Wear it to work

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Desk draw essentials #2: Pantyhose

The rule here is simple - just wear it. Sure it will ladder, it will catch, but that's why you have a spare. The occasional summer scorcher excepted, pantyhose should be an everyday item. As a professional, it is just the classy thing to do. If it's good enough for Kate Middleton, it's good enough for you.

And if that is not enough, it pulls in your tummy and means you can go an extra day without shaving. Win.

Wolford Satin Touch 20 denier tights GBP 20 at net-a-porter

Ambra better than bare control brief pantyhose $14.95 at the iconic

Levante class regular pantyhose $13.95 at the iconic

A good pair of pantyhose can be worth spending a little bit of money, especially if u find a pair that consistently work for you. I love Jonathan Aston personally, all the tights I have bought from his range have always been excellent quality, excellent fit.

Myer and David Jones both frequently have blanket 25-30% discounts on hosiery so it's worth finding a pair you like and stocking up (oh yes I did go there...) while they're cheap.

However, I have one disclaimer: be VERY careful about wearing pantyhose with open-toed shoes. Sure, if you are sporting a pair of Chloe sandals with a chunk knit sock, the look is obvious, and pretty cool. But don't rely on your employer thinking the same. As a general rule, with sheer or skin-tone pantyhose, never expose your toe.

But as an exception, if you have a fresh pedicure and a great pair of peep-toe heels to show off, perhaps try a pair of No Toe pantyhose...

Ambra Better than Bare No Toe Pantyhose $12.95 at the Iconic

When it comes to a pair to keep in your desk as a backup, the supermarket brands do just as good a job. I like to buy my tights in just a shade more tanned than I actually am... helps avoid feeling like an albino in the depths of winter!

Thursday, 5 July 2012

Wellies to work?

I say: do it. As long as they are worn to work rather than at work you are fine. And when it is raining as heavily as it was today, no one wants to risk ruining a Louboutin on the commute now, do they?

Besides, waving your hosiery under the hand dryer in the ladies is just so last season.

As for which wellies to wear, for me there is no question...

Hunter Original Wellington at the Iconic

Monday, 25 June 2012

Work bags - the best (part one)

Sadly we can't all have a crocodile-skin birkin to tote our essential files around town, but there are a few slightly more attainable options that will do you just as well. (ok, maybe not just as well, but they are a good place to start)

Prada's Galleria bag sure has been a hit in the city. It seems I can't dash across George Street for my mid-afternoon sugar fix without running into a corporate lady wielding one of these beauties. Of course it comes in just about every colour and size imaginable, which means that at least a half-day should be allotted to choosing the right one for you. A half-day in Prada, what a chore!

I must confess, my personal favourite is the Bayswater. It is a classic, no question, and will happily fit your ipad, makeup bag, spare cardigan, foldable umbrella, and even a few important documents if you so desire. Again, there are enough different leather and colour combinations to keep you occupied for at least a few online hours. Mulberry also issue a few new variations on this classic seasonally, so if you are looking for a bag that is uniquely yours, this might be a good place to start.

Croc-embosed leather, cream leather and grey textured leather - all available on mytheresa

The new contender from Mulberry is the much-anticipated Del Ray. While I have only seen one example on the streets of Sydney (and on the arm of my housemate, no less!) the twitterverse has been abuzz ever since the bag was announced during London fashion week earlier this year. Combining the luxe of this blue-blood leathergoods specialist with the hot-right-now star power of Ms DR, it seems certain that this will become the it bag of 2012. Sure, it won't fit a lever-arch file, or probably even an ipad, but all you really buy it for are the jealous oohs and aahs of other office fashionistas, right? Besides, you never take work home with you anyway, right? As for what will become of last year's Alexa, we must wait and see. But for those ladies who are inclined to be the first in the office to carry the hot new thing, order it now, it's available on mytheresa if not in stores.

Mulberry's Del Ray bag in black and tan leather at mytheresa

Sydney's perennial favourite seems to be Louis V's Neverfull. The jury is still out as to whether the damier or the monogram is more chic, but let's face it - neither is particularly subtle. If you are going to carry this bag you really have to own the look and in this regard I tend to prefer the monogram. But really - you're the one buying it, do what you want.

This bag is perfect for that "sure I carry around my trainers and gym towel in Louis Vuitton" casual chic look. It's big, it's practical, and it's perfect for those of you who, like me, often find yourself running out of room in a conventional-sized handbag. But it doesn't quite cut it in the boardroom. Then again, if you live in a cubicle or leave your bag in a locker, this might be just the thing to add a bit of bling to your working day.

and of course its always handy to take on your yacht

An honourable mention also goes to Vuitton's alma bag. The classic elegance of this silhouette makes this a true investment buy. It will look as chic on the arm of a 60-something as it does on a 20-something, possibly more so. As with all LVs, there are a range of leathers available - all customisable. I love the epi leather or a glossy patent. Buy it in black - I doubt that's going out of fashion any time soon.

Stay tuned for part 2 of the big bag shop next week, and in the mean time let me know: what is your favourite bag for work?

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Wear it to work: Leather

This is the first in a series of posts about how to wear typically "fashion" trends in a corporate environment. My theory is why only be trendy two days per week? If you have any requests for trends you would like to see featured, just email me!

This week: leather.

The trick to bringing an unusual texture like leather into a workday outfit is to go subtle - a hint around the collar or a chic lapel. No bikie jackets or rockstar pants here! Certainly the safest way to wear it is in black, but there are some lovely soft nudes emerging recently, especially in coats.

Emmanuel Ungaro GBP 329.19 and Elisabeth and James GBP 191.66, both at the outnet.

Left to right: DKNY GBP 125 and Vionnet GBP 326.25, both at the outnet.

Pastel Princess - L to R:

Boy. by Bank of Outsiders GBP 728.23 and Helmut Lang GBP 344.17, both at net-a-porter.

Ava coat by Selected $357 at asos

If you are intent to take this trend further than a collar or belt, start on the bottom. Pleated leather skirts are everywhere this season, and their conservative cut, especially in a midi-length, is completely appropriate. The texture of pleats or loose gathering takes away from the sheen of the leather. Go for a soft lather that will flow more like fabric. It is more flattering and will be more comfortable at 4pm.