Wednesday 15 April 2015

Corporate Style: Colourful Office Wear with Mulberry Alexa Bag

After my awesome wardrobe detox session with a personal stylist, I've been looking at my wardrobe differently. It's given me some more outfit ideas for old favourites, and a reason to re-wear some pieces that haven't been worn in a while. It's definitely generated a lot of inspiration for me with my wardrobe! Below are two outfits where I tried different things for my office wear. Quite colourful too with the pinks and blues and my lilac Mulberry Alexa bag.


What I wore:

black shrug cardi asos pink satin tank french connection stripe pencil skirt office

Away From Blue Mulberry regular Alexa bag in foggy grey
CardiganJeanswest black cardi
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
TankAsos satin singlet in pink
SkirtFrench Connection 'Abby' twisted skirt
Shoes: Wittner 'Bolla' black bow detail flats
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
BagMulberry regular Alexa bag in foggy grey


Why I wore it:

I had wanted to wear this pretty skirt to the office again, after last time I wore it when I was finding it tricky to wear casually outside of the office. Pencil skirts are not the most practical or comfortable choice for life at home with baby! Good for the office though. I wasn't sure what to wear it with when I saw the tank and remembered that when Maudie did my wardrobe detox, she loved this top. And I do too! I've always wanted to find more like it, but have never had any luck. It's something that's been on my wishlist for a while, I keep looking for similar pieces. So easy to dress up or dress down, it goes with everything. And even hides a second trimester baby bump!

Kept the outfit simple and comfortable with flats - the skirt is quite clingy so I wasn't comfortable adding heels into the mix. Good for a fairly meeting-free day in the office.


Last worn: black cardigan, pink satin singlet, French Connection stripe skirt, black flats, Mulberry Alexa bag.

Other ways to wear: black cardigan with a printed top, pink singlet hiding a second trimester baby bump in the office, striped skirt for second trimester office wearblack flats with a black maxi dress, foggy grey Mulberry Alexa with a black outfit.









What I wore:

Print and texture outfit acne pistol boots french connection paisley dress boucle jacket

Away From Blue Mulberry Alexa bag in regular size worn on arm
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette
DressFrench Connection blue Paisley print dress
BootsAcne pistol boots in "skin"
BagMulberry regular Alexa bag in foggy grey


Why I wore it:

This dress was something I was thinking about donating, but I wasn't completely sure. It was one of my first dress purchases specifically for the office, back when I had just started my current job. Lots of fond memories. During my wardrobe detox Maudie wasn't overly impressed with the dress on me, but we spoke about it for a while and now I have a few different ideas for how to wear it. I won't let it leave my wardrobe just yet, although it definitely will be leaving at some point.

Was a little on the fence with this outfit though! I wanted to wear my new jacket and I tried on a few ideas in front of the mirror the night before, wasn't sure about the textured jacket with the printed dress...maybe a little too busy. In the end I couldn't make up my mind and decided I should just give the combination a go. I always tend to think my first few autumn layering outfits look a little off, takes me a while to get back into the layering mindset after the hot and humid Brisbane summers! Fashion is all about fun anyway, and it doesn't really matter if the outfits work or don't work I still get a chance to try again the next day! :)

One thing I did notice fairly quickly is that this jacket is not as ideal for the office as I hoped it would be. It's got zipper details on the sleeves, which are cute, but the zipper pulls are not the best when typing at a keyboard! So much noise...had to take the jacket off while I was at my desk. Something I hadn't thought about when I bought it! I like the mix of gold and silver thread through it though. Hoping the weather continues to cool so I can wear it more often.



Last worn: Paisley print sheath dress, Acne Pistol boots, Mulberry Alexa (above). First time I've worn the boucle jacket.

Other ways to wear: blue paisley print dress with pink accessoriesMulberry foggy grey Alexa with lilac and grey outfit.





Linking up with WIW, Because Shanna Said So, Whatcha Wearing Wednesday, Style Me Weekly, What I Wore, Get Your Pretty On, Oh Hey Girl, Style Me Wednesday, Trendy Wednesday, The Wednesday Pants, Throwback Thursday, Thursday Fashion Files, Spotlight Weekly, Fun Fashion Friday, Fab Favourites today.



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66 comments:

  1. Mica you look great in this saturated fuschia colour! It really compliments your skin tone!

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  2. Awesome outfits, you look lovely. I especially love the hot pink top in the first outfit, it's so colourful! Also, absolutely love your bag, what a classic piece! <3

    I have a new post up on the blog, would love to know your thoughts:

    * Electric Sunrise - Fashion and Lifestyle Blog *

    x

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  3. love the first one so much!so much color!

    Irene
    www.thedailylace.com

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  4. Sometimes, I also bring out the old pieces and we-wear them again. I love the first outfit because it is so colourful suits for Spring!

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  5. Both of those outfits are great. That pink shirt really pops. I absolutely love the second outfit. The print of the dress is great and the jacket is a great finish!

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    Replies
    1. Your textured jacket is really nice for real! When buying clothes I always forget about how comfortable they could be at the office... ;-) Love your boots with this look!
      Oh my! How gorge is your striped skirt, Mica! Obsessed with stripes and it looks wonderful on you with a pop of color! Well done, dear!!!

      JOURNAL OF STYLE

      Delete
  6. Great office looks Mica!

    Your wardrobe detox session sounds very interesting. I never thought of a personal stylist who can help spring clean and revamp your wardrobe but if someone can help do all that, I might try it out for myself! :D

    Xx
    Siree
    The Hidden Thimble

    Win a skincare pack on our blog: http://wp.me/p2Zs6l-VE

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I highly recommend a wardrobe detox with a professional! It really helped me :)

      Delete
  7. Lovely :) beautiful bag !!

    www.aishettina.blogspot.it

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  8. that skirt is perfect! I love a striped skirt for work. My one is starting to pill a lot though. I might pop by French Connection although I don't think it would still be in stock...:(

    Metallic Paws

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    Replies
    1. It probably wouldn't even be in the outlets sadly :( I bought it when I was pregnant, ages ago! And even then it was on sale with limited sizes left. I put some similar ones in the post, but there's nothing exactly like this that I could find.

      Delete
  9. You look amazing! Loving that paisley dress and of course I love that bag!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

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  10. Even tho I still wouldn't wear it, I do like the pleat/fold details of your pencil skirt. The paisley dress is beautiful as well, it is a nice color and the pattern is done well. Often paisley comes in color combis I don't dig with teeny tiny patterning.

    Alex - Funky Jungle

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  11. OH love that first look! Stunning skirt, I just love the print! Beautiful necklace too x

    Florals&Smiles
    Twitter

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  12. These are both super cute looks! I love the bright top in your first look!

    www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com

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  13. You have a nice blog dear, I like it:) I'm following you now!
    Have a great day,
    xoxo
    http://stylishpatterns.blogspot.com.es

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  14. Love that striped skirt! Perfect staple for spring:)

    Heidi
    www.wishesandreality.com

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  15. Love the skirt from the first look !
    xoxo,

    http://atwednesdaysiwearpink.blogspot.pt/

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love that Jeanswest jacket and totally see why you were eager to wear it! I think it's become so ok to mix textures and prints that no one really bats an eye anymore. But it's really important to only keep the things you love. That's what I'm finding out lately. If I don't love it, I don't need it.

    The color of that handbag is so pretty. It's different, reminds me of grape ice cream. I love that dusty lavender shade. (:

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, keeping the things you love makes it easier to find a perfect outfit each day, as you know you'll be happy in whatever you wear! :) I'm trying to be stricter.
      I do love this jacket, just not when typing hehe.

      Delete
  17. Necklace twins in the first style!!! I will never get enough of stripes!! Great styling, lady!!!

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  18. The blue and pink outfits go so beautifully with your lilac colored bag. And I hate when jackets have details on the sleeves that look beautiful, but are impractical for typing and writing :(

    Mili

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    Replies
    1. Just means I can't wear it in the office, which is a shame as that's why I bought it....haha

      Delete
  19. Love both looks! Each are so unique from each other but full of fun colors!

    God bless,
    XO, Claire
    www.littlemissfashionqueen.blogspot.com

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  20. Va-va-voom! I love that skirt Mica! The stripes and draping are so cute! Gorgeous pop of color in the top and fabulous bag. What a great dress, but I understand what you mean about details that can be problems. It's happened to me too!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't even think to check that - now my odd behaviour when trying clothes on is going to get even odder if I have to pretend to sit at a keyboard and type, haha!

      Delete
  21. Ooh I love that first skirt - I wore something similar on my blog today as well!
    I think I need to do a wardrobe detox myself - a spring cleaning in my wardrobe is definitely in order and I should dig out some old favorites instead of continuing to buy new clothes.

    xo Deborah
    Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought I had a good grasp of my wardrobe, but it's surprising how many old favourites are there hidden away I'd forgotten all about! :)

      I really like your striped skirt! Really nice with the tee, maybe I should try that to dress this one down more!

      Delete
  22. I LOVE that bright pink on you, Mica! Your blue eyes really stand out with that colour - fabulous outfit.

    Second outfit, meh, I don't love the dress. It just doesn't have those special elements that I look for: good seaming and construction or interesting details. The pattern is nice. The jacket is awesome, but I agree - those kind of racket-y sleeves drive me insane when I'm typing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sheila! It's one of those colours the stylist said would look great on me, and I have to agree she knows her stuff!

      I was a little meh about the dress too...as was the stylist! But I just don't think I'm ready to give it up quite yet. I know it should go...but I just can't do that haha

      Delete
  23. I had the same problem today wearing a heavy sharktooth bracelet - it was so annoying to type with! Kind of liking the jacket even though it's not quite my style. I'd totally wear it - probably over a black maxi dress haha :)

    steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh it would look great over a black maxi dress! :D

      It's a shame pretty things aren't always practical for typing - not really a problem I've had the past year or so being at home with baby, but definitely a factor now I'm back at work!

      Delete
  24. You look great as always :)! Pencil skirts aren't my thing, but I love the style of the one you're wearing in the first picture, it looks GREAT on you! <3
    x Angela // bouncingbrunette.blogspot.com

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  25. Lovely look
    I love your top on first one.
    And the dress on second is so pretty
    XO

    Check my new post.
    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin

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  26. I love that striped ruched mini skirt and the stunning blue pendant necklace. The second outfit is my favorite though. The paisley dress and boucle jacket are both lovely.

    Have a great weekend, Mica!

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  27. Love your first outfit, stunning stripes! And the Mulberry is such a classic, been loving it for years. Love, Kirsten xx

    www.thelifbissue.com

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  28. Another amazing bag!! Both of these looks are so pretty on you, really loving your first look. The striped skirt, pink top and necklace are perfect together.
    Marta
    www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com

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  29. I adore these! That skirt in the first photos is to die for and the pop of pink, perfect!!! You do a super job sweet lady!! xo

    livingoncloudandreanine.blogspot.com

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  30. That striped skirt is fabulous! I love both of these outfits but the first look is my favorite! That bag is amazing!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  31. I love your wrap skirt! You know I love anything black and white and/or striped. It looks comfy too. Comfy office wear is always a win!

    Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

    ReplyDelete
  32. You really do have the best bags! I love, LOVE the color of this one so much

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

    ReplyDelete
  33. I've recently discovered your blog and I really like it! I'm following you now on Bloglovin'
    Hope you'll like mine too!

    XO,
    Taria-ann
    www.frunettte.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm reading The Happiness Project and the women who write it said that after you clean out your closet and only keep things you wear and like, you feel happier and like you have more clothes because it's all stuff you'd actually wear :) Reminded me of you!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcdartree.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that sounds like a great book to read! It's true that you do feel different after a big wardrobe clear out, I was in such a good mood after the personal stylist session even after I was worried I'd be upset over cleaning out so much stuff!

      Delete
  35. I love that skirt and adore that House of Harlow necklace! Such a pretty look on you!

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  36. I LOVE your hair in curls!!! You look so gorgeous! I really need to learn to curl my locks too..

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! It doesn't always look the best each day, I'm not a pro at it, but it's nice to let it go all curly and wavy now and then - especially on hot days, don't have to bother with straighteners! :)

      Delete
  37. All I can hear in my head now is that clinking sound the zipper must be making every time it makes contact with a surface! I have a jacket like that too and that sound is just the worst.

    Sxx
    www.daringcoco.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha I'm sorry! It is a really annoying noise.

      Delete
  38. I just bought a similar skirt from Old Navy! It's a jersey material like yours and I see it as casual only! What about wearing it with a cotton tee or tank? Or even a light sweater and booties? I do like how you styled it for the office. I'll have to try dressing mine up in a similar way. As for the zippers on your jacket, what if you just rolled up the sleeves as you're typing? That way you're still mostly covered while not listening to the annoying zippers. Might work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I might need to retire this skirt to be casual only...and try those ideas you suggested! :) It is a little tricky to wear to the office, but pencil skirts seem a little formal for casual wear. maybe when baby is older and there is less crawling around on the floor with him, haha.

      I tried the sleeves unzipped and rolled up - they wouldn't stay put, boo! :(

      Delete
  39. the pencil skirt looks great on you and i love how you paired it with a bright top!

    cute & little

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  40. Love the jacket in the second outfit, it has a very classy appeal! Looking great!

    Prudence
    www.prudencepetitestyle.com

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  41. Oh good luck, that sounds like an awesome goal to have! :D I tend to just work with a tiny portion of my wardrobe, and even though I'm trying to wear more of what I own I get stuck re-wearing my favourites over and over.

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  42. Thank you all for your kind comments!

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  43. The skirt while very pretty and complements perfectly with the pink top, I think I might wear it only as casual as well as some of the other ladies mentioned. I absolutely love the stripes and the style of the skirt though.
    The jacket is beautiful Mica, tad bit sad and crazy how you had to deal with the zipper issue. I have a denim jacket that has button details that hit right at the elbow, so typing while wearing it is majorly painful, so I hear ya on that..
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I think I need to figure out how to wear this skirt casually - pencil skirts aren't ideal for life with baby though so I'll need to think about that! :)

      Delete
  44. I agree that pencil skirts are tough to wear outside of the office. I rarely wear them on the weekends. And what a bummer about the jacket, as much as I love bracelets, I take them off as soon as I get in the office because I can't stand the noise either.

    Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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    Replies
    1. I don't mind the odd jingle of bracelets, but the zipper pulls were just too noisy...have to think of a solution for work haha!

      Delete
  45. Great striped skirt! Thanks for linking up this week :)

    http://www.sydneyfashionhunter.com/

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  46. I really love that twisted skirt in b/w! I have a pencil skirt in b/w similar to that, but love how yours is twisted, so fun! Also, what a darling necklace w/ that outfit!

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  47. Mica you nailed it with that first look !
    You were able to wear that skirt perfectly for work - although I have to be honest, I am more and more trying to avoid forcing items into working. They gotta work on their own.
    I am trying… not there yet!

    ReplyDelete

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