.

    bex.

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  115. These shoes are AMAZING!

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  116. Woaaah ! You're so Beautiful & you're Blog too !
    xoxo
    Pauliine.

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  117. This is one of the coolest shoots seen on a fashion blog! I love your blog big time!

    XO thefashionguitar

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  118. Great Blog! Love the pictures <3

    Come follow
    dailystyledose.blospot.com

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