Two weeks ago I was discovering Western Canada for the first time and sharing my travels with you. It very much feels like a dream as I sit here typing from bed, struck down by some unknown virus probably picked up on the flight home. The young journo in the photo below wouldn’t be able to even dream that this was her job and that this was how her career would evolve. Mostly, she’d struggle because the internet hadn’t been invented, let alone a weird concept where people earn a living online sharing all manner of things with mostly strangers (or friends they haven’t met yet).
Yet, here I am 18 years into my second “career” after 20 years in traditional journalism. I’m 59 and incredibly thankful to be writing, creating videos and sharing photos and ideas on topics that I love. I was 41 when I made a now or never decision to leave the only profession I knew. It was very unusual behaviour for me. I had rarely stepped out of my comfort zone. A series of nasty incidents at my former workplace coupled with my husband starting to commute to Brisbane for work, which left me juggling work, a toddler* and two upper primary school aged kids, catapulted me screaming and shouting WAY out of my comfort zone.
I have a vivid memory sitting on the sofa in tears throwing the adult equivalent of a toddler tantrum.
My husband (bless) said “just leave”.
To which I responded, “what will I do?”.
“What do you want to do?” he asked.
“Work in fashion,” I stomped. YES. I actually stomped my feet.
I had absolutely zero answers to what that job in fashion was or would look like but the question planted a seed. And sometimes that’s all you need. A seed.
Within a couple of months I’d come up with a plan on how I would pay the bills. It involved making my long-service leave payout last as long as possible and lining up a lot of side hustles. The goal was to kickstart a personal styling business, which I did, all the while tutoring at university, taking on freelance PR and writing contracts and writing about fashion and beauty on my blog.
Back in 2008, websites were EXPENSIVE and web developers would charge ridiculous fees just to fix one word. I knew I didn’t want that set up and was lucky enough that my first developer was a work colleague of my husband who built websites as a side gig. He told me I needed a blog, so I got one. Well, I paid him a stupid amount of money at the time for one. It was the best accidental business investment I’ve ever made.
The rest, as they say, is Styling You history. You can read a snapshot of it HERE if you missed my post and/or are new here.
I share my midlife career pivot story often because maybe, just maybe, it’s the seed you need planted but also because if you’re subscribed to this newsletter, you’re very much a part of the Styling You story and for that I’m extremely grateful. Thank you.
Nikki xoxo
{*that toddler turned 21 last week 🥹}
Reading:
Whistler by Ann Patchett
Watching:
Voicemails for Isabelle (Netflix)
Little House on the Prairie (Netflix)
Ride or Die (Prime)
Elle (Prime)
My camera roll is full and my brain imprinted with the beauty that is Western Canada in summer after eight nights travelling from Calgary to Vancouver with Travelmarvel. I’ve seen lakes so blue my eyes couldn’t comprehend what they were seeing, soaring snow-capped mountains framing picturesque towns, glaciers carved out thousands of years ago and a harbour city fringed by rainforest.
If that’s not enough to convince you to add a Western Canada tour to your holiday list, keep reading HERE.
Want to know more about touring with Travelmarvel? Click HERE Plus, Travelmarvel has given me a code to share with you. Quote NIKKI when calling Travelmarvel to save $200 per person on any Travelmarvel Canada or Alaska journey in 2027. Code valid until August 15, 2026. Promo T&Cs on Travelmarvel website.
(Paid partnership)
When I’m planning my inflight outfit, I’m not just planning the plane outfit. I also want to wear those same pieces while on my trip. These new lululemon two-way pants not only made it on to my flight to Canada, I wore them differently as part of other outfits while I was away.
Shop HERE
(paid partnership)
Une Piece has you sorted not only with swimwear but also stunning new natural fibre resort pieces that can be easily dressed up or down. The chambray shirt was one of my Canada MVPs.
Click HERE to shop and for my sizing details. My discount code at Une Piece is IKNOWNIKKI
(Paid partnership)
Thank goodness the old “rule” of not wearing white jeans in winter has been firmly put in the bin. I love a tonal winter white jeans look even though I’m a well-documented food magnet!
Click HERE for links and my my sizing details for all the below Sportscraft pieces.
(gifted, affiliate collaboration)
Do not sleep on these three Alexandra jackets and coats for your winter wardrobe. Make your outer layer in winter your whole outfit personality and no-one will be the wiser just how easy it was for you to get dressed today.
Shop HERE (my code NIKKI20 saves you 20% off full-priced items)
(paid partnership)
This is a winter outfit formula I reach for lunches or evenings out. I love the contrast of textures. I feel a little bit dressed up but I’m still warm.
Heads up, this is one of the most beautiful leather jackets I’ve ever tried and its quality is beyond its price. It’s from brand IDA+S and this is its last restock. You can shop and save HERE with my site-wide discount code NIKKI10.
Shop the rest of the outfit HERE.
(Gifted, affiliate collaboration)
Click the image below or HERE to follow me on LTK. You’ll find links to many of the beauty and fashion recommendations I feature.
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