I can hardly believe it myself but I've been blogging on here for 10 years (official anniversary date is Sept 30)! I honestly never thought I'd be writing here all these years later and there are times when I wonder why I still do. But the truth is, I genuinely still enjoy it! I think a big part of the reason why is that I've never really put much pressure on myself and have let my blog evolve and change to fit whatever my current situation is. I may never have the biggest following and that's okay, as long as I'm still happy writing here. 

To look back on Hello, Chelly, I've put together a list of 100 significant posts from the last 10 years! It's a lot so feel free to skip around but it was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for me. It reminded me of how open I could be with writing on a personal level and all the fun ideas I had for posts, either with friends, authors, or just on my own. Let's get started!

9 years ago!

2.

16.

22. 

31.

45. 

57.

62.

65.

81.

91.

⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars | The Love Hypothesis is a funny, often sweet rom-com involving one of my favorite tropes (fake dating!) but while it did make me laugh out loud and swoon, it didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Olive Smith is a third-year Ph.D candidate who is focused on her research project, her best friends, and getting by on her measly student income. When her BFF Anh develops feelings for Olive's ex, she knows the only way Ahn will go for it is if she believes Olive has moved on. So Olive kisses the first man she sees and it happens to be Adam Carlsen, a young very attractive professor, who is pretty much known by the whole student body as being harsh and unapproachable. Naturally, a single kiss isn't enough and they need to fake date to prove they're really dating to Anh. But soon the entire campus knows of their relationship and their ruse turns into something bigger and unsurprisingly more real than either of them ever expected.

First and foremost, Olive and Adam find themselves in some of the most awkward situations to prove they're dating and I couldn't help but cackle each and every time. But underneath all that humor is this very real connection and Olive gets to see a side of Adam know one else knows (cue: me swooning). I enjoyed the progression of their relationship from strangers, to fake daters, to friends, and then to something much more. I really loved Adam and how he showed up for her. But what frustrated me was Olive (particularly during the second half of the book) and the various "conflicts" in their story. Olive came dangerously close to the manicpixiegirl territory and some of her quirks were just ridiculous. Then in terms of conflict, I don't mind if the story is predictable. It's a romance and I'm reading it knowing I'll get the happily ever after. That said, the levels of miscommunication as a barrier between them was unbelievable (that particular bit of writing felt lazy) and all the reveals and big declarations were anticlimactic to the point of dissatisfying. It's a cute book but it just lacked a certain pull to make me feel fully invested. 

If you went to grad school, what would you want to major in? I don't know if this would come as a shock or not, but I'd want to go back for Professional Writing. There was a point during college where a professor encouraged me to switch majors to English so I could pursue writing, which I obviously didn't do. But after blogging for as long as I have, I wouldn't mind upping my writing game! 

Collaborative feature with Alexa. We read ARCs together and post our reviews on the same date.

Back in 2020 I shared what my favorite bags were (that I own) and after putting that post together, it actually made me revisit my entire collection in general. If my favorites amounted to a list of 13, then why was I holding onto all the others? Since then, I've done a lot of selling on Depop, donating, and of course, adding new bags to my collection so I'm excited to share where I'm at and the thought process behind my purchases. 

I'm going to categorize my bags by luxury designer, bridge fashion, moderate fashion, and mass market fashion (see explanation here). 

I won't lie, I love luxury designer bags! Whenever I decide to add a new one to my collection, it's a very calculated purchase. I typically wait between 3-6 months (if not more) to think about it but I try make a decision within 6 months if I'm buying brand new since boutique prices increase 1-2x a year. I read/watch reviews about the bag online and go see it in person. Then I save up for it until I have enough money set aside to buy the bag (versus charging it to my credit card and paying it off). That's why I typically treat myself around my birthday, Christmas, or when I get my bonus. 

1. Dior Medium Bobby Bag | My first Dior bag and certainly not my last! Mine is the dark tan calfskin (no longer available) and it's such a beautiful, classic piece. 

2. Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM |  This was my first luxury designer bag purchase and still one of my best investments. I've had it for 11 years!  

3. Louis Vuitton Pochette Métis | I was honestly never a fan of the LV monogram print until I saw this bag. It's a great crossbody that fits a lot more than you'd expect and elevates any casual outfit. 

4. Louis Vuitton Vintage Alma Handbag Epi Leather PM | I bought this last year through Rebag during a sale after stalking it for over a year. It's a discontinued style and I got it, in amazing condition, for $735 (a steal!). I typically don't go for hand/crook of the arm bags but this silhouette is so elegant. 

5. Gucci Monogram Bree Shoulder Bag | I bought this in 2013 and for the first few years, this was my most used bag but now, I'm trying to sell it (if you're interested - feel free to email me or check out my Depop). I still think it's a wonderful bag and I actually got it serviced at Gucci recently so it's in great condition but I just don't reach for it anymore. 

6. Gucci Ophidia GG Small Shoulder Bag | Another excellent, roomy crossbody at a more affordable price point when compared to the Pochette Metis. Very classic, with a bit of a vintage look.

7. Chanel Quilted Medallion Tote | I wrote a whole post on my experience on buying this discontinued Chanel style through Rebag but needless to say, I'm still incredibly happy I pulled the trigger on this gorgeous tote. 

8. Dior Saddle Bag | Yes, I got my second Dior bag about 6 months after getting my first and let me tell you, no regrets here! I had been looking at this bag even longer than the Bobby but I was waiting for a neutral color to come out and when this warm taupe shade was released I knew had to get it before it sold out. 

9. Dior vintage clutch | I inherited this clutch from my mom, which I didn't even know she owned until I cleaned out her closet. For sentimental reasons, it's going to be a forever piece in my collection and hopefully I'll have an occasion to use it at soon. 

This category makes me think of Kate Spade, Coach, and Rebecca Minkoff which used to be my go-to bag brands for years and years. But they're also the same bags I always ended up giving away or selling so I don't have many in this price bracket. I prefer to either invest in the luxury bag OR go lower. 

10. Polene Numero Un (in monochrome gris) | I admired this bag online for years but I didn't want to buy it without trying it in person. I finally got my wish during my trip to Paris with Alexa. It's such a unique structure and I always get compliments when I use it (which admittedly hasn't been often lately). 

11. Tory Burch Kira Chevron Floral Convertible Shoulder Bag | This is the newest bag I've purchased and my first from Tory Burch! I bought this during their recent Private Sale, so it's no longer available, but I got it at such a great price. I typically wouldn't go for a floral print but given all my neutral clothes, I thought this would be a fun yet subtle print to play up an outfit. 

The quality of bags and brands in this range just gets better and better over the years. 

12. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote Small | It's funny, even though this isn't my most used bag, my collection wouldn't feel complete without it. (I also own the large size but at this point it's become more of a travel/overnight bag for me). 

13. Madewell Abroad Shoulder Bag | This simple crossbody has traveled with me everywhere and after years of owning it, it's starting to show quite a bit of wear so I'm planning to replace it at some point. 

14. Cuyana Small Structured Leather Tote | A perfect, petite-friendly tote in a classic camel color. I wish I got more use out of it but lately I've needed to carry a backpack for work. 

15. Longchamp Le Pliage Messenger Bag | This style can't be found on their website but if you're lucky, it'll be at an outlet, which is where I found mine. This is another new-ish bag and it was love at first sight. (Full disclosure: it's slightly overpriced IMHO but I'm hoping to get a lot of use out of it!) 

16. Madewell Transport Camera Bag: Woven Edition | As I mentioned, all my bags tend to be neutral but I was drawn to this pale lilac and I love the woven style. It's a smaller crossbody but still fits all the essentials. 

17. Cult Gaia Gaia’s Ark | This is such a cute, statement bag that I typically use for special summer occasions. I didn't have an opportunity to wear it this summer but hopefully next year! 

18. Dooney & Burke City Small Barlow | I have such a soft spot for this bag because it was a gift from my mom and it's probably the only bag she's ever given me that I actually loved (I'm picky with bags, lol). I still use it to this day and it'll most likely stay in my collection for sentimental reasons. 

19. Italic Phoebe Bucket Bag | I haven't talked about my Italic membership yet but for a yearly fee, it gives you access to designer quality products at a fraction of the price. This bucket bag reminds me of the Celine Sangle and it was one of my first and favorite purchases from their site. 

For bags that you know are only special occasion or you're not sure if you want to make the investment, I totally think it's worth it to get an inexpensive dupe or a cheaper alternative before making the plunge. Or who knows, maybe you'll stick with the alternative! 

20. Target Universal Thread belt bag | I wanted a belt bag for whenever I go on a walk so I knew I didn't want to spend much. And this belt bag has surprisingly gotten a ton of use! Sometimes I think about replacing it with something higher quality but honestly, this looks great and is made well. 

21. JW PEI Kate Faux Pearl Bag | As much as I love the look of a white bag, they're just not practical for me so again, I didn't want to spend a lot. I decided to give this brand a try and it's been a great summer bag. It can be dressed up as a handbag or more casual as a crossbody (I have the strap tucked in) but I see it as another special occasion piece so I don't expect to use it that often, which is why the price point works. 

***

Thanks for sticking with this pretty lengthy post! I really hope you enjoyed seeing my bag collection. And I'd love to know - which ones were your favorites?

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars | It's been a very long time since I've read a Karina Halle book! I was long overdue and I must say, I was surprised by how fun and wholesome The Royals Next Door was but unsurprised that it still had her usual high steamy factor. 

Piper Evans is an elementary school teacher, romance reader who runs an anonymous podcast on the genre, and primary caretaker for her mother who struggles with mental illness. That latter paired with the judgement she feels from her small island town regarding her ex-fiancé weigh heavily on her but she keeps a smile on her face regardless. When British royals rent the property next door to hers and bring security detail with them, including a very hot and brooding bodyguard named Harrison, it pretty much shakes up her entire world (and that of their island community). 

So if you've ever wondered what it must've been like for Prince Harry and Meghan to move to Canada for have some semblance of a normal life, then this book is for you. It's very obvious who this story draws inspiration from and I personally enjoyed Halle's imagination on the subject. Especially the Harrison part. Harrison and Piper immediately clash and it's classic enemies-to-lovers, except being enemies didn't last very long. Which I didn't mind at all since their banter and sexy times were definitely more fun and I appreciated that while there was some drama, it wasn't overly angsty. But there's more to the story than royals and romance. The book speaks honestly and positively about therapy, dealing with mental illness, and on a lighter note, the enjoyability of the romance genre and how people need to stop looking down on it. 

Do I recommend? I do! Like I said, if you like royals and romance, this is a fun and quick read that I'd recommend checking out.