How To: Dress Casual Chic for Work {Part 2} - Skirts

{Source: Target}

For the second installment of my casual chic (a.k.a business casual) for work series, I decided to focus on skirts. Many people shy away from skirts and opt for pants and maybe dresses, but skirts are a lot of fun and can be very versatile. For my first post on dresses and also to read up on some wear-to-work basics, click here.

Skirt Style Tips:

• Length is key. The shortest you should go in my opinion is a maximum of about 2.5 inches above the top of your knee. Midi skirts are in right now and if it fits you well, then go for it, but please wear heels. 
• If your skirt has a side or back split, make sure it doesn't reveal too much. Be conservative here. It is for work, so use your best judgement.
• Don't be afraid of color and pattern, but take care not to be too loud. Your outfit should not outshine your work.
• Make sure your skirt is not too tight or loose. It should fit well so that you look polished and put-together.
• If a skirt is a little on the short side, you could wear it with tights. But this does not mean it is okay to wear your tiniest mini-skirt.
• A blazer is not necessary for a business casual dress code, but keep one in your office to wear when meeting an important client, for example.

Here is some inspiration:

{Work Outfits - Skirts by christalin}

Look 1: This midi skirt has a split in the middle which is very flattering and works great with petite body types. The split works fine for the office since it is a longer skirt. I wanted to create a soft and feminine look so I opted for a peach/nude colored shirt. I kept the jewelry simple with gold stud earrings, a couple delicate rings and a watch. I added a red and gold chain link purse and red lipstick to pack a punch. You can finish this look with either white or nude pointy toed pumps.

Look 2: Next, I dressed it down a notch by pairing a deep green pencil skirt with a chambray button up. Adding touches of black and gold lend a sophisticated vibe and if you notice, the details in the accessories are subtly edgy (chain link, animal print). This outfit is very easy to turn into something sexy for after work drinks, just undo a button or two and swap the black purse for an animal print clutch (it's actually an iPad case shown in the picture)! 

Style Tip: Midi skirts are a great option for work. In my opinion, the ideal length is about 2.5 to 3.5 inches below the bottom of the knee. If you're taller, the hemline can be longer but take care not to go into the maxi skirt territory. Midis should be around the middle of your shin. 

{Skirts for Work by christalin} 

Look 1: I based this outfit off of the chartreuse pencil skirt. Navy goes amazingly well with this color and tones down the big impact of the skirt-- considering it is an outfit for the office, it couldn't be a more perfect pairing! Again, I stuck to neutral accessories and included another pop of color with the pink cluster earrings. Try pairing this look with a sleek ponytail.

Look 2: Here I put together a white, eyelet skirt with a light blue shirt. Because the skirt is a-line, I used a skinny black belt to give the look some structure to suit the office. Silver accessories work well with this muted color palette. Black pointy toed pumps and a structured purse will finish the look -- a light pink lip won't hurt either ;)

Style Tip: It is convenient to carry a bigger purse for the office considering you will have a lot of stuff to tote around. If you plan on going out straight after work, throw a pretty clutch in your roomy purse for later!

{Work Outfits - Skirts by christalin}

Look 1: I absolutely love this navy blue blouse - the gold embellishment is to die for and the keyhole detail is beautiful. Paired with a black peplum skirt, this outfit would probably be more appropriate for those in creative industries. For jewelry, I only added two rings because I didn't want to distract from the details of the outfit. Navy blue pumps tie the look together and the orange purse I added for a playful feel.

Look 2: More subdued than the first, this outfit is great for everyday wear, especially when you need to get dressed for work in a hurry. A black pencil skirt, sleeveless button down and a colored cardigan of your choice paired with black pumps and purse makes for a simple work outfit recipe. Piece of cake.

Style Tip: When buying clothes for work, or in general, it is good to have your staples (ex. pencil skirt, button down, cardigan etc.) in neutral shades first. So think black, white, gray, brown and navy. Army green, nude tones and animal print can be great neutrals too!

{Work Outfits by christalin}

Look 1: Green is very in this year, so I used it again here (which is what you should be doing anyway--re-wearing your clothing and re-mixing your wardrobe). Most offices allow your to wear sleeveless blouses as long as it is not too revealing. I added some cheer to this outfit with a bright yellow, printed blouse. The ruffles are not overboard in this case because the rest of your outfit is sleek and structured. Add a tan belt to go over the skirt, some strappy heels, a burgundy bag and you're good to do.

Look 2: This is a fun outfit full of personality while still being office appropriate. I started with the flared leather skirt in navy blue. Next, I chose the soft pink shirt and the fun jacket came after that. Oxford heels are a nice touch and work well with the skirt. Lastly, an over-sized clutch finishes the look. There is a lot going on although it may not be noticeable at once, so I skipped the accessories. You could opt to wear some simple earrings and a watch.

Look 3: This gray pencil skirt gets a dose of cheer when paired with the turtleneck aqua blouse. You can tuck it in or leave it out, whatever you prefer. I complimented the look with pointy toed pumps in gray, silver accessories and a beautiful purse with some fur detail.

{Work Outfits - Prints by christalin}

Look 1: This pleated skirt is a fun alternative to the pencil skirt. The floral print shirt is vibrant and compliments the youthful look of the skirt as well. Cap toe heels give the outfit a trendy vibe, continuing with the vibrant, youthful look I am going for with this outfit. A crossbody purse and a red lip finish the outfit.

Look 2: A gray t-shirt and blazer are all you need to create an outfit with this printed pencil skirt. A cross body bag slung casually on the shoulder looks very downtown chic. Metallic pumps add a bit of glam to the outfit. Of course, it would't be complete without a statement necklace.

These are just a few easy outfit options for a business casual dress code. Being work appropriate doesn't have to be boring, you can certainly have fun with it and express your personality at the same time. Watch for part 3 of this work-wear series coming in the fall -- jeans/pants are next!

Work it, ladies!

XOXO, Chrissy

How To: Dress Casual Chic For Work {Part 1} - Dresses

{Logue London}

First, let me say that if you're lucky enough to work at a place that allows a (semi) casual dress code, count your blessings! If you're in the creative industry, you have more options, but this post is for those with a business casual dress code. One thing to note is that if your office dress code is "casual", it is never really that simple. Professionalism is still something you have to keep in mind, and how you dress is a big part of that. That being said, many people play it safe with work dress codes and go for drab and dull clothes. You don't have to leave your personality behind when you clock in each morning, work outfits (and heck even your work day) can take a turn for the better with a few fashionable touches!

A few wear-to-work basics:

• Be modest - This is work, not Baywatch. Sexy you cannot come to work.
• Always be work appropriate - i.e. do not let your outfit overshadow your work. And if you're in the creative industry, this should apply to you too!
• Casual does not mean weekend wear - not even on Casual Fridays.
• On that note, always look put together.
• Make sure to wear clothes that fit well, it can make or break an outfit and affect your demeanor. Take care to not wear things that are too tight (again, sexy you is not allowed in the workplace).
• If you're asking yourself "Is this too short?", chances are it most likely is. A good rule of thumb is to keep your hands to your side while standing straight and make sure that your hem is not higher than your tallest finger. Preferably though, don't go higher than 2.5 to 3 inches from the top of your knee.

Dressing Up

Keep dresses on the longer side. The shortest you should go is 2.5 inches higher than the top of your knee. If a dress is slightly shorter, then wear with tights but that actually requires for it to be cold out. Since the work environment is business casual, you can still wear slightly dressier outfits, especially on big days like conferences and presentations.

Casual Chic For Work by christalin

Look 1: You don't need to stick to black, navy and khaki for the office. Branch out and try different colors but try to go for a deeper shade since this will make it easier to repeat for work and restyle too! This deep green shirt dress is a winner in my book. Accessorize with a gold watch, a few rings and a pair of short but dangly earrings. Notice I included a yellow ring for a subtle color variation. I think nude pumps and a handbag of the same color is a good idea because it pulls the look together. 

Look 2: While color is great, neutrals like khaki, navy and black should be staples in your closet. These are the go-to pieces you can quickly put on, feel comfortable in and if the occasion calls for it, these dresses will work when you need to look more formal. That being said, there is no reason to wear boring outfits when it comes to these colors. This faux leather paneled dress is perfect for a night out on the town, but it is cut in such a way that it works for the office too. Bonus points for the leather detail! If your office does not allow sleeveless outfits, then throw a blazer on. I picked this cutout blazer because it shows off the leather paneling on the dress. Black and silver is a great combination so accessorize with simple stud earrings, a classic watch and some arm candy - make sure it doesn't jingle. Add black pumps and for a pop of color, a two-tone cobalt blue purse. 

Look 3: I wanted to show how you could pull off a printed dress for work. This particular shift dress has a busy floral pattern and piping so I would pair it with the black cutout blazer. This will tone down the look without compromising its loud details. The dress has blues and pinks so I re-used the two-tone purse and added pink heels. Now if your workplace is casual enough, then open-toed heels would not be a problem. If you can only wear close toe pumps, then this gorgeous light pink pair will do the trick.

Look 4: You can wear pink (or other feminine, bright colors) to work! Take care that you're not always wearing loud colors, because your work should definitely outshine your wardrobe. But, ever so often, you can wear bright colors and pep things up! I picked this sleeveless bubblegum pink number for its balance of softness and structure. A quick way to make bright colors work appropriate is to pair it with a neutral blazer. Pink and black look great and you should try it sometime, but pink and navy blue is also amazing! Since your workplace is casual you can get away with comfy nude or nautical inspired flats. If heels are required, cue the light pink pointy toes just waiting to be worn! I added a navy satchel and a delicate silver necklace. Feel free to add a watch and other jewelry. 

Tips: 

• You will notice I re-used several items in the picture -- that is intentional and it is the point of work wardrobes, and outfits in general. Mix and match, it saves you money and you will have a well curated closet!
• Don't include more than two (or three max and do it sparingly) colors in your work outfits. 
• Monochromatic looks are great for work.
• Don't underestimate the impact of a neutral base and a pop of color.

Casual Dresses

Casual Outfits for Work by christalin

Look 1: A sweet chambray dress is a closet staple in my opinion. Cute, comfy and convenient - what's not to love? I did tones of tan and red as you can see which brings some sophistication to the look. A gold watch and dainty necklace also adds to the outfit and helps it look more put together. 

Look 2: A green shirt-dress. Green is all the rage this year, so why not play with it. A shirt-dress like this gives you double duty because it can be dressed up and down and worn a multiple number of times. Animal print loafers add to the preppy vibe. A coral lip, and black and gold accessories complete the look. The emerald stud earrings will catch the light beautifully and play up the dress and lips.

Look 3: A striped dress is something most of us have in our closet. Usually in cotton or jersey, it is a comfortable option that looks cute at the same time. Cap toe flats in cobalt blue add a pop of color. Wear silver jewelry for some pizzazz and don't forget big white purse to carry all your work essentials.

Look 4: A casual version of the printed dress looks great a little dressed up with some gold accessories and bright colors. The orange chain-link purse gives off a nice vibrancy to the whole look, along with the statement necklace and cocktail rings. Simple black flats finish the look.

So there you go, some easy, classy options for a business casual work environment. With cute outfits like these, you're sure to dazzle at the office! Watch for Part 2 of this work-wear series coming soon --I will be covering skirts

Work hard and play hard,

XOXO Chrissy

Asia's Next Top Model: Do You Have What It Takes?

“The secret to modeling is not being perfect. What one needs is a face that people can identify in a second. You have to be given what’s needed by nature, and what’s needed is to bring something new.” 

― Karl Lagerfeld

Have you ever dressed up in mom's heels when you were younger and paraded your little tush in her room? Played with make-up, wondering what it would be like to get a makeover by professional stylists and go to shoots and events? Ever wanted to be a supermodel, sashaying down a runway to wild applause and flashing cameras? Yes, yes and yes right?!!?!? Well, here's your chance to make your wildest dreams come true - if you seriously aspire to be a model and want to get your foot in the door, Asia's Next Top Model is casting now!!

Although I haven't personally watched a whole lot of Asia's NTM, I have watched quite a bit of the original series here in America and I absolutely love it!!! I can tell you that the concept is the same and it is a great spin-off on the American series. The modeling industry in Asia is really starting to expand and with it comes increasing opportunities. A quality experience like this is exactly what will get you from typical model to the next level.

Last season's winner, Jessica Armonkuldilok, won 100,000 SGD (3 milllion Bahts) and a Subaru XV. She will be the face of the Canon IXUS 2013 Campaign, receive a cover feature with Harper's Bazaar Magazine. She was also awarded a modeling contract with Storm Model Management in the UK and Europe. 

If you think you have what it takes, or know some beauty (with brains!) who does, check out the application at this link. Casting closes on August 20th, 2013, so hurry!!

And here's my shout out to Sri Lankan ladies: If you have the looks, wit and personality, do apply!! This is a great chance not just for you personally, but for our country's modeling industry. Unfortunately, modeling doesn't get the recognition it deserves and this is a great opportunity to showcase the talent and appeal of women in Sri Lanka. You would be an ambassador for the country and its modeling industry, proving to the world that we do have quality models, which we haven't really done a lot in the recent past (except for the likes of Jacqueline Fernandez and Rozanne Diaz). So go girls, you can do this!!!

High heels and girly squeals,

Chrissy - XOXO

Business 101: Lessons to Learn From Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile

Source: Google Images

I don't know about you all, but I'm excited for Halloween! I hope you are going to dress up and have a good time. I was thinking back to my costume last year, which was Cleopatra, Queen of the NIle and this year, Heidi Klum dressed as Cleopatra for her annual Halloween party. Many people think of Cleopatra as a tempting seductress who looks a bit like Elizabeth Taylor (thanks to the latter playing the Queen in the movie, Cleopatra), but there is more to her. Famous for her looks and feisty personality; Cleopatra was one of the most powerful rulers of Egypt. She was a pharaoh which was a rare occurrence, since most queens in those times did not rule a country - their husbands did. Although she lived some 2000 years ago, her skills and leadership still holds relevance in today's day and age. So here's my run down of Cleopatra and things we can learn from her:

1. If you want to, you can rule the world (and why wouldn't you want to?)

Cleopatra Vii Philopator, known to the whole entire world simply as Cleopatra, was the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. Yes, she worked the first-name-only thing way before Madonna or Beyoncé. In fact, she did this 2000 years before either of them. That alone should tell you something. More importantly though, she was the last ruler of Ancient Egypt, that's right, she basically ruled the world. In a time when women were regarded as merely beautiful objects, she didn't let society's views stop her - instead, she used her femininity and sexuality to her advantage, all to save her country and it's people from the Roman Empire. She believed she deserved the best, and she accepted the perks as well as the responsibilities of the job.

2. Know yourself and flaunt your strengths.

Cleopatra was a woman. She was a woman ruler, a pharaoh, and had to conduct business with people from her own country as well as others. Needless to say, they were all men. Yet, here she was, a woman, controlling the world. She had to assert herself, and show these people that her gender had nothing to do with her capability to rule them. If anything, she used her gender (what people thought was a weakness in politics) and it was, more often than not her greatest strength.

Source: vgitanacleopatra.blogspot.com

3. Woah, wait a minute. Using your femininity won't get you very far. You need to be smart and intelligent. Hone your intellect.

Sure, Cleopatra used her sexuality and charm, and a lot of emphasis has been given to this fact. But don't forget, her femininity was simply an outer covering for her true weapon - her mind. Cleopatra was very intelligent, fluent in many languages, and well-versed in politics. She used looks, charm and grace to get what she wanted along with wit and humor. Simply put, she was bewitching. It's no wonder she portrayed herself as the reincarnation of an Egyptian Goddess.

4. It's all about the timing. But sometimes, there is no time like the present. And age doesn't matter.

Our girl Cleo had to ascend the throne when she was just 18. Egypt was a wealthy country in those times and she was controlling a lot of land. While these communities and their work only enriched her coffers, she also had to protect them and make sure that her country and its lands kept thriving. Insert charm and wit here and the lady does a good job of keeping her country together.

5. Don't let the pressure and responsibility stop you from achieving your true potential and maintaining your greatness.

See lesson #3 above. When Egypt was under threat of a hostile takeover from Rome, what did the lovely Queen of the Nile do? She wrapped herself up in a carpet and got delivered to Caesar's room. Then she seduced him in an attempt to thwart this takeover and gain the sympathy and goodwill of the Romans. It worked. I wouldn't suggest doing exactly what she did, but the important lesson to learn is that she thought outside the box, and in those times, women didn't have a lot of resources. I guess she was using the resources she did have. But here in the present day, there is this little thing called ethics, so instead of fluttering your eyelashes and connecting the dots to success, know that hard work and effort will definitely be more rewarding. So don't use this as an excuse to throw yourself in a carpet or anything! 

6. On that same note, don't mix business with pleasure.

Yes, it bears repeating. 

Elizabeth Taylor playing Cleopatra. Source: Google Images

7. Appearance matters.

Cleopatra and for that matter, Egyptian queens in general, had a distinct look - the long slanted eyeliner, the glamorous clothing, ornate gold jewelry and the heavy make-up. It all creates an aura. As I mentioned before, Cleopatra carried herself well and claimed she was a reincarnation of an Egyptian Goddess. This fits well with being the ruler of the country and she definitely looked the part. 

8. Network and maintain good relationships.

If not for the support of Caesar and later Mark Antony, Cleopatra would not have been able to take control of the Egyptian throne and expand her empire. Having the support of such high ranking Romans ensured that her interests were taken into consideration. She knew how to play the game, this one.

9. Master the wow factor!

Cleopatra knew how to make an entrance. When Mark Anthony first arrived in Rome, she got his attention by sailing down the Nile in all her glory, on an intricately decorated barge. Descriptions of this event point out the grandeur and luxury that Cleopatra exuded, dressed as Venus and her oarsmen as Cupids. Many of you, I'm sure, have heard the saying, "It is better to be overdressed than under-dressed." Similarly, it is better to be looked over and than overlooked, so go big or go home!

So there you have it, nine lessons to learn from Cleopatra. What are your thoughts on the great Queen of the Nile? I would love to see your comments :)

XOXO - Chrissy

The Sisterhood Series: Whipping Up A Career

In this installment of The Sisterhood Series, I interviewed Afra Abdeen. I met Afra in high school and she currently lives (and goes to university) in New Zealand. She is an avid baker, a great writer and a dedicated volunteer. To read more about what the series is all about and why I launched it,click here.

Who are you and what do you do?

I am a university student. Studying psychology and marketing and just on my final semester of a bachelor of arts and business conjoint degree . I am also the current president of SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) at Auckland University of Technology here (AUT) in New Zealand.

What does a normal day look like for you?

This question made me laugh as I am currently getting my head around what it looks like for me too. In addition to being a student and running an organisation, I also work part time at a call center in uni. So my typical day is one big balancing act where I run between work, study, SIFE, friends and family. Conveniently this semester, SIFE also acts as my work experience for my degree. So study + SIFE mesh in together (time saver - YAY!).


What inspired you to be involved with Students In Free Enterprise?
SIFE is a global, not for profit, student-run organisation that originated in the United States. There are about 1600 SIFE institutions worldwide so SIFE AUT is one of many. All SIFE teams work towards improving people's quality of life and standard of living through a consideration of relevant social, economic and environmental factors. This is achieved through the creation of community outreach projects. Essentially, we are all changemakers looking to achieve the best for the communities we live in by applying our skills as students along with an entrepreneurial approach. I got involved in SIFE in 2011 when the last faculty advisor of SIFE AUT who also happened to be a lecturer of mine told me all about it. I was half way through the 3rd year of my degree at that time and needed to find one extra paper to do with nothing really calling to me. SIFE at AUT University is unique in that students can get academic credit for their invovlement. So it represents a paper as well. Hearing it from my lecturer's perspective convinced me that I had finally found something awesome to do. I applied to be a member, was interviewed, accepted and so the journey began. After my first month in the organisation - I was hooked. I have volunteered ever since and was also fortunate to have been elected president in October last year. I ended up finding what really has turned out to be a dream job - managing a group of energetic, enthusiastic and passionate people who all share the same values and want to change the world!

Can you describe the Live Below The Line project you were involved in with SIFE?

SIFE teams have the opportunity to work collaboratively on projects. In New Zealand
there are three active SIFE teams with a few more coming on board this year. The teams had never worked together on a project before, so last year I initiated discussions and we created our first ever collaborative venture. We decided that we needed to strengthen the brand name of SIFE NZ here as a lack of recognition was a challenge. One of the members in the discussion recalled that the Live Below the Line challenge was happening two weeks away from the date of discussion. We decided to create a team together and participate in it.

The Live Below The Line challenge is set up by the Global Poverty Project and happens across USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand at various times of the year. In this challenge people live on food and drink that amount to their country's equivalent of the Extreme Poverty Line everyday for 5 days. In the case of New Zealand that is $2.25 a day. You then get people to sponsor your team for your efforts and collect money for one of the participating charities or organisations who work toward the eradication of extreme poverty. Our team raised funds for the Global Poverty Project. With about 15 participants we collected over $3000 and were the 3rd highest fundraising team in New Zealand. It was a humbling and amazing experience for all of us who were simply a group of university students. One of the team members actually went through the entire 5 days living on water alone. We never expected to achieve so much so shortly. It was certainly an eye opener and showed us how much we can achieve simply by taking action!

You also bake in your spare time! What inspired you to start baking and cooking?

Baking is as far as I get - cooking is this whole unexplored realm that I am nowhere near ready to step into! The cake making is something that just came up while I was home for summer in 2008. My dad is a baker by profession and he and I made a cake for my little cousin's birthday. It was fun and I discovered for the first time that I had patience for what is a time-consuming task! It took off from there really. Someone wanted a cake and then another person and another and I got plenty of practice with dad on hand with the tips and tricks. Eventually my friend thought I was good enough and paid me for an order and things have just gone from there. It's purely interest based and dependent on my free time, but I love the creative outlet it provides! Never knew I had it in me. I just enjoy making things look pretty - sounds rather strange when put it that way haha! The look on kids or even some of my friend's faces when they see their favorite characters or ideas come to life is priceless! It is the most exciting part of what I do, I reckon.

From left: Layered chocolate cupcakes with chocolate mousse filling, ganache icing and white chocolate drizzle; Strawberry & white chocolate gateaux

From Left:  Coffee flavored cupcakes with honey-roasted almonds & macadamias;  Vanilla cupcakes with chocolate mousse and roast almond sprinkles 

Do you have a business?

I say no, but my baking does look like a small business. For me though it's just that other thing I do and I can't conceptualize it as one. I would love to set up something of my own at some point, but I am yet to find that idea that I want to take further. Social enterprise is certainly something that would be my focus now after all this exposure with SIFE. Ideally I would like to combine my love of baking into something truly creative. Big dreams!

How would you describe your personal style and attitude?

My style is certainly more girly than not, but I am happiest in my PJs or high heels - a random combination, but I was going for a contrast there!  I feel the most confident when I am happy with what I'm wearing. I am a comfort-over-anything else kinda shopper. By that I mean I have to feel comfortable in the outfit for the day. I do believe clothes affect your mood and that is important to me. If I have a bad day, I look to wear things that make me feel amazing to just help. So sometimes weird, often conservative but always dictated by comfort and mood is the best way I can describe myself and my personal style. 

How has your customs affected your style and how you dress? Do you get judged for it or do people admire it?

I am a Muslim and my parents have always brought me up to dress modest. So for me no sleeveless clothing or short stuff. It's all about covering up. It's TOUGH to find that balance where I don't look like a grandma; am pleasing everyone that judges my outfits and  I actually feel good! Tights, cardis and blazers are my best friends, but sometimes I just get frustrated because I do think sometimes less is more and needing to cover up just kills some looks! However, it is the most satisfying feeling when I manage to pull together something that I am happy wearing and still get the tick on being modest and covered. It is still a FINE line though. I won't ever please everyone, so I've learnt to accept that and make the most of it!

What is/are the piece(s) in your closet that you consider a favorite at the moment?

Ooh that's a good question! I think it would have to be the tube dress I got for my friend's wedding in January as it can go from casual to formal just by changing what cardigan or blazer I team up with it! I also adore this black blazer I got for a bargain online but works awesomely with skinny jeans or pants or even dresses. The sea green and salmon pink pairs of jeans I just bought because I was so over black tights!! All my heels but my favorite is my Guess ones that I was dying to get for ages and finally invested in!!

 

How do you like to relax and spend your weekends?

With friends and family, baking or even just good books and movies. I love coffee or brunch dates and well , all things food! I spend most of my time bonding over food with friends and have some regular haunts. Sunny days are my favorite and just being in the sun will always be chillaxing for me!I do believe in 'me' time too, especially on those days where there's just so much going on! I like to then go for a walk, shop, take a drive somewhere and do something impulsive and 'treat' myself!

What motivates you?

Wow. I think it's people. Friends, family or even just those awesome people you meet or hear about every day. I feel like I always learn a little more from them that pushes me and gives me ideas and inspiration. I work to ensure that the people who matter to me and are close to my heart are proud of my actions. That is what governs and motivates me.

What are you most passionate about?

Right now it's my work at Students For Free Enterprise and the opportunity it has given me to make a difference. I want to keep doing that no matter I do. I want to keep giving back and being a changemaker. I have discovered that this passion drives me and will certainly look to pave a career path with this in mind.

Where would you like to be in five years?

I can't plan that far, nor do I think I have to. There are so many life-changing things that happen to direct people into something. I want to have my eyes open for that and not miss those opportunities by being too planned. But I think I want to always be at a point where I can be happy with where I am and what I am achieving. So even if I didnt know five years ago that this is what I would be doing, I can say that I would have liked to describe where I am today to someone as my ideal. I guess what i am trying to say is that five years ago if someone asked me where I see myself in the future, I would have wanted to tell them here, doing exactly what I am right now.

How do you sparkle and spice up your life?

By doing things I have never done before, pushing boundaries and testing limits. Which can also translate to - taking on too much, keeping busy and constantly working on injecting the right balance with friends and family.

Or just by wearing a fantastic pair of heels!

"There are many wonderful things that will never be done if you don't do them." -Charles D. Gill

I hope Afra's story inspires you to always keep your eyes and your mind open to opportunities. You might discover a hidden talent and a new hobby during a lazy summer.  A paper for a class may lead you in the direction of doing what you love as a career. All it takes is to keep looking for those opportunities, those moments which, if you seize them, will take you on a whole new journey in this road called life. 


XO-Chrissy

The Sisterhood Series: Creating Your Path To Success

In this installment of The Sisterhood Series, I interviewed Hannah Halvorson, a pretty young lady with some serious creative skills! Hannah is a dancer, singer and a coach. She also has a photography business, loves to craft and is recently engaged. I knew about Hannah through a friend of mine and although we haven't met (yet!) I feel like I already know her. She is very friendly, polite and positive - I felt that she could easily be the poster girl for The Sisterhood Series. To read more about what the series is all about and why I launched it, click here.

Photo taken by Danger Fox Photography

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Hannah Halvorson and I am an aspiring photographer. 

What does a normal day look like for you?
Well, most recently, my typical day consists of working at Starbucks for 8 hours, then soaking in a bath and watching my favorite shows! I've been pretty lazy in the evenings lately. On weekends, I spend time with my fiancé. 

What inspired you to be a photographer? Where do you draw inspiration from?

There was a photograph I took a few years ago at a Renaissance Fair of a young girl chasing after bubbles. The photograph held such a magical, whimsical moment, that it actually inspired me to take more. From there, I discovered I had a passion for capturing those little moments that can speak worlds of magic. I get inspiration from music, books, and naturally other people’s photography. Oh, and America’s Next Top Model!

Some of Hannah's photographs

You also like to do crafts, sing and dance! When did you start and what inspired you? I've been crafting ever since I can remember. Give me a piece of paper, and I will find something to do with it! I've made wall art, stationary, journals, scarves, magnets, stuffed animals, jewelry, clothing, purses, lamp shades, picture frames… really, if it’s something I can make, I’ll try it. I've also been singing from the beginning. I grew up on Shania Twain so I’ve got a little twang in me, but my musical interests are now all over the place. I took voice lessons, was in a few choirs growing up and into college, was big into theater in high school, and in the last few years I've been writing and performing my own music, as well as with my new band Play Nice! I started dancing when I made my high school’s dance team in ninth grade. I worked my way up to captain the following year, and now I’m coaching the team! I just finished my third year of coaching, and can honestly say it is by far the greatest, most rewarding job I've ever had. The girls I get to work with are so precious and talented, and I am in a position to encourage and inspire them with dance. I plan to coach for as long as I physically can!

(Left) Hannah singing in her band Play Nice! (Photo by Alicia Victoria Staker) and (Right) sitting in her living room - the wall art  behind her is her own work.

""Steam Heat" - I was Gladys in The Pajama Game. Probably my favorite role ever!" ~ Hannah

What is it like to have your own business at such a young age? When did you know you were ready to start your own business?
Oh man. To be brutally honest, it doesn’t feel incredibly special. There are so many photographers my age and even younger that are starting their own businesses these days. It’s an art that can easily be shifted into a business, it seems. It’s a little saddening in that respect, but it’s also very inspiring to know that photography is becoming so big in our age group! The moment I knew I was ready to start a business was quite simply the first time someone told me they would pay me for a photograph I had taken. When I saw that my work had a monetary value as well as an emotional affect, I knew it was something I could run with. 

How would you describe your personal style and attitude?
My personal style is all over the place. One day I’ll look like a girly girl in floral dresses and soft colors. The next day I’ll look like a punk rocker in shredded shirts and bold prints. But comfort is key! I just like to be creative and switch it up as much as I can. I’ve been cutting my own hair since 10th grade, and have had every color under the sun in it (except green!). Right now it’s a short boy-cut, but I’m growing it out.

My photography style is pretty identical to what I just described. In one shoot, I might do something ethereal and whimsical, and the next might be full of pops of color and sass! For instance, I recently did a snow-goddess-esque shoot with a good friend of mine, but have some wild plans for my next session! My attitude is alwaysalwaysalways positive. You will rarely see me frowning or complaining. Life has too many magical things to offer, so I find it hard to stay negative for too long!

(Left) Hannah based this outfit on the cover of the book she is holding!

Describe how you dress for your day job and your day-to-day life outside of your job.
At Starbucks, I am required to wear all black. When coaching, I wear yoga pants or sweats with sneakers or jazz shoes. When I’m not working, I like to wear dresses, sweaters, skinny jeans, leg warmers, boots. I love layers. I’m not a big shorts girl. Not a big accessories girl either. Well, I LOVE jewelry and hair pieces, and I have a lot of them, but never take the time to accessorize. 

What is/are the piece(s) in your closet that you consider a favorite at the moment?
I got this neat dress from Hot Topic that is black with hot pink cats on it! I adore cats. I’m allergic to them, but I love them. Also, my staple skinny jeans from American Eagle. My fiancé got them for me for Christmas! They are the first skinny jeans in a long time that actually fit right and look right. Finally, my Oreo’s sweatshirt. It’s blue, collared, and has dancing Oreo’s in top hats on it. I found it at a thrift store in Seattle! People either find it hilarious or atrocious, but I love it!


How do you like to relax and spend your weekends?

To relax, I watch a LOT of tv. I don’t have cable or anything, so I have to watch everything online. On the weekends, I spend time with my fiancé Michael. He lives in Williston, so we go back and forth, or meet up in Minot, where he grew up.

What motivates you?
Deadlines. If there were no deadlines, I would get nothing done. Honestly, that’s about it. If I’m being honest with myself, I’m an incredibly lazy person. But no one would notice because I keep so busy! If I have a million things to do all the time, then I am able to keep going.

What are you most passionate about?
So many things… But if I had to choose one, I’d say music in general. The creation of it, the inspiration from it, the movement to it, and the emotions in it.

Where would you like to be in 5 years?
Married to Michael, maybe with a kid or two by then. Still coaching, still taking pictures, still making music. My life is so blessed right now, I’d like my future to be much like what my present is.

How do you sparkle and spice up your life?
Oh wow, what a neat question! Umm… I guess I’d have to say by finding new things! New styles, new music, new ideas. I’m constantly switching it up, but always holding on to old classics.

"...the overpowering necessity to create, create, create — so that without the creating of music or poetry or books or buildings or something of meaning, their very breath is cut off… They must create, must pour out creation. By some strange, unknown, inward urgency they are not really alive unless they are creating.” - Pearl Buck

I hope Hannah's story creates in you the determination and drive to go towards your dreams. Never miss the opportunity to be creative - it truly does add depth and dimension to your life. You don't have to be Picasso or Michelangelo, all it takes is to sing in the shower, dance when nobody's watching, have fun with a DIY project or indulge in a home cooked meal.


XOXO- Chrissy