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. :)

OOTD: Country Wedding

A few weeks ago the hubby and I attended a lovely country wedding to celebrate the union of our university friends! The wedding was very sweet with lots of homemade aspects and family members arranging flowers and baking cakes to make the newlyweds' special day unique and very personal.

Dress from Reiss (Marte in blue), bag from Chanel, fascinator from TK Maxx, shoes from Melissa.

I wouldn't normally choose jelly shoes for a wedding, but as there was a mile walk from the church to the reception in a marquee with a high likelihood of rain I decided to be very sensible (and waterproof)! They were also super comfy so I could dance into the early hours... and we did!

Being May the evening was very cold so I definitely brought lots of layers - cardigans, scarf and this pretty (also waterproof) laser cut cream trench coat from Warehouse.

 

Such a lovely day!

OOTD: Reiss

With the lovely weather we have been having in London on Friday I finally felt brave enough to hang up my Winter coat and take my new jacket (originally puchased in the Christmas sales) out of hibernation!

I love the light grey colour as my recent grey obsession continues. It's fitted really well, which makes it perfect for work, but it's thick enough to protect you from the City wind (and if you have stood next to the Walkie Talky building  you will know what I mean)!

The Porter fitted coat is currently on sale in Reiss for £95 here.

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!

Umbria and Tuscany

Not too long ago I spent a magical week in the plush Italian countryside on the border between Umbria and Tuscany. Having returned home to find my internet was broken (fixed today yay!) I have been looking forward to sharing these pictures with you for far too long!!!

 Swimsuit and flip-flops: Ted Baker. Sunglasses: Fiorelli.

 Dress, clutch and flip-flops: Ted Baker. Sunglasses: Prada.

Lake Trasimeno

Bikini: Reiss

Passignano sul Trasimeno pier

 The view from Castiglione del Lago

 Dress: Topshop (similar here)

 Sunflowers in Tuscany

 Montepluciano - where they filmed Twilight New Moon!

Godiolo Vineyard and wine tasting!

Photography by the pool...

 

Swimsuit: Red or Dead (here)

Penguin

Enjoying the sunset in Castel Rigone

 Beautiful Florence

 Lucky piglet Porcellino

 Out for dinner on the last night. Dress: Amaka Showroom.

A very photo heavy post, but I love looking at everyone's holiday snaps, so I do hope you enjoyed them! xxx

OOTD: Signa Pleats

Ah Reiss! You never fail to tempt me with your sales! This season Reiss don't have as many work  dresses as I would have liked in their amazing sale... it just feels like I have seen it all before. However, some of their separates are absolutely gorgeous. I picked up this dramatic, pleated skirt one lunchtime and I think it is a great find, especially for under £50! I love the detailing Reiss always put into their clothes. Ultimately among all the shops on the high street I think they verge the closest to designer, but fortunately without the associated price tag.

Leather Jacket: All Saint's (£350 here), Camisole: Zara, Skirt: Reiss (on sale for £48 here), Shoes: Zara, Bag: Mulberry Cookie, Sunglasses: Prada.

You may be weary of pleated skirts, but this one really is rather special. The colour is deep and sumptuous (not comparable to the nudes, pale pinks and minks or even neons on the high street). The skirt is double layered to provide coverage and weight. Plus while the front panel is plain, the slit underneath is at the front taking away all the bulk that many maxis add and really streamlining it as you walk. I also love the corset style pewter buttons and the mini welt pockets on the back. Once again this keeps it trim at the waist and is so much more flattering than having folds of fabric on your hips!

It looks pretty good warn backwards too! 

I had seen this skirt on the Reiss website before, but completely overlooked it as I am not a fan of the styling (skirt worn a size too big with grey jumper?). If you have a chance I highly recommend that you check the Reiss sale out, they have some great quality, effortlessly stylish pieces that would slot in to any wardrobe! xxx

Work It Out: Reiss

Every time Reiss launches a new collection you can bet that my lunch hour will be spent browsing their website with glee. If it wasn't for the price tag I think I would be purchasing all their dresses to fill my work wardrobe. This gorgeous Livia dress is one of my favourite Reiss purchases from last year. The rich blue mix of fabrics is incredibly flattering and makes a classy statement without being too overpowering.

Unfortunately this dress is no longer available in the blue, but it is on sale in the warm pewter (what I would call stone) colour for £117 here.

I know that Laura (buy now, blog later) modelled it very well on her blog in this shade here! However, if you are also a fan of the indigo you will be happy to know that they have a number of similar dresses this season too such as the Magda (£189 here).

 Or the Sophia (£179 here).

Are you in love with Reiss? Are there any pieces you are currently lasting after? xxx

OOTD and Competition: London Boy

Don't be confused by the title of this post, I haven't quite embraced masculine tailoring, but I am getting a taste of River Island's new London Boy collection!

To show off the wonderful shape of this tube midi skirt I decided to keep my look monochromatic and set it off with some ah-mazing turquoise suede boots that have been sitting in my bedroom waiting for an outing for months. Although stripes are not always the most flattering of patterns, especially on the hips, this skirt creates a beautiful, feminine shape with curves in all the right places ;).

 Leather jacket: Reiss (similar here)

Black vest: Zara (£15.99 here)

Tube skirt: River Island (gifted, £18 here)

Patent leather belt: ASOS

Tights: M&S

Boots: River Island (£100 here).

 Wool Felted Fedora Hat: New Look (On sale £6.99 here).

If you have been lusting after River Island's new London Boy lookbook why not enter their facebook competitioon here to be one of five people who will win the entire trend collection? All you have to do is click on 9 items on the postcard that inspired the collection.

I've already entered, so I'll give you a clue... the tube skirt I'm wearing above is one of them. Good luck my lovelies!

What do you think of River Island's London Boy collection? What are your favourite pieces? Do you dare to wear stripes? How much do you love those boots? I'm pretty obsessed with them ;p. xxx