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

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