HOW TO LOOK STYLISH IN THE OFFICE

Golden October weather at its best! Temperatures here in Germany were similar to the ones I enjoyed in Portugal last week. Back at work I want to show you a typical office look taken during my lunch break. Black&Blue is a mix I like a lot, I often pair jeans with a black blazer (make sure you come back for my next post) and also wore this colour combination here.

There are dress codes for various branches and you may have to obey a certain rule in your position. I work in a military, male dominated environment and I am dealing with visitors and high ranking officers and officials on a regular basis which involves a close cooperation with our Protocol Department.

LENGTH

Like in any professional environment pay attention to the length of your skirt or dress. I have a few clothes with a length at the edge of my personal comfort zone but some of them work very well with opaque tights.

BLAZER
Usually blazers are part of my office outfits as they complete a professional look. Make sure the fabric isn't too stiff or thick. This one is form fitted yet lightweight and comfortable when I sit at my desk. Alternatively I wear classic cardigans over a top or a dress. I prefer them to jumpers as they allow me to leave them open or even take them off a lot easier.

JEWELLERY
If you wear dark or neutral colours, accessorize them with some statement jewellery. Make make sure your earrings aren't too big as the clacking noise when answering the phone is distracting (I wore these only for the photos as they match the necklace!). I also find bangles not practical at work and go for bracelets instead.

HANDBAG
A classy handbag adds a professional touch to your attire. Usually I carry my lunch or other smaller items like sunglasses, gloves or in winter even a second pair of shoes to work. If my handbag is too small, I use an extra tote bag and love my Longchamps bags for that purpose.

WHAT DO YOU WEAR AT WORK? DO YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW A DRESS CODE?

JUMP START A NEW WORK WARDROBE

I couldn't be more excited about being mentioned in the Wall Street Journal as "amongst the best blogs for fashionable mature women" here: http://on.wsj.com/18FnVWu 

When we took these photos in the glorious sunshine we had to stop every couple of minutes as a lot of people went for a walk - including that cat which obviously enjoyed the warm weather too!

 

Photos taken by Jasmin

Blazer H&M | absolutely love this and this via Piperlime
Skirt H&M | fabulous in black&blue by Mango or printed by F21
Bag Dorothy Perkins (similar) | lovely options by Mango and asos
Pumps Di Lauro | similar by Nine West and ALDO via asos
Necklace and earrings Accessorize (option) | gorgeous by BaubleBar and asos
Bracelets and ring H&M | similar by F21 here and here or Jeweliq
Shapewear Tights c/o ITEM m6
Layering top c/o adea

Black handbags for a stylish yet professional office look

I recently had a fantastic collaboration with Style Expert Deborah Boland and her team of Fabulous After 40 and created a set of polyvore collages for her new e-books Chic on the Cheap and Color Me Fabulous .

You can order the e-books by simply clicking on the covers below.

CHIC ON THE CHEAP		COLOR ME FABULOUS
You’ll feel more attractive!		What colors am I supposed to wear if not black?
Your confidence will surge!		How do you know which are my WOW colors?
You’ll send the message that you are modern and hip and that your ideas are too!		Won’t I look fat if I don’t wear black?
Your wonderful personality will be expressed to the world!		What other colors spell "old lady" and do I need to avoid?
You’ll be inspired to get in the world and have some fun!		What are this season’s most popular colors and will they suit me, especially now I’m over 40?

THE GREEN FRILL DRESS

Good weather on my birthday mid October cannot always be guaranteed in Germany but certainly in Portugal. Mr C took me out to a lovely restaurant where we had a traditional Portuguese "Cataplana", a fish stew with delicious local wine which we enjoyed sitting outside all evening.

For the occasion I wore this green Havren dress which features a wrap over with a frill all the way down from collar to skirt. I was looking for a green dress for a long time and although I love the red and black versions too, the decision for this colour was easy! Do I need to say that I absolutely love this feminine dress? It is my style and I feel most comfortable and confident in it.

This dress is still available via John Lewis. Dresses are a key part in Havren's Autumn Winter collection. Find more feminine dresses directly here from Havren.

Styled with black stilettos (not recommended on Portuguese cobblestone!) and a smart blazer it will be a more formal eveningwear ensemble. Worn with boots and a cosy cardigan it will be suitable for German autumn days. Look forward to these alternative stylings!

Meinen Geburtstag konnten wir in Portugal bei spätsommerlichen Temperaturen mit einem wunderschönen Abendessen auf der Terrasse eines kleinen Restaurants feiern. Mr C lud mich zu einem traditionellen Portugiesischen "Cataplana", einer Art Fisch und Meeresfrüchte Eintopf, zubereitet in einem Kupferkessel, ein. 

Ich trug mein neues grünes Kleid in Wickeloptik von Havren. Ich war schon lange auf der Suche nach einem grünen Kleid und dieses feminine Rüschenkleid, das ich mir bei Havren aussuchen durfte, ist genau mein Stil, ich habe mich darin sofort und rundum gut gefühlt. Kennt Ihr dieses Gefühl bei einem Kleidungsstück? Mein Kleid ist über John Lewis erhältlich. Die neue Herbst Winter Kollektion gibt es natürlich auch direkt bei Havren.

Da es so schön warm war, konnte ich meine Lieblingsschuhe dazu tragen, aber hier zuhause werden es jetzt Stiefel und eine kuschelige Jacke werden. Alternativ für abends Stilettos (auf Portugiesischem Kopfsteinpflaster unmöglich!) und ein schwarzer Blazer. Diese Looks werde ich Euch hier demnächst vorstellen.

Photos taken by Mr C in Castro Marim, Algarve, Portugal

Dress Havren | all three colours are available here from John Lewis
Peep Toes Varese | fabulous similar pair by Nine West
Cardigan Mango | matching cardi by Havren | basics by asos and Dorothy Perkins
Bag Vieta | love this and this bag from John Lewis
Armcandy various old ones

Styling a dress - from autumn to winter von annette-ladyofstyle

Disclosure
This product has been given to me for an unconditional review:

Frill Dress c/o Havren Ltd.

LATE SUMMER WINE

Warm temperatures, a quiet holiday home in the middle of vineyards, surrounded by peach, orange and fig trees, traditional restaurants, fresh fish and excellent wine... that's what Mr C and I were up to at the Algarve, Portugal for a week.

Recently I talked about shapewear here and received a lot of feedback - thank you so much, it is a topic that most readers of my agegroup can relate to. Shapewear is "magical underwear" but did you know there are garments with integrated shapers? This jersey dress by Damart has a body sculpting lining attached and therefore doesn't require separate shapewear. I chose it in my favourite seasonal colour plum but it also comes in black and printed options here.

In the warm climate of Portugal I wore the dress bare-legged with peeptoes but surely you will see me pairing it with boots and a blazer or a coat facing the colder season here in Germany.

Bei milden Temperaturen verbrachten Mr C und ich eine Woche im ruhigen Hinterland der Algarve. Ein kleines Ferienhäuschen, Weinstöcke, Pfirsich-, Orangen- und Feigenbäume um uns, dazu traditionelle Restaurants, Chicken Piri-Piri, frischer Fisch und guter Wein - ideal in der Nebensaison bei günstigen Preisen!

Kürzlich habe ich hier über Shapewear geschrieben - vielen Dank für Euer großes Feedback dazu. Es ist eben ein Thema für meine Altersgruppe. Normalerweise trägt man Shapewear ja separat drunter, aber es gibt auch Kleidung mit eingearbeitetem figurformendem Effekt. Dieses Stretchkleid von Damart hat statt eines normalen Futterstoffs, einen eingearbeiteten, formenden Unterrock, was ich superpraktisch finde! Ich habe es mir in der herbstlichen Trendfarbe Pflaume ausgesucht, aber es ist auch in schwarz und bedruckt hier erhältlich.

In Portugal konnte ich ohne Strümpfe und in Peeptoes laufen, zuhause werde ich es mit Stiefeln und Jacke kombinieren, es ist in jedem Fall ideal für's Büro!

Photos taken by Mr C at Quinta Dos Vales, Algarve, Portugal

Dress c/o Damart UK. Aubergine, black and two printed versions here
Silky Cardigan old | similar style by Pendleton and Ann Taylor
Peep Toes Varese | this are similar ones by Nine West
Necklace H&M | pretty alternatives by Jeweliq and BaubleBar
Sequin Clutch via ebay | love these by Accessorize and asos

I am linking up with 
lovely Alison of get your pretty on 
and
gorgeous Lulu of Simply Lulu Style

Please check out their fabulous blogs!

__________________________________________

Disclosure
This product has been given to me for an unconditional review:
Jersey Dress c/o Damart UK

BLACK MEETS CERULEAN BLUE

After the unexpected snowfall last week the weather luckily remembered it's only mid of October and we are enjoying days of sunshine again. However, I caught a bad cold last week when we took these photos and instead of heels I had to wear socks and booties for the first time - a bit different from my usually more feminine footwear. What do you think?

I paired my new V-neck top with a combination of trousers and peplum jacket. Both made of a shiny fabric and therefore perfectly matching together like a suit. 

When adea asked me which colours I'd prefer for my tops I chose a basic black (seen here) and this gorgeous cerulean blue. I couldn't be more comfortable with these shirts and as already mentioned last time, I will host a giveaway by adea for my readers in November!

Nach dem viel zu frühen ersten Schnee, hat sich das Wetter zum Glück eines Besseren besonnen und es wurde wieder herrlich sonnig. Leider ist es aber auch die Zeit der Erkältungen und mich hatte es letzte Woche ziemlich erwischt, sodass ich meine Schnupfennase dick überschminken mußte! 

Mein neues kobaltblaues Top von adea, das ich mir zusammen mit dem schwarzen (hier zu sehen) aussuchen durfte, habe ich heute mit meinem Peplum Blazer kombiniert. Beide Teile haben exakt den gleichen glänzenden Touch und sehen daher wie ein Hosenanzug aus. Wegen meiner Erkältung musste ich mich wärmer anziehen und daher kamen meine Booties statt Pumps erstmals wieder zum Einsatz. Für mich dadurch ein eher strenger Look, nicht ganz so feminin wie ich mich üblicherweise kleide, was meint Ihr dazu?

Nicht vergessen, im November gibt es hier eines der traumhaften Tops von adea zu gewinnen!

Photos taken by Jasmin

Jacket H&M | pretty option by Wallis and this gorgeous faux leather by Bon Prix
Trousers Mango | very similar by Mango and Wallis
Layering Top c/o adea
Booties old | looking for new ones like these by Nine West or Piperlime
Bag MartofChina | elegant by Dorothy Perkins | blue leo prints by Topshop
Necklace and earrings Bijou Brigitte

Disclosure
This product has been given to me for unconditional review:

Layering Top c/o adea

DO YOU WEAR MAGIC UNDERWEAR?

DO YOU WEAR SHAPEWEAR?

You see me wearing formfitted dresses and skirts a lot and although I am not a big size I do not have the same figure any longer that I used to have but added some curves. Sounds familiar to you? Most bodies have changed after having children but certainly when we are heading towards 50.
Shapewear is an excellent option to create a nice silhouette, positively accentuate feminine curves and feel more confident.

Don't think of unpleasant, tightening braces of the old days! Modern shapewear is extremely comfortable to wear, ultra-thin, it is able to ‘breathe’ and at the same time highly corrective. There are many different types, qualities and colours - and they can even look sexy. I wouldn't wear them for a date night although some brands describe their shapewear as "man-friendly" - no more hiding in the bathroom to take them off ;-) 

 

TRAGT IHR SHAPEWEAR?

Ich trage gerne figurbetonte Kleider und Stretchröcke, aber nachdem ich nicht mehr dieselbe Figur habe wie früher, sondern ein paar Kurven, trage ich Shapewear, auch "magic underwear" genannt, unter dieser Art von Kleidung. Sie formt eine schöne Silhouette, bringt Kurven vorteilhaft zur Geltung und ich fühle mich damit einfach wohler.

Figurformende Wäsche hat nichts mit einem unbequemen Korsett von früher zu tun! Es gibt sie in verschiedenen Formen, Stärken, Farben und sogar Mustern - und sie kann tatsächlich sexy aussehen. Zugegebenermaßen würde ich sie persönlich nicht zum Date tragen, aber manche Teile sind tatsächlich so heiß, dass sie als "männerfreundlich - kein Versteckspiel mehr im Badezimmer" beworben werden ;-)

Shape Tights Translucent / Formende Strumpfhose

by ITEM m6 

When: Colder season with any figure fitting dress or pencil skirt

I don't want to give up my dresses during the long German winter period!

Do you know there are tights with a built-in shaping effect? I didn't know until I was contacted by ITEM m6, the fashion brand of a HIGH-TECH MANUFACTURER FROM GERMANY with over 60 years of experience in implementing the highest development and production standards that integrates MEDI COMPRESSION into their state-of-the-art legwear. 

No more layering of normal tights plus shapewear but one single product! The shape tights come in TWO DIFFERENT COLOURS and are made of durable, perfectly stitched high-tech fibers for optimum heat and moisture management. I chose the shape tights translucent in opaque black which I am wearing in the top photo with my animal print stretch skirt. 

ITEM m6 tights have a unique SHAPING EFFECT to give you a perfect silhouette thanks to medi compression and a perfect fit so they don't dig in or slip.

For sure you will see me wearing these shaping tights a lot this winter (also here).

Sculpting panty / Miederhöschen

by Damart 

When: Under an at least knee length dress or pencil skirt

These lovely sculpting jacquard panties by DAMART prove that modern shapewear really has left behind oldfashioned and unpleasant control briefs... DAMART, especially well-known for their thermals, but their product range includes sportswear, shapewear, swimwear and ready-to-wear, sent me a pair of these silky panties which I love wearing under my formfitted dresses. 

They have quite a strong sculpting effect that is especially desired under thin fabric. These panties are seamless around the tighs which means there won't be any visibility even under tight skirts or dresses.

Don't you love the elegant glossy jacquard fabric? Longer legs smooth and shape the figure from waistline to thigh. 

Another great addition to my "magic underwear"! 

Shaping dress / Unterkleid
When: Under a dress when it's important not to see any waistline

Pay attention to these important details:

1. Make sure it has an integrated bra with a proper fitting as otherwise you have to wear an additonal one which means an extra layer. If you prefer that extra support, open-bust shapers are a good option.
2. Check whether the seam has a silicone stopper band to avoid the dress gliding up especially when you are wearing tights. It can be quite embarrassing constantly trying to pull it down again...

Mid and long shaping briefs / Lange Miederhöschen
When: Under an at least knee length dress or pencil skirt

Short shaping briefs / Kurze Miederhöschen
When: Under a shorter dress or pencil skirt

Bodies
When: Under all kinds of garments that require an invisible waistline

Miniskirt incl. briefs / Minirock mit integriertem Slip
When: Ideal under pencil skirts

Open-bust shapers / Brustfreie Unterkleider
When: Open bust shapers allow you to wear your separate bra

Waist Cincher / Taillenmieder
When: For an individual shaping of the waist only

Have you ever heard about dresses with a built in shaping effect?
Soon I will show you that surprisingly different shaping garment.

__________________________________________________

I am linking up with Patti over at Not Dead Yet Style for her Visible Monday series.

Please pay her blog on how to look authentic and beautiful in our middle years a visit.

__________________________________________________

Disclosure
These products have been given to me for unconditional reviews:
Shape Tights Translucent c/o ITEM m6

Sculpting Jacquard Panty c/o Damart UK

LEO PRINTS & SILKY TOP

Have you noticed the remainders of the first snowfall we had here in the Alpine region in the backdrop? Even schools were closed due to blocked roads and train lines. Today it was sunny again and the snow went fast but temperatures decreased a lot and finally it is time for tights and layering.

I am wearing my new leo stretch knit skirt and stayed in the African theme with my beige safari jacket. adea sent me this black silky scoop neck top which immediately became a core piece in my wardrobe! These high quality layering tops which are manufactured in Italy come in an incredible selection of shapes and colours. Think of V-neck, boat neck, crew neck, turtle neck, long, 3/4 and short sleeves as well as sleeveless... 30 different brilliant colours, breathable, lightweight fabric, all direction stretch and pilling resistant. adea will even send you a colour sample to make sure you'll select the right tone!

I started with a classic black layering top but will show you a fabulous Cerulean Blue and trendy Oxblood soon. But that's not all!
adea offered a top of your choice as a giveaway to one of my readers and I will soon tell you more about this treat. Why don't you check out adea's selection in the meantime - you could be the lucky winner :-)

Auf einigen Fotos seht Ihr noch Schneereste - ich konnte es kaum glauben, als ich am Donnerstag aufgewacht bin! Auto freischaufeln, Schulen im ganzen Landkreis geschlossen, Stromausfälle in der Gegend und umgefallene Bäume blockierten die Straßen. Ich war froh, dass ich einen 4-Rad fahre! Heute hatten wir wieder strahlenden Sonnenschein, aber die Temperaturen sind morgens im niedrigen einstelligen Bereich - also Zeit für Strumpfhosen und Zwiebellook...

Zu meinem neuen Leo Stretchrock trage ich eine Safarijacke und dazu ein schwarzes, seidiges Shirt, das mir adea geschickt hat - ein ideales Top unter Blazern und Jacken und somit perfekt für's Büro geeignet! Die Shirts werden in Italien in hochwertigster Qualität in nglaublicher Vielfalt an Schnitten und Farben hergestellt. V-Ausschnitt, runder Ausschnitt, U-Boot, Rollkragen oder ärmellos und dazu 30 verschiedene Farben! Atmungsaktiv, seidig und leicht, dehnbar ohne die Form zu verlieren und mit Anti-Pilling ausgestattet. Wer sich über die passende Farbe unsicher ist, kann bei adea jederzeit ein Farbmuster anfordern!

Heute stelle ich Euch mein Shirt mir großem runden Ausschnitt und 3/4 Ärmel in Schwarz vor - demnächst folgen ein wunderschönes Kobaltblau und eine meiner Lieblingsfarben dieser Saison - Bordeaux. aber damit nicht genug! Nicht nur ich, sondern auch eine von Euch kann bald eines dieser hochwertigen Tops tragen, denn adea verlost für meine Leserinnen ein Shirt nach Wahl! Mehr dazu demnächst - sucht Euch in der Zwischenzeit doch schon mal Euer Lieblingsteil aus!

Photos taken by Jasmin

Skirt Costa Blanca | find similar styles below
Top c/o adea
Jacket Heine | similar style by asos and Forever 21
Pumps Di Lauro | similar by Nine West and ALDO via asos
Bag MartofChina | love this leo satchel by Dorothy Perkins and this tote by Monsoon
Belt Massimo Dutti | similar by Mango and Accessorize
Necklace Bijou Brigitte | love this by Accessorize

I am linking up with lovely Alison of get your pretty on 

Please check out her fabulous blog!

Disclosure
This product has been given to me for unconditional review:

Layering Top c/o adea