On Career and Style

Since I made a significant career change in 2018, things haven't been easy. But I know it was one of the best decisions I've ever made! 

Despite facing challenges, I'm still here (with my first published book about to go for a second print!), maintaining a steady relationship with my retainer clients, and setting healthy boundaries with ex-clients (no bridges burnt).  

Lately, I've been reading career tips to boost my creativity and evaluate if there's more I can do to improve. You know, the usual questions: Am I being productive enough? Will this self-employed path sustain me? Should I always dress up even when I work from home? Why can't my dogs stay quiet whenever I am on a work call?

The most pressing question that comes up from time to time is: "Am I charging my clients fairly or sometimes too low?" If you've been wondering the same, particularly the latter part, here's something reassuring to read.

As for the dress up part, it's a yes for me. 

Emily Henderson, Stylist and Interior Designer

There is something inside us, especially women, that tells us that if our work is something we love to do it should somehow be worth less. But, the exact opposite is true: the more you love to do something, the easier you make it look, the faster you are at it, the more VALUABLE you are because of your passion. So, while we all love to get paid in kisses, praise and genuine appreciation, know that Our talent, skills, and expertise are worth banknotes (The Business of Design)

Maintaining a certain standard guides us on how to determine our rates and how to approach otherwise uncomfortable dealing situations a.k.a when to say no when it does not meet your time and skills. 

(Kebaya top from Sejauh Mata Memandang , Dragon hand-painted sarong from Awesome Lasem, Shoes from MKS's Shoes.

Three's a Charm; Three Easy Tips

We all know that health (physical and mental) is key to absolute happiness. But honestly it took me years to realize it!

Therefore, as someone who is determined to continue learning, I am sharing a few fun facts/tips that may be useful for others to read.

But first, need I remind you that this is nothing like a fashion blogger post. Because judging from my pose here... I cannot be one.

How to Look Chic

"Forget following the trend and stick with what is working for you." is the oldest trick in the book. And I love to obey. But throwing a little bit of trend here and there wont hurt. As long as  know how to carry yourself with it. If you do not have the body for a high-waist jeans and not sure if you can wear them, do not bother trying. BUT, if you want to wear them anyway, be confident about it. The way you stand will reflect in how comfortable you are and that should result in how chic you look. Or not. My friend Judith Kirana does not have that "Ideal size 10" but boy was she a stunner at all times!

At a photo shoot and being used for lighting test.

Current obsession: All Things Linen

For years, I have always been a striped frenzy. Does not matter how my families and friends keep telling me "Tressabel you already have that kind of stripes!", I will always think "Uhmmm, well I know what you mean but that one is not exactly like this one." 

Then I went on to the cashier.

But the past 3 months since my last "spring cleaning", I found some of my old linen shirts; white, dusty green and baby blue. And I am starting to reconnect with its comfort and breezy feeling again as well as its benefit to give me even more ideas to mix and match and to dress it up or down as I like. Also, I can style them as office wear, or to just eat in a warung after work. As for my next sunset cocktail event, I cannot wait to sport this linen trousers!

Unlike striped tee that comes in various brands, style, fabrics and price, linen can be a bit more expensive. My suggestion is to wait for sale season. Well, that's what I did. And you get a quality that will last you a lifetime. Or in my case, five years.

So maybe, my end of year shopping this time will no longer be a striped top galore purchase.

How about you? Any old/new fashion items you have been obsessing about?

ps: Wish list: Linen bedding, crisp linen dress and of course, linen tote!

GAP

New Obsession: Toast

Oh how pretty!
Have a look on their collections here: Toast- UK. I want this mustard top, this biscuit colored skirt, and of course this striped dress that looks like a match made in fashion heaven with this shoes!

Striped Linen

Maybe around 2 months ago, I purchased a similar linen shirt and have not really got a chance to wear them. This girl gives me a daring idea, though... I do not own a white pants and gawd knows how I have just dare myself to rock on some bright skinnies recently. My dear thighs... Why can't you guys look like Miranda Kerr's?

So maybe what I am going to do is to pair the linen shirt with my coral skinnies:). Will be a good outfit for a casual weekend afternoon when going out and about with boyfriend or chilling with friends, yes?

Jessica Quirk

Bright Skinny Pants. Do or Don't?

I do not have her figure (blame it on Padang food), and my legs sure has meat! But I think I can dare myself to rock on a pair of bright skinny pants.

This year, I am stepping out just a few inches from my classic (if not boring) style. Oh, like trying on a new lipstick color too!

What about you? What fashion dare you decided to do recently or about to?
ps: Solid colored skinny pants below are from Stradivarius .

Going Russian. Do or Don't?

This will be the most girly post ever but I do not care! I am trying on a new lipstick!

Can you honestly tell me how I look?

Oh, are you wearing a Russian Red lipstick too?

New Shades

This Ashley Brooke Designs make me think seriously about buying a new pair of shades. Oh, and the cards too... Do you know a place where I can get them?

Happy Sunday beautiful people!

Ashley Brooke