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Karen Cheng

A Perth Fashion and Lifestyle Blog

Coffee Catch Up: July 2019

King Street July 2019

Helloooo there…

1
For those who missed it, I’m now working full-time as a UX Designer for a software company that specialises in developing cloud based apps, data platforms and infrastructure modernisation etc etc.

I’m about 6 weeks in and each day I’m learning new things, using my skills and working with the loveliest + smartest bunch of people.

Each day I leave the office feeling happy, valued, respected… and each day I feel like I’m building skills in so many areas: work / life / career / working in a team / problem solving / creativity / knowledge / personal interest.

I have been absolutely loving it!

2
Most evenings, I can’t switch my brain off. I have zero interest in watching Netflix and relaxing. I desperately want to read technical books, business books, psychology books, philosophy books, management books, fascinating articles, biographies, memoirs, case studies, opinion pieces, and yeah, even more classic literature and history books. I just want to pile on more and more into my head!

Thus I have been feeling a bit guilty. I know I shouldn’t be thinking about work 24/7. But to me, it’s doesn’t really feel like “work” work… It’s like more: personal development, my interests, my hobbies, general skill building, intellectual pursuits… all rolled into one!

So to combat my tendency to burn myself out, I’m trying hard to keep my life really balanced – making sure I spend quality time with my husband and kids,  hang out with my extended family and girlfriends, and make sure I fit in time do other things I love, like running, yoga, cycling, cooking, baking, gardening and being creative with art, fashion and photography.

3
Okay so everyone has been so modern, so polite and so politically correct! No one has asked me “What’s happening with your kids? Who’s going to look after them?”.

I know it’s a bit of a no-no to say that to a woman these days. But honestly, I wouldn’t be offended if someone asked me that. I’ve been stay-at-home and work-from-home for 15 years… so I see it as a very normal, friendly, conversational and quite an obvious question to ask me.

And personally, listening to someone talk about their “life change” is lovely and all, but really, I want to know HOW they manage to get it done and listen to all the real-life struggles and “in the trenches” stories that come with the journey and success.

So what’s happening with my husband and kids?

My answer:

4
Now that I’m working full-time, my husband has left his job of 20 years. I guess you can say we’ve switched roles and he’s having a break from the 9-5 life. He’s working from home, freelancing and contracting. He’s doing the school runs, taking kids to sports games, being the taxi parent, managing the house, doing the house cleaning, cooking, laundry and life admin.

He’s doing a pretty good job. And I think he’s even enjoying it.

5
In fact, my husband has delegated most of the tasks to my sons, who are now 16, 14 and 10. With me at work, my boys have had to step up in a significant way. It has kind of forced them to NOT rely on me so much. It’s been brilliant.

They cook dinner, clean the kitchen, do the laundry, clean the toilets and bathroom… I don’t really know what my husband does all day?! Haha just kidding.

My only complaint, is that my standard of FLOOR CLEANING is not the same as their standard. So most days I just have to look the other way, smile and be happy that I don’t have to do any cleaning!

7
I’m really enjoying the commute to work again. It’s so nice to have some quiet time that separates home from work.

I love the fact that I leave work at 5pm and I don’t need to do anything until 9am the next day! Amazing! No late night deadlines, no extra emails, no invoicing, no following up and chasing people for money, no frantic stress, no constant hustling, and no more going to bed at 1am and feeling like I hardly scratched the surface of my workload!

I know lots of people believe that running a small business and working for yourself is the ultimate career goal. I enjoyed my time in it, but it was time for a change.

8
My kids have been taking the change just fine. If anything, I’m the one who has been emotionally affected by the change. I feel a bit guilty that I don’t spend enough quality time with them. So when I get home, I’m pouncing on them and hassling them: TELL ME EVERYTHING!

But they are usually busy doing their homework or housework, so we do our “real chats” on the weekends and that’s when I hear all their funny stories and thoughtful randomness.

9
I work right in the middle of the city, in the fashionable end of town. I love the coffee, cafes, the bookshops, the Japanese food, the street style, the city scape, having lunch with friends and feeling like I’m in the middle of all the action.

That’s all from me for now!

I’m wearing:
Coat by (unknown Korean brand!)
Green silk top by Witchery
Black jeans by Acne Studios
Silver Boots by Rag and Bone
Bag by Proenza Schouler

Vintage Floral Dresses for Spring

Even though it’s still winter, I’m already dreaming about summer dresses!

(Actually I’m just planning a wedding outfit for October.)

One of the biggest trends this season is: Dresses with vintage floral prints.

Also on trend are dresses with high necks, midi lengths and no cinching at the waist… but I feel these styles don’t suit my short and petite frame.

Anyway, I purchased a Rixo dress the other day (still in the mail!) but these are my other picks I’ve been drooling over.

Retro Floral Dresses for Spring

Carina Dress by Reformation

Printed Poplin Dress by Ganni

Carmen Dress by Yumi Kim

Retro Floral Dresses for Spring

Tolucah Dress by PAIGE

Animal Instinct Dress by Charlie Holiday

Falaise Dress by La Vie Rebecca Taylor

Retro Floral Dresses for Spring

Daisy bell Dress by BB Dakota

Sunflower Mix Dress by FARM Rio

Ditzy Hibiscus Dress by Vince

My Winter Work Wear Edit

Work Wear - Week 2

Hellooo 5°C mornings!

I’m in my second week of working in the city and gosh it’s cold!

All my dreams of a fashionable working wardrobe has been put on hold – because all I can manage in the mornings is a combo of : jeans, jumper, blazer, coat, scarf, boots, repeat!

I put together a Winter Work Wear Edit, featuring some items I’m in love with, to mix and match with my staples, courtesy of Shopbop.

These are the things I WISH I could wear, but who am I kidding, I might have to wait a few more months to wear those gorgeous kitten heel slides.

Shopbop Workwear

From left(ish) to right.

Cream Cotton Trench Coat by Vince

Estate Belt by Rachel Comey

Grey Tailored Cigarette Pants by Adeam

Brown Alien Slides by Giuseppe Zanotti

Beth Blazer by Rag & Bone
(Oh I’m so in love with this blazer!)

The Medium Maestra Bag by Senreve
(So many colours to chose from, but I like this Bordeaux colour best.)

Metal Earrings by Marni

Sophie Pleated Wide Leg Pants by The Script

In terms of my style, I work as a creative/designer but I still like to look smart, semi-corporate and hopefully not boring.

In my photo, I’m wearing:

Cashmere Knit Jumper by Grana
Coat by Zara
Skinny Black Jeans by Frame Denim
Pistol Boots by Acne Studios
PS11 Mini Bag by Proenza Schouler
Canada Narrow Cashmere Scarf by Acne Studios

My big question to you all – do you wear skirts to work in winter?

Finished Reading: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Becoming by Michelle Obama

I’ve been on the hunt for a REALLY good memoir/biography – and I couldn’t go past a memoir by Michelle Obama, ghost-written or not!

I pretty much expected it to be a bit cheesy and peppered with vague, girl-power, life-inspo quotes.

But nope, she tells her story pretty straight.

Michelle retells big moments of her childhood, growing up in poor/simple/frugal circumstances, getting into a selective high school, going to university, her first big job, her passion for community and people. You get to know her and she’s surprisingly normal and refreshingly happy.

It does get a little too sweet when she describes falling in love with Barack – um, even I got a bit gushy?! She talks a lot about having a husband who is quite different to her, and needing to go to counselling.

Also no surprises, there’s a lot about campaigning, US politics and living in the White House.

Overall I DIDN’T find it earth-shatteringly inspirational. I found it refreshing, insightful, engaging and warmly inspirational. Which was nice. I felt that she and I were good girlfriends now!

Best takeaways for me:

She was unapologetic about putting her kids into childcare and going back to work. She grew up with an attitude: Male or female, you worked, and you worked hard.

She juggled being a mum, going to mother’s groups, volunteering at schools, racing around to music lessons, buying take away dinners and feeling guilty about all the rushing around. Very normal!

She always had a clear passion for people and giving back to the community. I liked that she put her hand up to help others, from very early on in her career.

I loved that she liked getting A’s and that she liked being smart.

Her words came across as someone who has genuine honesty, integrity and grace.

And when I listen to I her speeches they convey so much confidence and authority, yet she seemed so honest, vulnerable and was so likeable… like she was instantly your dependable best friend.

It made me – Ok ok I guess it INSPIRED me – to seek to convey that kind of warmth and confidence whenever I spoke.

Do you have a favourite biography or memoir?? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Review of Isabel Marant Loafers (and other work-friendly flats)

Shopbop are currently having a Sale on Isabel Marant (leather goods/accessories) and Isabel Marant Etoile (clothes) – close to 40% off for most of them!

For me, I’ve been looking for a work-friendly “statement” loafer.

By “statement”, I don’t mean gemstones, hot neon pink colours and loud clashing prints.

I simply mean, loafers that are a little different, and stand out from the usual plain, black flats.

Sooo I picked out these stunning Isabel Marant Fezzy Loafers in Cognac.

Isabel Marant Loafers

Hellooooo babies! They are simply divine. A statement indeed!

I considered buying a pair of Gucci loafers… but as I said, I wanted something a bit different and I fell in love with this snakeskin colour.

Although the whole snakeskin trend is very popular at the moment, I believe I’ll be wearing these for years to come. The colour is a kind of tan/camel hue, so it’ll look AMAZING with a wide range of colours.

Most importantly, they will elevate an otherwise dull, black and white outfit.

Isabel Marant Loafers

By the way, the shoes are not actually made from snake’s skin.

They are made from lovely, soft leather, embossed and printed with a snakeskin pattern.

The inner shoe feels perfect. They are not hard or scratchy. The leather is firm, but not overly stiff. I don’t think the leather will warp.

When I wear them with no socks, they are a tiny bit big and they slip off at the heel.

But I always wear mini socks for most of my flats (mainly for comfort and cleanliness), and so they are a perfect fit.

The loafers also have collapsable heels, and they convert into mules, which will be great for warmer days. Of course, when worn as mules, I don’t have to wear socks.

Isabel Marant Loafers

As for other work-friendly statement flats, these are some of the ones that caught my eye and my shoe-crazed heart.

 

Work-Friendly Statement Flats

Left: Varina Flats by Salvatore Ferragamo

Right: Deneuve Ballet Flats by Aquazzura

 

Work-Friendly Statement Flats

Left: Cendrillon Ballet Flats by Repetto

Right: Kitty Flats by Charlotte Olympia

 

Work-Friendly Statement Flats

Left: Romina Loafers by Schutz

Right: Loraine Loafers by Sam Edelman

Review of Everlane Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Jeans

Everlane Jeans and Silk Shirt

I’ve been hunting around for a GREAT pair of jeans – ones that are good for the planet, sustainable and ethically produced.

I don’t mind paying a bit extra. They just have to be a good fit, good quality and last.

I basically wanted to fall in love with one style, then just buy them in all colours: blue, light blue, black, maybe dark grey. Because I’m lazy like that!

I bought these Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Jeans from Everlane back in November 2018.

(This post isn’t sponsored. I bought them myself. I do get a little bit of commission if you click on my link and buy something though.)

Sizing and Fit

I wear Size 25 for Acne Studios Jeans, Rag & Bone, GRLFRND, Frame, Levis, Nobody. For all of them – I have to roll up the length about 4-5 times for them to fit me in the leg. Most times I just get them hemmed up for $15.

So I bought these Everlane Jeans in a Size 25, Ankle length in a Mid Blue.

They are FREAKING INCREDIBLE. They fit me sooooooo well.

Waist, hips, bottom, thighs, ankles – all are perfectly figure-hugging, with an excellent stretch.

I don’t have to get the leg lengths taken up – amazing!

And they are actually tight/slim around my ankles – super amazing!

(I’m 160cm, or 5’2″ and usually wear AU / UK Size 6.)

Everlane Jeans and Silk Shirt

Wear

I have always been wary of high-waisted jeans. But now I can’t live without them.

They help flatten my tummy – there I said it :)

I feel slimmer, more tucked in, I think they help with my posture and they make my legs look longer, ha!

The denim is a little thicker than usual, making them feel strong and robust. So I feel like I can give them a good, quick tug (when I’m rushing in the morning) and I won’t rip or warp them.

They also feel soft, smooth, stretchy and they are VERY comfortable to wear.

 

After Washing

Of course, the jeans felt a little stiff and firm after washing and air-drying.

But once I put them on and wore them for a bit, they soften up and felt absolutely fine.

 

World’s Cleanest Denim?

Everlane says that their jeans are the “world’s cleanest denim“…using renewable energy, a closed system that recycles 98% of all water used, 85% air dried jeans, and the toxic byproduct of denim is shipped to a factory and mixed with concrete (so it doesn’t get leeched into the environment) to build affordable homes.

I have NO IDEA how anyone could verify any of this… but Everlane have been around for quite a few years and you’d think that someone would shut them down and that there’d be more of a public outcry, if they were making false claims right?!

Aaaaand last of all, the jeans are only US$68. Or AUD $98.

So yep, I’m completely in loooove with these, and will purchase again.

Everlane Jeans and Silk Shirt

Final Thoughts

I’d say these Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Jeans are definitely my favourite and best “normal” jeans to wear from my whole wardrobe.

(As they don’t have distressed holes, studs or flares!)

My Acne ones are mid-rise and they are not slim in the ankle. My GRLFRND ones are too distressed and “fashiony” although they are fab to wear. My Frame jeans look amazing but they are a *bit* tight and at times, look a bit too sexy.

Honestly, I’m not crazy about this colour. It’s TOO blue. I’d prefer a more faded “Levi’s 501” kind of blue. So I might buy the black and dark blue.

My plan is to NOT buy anymore non-sustainable jeans ever, and just keep buying from Everlane, or any other sustainable jeans brand I try.

I used to collaborate with Grana (I still looove the brand and buy tops from them every 3 -4 months!) and I tried 2 styles of their jeans. But I found the sizing a bit inconsistent and I found the jeans were a bit too tight or too loose, the denim was a bit stiff, and not soft/luxurious enough for me haha. Those styles have been discontinued, so perhaps they realised those styles didn’t work. I haven’t tried their High Rise Cropped Skinny Jeans yet, as I am not confident about their jeans sizing.

Also Wearing

I also bought the Relaxed Silk Shirt, which I’m wearing in this photo, in April 2018. It’s really nice! It needs LESS ironing/steaming than my Grana Silk Shirts.

White Slingback Shoes from Diane von Furstenberg.

Alix Shoulder Bag from 3.1 Phillip Lim

Finished Reading: Shoe Dog By Phil Knight

shoedog

I bought this book for my 16 year old. I wasn’t planning to read it myself.

As the cover says, it’s a memoir by the creator of Nike, Phil Knight.

My son loves shoes. He loves finding out about how people make money. And he’s a voracious reader.

My son loved it. His review: “Cool, but it all sounded a bit unbelievable.”

After he said that… I couldn’t help it. I had to read it for myself.

I loved it!

At the time of the book being published, Phil was 78 years old. He tells the story of his childhood, his education, his travels, his career pathway, the tales of setting up a business, launching NIKE, the struggles, his family life and his life lessons. He has a few “life regrets” which I do admire him for sharing.

I don’t usually read memoirs. Yet I found it exciting. Insightful. Gripping. It’s quite a ride.

It’s very easy to read. And it’s a brilliant story.

I learned so many things:

Phil was one of the first people to introduce Japanese-made sneakers into the American market.

He had to work as a full time accountant, while trying to run his shoe business.

At one point, his shoe selling business (the one he ran, before he created Nike) was making millions of dollars, but he was still flat broke.

He travelled all over the world as a young man and was introduced to different cultures and philosophies, which gave him a broad appreciation of the world and people.

And lastly… I finally realised that I will never become a billionaire. Phil’s life – as visionary and exciting as it was – was just waaaay too work focused, insanely stressful and he lived on the edge of financial ruin for years. Don’t think I could handle that, haha oh well!

What I Wore: Autumn Floral Dress

Floral Dress from Showpo

I’ve been a bit sick these last few weeks.

I’m actually sporting a puffy face, red nose, blue eye bags, aching muscles, zero energy, faded tan and really bad hair… so I don’t look like this picture at all!

In fact, I look at this photo and I think — Who is that?? How is that even me??

Jokes aside, I wore this a few weeks ago to an event.

The dress is actually a playsuit: Lost in the Wind Playsuit courtesy of Showpo (still available in sizes 6 – 20).

I picked it out because I loved the print and the Autumn colours. I got quite a few compliments for it… and two girls thought it looked like a Zimmermann dress! The neckline is a little lower and plungier than I usually wear, but it sat nicely against my body and I didn’t need to tape it to my chest.

My mini bag is a new addition from Coach’s luxury ready-to-wear line called Coach 1941, courtesy of Shopbop. I don’t have many white/cream clutches, and this one, with its metal-floral detail, is just perfect dressed up or down. It seems to go with everything so far.

My heels are my trusty Cadey Lee Strappy Heels by Schutz. I’ve had these for years and I still love them every time I put them on! I think I might wait for the next sale and buy the same style in black.

Necklace is by Kitsense. But I’m also wearing a Celine look-a-like “K” pendant given to me by a friend.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

xxx

This Is What My Stress Looks Like

When I’m stressed, or tense, or anxious, or over busy, or just have a lot of stuff on my mind…

I find it very relaxing to water and tend my garden.

You’ll find me in the evenings, wearing a big straw hat, a cup of tea in one hand, hose in the other hand, watering my plants and absent-mindedly pulling out weeds.

It brings me so much stillness and deep joy.

So as an indication of my mental well being — check out how green my plants are haha.

Garden 2019

They look so happy, like they are bursting out in green orchestral song.

 

Garden 2019

They are like little, gleeful children, with crazy fun personalities, thriving under my care and attention.

It makes me feel like such a great person. Look what I made! I’m so clever!

 

Garden 2019

On the flip side.

When I’m happy, relaxed and cruising along in life… um, funnily enough, my garden dries up and dies!

It gets overgrown with weeds. Dead leaves and branches fall all over the place and make it look messy. The outer leaves of plants die. There are no flowers. No new buds. No growth here.

It might go on for months. Until I find a moment to step outside, to throw out the rubbish or something and notice — OH SHIT. OOoooops. Yikes I let that ball drop! Sorry little garden! Must make you a priority! Tomorrow!

Ha!

I say all this with a big smile on my face.

It’s not exactly a great parable. Not sure what I’m trying to say. Haha sorry folks, there’s no real message of inspiration here. It’s just a funny thing in my life.

My Autumn/Winter Style Crushes + Shopbop Sale

To celebrate Shopbop’s End of The Season Sale, I’m sharing a few of my Designer Style Crushes.

These are designers whose collections are full of wearable, versatile pieces that will instantly fit with my wardrobe, affordable and has an on-trend edge to them that makes them look current and fresh.

Basically they make me go *omg swoon* I want everything!

Shopbop Style Crush

Anine Bing – Oh I love Anime Bing’s style! Her collections are just so laidback and effortlessly cool, with a modern rock-chic edge. All the pieces seem to go together so well and they are so easy to dress up or down.

Pictured here: Python Bar Silk Skirt, Wild Cat Sweatshirt, Black Bar Silk Skirt

Shopbop Style Crush

Cupcakes & Cashmere – I have followed designer Emily Schuman for years! From when she started her blog, her journey into motherhood and building her brand. I love her authenticity and down to earth style. Ok that sounds so cliched.

What I love about her label is how she delivers affordable, on-trend pieces (that are not TOO trendy), that have a classic and timeless touch, that makes them very wearable. You can wear her stuff for years and still look current.

Pictured here: Fayola Coat, Wheeler Blazer, Vivica Jacket

Shopbop Style Crush

Rag and Bone – Ok this brand is a bit on the expensive side. But sigh, their collections feature so many classic and essential items, like perfect white shirts, jeans, jackets, tees. If I could slowly replace all my wardrobe staples for Rag & Bone basics, I would be a happy girl haha! Not likely, but nice to dream.

Pictured here: Victor Blouse, Brea Dress, Tie Shirt.

With the Shopbop Sale, it’s an excellent time for us (Australia is heading into winter) to pick up some Autumn/Winter items on sale.

Save up to 25% off orders over $500 and 20% off orders under $500.

It includes full priced items and sale items!

Use Promotion Code: EVENT19

And if you head over to the Already on Sale Section, you could possibly get around 70% off selected items!

Happy shopping!

xxx