Monday 24 September 2012

Bossing it

Dressing for the office can be a real struggle at times. We all dreamt of channelling 'The Devil Wears Prada' when we first started, swearing you'd only ever see us in perfectly tailored blazers, razor sharp stilettos and silk blouses that we'd never spill coffee on. It rarely happens. After a week you forgo outfit planning in favour of an early night and the first pay packet just won't cover the Stella McCartney suit you had circled in last month's Vogue.

Who is this tax man and why doesn't he care how great I'd look in a boyfriend blazer?

Not only are designer pieces pretty, but they achieve an illusion that some highstreet knock-offs simply can't. The effect of laser-cut tailoring in luxe fabrics prove that 'power dressing' is a real thing. These garments give you a confidence that an ill-fitting H&M basic never could. You walk taller and make eye contact- frankly, you know you look good. 

When you get the promotion you may think nothing of strolling in to Lanvin on your lunch break and picking up a leather pencil skirt that wouldn't look out of place on the front row at London Fashion Week- but until then, you need a much cheaper alternative.

Well, here are some key pieces that will upgrade your work wardrobe without requiring you to get a second job. I've focused on tailoring and shoes as they can have the biggest impact on your overall look.  

http://www.theoutnet.com/product/288264

http://www.theoutnet.com/product/327574























  • www.theoutnet.com (the outlet sister of Net a Porter) offers fantastic discounts on your favourite designers. How about this Twenty8Twelve by Sienna Miller blazer? The contrast satin lapel is just the sort of detailing you need to stand out. Or for a shot of colour to catch your boss' eye (in a work context, of course) invest in this Helene Berman tweed jacket. Team them with cigarette pants and a chunky cuff for a modern twist on classic pieces. They are both just over £100- that's both a HUGE saving and smart investment.

  •  French Connection may not be a designer label, but I've included it here because eBay has an excellent FC outlet store selling dresses that would work perfectly with your new wardrobe. These two are both under £50 and will hug you in all the right places.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-French-Connection-Wool-Blend-Frill-Dress-Brown-/140856245711?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&var=&hash=item6676cb71df
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-French-Connection-Fitted-Dress-White-/110955085500?pt=UK_Women_s_Dresses&var=&hash=item5f7e386fc2


  • At www.javari.co.uk I waded through piles of last season's cork wedges and patterned pumps you can't quite believe were ever commissioned to find these Sam Edelman croc- effect heels. The £182 price tag has been dropped to just £54.60 so they really are affordable- and with sleek lines and managable heel, your prospects will be as lifted as your feet!  


http://www.javari.co.uk/s/ref=dp_msr/?node=213376031&nodes=213376031&sort=price&showDesigner=1&clientPageSize=100#ie%3DUTF8%26cAsin%3DB004I5D4PQ%26fromPage%3Dsearch%26sr%3D1-28%26qid%3D1348502918383%26clientPageSize%3D100%26node%3D213376031%26sort%3Dprice%26nodes%3D213376031%26showDesigner%3D1%26asin%3DB004I5F4AO%26ref%3Dsr_1_28%26pageCode%3Dd



  • ....Finally, no self-respecting future Forbes 100 star would be seen dead without a killer handbag. T K Maxx are constantly updating their website with some real gems- today you can pick up this red leather Osprey tote for £48- you'll find it for £245 elsewhere. No wonder their stock sells so quickly! It's another reptile effect though, so don't pair it with the heels above or you'll look like Mrs Crocodile Dundee. Go for the black version if red isn't your thing.
http://www.tkmaxx.com/handbags/red-leather-reptile-effect-tote-bag/invt/11427923

No comments:

Post a Comment