Sometimes its okay to be Sneaky

When I see this ... 

 

Sneakers: Nina Roche from Spitz

 I see this ...

 

 

 

Boardroom Formal - Version 2

"Many highly intelligent, well-qualified, capable men and women are not taken seriously because 'they don't sell for what they're worth,'" Price says. "A lack of professional appearance holds them back. It's frustrating because clothing certainly does not determine one's actual competence and credibility; it does, however, influence others' perception of those qualities — and that reality impacts career opportunities."

I am a firm believer of professional work attire , and dressing the part, especially for those in management (or, aspiring to be in management), senior and executive, because first impressions do last.

 

But ... as a closet fashion lover , I do believe that even if you are confined to formal Monday to Friday  - Who said formal has to be boring ?

You can be on trend and still pull off looking formal at the same time.

When it comes to my personal choice of work wear , I like to keep the 'less is more' principle by not over accessorizing and going overly colourful, yet still being able to enjoy my everyday work clothes and feel comfortably confident when I walk into a boardroom full of suites.

Given the fact that I am a lover of all things BLACK and then GREY and WHITE, it makes it even easier when shopping for a work closet.

Today's work ootd is a jumpsuit which I came across in one of my favourite places (the formal clothing isles of Zara)

All I can say is that I am legit obsessed with this Zara formal jumpsuit !

The colour meets the exact 'requirements' of formal wear, its simple , comfortable and pulls of a look of a 'vested' suited look, but is actually a chic jumpsuit.

One of my favourite work closet staples

Work clothes do not have to be boring and conventional , they can meet the requirements of formal with a dash of difference

 

 

 

 

 

Crazy about the High Waisters!

I'm really a pants girl - as I feel so much more comfortable wearing pants than I am wearing things that show off my legs, unfortunately, like jeans, I find that finding the right pair can be a real pain in the ass sometimes.

Needless to say I fell crazy in love when the high waisted pants returned to the shelves and I was on a mission to find the right pair of formal pants to team with my work shirts and the perfect pair of casual high waisted jeans for the weekends.

High waister's are flattering and hip-skimming, therefore its no surprise that the high waisted trousers keep returning to the catwalk.

The variety of styles at your fingertips, from your work out joggers, to your booted high waisters all the way to the variety of formal suited options leave you with many to choose from.

They come in an amazing array of print options, including florals, Aztec, geometric, dogtooth and tartans. You can also pick and choose when it comes to fabric, whether your feeling scuba, cotton, silk or faux leather.

These pants are the ultimate must have. My personal preference for formal as seen below is silk (though the creasing during the day can be a pain) with minimal print so they remain versatile for me to team with either a vest, t-shirts or a plain formal work shirt.

As I suffer from "short girl problems", I team my high waisted formals with a good heel so the pants carry the elegant appeal which I adore. With the high waisted jeans, I find it is easy to get away with either a pair of simple pumps, trainers or heels.

I was lucky to find my best choices of both formals and casuals at Topshop who carry an amazing range of high waisted jeans in a variety of cuts (to die for) High Waisters: TopShop
Tank: H&M
Sunnies: Dior  

 

The Denim Code

The jeans featured below is True Religion , for me this was one of those lucky packet draws found in surprise in the process of trying on a pair of jeans to please my husband (after much convincing) who is an avid brand loyal True Religion jeans customer. (one person's preference is another's poison - that's my motto in the jeans department )

 

 

I am very particular about the fit, feel and wear of my jeans (mostly fit),  brand is the very LAST thing on my mind, and I’ve battled to be loyal to any particular jeans brand for years. It is only of very late, that I have found a brand of jeans which I am addicted to, and find most of their style cuts to seem as if they were made for me (will review them on a future post) … Thankfully I don’t need to INVEST in each purchase of these, though if I had to I would given I feel great when I wear them (and that’s what counts when purchasing a pair of jeans)

So you can gather, as we all already know ,that finding the right pair of jeans is a mission, AND finding this “perfect fit” might seem daunting, so I’ve gone ahead and done some of the legwork for you…literally, as we are all uniquely different and each deserve to find our very own true love in a pair of jeans ,so take a look at my denim guide below in the hope of helping simplify your search;
 

If you have a petite build… Petite girls can go for almost any cut, but it’s a good idea to try a pair of jeans that lengthens your legs. A long, super skinny cut will show off your tiny figure and curves, while a pair of high-waisted trousers will create the illusion of height and length (I suggest wearing a pair of heeled wedges to make your legs look even longer).

If you’re pear shaped… A pear shaped body type tends to carry weight in the hips, rear, and legs–the lower half. A mid-rise, balanced style will flatter your shape because it will elongate your legs. Ideally, you should search for pair of moderate skinnies

If you’re apple shaped… Apple-shaped ladies need their denim to provide a little more “give” in the waistline, because they tend to carry their weight around the middle. Choose a fit that has a straight leg so that it shows off your assets, but without making you look middle-heavy.

If you have an hourglass figure… If you have the curvy but balanced body type we call “hourglass.” This figure can wear almost any cut. but it’s important to show off your curves the right way, and skinnies will highlight your curves. A pair of wide-legged trouser jeans will work wonders for enhancing your waist

If you’re busty… A wide leg fit will help balance out your bust so you don’t appear top-heavy. Choosing a lighter color wash will also draw the eye downward and away from your chest. Go for low-rise, boot-cut or wide leg trousers

If you’re tall… If you’re lanky and lean, go ahead and show off those gorgeous gams. A low-rise pair will help give your shape proportion, and a high-rise style will make your legs look like they go on for days (which is never, ever a bad thing). You can rock a trouser style, a balanced boot cut, flared jeans, or an ultra skinny fit–just make sure that whatever style you choose emphasizes your best feature.

If you’re curvy… Girls with curvy body types must be very careful to select a style that will create a slimming effect in all the right places. Show off your curves by picking a pair that hugs your assets and flatters not-so-favourite features. A lot of denim brands have fits that are marked “curvy,” which just means that the jeans are constructed specifically for curvier figures (plus they usually have some stretch to them, which is never a bad thing). Levi’s has a great line of jeans called the “Curve ID” collection that basically lets you choose your jeans depending on how curvy you are.. If you’re a curvy girl with a small waist you can rock the high-waisted trouser look because the cut will accentuate and flatter your tiny middle area. Lately, be sure to go for dark wash denim versus light to create a slimming effect.

If you have an athletic shape… For girls who have toned, athletic bodies, your best bet is to create curves while evening out your shape at the same time. I would suggest boot cut or flared jeans that are fitted around the thighs and bum, but a little more relaxed around the calves and ankles.

Happy sweat free shopping ladies !

Little ol' Black and White

Wind in my hair, heels on my feet,

the day is looking UP!

The "little black dress" , the quintessential staple of any women's closet.
Well... today's ootd is my version of the "little black and white dress" - flirty, flowy, fun, but still a
little bit serious enough to take to work with me.

 

Dress: Forever New

Heels: Europa Art

 

Accessorize Me

"Any opportunity to adorn oneself is human,

and accessories are an easy way to do it "

 - Marc Jacobs

Its all about choosing the right accessory. Today, I'm steering clear from reviewing a particular brand , as there are so many lovely ones to choose from in a variety of colours and designs, that you can start your own collection to accompany your wardrobe.

Most hand accessory's are worn on the watch free hand which looks elegant , but my personal preference is to match my accessory to my watch colour and teaming it on the same hand as my watch . The only thing to be careful with doing this is to ensure that  your accessory does not end up scratching and damaging your watch.

When choosing your accessory, there are a variety of choices (damage to pocket inclusive) and makes to choose from. Depending on your choice, choosing the right colour is important, so that you can achieve versatility in wear. Rich colours or pastel colours limit you to particular outfits, whereas neutral colours (brown's, white's, black, sliver's, gold's and grey's) allow you to get more usage in wears across your closet.

 

 The materials themselves come in an array of choices, coming in leather, gold, platinum, silver and a variety and plaited threads – what's not to love about the choice?

 

The fit is everyone’s personal preference .Given that I have always had weirdly small risks, I prefer my accessory to be fitted so that they are not riding up and down my risk the whole day  which can become pretty annoying (I'm the same with my watches). If you're not sure what size you may be when purchasing yours, simply measure the circumference of your wrist, the accessory should comfortably be less than the measured circumference of the bracelet.

The fun things with hand accessory's is that you can stack them up, or mix them up with a variety of different bracelets according to your very own appeal. This style is not only limited to women as a variety luxury brands carry a wide range of men’s hand accessory's that can be paired with their watches or worn alone, so this trend is a much loved unisex one.

Quirky is my thing

I have decided to write this blog post on not only one of my favourite shoe designers , but one of my favourite bloggers aka The Blonde Salad

 

I have always found her an inspiration especially on how she juggles her life around blogging , being a designer and a model. Her blog The Blonde Salad garners over 200,000 views per day and she has been a pioneer, not only within the blogging community, but also within the fashion industry.

 

The Chiara Ferragni Collection which launch 2013 began purely as a shoe line , and today its success is evident in the wide range of products under the brand, each commanding their own attention. I am always one for a quirky shoe, and Chiara Ferragni’s Blink Eye shoe was sold on me !

On my recent trip to Milan , my mission was clear , I was going to start my Chiara Ferragni collection . For me, I adore the versatility in the shoes , and Chiara Ferragni’s Blink Eye shoe is all that, funky and sparkly , comfortable, yet so outstanding ,that when I wear them my shoes garner all the compliments.

Their fun and full of personality which is what dressing and fashion should be about.  They go with everything (I wear them with my formal wear to work and my casual clothes in weekends ) and they can dress up any outfit, taking it from boring to fabulous!  

The shoes are made with leather calfskin in Italy and the manufacture and quality is brilliant!

I have posted a pic below which honestly does not do justice to the beauty of these shoes. They come in a range of colours and designs, so give them a look at www.chiaraferragnicollection.com, you wont be disappointed. 

 

 

Embroid Me Gucci

I want men and women to feel authentic and free in the expression of themselves.

ALESSANDRO MICHELE

Gucci Creative Director

Gucci Embroidered Denim Pre-Fall 2016 

I love embroidered clothes , and these jeans are just goals . 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooling Pink

Lancôme Cushion Blush Subtil

Shade: 02 Rose Limonade

The Lancôme Cushion Blush Subtil features a cushioned saturated sponge of blush colour inside a dual topped compact (refillable). A small plastic lid cover prevents the blush from drying out , and the compact is accompanied with a mirror to touch up your blush during the day. 

The application is very easy , just lightly dab the cushion in the sponge and pat along the cheekbones. The blush is pigmented and with just a few dabs the colour sets in easily leaving a subtle dewy look . On application the blush lives up to its "cooling" application as it leaves a cool feeling on the cheekbones with each application - loved that .

There are a wide variety of amazing colours to choose from with the Rose Limonade being my personal favorite . Given that it is in a nifty compact , it makes it easier to carry around . 

My verdict is : GET it ! , as there is no harm in adding another blush to your collection especially one that feels this good on application

 

 

I promise to always LoVe you

There are some bags in my collection that I constantly seem to return to, and have an inclination to expand on with tastefully new pieces. For me LV is an investment in my bag collection. These bags are lovingly taken care off, and are so versatile that they can be used with multiple looks and outfits. I personally find myself never tiring of these bags , even the first milestone purchase when I ventured into the world of Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton, shortened to LV, was founded in 1854 as a French luggage-making family-operated business. Over the years, the company has evolved into a leading international fashion power house, with products ranging from luxury luggage and other leather goods, to ready-to-wear and accessories, sunglasses and jewelery. 

As a business women I am in constant awe of the business, brains, fashion design and marketing behind this worldwide brand, that has created such exclusivity and quality around their brand ,making it a worldwide sought after exclusive item. Each collection is well thought out , and owning one is like owning an expensive piece of art in your closet.

Have you ever heard of an LV sale, 50% discounted items, clearance sales ….. no, I most certainly have not in all my travels. The brands quality and exclusivity do not conform to those sales tactics , yet, they are able to achieve high turnovers in each store they occupy around the world.

Needless to say, todays post is dedicated to the love of Louis Vuitton , and today’s simple clutch adds such class to what would have been a simple outfit.

Priority Number 1

I love this saying ... why ... because its so true.

You are your number one priority !

 

 We keep making others our priority (nothing wrong with that - its human nature), putting everyone else first and ourselves last , but the truth of the matter is that in order to be able to give anything of yourself to others you have to be all together yourself first.

Balmain

What can I say ? Olivier Rousteing creations are #closetgoals

I am in love with his jackets and dresses, the tassels and the beading the motives and the embroidery.

Take me to Balmain!

Stuffy is for Teddys

 

Who said work clothes have to be boring never walked into the formal isles of Zara , Mango and H&M. Work clothes are not like they used to be before. You can still look formal and walk into a boardroom meeting to chair a session , and not look like you have been attending a funeral ... no offense 🤕.

You don't have to  ALWAYS stick to bare blacks , navy's and white anymore (though I think they are the best colours for work wear ) ... work clothes come in every colour range and styles.

Suites are no longer conventionally cut and neither are the shirts or long knee length skirts. You don't have to end up looking like your wearing the same shirt in different colours the entire week 😟

Work shirts themselves have become so appealing that they can be used with jeans in weekends .

 

Waking up for work has never looked so good. ❤️

Watch me ...

You will be seeing a few features in the future on watches on the blog. Watches have moved away from serving their purposes as time keepers alone , and have become jewellery time pieces especially to men, a fundamental statement piece to their work suites , formal clothes or casual clothes.

I am in awe of the different types of watches, their movements, the colour of the bevels, the different face sizes , and variety of band colours and designs. We are truly in a new era of time pieces.

In saying this, they have become a fundamental accessory to an outfit. I find that if I am wearing the most 'cleanest' looking suite, an outstanding watch adds a unique twist of appeal to the outfit. Playing with the colour of the choice of band, and bevels when purchasing your watches will ensure you have pieces that can be interchanged with your daily outfits.

 

 Not all pieces will cost you an arm an a leg. Their are beautiful models being made by well known brands such as Fossil whose range of automatics are beautiful and affordable and a worthy long term purchase for your watch collection.

We shoese you Valentino

Valentino have truly outdone themselves in the shoe game. Their shoes have become the must haves in every fashionista's  closet, with their beautiful range of colours, elegant straps with embellished studs.

I recently came across this beauty which I had to share. A bit out of the range of which I have been crushing on , but the elegant appeal of the shoe as well as its heel made it a versatile shoe for both casual and formal wear. This shoe can we worn with a navy blue suite for work, or a washed out blue jeans for the weekend. Your very own blue suede shoes .....

Have a look at that heel!

Oh Boy

I am totally crushing on these jackets of late!! Plain jeans, plain shirt and POP the jacket is the statement piece.

 

 The colour of this jacket in particular is outstanding, and the motives attached make the jacket a canvas of colour. Be sure to look out in stores this season for your piece.

 

 I have come across these jackets in various store in burnt pink , fire engine red as well as deep orange.

 The jacket below is Dolce & Gabbana

The Retched Cat Eye Liner

I have watched way too many Youtube videos on tutorials of how to get this right and failed at every turn. Wasted time getting ready as well as make-up remover and eventually left the house with clean eyelids.

Now that I finally found the secret to creating the perfect cat eyeliner in the minimalist amount of time , given I don't have much time to get ready in the morning rushing off to work , it would be a sin not to share.

Benefit it is ! This liner end is shaped is such a way that it makes the drawing on process a breeze and is a comfort to even the most unsteady hand (like mines) . My new found favourite.

For the Love of All things RIPPED :

 Who doesn't love a pair of well ripped jeans? . I own two many to count, and find that they can be teamed up with a casual shirt for the weekend look, or a formal work shirt with a pair of heels for a Friday casual work look. The key to purchasing the right pair is in the ripping.

 

 I am very particular about where the jeans are ripped and how they are ripped. My personal preference is to keep it classy with not too many gaping holes and excessive ripping as I find that the jeans then loose its appeal to me. Stores like Topshop and Levis offer custom ripping which is pretty awesome.

I purchase the jeans of my choice, and usually have a picture of how I'd like my jeans to be ripped , and I hand it over to the experts. That way I have my very own pair of uniquely ripped jeans.