I'm not a morning person, but when I was in Western Australia last four day weekend, I became a different version of myself. I woke up early at 7.30am every day, had a delicious breakfast before hitting the streets and exploring the city. I don't usually get up early on a weekend or holiday. 

We landed in Perth and stayed there for two nights during our trip. It is mild winter in Western Australia right now. The weather is generally cold and wet. It's constantly changing from rainy to sunny like a girl's mood. She can be happy for now and quickly feel upset in 5 minutes later. Daily temperatures (from 12 degrees Celcius to 21 degrees) remind me so much of the chill and windy Autumn in Hanoi. It's the perfect season to wear those trendy printed scarves; cozy faux fur sweaters, leather studded booties and statement motor-biker jackets.    

I was freezing, standing in the middle of an empty street early in the morning, to have these photos taken. There were two things that kept me warm: an excitement of being in Australia finally and the company of my beloved photographer who wasn't interested of taking pictures but still agreed to help because he knew it would make me happy.  

On a different note, I apologize for the lack of blog posts over the past few days. I hope these beautiful photos from Perth have made up for a sudden disappearance. If not, I'll have something better for you, which I'm already planning to share in the next blog entry. You just have to come back to find out :)

Thank you so much for reading!

Photos by: K.Kline

::Outfit::

ZARA faux leather motor biker jacket- Similar here. Currently obsessed with this one

H&M Faux fur pink sweater- Similar here

Playnomore shy girl handbag

Sam Edelman studded booties (sold out)- Similar here and here

Alexander McQueen sunglasses

Lovisa rings- Similar here 

Halston Heritage printed scarf- Similar here

I used to think a work handbag doesn't have to be expensive. It just needs to be practical. Because a work handbag is worn on a daily basis, it can be damaged easily. That's why my budget for a bag was always below $100. I like work bags that are big so that I can put a lot of my items in, laptop, charger, make-up pouch, diary, handphone, emergency sewing kit, and sometimes, a DSLR camera. But that also means they can hurt my shoulders over the long term as the more stuff I have, the heavier my bag becomes. Besides, they don't have a great support for my shoulders. 

That was my story 5 years ago. 

Today, instead of buying 10 different handbags for $40- $50 each, I started saving money and buying an investment bag because I do believe quality always comes with prices. This Proenza Schouler handbag is the first one I bought. I can still remember how happy I was when I first got it. I was so addicted to the leather smell that I had to smell my bag every day. It's weird, I know. Only after I started using some good handbags, I realized why every woman is always crazy about them. 

Whenever I choose a handbag for work, I'll always look for a few things: structure, space, and compartments. I like my bag to be spacious with many compartments so I can put many things inside and they are still organized. A structured handbag with clean lines and distinct shape always makes me look (and feel) professional and sharp. When it comes to bag sizes, I'll usually pick handbags that are 14"- 15" width maximum as they are proportional with my petite frame (I'm 5"3). I think it's important to know what bag size fits you so that it neither looks too overwhelming (when it's too big) nor inappropriate for work (when it's too small). Black, brown, dark blue, and white are the most common colors for work bags, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun with attractive colors like red, yellow, or pink. 

Because this is our everyday bag, I'd strongly recommend you to invest in a good one. A good bag will not only help to carry your stuff, but also make you feel fabulous and confident every time. I have selected my most favorite 10 work bags (ranging from $200- $5000), have a look. 

1. Tod's White and grey leather structured top handle tote

2. Sophie Hulme Leather Crossbody Bowling Bag

3. Fendi 3Jours small trapeze wing leather tote

4. Kate spade new york 'north court - anton' pebbled leather satchel

5. KENZO Mini Kalifornia Smooth Leather Bag

6. Rebecca Minkoff 'Amorous' Satchel

7. KARL LAGERFELD Chain-trimmed leather tote

8. Tory Burch Robinson Double-Zip Tote

9. 3.1 Phillip Lim Medium Pashli Satchel

10. Michael Michael Kors Selma saffiano leather satchel

The newest baby in Crystal's closet, Tod's structured top handle tote.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli handbag in vibrant blue. I sold this bag as it was a bit big for me and I got the purple one instead.

Michael Kors ostrich leather handbag. Gave this to my Mom.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli handbag in lovely purple.

Porsche Design Twinbag heart Limited edition. Thanks to Porsche Design

Thank you so much for reading!

Shop for your dream bag here!

There are certain pieces in my wardrobe that I wouldn't mind wearing them again and again. This pink blazer is an example. I love styling it with an all-pink outfit to add extra sweetness and refreshment to the entire look. The weather has been incredibly hot these days, and I tend to go toward brighter shades whenever I have to go out and about. 

Besides, this is a pretty good pick-me-up therapy, I thought it would be perfect to share this look with you on Monday to cheer you up. It has been the second month in my new job. I'm so lucky to work in such a fun, dynamic, and extremely fast-paced environment where everyone really knows how to work hard and play hard. I have never had any Monday blues, simply because I have no time for negativity and boredom. The amount of work I do and the things I learn every day are so crazy, but I enjoy every bit of it. Just like an old saying goes "Time flies when you are having fun". If you keep doing what you love and love what you do, it'll never feel like work. 

I hope you'll have a fantastic Monday.  

Thank you so much for reading!

Photos by: Evelyn Lee

:Outfit:

Forever21 chiffon blouse- Similar here

H&M Rossy pink blazer- Currently obsessed with this one

ZARA double zip flounce skirt- Similar here

Givenchy Antigone handbag

Alexander McQueen cat eye sunglasses- White version here

Klaus Kobec watch

Lovisa gold plated rings- Similar here

One of my personal goals every year is traveling, as much as I could. It doesn't matter whether I'm going to a new or back to the same old destination, traveling always feeds my soul and brightens my perspective. I was in Vietnam in February, visited Bali in April, went to Vietnam and Phuket in June, then came back to Bali in July again. Now, as I'm about to plan my next trip to Australia, I'm in a hurry to share with you some great memories I had with Bali over the last couple of weeks, before they become long overdue. 

I mentioned before, in the previous blog post, that I decided to take a risk to pick Padma Resort Legian instead of The Royal Beach Seminyak. It turned out to be the best choice I've made and Padma Resort impressed me every single day we were there. 

Calling this place home for the weekend. 

Obviously, I had a phobia of not bringing enough shoes for the 3-day holiday. 

Everything about this hotel was so photo worthy, including the white robe and fresh orchid. The poser? Not so much. 

Pampering time. 

Poolside situation. 

First dinner in Bali at Potato Head Beach Club and it was really a good one. It was a little bit distance away from our hotel (45mins drive), but the delicious food and the view made up for the heavy traffic journey. 

An afternoon walk by the beach. 

Just before the sunset, a couple of photos would hurt nobody. Thanks to my lovely and patient photographer. 

Best candle light dinner date by the pool with no carbs, only protein. 

Couldn't get away with some street shopping at the crowded Legian street. 

We actually ended up in a gorgeous spa to hide ourselves from the sun and the busy street. $150++ for 2-hour spa package for two people seemed like the best investment by far. 

Then, we quickly came back to our hotel, just in time to catch this golden hour 

and had a little fun while at it. 

Hanging right here while waiting for the sun to set. It was the best feeling in the world. 

I'm thankful for the opportunities that allow me travel places, document my life through each place I've been, and share them with you. Places like this always fill me with so much energy, positivity, and love. I hope these photos make you feel the same. 

Thank you so much for reading!