Office Space

Apologies for my absence of late, life has been hectic. Looking for a new job after our recent move has been taking up a lot of my time, and it's got me thinking about work wear.

I think there is nothing quite as sad as walking into an office and being greeted by twenty different women all in varying shades of dull. It's as though the idea of power dressing has evolved in some sick way, and now it seems like a lot of my contemporaries are terrified to show that they are gorgeous women in the workplace, as though they are afraid to slide backwards in terms of respect. But I think there is nothing more impressive than a self-assured lady.

So here's to bringing colour back into the work wardrobe. To bringing back luxurious fabrics and feminine curves.

The dress that inspired the look is a McQueen piece, in a rich raspberry hue. It is a fitted style, but has a fairly conservative knee length hem, and an office appropriate neckline with a delicate cowl. (It's actually the short version of Pippa's bridesmaid's dress.) www.alexandermcqueen.com, $1,985

I love this colour paired with grey, as opposed to black. I want a fitted blazer, so that if I wear it open it doesn't hang badly, and with interesting front detailing, so that if it is done up, it isn't concealing the only interesting detail, the cowl neck of the dress. I've chosen a Vivienne Westwood brocade jacket with 3/4 sleeves, my favourite for indoor. www.farfetch.com, $815

  
















I would go slightly darker on the bottom with charcoal tights, www.mintvelvet.co.uk, £9

  And for shoes, also a dark grey, but with a bit of shimmer to add excitement. Jimmy Choo peep-toe pumps, in a metallic finish. www.jimmychoo.com, $665

The New Voltaire

Normally, I am a tailored clothes person. I love a sharply cut pair of trousers, an impeccably fitted blazer. I am a fan of having my clothes altered so they fit me to a T. But every once in a while, a girl needs to be comfy. Slouchy. So completely casual that she just oozes cool. So for my imaginary shopping trip today, I'm aiming for just that.

The inspiration for the look actually began with Candide. If you haven't read it, get your hands on a version translated to your native tongue (or read it en francais), because it's wonderful. Voltaire was a sharp cookie.
Anyway, this morning I was looking online for an antique edition of Candide to add to my small but growing collection of old books. I accidentally Googled "Voltaire" instead of "Candide" (it was early). And what do I find? Zadig et Voltaire, the French clothing line. Intrigued by their too-cool-to-do-laundry vibe, I started looking around the net, and that's when I found them. The pants that inspired my look today. So there you have it, Candide ---> pants in 4 steps. Skills.

The pants are thus: Slouchy and cropped, with patched knees and a near-neutral colour palette, I immediately fell in love with them. The very new-school-Japanese waist is a big factor. net-a-porter, £170

On top, I was feeling a slightly darker colour scheme. As a base layer, I want Chinti and Parker's organic cotton tank, in a slightly sheer taupe. www.chintiandparker.com, £45








And on top of that, I wanted a dark, slightly metallic sweater to keep up with all things shiny this season. Chloe has a beautiful silver and forest green version with a loose open knit. I like that it looks worn in, like it's got a story to tell. net-a-porter, $1185














On my feet, I would wear Stella McCartney snake print ankle boots. The chunky wedge gives a tough edge to a beautiful shoe, and I love the colour palette here. Saks Fifth Avenue, $500

And a big silver cuff, also Zadig & Voltaire, to finish off.
www.zadig-et-voltaire.com, €950

Sonia Rykiel Sunrise

Last night it was finally warm enough to sit outside at night and have a few drinks, a sure sign that spring is really here. Our rhubarb is starting to sprout, and that last chunk of snow in the shade is gone. But this morning it was still too cold for short sleeves, and too warm for knits. I was struck by my lack of long sleeved tops. And there are so many beautiful options out there!

So to start my look today, a radiant silk-georgette blouse from Sonia Rykiel. In beautiful sunrise colours, I really love the tiny gathers at the top of the sleeves, and the pale collar. net-a-porter, £655















To allow the shirt to be a focal point, I want neutral toned pants. I would wear the shirt tucked in, so I want pants with an interesting waist. Burberry Prorsum has a tapered cream trouser that I really like. Burberry online store, $1150







I was looking for other pieces in the same colours at that shirt, and what I found was a pair of perspex-heeled sandals from Stella McCartney. I love shoes, and these ones are beautiful! Stella McCartney online store, £565 












To accessorize, I would buy Roberto Cavalli's Doctor leather tote. Quilted with a crocodile effect, the colour won't detract from the bright pieces, but it still looks rich which is what I like about it. net-a-porter, £1420 
 








 And while I was looking through Cavalli pieces, I found a bright cocktail ring that I would kill for. I love over-sized floral rings, so this orange-enameled Swarovski embellished ring is right up my alley. net-a-porter, £290

Short Dress, Fur Vest

Lately I've been finding that I'm more and more into Stella McCartney. Maybe it's the huge injection of colour this year, I'm not sure, but in any case suddenly I have half a dozen pieces flagged that I want desperately.

Today I'm really feeling that whole short dress, fur vest look.

I'm going to start with one of those Stella McCartney pieces, a thigh-length silk and lace Joan dress in bright blue. (I really love all the vibrant blues this season, completely my favourite colour.) net-a-porter.com, $1480












On top, I want an open fur vest. I know the fur vest trend emerged like two years ago, BUT, Antik Batik has done some amazing fur vests in the last couple of years, and for fall there is a huge trend for global tribal-inspired pieces (Antik Batik's signature). I love this pale grey rabbit fur vest especially. net-a-porter, sale price $269.50








I think the perfect companion for these two colours are wine-toned opaque tights. There is something about deep burgundy on the legs that I love, particularly with grey. Microfiber Opaque Tights in Maroon, We Love Colors, $12.50










On the feet, I would give a girly outfit a bit of an edge with Harrow boots from Rag & Bone in grey brushed leather. Love the chunky heel and raw leather straps, very urban cowboy. Rag & Bone online store, $495 










And a slouchy, practical leather bag is in order. I would use the leather boot straps to tie the bag into the outfit, so something in a dark chocolate or coffee colour. This BCBG messenger bag would be great slung low over your shoulder. 6pm.com, $220.99



All in all, a total indie princess outfit for a busy day around town.
Enjoy!

Spotlight On: Rag & Bone

So I've decided that once in a while, when I have a new brand crush, I will run a spotlight article on the line, building an entire outfit out of their pieces. Gives me a chance to get to know the brand better overall, and let's me show what I feel their vibe is on the blog.

Today I'm doing a spotlight on Rag & Bone, who's chunky winter coats I've liked for a while, but whom I've never before looked at closely for everyday. For those who don't know them well, they are a relatively young brand, started in the USA in 2002. My impression after going through their last few seasons is that the line focuses on several well tailored shapes per season, which are duplicated in a few high quality fabric combos. I actually really like this, because if you are a fan of the rather graphic overall shape, there are options for casual and work in the same cut. A blazer that you love for summer in navy and electric orange will also come in a sober charcoal merino.

Since it is the start of spring though, I'm going to go for bright, clean and transitional, something these guys do well.

To start, one of my favourite things on their site right now, the turquoise eyelet long sleeve top, $275















On top of that, I would wear the white merino Bromley Blazer with blue piping, $495

The blazer needs a sharp line, but the casual top needs something equally laid-back. Crisp white linen blend shorts will do the trick, a nod to warmer temperatures. $275. 













On my feet, I would go for white nubuck leather ballet flats, $295. Love the toe detail, with the geometric seam.

As for accessories, I absolutely love Rag & Bone's cork handbags this season. Simple and chic, with a caramel leather wrist strap, it's an interesting and practical day bag. $220. Also, the sunny yellow cotton Clement Scarf, to toss round my neck if it gets breezy. $115.

 

All in all, I really like the ease of this line. It's a very relaxed prep school feel, tailored just enough to feel well dressed, but still young and fun.

All pieces sourced from, and available at, www.rag-bone.com

Pretty in Peplums

Everyone is in love with The Peplum this year. This makes me ecstatic, because I've always loved the peplum, and it's nice to welcome everyone into the fold. And whether you want to wear it understated, small at the hem of a shirt, or huge and ruffled with a sculpted skirt underneath, it's sure to draw the eye.

Today I'm wishing for a piece from Peplum Paradise, aka Alexander McQueen's FW12/13 line. I've settled on a gorgeous silk and lace top in antique rose and deep black. www.alexandermcqueen.co.uk, £1,195













I would pair with D&G's stretch satin tuxedo inspired skinny trousers, in black. They have a bit of a sheen, and will create a sleek, long line below that peplum. net-a-porter, £230



                                                                                                     
A strong, striking, and yet still subtle shoe is required. It has to have a bit of an edge, be beautiful, and still complement the intricate top, not draw away from it. I wish I could wear all this with these YSL Trib Too platforms. A strong shape, to fit with the tux pants, with barely-there swirling embroidery, tying in with the feminine lace up top. Harrods, £485








And to accessorize, one of my favourite clutches, in it's SS12 reincarnation, the McQueen skull box clutch, this season in pale gold sequins. Wish I had one in every colour! net-a-porter, £1,265

Sleep Chic

This morning I woke up, twisted my half-asleep form out of bed, stood up, and promptly tripped over the dog. The result was a bump on the head and a rip in my favourite pajamas. Not to mention an indignant hound who no doubt felt I was up a bit too early for his liking.

Now, with dark roast in hand, I'm window shopping for some new sleep duds. Not that I won't get out the old Singer and sew up my faves, but it's nice to spend the morning dreaming.

 Stella McCartney makes adorable PJ's, and one of my first buys would have to be one of her silk playsuits. Today I'm really into this simple, deep blue number with adjustable straps. It would be great for lounging around the house in, comfy, but pretty. Harrods, £115.






Of course, sexy sleepwear doesn't always equate skimpy sleepwear. There is something to be said for swathing your body in gorgeous fabric when you climb into bed. If you, like myself, love a beautiful set of pajamas, you must, MUST look at some from Natori. Some of the most gorgeous pajamas I've ever seen, with bright Asian-inspired prints. Right now I love the silk charmeuse Miwa print. Natori.com, $190


Natori also does amazing couture caftans, which I would snap up if I could afford them. This silk Lotus print is so incredible. I would take this with me on a tropical holiday, and just walk from bed to beach. Perfect. 
Also Natori.com, $2500


And of course, for chilly nights, you have to have something to keep the toes warm. I actually love bare feet, even when it's freezing, but every once in a while I really need something soft to snuggle my toes into (if warming them against my surprised boyfriend's leg doesn't work). Betsey Johnson makes some of my favourite footwear, including slippers. Super comfy, and with a signature hint of bad-ass, the classic leopard print slipper is my number one choice today. Zappos, www.zappos.com, $34


Sleep Chic!