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Tuesday 3 April 2012

Business Flower Power

I've often spoke about Power Dressing, mainly on twitter, but I do think it is worth a look at. When I was applying for teaching posts, I started off in the formulaic ill fitting trouser suit that my Mam had bought for me at a boutique in Otley. I didn't feel like me. I had camel toe. And mainly, I was uncomfortable.

Part of my perceived appeal to schools was my personality, and in interviews, I think it is really important for this to come across. I have so many interview tales of woe, that I won't bore you with them, but I was told everything from "Your being here today shows us that you put your career before your health. We don't want someone like that" to "You were too keen on the role and the school". These were over 5 years ago, and so I may have misremembered the exact turn of phrase, but you get my drift. 

Once I found my 'interview outfit', I felt more in control, more confident, and more importantly, more me!!

And the same goes with this office dress. We have a business casual approach when it's a normal working day, we sometimes have dress down days, and occasionally we have business dress days. Today is one of those days. I've been involved in a project they're rolling out which completely alters how we work, and I'll be delivering most of the training in the Newcastle office. So, last night, after they had arrived yesterday, I realised I needed to up my business dress game a little. 



Dress: Anna Scholz for Simply Be, size 20
Jacket: Gok Wan for Sainsburys Tu, last season, size 22
Shoes (not seen): Viva La Diva T Bars 

You may remember seeing this dress before, in my review of the Simply Be store in Stockton. It has hung in my wardrobe since then, and I have even at times wondered if I was ever going to wear it! After my lack lustre day yesterday, I knew this was the answer. Power dressing, with a Kathryn twist!

It incorporates my love of 60s print, 60s monochrome, but with a business like edge to it. I'm sure when Anna Scholz designed this for SimplyBe, she didn't think someone would wear it for the office. It has a must more summery, dressy feel than that. But that is why I love it for the office. By adding the Gok Wan cropped Tuxedo Jacket, with oriental detailing in the lining, I've hopefully added the business edge needed to this gorgeous dress!

If I was to wear this as a summer dress, I'd ditch the tights, add my black elasticated belt, and rock the bare arms look. I just don't think for the office, I can get away with it without the coverage!

This will become an office staple for me now!

Much love my lovelies,

K x


4 comments:

  1. Love this look!
    I would love to power dress some days, but my office is a much more 'jeans and a top' affair! Sad!
    xx
    emsipop.blogspot.co.uk

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  2. I love that dress and it looks great on you too!

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  3. Lovely dress for interviews/work! I've recently found my interview dress too, nice to see other people are opting to move away from the boring pant suit. Interesting post xx

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  4. Love the look, and I'd never have thought those two would work well together....but loving the combo....and it seems really officey/businessy whilst still having a strong fashion edge...well done lady!

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