[:en]”This was the best of times, this was the worst of times.” Seems fitting to begin my post with a quote from a novel (tell me which one and you’ll win a hug) I’ve loved since I was a teen. 2017 has probably been one of the most turbulent years ever. So much has happened, both good and bad, even though mostly good. To think a year ago I was still in a full time day job seems ever so distant and I really have to try to take it in that I’ve only been a full time blogger since April. Seems like that was years ago as I’ve experienced so many things. So many things that it would actually be tiring for you to read, but the highlights certainly include doing 12 fashion weeks, getting a job as fashion editor at Candid Magazine, organizing and hosting events, but most of all: cementing new and old friendships which I know will last for a lifetime.
I’ve seen the ups and downs of the industry I’ve now entered, but even with the worst of downs, it’s a career I still want to pursue, get better at and develop. I know I have it in me. Now I only have to pull in some of all my tentacles I’ve got put out all over the place and focus on the few things I really want to continue with.
My problem is that I’m so passionate about work that I sometimes get consumed by it and forget to live life. I’m not making any New Years resolutions as I believe in just making things happen instead, but I promise myself to give me and my friends more time in 2018. More time to rest, more time to have fun, more time to actually live life.
As for fashion weeks I’m heading back to London in a few days to attend LFWM (London Fashion Week Men’s), but apart from that I’m not doing the big 5 this spring. I’ll only go to Stockholm and Copenhagen, New York and hopefully Vancouver to focus fully on my job and go for all the fashion craze during summer instead (for female readers confused here, fashion weeks for men are during June and July).
The reason for this is I need time to breathe as well. Sure, it’s a lot of fun, but apart from the glamour you see on my Instastories, there is so much work involved. You wake up at 8 to attend your first show at 9 am, attend your last show at 9 pm, go for some cocktails after that and then spend the night editing pictures until approximately 4 am, just to be up at 8 again and trying to look fresh. That doesn’t work in the long run. 
The same goes for the rest of my life. I’ve realized I don’t have to be everywhere all the time. I do have a serious case of FOMO however and attend even the silliest things, without there being no need to. I’ll be cutting down those kinds of activities to attend things that matter instead. That truly interest me.
As I hate reading long recaps of what people have done during their year, I’ll end my post here and wish you a very Happy New Years wherever you’ll be celebrating it! As for myself, I’ll be hibernating at home, watching Netflix, so try to beat that in dullness, haha. I just don’t like forced on parties in which I include New Years. May 2018 make all of our Disney fairytale dreams come true! Despite my year being turbulent I must say it has been one of the best in my life so far and I am ever so grateful for it.
Follow me on Instagram, here. [:sv]2017 har sannerligen varit ett turbulent år. Troligen det mest turbulenta någonsin. Så mycket har hänt, både på gott och ont, även om jag bortser från det onda och enbart fokuserar på det goda. Jag har svårt att ens ta in att jag ett år sedan hade ett heltidsjobb som anställd och att det inte är längre än sedan 1 april jag blev bloggare på heltid. Jag är tacksam för allt jag upplevt under året och de viktigaste sakerna är nog alla de 12 modeveckor jag fått ta del av, att bli moderedaktör för Candid Magazine, att organisera och vara värd för olika event, men mest av allt att befästa nya och gamla vänskapsband som jag vet kommer att hålla livet ut.
Jag har sett avigsidorna av modeindustrin, men anser att de goda överväger dessa och tänker därför fortsätta att utöva det jag älskar. Jag vill utvecklas, bli ännu bättre än vad jag redan är och vet att jag har det i mig. Nu gäller det bara att dra in några av alla de känselspröten jag har därute för att fokusera på de några saker jag faktiskt vill fortsätta med.
Mitt problem är att jag är så passionerad när det gäller mitt jobb att det ibland äter upp mig inifrån och jag glömmer att leva. Jag kommer som vanligt inte att avge några nyårslöften, då jag anser att man bara ska få saker gjorda istället, men jag lovar mig själv att ge mig och mina vänner mer tid under 2018. Mer tid för vila, mer tid för att ha kul och mer tid för att faktiskt leva livet.
Vad gäller modeveckor åker jag iväg till London om några dagar för modeveckorna för män där, men utöver det tänker jag ta det lite lugnt med dem i vår. Utöver London blir det bara Stockholm, Köpenhamn, New York och förhoppningsvis Vancouver, då jag utöver allt resande även måste fokusera på allt annat jag jobbar med för att sedan fokusera på modehysterin under sommaren istället (för er som inte vet så är modeveckorna för män alltid i juni och juli).
Skälet till detta är att jag behöver tid till att andas. Visst är det otroligt kul och givande med modeveckor, men den glamour ni ser på mina Instastories döljer faktumet att man vaknar klockan 8 för att gå på sin första visning klockan 9, gå på sista visningen klockan 21, därefter mingel för att sedan redigera bilder till 4 på morgonen för att sedan vakna klockan 8 igen och försöka se någorlunda fräsch ut. Det fungerar inte i längden helt enkelt.
Samma princip gäller för mitt liv i övrigt. Jag har förstått att jag inte behöver vara överallt hela tiden. Jag har en stor rädsla för att “missa något” om jag inte är där och springer på diverse olika tillställningar, men har förstått att jag inte behöver det. Vad jag behöver är att fokusera på det som egentligen betyder något och som jag verkligen är intresserad av.
Då jag själv inte tycker om att läsa långa inlägg om vad folk gjort under året, så slutar jag här och önskar alla ett riktigt Gott Nytt År hur ni än firar. Själv kommer jag att ligga hemma och kolla på Netflix, bara för att jag inte gillar tvångsfester som nyårsafton. Försök slå det i tråkighet, haha. Hoppas att 2018 förverkligar alla era sagodrömmar! Måste tillägga att jag varit med om mycket, på gott och ont, under detta år, men att det trots allt varit ett av de bästa någonsin och för detta är jag ytterst tacksam.
Följ mig på Instagram, här. [:]
![[:en]Rocky road[:sv]Klättra i uppförsbacke[:]](http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/IMG_1080-370x340.jpg)
![[:en]2018 Is Here And So Am I[:sv]2018 är här och jag likaså[:]](http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_5979-370x340.jpg)
Anthony @oh_anthonio
December 28, 2017 at 4:36 pmYou’ve come so far! And I totally feel you about the burn out but it’s good that you’re taking time in the new year to refocus your energy! Happy New Year!
Kimmie
December 28, 2017 at 5:38 pmIt’s definitely important to focus on yourself and make time for yourself- I need to do more of that in 2018 as well! Hope the new year brings you lots of joy and happiness!!
xo Kimmie
Gina Diaz
December 28, 2017 at 6:43 pmWow, Thomas when I open the blog I was totally impressed by this stunning pictures and your outfit! you look incredibly amazing, I love this entire look and the way you portrayed here in every picture. I was so happy to read that you only focus on the good things and also I’m happy with how far you have come to be as a blogger. Best wishes for a Happy New Year 2018, sending a big hug to you!!!
much love, Gina
Mariann Yip
December 28, 2017 at 7:16 pmI can relate to this post so much because I had ups and downs as well. I also quit my job this year so cheers to us being full time bloggers in 2017! I also was saying yes to a lot of events and opportunities because I had FOMO but I have learned to take a step back and only say yes to things that I truly want to do. I can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store for you!
Open Kloset
December 28, 2017 at 9:41 pmHey Darling,
Love your Look, sooo amazing:)
Very Elegant Style Thomas:)
Loved this Post very much:)
2017 was a Big Change for me too with Good and Challenging moments, as yours:)
Love Kisses
Karina
Samjah
December 29, 2017 at 6:52 amI’m just like you on this aspect. I dont make resolutions because I don’t want to put that strain on myself but there are things that I will be doing more of or less of in 2018. I’m in the same boat as you when it comes to quitting my full time job. I’m proud of both of us for stepping out on faith and I admire that you’re an editor. That’s dope! Keep pushing Thomas. You’re destined for greatness! Happy New Year!
Kileen
December 29, 2017 at 8:12 amYou have such great style and totally think you have it in you as well!! Loving this grid print suit!
Kileen
cute & little
Jessica
December 29, 2017 at 12:37 pmI know what you mean about having a passionate work ethic. It really does change how a year can go. xo, Jessica
Warren
December 29, 2017 at 2:56 pmYou’ve come so far in a year babe and I’m so pride of you!! Can’t wait to see what you get up to at fashion week and what lies ahead for you in 2018. XOWP
P.s. The book is A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Taylor Mobley
December 29, 2017 at 4:27 pmSeems like you had a crazy busy year but a good one. I agree with making more time for yourself and friends. That’s a great non-resolution. 😉
ps: A tale of two cities – do I win a hug? LOL
Mary Powers
December 29, 2017 at 4:37 pmI hear ya on all of this! I am working on not saying yes to everything, regardless of how major my FOMO might be! Your New Years sounds absolutely perfect. Cheers to 2018!
– Mary
http://www.MissMaryPowers.com
Amanda
December 29, 2017 at 5:01 pmYour job sounds amazing but I do have to agree– be sure to take some ‘me’ time for yourself & keep up friendships. Sounds like 2018 is already starting off wonderful for you– good luck!!
Courtney Andrews
December 29, 2017 at 5:18 pmA Tale of Two Cities 🙂
I totally know what you mean about feeling burnt out. I think it’s totally normal to love what you do but feel tired or unmotivated sometimes. Just take some time to relax and recenter then you’ll be ready to conquer 2018!
Helen Chik
December 29, 2017 at 11:20 pmFirstly, these photos are amazing and that grid print is just perfection on you Thomas! I agree with you on not making resolutions but rather affirmations for 2018 and I feel the same way about Fashion Weeks now. I would still like to make it to one of the big international fashion shows but it’ll all depend on bubs when he arrives.
Love that you’re taking time to just enjoy life because I think we get caught up in this world too easily and lose sense of reality!!
Have a great New Year Thomas xxx
H x
Gracie
December 30, 2017 at 1:15 amThomas your life is so interesting and exciting. Love your suit – Happy New Year’s Eve.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Kyleigh McCollam
December 30, 2017 at 6:19 amIt’s so cool to watch your journey! You have great style, work very hard and I look forward to seeing what 2018 has in store!
Kirsten Wendlandt
December 30, 2017 at 8:14 amThomas I absolutely love this suit on you, it looks like it was made for you! It’s been so fun to follow you this year. Your story has been truly inspiring especially since I hope to become a full time blogger soon. Can’t wait to see what next year has in store for you!
Valeria
December 30, 2017 at 9:11 amDear Thomas, I hope with all my heart that a few days hibernating at home will put you in a relaxed mood. Since I’m a perfectionist like you, and it’s hard not to be when you are, I know how the fashion industry can swipe you up like a crazy hurricane where you try to put everything into place, but a hurricane can’t be tidy as we wish. That makes us feel uncomfortable and want to run faster and faster to keep up with everything. It’s exhausting and consuming. So I’m glad you have decided to select only the activities that matter the most to you, it’s a way to do the job that you love without getting crazy. Please take care of yourself ok? Love, Valeria
Jen
December 30, 2017 at 3:18 pmYou’ve been so busy that I think you need to Netflix and chill going into the new year so you can be refreshed and recharged for bigger and better things to come! I’m sorry you had a tough year, but I’m sure you’ll appreciate those times of learning and hardship when you reflect later on in life. I wish you the best in 2018!!
Samatha Mariko
December 31, 2017 at 3:47 amI’m glad you’re back with a new post Thomas! As I’ve followed you on your journey this year, I felt like I was traveling so many places around the world with you as you introduced many different brands from Fashion Week and all the lovely hotel reviews as well. I really hope you have a restful and relaxing NYE and New Years 🙂 Btw, these photos of you are so sharp and on point! Love the suit <3
xo Samantha
Sharon Wu
January 1, 2018 at 12:49 amYou’ve made so much progress this year Thomas! It’s been such a pleasure following along on your journey and I wish you even more success and happiness in 2018 🙂 Happy new year! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/creative/calvin-baby/
Kamen Kamenov
January 1, 2018 at 10:08 amI am so happy to read yet another perfect post babe. Let me start by wishing you a happy new year and let all your dreams come true. I don’t think I have to say that you look so handsome…. you already know that. As to your journey… I am happy to call you a friend of mine… and I guess we will meet at some of the fashion weeks. I hope you are doing well and that you will actua8 live life…. especially since I know how much you have worked during the last year. Lots of love from good old Germany
Bianca
January 1, 2018 at 11:11 pmYour posts are so inspiring! Thank you for always sharing!
Aliya
January 2, 2018 at 4:11 amSuch an amazing 2017. Best wishes for 2018!
Queen Horsfall
January 2, 2018 at 6:39 amI truly believe you had a fantástico 2027 year! Just following your blog and your stories very of what’s you ave done! It I should inspiring! Plus moving to new home, was quite delightful! I love your style and your blog! Looking for more content inn in 2018
LAFOTKA
January 2, 2018 at 9:37 amLove your outfit my dear – can I steal the suit? As for the post I’m so glad you didn’t go through bunch of achievements as only you know what you have achieved and what’s considered to even be an achievement. For some – getting through one day at a time is an achievement whereas for others it’s blog followers or going to the gym. Glad you’ll take some time off at the start of the year from FW.
Big love
Tatyana x
LAFOTKA
Eliza
January 2, 2018 at 12:39 pmSeems you’ve had an amazing year! Sure, there are ups and downs, but life goes on and we pick the best, right? I know the struggle very well, when I’m doing something, I’m doing it with all my passion. But despite that, you look absolutely charming and this outfit suits you perfectly, I love the touch of the 20-s! Keep it up, I’m in love with your sense of style!
Cheers, Eliza | http://www.fashion-confession.com
amanda
January 2, 2018 at 5:01 pmOh how I relate to this! 2018 couldn’t have come fast enough. I’ve never been one to have resolutions or honestly, to really care that there was a new year approaching but man 2017…. you were such a frenemy. Congrats on your job and wow, to attend that many fashion weeks is beyond! I can’t imagine. The amount of coordinating involved! I’m just like you on being able to get lost in my work and I have to really focus on NOT doing that especially with having a family! It’s good that you have learned and grown so much and can now place some margins where you are comfortable at! Also, loving the croc embossed sneakers! Cheers to a new year my friend!
Manda | http://EvocativelyChosen.com
Aimara
January 3, 2018 at 3:48 pmFirst of all, these pics… OMG! I’m obsessed with your outfit! Such a big fan of your style, and today was no exception!
Sounds like a great year, good and bad included! I can totally relate my friend. I know 2018 will be amazing, keep killing it because you are truly doing an amazing job!
Cheers to another great new year!
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
michelle
January 3, 2018 at 6:42 pmI loved tale of two cities too. I used to read everything I could get my hands on. These days (as a mom) sadly not so much. I LOVE your Miami Vice vibe! And I love how you switched up your hair a little. Looking sharp, Thomas! And I hear you about the FOMO – I’m finally accepting I can’t do it all. I watch other bloggers stories and die a little when I see them at fun events and I’m stuck home doing homework and putting my kids to bed. But it’s all about balance and choosing to be happy. May 2018 bring lots of peace and success!
XO
http://www.lehoarder.com/
Sheree
January 3, 2018 at 8:21 pmWow, Thomas. You’re story is so inspiring. Despite having a rough year, you’ve achieved a lot yourself that you can be proud of. Good thing you stayed focused. I agree with working passionately (especially with projects you’ve earned well), but I’m wishing this year you’d have more time to relax (and more Netflix maybe?).
Cheers to starting the year 2018 great!
~ xo Sheree
PoshClassyMom.com
Sheree
January 3, 2018 at 8:22 pmWow, Thomas. Your story is so inspiring. Despite having a rough year, you’ve achieved a lot yourself that you can be proud of. Good thing you stayed focused. I agree with working passionately (especially with projects you’ve earned well), but I’m wishing this year you’d have more time to relax (and more Netflix maybe?).
Cheers to starting the year 2018 great!
~ xo Sheree
PoshClassyMom.com
marcy
January 3, 2018 at 9:41 pmHappy New year Thomas!!! I also feel the same as you no resolutions for this year and just making things happen! Sometimes not planning turns out better. I have to say I always been so fascinate about your life and your world and I’m sure u will do great this year. Keep the good work and wish you always the best vibes. Greeting from Costa Rica- Pura Vida!
xoxo
Marcy
Eva
January 3, 2018 at 10:41 pmBeautiful news Thomas I’m glad and proud to be a friend like you. Many congrats for your editor job and looking like you became another person. I’m seeing you in the future and you will became famous . I believe and trust in this .
Wish you the bests
Eva
http://www.themermaidfashion.com
Candace
January 4, 2018 at 4:09 amI also need to spend more of this year not being so into my work and enjoying the company of those around me more. I often work day to night and that just hasn’t been working. I am excited to see your content from the upcoming fashion weeks. Continue to stay focused on your tasks at hand and you will be fine Thomas, just as you were last year! 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Jacqueline
January 4, 2018 at 5:49 amThomas. I totally feel you on that! I always have this case of FOMO but when i lived in LA i never wanted to attend anything. For NYE i went back to my hotel early after checking out places in Portland. Sometimes we just need to slow down and have some me time. Hope you had a happy Holiday
Vanessa Berlin
January 5, 2018 at 4:59 pmHappy New Year Thomas! Love this post, it’s very inspiring and I can relate with it, because sometimes I am a workaholic. I always thing that is so important to maintain the rigth balance in order to enjoy life to the fullest. So exciting that fashion weeks are just around the corner and I always love to read about your adventure during these bussy days. Thank for sharing this and congratulations for your editor job!
Vanessa
http://thefashionstatement.net
Ria
January 16, 2018 at 1:52 pmI hate the end of the year recaps as well. Definitely take some you time this year outside of work! It’s so key.
Rachel Vogt
February 1, 2018 at 9:37 pmYes, change can be hard, but it seems like you had an amazing 2017 going full time blogging. Can’t wait to see more in 2018.
xoxo, Rachel
http://rachelvogttrends.com/2018/01/30/daytime-outfits-river-island/
Stylease
July 23, 2018 at 6:58 amThat’s a killer style!!