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Monday, July 15, 2013

Outfit

Over the last couple of weeks my life has changed dramatically because I've joined the workforce. I'm currently working two jobs; three days a week as a temporary office administrator and paralegal (I'm replacing an employee who is on annual leave), and two days a week in the investment management department of a large organisation. It takes some getting used to with the long days, structured hours and routine, lengthy bus trips into the city and actually being awake in the mornings (I was used to sleeping until midday most days for the five years I was at university). But work is certainly better than the alternatives of being a student or experiencing unemployment; the opportunity to build confidence in the workplace and feel as though I'm being productive and undertaking worthwhile activities, outweighs the anxiety I still feel about such a new environment. Also the concept of actually being paid is great (obviously!). To think that as a student I completed much more boring tasks and often put in longer hours for no remuneration makes any paid employment seem like such a bonus. The workforce really changes the way I look at the world. It makes me value small aspects of life much more; for example, I love lazy days at home right now whereas previously I would have been so bored. That's not to say I love everything about this lifestyle because I'm still getting used to it. I am continually exhausted; the commuting is really tiring me out. I also feel rather lonely being away in the big city for so much of the week; I'm still new so I'm yet to make friends, although in saying this I do feel more connected with the world compared to when I was unemployed.  I also have much less time for blogging. I am so tired that I can only write posts on the weekends, and I get home after dark so weekday outfit pictures never happen anymore. However, since I spend almost 10 hours a week on buses, I use the time productively to read other blogs and reply to comments. I often do the same during lunch breaks. It's a little treat I have to look forward to at certain intervals of the day. When I feel lonely, I simply go to my phone and you, my wonderful friends, are with me helping me through this transition phase of my life. It makes such a difference. I love starting my day replying to comments on the bus on my way to work; it's a positive way to ease myself into the day. I'll have a lot more to say about work in my future posts. 

I've had a few request to show you outfits I wear to work. For the months leding up to my employment I often wondered how this would work out since my love for bold patterns and bright colours doesn't traditionally align with the fact that I have degrees in law and commerce- accounting. I've been determined to incorporate my usual style as much as possible because let's face it; dressing up in exciting outfits increases my motivation to go to work! When in doubt I tend to wear my usual outfits but in darker colour scheme. The outfit I posted here ; is a typical example (although I'd usually wear a smaller hair accessory). See here and here (minus the fan clutch bag and the butterfly hair clip) for other outfits I've worn to work. In saying that, I started my employment with absolutely no "traditional" work clothes; I didn't even have a pair of plain black heels. Therefore, I have purchased a couple of items just for work in case there are days where I need to look particularly professional and to potentially counteract days where I do excessively stretch the dress code. This is one such outfit, featuring my new dress from Review.  The peter pan collar, the contrasting black and white; I am so in love with this dress. It was such a lucky coincidence that I owned shoes that perfectly match this dress (they've been such versatile shoes over the years). I also purchased this Guess bag which is exciting because it is my first one ever. Purchasing this bag was a necessity in my option and I didn't even have one professional looking bag; I'll be getting so much use out of it too.  Overall I've been pleasantly surprised; my outfits are much more suited to the work place than I initially thought.

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P1110339

P1110332

P1110322

P1110344

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I'm also getting a lot of use out of my coats and my scarf collection on the early morning buses.
P1110310

P1110317

Review Coat
Review Dress
Wittner 'Gloria' Heels
'Guess 'Madaket Carryall' Bag
Equip Bow Necklace
Equip Long Diamante Hair Clip 
Lovisa Pearl Earrings
Coco Land scarf  

Linking to: What I Wore Wednesday

104 comments:

Pooja Mittal said...

Hey sweets, i never knew u are soooo iccupied and have two jobs.. Ny god, hats off to you that you still take out time for blogging..
I can understand the travelling tom, earluer i use to work and use to drive around 3 hrs a day ...
Its such a change to work in a professional enviorment, y dont u do a post telling us your closet transformation and changes in looks that you have made ib detail..
U look very nice in the black dress, perfect fir work...
Keep in touch
www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com

Selvaggia Capizzi said...

You have two jobs? Woww!!
Anyways I love this black and White dress!!!
Don't Call Me Fashion Blogger
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Sam said...

Hi sweety, work sounds really hectic, its so impressive how stylish you remain no matter how body you are. Love love this classic and elegant dress. I need a copy *winks*

Natasha said...

I'm glad to hear that you're feeling brighter with work and yes once you're busy all the time it's so good to have an evening to yourself! Lovely outfits as always and I am posting your letter soon - money has stopped me from getting stamps! - Tasha xxx

Couture Carrie said...

Very chic and classic look, darling ~ love the B&W!
And good for you working 2 jobs!!

xoxox,
CC

Unknown said...

that's a great look for work, and I think most of the outfits I've seen you in will be okay for your line of work too, you always look professional with your own hint of style too! lovely, and congrats on getting the jobs! :D

daisychain said...

that's quite some work life miss! love this outfit xx

Larissa said...

I love this pretty black and white look! And I am completly in love in your coat!!! I have a blazer in the same color but somehow I never how what to wear with it :/

Happy Monday dear!

xx

anoddgirl said...

Your outfit is SOOO cute!
wow that's a lot of time on buses! i hate being on the train to and from the city, i don't know how you do it
xx
http://anoddgirl.blogspot.com.au

Unknown said...

I think this is an adorable work outfit! I'd love to have that dress in my collection. I often think about what I'll wear when I have a real adult job a year or so from now. It'll be super difficult for me to get used to an early morning schedule too, I'm sure. I'm not looking forward to that. But like you said, it'll be nice to actually get paid for doing work instead of just doing it for school. I'm ready to actually have some money!

Anyway, good luck with your adjustment to this new schedule! You can do it!

Paula said...

LOVE the black jacket! I think you're striking a good balance - you don't want to look too fashion or shallow but you want to stay true to who you are. I think you look great :-D
You and I ave swapped completely -I used to be the 50 hour work week girl and I'm not working at ALL now #scary.

♥ Paula Shoe Fiend.
http://shoe-fiend.blogspot.co.nz/

Anonymous said...

I totally loved this post!!! Really great inspiration! tell me if you would like to follow each other! I follow you back for sure - Lots of Love, Kyra♡
FOLLOW MY BLOG // TELL ME // I FOLLOW YOU BACK!

The Dainty Dolls House said...

2 jobs, goodness!! You look smashing, adore this dress :)) So pretty on you :) xx

A Very Sweet Blog said...

gorgeous dress! i love your pink coat. you look too cute!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Aimeecakes said...

I'm sure you'll get used to the whole working thing soon enough - it becomes the norm amazingly quickly. You look lovely, very professional!

Joy Shana said...

Wow aren't you a super woman:) you look gorgeous in both looks:)
Shana-Style

Dascha said...

Love the dress <3

xoxo
www.its-dash.com

Katie Frank said...

you look super lovely, <3
http://coeursdefoxes.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Wow, you've been a busy girl, and you look better than ever! You have such a beautiful wardrobe and you are such a gorgeous lady. This dress looks fabulous on you and that coat compliments it so nicely. You have the most amazing wardrobe and you rock every piece so well!! Have a wonderful day and thanks for sharing :)

xo, Alyssa
www.butterfliesonmars.blogspot.com

Sherin said...

The working world takes some getting used to. I'm 7 months in and still struggle with early mornings.

This is a great work look. Love the black and white.

Denise said...

You always look gorgeous!!! 10 hours on buses commuting and 2 jobs! Bless you, you must be tired - but yes, it's a good time to read! This time you are wearing "my" favorite outfit on you! I will copy that, OK? Very beautiful! So elegant! I loved the pink coat too! Good luck everyday, and congrats for the jobs!

Kezzie said...

Oh Imogen, it makes me so happy to know you are working and postively enjoying it. I remember when you were so stressed at yourself and at not having a job and it's fab you are there now! it's good also to acknowledge what you find hard also as that is part of the step to solving the issues! Your dress is gorgeous!!! I truly love it!x

Unknown said...

the dress is so pretty and i love the colour of your coat

http://naajronaslifestyle.blogspot.co.uk

Ali Hval said...

Hehe, I like that you're "stretching the dress code," though. I don't think this isn't work appropriate at all, though--it's super cute and dressed up with a twinge of your own style, so how's that unprofessional? I think you look totally work appropriate, my dear! And so so cute. I love that peter pan collar and GOSH the stripes at the bottom are just so lovely. :) Keep up the awesome work at your job. <3

Carly said...

Your dress is absolutely adorable! I love your quirky style so much. I'm really pleased that you are settling in and I hope things continue to go well for you! xxx

Keys of Anouk said...

What a beautiful look! Love the dress :)

xo Anouk
www.keysofanouk.nl

Paola Lauretano said...

Amazing black & white outfit.... I love your dress! You are so elegant!!!
Kisses darling!

Ashley of Southern (California) Belle said...

Congrats on the jobs! I think this would be a wonderful outfit for work :)

xo

Ashley

Southern (California) Belle

stylefrontier said...

this is such a lovely look!

xoxo
style frontier

Delia. said...

lovely look my dear <3 beautiful lady
kisses

Chloë, Wardrobe Quarry said...

I'm not usually a fan of pink but that coat is gorgeous.

Wardrobe Quarry

Tia said...

Thank you for commenting on my blog, you look amazing I love your style. My friend Crystal has started a fashion line called Oh So Darling on Facebook and Etsy), she is a UK vintage inspired designer and I really think you would suit the clothes she designs! Just sprung to mind and had to tell you :) xxx

Tia
www.bellezzababe.blogspot.co.uk

Anonymous said...

You look very elegant again :-) I love the collar on the dress. And your coat is really nice.

Sam said...

Thanks for stopping by doll :)

Emmylou said...

Such great outfits, Imogen:) So you, and still work-appropriate. So good to hear that you're adjusting quite well to this phase in your life. Only better things to come...

Unknown said...

very nice!!:)

www.borsadimarypoppins.com

bridechic said...

These outfits are really stunning and you look great!!!

Silvia Negretti said...

Two jobs??!! Wow, you are great!
Lovely look, as usual! ;)
xxx
s
http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

Patricia G. said...

Love this cute dress!
xoxo
www.donkeycool.blogspot.com

Pau Maldonado B. said...

so classy and chic!! I love it!!
kisses
Pau

Unknown said...

Beautiful Outift!!!! I like your blog a lot
what do oyu think about following each other?
let me know on my blog: berlintrends.blogspot.com
kiss vicky

mochaccinoland said...

charming dress! love your heels!!

xoxo
mochaccinoland.blogspot.com

The Braided Bandit said...

That dress is just PERFECT! The collar is amazing and the B & W color palette makes it go with anything! Hope you're having a wonderful day :)
xo Hannah

thebraidedbandit.blogspot.com

Kati said...

Thanks for your lovely words on my last post!
I love this dress, so pretty for work!

Have a great day,
-Kati

Lima said...

I applaud you for hanging on to the jobs! I can understand it can't be easy, always busy busy!

Your outfit looks lovely! Very work oriented but also, very you!

X

ALLIE NYC said...

Yes long commutes can be exhausting it Seattle it took me an hour to commute/travel 4 miles to my dead end customer service job. In NY it takes me a hour ( in the morning) and and hour and 15 in the evening to go 22 miles. It is more expensive but I travel on trains now which are so much better then busses and now I am working at a magazine. Does not pay a lot but between that and blogging I left my customer service days behind


Ali of

Dressing Ken

Claire said...

OMG that dress is fabulous. love the coat too. I used to love having work clothes. and I remember my first job. I was so excited and even leased my first car. it was such a fun time!

http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com

Bex Doctor said...

Amazing dress!! So classic and elegant. I have told you before, this is a great coat!

Kisses
Bex
http://www.thebexdoctorproject.com/

Mica said...

That is such a beautiful dress! I think your clothes will always fit the office dress codes, even with bright colours, as you have such a lady-like, classic look to all of the outfits you've shared on your blog :)


Commuting is a pain, but it's good you can use the downtime to gear up for the day ahead :)

Hope your new jobs continue to go well! :)


Away From Blue

Unknown said...

the dress is so pretty!!!

The Fashion Heels
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Larissa said...

Hey dear!
Thanks for your last comment! Hope you are doing good and stress is slowly getting a little less!?
Have a wonderful rest of the week :)

Lots of love!

miasmode said...

You look so marvelous. I love your dress.

xx

Unknown said...

both are so cute!

Happy Wednesday!

addictbeiconic.blogspot.com

! * ♔ ♥... !*~ ღ tokkii autumn 토 끼 가 을 ღ ~*!:♡ ♔ * said...

nice outfit and blog

Do free to drop by and follow me on gfc,Have a great week

Dressabelleballerina.blogspot.com

Megan said...

Your hair looks so neat and tidy in a bun! Mine always look like a bird nest :D Love the black/white combo - classic!

Lilli said...

Is really impressive how you manage 2 works! And for me is the same regarding blogging:) Btw, you look great love both your dress and your coat!:) Kisses! xo

Unknown said...

I love black and white! What a great dress and lovely shoes.

-Vogue&Heels
www.vogueandheels.com
www.shopvogueandheels.com

Anonymous said...

Pretty dress! Black and white is always classic and I love how you added the pink coat on top. Sounds like you are transitioning well with your new work ventures... congrats! I agree with you, reading blogs after a long day at work is such a treat. :) Have a great day!

The white cabbage said...

so pretty in black and white


ave

Sandra Leiva said...

Beautiful pink coat!!


xx


http://www.madridforniagirl.com/

Camila Faria said...

Good luck on both jobs! Looking pretty as usual!

Sara said...

Awesome on the two jobs! You look fab and perfect for work! So pretty! I love your classic style :)

Amber Lucas A Mused Blog said...

Pink is such a beautiful color on you.

And peter pan collars! I bet you are the most fashionable gal in either office. Congratulations on your new jobs!! Hurray for paychecks!

Lorena said...

I love the sailor like feel to this dress.... very versatile.
And I must say your hair bun is one of the most impeccable i have seen !

Midwest Muse said...

I love this dress. It fits you so well and is so very chic. The bun makes it perfect and I would love to have your coat!

ROXTHEFOX said...

CONGRATULATIONS on joining the workforce, how exiciting for you! You are going to have a tough time juggling between work and blog now, but wow, I love your outfit. It's so classy, reminds me of Audrey Hepburn!

WWW.ROXTHEFOX.COM

MILEX said...

you're brilliant.

Mindy Fan said...

I love the outfit! i know what you mean about less time! I can't wait till I get in the workforce and get to be paid to do work!! hehe

http://www.mybrokeneggshells.com/

Anonymous said...

Je trouves ce manteau très joli avec cette écharpe. L'ambiance est chouette, belle journée !

trishie said...

Great looks, my dear!

FASHION TALES said...

I am loving your outfit, you look stunning. Hang in there two jobs, I totally understand, I used to do that when I was a freelance stylist, it was difficult at times. So glad that you have those jobs now though dear. xx/Madison

Jade Wright said...

This is my favorite outfit you've had to date - you look STUNNING!!!!!!!

www.bohemainmuses.blogspot.com

Annie said...

That dress is the CUTEST! Love it on you :)

Annie
The Other Side of Gray

Ginny said...

Love this dress on you, you look great!
Ginny

mispapelicos said...

You cannot be prettier, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
Lovely!!!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Cafe Fashionista said...

I am madly in love with this dress, Imogen! The piping and Peter Pan collar are just too adorbs! :)

Dressed With Soul said...

Dearest Imogen, what a nice outfit for work!

And yes, the days at work and the driving times are indeed long - I know it by my own because I´m working fulltime and my day is always to short because I have two kids and to manage our household with our big house and I want to spend some time with my lovely husband, too!

I´m impressed that you have two jobs and I can imagine that it´s not so easy to be alone in the big town.

In my opinion you found a perfect solution for you, that you need the time in the bus and during the lunch breakes for things which you like <3

Today I have a relaxing day, because yesterday I decidet to take a day off and now I´m enjoying my time on our sunny terrace and I´m blogging ;)

Wish you further many force and fun!

Keep care on you <3

xx from Bavaria, Rena

www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de

Mariola said...

great dress :)
check out our blog too :)

Dea said...

Love that dress, you look great!! xx

http://www.timelessdifference.com

Lisa-Jade said...

You have such a great feminine style :) Love it!

http://voodoochildlaw.blogspot.com

Adriana Alfaro said...

amazing look!
I looove this dress!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Really cute b&w look! :) Adorable bun too, that's my most used work-hair do actually ^^ And you can make it look so different with pins, flowers etc.

Thank you for the comment some time ago. I was on the holiday, then sick.. So took some time to reply.

Indie by heart
Bloglovin'

Effie. said...

You look so chic! I love it <3


effiesdress.blogspot.com

Josie said...

Yay congrats on the job :D xxx

the chilicool said...

Very very nice!
Alessia
THECHILICOOL
FACEBOOK
Video outfit YOUTUBE
Kiss

Unknown said...

Love them both, they are beautiful!

Wow, two jobs, good for you but don't work too hard!

http://www.attraction2fashion.com

Tanya

April said...

Two jobs wow and your blogging as well....hats off....love your dress

Http://fashionrealm.blogspot.com

amy (fearless homemaker) said...

Gorgeous! Love the dress, and love the coat, too. Lovely pics!

RJ said...

love the bun on your head! it will be nice if you can do a tutorial on the hair style!

Unknown said...

very lovely dress! and I like your red lipstick!
mary2be.blogspot.com

Anha Senet said...

Nice outfit!
I love your dress! So chic. :)

Carmen said...

What a cute dress and you combined it with the perfect coat and hairdo :D
xx
www.clothesandcamera.com

The Equinox Fashion by Paweerata said...

you look so pretty hun :)

KatieLouise said...

I'm still in the unemployment stage but it is nice reading about someone who is transitioning because hopefully I will be doing the same thing...soon! Crossing my fingers! But new routines are always scary and stressful in the beginning but I bet the freedom feels amazing :] I have hardly any work appropriate clothes so seeing yours is great! I love the peter pan collared dress! I keep drying to get a piece with a peter pan collar but it never looks right on me. You look fabulous! Looking forward to seeing more work clothes and reading about your transition into the work force! Have a lovely weekend Imogen :D

Unknown said...

the dress is so pretty!:)♥

www.lorietta.cz

Rebecca said...

Perfect work attire! So sweet and classic! I love the black and white look and your coat is so wonderful for layering over it! The color is amazing! Don't work too hard! I work two jobs too and I know it can be quite difficult!

Rebecca
www.winnipegstyle.ca

Beauty said...

Congratulations on your new job; looking forward to seeing lots of great work outfits. Loving the long coat and scarf.

Corinne said...

This dress is so pretty!!!

It can be very hard finding hard to blog and work at the same time. I usually do 2 or 3 outfit posts at a time so I can post them if I know I won't get chance during the week. It's great you can reply to comments on the bus and on your lunch! I always get really frustrated doing it from my phone. Congrats on getting work - many people find it hard in this day and age!

Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com

Unknown said...

I shoot, edit and post my blog posts all on the same day which can be pretty stressful! I work and am at uni so I know how you feel! haha, its so great to see you keeping it up though :) Cute outfit! x

Unknown said...

stunning as alwaysssss
www.supongoestilo.blogspot.nl

Unknown said...

You are so pretty in this dress !
Just lovely !
xx
Rose Bonbon
rosebonbonml.blogspot.com

Urszula Makowska said...

I love your dress! I love your style :)

xoxo
Urszula
www.fashfab.blogspot.com

lalalaPatricia said...

I want to be like you in a way you still can still dress like this even with those hectic schedules! I like how you managed your time! Great outfit love!

www.lalalapatricia.info

Anonymous said...

That is the cutest dress! so retro.