Red, navy and Hermes

I have meetings early this morning but after that I'm just clearing work and running some errands before my flight on Saturday - getting some scripts filled, getting some USD. I needed a bit of a boost so I went with this bright blouse that always makes me feel cheerful :) 

Top: LK Bennett
Jeans: Country Road
Heels: Bally
Bag: Chloe
Scarf: Hermes

Only two more days!! xo

Summer office dressing

It is 30+ degrees today, which for those of you in northern climes basically makes it impossible to dress in a traditional 'office-professional' way/full wool-crepe suit without your makeup sliding off your face 2 minutes after you walk out the door.

Since starting this blog and reading more from various style writers on the web, I've become more comfortable in developing my office wear to embrace the practical requirements of the climate I live in. I've posted previously about the cognitive disconnect from the editorial we see that is largely based on people living in cool climates and the realities of life in sub-tropical Brisbane.  Sometimes it can feel next to impossible to come up with an outfit that hits the trifecta: is comfortable/practical, makes you feel elegant and is suitable for the office.

But I think I managed it today and I'm pretty happy with it:

Top: Witchery
Pants: Country Road
Heels: Bally
Bag: Chloe

This ivory tank is a few seasons old but I still love it.  The perforated detail at the yoke adds an element of interest, though the tendency of the top to crease is frustrating - I didn't realise it was quite as crumply as that when I put it on!

The pants from Country Road are a definite warm weather staple for me. I'm not a shorts girl, I prefer my legs to be well covered and protected from sun. This leaves me heavily reliant on jeans, which can present their own challenge on really warm days! A light pair of pants is an absolute life-saver and if they're flattering and make you feel confident, then all the more reason to cheer!

This is not an outfit I would wear if I had meetings. Instead, it's something comfortable but still smart and suitable for a day spent clearing my desk :) xo

Red and ready

I made it back to work!!! *applause*

Top: LK Bennett
Pants: Country Road
Heels: Bally
Belt: YSL
Bag: Chloe

I needed something bright to perk myself up in the office and this Tilly blouse (the very same blouse from yesterday's OOTD but in the delicious red) was exactly right.  I love the strictness of all-black accessories, it allowed the red to just shout.

Probably mostly to do with my palette being a bit off due to illness, but I downed my usual green smoothie this morning and did not enjoy it.  I've decided to give myself a break from all the mad exercise and dieting and just go with the flow a bit for this week - hard for a control-freak like myself, but hey some relaxation is what I need right now. That calls for tuna pie and long walks with M and the dog tonight :) xo

Monday Meetings

Monday mornings after spectacular weekends are always a bit blah, am I right? Sunday looked like this:

Yes, I know, life is hard...

So how could Monday possibly compare?

Irrespective, there was no time for philosophical musings as I had to get ready for work. Monday is always busy. Always.  Even if you think you've locked everything away neat and tidy on Friday evening, and have kept an eye on your emails over the weekend, Monday morning will always come tearing into your office (or sometimes it can't even wait that long and your phone starts buzzing on your bedside table) at a million miles an hour.

I have big meetings today, which I feel confident about but know I have to be 100% on and present the very best case for my company. So I figured I should at least look sharp doing it:

Top: LK Bennett
Pants: Country Road
Blazer: Witchery
Heels: Bally
Bag: Hermes

This is one of the divine crepe tank tops from LK Bennett that I've been pretty much obsessed with since they arrived in the post. Sadly, the pretty pink colour is all sold out #sadface but the ivory/cream colour is still there. Divine under jackets, tucked in with pencil skirts and loose and relaxed over skinny jeans or soft silk trousers.

Have good weeks everyone :) xo

Tuesday in navy and red

Back to work and summer has definitely arrived - 29 degrees in Brisbane today, bright and sunny!

I know I've made this point before but it's worth reminding myself how important it is to dress and shop according to your climate. Paris/London/NY are all undeniably chic fashion capitals...but they're also northern hemisphere and quite temperate/cool (if not sometimes freezing) climates with distinct seasons.  Queensland isn't like that - there are about 3 weeks in June/July when you can get away with a knee-length trench coat (just). The rest of the time, it's warm and sunny and don't you forget it!

Now I'm not complaining - I sincerely enjoy our beautiful climate. It's just occasionally, glancing through international September issues of Vogue or London-based blogs, I don't know, I get wistful for defined seasons and gloves and scarves and things...

Anyway, back to reality where it's hot and the skies are a brilliant blue more often than not! I put this outfit together this morning, admittedly not feeling v inspired after a luxurious long weekend:

Top: Country Road
Pants: Chloe
Shoes: Valentino
Bag: Chanel 

Accessories up close...

These navy trousers are in a lovely light cotton and I felt quite nautical-inspired - the outfit is simple, deconstructed but office-professional and best of all, suits the blazing sunshine and the warm temperatures. 

Black Friday...in grey and white

Chilly Friday morning so I'm working a casual-but-warm look rugged up in a charcoal sweater with white skinny jeans:

Top: Sportscraft
Pants: Country Road
Heels: Bally
Bag: Chloe

We're going out to dinner tonight at one of my favourite restaurants in  Brisbane. It's also where we are getting married next year, so this is a good opportunity to get a feel for the space and check out the seasonal menu.

I try not to be superstitious, but given that it IS Friday 13th, I'll probably be keeping an eye out for any black cats :) xo

Thursday meetings

I had early meetings this morning so I put on my tried-and-true version of a deconstructed suit:

Top: Target
Pants: Country Road
Blazer: Witchery
Heels: Bally
Bag: Chloe

This is a very hard-working outfit for me. I love how the look changes completely once I slip the blazer off. I don't own a full suit - I know, shocking for a lawyer! The thing is, I don't find them especially flattering or modern. Clothes need to multitask more than ever today and a stuffy head to toe look wouldn't work for either my lifestyle, my workplace or our climate.

A blazer over black pants is a versatile option that works incredibly well. Anchored with classic black patent pumps and a structured tote, the look is corporate but fresh.

Blue poppies

Back at work after a lovely long weekend:

Top: KLK Bennett
Pants: Country Road
Blazer: Witchery
Heels: Bally
Bag: Hermes

I bought this blue poppy print silk blouse from LK Bennett. A pretty loose-fitting silk top over skinny pants is definitely part of my uniform. My Witchery black blazer works its usual magic and pulls everything together nicely for the office with a classic black patent pump.

 

Happy Queen's Birthday weekend!!

I don't know about you guys but I definitely needed this long weekend! We haven't had a lot of opportunities recently to relax on weekends - M and I both stay at work late, bring work home and haven't had time to do things like this:



Tea and chess anyone?

We did a lot of chores around the house like hanging some of my original works I've finally had framed, we repaired some cupboards in the kitchen and restored my office following the painting on  Friday. All in all, it was busy but very satisfying - especially as we had an extra day to do the more important things like play chess. I never win, for the record - M is a chess champion whereas  I have no strategy at all I just respond as moves are made.

Then we went out for Thai with very good friends of ours:

Top: Chelsea Flowers
Pants: Country Road
Flats: Nine West
Bag: Chanel

I hope you all had lovely relaxing weekends :) xo

Poppy red Wednesday

The weather is odd at the moment, as though it can't make up its mind what to be.  Yesterday we woke to low-lying cloud and chills. This morning, it's blazing sunshine and quite warm. It just goes to show why there's no point putting clothes away by season in Queensland - you'll need a coat the week after you pack your winter woollies away, and as soon as your swim suits are stowed for the year, the mercury will head north again with a vengeance.

This morning I chose what I call 'deconstructed suiting':

Top: Saba
Pants: Country Road
Blazer: Witchery
Heels: Bally
Bag: LV

I love this top, it's a brilliant pop of colour for when I want a mid-week boost. It's not a traditional suit, the pants are Country Road and I've paired them with a Witchery blazer, but the cuts and fabrics all work together.  I love a cigarette leg black pant for a crisp corporate look. The cut of the top is versatile, it could easily be a casual going out top, but under the blazer the primary focus is on the colour burst.

Leather by The Row

The city was wrapped in low-lying cloud this morning and it was chilly! So I rugged up in a sublime biker jacket by The Row:

Top: Country Road
Pants: Country Road
Heels: Bally
Jacket: The Row
Bag: LV

I snagged this biker jacket in the last Net-a-Porter sale. The quality is beyond compare. I remember being awed when I first took it out and hung it up in my office. One of my staff stood with me and we just silently worshipped the delicious squishy leather.

By far the most impressive thing about this jacket is the quilted lining - it's so warm and the wind can't even touch you. Not something you often worry about in a climate like ours, but just occasionally, like this morning or even a trip to the farmers market in winter at 6am, it's nice to be able to head out confident you won't even notice the temperature :)

Slow Monday mornings

Oh that was a quick weekend. We spent an inordinate amount of time doing housework and just little tidying-up DIY jobs around the house.  So we were both quite exhausted by Sunday evening and we stayed in eating leftovers and watching True Detective (our new obsession!)

Unfortunately, we then stayed up quite late (like naughty teenagers on a school night tsk tsk) so I hit the snooze button this morning. I will (WILL) get up early and do a weights session tomorrow morning.

Thank goodness my wardrobe is well edited and organised at the moment. Assembling an outfit using my current uniform staples makes getting ready in  the mornings a breeze:

Top: Target
Pants: Country Road
Blazer: Witchery
Heels: Pierre Hardy
Bag: Dior

I love this top from Target. It has a racer back, so you can easily slip your blazer off for dinner after work, but it also looks great under the blazer from 9 to 5.

Not that I will be heading out to socialise after work tonight! I need a spin session, a long walk with our dog and then a nice paleo dinner. And maybe another sneaky episode  of True Detective...

Like I said: obsessed.

:) xo

Friday night navy lace

Thank goodness it's Friday!! I didn't get a chance to take a pic of my outfit for work today, I had to dash out of the house at 7am! So I made a point of getting home in time to take a pic before we went out tonight :)

Tonight I put on one of my favourite casual outfits to head out for a drink and light dinner:

Top: Erdem
Pants: Country Road
Heels: Pierre Hardy
Clutch: LV

I adore this navy knit by Erdem. Erdem is one of my favourite designers. I bought my first piece from Matches several years ago, before he became really popular, and I still usually find one or two pieces per collection that catch my eye. This piece has stunning lace sleeves and a boat neck - it's classic with a modern twist and it always makes a great impact.

Navy top, navy skinny jeans, navy heels, topped off by the LV Sofia Coppola clutch in cobalt - it's head to toe navy - my favourite shade, swoon!!

Crisp cream blazer

Hoping for a quiet-ish Thursday so I can work up some marketing materials we have pending:

Top: Witchery
Pants: Country Road
Blazer: Maxmara
Flats: Nine West
Bag: Anya Hindmarch

Skinny jeans, blazer and flats: my kind of relaxed work outfit. I especially love paring my Country Road navy skinny jeans with this gorgeous cream/ivory blazer from  Maxmara. I've had it for years. It originally had two buttons, which made the proportions a bit odd. Not to mention, the first button was right over the bust, which presented its own unflattering challenges.  I took it to a tailor and had them take out the top button, close the hole and also shorten the sleeves slightly. The single button is more flattering and makes the piece so much more wearable.

The look and colour combo is quite preppy, but the ballet flats and the zip detailing on the jeans keep it modern and clean.

Grey sweater

This is a re-run outfit but I love it so much:

Top: Moschino
Pants: Country Road
Shoes: LK Bennett
Bag: LV

I have to walk a fair bit today so I wanted to choose something that would be warm (but not fussy or overloaded with a full coat etc), comfortable and still smart. These LK Bennett shoes are so great because the colour is quite whimsical but the shape is professional. The kitten wedge heel is practical for walking distances but not entirely flat (which always changes how you walk in an outfit, no matter which way you look at it).

I chose a different bag today, the tones of the Damier Ebene LV Speedy B suit the look more in my opinion than the Birkin did last time :) xo

Peach Tuesdays

We're signing a very exciting agreement with new business partners today, a fabulous development we've been working towards for the past 3 months.  I wanted to look feminine but suited up:

 

Top: Chelsea Flowers
Skirt: L'Wren Scott
Jacket: Country Road
Shoes: Kate Spade
Bag: Anya Hindmarch

This peach silk top is new. I had to snip the original wrap stitch at the V-neck, because it was quite low and I don't put up  with pieces that reveal too much through nothing more than lazy design. Working women have the disposable income for fashion. In my opinion, designers should put more thought into how we wear our clothes and what is suitable for an office as opposed to a party or a fashion show. Simply moving the stitch up half an inch makes this top go from 'awkward boob-age' to 'feminine and flattering, but not distracting'.

Bag...iPad mini...car keys...ready to go!

I love the Albion tote from  Anya Hindmarch. It's one of the few fashion bags that I feel completely comfortable putting loads of stuff in. The Albion can handle it!

Monday meetings

Happy Monday everyone!

I have a very busy week coming up, meetings and interviews with numerous candidates for a couple of positions we have available, plus finance reviews. All in all, I need to be quite corporate in my aesthetic this week.

Top: Country Road
Pants: Country Road
Jacket: L'Agence
Heels: Pierre Hardy
Bag: Hermes

The top and pants are both Country Road, very clean and simple but chic. I have a thing for suede pumps (who doesn't?) and these Pierre Hardy heels are actually navy, with a great wearable heel height so I don't feel like I'm teetering.

It was quite chilly this morning so I popped this jacket by L'Agence over my top and pants. It's a lovely piece that I bought on sale from Matches  - happy face! It's a mix of sapphire and corn flower blue and the material is almost like woven ribbons - in combination with the lightly frayed hem and round neck. It's a perfect cover up that makes any outfit look smart.

Blue on Black

A mix of monochrome and navy/blue tonal elements today:

Top: Kors Michael Kors (black and white)
Jeans: Country Road (navy)
Biker jacket: The Row (black)
Shoes: Sergio Rossi (petrol)
Bag: Hermes (black)

I officialy love these petrol colour heels from Sergio  Rossi. Classic suede pumps are such a  great way to add colour and pop to an otherwise fairly simple outfit. They take these navy skinny jeans from  Country Road and definitely dress them up.

I put in a special accessories beauty shot because the full length pics didn't show off the fabulous colour of the shoes:

Gorgeous colour, no?

Heading out for an early dinner tonight at a Malaysian restaurant my friends rave about, then have made arrangements with M for a movie date on the couch with  a glass of wine :)

Have great weekends everyone xo

Navy blouse and dark denim

I bought this navy MIH blouse (and the same again in ivory) for an absolute steal and it arrived yesterday so naturally I spent the evening playing dress up :) When I get something new, I always want to wear it straight away.

Top: MIH
Jeans: JBrand
Jacket: Country Road
Shoes: Bally
Bag:: Hermes

It's quite blouson and loose-fitting which makes it an unusual purchase for me in a way. I tend to avoid loose tops because of my bust as it tends to make me look one size all over. After the success of the skinny jeans from  Country Road however, I felt emboldened and took the plunge!

I love it. Navy is one of my favourite shades and the fact that this shirt is in a soft silk, it flows over the body (unlike a traditional stiff cotton business shirt) and the soft rounded collar adds to the femininity while avoiding pussy-bow fussiness. (Please note, I'm not against pussy-bow blouses per se, it's just with my bust, I know what's good for me and what I  need to learn to say no to ;)

The jacket also nips everything in nicely at the waist, so yay for Country Road again.

I'm hoping to pair this top with a pair of blush pink zip jeans I have later in the week or at the weekend - I love navy and pink together, it's such a gorgeous preppy combo. And I hate to say it, but since my foray into skinny pants, the silhouette of these jeans is starting to annoy me a little. Not badly, I'm just not loving the look as much as I once did. I'm going to go on the hunt for a couple of fresh pairs of JBrand's cigarette leg jeans (814s) when they replenish their sizes on the website.

Navy and white

It's Thursday!!

Ok, the reason  I'm quite excited is because this week, Thursday is my Friday because I'm having a day off tomorrow - happy dance!!  We're going to go down the coast and go fishing. We've both been working really long hours for the past month and we need a break :)

I threw my skinny jeans back on today:

Top: Country Road
Pants: Country Road
Jacket: Country Road
Shoes: LK Bennett
Bag: Hermes

Would you look at that: save for the shoes and the bag, I'm wearing Country Road head-to-toe. I never think of myself as consistently buying any one particular high street brand, but I suppose across enough seasons, I obviously have accumulated quite a few pieces from there.  Feel like I discovered something new about myself today :)

Have lovely weekends everyone xo