Category: Style

Outfits

Soft tailored office look

by s.a.b2 Comments on Soft tailored office look

I’m not going to berate you with some woke speech about how it’s important to keep a routine, get out of your PJs in the morning etc etc. There are loads of articles the world over on that, each one more patronising than the other. In my case, I function by tricking myself: I trick myself into getting up to go work out by picturing the walrus I will look like in three months if I don’t, then once I’m done with my morning session, all sweaty and red, nothing feels better than a shower, getting my hair dried (yes, short hair also looks better when blow dried, it’s not just long hair apparently…), and, seeing as I can’t realistically go back into PJs at this point, before I know it i’m picking an outfit for the long day of home-based work ahead.

That being said, even in my normal office days, I’m not a great fan of super structured pieces, I like to be able to breathe and move. I always prefer softer tailoring, and these trousers are perfect. I picked the striped cotton and linen mix myself from the fabric store and had my fantastic seamstress Nicole make them for me, and a couple of other fabrics: the high wast with the pleats at the front hides a multitude of sins (like that little tummy that is sure to grow from that special relationship I’m in with mini almond ice cream lollies from Woollies). The trousers are cut perfectly for me, with a hem just by the ankle as I like to show off my shoes (when I do wear shoes, and yes today I’m wearing pretty cute ones by Charlotte Olympia).

I’l confess I only took out the Céline box for show, but as I told you I miss my accessories, so here goes. This almond green hue is truly gorgeous, and it’s still warm enough for a beige and light green look no?

Before I go, one word on knit jackets, like the one I’m wearing today: this one has a gold thread knit detail and zips on the sides that give it a luxe feel but the knit fabric keeps it all on the right side of comfortable so this type of piece is ideal for those video calls where you want to look a little presentable but not feel too stuffy (what you wear as a bottom is your choice, but if you do opt for joggers or, dare I say it, underwear, don’t get up whilst the camera is on…) As it gets chilly in the early mornings and afternoons this is perfect for now. It’s by Maje by the way (so is the top underneath with the cute cap sleeve detail), but I’ve had it at least eight years, so not current seasons, although the brand does this type of model in most collections.

Lots of love, S.

Outfits, Uncategorized

I love a denim jumpsuit

by s.a.b2 Comments on I love a denim jumpsuit

The fact that I adore jumpsuits and own multiple versions (linen, wrapped, zipped, work-friendly, beach-friendly…) is odd, seeing as the look, done wrong, can make anyone look like a toddler in a babygro. It actually depends on how you style them, as each different type of jumpsuit has the potential to look amazing but you need to thread cautiously: a boiler suit is not very flattering with trainers, but add fabulous sandals and you’re in Studio 54 territory, a jumpsuit with palazzo legs absolutely requires heels 12cm and higher, unless of course you the the gorgeous legs of a giraffe (if that’s the case I still love you, but please don’t rub it in by commenting just that) etc… That said, there is one thing jumpsuits are bad, even horrible, for across the board: going to the bathroom; the idea of sitting half naked trying not to let the sleeves droop on the slightly damp floor in a restaurant’s loo just because I needed a tinkle is, ahem, not how I saw my glamourous self move through life. My advice: drink little. Once you are able to see past these trappings, you soon realise that a jumpsuit is actually the perfect hybrid between a dress and trousers.

Like a dress, a jumpsuit removes the need to think through matching separates, it’s a perfect one piece outfit and it can be accessorized up or down depending on the occasion. But, like trousers, a jumpsuit is a little more practical and easy to maneuver than a dress. A denim jumpsuit is the most versatile of pieces, it works for all seasons and this one, by Rebecca Taylor, is my current favourite; the fact it makes my waist look quite trim may have something to do with it… It also looks quite neat underneath an cable knit on chillier days (not that I’m seeing many of these now that I live in sunny South Africa).

The simplicity of a jumpsuit means you only need shoes and a bag and you’re ready to go…  in this case I was going out for one of my rare outings in lockdown, for some groceries, so everything was quite pared down. A canvas tote for the groceries, some easy flats (with the animal print detail, I have standards, you know), sunnies, and there I went. I obviously prefer when I dress it up a little with strappy heels and a fabulous H handbag, alas these days it’s all about simpler and easier… But I promise, I will post some more interesting outfits very soon.

What do you think…. denim jumpsuits: are you a fan or that’s not a trend for you?

Love, S.

Style, Style Notes

The new office style

by s.a.bLeave a Comment on The new office style

I have to say, this whole working from home situation has created a conundrum for me. You see, most days, my usual getting ready routine in the morning involves getting dressed from the shoes up… and most office days, that means high heels, the more fabulous the better. Now, with most of us non essential workers (yes I also feel very valuable thanks to this term…) working from home, high heels are suddenly redundant, much to my chagrin, and in fact I feel a little odd even putting on shoes to walk to my desk, turn on my laptop, and start what usually looks like a never-ending symphony of video calls.

I know, there are some hardcore fashionistas out there who work from home with their 120mm Loubies on and I applaud them; there is also the other end of the spectrum, with the club of pyjama all-day lovers, and actually the other day I was on a video call where someone forgot to put a top on and yet hadn’t realised their camera was on (at least I hope they hadn’t realised). Let’s not judge…

Still, in these strange times where your bed is metres away from your desk, when your children’s headmaster is also your husband, and the school’s recess time with all its squeals often coincides with that big deal conference call about how this funding structure or that guarantee scheme will save the world’s economy, it’s fair to say office style has taken a whole new meaning. Also, why do most people insist on video calls? What is the appeal of a poor resolution image that is badly-lit and weakens the connection? And whilst we’re here, why can’t video call apps have a filter that smooths out wrinkles and exasperated facial expressions….? Dear Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Skype creators, food for thought. Until then, I’ll use a combination of my desk lamp and my selfie light to create the illusion of a glow, and the minute non essential goods are available to buy again in South Africa I’m ordering one of those ring lights used by make-up artists. If you’re going to spend your day on a video call, why not look good.

Anyways I digress. You’ll find I do that a lot. We’re talking style, specifically home office style. Getting ready in the morning is still very much a pleasure for me. With the aforementioned video calls in mind, I now start my outfits from the top down. I usually opt for a light top, because that makes a nicer frame for my face on video. I have loads of open embroidery blouses in whites and creams, most of them from Zara, and they are getting use a lot. When I have a very serious meeting ahead, I usually opt for a classic button down, like the one in the photos above, which is Misha Noonoo’s Husband Shirt. Without knowing, one could guess that my bottoms are just joggers, but to date I have not gone there yet; then again we’re only on week four of this lockdown, ask me again in a few weeks and I may be a completely different person. For now, I usually go for jeans (no, I’m not trying to prove anything to anyone, but it helps to make sure they still fit from time to time, what with the fridge and pantry so close to my office) or paperbag carrot trousers, they are my favourite cut at the moment and I love the ease of the knotted belt.

What I miss the most in this new office style is accessories… Picture this: me packing my wallet, mobile phone, make-up goodies etc into my favourite Chanel jumbo, only to walk down the corridor to my home office, how silly would that be? How about me wearing some serious heels, only to take them out as I fold my legs under my to sit more comfortably through virtual meeting number five… I mostly wear flat espadrilles, sometimes a wedge if I’m feeling particularly committed to the stylish cause, but yes, I miss my accessories. Sometimes when it’s a bit chilly, I wear one of my CSGMs, and seeing as we’re going into Autumn and Winter here, with a bit of luck that will be everyday. Until then… let’s just say my home office style is quite basic.

With love, S.