OOTD: Workwear

With the heatwave we have been experiencing in London appropriate workwear has been tricky. I commute by tube each day so I am very sympathetic with most Londoners sweltering underground. However, at times like these the temperature in the office is arctic as the aircon desperately tries to overcompensate and ensure that the guys in their 3 piece suits are catered for. I therefore wanted to share some outfits from the last week of how I dress for work and try to remain professional (and not look like I'm off to the beach), but still comfortable.

The first dress I have been loving is a sale purchase from Ted Baker. It's very comfortable and though it has a lining the fabric is pretty stretchy so it never feels tight. The pattern is very Summery, but the demure length still makes it office appropriate.

Dress on sale from Ted Baker here

This outfit is super comfortable and easy to wear. The floaty fabric is cool, but the length of the skirt makes it work appropriate and traditional.

Top and Skirt from French Connection on sale here

 

The last outfit is a super comfortable dress from Reiss. It's light, but not at all see through. It moulds effortlessly to your shape and the side detail is very flattering skimming the contours of your body. It's not too short or too low for the office, but is not at all restrictive.



Dress on sale from Reiss here

 

I love Summer and the hot weather so I always try to make the most of it while it lasts... even if it is just in short lunch hour stints while I am stuck in the office, or walking between meetings. :)

Sandie Khoo: Part 2

Unfortunately it's almost exam time again so early mornings and late nights with the books have been keeping me pretty busy. However, I have missed blogging so much and just wanted to do a quick update to follow up on my previous Sandie Khoo post.

I wore this super cute key hole jumper a few days ago and absolutely loved it. The cashmere is not only ridiculously soft, it also keeps you really warm without feeling heavy or impractical.

The pearl buttons and bright colour are the perfect combination of modern and traditional. I paired mine with a classic black skirt and lace camisole to keep the palette simple, while adding a little texture.

The Sandie Khoo Cardigan comes in 3 different colours and can be found here.

Are you still clinging to the comforts of winter? It certainly does not feel like Spring is on its way to London any time soon! xxx

Work It Out: Lace

On Friday my fiance and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary! Since I had to go straight from work to play (pre-theatre dinner at The Balcon followed by Viva Forever) I did make a little bit of effort to make my outfit less boardroom boring, while still being office appropriate. I decided to pair a a feminine, form fitting lace dress with a more formal structured peplum jacket.

 Lace dress: French Connection, Peplum jacket: LK Bennett.

I also blow dried my hair using the Babyliss Big Hair in a side swoop, giving my hair a little more volume and bounce.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend! xxx

KM Polished Workwear Edit

The last look in my Karen Millen accessory edit is Polished Workwear.

Although the length of this skirt wouldn't be wholly appropriate for my office I absolutely adore this monochrome look! I decided to keep it simple and stylish by adding black accessories in a range of textures. The waist belt combines black pony hair and leather, while the bag has a gorgeous patent finish to contrast the muted suede of the simple black court heels.

If this look is not quite glitzy enough for you there is still time to enter the @KarenMillen competition to win my edit of accessories for the after dark look here.

Good luck my lovelies! xxx

*Sponsored post*

Work It Out: Printed Pretty Pleats

Uh oh! I promise this will be the last post featuring a Reiss sale piece, but you all know I can't control myself when it comes to a bargain. So when I saw this Nico pretty midi skirt down from £125 to £37 I couldn't resist. It's 100% silk... it's pleated... it has a graphic mint print and sexy side splits. Need I say more?

Cami: Zara, Jumper: Mango, Skirt: Reiss (here), Shoes: Gucci.

Have you picked up any special pieces in the recent sales? xxx

Work It Out: Blue Leopard

Another day, another purchase in the Reiss sale - this time a pair of royal blue cigarette pants.

 Shirt: Zara, Trousers: Reiss, Shoes: Gucci

The shape of this trouser is a little awkward to wear, but a good pair of heels generally helps. I love the high waisted fit and the vibrant, yet classic deep blue!

Work It Out: Suited

Although I am not usually the suited and booted type some days at work require a suit. Whether it is a business trip, an important meeting, or just one day you need to impress the boss a well cut suit can really give you confidence. Even if you don't work in a formal environment everyone needs a suit in their wardrobe... you never know when you will need it!

There are few places that can make a feminine, stylish suit that is fashionable. Most suits I try on make me feel far from confident as the child inside me scowls at the fact I'm wearing such 'grown up clothes', while my inner fashionista frowns at their frumpiness. Up till now I have purchased tailoring from Zara as well as a few bits from the ever conservative Austin Reed. However, I recently invested in a new suit in the Ted Baker sale and am exquisitely happy with it!

Suit: Ted Baker Prince of Wales (On sale here), Cami: Zara.

 

The jacket of this suit is cut so well that it fits snugly, but very comfortably. The lining is a gorgeous floral pattern and super silky (as shown on the back of the waistcoat below). These little details add a luxe feel while making it easy to wear with a cami or a shirt ensuring you can keep cool, even in the most stressful boardroom ;). There's nothing worse than a suit with a horrible, synthetic lining that makes you feel all flustered and hot!

 

All too often I find that I have to go up a size in jackets (I wear a 2 in TB) as they are too tight around the bust, yet too loose at the waist hiding any shape under an unflattering box cut. Ted Baker tailor their suits with the female body in mind, so that your shape is exaggerated, but modestly so. The button detailing on the skirt also adds some interest and makes it unique. This particular suit has matching trousers, which I am currently eyeing up, plus a waistcoat and a simple dress.


Do you often wear suits for work? Which are your favourite brands? Have you purchased any tailoring from Ted Baker? xxx

Work It Out: Ribbon Knit

I usually steer away from horizonal stripes, but I just couldn't resist this dress in the French Connection sale. The material is so comfortable, and even though it is tight fitting and pretty 'slinky' being rayon it has a lot of stretch. The ombre style with contrasting panels becoming darker towards the bottom is also surprisingly flattering and works well to smooth curves.

 Dress: French Connection (On sale for £57.50 here), Shoes: Kurt Geiger.

The modest length of this dress makes it easy workwear, while the form fitting style can also translate to post work drinks. This is the perfect piece to take you from day to night!

Have you picked up anything from the FCUK sale this season? Are you a fan of horizontal stripes? xxx

OOTD: Wallis

Last week while browsing the stores in One New Change after an event I spotted a dress in the window of Wallis and immediately purchased it. I don't think I have ever even been into Wallis before, but now looking at their website I think I have been really missing out! They have a great selection of dresses in a variety of fun patterns and flattering shapes, many of which remind me of DP.

Dress: Wallis (£40 here), Belt: Ted Baker.

Are you a fan of Wallis? Have you purchased anything there recently? xxx

Work It Out: Mint Accent

I can never resist ASOS so while picking up a few bits for the bf's bday I decided to slip a few sale items into the basket for myself.

 Dress: ASOS Midi Pencil with Colour Block Cowl (On sale from £45 to £20 here).

Although this dress has completely the wrong proportions for me (far too large in the hips and small in the chest) I absolutely love the style. The classic, cool toned grey is made modern and perky with a pop of mint around the collar. The midi length also makes it perfect for work. Not bad for £20!

Work It Out: Belgravia

My new favourite online dress retailer is The Pretty Dress Company. Their dresses are exquistitely feminine and classic making them the perfect choice for flattering work attire, as well as classy evening wear. My most recent purchase is the Belgravia dress in Navy (£89 here).

The stretchy material is super comfortable and I absolutely adore the peplum detailing, fishtail hem and the over exaggerated bow on the back. One thing I would say is a necessity when wearing this dress though is killer heels! I usually pair mine with either nude or navy.

Have you ever purchased anything from The Pretty Dress Company? What are your favourite styles? I can't decide on my next order as I am in love with the all!!! xxx

Work It Out: Karen Millen Colourblock

My love for Karen Millen dresses is one of my worst kept secrets, but I had never really considered their knitwear! I recently picked up this super cute Karen Millen Colourblock dress on sale in Selfridges. The lovely girl working on the counter actually recognised me, which pretty much sealed the purchase lol.

Despite being form fitting this dress is super soft and comfortable. I actually purchased it in a size up as I wanted to wear it for work and was worried that it was a little short. Luckily, it's very stretchy so you can pretty much adjust it to the length you need!

Unfortunately it is no longer featured on the KM website, but I did find it on sale for £85 here (I have never purchased from this website, so I have no idea how reliable it is).

Work It Out: Mad Men Houndstooth

Ever since Banana Republic opened its stores in the UK I have tentatively purchased the odd cardigan, dress or necklace here and there. If you are a fan check out the 25% off code at the bottom of this post!

Banana Republic have great quality pieces that last, but are sometimes a little plain for my taste. Also, the shape of their dresses sometimes don't fit me as well as others, though I find the same to be true with NEXT and L.K.Bennett. I'm not sure if this is because they use shorter models with very different proportions to myself. I usually find that I have a lot of space in the waist, but if I go a size down the thigh area becomes far too tight... Does anyone else have this problem? Perhaps it's just my thunder thighs... ;)

 Banana Republic Mad Men Collection Houndstooth Dress. Mango Navy Cardigan.

 I love the contrast of the light satin-esque top with the heavier wool bottom of this dress, tied together with the graphic houndstooth print.

This dress was from Banana Republic's Mad Men Collection and originally $185 (not sure of exact £), but I managed to snap it up in the sale for a fraction of the price (£30!!). Unfortunately the other dresses in the collection were nowhere to be found, namely my favourite Betty dress!

This collection embodies my favourite shapes and period inspiration. Tailoring, curves and lady like silhouettes... Love! 

I am not afraid to admit that I fantasize about walking into the office looking like this every day... ;)

If you are a fan of Banana Republic and fancy checking out their latest offerings you can save 25% on your purchase with the code: BRSPRING

What do you guys think of Banana Republic? Are there any pieces you are currently lusting after? xx

OOTD: Paris

Back in January I whizzed over to Paris for a short (work) trip. As I was travelling solo I was able to choose my own accommodation and decided to stay at the newly opened Le Pavillon des Lettres, which is an amazing boutique hotel near Madeleine. Each of the 26 rooms corresponds to a different letter of the alphabet, encompassing the spirit of a poet, a writer, an impassioned virtuoso or a genius, with extracts of each chosen artist printed on the walls. My room was X for Xenophon.

Despite the drizzle and cold I took full advantage of the few hours I had spare between meetings to wonder the streets and do a teeny tiny spot of shopping. In the evening I made a quick dash back to the hotel to freshen up for a client event. My experience last year taught me that this was quite a formal affair, less like the cocktail party described on the invitation, and more of a corporate networking evening. Rather than opting for the same grey/ black suit I decided to wear a lace dress accented by a formal, well fitting tuxedo style blazer.

French Connection Angela Lace dress (On Sale £55 here).

Despite my lack of sightseeing time during the day as the event was held in the enchanting Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine museum I was lucky enough to have an amazing view of the Eiffel tower on my stroll back to the hotel.

Bisous xxx

Work It Out: Seamed

It's been a while since I have done a Work it Out post! With the dark mornings my snooze button has been getting quite the workout, but many of you have commented that you have missed them so I have tried to make a little more effort!

 

Magenta midi pencil dress with seamed detail - ASOS (now on sale for £27), Patent belt - Ted Baker, Blazer - Zara.

This dress is very form fitting, yet comfortable. I love the bright colour and seamed detailing around the bust, which echos the underwear as outerwear trend, but in a subtle, conservative way. I decided to team it with a structured, black tuxedo style blazer to toughen it up with a little masculine tailoring.

Are you wearing midi dresses this season? Are you a fan of 'work it out' posts? What kind of fashion posts are you most interested in seeing? xxx

OOTD: Peplum

Those of you who have seen a few of my OOTD posts will know my love for Closet at Dorothy Perkins (and at this rate they should be paying me lol)!

I first noticed this dress on the DP website and fell in love with the bright turquoise colour and soft ruffles. The shape of this dress is gorgeous, I just wish it was a little longer, or had a lining, as the material is on the thin side and it does ride up a lot when you walk...

 Dress: Closet at Dorothy Perking (v. similar style here, £45), Wedges: Primark.

Are you a fan of the peplum? Have you checked out Closet at Dorothy Perkins? xxx

Work It Out: Jade

Pencil dresses are definitely my weakness. Whenever I see one in an original style or fun colour I inevitably end up trying it on. The shape is really flattering for us hourglass ladies as it accentuates curves in the right places - creating balance in the silhouette while streamlining any bumps (fingers crossed). I first noticed this dress online as its bright green colour is very different to anything I currently own (the pictures look more blue toned than irl). I also liked the v-neck and the original tiered detailing around the shoulders.

 Dress - Dorothy Perkins (£30 here), Patterned Tights - M&S, Tuxedo Blazer - Zara.

Since this dress has no lining it fits pretty snugly in terms of shape, but doesn't perhaps have as much support as one would like, so I would recommend wearing it with tights. Cheaper materials like this tend to be quite thin, so it's always best to add another layer!

Are you braving bright colours this season? What are your favourite dress shapes? Do you sometimes favour style over quality? xxx

Work It Out: Fit and Flare

Taking advantage of the 20% off offer at Dottie P's on VFNO I popped in to pick up a couple of dresses from one of my recently discovered brands - Closet. I absolutely adore the deep, crisp purple shade of this dress and the cute fit and flare style. A more wearable (in the length) and ladylike version of the skater dresses that have been replicated by a number of brands in a rainbow of colours.

 Dress: Dorothy Perkins (£42), Patent Belt: Ted Baker, Patterned Tights: M&S, Boots: DP

As much as I like the colour and cut of this dress the fit wasn't as I had hoped. The waist sits much higher than I would like, which makes the little pocket flaps stick out, rather than fall flat on the hips. This does look a little unflattering as it makes you appear wider rather than creating a 'cola bottle' silhouette.. you win some, you lose some. So to create a better shape (and make it more work friendly) I paired this dress with a fitted, single button black jacket from Zara to cinch in the waist.

During the day I paired this outfit with patent and suede heels from DP. These are high, but comfy due to the t-bar strap, and at only £35 (here) they make a great bargain ;).

This is a fun outfit to take you from day to night - happy Friday my lovelies!!

Are you wearing flared dresses this season? What colours are you adding to your winter wardrobe? Have you tried Dorothy Perkins' Closet range? Any pieces you would recommend? xxx