Work to play.

Doesn't time fly when you're having fun? 

I can't believe that I've been in my new job for nearly two months- it feels as though I've always been there- especially now I've officially gotten into the swing of things by spending the night dancing and drinking with my new colleagues!

But...even though I was excited to get to know my new colleagues outside of the office arena, I did have a momentary panic involving glad rags. How do you do the whole work-to-play outfit switch-over when everyone is going out straight from work? Do I take clothes in? Do I dress up for work and just spruce myself up with a bit more make-up? What do I do with my clothes and shoes if I change them in work?

In the end I decided on the alternative...The AAA - Accessorise All Areas. 

This is how I ended up solving my dilemma...

Work.

I've had this simple light weight New Look dress for a little while now, but the weather has either been too cold to venture out in it or it has been too plain to make a statement. For work I chose to wear the dress with a pair of velvet studded Topshop slippers (not the new canvas ones) and the obligatory H&M work cardigan...

Play.

So, to change my look without bogging myself down with unnecessary clutter on the night out, I changed my flats to a pair of velvet Carvela heels, added a pair of Thomas Sabo earrings and swapped my cardigan (that I left on the back of my office chair) with a warmer leopard print coat from my favourite retailer- Zara. Oh, and a bit of Tom Ford lippy in Crimson Noir was added just to make sure that I was definitely dressed for a night out!

So what do you think? How do you go from work-to-play?

Also...thank you to everyone who entered my Vivienne Westwood giveaway.  I haven't forgetten about you...I will choose the winner this week :)

For darker days.

There are always going to be days in work where getting through the day is tough. As long as I am smart and tidy, I can pretty much wear what I like to meet clients, so I decided to buy one item that is always going to make me smile.

Yes, I know I champion Zara way too much, but I really do love their shirts for work! I promise that I will post about other brands in the future, but they have so many nice items in store that I can't walk away from...including this little gem...

I originally spoke about the skirt above in my First Impressions post.  I love the skirt so much that I will probably wear it a lot to meetings and away days and can always change the belt when it's starting to look a little same old-same old. 

The watch is by Nixon, and I always borrow it from my boyfriend when I'm having an accessory crisis day! He bought this one from Harvey Nichols, but I'm pretty sure that you can get them on Net-a-Porter too. 

And finally, the shoes. These cute brogues are from Deena & Ozzy at Urban Outfitters.  They are so comfy to wear and look good on days where heels are a no-go! 

Let me know if you think this shirt is a little loud...I'll save it for the weekends! 

New start, new bag...right?

So I'm starting my new job next week, so that must mean that shopping is mandatory! I need a few bits and bobs to update my summer work wardrobe, but nothing is as challenging as picking a bag to go with it...oh, and it must be practical too!

I don't shop online and when I do, it's only to browse posh sites to add to my mental 'if I won the lottery' wish list. I prefer to spend a day shopping, 9-5, and buy everything I need rather than lust over something online only to find that the real-life version is flimsy and made in China.

So at approximately 9:34- only half an hour into my shopping pursuit, I find the One. Oh Yes, it's practical, it's big, it's leather and fits perfectly into my jewel-colour bag fantasy!

Behold! The perfect work bag...

Fabulous!

This green monster is from Zara and will become the love of my life for a while (until I find the next beaut for my wardrobe!)

It has a front and inside pocket, (for storing many receipts and wrappers) sturdy straps, side zips for extra room and is well made- No odd bits of cotton or unfinished panels.

And it's cheap too...just £69. Bargain!