Cubicle Fashionista: June 2011

Tuesday 21 June 2011

On trend: Spring 2011

Spring 2011 Fashion is upon us. I hate the idea that women who gush about clothes in the office are seen differently than those who don't. I dislike that being fashionable can give a certain reputation to a woman. However, it's season trends like the ones below that make me realise why those who don't follow fashion, can sometimes think we are horribly naive for following trends. Some of these trends are not office appropriate, or even appropriate for wearing outside.

Sheer Maxi Dress

The sheer maxi dress is in. How? I don't know... Do not try this without carefully planning what you're wearing underneath. Avoid wearing this to work, a little bit of sheer is nice for the workplace, maxi sheer is not. Anyone who successfully pulls off this look should send me a photo!

If only I was as pleased with this trend as the guy behind you.

Sportsgirl $129.95

D&G Sheer Maxi Dress

Did men decide this was a good trend??

Lace

Lace is very feminine and definitely do-able for the office. Just keep your hemlines in check and keep your breasts and back covered. Black lace on nude is too bedroom for the office, so stick to other colour combinations for the best look.

Forever New Lace Dress $89.99

Review Eva Dress $279.95

Add lace stockings for a more subtle look

Tassels

Fashion waits for no woman. I'm not really a fan of tassels yet, but don't worry, in a few months maybe I'll be head over heels in tassels?? Maybe?? Tassels always remind me of those things Burlesque dancers put on their nipples.

These look alright

Tasty AND Tittilating

Oroton Serene Satchel $595.00

Tail hems

Tail hems is just the fancy name for clothes that are longer at the back, like a mullet for your clothes. We all thought they would go away with the end of the trashy summer, but alas, they are back for a new season. I personally think they are just a way of having your skirt as short as possible in the front, while still being able to sit down. However, I have seen some beautiful designs I would be willing to embrace. I can totally imagine this cut in the window of Cue this season.

In bigger news the Oroton Outlet sale is on for a week starting tomorrow. Click below for a sneek preview.

Saturday 18 June 2011

Comfortable corporate wear

“Dress sharply and they notice the dress. Dress impeccably and they notice the woman – Coco Chanel”

I'm currently stuck in my comfy bed with the flu, and it got me thinking about comfortable office wear. Does it even exist? I know most office clothes are meant to be structural and tailored, but some days my body hates me, or we have a loooong lunch to attend, or I'm just downright sick. On those kinds of days I want to be comfortable, and I don't want to have to sacrifice my sense of fashion-self to do it. I'm definitely not going to be wearing a snuggie to the office.

Flats

The first item of clothing that heavily affects my level of comfort, when all I want to do is lie under the desk and die, is shoes. High heels on a day when your muscles are sore just make the office a living hell. That is where flats come in. Keep some black flats and some heels that go with everything under your desk at all times and you will never have a bad foot day again.

For the office, it's best if your flats are closed toed, neutral coloured, and in good condition. Make sure they have some sort of soft sole going on and that they are not just a piece of fabric between your foot and the ground.

Steve Madden Kindness $35.95

Stuart Weitzman Elderberry $235.00

Edward Mellar Fixation $189.00

Structured dresses with a bit of stretch

You may have seen the word "ponte" on clothing labels, this is actually the name of a polyester knit fabric that resists wrinkles and creases and is very durable. So, you'll be comfortable and you wont have to iron it in the morning. As an added bonus, you can fill up at that firm-funded lunch. For a cheaper option, Basque does a lot of dresses in this fabric.

Michael Kors Ponte Pencil Skirt $52.12

Queenspark Ponte Dress $99.98

Wrap dresses

Wrap dresses are flattering and comfortable. Just be careful with the necklines on these dresses which tend to be too low if you don't buy the right size.

Leona Edmiston Latifa Dress $465.00

Allanah Hill I'm a Bit Beautiful Frock $389.00

What not to wear

Do not attempt to wear track pants to work. They are NOT going out clothes, despite what those Bonds ads insinuated.

No, the heels don't make it any better

Don't wear clothes that are too tight. They are bound to be uncomfortable, for you and for the people who have to look at you.

Alicia, what is going on?

Don't wear ugly clothes. Your "comfy" clothes to lounge around in at home and eat ice cream out of the tub in when your boyfriend dumps you, are not office appropriate.

Don't just belt your Slanket and get on the bus

And when I feel so bad I can't even get a good outfit on, I know I'm too sick to go to work.

Friday 10 June 2011

Hunter rain boots - travelling to and from the office

It has been raining heavily a few times over the Sydney Winter, and I've taken it as my chance to get some wear out of my designer gumboots. I wore my Hunter rain boots to work, and while they were sitting on the floor of my cubicle a lot of people commented about them. It seems they are making their fashion debut in Sydney, being stocked in Myer (and being sold for god knows what).

I bought mine from Shopbop just before I went over to New York for some snowy weather. I literally googled "what shoes do fashionable people in New York wear in the snow?". They were great in the snow, especially when it miraculously turned into this slushie slurpee type substance that formed puddles so big they were impossible to jump over.

Hunter Boots Original $122.87 in Black

I had two main concerns when I bought them. The first one is the calf. The calf measurement is actually quite tight, and as you guys know, I am not the skinniest girl in the office. The calf circumference measures 15.5" and my 16" calf is about the biggest you can squeeze into these boots. This will probably fit most people, but not all, and it's important to note that they DO NOT stretch.... trust me, I tried to stick everything in them overnight and hope for the best, to no avail. The tight calf is actually what makes these boots some of the most attractive gumboots on the market.

Luckily for us fat legged people, Hunter also makes short boots which don't need to accommodate your calves, and the "Huntress" which has a much larger calf. Note that these versions are a lot harder to find in Australia, shopbop and other companies that ship to Australia.

Original Short in Aubergine

Huntress in Aubergine

Hunter also makes some slightly more stylized boots, and some cute accessories to keep you warm and dry.

Regent Motcomb in Navy

Hunter & Jimmy Choo

Regent Savoy in Red

Leopard Print Cuffs

My second main concern was what the hell would I wear them with?? Being a non-pants person, I particularly wanted to explore the possibility of wearing them with a dress. To my delight, they look quite cute with a dress.

Rachel Bilson

Well then... if Oprah likes them...

As my dear friend likes to say... its an investment piece, I need to buy them!

Sunday 5 June 2011

Corporate gyms - you never know who you might see

After a workout I tend to look like I am about to die. If a man can see me at the gym and still be attracted to me, then he must be blind. The particular problem with corporate gyms and gyms close to the workplace is that you may run into the more senior members of your office. As a result, what you wear and do at the gym may affect your colleagues perceptions of you.

Exercising is always going to be a positive thing. When people see that you take care of yourself and are motivated to get out there and do something, they know you are healthy and motivated in other areas of your life. For guys, there is much to be said about not being a douche at the gym; for the ladies, remember the gym is for working out and people respect that.

Men please do not:

Come to Body Pump and proceed to lift weights so heavy that everyone is concerned that you will injure yourself with your poor form. You do not look strong and manly, you look stupid.
Attempt to pick up women at the gym. This includes leering at women through the mirror.
Forget to wear deodorant. Have you ever wondered why I move treadmills when you come near me?
Wear jeans. I can't believe how many men wear jeans to the gym.
Wonder why people in the office don't take you seriously after they see you committing these crimes at the gym.

Women please do not:

Put makeup on to impress people at the gym.
Wear only a sports bra. Men will look, they can't help it, and you don't want those men to be your boss.
Forget to wear a bra at all. Your breasts will thank you.
Wear inappropriate shorts. Try your shorts on before you buy them. Do the downward dog in the change room and check in the mirror that your labia aren't hanging out. While you're at it check that your leggings/tights/capri things aren't see through when you bend over.
Wonder why your workmates don't take you seriously when they just spent an hour leering at your whore-ish outfit at the gym.

Gym clothes can be somewhat of a pain to buy. Would you rather a new pair of runners or a new pair of heels? Would you rather some running tops or a new dress? It's a hard world.

Eastbay

Eastbay sells Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Nike etc clothing, shoes and accessories for a lot cheaper than we get here in Australia. You can order online and shipping is around $33.00, which is definitely worthwhile considering the savings you get.

Adidas Shorts $19.99

Nike T-Shirt $24.99

Brooks Capri $39.99

Lululemon

Some people swear by Lululemon. I am still unsure of my position on the brand, but they seem to have some funky stuff. Maybe if I was as thin as the girl in their ads then I would feel more inclined to wear their clothing.