New Jumpsuit, New Idea

Sometimes, you just need to mix it up. Step away from the routine and try something fresh, even if it's insignificant: Even if you're unsure. Whether it's a wide-leg linen jumpsuit you aren't 100% sure is your style (it is) or your first bottle of Kombucha ever (it was this flavor and I loved it), it's good to shake things up every now and then. 

For example: A few weeks ago, I was talking with my co-worker about a friend of ours who recently decided to go back to school and pursue a career she is very passionate about. We discussed how proud of her we were and at the same time, slightly envious. Not because we wish we were doing the same thing, but because she was able to pinpoint that ONE thing she feels strongly enough about to spend her time and energy on. We agreed that we both feel that way about 10+ different things in our lives and avenues we'd love to pursue someday but even in our late 20's/early 30's (respectively), it's a challenge to settle on just ONE. We continued to talk about so many ideas we had swirling around in our heads, both business and entrepreneurial related which actually felt really good, just letting all of our ideas flow. It was THIS conversation that led me to "mix it up" at my job...

Wearing:

Jumpsuit: Target

Bag: c/o Darriel & Cherry

Wedges: Old from Just Fab - Similar style here

Bandana scarf: c/o J. Jill

Sunnies: Old Navy

Lipstick: Glo Skin Beauty

I thought: Wouldn't it be cool if we created an open atmosphere in the office for people to share their ideas and collaborate with one another to turn those into plans? Just once a month, something as simple as taking your lunch outside or grabbing a coffee together nearby and letting your mind just explore freely? I wasn't sure about sharing this with the rest of the team because it's a small group of people with very strong opinions but turns out, the idea was well-received so I organized our very first "idea lunch" this afternoon. We ordered a few salads, spread out some picnic blankets in the front of our building and spent an hour talking a loosely assigned topic of brand loyalty and smart customer service.

The main idea is to encourage idea sharing and foster creativity within the office and hopefully further implement an atmosphere that encourages collaboration. I hope to build these sessions into our monthly rhythm to create a culture of open engagement and a way to give value to everyone’s ideas. Creative ideas aren't limited to marketing heads or design teams...we just need to provide the right outlet for everyone's to be shared. Outside of the concrete ideas that were tossed around, it just felt really nice to get out and split up the day with something different. I enjoyed getting to break out of the normal workday routine and noticed that the rest of the day was more productive as well. 

Mixing it up - 1, comfort zone - 0. 

On that same note of doing something different, but this time, in the world of fashion, this is my first dabble into the world of rattan bags. I know I almost let an entire season fly by before testing the water but it wasn't until I saw THIS bag that I decided it was time. I spotted it at a booth at our local Farmer's Market and couldn't get it out of my head for weeks afterwards so I had to make it happen. 

This gorgeous rattan bag is handmade by a new brand named Darriel and Cherry and the story behind the brand is as meaningful as the products. This duo was born and raised in Kuching on the island of Borneo and they have always had exposure to communities with rich cultural diversity so they're hoping that through their products, not only can these cultures be shared, but they can empower artisans in remote areas to create more job opportunities. 

Bag details: 100% handwoven, bow closure with a leather button fastener, leather strap and a lining fabric that was selected exclusively by D&C to compliment the bag. 

Happy Friday! Don't forget to try something new this weekend

Have you tried the peach pineapple Kombucha? ;)