Chic Corporate with a Twist!

During business hours, I'm a corporate dresser.  Always have been, always will be.

But the days of the power suit are (thankfully) over.  Not that there is anything wrong with a power suit!  Just me, I am just very partial to a dress.  

It's Spring in Melbourne.  It's perfect!

Below are my 3 favourite dresses of the moment and naturally, I've found some fabulous accessories that look perfect with all 3 dresses (or equally as chic as stand alone statement pieces).  So that I don't let anyone down, naturally, I have included some leopard print!

I have selected a dress each from the latest collections of Stella McCartney, Country Road & Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF).

These dresses will take you from the office to the chic cafe and then out to a fabulous restaurant without so much as a crease.  Pair with a patent peep toe in a nude tone or a black for a bolder look.

However you style your Spring dress, enjoy being chic in the office and in the sunshine!

xx

Jerome Dreyfuss @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Prada @ Sunglasses Hut

Country Road Splice Dress

DVF @ Shopbop

Stella McCartney Penelope Fern Print Dress @ Net-a-Porter

YSL Arty Glass Ring from my own collection (available at Saks & Net-a-Porter) 

Dior VIII Watches - New Collection Launch - The Westin, Melbourne

Dior VIII 33mm watch with set bezel (black ceramic & steel bezel set with diamonds) modelled by my chic girlfriend!

Dior, in partnership with Anton Jewellers, held a high tea at The Westin in Melbourne on 15 September 2011 to launch the latest Dior watch collection.


Naturally, it was a fabulous event, with the stylish Melbourne social set enjoying a delectable array of sweet and savoury bites whilst sipping Moet and trying on the new (and stunning!) collection of Dior VIII watches.


The gorgeous Cecile of Anton (she designs some stunning pearl & black onyx necklaces, by the way) and stylish Allisha of Dior, did an outstanding job!  The goodie bag was amazing...still enjoying the too-chic-to-eat Dior chocolates!


I am personally not one for big, bling-bling watches but if I was, Dior would be up there with my watch of choice.


My girlfriend invited me along as her plus one and boy, is she one hooked up fashionista!  We had such a fun afternoon and after one (or two) too many champagnes, we whisked each other into the adjoining Chanel boutique...equally as keen to shop.  And, as my husband (and perhaps my girlfriend's husband)reads my blog, the ending of this little story will remain secret girls business :)


Anton Jewellers stock the full Dior watch collection and are located in the CBD (Melbourne), Chadstone and The Glen.


What I wore: Cobalt high waist matte silk slacks from Country Road, White linen t-shirt from Witchery (tucked in), a navy with magenta/aqua florals tasselled knee length kimono from Truffle Hunter and Joie nude suede wedge sandals.  Accessories: Kenneth Jay Lane gold leaf & leather necklace, Miu Miu teal leather buckle bracelet, Cartier yellow gold Love bracelet, Samantha Wills 'romancing the stone' gold and crystal ring & my Chanel (classic, large) bag. My watch is an Omega constellation.  


Below are some of my photos from the day.  I hope you enjoy! xx

My Chanel bag & My (about to be refilled) Moet 

White Roses were displayed in abundance

Lemon tarts

Some of the Dior watches we sampled

My girlfriend on her third(?) glass of Moet!

Fruit Flans

Vogue Fashion Night Out - Sydney, 8 September 2011

VFNO - a personal snapshot 

On Thursday 8 September, just a few days ago, I flew to Sydney to attend the Vogue Fashion Night Out.


I did not attend the event with any expectations and tried to clear my mind of any preconceptions.


My verdict?  It was a great night!


I think it was Pitt Street that my equally fashion-addicted girlfriend and I were dropped off in by her (seriously) patient boyfriend.  We walked toward Westfield in the Mall and the crowds just got larger the closer we got.  There were hardly any men and zero children amongst the hoards of fashionista's and their designer shopping bags.  It was not even 7pm and my heart soared!


To make a long story (much) short(er), we hit up Chanel, Miu Miu, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Wolford and Paul & Joe.  At the end of the night, when my Chanel booties could feel comfortable no more, we searched DJ's quickly...and could only stare in awe at the array of fresh and bright flowers literally owning the cosmetics area.


Darling, the champagne was flowing and the canapes most fancy.  Naturally, I've discovered that this is the only way that a lady should shop. Unfortunately for the boutiques that we visited, I had already bought myself a pair of Prada Cats Eye sunnies at the airport and felt guilt ridden before I even took my first sip of the champagne intended to part me from my hard earned cash.  My girlfriend, shopped out from 2 weeks in NYC, was equally close to her cash.


My finds?  A Miu Miu teal bracelet (my girlfriend and I loved it so much we each bought one as a friendship bracelet for each other.  Such a cute idea (and perfect for when girlfriends like the same thing..).  Loving how it looks with my Love bracelet!!!

Miu Miu Leather bracelet in teal (amazing with my Love bracelet!)

I bought a gorgeous Salvatore Ferragamo red leather skinny belt.  I love a subtle look and this belt is definitely subtle...yet it is chic and for those in the know, a classic fashion find.  I have already worn the belt with white skinny jeans and a cobalt striped shirt (another find, this time from Country Road @ David Jones).

Ferragamo Belt 

Finally, I would like to share my one "I must get when I go to Vogue Fashion Night Out" item. The Wolford Bonny Dots pantyhose.  I LOVE a polka dot (or 50) so these pantyhose represent all that I love in fashion - having fun!  These, naturally, were worn at their first opportunity - today at work...and yes, the ladies (and the men!) LOVED them too.

Wolford Bonny Dots 

I will attend Vogue Fashion Night Out again next year and I have already had more than a handful of "please take us with you next year" requests and naturally, I will oblige anyone who loves to shop & can keep up with me!


It was a fabulous night & I loved it!!

Miu Miu's pretty packaging 

Perfect Complexion

I'd love to share my skin & make-up must-haves.


I'm in my mid-thirties and desperate to fight off any visible signs of ageing!  Over the years (and there have now been quite a few), I have tried many different products from the entire spectrum of price range (think 'Simple' to La Prairie).


I have had a few facials recently and have been rather shocked at each therapist who informs me that my skin is in wonderful condition and weathered well for "my age".  Lately, others have been commenting and I have an answer for everyone: La Mer.


I switched to La Mer Gel De La Mer 6 months ago.  I also started using La Mer The Eye Concentrate.  And....WOW!!!  I have combination skin but I also break out if anything is too heavy.  Many moisturisers are too rich for my skin - the Creme de La Mer is to heavy.  The Gel, however, is perfect.  And as for The Eye Concentrate?  Hello early 30's and goodbye bags & fine lines :)

Gel De La Mer available at David Jones nationally 

La Mer The Eye Concentrate available at David Jones nationally 

 I also use Philosophy 'the supernatural' airbrush canvas mineral powder (15+ SPF). Underneath, I use a Primer (Nars Pore Refining).  These products combined give a naked feel to the face but with the coverage of a foundation...just with a natural look & feel to the face.  I pop on a Chanel bronzer, a Nars blush (in the massively popular Orgasm) and I use the cheap & cheerful (but very effective) Maybelline Great Length Mascara.  I usually finish off with Chanel lipstick in Cambon (of course).  I am not a huge fan of eyeshadow and eyeliner but I do own Dior & Witchery (very good if I may say so) eyeshadows & a Chanel eyeliner pencil.

and then...I'm at work, playing on the weekend or enjoying the evening...voila!

Always remember ladies - remove your make-up before going to bed and always moisturise & apply eye cream morning & night.  An application twice a day keeps the botox away!

xx

Philosophy 'the supernatural' airbrushed canvas mineral powder available nationally from Mecca Cosmetica

Nars Pore Refining Primer available nationally from Mecca Cosmetica

On Trend: The LBD (that is...Long black dress..)

I am rapt about my ever so chic yet ridiculously cheap LBD, picked up today during a random wander into Sportsgirl.


Ladies, I am talking about the Milly Tee Dress (as pictured below) available to all for the grand total of $79.95.


This dress is figure hugging, has a scoop neck and the cutest cap sleeves.  My favourite feature is the on-trend "mullet" cut whereby the dress is long as can be at the rear (the hem skims my feet) yet short at the front (just short enough to be super sexy & stylish without being trashy & cheap).


Styled below, this is how I plan to wear this dress during the coming Spring & Summer seasons.  


I'm excited about this dress and all the stylish days I will have wearing & accessorising it. Oh....my fabulous cherry Gucci hat!!  I am in heaven, this dress is 'da bomb' xx

Sportsgirl Millie Tee Dress

Chanel Chain Sandals from the Chanel Boutique

House of Harlow Starburst Ring from Mocha boutiques

Bettina Liano Tied Up Pony Bag