Your image is still a component of my work, but there are so many other elements to what I do. That is why it is time for me to say goodbye to The Outfit of the Week, and say hello to a more holistic email from me on Mondays!
This year has been one of A LOT of growth (meaning I have been challenged in SO many ways ;) I have been changing a lot and my vision has been re-shaped. The last few days, I felt the need to revisit my why and look again at the direction of my business...
I love dresses!! It is one of the easiest outfits to choose when you are going out. Dresses can give you a feel from super casual to beach style to evening style. They are my go-to piece when I do not want to spend much time thinking about what to wear. A few weeks ago I went to Bali and when I was packing I realised I didn't have many dresses that were summery but still dressy to wear by the pool.
I actually feel very excited about this outfit because I have never put it together this way. Nothing like creating outfits with what you already own, but feeling like everything is new. The different colours on the pants allowed me to play more with the colour of the top and the shoes.
As professional women sometimes we feel we need to put on a jacket to increase our credibility. And to a point that is true. However, you do not have to feel like another person in a stiff and boring outfit. You will act stiff. You can combine bold colours, prints and even accessories to bring your personality out.
When you are wearing black and white it is super easy to add a 3rd colour through your accessories: earrings, necklace, shoes or handbag. If you are a lover of neutral colours, shoes and bags in colours will be a great addition to your wardrobe. But if that is not your thing, you can do it through your jewellery.
I've mentioned this a few times but being comfortable is so important for me. Oh yes! I love a good pair of high heels- and yes these days they seem to be less comfortable than they used to be, so wearing thongs in between appointments has become more common.
Black and white! It's well known as a very classic and sophisticated combination. I was going to a networking event and also had some meetings, it was a busy day. I wanted to look professional but also be comfortable.
Continuing last week's topic, let's get back to pants. And pants that are not black ;) Patterned pants... a scary one for me as they have the ability to make me look bigger on my hips. But as I love colour I always get attracted to different ways to add it to my outfits.
As it is summer in Australia, the last thing I want to do is put on a pair of black pants. I do love black pants but not when it is warm - my colourful self really feels like coming out to play ;) So last week, when I needed to look professional but I still could look a bit relaxed, I opted for my beige pants.
I love wearing versatile clothes. Things that I can easily dress up and down. This top is a great example, I can wear it with shorts or with pants and under a jacket to use it for work. I can assure you that you have many more combinations in your wardrobe than what you think ;) I have seen it many times in many women's wardrobes around the world.
You see me with my makeup, my hair done (most of the time ;)) and sort of well put-together and might think: 'Oh she doesn't struggle like me.' Well, the reality is that I have struggled probably more, to like myself, to appreciate myself and to see my worth. This has been an area of my life that I have grown so much in because of how challenging it has been. I feel like I have a PhD in it ;)
The year started very slow for me. After the holiday break, it took a lot for me to get back into the swing of things. I started feeling that I was failing myself, my business and my goals very quickly. This tendency I have to be hard on myself is really a very bad habit. I am sure I am the only one beating herself up continuously ;) So after a few days of feeling unmotivated, uninspired and tired of just feeling bad about it, I put myself together and did what I know how to do.
A question I get asked a lot is about casual wear. Most of us feel comfortable with the corporate wardrobe (or at least it feels under control), but the weekends bring the biggest challenge. The reason for this, is because the weekend is actually the time you get to dress for you and express yourself. And as we tend to be disconnected from our our style, the question arises: How do I do casual?
I get sooo many questions about how to wear white pants all the time! I must confess, at times I am scared of them too...haha.. I have probably tried 10 white pants in the last few months and these were finally a great fit for me. Yes, even I take a while sometimes finding the right fit ;)
We are in full Summer here in the southern hemisphere, so dresses are a great option to wear. When choosing a dress it is important you consider if the neckline, sleeves and skirt type suit your body shape. Remember this is all about balancing your natural body shape - not changing how you look.
When wearing patterns you can make the outfit look and feel very different by choosing the colour you team it up with. As you can see in the photo these pants have several different colours, so I wanted to have a look at how it would go with white as well as black. I actually like both, however they feel very different to me.
Beige and black, such a classic combination. It gives the outfit an elegant feel. I am doing it in a super casual way though. I had a day full of clients when I wore this. I have had this top for ages and the truth is I don't wear it often at all. I like the idea of it but pastel colours don't look the best on me. So I needed to create a medium contrast level close to my face so it would work better.
The truth is I have had this dress for a while, but this is the first time I have worn it. I love the style and fit, even the details on the waist. However it felt a bit plain for me. Maybe because it's black... I know. I am different to most women ;) Anyway! I had a busy day with meetings and I wanted to be comfortable. The fabric on this dress is super stretchy.
I have to admit I am not a fan of buying things online. Why? Because for me fit is everything!! So I need to ALWAYS try things on before making a decision. However, I have taken a risk a couple of times. Like this top in the photo, which had me surprisingly happy and excited because it worked. If you enjoy online shopping and keep AND wear what you get, you don't need my advice. However, if you are not wearing what you buy or you keep returning things... let me help you out ;)