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

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!