How Decent Is Too Decent?

A little pleated, striped, sleeveless shirt dress can go a long way in ensuring you are office-appropriate in any season. Here it is, moulded into a 1950s-inspired look with a little help from a key seasonal piece, the jumper.


The patent leather ballerinas with their half-inch heels put just the right spring in your step - the look would definitely feel uncomfortable with anything high or chunky. 


Still, ballet pumps are not the only option. Any pair of low-heeled cute shoes (such as traditional kitten heels or something modern and metallic) will do nicely. Alternatively, if you want to tough it up just a bit, some ankle booties will do the job and keep the cold at bay at the same time.


And yes, as you can see, the quilted sleeveless biker with gold detailing is still one of the biggest staples. I wear it all the time, as it's the perfect autumn jacket, while it provides the best under-coat layer in winter. 


One more thing. Out in the cold, and in this pale sunlight, everything tends to look so bleached out you may need a dash of bold lipstick to spice things up.

pleated shirt dress: Pull & Bear, jumper: Mango,
ballerinas: Clarks, quilted jacket: New Look

Baroque Daywear: Off The Wall

For the past few seasons I have been crazy for all things floral, baroque, paisley and jacquard. Add to that the fact that I've always been quite the baroque creature when it comes to print - more is more, the louder the better - and a sucker for tapestry and classic wallpapers.

Nowadays, if you want to dress in head-to-toe baroque, you'll find the choice is overwhelming, even on the high street. But to find your favourites is a challenge, and you can't just pick any piece or combo - you owe it to yourself to buy what works best for you.

By the time I discovered this Topshop tapestry print, it had already sold out, except for the white summer sleeveless-crop-shirt-and-shorts co-ordinates. But soon enough, the black suit emerged in the petite range, so it was time I took full advantage of my imposing 5'2".

The trousers in my size are teeny-tiny, they look almost like leggings but after some heavy road-aka-office testing I found them quite easy to wear. For an even smarter look I decided to go a size up (taking advantage of the sales) but I'm definitely keeping this smaller pair too.

The belt was basically an accident - I wanted something elastic to keep the waist together and hide anything that needed to be hidden even if I decided to undo the buttons (yep, the waist on the petite size 6 is that small for me). I have no idea where I got it but it's something cheap. As it happens, it was the metal clasp detail that put a real baroque stamp on the whole otherwise baroque enough outfit.

The blouse from Zara with its contrast collar, front and cuffs gives structure, proving that colour blocking details tend to look amazing with exuberant prints. To finish it off, I needed heels, so I went with my trusty storm-coloured patent shoe boots. If you want the right bag to go with all this, choose a sturdy and boxy classic satchel or some big, butter-soft leather beauty in rich, dark tan with bits of gold detailing. 

While I was taking the photos, I was so impatient to keep going that I wouldn't wait until I could hang up - sorry if I sounded weird, Mum. It might well happen again.

tapestry print trousers and blazer: Topshop

contrast detail blouse: Zara, shoe boots: Clarks, elastic belt: no idea