jake the peg-e-eggy-e-eggy-e-eg!

I wore this outfit to work the other day. It's deceptively simple, you see it's all about the details. New(ish) tailored peg leg trouser shape cuffed just so. Visible contrasting socks. Shiny black brogues. I normally hate trousers with a passion! But of course I had to try some peg legs when they first came out last year, and it took me a while to get over the feeling like I had pooper-scoopers on, but sometimes I quite like the way they can look. I just find it takes extra effort to make pants look interesting.

This outfit actually scored me a compliment from a guy at the bus stop. He told me he liked my socks. I thought he was joking, so I told him I was channelling Michael Jackson. He just said 'well, you're pulling it off, you look good'. Well thanks, I said.

ps. Isn't grey marle just the worst colour for sweat patches? It is actually my favourite colour, but seriously, I had to put my cardigan back on for the afternoon to hide them. How embarrassing.

ground control to major tom

I have never before posted a work outfit. With good reason. I hate work clothes, but most of all I hate my work clothes. They are so boring and I struggle to get ready pretty much every morning. I have little idea how to tweak said boring work clothes, but have decided I am going to try my darndest because I just cannot go on like this. A week or so ago I got dressed and thought, 'didn't I wear this yesterday?' and honestly couldn't remember. I am starting by drawing inspiration from people I see out and about (during peak-hour - watch out, those studentscan really throw you), plus a few that I actually work with. I have so far gathered that the easiest way for me to perk up a work outfit, and my mood, is with a dress. This particular dress is a couple of years old and I have swung between 'okay-like' and hate. At the moment I am thinking I might upgrade to 'like'. I know it probably sounds foolish to try and pick up my mood with a dress I barely like, but I can't wear anything I actually like to work in case it gets yucky.

These boots are another semi-liked item

Have I introduced you to my wafer brooch?

Sad as it is I have taken to carrying my gym bag everyday cause I usually go after work. I even gave up carrying my handbag and just use this to carry everything.

And underneath...?

Coat: Whistles; Dress: Topshop; Cardigan: H&M; Tights: H&M; Boots: Zoe Wittner; Beret: Jendi; Brooch: Paris.

Back on the work horse

One of the hardest things about going back to work has been getting dressed in the mornings. I have always hated workwear. Well actually, I can appreciate the aesthetic of a lovely tailored pencil skirt or a simple shift dress, it is just such a huge departure from my everyday style that I always find it difficult to find work-appropriate pieces that do not make me want to cry out in boredom. Plus, my job has many little idiosyncrasies that make for a very specific clothing brief. Not too short, not too low-cut, no longer than elbow length, sensible footwear.

So off I went with pretty low expectations last week to look for a few new things to spice up my weekday wardrobe. I searched far and wide, high and low, and came away with only a couple of things, though I must admit I am quite satisfied that I might actually wear these in real life, too.

This skirt is quite a bit longer than I am used to, and when I walk to work I have to go a bit slower than usual and do a funny hip squiggle!

To wear under skirts of course - remember leggings are not pants, people!

Pretty much perfect Breton top, I think I will buy another one to cut off at the midriff for wearing on the weekends.

I know, more brogues, I am obsessed!

I have had my eye on these tights for ages so thought I'd treat myself.