SMART CASUAL OUTFIT 3

Blazer - French Connection // Dress - French Connection // Watch - Casio

This outfit is 90% French Connection! I managed to find the blazer from my December Wishlist List in the SALES. I am so happy with it. It's slightly longer than most blazers so it goes well with trousers and dresses.

You can't see my shoes (I'm working on this problem), but I would wear a pair of ballet flats of brogues to toughen up the dress. 

OFFICE JEWELLERY

Stylish jewellery that's fit for the office? I wore my go-to statement necklace to the office this week but five minutes into the day I felt like it was screaming 'party' more than 'professional'. Fashion fail.

My 'party' necklace (Miss Selfridge - Old)

 I think that office jewellery should be more understated. I wouldn't want my necklace to be a giant metal distraction. Simple is the key. I'm seeing more alternatives to the statement necklace on the high street. These are some of my favorites in the old jewellery box.

From: Brin D'amour 

From: A market stall in Uganda

This necklace from COS (available here) would be great for the office. Simple, elegant but it still adds an edge to any outfit. Sometimes, it's nice to act like you work for a fashion magazine.

SMART CASUAL OUTFIT 2

Jacket - GAP (old)  similar here // Top - 123 (old)  // Skirt - Topshop (old)

This is one of my 'I-over-slept-and-have-to-be-out-of-the-door-in-10-minutes' outfits. Very handy. The jacket was a great find during the summer sales. It was the last one in stock at the GAP in Leeds. It's like it was waiting for me. The zips on the sleeve give the box jacket a modern feel. But I have to say, they make A LOT of noise when you're typing. 

I'm learning that layers are great for the tube. I always end up doing a striptease a few minutes into my train journey. I just sweat, it's like I'm in a sauna. At least no one makes eye contact on the tube.

SALES HAUL PT1

Navy Dress - French Connection (Different colours)//Grey Dress - French Connection (Different colours) // Striped Dress - GAP

My treasures from my first sales trip. I love getting what I want at half price. The french connection dresses (yes I bought the same dress in different colours) are definite work wardrobe staples. They're so easy to throw on and dress up with accessories. I didn't get the Gap dress on sale (sadly). But I couldn't leave without it. The structured fit screams professional and it's a dress that will work all year round.

I have developed a tactic for getting what I want during the sales. I find the item online. I try it on in store. I make a wish list, check it twice, wait patiently for sales then run in and STRIKE. No queuing to try things because I know what I want and which size to get. How do you make sure you get what you want?

PURPLE TROUSERS

Tis the season for SALES. Like anyone, I love a bargain and at the moment they're every where. Nothing is more satisfying than getting what you want at half price. For something smart casual to catch my eye it has to be stylish enough to make me stand out from the grey corporate army. So these beauties caught my eye....say hello to my purple trousers!

They're not a violently shocking shade of purple, so my colleagues won't be blinded. I bought them a week ago at Elys in Wimbledon. £25 down from £80. Bargain. I haven't seen many fellow professionals wearing purple trousers on tube, so I'm pretty excited. They'll work well with a grey jumper or a cream blouse.

The only issue? My height, or lack there of. These beauties will have to be shortened and tapered.

Trousers - Kaliko (the sale is on here)