Eeek new girl...what to wear to work on your first day in a new job?

So as I mentioned in my previous post I have a new job which I am very excited about starting. But of course after 4 1/2 years at my last place it is going to be VERY strange being the new girl somewhere. The usual trying to remember everyone's names (something I am TERRIBLE at) trying to work out where everything is and what the nuances of the office are (do people make tea rounds or just make their own for example?)

And of the course the age old issue of what to wear. In an interview setting you know what to wear (usually a suit or key tailored pieces) and the people interviewing you are usually dressed up to, but in a day to day environment what is the dress code? Is it smart smarts (suits/tailored shirts etc) or is smart casual (smart jeans, or trousers but casual tops?) Is it uber relaxed on Fridays with jeans and sneakers (yes I know I'm British and we wear trainers but the word sneakers is so much more fun!)

I'd been doing some Google searching and reading blogs to see what people wear to work...my last place was super casual so I wore jeans everyday. But the new place not so much, I think, I believe it will vary depending on where I'm based or what I'm doing but essentially a whole lot smarter than what I've been used to on a daily basis. Which is no bad thing as I've missed getting dressed up for work, I mean it gives another excuse to go shopping doesn't it if nothing else!!

But I digress, to day one. Now tricky while this may be I do think going super smart is the only way forward - the last thing you want is to rock up and be under dressed for meeting the MD who just happens to be in that day at a loose end...so here is my plan of attack:

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1. Good black trousers
A wardrobe essential - flattering, good quality trousers are worth their weight in gold. I know that Oasis are my go to place for jeans and trousers. A bit more pricey than some other high street stores (wait for the online discounts or sales as they happen constantly!) but their trews fit me well - they are cut I guess for gals with curves. So find your shop where you know the clothes will work with you not against you - for example me and Zara trousers don't gel, I am too short and curvy for their bottoms. Nothing against them they just don't work for me so why stress myself out?

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2. A nice neutral shirt
Ideally on day one you want something you have worn before and you know you are comfy in. No stress about it being too low cut, or see through or pulling in the wrong places. You want to be put together but also feel comfortable as it will be stressful enough on your first day doing all the "firsts" without fretting about your wardrobe. I swear my Marks and Spencer, Dorothy Perkins and Zara for good office shirts/tops.

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3. The hot/cold element
Currently in Blighty we have snow up North and flooding down South (where I live) no sign of Spring whatsoever...so for my first day to go alongside the trousers and blouse I recommend either a smart blazer/jacket or a colourful pop from a bright cardigan. Keeps you warm, adds a bit of individuality and can be removed if the office is snug before adding back on and facing the elements outside! Again I swear by Marks and Spencer they do the most amazing cardigans I think I have them in nearly every colour and they wash and last so so so well!!

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4. Shoes...walk tall but be able to walk!
Another core staple is a good pair of black court shoes - yes they sound boring but I don't think any working girl can be without a smart but comfy pair of black shoes. These ones from Marks and Spencer are ideal - nice height and super comfy - I love their shoes plus full price they are only £19! Amazing value. They also come in loads of cool colours for when you want to be a bit more daring!

5. Accessories....
Now if you've been a reader for a while you will know I LOVE my accessories...from statement necklaces to a handbags I do think choosing the right accessories helps personalise an otherwise "safe" outfit. However on day one as I've mentioned before it is better err on the side of caution just in case your colleagues don't get your style. Therefore I'd keep accessories to a minimum for me this means - no jangling bangles for example just a classic watch, a simple necklace as I'm wearing a shirt I need something but nothing too large and then a plain bag that won't overpower the outfit....

This bag from Zara is perfect

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6. Make up/nails/perfume
Finally remember we always want to look groomed but try to avoid wearing more war paint than a Vegas showgirl. Less is more as my Mum would say!! I will aim (although not sure if I ever manage it) to look polished but have my make up look invisible like I'm not really wearing any...for me that means good foundation and powder to stop shine, some neutral eyeshadow and neutral lipstick/gloss. Again nothing too overpowering for perfume you don't want to be knows as the newbie with the stinky perfume after all! Finally on my nails I will be wearing Essie's Mademoiselle as I think it is the perfect barely there polish that just smartens up my nails enough to look done but in a unobtrusive way if that makes sense?

I hope you enjoyed this post, if so please comment and let me know...I have a part B planned of how I inject my personality into my working wardrobe - still using the basics above but adding more exciting accessories (shoes/belt/jewellery) into the mix

What do you wear for work? Is it smarts all the way or are you a casual dresser?

Lxx

Run Loulou Run...

So yet again it's been a while since I last posted and lots has happened!!! It is less than 6 months until I get to marry the fabulous Mr P (so far so good he hasn't backed out yet!!) I worked my last day in Bournemouth as I'm starting a new job tomorrow (eek) in my hometown - no more will I spend 2 1/2 hours a day driving to and from work and no more 5.50am alarm wake ups (Mr P is especially happy about that) I'll be able to try eating breakfast at home again and maybe even cooking dinner occasionally as I'm not getting home after 7pm!!

I've also been watching the new Cancer Research adverts with interest, the "Cancer we are coming to get you" initially I was a bit wary but having seen it several times I think it is a fantastic message and it has made me sit up and want to get involved because it is so positive, upbeat and really conveys the difference that Cancer Research makes to us beating this horrific disease.

My own history with the big C I've mentioned before having lost several amazing relatives including my Dad to it. Mr P as you'll know from my blog also had a significant brush with it a couple of years ago and thankfully beat it. But this was only down to the extensive research that had been going on - as his consultant told us when he said "don't worry you're completely curable" (possibly the best moment of my entire life)" but you're lucky because if this had been 10 years ago it would have been a completely different story"....a very sobering thought!

And that is why this morning I have signed up to run the 5k Race For Life in Sherborne (Dorset) on Sunday 23rd June 2013.

I am not a gym bunny, I am not super fit, I am not a "runner" I do however have 3 months, a fabulous best mate who is also my designated personal trainer to kick my arse into getting down the gym and a need to do something positive. So cancer - watch out I'm joining all those other amazing women and we are coming to get you!

You can sponsor me here http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/louloudorset

And of course I will be blogging about my getting into running journey regularly!

Do you run? Have you done a Race for Life? Any tips?

Lxx

Feeling the blues.....

So it's February already I mean seriously how?? But "thankfully" it's still cold, wet and raining so it still feels like January here by the seaside!!

In an attempt to pretend that Spring might be on its way I've switched up my Filofax to be the Finsbury in blue as it feels fresh and summery (unlike me sat here in a thick jumper and cosy slipper boots!)

I've also switched up my diary inserts to be the week on one page with notes again. I use this format in my "on the go" pocket sized Imperial Purple Finchley and in my work A5 Osterley and I used to used to use it in my Personal sized binders but I'd gotten used to the Cotton Cream week on two pages and was quite happy with them until recently....

However this year I'm finding with the wedding looming (7 months and counting eek) and lots of change going on at home I'm struggling to keep on top of my to do's for the week as they are slotted in all over the place - hence switching back. This way I have room on the left hand page for any appointments (hardly any!!) and loads and loads of room (i.e. a whole page) for my lists/to do's/ notes/ reminders etc meaning I feel much happier and in control!

I still have my month to view inserts in there so I can see exactly what is coming up but just a bit more room to write too!

So there it is no purple or pink for a change it is all about the blues....but not sad ones more tropical sea and skies to cheer up the continuous grey monotony!

How do you cheer yourself up in this miserable weather? Any tips or tricks?

Lx

Pretty Pretty Blue

Week on two pages (and yes I only put the Frixion in because it matches!!)

A Christmas Gift Guide For Her

So it is now officially the run up to Christmas as it is the 1st of December. And I am super excited for the Christmas season this year as it is my last "single" Christmas. This time next year I will be a married lady (hopefully, assuming Mr P doesn't change his mind at the last minute and decide to run off and join a circus!)

And with the Christmas season comes the dreaded gift choosing - well I say dreaded, I love shopping and any excuse to shop for lots of lovely things even when they're not for me is time well spent I say. Plus I adore all the wrapping of the gifts, placing them under the Christmas tree and writing tags/cards while watching a cheesy Christmas movie and drinking a glass of wine. Bliss!!!

But this year with the aforementioned wedding to save for Mr P and I have set a nominal budget, to ensure we don't spend silly and save instead for the day where we take 100 of our closest friends and family out for lunch and dinner!! While I can think of a million things I could buy Mr P he is fretting over the "little bits" as he calls it. And no reassurances from me that a coloured pen and a bottle of nail polish are super gifts works (I mean seriously he should read my blog to see how excited a notebook and Pilot Frixxion pen in a new colour makes me!!)....so it got me thinking there must be hundreds of men out there that fret over what to buy their girlfriend/wife so I thought I'd put together a little suggestion box to see if I can help (and yes I admit it these are things I would adore to wake up to from Father Christmas this year too)

If in doubt go for the packaging...

When it comes to good girl gifts I don't think you can go wrong with a good lippie - buying a "posh" lipstick doesn't have to be overly expensive but the thought factor of your man going to a beauty counter and choosing a lipstick or even a nail polish from Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent will quadruple the cost of the gift in her eyes.

Classics to look out for are:

The Yves Saint Laurent Candy Volupte lipsticks - these are moisturising and the colour is quite sheer so even if your lady is not a huge lippie wearer she should like the lip balm with a spot of colour effect these give (hint I have the Luscious Cherry one and it not only looks amazing (packaging) but smells lush and feels wonderful to apply I highly recommend!!)

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If lips aren't your thing then a super swanky bottle of mail polish is another winner! Anything by Chanel or Dior  here for amazing packaging - rule of thumb choose a dark plum colour, a pale pink/nude colour or a fire engine red. Unless you know for sure your lady likes a neon or blue finger tip stick to a classic shade from one of those categories you won't go far wrong! If you are in Boots then check out the Essie range of polishes, a cult beauty favourite and amazing range of colours. OPI is another favourite brand of mine, the new Skyfall collection (yes boys inspired by the James Bond film) all look gorgeous!

And finally if these aren't your style then do check out Benefit (http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/) for quirky packaging and excellent products. Blushers are really good from there in cute little box packages and they do lots of different gift sets containing miniatures of cult products where you really can't go wrong!

It's the little things that count

Nic knacks may seem annoying to boys (well at least Mr P) but small "mundane" objects that you use everyday like umbrellas, travel card holders, change purses, key rings, Kindle sleeves and mobile phone cases all come now in a massive variety of designs and prints. A gift like this means your recipient will use her present everyday and will think of you every time she does! And don't think just because she has a key ring/umbrella etc already she won't appreciate a cute new one!! Great sites to check out for small but gorgeous items like this are:

Red Direct http://www.reddirect.co.uk/ACCESSORIES
Not on the High Street http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/women/womens-accessories/handbag-essentials
John Lewis http://www.johnlewis.com/Search/Search.aspx?SearchTerm=Gift+Ideas+For+Her+Under+20

Or on the high street Primark is great as are Boots, House of Fraser and Debenhams. Seriously who doesn't love a quirky umbrella or a new key chain?

Snuggle me warm and cosy

Of course other classic and inexpensive gifts include:

• scarves - you can NEVER have too many scarves 
• costume jewellery - sparkly items or classic silver studs are always welcome
• slippers - warm tootsies are the way to a girls heart (and in my house come in handy as an anti kitten foot chomping device too!)
• gloves - at this time of year a soft pair of cute gloves are really handy (no pun intended honest!) as I'm always loosing one of my gloves and I can'y be the only one (can I?)

For all these items check out Primark, Monsoon/Accessorise and Oasis. All have excellent ranges this year and prices from £2 upwards so super affordable too!

If in doubt just hit up Boots for pampering products to warm her cockles...look out for ranges from Champneys and Soap & Glory you really can't go wrong!!

And then there's always the stationery....

Of course a post from me wouldn't be complete without a Filofax recommendation and some post its and pens!

I am currently lusting after this Parker Sonnet ball pen which I think is just stunning:

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Or there's the whole of Paperchase from pens, to stationery and stickers is amazing!! And frankly just get me some Hootsuite sticky notes and I'd be a very happy girl:

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Then from Filofax (and if you order anything make sure you order via City Organiser as their website is just the best!) I am in love with the new style Flex notebooks especially the Blackcurrant Lizard Print cover (would go so well with the Parker Sonnet don't you think?)

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And also the Temperley for Filofax Violet in Pocket Size (yes I'm thinking again about downsizing, no I don't need the binder, yes I think it's lovely and want want want.....)

This is super cute and with the bespoke inserts adorable in my opinion....

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So there you go, what do you think about my gift list? I am having to try very hard not to splurge and buy all the items now for myself (perhaps I could wrap for under the tree from Boots the kitten??)

 Just so you know, all the links I've added are purely to show you where you can get the items it's not for kickbacks and none are sponsored :)

Let me know what you think of my list in the comments, what are you hoping for this Christmas and what items are you purchasing for people in your life?

Lx

All change for 2013....it's a Filofax diary revamp

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Well not exactly all change I mean I'm still using a Filofax, still using a Filofax insert but I am planning on trying out a new diary format in 2013! I used to adore the week on one page with notes but then had a planner crisis and then when I was lucky enough to receive my Amethyst Deco I moved to Cotton Cream week on two pages inserts as they were so much nicer for the gorgeous binder (see here) And this has worked really well for me for quite a while....

However I'm currently finding that there's just not enough room for me to write everything down that I need to do so I end up with additional note lists hole punched in

Wonky photo no 1

These Chococat note pages are super cute and I'm sure I'll carry on using them occasionally but they don't half bulk out the binder when you end up with 3 or 4 a week!!

So I started to consider changing up my format for the new year as with the wedding coming up the number of things to do/remember/check per week gets larger than ever so I figured a bit more space on the daily planner would be a huge help!

Cue the 2 days per day inserts!

I picked these up months ago from Selfridges stationary hall - if you ever visit London you have to go check out Selfridges and their stationery department I just adore it and it's right next to the magazine section so you can browse all the magazines from overseas as well as our UK versions - I nearly always end up purchasing a couple of American editions of either In Style, Marie Claire or Glamour plus any Martha Stewart magazines I can spy. Yes I download these occasionally via Zinio on my iPad but I'm a sucker for a printed magazine!!!

Anyway.....I saw this 2013 insert and wondered if the additional room could be worth a try and picked it up. Fast forward several months and I can actually add it into my Filofax and start seeing if/how it works for me!

It makes my Aston pretty chunky alongside all the other notes and bits I keep in there:

But certainly when I have it open allows for a much bigger area for writing, making lists and doodling!

Now one of things that worried me first off before I set this insert up was not seeing my whole week at a glance but because I use the month on two pages inserts in my binder as well I always have the brief overview to hand..

Wonky photo no 2 - so sorry for the wonky photos but Blogger keeps turning them round...grrr

But now that I'm starting to fill in the half a page per day I'm really starting to like the additional space and I can see the whole week easily enough by flipping the pages over - plus they also have a snazzy notes box right next to the weekend pages cool eh!

I have to say though reading up on everyone else's planner formats for 2013 I'm a little jealous of the daytimer inserts, the print your own (some of Ray and Steve's inserts for next year look really great) and of course LimeTreeFruits's designs are so so pretty....but I'm going to see how I get on with these first....

Is anyone else making a change next year? Any recommendations on ways to utilise these inserts to their best ?

Lxx

I love Marks and Spencer BUT.....

I love Marks and Spencer I really do. Their fantastic range of products, their emphasis on Plan A for sustainability and let's not forget their food halls YUM! Just to highlight how much I love their products today I am rocking a pair of their ankle boots, a handbag from their Limited Collection range, socks and undies obviously come from there (whose don't!) and a scarf....I feel I should be a typical target customer for Marks and Spencer - young (ahem go with it), disposable income, likes to purchase classic clothing with a nod to the trends (sometimes, usually just a classic frankly I'm a bit risk adverse in the clothing department) surely I should be in their cross hairs this Christmas?

But frankly I feel a bit let down by their Christmas advertising campaign this year! Their advert is the same style of advert we've seen from them for years. There's no Christmas feeling, no real sense of anticipation or excitement. Where's the magic Marks and Spencer?

We are in the midst of a massive recession, things are frankly a bit grim so I think Christmas is about finding that sparkle to maybe spend a day enjoying being with family and remembering all the fun we had as kids to pass on to our kids, if you have any, me I'll be trying to instill Christmas cheer in Boots the kitten's first Christmas!

I'm not talking about spending a ton of money none of us have either, but focusing on the essence of the season - goodwill to all men, love, family, thankfulness.....

Now I know this is difficult to convey in a 30 second commercial but come on this is the biggest and most important sales period for retailers of the whole year. If you can't make money at Christmas you really are in trouble and as we can see in the UK we are loosing retailers left right and centre off of our high streets. Therefore this Christmas, competing for the limited budgets available needs a new strategy not a rehash of the same old campaign rocked out for the past few years.

Cue the the John Lewis Snowman advert. This is an exceptionally well timed advert in my opinion - it pulls on all the heartstrings, it establishes John Lewis (again) as the destination for Christmas and makes me want to shop there. Cleverly though it doesn't actually show any products. No chance for me to dismiss their product range (sorry Marks and Spencers but that's exactly what I did with the products you featured) it just evokes the essence of Christmas and darn it I want to go and shop there purely because of that!

So Marks and Spencer you can take your tired, cliched jumping lingerie dressed models I'm off to John Lewis to feel the Christmas Spirit and no doubt spend far more than I meant to but at least I'll feel good for it!

How are you all facing the Christmas shopping this year? Am I alone in wanting it to be a nicer expeience than just a standard days shopping?

Lx

November Already....a sneaky list and Filofax tour

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So checking my Filofax it appears that we are in November (the 3rd as I write this actually!) and all I can say is HOW????

This year truly has flown by at such a rate of knots it's been hard at points to keep track - I mean so far I've:

1. Started planning my wedding to the lovely Mr P (which is now only 308 days away eek) and ordered my wedding dress (omg that's a big decision - will Mr P like, does it suit me, will I look like a giant meringue, am I too old for a traditional dress.........) I went with gut feel in the end and I love it fingers crossed Mr P will too!
2. Learnt to ski on holiday in Canada (badly but such fun who knew seeing as I thought I'd hate it)
3. Went to V Festival and saw the amazing Killers live again, and managed to secure tickets for Glastonbury Festival 2013 yay!
4. Visited Barcelona and celebrated my birthday watching a Spanish covers band while drinking goldfish bowls of vodka
5. Took Mr P to Minatur Wunderland in Hamburg (and actually enjoyed it there, the level of craftsmanship and detail is incredible. And as for the teeny tiny replica Christmas Coca Cola lorry - too adorable!)
6. Became a grown up and started having my hair coloured at a salon as opposed to dying the bathroom random shades of brown while attempting it myself
7. Started (and failed) at a shopping ban (trying again!)
8. Started weight watchers and have lost over a stone and bit (or thereabouts...) so far
9. Found myself using my Kindle far more than I ever thought I would (particularly handy for reading 50 Shades without anyone knowing hehe)
10. I finally tried the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks and became OBSESSED with it..but it's now gone replaced by the Christmas flavours so instead I'm hunting down any Pumpkin spice syrup/flavouring that I can use at home in coffee instead (any recommendations???)

And the biggest thing was of course becoming a kitty parent to the most adorable kitten in the universe called Boots (cue gratuitous photo opportunity....)

Phew and that's just the top 11 things list....I am so lucky to have all this in my life. Especially considering everything on the news at the moment.

As to how I'm keeping on top of things (cue excessive Filofax content and images, look away here non Filofax fans) I'm using my Personal sized Orchid Aston (sighs while gazing at her) as I always say for ages I was using my Personal Deco in Amethyst which still is (and always will be my favourite ever Filofax) but as I take my Filofax everywhere with me, chucking it in handbags, using frequently, open on desks, removing it from Boots playing with it /sleeping on it /trying to chew it etc etc I don't want to damage/scuff/scratch her so she's having a wee holiday tucked safely away. This of course means one of my other binders can come out of retirement....

And for Autumn/Winter this year I'm using the Aston, she's such a lovely shade of plum/pink/purple very autumnal feeling. And here are some shots of my current set up (frankly no real change from earlier in the year as the system works for me but I love the pictures!!)

Outside shot - I love the seam details and the leather is so soft but durable (if you know what I mean?)

This is the inside cover with stamps, post its and business cards on the left and a clear pocket with my Harrods reward card on the right (bit like a Boots advantage card but never gets used!) and a quote that I love from Anya Hindmarch:

"Fire yourself every day and come back as your successor"

In the back of that first clear pocket is an ancient pic from a magazine I tore out (I do that a lot pictures and quotes that inspire me, things I want to read or purchase, potential gift ideas etc etc) Also in there is a "From Dorset With Love" business card - yummy treats I purchased at a food fair :)

In the next clear pocket on the right hand side are mementos - my Eiffel Tower ticket from when I went to Paris last year with Mr P, a Ski Pass ticket from Whistler earlier this year, more favourite quotes and pics...

Onto something a bit more interesting...the diary! I'm currently using (and have been all year I think) the Cotton Cream WO2P which has a notes box at the top of the left hand page. I'd never really gotten on with it before but it seems to be working OK for me this year as I've had more to do's/better system for writing them down than before maybe in this format?....I've already got a 2013 refill the same but I also have a half a day to a page insert to try out next year as well which I'm quite excited about!

As you can see from the pic I use colour a lot (no real system I keep trying but then I either forget or I need to write something down immediately (the curse of having a memory like a goldfish) so I grab the nearest pen!

It was a busy week this week (aren't they all at the moment?) as we had two wedding related things - visiting the registrar on Saturday and Sunday off for lunch at our wedding venue for a meet the parents lunch too (as in our parents meeting each other for the first time obviously we have both met each other's parents!)

I am in love with the ChocoKitty little tabs (top of right hand page as they remind me of Boots!)

As well as my WO2P I HAVE to have a monthly diary in there (and I have Nov/Dec this year and the whole of 2013 in there at the moment) as I need to be able to plan quite far ahead for holidays/work/wedding stuff etc etc and I like being able to see the whole month at a glance. It also means I can schedule in things like when Mr P has gigs or birthdays etc. As you will see this month there was a Christmas Event at Boots that was so important I stuck in the reminder....!!

And finally a sneak peak at my Wedding section - as well as top tab section in my Filofax for on the go notes I have this super cute little notebook that I keep in my Filofax for sketching and ideas as my master planner for the Wedding is an A5 Vintage Pink Malden...more on that I'm sure in a later post!

You can also see my Xmas top tab - currently that just has the Christmas Card list I made last year and a load of cuttings from magazines about potential gifts for people so obviously couldn't show you that!

Hope you are all well and you enjoyed my rambling about the current set up and what I'm up to! How are you all??

Lxx