Working it!

"Style for the professional woman is an expression of her vitality, self-confidence, and power to superbly deliver her product, service, or philosophy in the marketplace. " 

Women don’t have to turn away from their love of style to compete in the corporate world. Great style (combined with wit and intelligence) is an effective communication tool for women (and for men) and yes, it can be fun. It’s our visual voice. In fact, appropriate, expressive and contemporary business style is more important than ever as the world we live in becomes increasingly visual through technological advancements and the expansion of social media outlets.

I am writing this post as I have had many requests lately asking me to give advice on jazzing up a work wardrobe consisting of mainly black. I couldn't be happier writing this post, even though I could write much more than what I have, this is a start. I truly hope you find it helpful. 

As a fashion consultant I am frequently asked to conduct corporate styling sessions in offices where I guide women and men on appropriate yet stylish work wear in a relatively conservative environment. Today's modern professional understands that great style is just smart business. For those in creative industries such as fashion, media, T.V.,marketing, advertising, events etc, it is pretty normal not to even own a suit and you can generally let your creativity run wild (save that for another post). This post relates more to the "conservative" fields such as finance, law, accounting, certain sales, politics, real estate,  I.T., health etc where it seems to be a given that you wear suits and black, navy or grey is the colour. Well I'm here to tell you, it doesn't have to be all about suits, not that there is anything wrong with a great cut stylish suit. In these modern days, many bosses won't dictate the attire or necessarily mind if you don't wear black or grey...as long as what you do wear looks stylish and appropriate for your job. There are many articles telling you the basics of what you must have in your wardrobe and as many of you reading this would most likely have a suit...then I am not going to repeat the same ole thing. I am here to guide you on how to mix it up a little, get a little creative .......and lets add some colour whilst we're at it. 

Firstly I'd like to mention that I am concentrating on women in this post. I will be doing some articles relevant to men in coming weeks. Sorry guys, I will get to you. 

Working in a corporate environment doesn't mean your wardrobe has to have a complete overhaul or has to be lifeless. Yet it does have to be appropriate for your type of work. You can cleverly incorporate your own personal touches into your 9 to 5 style, all you need is a few unique pieces that will give you a professional edge without looking like weekend or "disco" wear. General dress codes vary per workplace and professional field. I call it the Three C's: Conservative, Creative and Casual. For example, your company's definition of casual solely rests on Friday's, but still requires a denim free and closed-toe shoe policy. Use your best judgement and tweak as necessary. Experiment, experiment, experiment until you have figured out your own flair.........is something I will keep repeating. And if you don't know your flair....that is what people like "moi" help you with. 
  
The first essential requirement is figure out your body shape. It really is not that simple to say you're an hourglass, pear shape, apple etc etc.  We all have a unique shape that can be a mixture of several. Click on the body shape link as this site gives you a comprehensive guide to various body shapes. Once you work out your body shape you can determine what looks great on you and the parts you love and the parts you prefer to hide.  We all have parts we love, so be good to yourself and work it well……….in moderation of course!! If your best assets are your breasts or legs, that does not mean you go to work wearing Hollywood style daringly low cut tops or a mini skirt shorter then your mid thigh. Leave that for your weekend....if that is your thing! Below I've put together some outfits that are stylish, jazzy and appropriate corporate wardrobe. The key here is to add new pieces each season, mixing it up a bit and adding your own flair.

Suiting:
I don't have to tell you that a good quality suit jacket with a pant and skirt option sets a great foundation for you to build on. Although black, navy or grey suit with a classic cut will get you off to a good start, I'd like to suggest purchasing a suit with an interesting cut design or a completely different colour i.e. red, blue, even white in spring/summer. Or how about a bright coloured separate such as a jacket or pant. 

These colour combinations are great. If to start you're a little afraid of colour in your clothing, be bold instead with the shoes,handbags, accessories to add to your blacks and greys. And who said you had to be uber young to wear colour!!

Add flair with an interesting cut jacket and wear it with solid coloured pants. Again mix up colour with shoes and accessories. Pants should not be too tight nor overly wide. And absolutely no leggings worn as pants. 

Brooches to jacket lapels or blouses is an excellent alternative to a necklace. Go big or clusters...there are some amazing brooches out there. 

Dresses:

A versatile dress that suits your body shape is feminine, professional and takes you away from the suit look.  One you can easily add a jacket/cardigan/scarf/various jewellery and different style shoes.....to give you variety.

A feminine A-line dress with an interesting neckline works wonders in the office

Love the wrap dress. Suits pretty much all body shapes and is flattering. Try different patterns.

If you do have many grey or black dresses.....add colour to it!. Depending on the corporate environment, even adding a unique neck piece such as a feather cape pictured or brooch can make an otherwise dull colour look simply "stunning" and professional without going OTT.

Mix up the shape and style of dresses to suit you. Again add two-toned shoes, bold necklaces and earrings to make simple dress stand out. You don't have to be matchy matchy as you can see I have not done in any of the photos. Again experiment.

As you can tell, I am guiding you to get out of black and into exploring colour for work.  Trust me, you will feel so much better about yourself and your colleagues/clients will be loving it too. 

Blouses/Shirts/Separates:

Soften your look with satin and silk blouses or camisoles to either go under your suiting or to wear alone with skirts/pants. This is where you can be a little more trend-driven with your choices; pick up styles in the season’s hottest colours. Apart from beautiful bold plain colours, you can even go for patterns like paisley prints, small floral and geometric shapes as long as they are not too large and psychedelic loud for the office. With the amount of gorgeous feminine blouses out there(at reasonable prices), there is no excuse to be wearing casual jersey t-shirts under your suits. I've seen it time and time again, and it is just not chic.

In regards to skirts: make it interesting with pleats, tucks or slightly asymmetrical. The length of the skirts/dresses should at least come to your knees when standing.While you are seated, your thighs should be covered.

Satin wrap blouses with pants or skirts are versatile and interesting. Add a edgy jacket over it and brooch on the neck or lapel. 

I didn't say there was anything wrong with neutrals, black and white. Just tweak a few things like the blouse or handbag. 

Puff sleeves with straight pants or skirt..........glorious.

If you like to wear business shirts, why not make it interesting by going with a double collar or large collar, or one of my favourites.......... is shirts with cuff links. This is a powerful simple statement on women which enables you to bring in your own creative flair with the many varieties of cuff links out there. 

Just a few extra tips......

SHOES:  careful not to drag out the disco heals. I've seen it all too often in the office. Opt instead for pumps, peep toe, kitten heels or strappy heels avoiding sparkles and ultra chunky heals. And please no scuff heals. If you don't like wearing too high, then the kitten heel shoe looks gorgeous with most outfits. Colour is good though.  Don’t be scared to buy shoes with colour and pattern.  If you’re a little shy to wear clothing with colour, then shoes is the next best thing. They make black/navy suit look hot. Be daring and go for it!!

ACCESSORIES: As you see above in the images, belts and jewellery gives your look a point of difference.  Add cuffs, a necklace, a chic brooch to your lapel and remember to mix up the colours a little. You can go a little dramatic with brooches if your suit or outfit is quite simple. I love adding many crystal brooches in a cluster together on lapels. You can also add them to a silk scarf around your neck. You dont' see many people in the corporate world wearing brooches, they are underrated and hope to see a lot more people wearing them. 

In winter, add colourful knit or wool scarf to your suit, bright coloured cashmere or wool tops to pants and skirts, opaque tights with coloured shoes.  In summer you can swap your suit jacket for a cardigan, and your boots for some peep-toe heels. You can add and subtract these to your basic suits for all year-round style.

None of what I have mentioned above has to cost a fortune if your budget doesn't allow. You can buy quality at good prices these days through store sales, online and recycled designer outlets. 

My mission is to see women break out of their fear zones and "shine" in their own style.  Not clone.

If you have any questions, I would be delighted  to assist you further. 

I give personal one on one consultations, or to lift the company image, I can come into your work place and conduct a "corporate wear" session. I love seeing the transformation with the ladies and gents. They get a lot out of the sessions, not realising how a simple outfit can look a million dollars on them, lifting their morale......and the boss is happy!!! The sessions are valuable. 

I look forward to hearing from you personally at stylebygessica@gmail.com

Happy work days

                

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Oh Layla

'Layla, you've got me on my knees

Layla, I'm begging, darling please.

Layla, darling won't you ease my worried mind' 
(Lyrics from Eric Clapton's Layla) Click on link to hear song
The song was apparently Inspired from a romantic Persian love story.  The tale of a young man who fell hopelessly in love with a beautiful woman but is forbidden by her father to marry him and hence he went crazy.

On that note.....introducing my "Layla." Standing at 50cm tall with close to 20 hours in the making, Layla is ready for the world and like in the romantic love story....is beautiful(in my eyes). For those that hadn't seen Esmeralda or Little Miss Sunshine please click on the links to view past posts on these other mannequins.
My inspiration for Layla came from the exotic forests of South America - hence the use of orange and turquoise feathers, flowers, butterflies, snakes as you will see in detail below. Layla is quite glamorised with her gold tassel skirt and beaded bust as I tend to love doing with all my ladies. Again like the others, every detail is hand stitched or glued on.  She is for sale!!  If I could keep them all, I would.....but it is important they spread their wings and travel the world. Unlike the hopeless case of the young man in the tale....my Layla can be married off.   For information please see bottom of post.

In her full glory: three types of feathers, two gold skirts, flowers, butterflies, snakes, birds...the lot. 

Feather detail.....colours of exotic South American birds

Her glamorised bust adorned with beads, jewellery, diamanties. Notice the fine lace flowers pasted on the gold painted bust as a base before applying all the beading. It is layering upon layering. 

The golden snake......

A little birdie told me......

The back of her: large flower, more feathers and of course my signature 'butterflies" that I can't live without.

The base has an arrangement of blue and orange flowers attached....like on her neck. And look at that gold dazzling skirt!! If you look hard enough, you will also see another shorter skirt which is gold cut under it all.  Again, layering upon layering. 

As mentioned above, Layla is for sale.  Please make all enquiries to stylebygessica@gmail.com

I custom make the mannequins and also make lifestyle - 2m high!!!  They make eye- catching art decor in your home, shop, hotel foyer,bar, restaurant, party.  If you would like one of these ladies in the colours of your choice, that is not a problem.  You may also have special jewellery, fabrics you've collected over the years that you'd like me to add.......I can work with these too. Email me with any enquiry. 

I am ready to make another one..........keep you posted

Love Gess X

P.N. Just a reminder that for those that have signed up to receive my posts via email, if you find you can't open images or videos, then simply click on the "title" of the post at the top of the page and it will automatically take you back to my blog. From there you can open files.

Let's Go Bohemian

According to the dictionary, the term "Bohemian" is applied to people who live unconventional, usually artistic, lives. The original Bohemians were travellers or refugees from central Europe (hence, the French bohémien, for "gypsy").
I have loved this spirited, feminine style since I was a little girl and in fact was nick named "zingara" in Italian by my family which translates to "gypsy".  It is the seemingly effortless elegance of  combining flowing fabrics, bright prints, flowers and eclectic jewellery that has somehow weaved in and out of my life in various ways over the years. Contrary to the general perception on bohemian style, it is not necessarily all about flowery skirts, flop hats, barefoot and headscarves. In my opinion, there are many different aspects to bohemian fashion and in fact is one of the only fashion movements that does lend itself to a vast range of looks. For example.... It can be elegant or casual....lace or velvet.....multi prints or plain silk.....semi precious crystals or feathers.......sandals or wedges.....maxi dresses or flair pants. What does seem to remain the staple for achieving this look however is interesting colour mixes and plenty of bling: whether it be on your arms, shoes, handbag  or garments. There is no formula to dressing Boho. It is a style that needs to be your own, and not copied from magazines: to be unconventional, hence why it is given that special name. Below are "my" thoughts on the bohemian way. 

Quirky elegance with an interesting mix of feathers, beads and sequence on any garment can become a stylish cocktail number for night or worn with boots for a day event. 

The classic Maxi dress with plenty of jewellery is a lovely summer feel. 

A luxurious long silk Grecian style dress with some sparkling is certainly a sophisticated formal affair. It gives the illusion of "freedom" . 

Printed wrap dresses and skirts, sandals or wedges...........casual chic. I want to dance around the house when dressed like this. 

Short Tunics, skirts with wedges or boots are seriously cute. 

The elegance of Maxi dresses in divine prints paired with wedges/ sandals and chunky jewellery are a classy affair: Day or night.  Very ME. 

Boho winter......no need for black. Wide-legged or flair pants are fun. For those that believe you have to be model tall and size 8 to wear wide-legged....I tend to disagree. It is true they don't suit everyone, however you'll be surprised what a great fitting pair of flairs to "suit" your body shape that are super long worn with super high wedges or boots can do to give the illusion that you are tall and skinny!!  It is a case of experimenting to see for yourself if they are you or not. 

 

Accessories: bangles, tassel's, beaded bags and shoes, crystals, long earrings, large rings. 

What is not to love about going Bohemian

Love Gess

Should you desire some bohemian style or any other and not sure how to put it all together, as a fashion consultant, I'd be more than happy to help you.

Please email me on stylebygessica@gmail.com for all consultation enquiries.

P.N. Just a reminder that for those that have signed up to receive my posts via email, if you find you can't open images or videos, then simply click on the "title" of the post at the top of the page and it will automatically take you back to my blog. From there you can open files.

Travel to Milan in 2014 and sleep In Style

2014 has arrived....Happy New Year to everyone 

I wanted my first post for the year to start with one of my passions.....Travel......and a place I know very well....Milan.
If you're travelling to Milan in 2014 it's not only about where to shop, it's also about where you're staying. Fashion hotels span the globe now, I believe there are over 25 of them. However it was the famous Milanese fashion designers like Versace and Armani, that began this movement to get their own hotels. Having lived in Milan I found it to be a super chic city oozing with quiet confidence and elegance: famous for it's designer fashion houses and innovative interior design. So what better place to experience both. Whether you're visiting for a night or several why not stay in one of these fashionable hotels....Armani, Bulgari or Moschino......take your pick.

Armani Hotel

Maison Moschino

Bulgari Hotel

If shopping at designer boutiques and staying in their hotels aren't enough to get your fashion fix, you can always eat at their restaurants too or dance at their nightclubs.

Try Dolce and Gabbana's restaurant Gold or Roberto Cavalli's Just Cavalli Club

Just be sure to pack your sexy cocktail dress, as the Milanese really do everything with style even walking down the street.

Buon Viaggio .....Love Gessica