Teasers for this month - spikes, snow and vintage style

[Image via Zazzle].

It's been far too long since I last blogged, as my new job has unintentionally collided with my guest blogging stint for the feminist organisation Bitch Media (who created Bitch magazine, and run the accompanying website). I apologise for any delay in posts on this site whilst I get into the swing of my new blogging routine! You'll find me writing about the juicy subject of 'Art and Feminism', so there'll be much less fashion but still a keen eye on design.

In the mean time, I thought I'd give you all a heads-up on what to expect over the next few weeks on this blog (sort of like a sweetener). You can expect:

• An in-shop review of River Island's spikey shoe trend, as well as their simple but brilliant wintery shop windows - whoever thought them up must be breathing a sigh of relief at not having to break out snow spray or fake snowflakes for another year
• Unexpected style icons - drivers and passengers at one of Britain's best loved vintage car rallies
• An upcoming Australian designer whose clothing you'll be lusting over - think modernist art punk
• The allure of French jewellery that has conceptual fashion written all over it
• The best Christmas window displays
  

Plus, of course, some random unexpected posts that will just pop into my head; well, you've got to be spontaneous when the mood takes you.

I hope you're all surviving the short November days and making the most of the countdown to Christmas.

Polly x

Workwear Dilemma: There is no dress code!

Today I started my new job (though obviously won't be discussing the company, as this is my personal blog, and I always think it's important to keep my professional life separate). The people seem nice, the desk is wonderfully shiny, but I am utterly baffled by the sartorial side of things. Why? Because there are no regulations on dress code. Although we deal with the public, this involves using the internet and social media rather than face-to-face encounters, so most of the staff have decided that they'd rather opt for something a little more casual than your standard 'career woman/man' look.

Obviously comfort is a key factor, and it should take precedence over style if you really want to be relaxed, but I find that there's something psychologically positive about making an effort before you head to the office. You just feel official and organised in knee high boots; you always get a buzz from applying red lipstick. You feel like someone with a vocation, rather than just a role. I didn't quite understand how some of the team members could stroll in with hoodies, 'cosy' shoes and jeans, but clearly it's not affecting their performance so they must be doing something right, and maybe I am too preoccupied with stereotypical ideas about employment and regulations.

The question is: will I be sloping into work in six weeks' time in my pyjamas, having been a little too inspired by the lack of regulations? And will anyone be able to criticise it? I'll let you know, should it come to that. In the mean time, I'm still enjoying the composition of an outfit and I've got about half a wardrobe full of 'smart' clothes that need to get an airing, so I'll stick with making an effort, thanks.

Bear With, Bear With...

[Damien Hirst's skull piece to illustrate how ill I am - not quite dead, let's be honest, but feeling pretty darn rough].

Just a quick apology regarding my lack of posts during the most crucial weeks of the fashion calendar - not only have I been busy interning for my boss at London Fashion Week, but I have now come down with a heavy cold and a side-order of virus as a result of many long days and probably not enough Vitamin C. I'm hoping to be back to normal a.s.a.p, and I certainly haven't deserted the blog, but I'm having to spend a lot of quality time with a packet of Strepsils, Olbas Oil and some extra strength painkillers. It's not exactly glamour central here!

Will be back before you know it. I hope you've all enjoyed seeing the SS/12 collections in the media and on the catwalks, as we'll be discussing them a lot in the next few weeks.

Polly x

Work Wear Overhaul

Is your work dress code one of those horrific 'smart-casual' categories, leaving you somewhere between jeans and a trouser suit? This jumper dress, from Stella McCartney at Net-a-Porter, is a great example of how to avoid flashing flesh whilst also not looking too uptight. It injects colour without blinding anyone sharing office space with you (take note, lovers of neon). The high street should have something similar next season, so keep an eye out.

If you feel too frumpy in trousers but you need something smart, this Primark dress (from the Autumn/Winter collection, as seen at Look Magazine Online) is the perfect solution. You can pick up a slip to wear underneath it, then add brogues or sandals depending on what the weather is doing at the time. The mid-length of this dress means that it's appropriate for work, but just keep the cleavage area covered. The shape of this piece is similar to Miu Miu's SS/11 collection, showing how the British high street is really listening to designers but hopefully moving away from producing carbon catwalk copies.

For classic shapes in neutral colours, see these three pieces from Vivienne Westwood online [collaged by me]. With a simple pin-tuck, the pinstripe pencil skirt is more flattering and forgiving on the hips - great if you're not exactly boyish in figure. The Dryad dress is an example of how to do work function chic - still looking smart, but with a more relaxed and summery vibe in white. Lastly, the striped shirt with tie-print detail shows how you can have fun with your 9-5 wardrobe. On the high street, look for skinny ties or shirts with piping detail and contrasting cuffs.

Is your workplace full of creative types and fashion-led outfits? Take a tip from Alexander Wang [also at Net-a-Porter], where you'll find the edgiest sunglasses for popping out of the office on a coffee run, the sensible black maxi skirt that spirals into ribbons, and the sheer shirt with leather edges. For similar products, check out River Island, Urban Outfitters and Topshop. Similar shirts are widely available in the sales at the moment, if you're willing to add your own panels.