Mr SY says that he first noticed me in the office {that’s where we met, cliched yes} … because I looked sophisticated.
You know, dressed the part and all that. I tell you, Stylers, it was all smoke and mirrors … or pencil skirts and red lippy. Whatever it was, it worked.
So much so, he must be sadly disappointed that my office-wear days are now but a distant memory. Working from home means more casual and comfort than corporate and class. Exactly how many days are there until I can declare it Season of the Tracky?
But in the spirit of February being “back to work” for so many of you out there, and continuing on from these style tips and shopping suggestions, I thought I’d do a little mock up of a couple of corporate style outfits that really do suit an Australian summer.
These are also the type of outfits where you can take the tops in each and use them as part of a weekend going-out wardrobe as well. That’s sensible buying in my books. As part of my wardrobe, these pieces would suit trips to Sydney or Melbourne for meetings or networking or with jeans or pants for a night out.
The two tops* I’m showcasing are from the new Christine Kardashian label. And no, before you ask, there is absolutely no connection to THOSE Kardashians.
This Kardashian is an Australian public relations specialist-turned-fashion-entrepreneur. Her ready-to-wear collection specifically targets the 12 to 18 size range. It’s designed and made in Australia for women who Christine says “fall into the gap between standard and plus size”.
For most of my adult life, I have faced the dilemma of not being able to easily find smart, quality pieces that complement my mid-size frame. I was either too big for standard size or too small for plus size. This motivated me to start my own line of women’s clothing – after two years of research and going through the entire design process from end to end, I have achieved my dream with my first capsule collection. Christine Kardashian
I love that her website features images of women in the same size range that Christine is targeting wearing her designs. I’m also impressed at the quality of the garments sent to me to trial and style. They are beautiful and flattering and made from extremely wearable fabrics.
Here is Christine’s model wearing one of the tops:
These pants and jackets are very much on my radar for future investment purchasing.
And here is me:
Christine Kardashian chartreuse silk top $175 | Feathers striped skirt {from last spring} | Yeojin Bae silk shrug {about five years old bought on sale at Frockshop} | Salita Matthews necklace {from two winters ago} | Moment watch {recently gifted} | Robert Robert heels {about four years old and still going strong}
And here is the other top featured on the model:
And on me {cannot believe I’m wearing a peplum top}:
Christine Kardashian peplum top $125 | Sussan ponte skirt {from last winter} | Ruby Olive bangles {gifted last Spring} | Lydia Jewels necklace {bought about three years ago} | Country Road pumps {from about three winters ago too}
Part of the appeal of both these “show pony” tops is that they are an easy injection and uplift for existing wardrobe pieces. They give just the right summer “pop” to black and create a fresh outfit that doesn’t need to be built from scratch.
I’m wearing the size 2 in both tops and am normally a size 14 in tops – sometimes 16 if the top is fitted. Before ordering online – and this applies to all sites – check the sizing guide and measure yourself first. This is especially so with Christine Kardashian. The sizing is generous and perfect for those of us with larger bosies and a few curves.
Oh, and yes, Mr SY is very keen for me to “invest” in more of this label. On the condition that I up the ante on my current office dress code 
Mmm.
What do you think of this label? Something you could incorporate into your wardrobe?
* These tops were gifted to me for editorial consideration, in accordance with my disclosure policy.
