Uses a celebrity anchor and the 'New Year' trigger to immediately signal relevance to the target audience.
Slide Text
✨Things I'm saying HELLO to in 2023✨
Visual
Jennifer Aniston walking down the street, casual chic, neutral tones.
All Slides
@bylauranicole carousel breakdown
Laura Nicole
HELLO👋🏼 #newyearsresolution #becomingher #2023manifestation #2023goals #thatgirl #in2023 #invsout
Effectiveness score
8/10
Views
327.1K
Likes
12.2K
Saves
1.8K
Engagement
4.3%
Hook
✨Things I'm saying HELLO to in 2023✨
Goal
grow-following
Offer
information
CTA
none
Caption
HELLO👋🏼 #newyearsresolution #becomingher #2023manifestation #2023goals #thatgirl #in2023 #invsout
Strategic Summary
This carousel went viral by leveraging the 'New Year, New Me' psychological reset moment, packaging abstract self-improvement ('becoming her') into tangible, saveable aesthetic rules. The high bookmark-to-like ratio (14.6%) indicates users are treating this as a mood board or checklist for their own transformation, rather than just consuming entertainment. It succeeds because it simplifies a complex lifestyle shift into 7 easy-to-digest visual directives.
The Winning Formula
Timely identity reset + tangible aesthetic rules + high-save mood board format.
What's working
- •Slide 1 anchors the content to a specific time (2023), creating urgency and relevance for New Year's resolution seekers.
- •Slides 2-8 break down 'style' into specific, actionable behaviors (Repetition, Mixed Metals) rather than just showing outfits.
- •Visual consistency across all slides (warm tones, film grain, candid framing) reinforces the 'aesthetic' being sold.
- •High save utility: Users bookmark this to reference later when shopping or styling, driving algorithmic distribution.
What's not working
- •Low comment engagement (0.01%) suggests the content is declarative rather than conversational; no question was asked to prompt discussion.
- •Slide 7 uses a celebrity image (Zendaya) which breaks the 'personal' authenticity of the other candid shots slightly.
Viral lesson
Transformation content performs best when you give the audience a checklist, not just a vision. Make the 'dream' actionable.
Can a small creator replicate this? High. Any creator can replicate this by defining their niche's 'aesthetic rules' and photographing them in a consistent style, timed to a calendar event (New Year, Season Change).
Structural Formula (steal-the-format)
Structure pattern
8-slide listicle: Hook (Identity) + 6 Specific Aesthetic Rules + 1 Final Product Focus.
Copy formula
ALL CAPS headline + lowercase explanatory sentence + first-person framing ('I'm saying hello').
What to swap (concrete remixes)
- •Swap 'Fashion/Style' for 'Home Decor' (Things I'm saying hello to in my home).
- •Swap 'Fashion/Style' for 'Wellness Habits' (Things I'm saying hello to for my health).
- •Swap '2023' for '30s' or 'New Job' to target different life transitions.
What NOT to copy
Do not copy the specific celebrity image (Slide 7) without rights; use original high-quality portraits instead to maintain authenticity.
Aesthetics
Warm-toned candid lifestyle photography with film grain and minimal sans-serif text overlays.
Color palette
What it conveys: The overall aesthetic feels warm, achievable, and effortlessly chic, inviting the viewer into a calmer, more intentional version of themselves.
Slide-by-slide forensics
1hooklifestyle shotoptimismworks:yesgrab:90/100aesthetic:85/100✨Things I'm saying HELLO to in 2023✨
✨Things I'm saying HELLO to in 2023✨
Visual description
Full body shot of a woman walking outdoors, smiling, holding a phone and water bottle. She wears a white tee, blue jeans, and carries a brown bag. Natural lighting.
Scene setting
outdoor sidewalk with greenery
Visible people
Visible objects
Predicted audience reaction
Stops scroll due to timely '2023' reference and relatable candid vibe.
Verdict: Perfectly sets the context (New Year) and tone (casual chic) immediately.
2step in listmedium shotcozyworks:yesgrab:70/100aesthetic:80/100REPETITION
Wearing a piece (i.e a handbag) with multiple outfits to create an intentional style
REPETITION Wearing a piece (i.e a handbag) with multiple outfits to create an intentional style
Visual description
Close up of a person wearing a long brown coat, blue scarf, and holding a black handbag. Only torso and legs visible.
Scene setting
indoor kitchen/living area
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Maintains warm tone and candid photography style.
Story: Moves from intro to first specific style rule.
Predicted audience reaction
Validates the desire to buy less but style more.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "Yes to the outfit repeating."
Verdict: Addresses sustainability and budget concerns implicitly.
3step in listclose upeleganceworks:yesgrab:85/100aesthetic:90/100MIXED METALS
Looks so effortless
MIXED METALS Looks so effortless
Visual description
Extreme close-up of a hand wearing multiple gold and silver rings against a green leaf background.
Scene setting
macro shot with plant
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Consistent text overlay style; shifts to macro detail.
Story: Second style rule, focusing on accessories.
Predicted audience reaction
High save rate for jewelry inspiration.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "Loveee mixed metals ✨🪩"
Verdict: Specific trend callout that is highly searchable and saveable.
4step in listclose upcleanworks:yesgrab:80/100aesthetic:85/100MINIMAL SHORT NAILS
Let's keep it simple
MINIMAL SHORT NAILS Let's keep it simple
Visual description
Close-up of hand with short, pearlescent/white manicured nails. Neutral background.
Scene setting
studio/neutral backdrop
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Continues the hand/close-up motif from Slide 3.
Story: Moves from jewelry to grooming.
Predicted audience reaction
Users screenshot for nail salon reference.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "Color of nail polish?"
Verdict: Drives specific product inquiries (polish color).
5step in listmedium shotrelaxationworks:yesgrab:90/100aesthetic:95/100MINIMAL SKINCARE ROUTINES
No need for a 10 step process
MINIMAL SKINCARE ROUTINES No need for a 10 step process
Visual description
Woman in white bathrobe holding a teacup, eyes closed, glowing skin. Warm indoor lighting.
Scene setting
bathroom/spa interior
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Returns to human subject, maintains warm palette.
Story: Shifts from external style to internal care.
Predicted audience reaction
Strong aspiration for the 'glow' and lifestyle.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "Oh hey @allegrashaw in slide 5 😅"
Verdict: Visually the strongest slide; sells the 'result' of the routine.
6step in listmedium shotpracticalworks:partialgrab:60/100aesthetic:75/100BASICS
Investing and building an outfit from good basics
BASICS Investing and building an outfit from good basics
Visual description
Torso shot of person wearing a grey t-shirt tucked into blue jeans. Hand in pocket.
Scene setting
outdoor/neutral
Visible people
Visible objects
vs prior slide
Style: Consistent text, returns to clothing focus.
Story: Back to wardrobe fundamentals.
Predicted audience reaction
Agreement but less visual excitement than previous slides.
Verdict: Important advice but visually the least engaging slide.
7step in listclose upbeautyworks:yesgrab:95/100aesthetic:95/100MINIMAL MAKEUP
let your natural beauty shine!
MINIMAL MAKEUP let your natural beauty shine!
Visual description
Extreme close-up of a celebrity face (Zendaya) with dewy skin and minimal makeup.
Scene setting
studio/portrait
Visible people
vs prior slide
Style: Higher production value image than previous candid shots.
Story: Focuses on face/makeup specifically.
Predicted audience reaction
Recognition of celebrity adds authority/aspiration.
Verdict: Celebrity association elevates the perceived value of the tip.
8ctaflat layluxuryworks:yesgrab:80/100aesthetic:85/100VINTAGE HEELS
Specifically sling backs
VINTAGE HEELS Specifically sling backs
Visual description
Overhead shot of several pairs of black heels on a wooden floor. Brands visible on insoles.
Scene setting
indoor floor
Visible objects
Products on screen
vs prior slide
Style: Returns to product focus.
Story: Final specific item recommendation.
Predicted audience reaction
High intent to search for these specific shoes.
Comments reacting to this slide
- "where to buy affordable sling backs😳"
Verdict: Specific callout ('sling backs') drives targeted search traffic.
Commerce intent
Mentioned products
Buy-intent phrases (from comments)
- •Where is the coat from?
- •does anyone know where I can get a handbag like this?
- •Color of nail polish?
- •where to buy affordable sling backs
Objections (from comments)
- •Not to brag but I've been pretty much doing this my whole adult life, minus the silk scarves. But it's only cuz I'm poor
Comment ethnography
Supportive validation community focused on self-improvement and style elevation.
Comments that characterize the audience
- "Loveee mixed metals ✨🪩"
- "Yes to the outfit repeating."
- "my goals for the year and beyond to"
Pain points revealed
- •Wanting the look but lacking budget ('cuz I'm poor')
- •Finding affordable alternatives for specific items (sling backs)
Aspirations revealed
- •Effortless style
- •Minimalism
- •Intentional living
Top questions asked
- •Where is the coat from?
- •Where can I get a handbag like this?
- •Color of nail polish?
- •Where to buy affordable sling backs?
Objections
- •Cost barriers to achieving the aesthetic
Diagnostics
Hook deep-dive
✨Things I'm saying HELLO to in 2023✨
The viewer wants to know what specific changes will make them feel like the '2023 version' of themselves.
Engagement read
Bookmark rate is disproportionately high compared to comments, indicating utility over conversation.
Mechanics
Visual consistency keeps the eye moving; each slide promises a new 'rule' to learn.
Brand & funnel
Brands visible
Buying-journey moment: The viewer is in the dreaming/planning phase of their new year identity shift.
Ideal Customer Profile
Young women striving for the 'that girl' aesthetic who want to simplify their life and style to feel more intentional and put-together.
Age
18-24
Gender
female
Readability
simple
Interests
Pain Points
Aspirations
Emotional Profile
Primary Emotion
aspirationIntensity
Effectiveness
Emotions Evoked
Emotional Arc
curiosity → inspiration → validation
Why It Lands
The content makes the viewer feel that a more 'intentional' and 'effortless' life is attainable through small, manageable changes.
Writing Analysis
Style
listicle
Tone
aspirational
Hook Type
identity statement
Quality
The writing is extremely concise and punchy. It avoids fluff, allowing the visuals to do the heavy lifting while providing just enough context to be useful.
Effectiveness
Goal Achievement
The high bookmark-to-view ratio indicates this content was highly effective at providing value that users wanted to reference later, which is the primary driver for growth in this niche.
Why It Spread
perfect timing with New Year's resolution culture
highly 'saveable' aesthetic content
low-barrier-to-entry advice that feels exclusive
Content DNA
There is no explicit CTA, which is a missed opportunity for conversion, though it may have helped the 'aesthetic' feel of the post.
Narrative Arc
The carousel maintains a consistent, calm, and aspirational flow, with each slide offering a bite-sized piece of advice that builds on the 'that girl' identity.
Psychological Blueprint
Why It Spread
The carousel succeeded by perfectly aligning with the 'New Year, New Me' zeitgeist of January 2023. It provided a low-friction, highly aesthetic roadmap for self-improvement that viewers could easily save for inspiration (evidenced by 1,787 bookmarks). The combination of aspirational imagery and simple, actionable advice created a high-value 'saveable' asset that felt like a secret to a better life.
Framework
identity shiftPrimary Tactic
aspiration stackTactics Used
curiosity gap on slide 1 — 'Things I'm saying HELLO to' implies a curated list of secrets
identity-signaling via 'that girl' aesthetic cues
social proof via high-quality, aspirational imagery
authority-then-teach via presenting these as 'the' way to be in 2023
Cognitive Biases
halo effect — using high-end, aesthetic imagery to make the advice seem more valuable
bandwagon effect — tapping into the 'that girl' trend to make the viewer feel part of an exclusive group
Tribal Markers
Trust Signals
Slide Breakdown (8 analyzed)
Hook Analysis
Uses a celebrity anchor and the 'New Year' trigger to immediately signal relevance to the target audience.
Text
✨Things I'm saying HELLO to in 2023✨
Visual
Jennifer Aniston walking down the street, casual chic, neutral tones.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes — promises a list of lifestyle improvements
Visual Psychology
Attention: Jennifer Aniston's face and the text overlay
Gaze: looking down at phone
Emotional cue: nostalgic, aspirational celebrity image
Composition: creates a sense of 'cool' and 'effortless' style
Text
REPETITION Wearing a piece (i.e a handbag) with multiple outfits to create an intentional style
Visual
Close up of a person wearing a brown coat and blue scarf holding a black handbag.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes — keeps the reader swiping for more tips
Visual Psychology
Attention: the handbag
Emotional cue: cozy, sophisticated aesthetic
Composition: demonstrates the concept of 'intentional style' visually
Text
MIXED METALS Looks so effortless
Visual
Close up of a hand with several gold and silver rings.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes
Visual Psychology
Attention: the rings
Emotional cue: luxury, detail-oriented
Composition: shows how to mix metals for a chic look
Text
MINIMAL SHORT NAILS Let's keep it simple
Visual
Close up of a hand with short, iridescent nails.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes
Visual Psychology
Attention: the nails
Emotional cue: clean, polished
Composition: reinforces the 'less is more' theme
Text
MINIMAL SKINCARE ROUTINES No need for a 10 step process
Visual
Woman in a white robe holding a cup, eyes closed, sunlit.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes
Visual Psychology
Attention: the woman's face
Gaze: eyes closed
Emotional cue: serenity, self-care
Composition: associates minimalism with relaxation
Text
BASICS Investing and building an outfit from good basics
Visual
Close up of a person wearing a grey t-shirt and jeans.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes
Visual Psychology
Attention: the t-shirt
Emotional cue: practical, timeless
Composition: shows the foundation of a wardrobe
Text
MINIMAL MAKEUP let your natural beauty shine!
Visual
Close up of a woman's face with natural makeup.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: yes
Visual Psychology
Attention: the eyes
Gaze: looking at camera
Emotional cue: confidence, beauty
Composition: encourages self-acceptance
Text
VINTAGE HEELS Specifically sling backs
Visual
Several pairs of black heels on a wooden floor.
Visual Elements
Color Palette
Copy Analysis
Power Words
Open Loop: no
Visual Psychology
Attention: the shoes
Emotional cue: sophistication, style
Composition: provides a concrete shopping recommendation
Comment Intelligence
Sentiment
PositiveResonance
Intent
grow-following
Audience Vibe
The comments are sparse but reflect a high level of appreciation for the aesthetic and the simplicity of the advice.
Standout Quotes
“Love this vibe”
“So helpful for my 2023 goals”
“Minimalism is the way to go”
Top Comments
Loveee mixed metals ✨🪩
Yes to all of these
All the yes!
Where is the coat from?
Lovely!