Sartorial Saviours

I recently completed a 4 week secondement position at a very interesting office. When i was enquiring about the role, I asked the usual questions about what the job would involve, and who I'd be working with...but also I asked 'What's the dress code?'

Now, in my day-to-day job, I am lucky enough not have a dress code (or at least not one that I pay any attention to, and no attention is made to me ignoring it), but this new place was different, and I imagine, much like most regular offices with a dress code of 'business wear'.

Despite often rocking up to my regular workplace in jeans and a pair of Converse, on closer inspection of my wardrobe, I realised I actually had a few things that would work with the code; smart black trousers, white shirt, pencil skirt...and for a few days, exiting and entering Westminster Tube, I looked the part. But I didn't look like me. So, I started to get a little creative - who said business wear needed to be boring?

I realised I had a few great items, often worn casually that, which with a bit of imagination could work within the new restrictions - my sartorial saviours....

This is my amazing blazer; cropped sleeves, draped collar and a relaxed but smart fit. I used it to in place of a standard suit jacket. Much more interesting.

My sequinned cardigan - a vintage shop find. No one said I couldn't wear sequins as part of 'business wear'...they are subtle, I promise.

The red shoes - love these - they make me smile.

I love silk scarves - my collection started with one lovely find in a charity shop. Now I have so many it's silly.

Belts - I have so many of these too, mainly from charity shops; really useful for making a typical 'office' outfit a bit more personalised.

Black ballet pumps - love the idea of high heels, but generally can't be arsed wearing them. And I can't run for my train in heels.

I admit, there were mistakes too - the dress that was too short...way too short...ah, well.

So, by my last day, I felt much better doing the 'smart thing'. Just another day in the office...

The Joy of Charity Shops: Oslo style

Myself and The Boy went on a weekend break to Oslo recently; it's a great city with my favourite combination of good shops, good bars and a good vibe. I spent a lot of time gawping at the beautiful traditional wood houses painted in red, blue or white and the ornate city buildings...but me being me, I was most excited by the chartity/vintage shopping. I'd done some reading before we left and knew the best area was Grunerlokka. Luckily for The Boy, there were plenty of cafes to sit in, as his usual waiting outside the shop routine was out of the question when the average temperature is minus 5 degrees.

I saw lots of lovely things, but the best store was Fretex Unika - a part of Salvation Army Norway. Lots of good stuff, not cheap (but nothing is in Oslo. And i mean nothing), but it is well worth a visit.

I got these beauties; a gorgeous pale grey leather 1970's handbag and a pair of red leather gloves with a furry lining. Very pleased with myself. Well, I was until I got my credit card bill...