A/W 2010 Look Book - Part Trois

A/W 2010 Look Book - Part Deux

Oh yes, there's more. What can I say? The upcoming season's shaping up to be a humdinger.

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A/W 2010 Look Book - Part Un

I like to think of it as an update on the tradition of scrap booking. But y'know, stylish.

Anyway, here's some of the looks I'll be working into my Autumn/Winter wardrobe this year.

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Fix Up, Look Sharp

Ah, the minefield that is work appropriate attire in the Summer. If you're a woman it's hard. True fact.

Male corporates, I've noticed, do not alter their clothing from one season to the next. It's suits come rain, shine, wind, or snow. If they're feeling particularly louche, they may go crazy with a light grey two piece and perhaps a cotton mix rather than wool. But that is literally it. Obviously those who move to short sleeved shirts, with or without a breast pocket (to keep their Bic), will not be dwelt upon here. I suggest you adopt a similar approach.

Us ladies on the other hand, corporate or otherwise, have a veritable minefield of summer wear to make our way across. For me it's all about keeping cool, keeping smart, and crucially, not letting a spike in the temperature lure me into revealing too much of myself. In every sense. Work wear is a kind of mask; a disguise, an armour, a literal and metaphorical layer that separates the professional from the personal.

This year I've made a conscious effort not to 'relax' and embrace the looser, softer, more casual cuts of Summer. Instead, I've gone to the other extreme. Sharp tailoring and a neutral palette. Dark greys, pin stripe, bright whites and blacks. Think pared down Ralph Lauren and Armani classics.

This dress from Oasis has been my secret weapon this season and a is great combination of femininity and toughness. Teasing but serious. Noteworthy and yet also anonymous.

It's knee length, very important not to get giddy in the heat and let hem lines go north. Plus knee length means you can wear beautiful stockings that finish the look.

Cap sleeve. Flattering. Especially when combined with the square-ish neck line. Enhances the line of the collar bone and offsets that itty bitty waist that has been nipped in by sleek tailoring around the mid-section.

All in all a dress that suggests it shows more than it does. Combined with a killer heel, and a knowing twinkle in the eye, it's killer.

Tut Tut

God I'm unbelievably shit at keeping up this blogging malarkey.

You know what I think the problem/s may be?

No?

Good. I'm going to tell you.

1. Writing is a huge part of my day job. It's not especially creative, but does require synapses to fire etc. By the end of the day, more often than not, my brain activity is on par with a pumpkin's. 
2. I'm kinda 'ack' with anything that requires regular up keep, or won't look after itself. See also commitment, house plants. 
3. Fashion wise I'm in a bit of a rut. I like my look, it's fine. There's been no major acquisitions of late to fill my wardrobe, and if any thing I'm a bit work wear focused right now. Not exactly ground breaking stuff. 
4. I go out a lot... I mean a lot. I am seemingly incapable of saying no to a drink, and well, it's summer for christsake. Because I really don't want this blog to be about my train wreck of a life (been there done that, got the slightly bloodied tshirt), I'm a bit limited on good material right now.

This, dear readers, leaves us at a bit of an impasse, non?

Hmm. 

Ok, a post on summer work wear will be issued forthwith. Watch this space. 

Hem lines, sheer tights and the appropriateness of your toenail polish colour will all be discussed. 

At some point. Maybe. 

Sorry.