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?

Day Time Sequins?

Now, I'm not too sure if I've made a fashion faux pas. Today I wore sequins to the office:



I do believe I got away with it as they weren't the bright shinny bling type of sequins and hopefully the simple tunic they are attached to looks a million miles away from being a victim of a "Bedazzler".

It has a pretty Mandarin collar that dips down into a modest open v neckline, which I find perfect for showing off a nice piece of jewelery.

My shoes have some floral details to give them a feminine flourish (not that I've seen many heels with a masculine one...) but best of all, their soft pink tone puts them into the 'neutral' category which means they can pretty much be worn with any outfit one chooses to sling on in the morning.

So what do you think? Should one avoid sequins during daylight hours? Perhaps you are a Magpie like me who just loves bright and shiny things and says "to hell with convention - I like it and I'm gonna wear it!"

A-Joy Sequin Tunic - Unique in Acland St St Kilda (ages ago)
Portmans trousers - My sister's hand me down
Shoes - eBay
Silver Coral pendant and matching earings - Christmas gift from my boy.