Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Oriental Wednesday

I've always wanted a nice red Cheongsam top, partly inspired by Catherine Martin's costume for Nicole Kidman in 'Australia' and particularly as I am in the midst of planning an Asian holiday.

Here is Liv Tyler wearing a Cheongsam inspired Oscar de la Renta:


I recently found just what I was looking for:

Today, I wore it work. Sometimes you've just got to mix it up a bit - I sometimes struggle to emerge from what I like to call "Festive Melbourne Black", favoured by many of my fellow Melbournians, particularly in the work place.

I love the Mandarin collar, bright red brocade with gold thread and the lovely fastening details that cascade from the neckline across the shoulder.


Not exactly traditional office wear, but I've actually had lots of positive comments today, which always emboldens me to snap out of my work-wear funk a little more often.

Tell me Kittens: What flourishes have you made to your office wardrobe to lift the ordinary to the extraordinary?

11 comments:

Sweetpaintedlady said...

Hello lovely lady! I have given you an award. Details are on my blog.

esme and the laneway said...

Oooh, lovely!
I have a very relaxed work dress code – in fact, I don't have one (a good point of working in design) but I usually avoid wearing short skirts to work. I might change my mind this winter?! With thick tights of course; pins are for the weekend :)

Neroli said...

Roina Lee - Why thank you! That is so very kind x

EATLW - You know, I was just talking about you to a girlfriend (were your ears burning?)! I was telling her of your awesome styling of thick tights and socks with peeptoes - you just do it so well.

Anonymous said...

I have just started a new job in a very corporate area, and so I am having to get used to dressing in proper work attire now. I love wearing suits etc, but wearing shoes kills me.

As far as mixing up the work wear goes, I like to wear shirts and ties that most of the other men I come across at work would not dare. I have quite a few bold patterned shirts now, and I am loving how they set me appart from the other guys.

I'm also considering making a maroon tie my trademark - wearing one every day. What do you think?

Xx

LexieBoo said...

Beautiful top bella and of course looks divine on you - would you like to be on the AskBronny.com blogs page? I'll do a hot link straight through to you and just need you to send me your photo to put up as a profile? xx

Neroli said...

Hi Grant, firstly congratulations on the new job! Secondly, many shoes represent significant discomfort, but beauty is pain my friend! Lastly, Bold choices with shirt and tie combinations can be risky, but encouraged none the less. I do like your signature look idea, but make sure you don't become too rigid with your choices - break your own rules once in a while!

LexieBoo, I would love to be part of the Ask Bronny blog team!stand by for my profile...

xx VV

Candice DeVille said...

Well, when I was hampered by corporate dress codes, I used to sneak in some personality with the tights. I'd go for bright opaques layered over the top with contrasting bright fishnets. That, and the most subversive jewelry I could muster.

Jen said...

Ooh, I love this - personally i've just started wearing red lipstick to work, Yay :)

Neroli said...

SKM - I love the bright tights fishnets idea - brilliant. Ooooh, I just love the subversive - there should be more of it when it comes to corporate wear. If fact there should be more subversiveness full stop!

PLP - Yay times two for red lipstick! It can really brighten up a complexion and add joie de vivre glamour to any outfit.

Amber said...

Hey gorgeous! You've got an award waiting for you on my blog! Stop by and get it!

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