Eight great office outfits - From a size 8 to an 18

It is always easy to go for dark colours or plain shirts and black skirts that look boring and yes, formal. But most times, we don't want to just blend in, or look like any other man in our work environment. Why? Because working or not, you don't want to stop looking like a lady. 

I was looking for outfits for a friend who is a size 18 when I realised that, a lot of the times, the looks that work for bigger sizes as well as the smaller sizes are the safest ones for a work environment for everyone.

You don't want to spend a fortune on the basics, but yes why not invest in a couple of good bags that will always upgrade the whole outfit.

This look for instance, it's very chic and correct. Mid-skirt in a soft colour but very forgiving material. Thin black jumper, because black it's always slimming and most flattering, some low black heels and black bag and off you go. Extravagant? Not to the slightest, but you will still turn heads as you pass by with this stylish look.

Zara it's a great place to find basic tops.

I wouldn't look at the look above and think, "wow, what a fashionista". But I will definitely appreciate the good taste and balance of very formal suit, with the nice and chic bag and feminine shoes and shirt. It is all about a good balance!

The type above would be THE typical, if it wasn't for the bag! As I said, pay attention to the accessories, you are working, fair enough, don't go crazy with a fucsia shirt or neon yellow skirt! so why don't give it a differentiating touch with an AMAZING baby pink balenciaga? For the bigger sizes, it is always a good idea to keep the trousers or skirts in darker colours and the light colours at the top.

Simple and MUST HAVE dress. This is not an every day thing. This is the kind of outfit that you wear to show confidence in yourself and your work. Why? Because you are wearing colour to work, a feminine dress and a beautiful bag... Monsoon is definitely a good website to browse for bigger sizes, they have great hour glass accentuating dresses and not so fitted shirts in fun and fresh patterns to brighten up a little the boring office looks...

Are you allowed to wear something smart-casual to work? If you are then this dress is something you really want to consider! Either with black tights and black simple heels to dress it up a little or knee high boots in the winter if you want to look more casual... Super easy to wear and always a safe bet!

Now hello Mrs. You got style. Chic, correct, elegant, super classy... This Asos skirt I believe it's a killer. Fourty pounds of timeless skirt to your wardrobe... Worth it? I think so! And the bag, 75 pounds for a real leather bag, you would be surprised of how many fancy brands sell much more expensive bags for much more crappier qualities... This is probably one of my favourite looks.

For the most daring ones. This is not a simple or easy look. This is not a "I don't want to be noticed look". This is a girlie outfit, and fresh, and the skirt is eye catching... But somehow it works. It is another outfit that shows confidence and it is elegant... God if we could all afford that stunning Chanel... Tres chic! That they say in Paris...

And last but not least, everyday essential smart and easy to wear dresses.

Have a wonderful, productive week at work everyone... 

NOT just another pair of Black shoes... Not just, at all

BRIAN ATWOOD - Extremely feminine sandals, attention to detail, modern but not extremely fashionista, very narrow stiletto, sexy... And the best bit, in my opinion, the bow! Definitely a nice pair of very STYLISH sandals...

Below: FENDI WOW PEEP TOES COURT SHOE. This are in my opinion ferocious, there is not a better word to describe them. "These boots are made for walking, and that's just what they do, one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you..." Sort of thing. Sexy but correct and elegant because of it's simplicity, something that it is NOT easy to find.

CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA'S MUST HAVE... So as you've all probably noticed... She is one of my favourite designers by far, usually for her originality and "themed" shoes... It is not the case of these pair, I like them because they are simple, but WITH A TWIST. All black but oh, that platform does stand out!! Great for all those plain mini black dresses... You wear these shoes, some fun golden jewellery... And gorgeous!

Who said JIMMY CHOO was boring? WOW, these sandals are COOL. As above, perfect for mini black dresses, or jumpsuits... I think they are cool with all black outfits to bring more attention the the shoes... Just an idea!

The coming pair by GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI it's what I call a SOPHISTICATED AND DELICATE SHOE. One piece of art... I love it, I love when you look at some shoes that are so delicate, so special, that run so smooth... That they make your whole leg look chic, and delicate like the pair of heels...

And NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD again... What can I say, he is a genius! I have talked about this shoe before and the "trace" it leaves as you walk on them... Simply BEAUTIFUL, admirable/ made to be admired...

And leaving today's favourite for the last... Thanks RUPERT SANDERSON for proving that a shoe, can be used as a canvas where to express one's feelings, thoughts, desires... This is a passionate shoe. Extremely sexy, proud, confident... Want to make a statement for a particular occasion? Be the BOSS? I would not think twice...

Have a lovely, full of beautiful shoes week...

xx

7 Shoe Masters

Number One: Manolo Blahnik.

I know, cliché, and bla bla bla... But you only need a glance of his designs to realise that this Spanish designer is a genius.  Sophisticated, glamourous, so feminine, sexy...  Some of his shoes are really a statement, they could even be worn with jeans and the person wearing them would still feel stunning... Because I have no doubt, that Blahnik's canvases are his shoes, and he paints on them with no fear to disappoint... 

Simply, beautiful...

http://www.manoloblahnik.com/

Number two: Nicholas Kirkwood

Nicholas Kirkwood is, personally, one of the coolest shoe designers we have today. He has the perfect balance of cool/ chic yet feminine. A lot of designers that go for "cool" fail in providing elegance, sophistication... It's not the case for German Kirkwood, who does not miss a thing!

The pair above are one of my favourites of Kirkwood who has done them in previous collections in different colours... I am not aware of what where the intentions behind this pair, but to me, it looks like a light wake, or a trail of colour that we leave behind as we walk... Leaving a trail of eyes staring at us from behind as we pass... The pair below are simply perfectly chic. 

http://www.nicholaskirkwood.com/

Number three: Gucci

Sometimes I forget about the classics to have a look at all the "crazy creative" new designers... The truth is that the classics, always try to balance new with old, and sometimes, manage to succeed beautifully like below, with an extraordinary pair that cannot be unnoticed... Perfect balance of tones, of detail... Good reminder that Italians, will always be at the head of shoe making...

http://www.gucci.com/uk/category/f/women_s_shoes

Number four: Jimmy Choo

Yes, he has been around for a while, and it has almost become a classic (too classic sometimes)... But we still love Jimmy Choo. Have a look at their shoes online or in one of their boutiques if you have the chance and look at their flat shoes... You'd be surprised to find that Jimmy Choo has also a very pretty and original range of flats that not so many people know about...

http://www.jimmychoo.com/

Number five: Brian Atwood

This American artist, who has, not surprisingly, studied architecture earlier in his carrier, was apparently, originally inspired/ or influenced by gazing at his mother's impeccable wardrobe as a kid... Later with the years, he became the first American to work for the Italian Versace... 

The truth is that, such an impeccable sense of aesthetics cannot be acquired out of nowhere... And this admiration or respect for women's beauty is in my opinion reflected in every single trace of his designs...

In the pair above I see strength, beauty, confidence, and power... I struggle to see someone that does not possess these attributes walking on them...

http://www.brianatwood.com/NAUSICA/53823295,default,pd.html?variantSizeClass=&variantColor=JJ169I5&cgid=53820657&prefn1=catalog-id&prefv1=brianatwood-catalog

Number six: Walter Steiger

This Swiss shoe maker master has been designing shoes for the best known designers and fashion houses for decades. His father was a shoe maker in Geneva, and Steiger, junior, has always followed his passion and prayed his talent across Europe, through Paris, to be today who he is. 

Extremely daring, his complex traces require a lot of knowledge and the experience many few have to actually challenge and combine the world of fashion and footwear to come up with master pieces like the example below... 

http://www.waltersteiger.com/?page_id=9

Number seven: Christian Louboutin

"I want a pair of Louboutins..." How many times have I heard someone saying that! Unfortunately, maybe too many, and that is why Louboutin has had a few disputes over his famous signature of the red sole, and some cheeky copy cats in the high street have been using it, damaging the image and exclusiveness of the brand... I am personally not a huge fan of Louboutin anymore, maybe because the red soles have become a tool of extravagance for some, or maybe simply because I tend to look for fun and chic shoes over sexy.  In any case, I believe Louboutin makes sexy, fab and extremely feminine shoes... And when we feel like dressing to kill, when we feel wild... Then a pair of Louboutins become the first thing on our to do list...

http://www.christianlouboutin.com/

Birthday shoes. (Thanks Charlotte Olympia, again.)

I am a very very lucky girl...

Inspired by the typical white English garden chairs, this beautiful & extremely FASHIONISTA shoe will  make you feel like a queen! Unfortunately they are from a past season... Who knows, maybe one day you find them in a second hand shop or somewhere like The Outnet? 

I definitely felt special wearing them, it's always nice to make a difference on our birthdays right? Well, I was looking WOW on Wednesday and it was all thanks to this extremely unique pair of shoes... Girls want diamonds? Not necessarily.. What I am certain about is that ladies make magic with the right pair of shoes!

Get down to the Ghetto Style!

My boyfriend says that I cannot look scary even if I try... I disagree... Give me the right cup, hoodie and sneakers and London here we come!! It is cool to change from now and then... In fact, it is cool to have hundreds of styles and change them according to your mood!!

Have a lovely week everyone... And don't shop too much on sales!

x

What do you feel like? SHOES speak about your mood

Check out the SALE: www.kurtgeiger.co.uk

www.asos.com

Tomorrow, who do you want to be?

Northcote Road Affair! Clapham Junction

Yes... The sun helps!! But sunny or our usual, lovely-and-grey London, Northcote Road is a breeze of fresh air!! Mediterranean vibe 100%! With some of the most trendy food restaurants and cafés in London like Byron or Paul's, small Italian restaurants, Thai restaurants, a small gelateria, a place to buy delicious Frozen Yogourt and a charming stand that sells fresh bread everyday... Northcote is an amazing and fun street to go out for a bite with friends, a nice date or a good catch up with work mates in one of the pubs...

I was lucky enough to spend the whole day of Tuesday (sunny) walking up and down the street on my own... I completely forgot I was in London for a moment and began to feel like I was in some remote town in Italy or Spain... And, I very much hope my boyfriend doesn't see this but... A great place for shopping too!

 I discovered for the first time three shops that fascinated me; Firstly White Stuff... (Dresses above and to the right) BRILLIANT for casual dresses, lovely summery ones, very easy and flattering... For all those occasions where you really want to look chic and feminine but effortless... Some super cute patterns and very nice tops and scarves...

I couldn't make up my mind in between three dresses! So I had to take one... Oops... In all honesty... I still cannot regret it, I am sure I am going to use it so much this summer!
http://www.whitestuff.com/tribecca-dress-prod405304_iron_raili/

My second discovery of the day was Fat Face (Jeans below and dress above). I had seen it several times before in different areas in London and even different cities in England but for some reason it never really called my attention... I was very impressed when I walked in and found so many things I actually really liked. I got the jeans below, because they looked amazing on! And I don't know about you, but I always find it hard to find jeans that are confi and fit VERY well. And I left, very upset, the dress above, a very cute navy cardigan and a very pretty rain jacket... Again, it is something about this casual, very English look that I love... There is nothing crazy/ fashionista about the looks, it is kind of the opposite... Very nice, and very simple.

http://www.fatface.com/coats-and-jackets/rosey-jacket/invt/40909?colour=Pink%20Rose

I then found Jack Wills... It had been a while since I walked into one! It is very student like/ maybe we've seen it far too many times... BUT I do think they have some great blazers, hot shorts and cute girlie skirts for summer... However, and I was very proud of myself... I managed not to get anything for myself, simply because I couldn't make up my mind on "what I needed the most" and I went to browse the men's stuff... I had to get my boyfriend a pair of socks and some boxers... I cannot resist the typical, and so English, stripy socks... Great for presents! - Picture below showing JW's shorts.

http://www.jackwills.com/en-gb/product/cleadon-lightweight-stripe-sock-10000083604

To carry on with my good mood / shopaholism, I walked into Oliver Bonas... MISTAKE if you wish not to spend... I was after more dresses, and I ended up buying this GORGEOUS scarf for me and for my friend who was celebrating her birthday that night...I have never seen anything so beautiful... Amazing happy colours to bright up anyone's day! Pick any boring T-Shirt or plain dress and rock it by wearing this scarf around your neck... BTW she loved it too.

http://www.oliverbonas.com/accessories/shawls_scarves/scarf_sunset_multi.htm

Third discovery of the day? Huttons. Small shop, a lot of little temptations. Candles, room sprays, more scarves, great silk home robes, mugs, soaps and loads of great details/ nice gifts to treat yourself or friends. I spent there at least half an hour entertained with all the things...

And how did I end up my Northcote affair? it had to be... In Samba Swirl, MOST FUN Frozen Yogurt shop in London. So many different flavours and toppings!! Simply DE LI CIOUS!! Really, if you want to cheat, break a diet without being too naughty... You must visit Samba...

http://www.sambaswirl.co.uk/frozen-yogurt/nutrition-toppings-flavours.html

Now, I won't include shoes in this post... I spent, for a change, all my budget on clothes! But I will definitely come up with how to combine the above with shoes as soon as I find my perfect pair... 

Have a lovely week... And if you don't have plans for the weekend, and it is not too far... Make sure you visit the Northcote Road, with friends (for an amazing drink, or dinner, or walk, or ice cream...) or by yourself (for a lot of justified, as always, shopping...)

http://www.northcoterd.co.uk/