Wear J. Crew to work

It is no revelation that I am a bit obsessed with J. Crew, and their latest wear to work looks are my latest obsession.

I am by no means saying you must run out and buy these looks but if nothing else use the looks to have a fresh look at your closet, any shoes that you can pair to give that 9-5 a little kick in the pants on a Monday or a trench dress (which was also featured from Kule, back here, a theme perhaps?!) to mix things up! 

Happy Monday!

1035 Jacket $248, 1035 Trousers $148, Demylee Loren Cashmere Polo $334, Kelsey Dress $198, Patch Pocket Dress $228, Trench Dress, $228, Casey Dress $198

All available via J.Crew's Wear To Work shop

Wrap tops for work

I got a wrap effect top about a year ago at COS and it has become a closet favorite. I never buy the same thing twice, but of this I wish I had!

Wrap effect tops are also a great summer wardrobe addition. Pair one with a simple skirt or a pair of pants, you are ready and out the door in no time.

Etro via Net-a-Porter $570

Asos £30

Topshop via Nordstrom $72

Summer and the livin is easy

It is summer and there is nothing I want more than to wear something that is just easy on a summer Friday. Here is some inspiration for totally work appropriate looks that are a little looser than your normal fare and yet perfect for a Friday lunch meeting. Thank you to UK Vogue for the inspiration, via Visual Optimism. 

Hitchcock inspiration. Gets me everytime

This is the latest ad campaign from Watches of Switzerland, a luxury retailer of new and preowned swiss watches. This is their first ad campaign in 30 years and I have to say, well done chaps, well done.

I walk by the ads on the tube platforms and from the very moment I saw them they caught my attention. I love Hitchcock, and the Hitchock woman and the subtly of this campaign nails it on the head for me and makes me want to channel the same look (without the birds of course) for work. Inspiration is everywhere.

What to wear to work? Judith and Charles

I discovered Judith and Charles while working for a Canadian Bank. One of my Canadian colleagues who looked nothing short of stunning on a daily basis introduced me to them about 2 years ago. At that time Judith and Charles was only available in Canada. Nowadays there is a Manhattan boutique as well as one in Qatar. Judith and Charles is certainly one to watch out for, and if you don't live in Canada, NYC or Doha, you can order online but beware as the international shipping is EXPENSIVE.

Talbot top C$ 350

Pacer Pant C$235

Dome Dress C$435

Charlie Coat C$650

Wearing bows to work

Prabal Gurung via Matches £730

I would certainly NOT describe myself as a girly girl. I think that explains one of the reasons that I have not only survived in my industry, one that is still completely male dominated, but has seen me  flourish and grown to find a place for myself in it over the years. 

However, In the past few years I have been leaning much more to clothing that is a bit more girly and feminine. I typically love to pair softer pieces with tougher accessories or shoes, but as I look over my closet I must admit I have quite a few things now that have bows. YES, BOWS.

Here is the latest objection of my attention when it comes to items with bows. Thank you Prabal Gurung.

Bucket bags. The new 'it' shape

I remember bucket bags in the 80s. They remind me most of my Aunt, who always seemed to be on the cutting edge of everything fashionable. Last year I got the itch for those bucket bags from the 80s and got a vintage Dooney & Bourke, like this one here. At the time I didn't think there was any way to work one into my work look, but since then I have seen them spring up everywhere. 

Bucket bags may be the new it bag shape for the workplace. If nothing else it is nice to carry a bag with less sharp edges than any other bag in my closet.

Anya Hindmarch via Net-a-Porter, $1,200, Baggu via Need Supply, $140, Loewe via Net-a-Porter, $2,600, Asos £18, Saint Laurent £1,290, Mango $44.99, The Row via Barneys, £2,725, Gucci via , $1,450, Zara drawstring bag - no longer available, similar option here, $44.99

work essentials. The white button down

The button down white shirt is everywhere, and to prove it here are some great, work appropriate stylings, from across the internet and blog-o-sphere. 

This months work essential item is the white button down. Every woman, no matter your vocation, job position, or pay grade needs at least one of these in your closet. This item is so simple, but right now the options are endless, which means you probably need two styles. An important tip, one that I learned too late, when you do find that 'perfect' white button down, buy two, maybe three, because white shirts sadly do not last forever. I will never forget you my Zara white button down!

My current closet favorite is the from Uniqlo (available here, for £19, also available in the US). The weight of the cotton is perfect, it doesn't gap in the chest and the collar has buttons, which gives you options and I love options. 

JNY via Bloomingdales $79

Lafayette 148 via Bloomingdales $348

Equipment via Nordstrom $208

T by Alexander Wang via Nordstrom $265

Uniqlo £19

Images courtesy Elle Canada, Style Caster and The-Opsis

Timeless timepieces

I was invited to the launch of the newest women's watch line from Baume et Mercier, Promesse, earlier this week. It was a gorgeous London summer day, in the perfect setting, to learn a little more about the brand and their latest collection.

Personally I loved the simpler, steel pieces, my favorite was the two tone, which in person I think looked even more beautiful. My instagram shot here. Overall, the whole collection was timeless. For a time piece what I want is something that is truly timeless. A piece that works day, night, Monday through Friday and into the weekend.  All of these fit the bill, perfectly. 

World Cup inspiration for the office

I am not a sports fan per se, but I have to say that I do really like the World Cup. I love seeing everyone root for their country . I love the idea of people coming together across the world, for a month full of highs, lows, and shared experiences. 

Thank you to Brazil's Marie Claire June 2014 issue, which I am sure was inspired by many of the same ideas around the World Cup, the celebration of all the teams, countries and passionate people. Thank you as well to Vanity Fair's Italia April 2014 issue for the gorgeous images and inspiration through color and prints.

Cultures coming together, whether through 'football' or fashion is always a good thing.

all images courtesy of Visual Optimism