Chance and Change

     

Margarethink will turn 4 years old in 2 days! I can't believe the long journey I've shared with all of you.. This blog had brought me to many things, new people, new stories, something I never thought I would experience.. I've grown a lot as a person, I found myself over and over again.. This blog kept me sane, YOU kept me inspired, when the world turned upside down..

I've seen just enough to realize that I want to do more.. I want to inspire people, inspire you.. Not only in one particular thing called fashion but also life as a whole package.. That's why, to celebrate the upcoming blog-birthday, I decided to change Margarethink to

Why The Style After?

Because I want my reader to be inspired after reading my blog and the second reason is because this blog is basically the story about the other side of my life, outside my full-time job..

The new website will be launch on June 7th 2016 and when the website is launched, every time you access margarethink.blogspot.com you will be redirect to thestyleafter.com.. And the saddest part is, I can't use GFC (Google Friends Connect) anymore.. These conditions mean that you WON'T GET LIVE BLOG POST UPDATE.. :(

So, if you still want to follow my journey, please kindly follow me on BLOGLOVIN because I can change the domain there..

I'm very excited cos I will post more and I have a lot of stories to tell you! I hope this change will open new chances for me.. And thank you for staying with me.. It means a lot!! I love you guuyss!! ;* ;*

Love & Dream,

MM

Get Ready for Summer

Summer is just around the corner.. Time to store those warm thick winter outfits away and say hello to minimalist outfits! We can show our skin as much as we want, take some pictures at the beach, drinking pina colada.. So, bikini, check! Sunglasses, check! Beach wave hair, check! How bout nails? 

I like getting my nails done, but sometimes I'm too lazy to make a nail art by myself (yes, bcos the result will never be the same between right hand and left hand), and sometimes I feel like going to nail salon is too expensive and I can't change the nail art that often (let your nails breath for awhile)..

If you're like me, don't be sad girls, I have the solution for you and it called NAIL STICKER.. :D

In some countries, nail sticker is not a new thing.. But here in Indonesia, we have this products like a couple years ago, of course the one with good quality and cute designs.. One of them is LOLITATTOO.. At first they only sell temporary tattoo but then they expand the business to nail stickers.. They have a lot of designs, from minimalist to characters like Disney princess, from glitters to non-glitters.. The price is IDR30.000 (around US$2.00), same for all designs..

What I have here is the Sabrina design.. I chose Sabrina because I wanted to get the summer feeling but not the predictable ones like pineapple or flamingo.. As you can see on the pics below, they have the instructions at the back.. And 1 pack consists of 12 nail stickers and 1 nail buffer.. This was actually my first time using nail stickers.. So let's just start by following the instructions..

First, you have to start with clean nails and you can re-shape your nails if you want, pretty much the same when you want to apply nail polish, right? After that, you have to choose which sticker size that fits your nail.. Then, cut the nail stickers, remove the plastic wrap, then place it to your nail.. Firmly smooth the surface until wrinkle free.. If you have a small nails like me, you can cut the rest of the nail stickers gently using the nail buffer.. And just continue with the rest of your nails.. 

Once you're done, you can finish it with clear nail polish, but I didn't do it because I want it to be practical and nail polish free.. Very easy, right? I was surprised because at first I thought it will be very complicated, wrinkle here and there.. But it didn't and you can see it looked like a define nail art.. I chose to wear it the same pattern between my left and right hand but you can wear different way.. A little tips from me, it will be better if you wear this nail stickers after taking a bath so the glue will have more time to stick to your nails before contact with water..

Oh and I decided to post this simple tutorial after I went to Bali-Lombok last week (you'll know about this trip if you follow my Instagram).. So I went swimming at the beaches, swimming pool, eating seafood, climbing a tree, etc.. And I have to say this nail stickers amazed me even more.. They started to ripped off little by little after a week.. Maybe after this, I will choose another design to see how long will it last during normal activities..

I hope this post can help you girls and see you on the next post.. ;*

Love & Dream,

MM

Morning Walk

Hat: Zara | Jacket: Zara | Dress:  (similar here)

Bag: Zara | Boots: Stradivarius (similar here and here)

Location: Tamar Park, Hong Kong

The weather was fine, not as cold as the first couple days, so I was able to bare-legged all day.. We were strolling around Admiralty and found this enormous park above the roads called Tamar Park (how amazing is that?).. I was quite surprise after exploring the area because it turns out that the park is actually at the opposite side of Tsim Tsa Tsui area and surrounded by buildings.. Another perks of traveling without tour guide.. :D

Love & Dream,

MM

Photographed by Theresia D

Causeway Bay

Coat: ASOS (Similar here and here) | Knit Sweater: H&M | Boots: Zara (Similar here)

Spent the first week of March in Hong Kong and met the cold weather for the first time.. To be honest, I personally prefer spring/summer season than fall/winter but on a contrary, I have a big deep love for fall/winter clothes.. I have too many sweaters and jackets, considering I live in a tropical country.. So yeah I still overwhelmed by the excitement when I packed the luggage, filled it with my fall/winter pieces..

I arrived at noon so nothing much to do on the first day.. This shot was taken during our second day when we were strolling around Causeway Bay area.. As you can see (on my Instagram too), I've been shooting with both digital and film camera now, maybe since my Bali trip last June.. I found so many interesting objects there in Hong Kong, even though I didn't travel much.. The result was out yesterday and I'm very happy with it so I decided I will make a post for my film journey.. In a meanwhile, you can follow my IG to see some of them.. ;)

Love & Dream,

MM

Oversized

Sweater: Pull & Bear | Skirt: New Look | Shoes: New Look | Accessories: Forever21

Gloomy rainy days mean I can wear my autumn/winter pieces.. This oversized knit sweater so far is my best purchased.. Mix it with short skirt to show some skin and create an illusion since I'm not that tall.. Anyway we're finally in my favorite month of the year, looking forward to make the best of it.. Now, I really have to shut my laptop down and go to sleep, have a flight to catch tomorrow morning.. 

Love & Dream,

MM

Land and Ocean

Location: Candi Dasa Beach, Karangasem, Bali

Dress: Stradivarius

Do you ever feel like you have so many things to do yet because of your panic mind, you won't be able to do anything and just sit blankly on the floor?

I did..

A couple days ago, I had this panic syndrome due to all the things that I have to prepare and finish at the same time (read my previous post).. It's not like I do something I don't like but more of a temporary confusion about what I should do next, this or that, kinda situation.. I'm trying to enjoy every process of it until now but at that time my mind just went blank..

It happened quite awhile but I also realize the clock is not stopping and I have to get back on track because March is only a few days away, means my deadlines are getting closer..

I know when you read the headline of this post, you won't expect this kind of story.. Nevertheless I 'm aware of the fact that I rarely write something emotional / personal in my posts.. So today, I decided to open myself a bit to you, my readers and share more because I believe we are all human, maybe many of you have been through a situation similar to mine..

So, how to put yourself back together?

The easy answer will be, book a ticket and just take a vacation.. In reality, it's not easy to do that, especially if you have a full-time job like me.. I do recommend you to plan a holiday at least for the upcoming 3-6 months because not only the ticket price will be cheaper, you have more time to do the itinerary and save more money, but also the excitement of having an upcoming trip will help decrease your stress level..

My second advice is remember your goals.. Stress can be caused by many things, such as family problem, failed plans, wrong decisions, etc.. So instead of focusing on those negative things and getting deeper to depression, it will be much better to focus on your life goals, reviewing your future plans, and keep moving forward.. That way, you will able to get back to your feet and slowly forgetting your cause of stress..

If those two didn't work out, the last option is find someone close to you and you trust, then spill everything out.. I know for some introvert people, it's hard to share your feelings but I encourage you to at least talk to someone, for example your mom, sister, best friends, or even your boyfriend, anyone you trust.. They don't have to give you advice because the main purpose is to release your tension by sharing it.. You can't handle all your problems alone or you will explode..

There are many other things to do when you're stressed out, and it will be a super looonnggg post if I write it down one by one, just remember the most important things is to loosen up a bit and of course eat a bowl full of ice cream (Yes, I feel you girls! :P ).. Now, I'm already back on my track, ready to continue, and share my situation in this post.. So, how bout you? Do you have any specific things to do under that circumstances? Share with me.. :)

Love & Dream,
MM

Good way to start | Giveaway winner

Been working here and there for a couple of things lately and the deadlines are really close so I have to finish them almost at the same time.. It's such a hectic start for me in 2016 but in a good way.. I feel excited and hopefully everything will go as planned so I can share them with you once I get the results..

AND SO THE WINNER OF

Margarethink X BornPrettyStore Giveaway is

AMANDA PATTERSON

CONGRATULATIONS! I will contact you ASAP ;)

And thank you all so much for your participation in this giveaway, I hope I can give more in the future.. :)

Love & Dream,

MM

What A Girl Wants | First Giveaway!

Have you heard about an online store called BornPrettyStore.com? I believe many of you already know this brand, but for you who still have no idea about it, let me give you a short introduction.. ;)
BornPrettyStore is a complete online store ever and very famous among bloggers and vloggers.. They literally have everything from head-to-toe, both fashion and beauty essentials.. You can go to their website and I'm sure you will have a panic buying syndrome because the prices are reasonable and the quality of the products is very good.. Not to forget they have a free shipping worldwide WITHOUT minimum purchase..

What I have here is one of their favorite beauty product, a box of 10 mini colorful lipsticks! As you can see from the swatch above, the colors are amazingly pretty! These are a semi-matte lipsticks which very easy to apply.. I tried to do the longevity test and I'm quite surprise with the outcome, I didn't have to retouch it for 5 hours (I didn't eat, only drink).. I also tested it when I eat and some part was erased a bit but I can still see the color, so it's a personal choice whether you want to re-apply it or not.. One more thing, with their long-lasting color, I was expecting that my lip will become dry but   I was wrong.. These little cute fellas will definitely joining my go-to-make up pouch, since they're very tiny.. <3

. . . . . . . . GIVEAWAY TIME . . . . . . . . .

So to celebrate the upcoming Valentine's day, Margarethink has teamed up with BornPrettyStore to do my first giveaway.. One lucky winner will stand a chance to win:

1 Box BornPrettyStore Lipstick, with 10 mini lipsticks inside

To enter this giveaway:

1. You must first register on www.bornprettystore.com (don't worry it's free)

2. Follow Margarethink via Bloglovin' here

3. Leave a comment with your name and registered email address on BornPrettyStore below

The giveaway is OPEN INTERNATIONALLY and the winner will be chosen randomly..

This giveaway will be closed on February 9th, 2016 and I'll announce the winner on February 10th, 2016

GOOD LUCK! ;*

You can also use my voucher code, MAKEK31 to get 10% discount, I already put the banner on the  left side of the blog..

Love & Dream,

MM

Holiday on Holiday

I just went back to Jakarta after spending a whole week in Bali for holiday.. Yes, I've been going back and forth to Bali since my mother opened a gallery in Ubud, Bali (more update on my IG @mmargarethink).. But the reason why I want to share my latest visit there is because I had a totally different experience this time..

My goal when I booked a flight was to relaxed myself, away from the big crowded city.. And to be able to do that, my plan was NO PLAN.. I have some friends living on a different areas of Bali and they helped me a lot to actualize the idea.. I didn't booked a car or driver, I didn't have any exact itinerary, only a list of beaches I wanted to visit, I only booked one hotel, and that's when my journey began..

I arrived in Bali around 09.30 am, went straight to Ubud with my uncle, spent the night at my mom's gallery.. Nothing special on the first and a half day.. My friend picked me up at 2pm, we went to Candidasa Beach in Karangasem because I had never been there before.. On the way there, while we're talking, he reminded me to relax, forget all the chop-chop-quick-here-there things because we're on the island now.. I was truly aware of the fact that I'm still on the big city brain mode.. Anyhow, we decided to spend a night there because I wanted to catch the sunset.. We found this hotel called The Bayshore with small infinity pool facing the ocean and the prize was cheap too, perfect! We can't wait any longer so after a quick change, we jumped into the swimming pool and the sea, enjoying every second of it.. Then the sun started to set, and oh it's so beautiful!

The next morning, the sky was clear and sunny, we took a last dip before check out.. Then we go to Nusa Dua, to my hotel, the only hotel that I booked from Jakarta.. Then we went to The Bay, a new complex with a restaurants and everything, of course facing the ocean.. This was also my first time there and the good thing about it, we can just order food or drinks (no minimum order) then we can use their swimming pool and the beach, good deal right? So we swim (again) for awhile and after knowing that the sun was set behind us, we went back to the hotel..

That night, I met with my university friends, who happened to be having a holiday too in Bali, another unexpected things.. We had drinks at Potato Beach Club, a little catching up moment, then went back to the hotel..

I started my fourth day in Dreamland Beach in Uluwatu, the beach is famous for its waves, either for swimming or surfing.. I didn't take a swim at that time because the weather was super hot, I already got a sunburn and didn't want to make it worse so I just sit there and relax, watching my friend surf.. We had a plan about watching the sunset on the harbor because he wanted to shot something for his short movie.. I was a bit disappointed when he said we probably couldn't make it there because he surf too long.. But I insisted to try, just because I really want to go somewhere out of the ordinary.. Thank God we could make it to Benoa Harbour on time! We shot here and there until the sun slowly starting to set, another perfect view.. This place is recommended for you, but it will be better if you go with your friends (especially if you're a girl) and don't stay there until dark..

We ended the day with a delicious seafood dinner in Jimbaran.. Perfecto!

On the fifth day, I went to Komune Beach Club, spending literally the whole day there alone since my friend had to finish his work.. One thing you should know that they have the new regulation, if you stay at the hotel, you can use the pool and all facilities for free, but if you're just a guess, you can use those with a minimum F&B order of 500.000IDR, quite expensive so I suggest you to come with friends because it is worth to visit.. The sea is full of corals and the sand is bit rocky so you can't swim there, the waves are great for advance level surfers.. The sun set on the right side of the swimming pool, but you get this cotton candy purple sky instead.. 

Two days before flying back home, I joined my university friends, following their plan since I had no plan at all for the day.. We went to Blue Point Beach in Uluwatu, swimming, then went to Dreamland Beach (again), this time I couldn't resist not to take a dip, I mean the weather was nice, not as sunny as before, the water sparkling.. So I jumped and swim, which make me super tanned right now.. :P

But the unforgettable moment was happened during our visit to Pura Besakih, the biggest temple in Bali.. I didn't plan to go to any temple before so I didn't pack any "appropriate" outfit.. Thankfully my university friend who also born and live in Bali has plenty of Balinese outfit, she helped styling us with a traditional one.. Another first! We went to the temple by car, it took 2 hours of driving.. The location was magical!! I got goosebumps and I knew I made the right choice by joining my friends..

Overall, I'm super happy with this trip, I fulfilled my goal, I got totally relax and enjoy my stay there since day 3.. It's very funny when you let your self go with the wind, be spontaneous, you can learn many new things, even finding the answer for your questions about life..

Sorry for the super long post.. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.. ;*

Love & Dream,

MM