dressing your way to the top

To sparkle or not to sparkle?

2012-12-10T20:22:00.001+00:00

It's that time of the year when the staff Christmas party is edging closer and I still haven't got anything to wear. I have spent (literally) hours searching ASOS for the perfect dress. Then there's the high street shops and their display windows, fully stocked with overpriced sequin dresses that you feel obliged to buy (although you feel like a WAG wannabe wearing one).

(Topshop £59)

Every year I cave into this pressure and as I search for the sparkly nightmare that will cripple my bank balance, I have a million and one questions running through my head:

Do I wear something that is drowning in sequins or is a simple smart peplum number or a cheeky chiffon hi-low more appropriate?

How short can the dress be?

Do I wear tights?

I literally drive myself mad.

Then there's the financial issue, can I really afford a new sparkly dress when I have a huge family to buy presents for? But then there are already pictures all over Facebook of me in my dresses.

I didn't see the point in buying a sparkly dress which would only be appropriate attire at Christmas (or possibly my birthday) and would catch on my hair and tights throughout the night. Too much sparkle can verge on tacky.

So I decided to take the budget route and wear something I already have but change it up. I simply bought a new pair of shoes. I have chosen to wear a hi-low black chiffon number from Oasis and I will team it with a pair of peep-toe heels from Dorothy Perkins which have a bit of bling to ensure that there is some sparkle in the outfit. (the pressure to look like a Christmas cracker is too much to fully escape)

So there will be some sparkle, but it will be understated and (hopefully) elegant.

(Dorothy Perkins £30)

Olympics Sceptic

2012-07-27T10:55:00.003+01:00

I am a self proclaimed Olympics sceptic, I don't like sports and I don't like lots of people getting on my train or making London even busier that it already is. I will have to actually be in work at 7.30am and that does not please me. And don't even get me started on these Boris announcements that are invading my ears every time I travel anywhere.

But having now seen the Olympic Torch twice (once at home and once at work) I couldn't help but feel a teeny tiny flash of excitement and I'm hoping maybe it will be better than I imagine.

Despite my momentary Olympics love I have decided that early morning starts and free time in the afternoon may lead to 1)the end of my giving up caffeine plan and 2) SHOPPING. My current workplace has no dress code which has left me feeling as though I have no clothes (honestly, the bulging wardrobe means nada) so I have spent some time perusing the usual topshop and zara websites and managed to find a few little bits that I need to add to my collection.

I have been on the hunt for a black skater skirt for some time and just the other day I was moaning about nowhere having any and then Tophop comes to the rescue with this leather number, YES PLEASE.

I have one like this in grey but I can't get enough of peplums and love this colour!

I don't need these at all but they are wedges and animal print so I've fallen for them.

That's all for now, the rest of my money is to be spent on mini dry shampoo and the like for my upcoming trip to Russia!

Love, Maeve xoxo

Wishlist #2

2012-07-19T15:37:00.001+01:00

Hi!

This post is basically a collection of all the things I feel I deserve after having the worst (exaggeration, of course) week of my life. I have been working night shifts doing market research and the lack of sleep has driven me insane so please excuse this mad ramble of a post. BUT I digress, the point is I will soon be paid and that money will no doubt burn a whole in my overdraft and have to be spent. I may or may not have already attacked the forever 21 website whilst 'working' so a few things are on their way...

Number 1 on my list is these boots from ASOS!

I really want the coloured ones but I know black is more practical and useful blah blah blah so will probably go for them but either way they shall be mine!

Next up is the Origins Drink Up intensive overnight mask, now I don't even want this, well I do, but I actually NEED it, no sleep has led to my skin resembling a very dull prune (it's dry) so I am running out to buy this on Saturday!

I have been looking for a statement necklace for a little while now and I found this beaut on ASOS so it may have to be mine as well, I reckon it will be great for jazzing up otherwise boring outfits!

And finally...I saw this coat whilst browsing the topshop website at work- this job has only made me want to shop and it was pretty much love at first sight. I am aware it's July but a)the weather is crap and b) I always buy my winter coat by August because coats are my fave and I get too excited to wait! I think this is soooooo lovely and even vaguely ladylike- a first!

Aaaaah so that is what I am currently wanting/ordering as we speak...

Love, Maeve xoxo

Lazy dressing

2012-07-01T15:49:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I was doing the usual shopping spree (spending my entire pay cheque before it has had a chance to enter my account) and realised I am a ridiculously lazy dresser.

I was looking for some respectable dresses for work (classic cut but in bright colours) and I would not try anything on which looked like it would require effort in the form of accessories or was that little bit too tight.

If you're like me then when you get up in the morning you want to be able to put on a comfortable but professional looking outfit on for work that doesn't suffocate you after a large lunch, so here are a few picks I have found:

Julia xxx

Clothes: Zara, Zara, Asos, Antipodium

ISLE OF WIGHT 2012

2012-06-27T13:07:00.000+01:00

Last weekend we went to Isle of Wight festival and had probably the BEST weekend, like, ever! So we thought we'd share some of our snaps with you and basically brag about what a good time we had.

The most important thing to note is that we saw The Boss, Bruce Springsteen and all fell head over heels in love with him (we simply refuse to believe that he is 63!) Here is a picture to demonstrate how amazing he looks/is...

We also saw Tinie Tempah (Julia's future husband) and the mighty Biffy Clyro (Simon IS Maeve's future husband) as well as Jessie Jessie J, Noah and the Whale, Madness, Tom Petty, The Vaccines and probably more that escape our memories right now! Oooh I've remembered, we saw Lana Del Rey and she was amazing and so beautiful!

(Simon from Biffy is just gorgeous)

The rest of the time we spent battling through the mud, dancing in the Hipshaker bar, drinking mojitos and saying "HOLLLLA" alot and laughing uncontrollably.

As for fashion Julia totally rocked her new floral bralet whilst Maeve totally didn't rock a jumper she had to buy from the Oxfam tent there because she didn't bring enough warm clothes...

We had such a lovely time despite the weather being a bit questionable and our next stop is Glastonbury 2013 so they better prepare....

Love, Maeve and Julia xx

Floral loving

2012-06-16T10:38:00.000+01:00

This isn't a post with a purpose but I just wanted to share my love for everything floral with you all. From tropical flowers to roses, anything floral gets me excited for the summer... and some cheeky time off work!

Julia xxx

If you liked this post, read about Maeve's adventure at the Chelsea Flower Show...

Wishlist #1- Festivals

2012-06-12T21:04:00.000+01:00

Next week we are off to Isle of Wight festival and now it's close I am super excited! I absolutely love festivals and this will be my sixth (I think) year in a row that I've been to one! One of the best things about festivals, aside from the great array of food to eat, is the fashion! At festivals there are no rules and you can clash and mismatch as much as you want without anyone thinking you've lost the plot.

I have been trying to plan what to pack this week but there's still a few bits I'd like to pick up before I go so here is my wishlist. My fave items for festivals always include denim shorts in some form, huge sunglasses, something warm for the evening and anything tie dyed or patterned! Although the number 1 thing I want is for the sun to come out or at least for a couple of days without a complete downpour, pretty please weather!

So these are some of the things I am wanting in my wardrobe and I think they would be perfect for any festival!

Maeve xoxo

Shorts and Cardi- Topshop, Vest- Urban Outiffters, Leggings and Crop Top- Topshop, Sunglasses- Dorothy Perkins

finding the right bag...

2012-06-04T00:49:00.003+01:00

One of the key items I find incredibly hard to shop for is a bag, especially the every day bag. When you're a student/struggling graduate then an 'on trend' bright shoulder bag tends to do the trick as it is both practical and student chic.

However once you start working in the city, that bright coloured satchel just won't cut it when you are faced with all of those judgemental looks on the tube every single day.

I have also felt that silly pressure to dress more appropriately now I have an 'adult' job. So where to start when shopping for the every day work bag?

I say keep it simple, dark and leather for the every day (and save that gorgeous patent coral bag for the weekend...)

Julia x

Budget Benefit from Glamour

2012-06-01T13:52:00.001+01:00

I got overly excited when I heard this month's Glamour was the benefit giveaway and even more so when I realised POREfessional was one of them! Every year Glamour teams up with Benefit and I always think it's a good opportunity to try things before you spend serious money on them (perfect for us budgeting graduates...)

I have wanted to try POREfessional for a while now but wasn't sure if I could part with the money, I think it's about £23 and even though I've heard so many good things I was still undecided so I am so glad it was an option. I also had to get the issue with the "that gal" primer which is supposed to be an illuminating one and I am becoming increasingly obsessed with primers lately so I needed (yes needed) to try.

I tried the POREfessional today and I almost wanted to not like it so I didn't have to buy the full size BUT of course it was as good as I expected, it felt so nice to apply and made my skin feel all soft and worked really well under make up! So thanks a lot benefit and Glamour for putting me out of £23. I haven't tried the "that gal" one so hopefully that won't be amazing : )

I realise this isn't "budget" at all if you end up liking it so I apologise for that!

Maeve xoxo

Dressing up London

2012-05-29T13:42:00.002+01:00

This is a slightly different post to normal as it doesn't have anything to do with clothes but obviously if you too visit this you should probably wear some...

Plenty of graduates move to London in the hope of finding that dream job and even if you do it is still a pricey city to live in. Because of this agonizing fact I am always on the look out for fun and cheap things to keep myself occupied.

Last week I took a trip to a street food market just off Brick Lane, very cool I know, and it didn't look like much (pretty much a car park) but the food and atmosphere was amazing.

East London has long been the hang out of the capital's coolest but the food on offer is quite something, curry included of course! There is also some pretty good street art knocking about and having spent the last six weeks around Brick Lane I have snapped some of my faves!

With the weather being so amazing recently I have also been lazing around in Greenwich Park, going to the park is an obvious cheap choice but Greenwich has lovely views and the lushest grass in London (the second bit may or may not be true).

Maeve xoxo

Chelsea Flower Show

2012-05-22T17:33:00.001+01:00

As I said before all experience is good experience as it turns out I was right because today my current internship led me to the lovely Chelsea Flower Show, on official caravan business of course!

I had to interview Jo Thompson, the designer of one of the gardens, and take lots of pictures- all in the sunshine that we finally got today!

I got my first ever press pass, which was very exciting and made me feel like a real journalist.

Then I wandered around some very beautiful gardens

I was actually pleasantly surprised at how much I did enjoy the event, I've never thought of myself as a flower lover but I am definitely converted!

I also had the BEST frozen yogurt ever : )

Maeve xoxo

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The ultimate dressing up wish list

2012-05-17T17:40:00.000+01:00

We all love dressing up and over a very yummy Wagamamas dinner last night Julia posed the question; 'What are the ultimate items you want in your wardrobe?', and we managed to whittle it down to just a few items to make our ultimate 'when I'm rich' wish list.

These are just some things we really really want but can't afford (just yet anyway!), I'm sure everyone has a similar list but here's what makes the cut for us...

-Michael Kors watch...

-Mulberry bag...(this is the Alexa but they are all so pretty and will probably always be a classic)

-A Burberry trench coat...(there is no better way to keep the rain off!)

-A Chanel bag (pretty pretty please, I mean what is more beautiful than this?)

-Something by Alexander McQueen (preferably the feathered ballgown- on display at the V&A from Saturday-but it may not work in my day-to-day wardrobe so maybe this...)

-And finally (not actually finally because there could be a million things listed but for now..) a Chloe dress a la Leighton Meester...

Harrods will not know whats hit it when me and Julia finally save our pennies and splash some serious cash...

happy wish listing...

Maeve xoxo

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Dressing up for the weather

2012-05-15T20:11:00.002+01:00

It’s raining, obviously, and even though it is driving me to the point of insanity (umbrellas hate me and I have no waterproof shoes) I am holding out hope for a great British summer.

Dreaming of BBQs, picnics and beer gardens is a great way to whittle away the hours at work but can only lead to one thing, shopping.

Luckily for us the high street is full of neon brights a lovely pastels to get you inspired.

Even when the sky is grey I can’t help but lust over shorts, sunglasses and sandals- because you never know!

Here are the things I’m going to be spending my overdraft on…

Happy shopping!

Maeve xoxo

Bikini- Urban Outiffers, Shirt- Zara, Dress, Urban Outfitters, Sunglasses and Skirt- Topshop

Dressing up- your internship

2012-05-10T20:04:00.000+01:00

We’ve said time and time again how difficult it is to get a job (No, I still don’t have one) but it is almost as difficult to offer your services for free (Yes, really) in the form of an internship.

I’m sure many people have had similar experiences since leaving university and I am currently on my fourth internship since last September, these days I am writing about the oh-so glamorous world of caravanning. Vogue- it is not- but nevertheless I am writing everyday and learning how publications work so no complaints here.

My, rather rambling, point is this; any experience is good experience and something to add to that CV so try not to be too picky. Smaller companies generally give you plenty to do and actually publish your work and they most certainly do not make you put flyers on cars (Sunday Times I am looking at you).

So what are you waiting for? Get out in to the world of aspiring writers/lawyers/teachers/stylists and offer your services for the cost of a travelcard.
Enjoy!

Maeve x

Treat your knowledge like your wardrobe

2012-04-16T21:18:00.004+01:00

I have come to realise that although I may have a degree and know what the latest trends are according to Company Magazine, my knowledge of current affairs is extremely lacking.

This isn't because I don't want to know what is going on in the world, for example I have downloaded both The Independent and Guardian apps on my phone to read on the way to work and I even subscribed to The Economist. I think my wardrobe and fascination with the Zara work wear range has simply taken priority.

Regularly shopping for work, party and dinner date outfits is ridiculously good fun but it also takes up a lot of time! We are all guilty of over buying, even though it feels good going to work in a new killer dress, the time spent picking it out could have been used reading about the latest developments in your industry. A lot of research goes into wardrobes, from season to season it needs constant updating, so why not apply this attitude to your knowledge?

There are positives to spending your spare time reading, the most prominent being that it will probably give you an edge over the competition at work by giving you a more informed view of your work.

Now don't you agree with me that if the same amount of effort you put into your clothes was put into keeping up with current political and economic issues, we would all be a little more clued up?

If Tyra Banks can get a business degree from Harvard and still work as a Supermodel, we have no excuse.

Making the most of your weekend

2012-04-07T15:16:00.000+01:00

After working the standard 5 day week, I always get that Friday evening feeling. By this I mean I get a silly rush of happiness that I can stay in my bed that little bit longer and that for two days I don't have to stand next to that man on the train with the awful breath.

There is a danger to this feeling though and that is wine. I tend to get so excited about the prospect of a work free weekend that I end up enjoying a Friday night out a bit too much and spend the Saturday nursing a hangover.

Well I have recently had a eureka moment (this came after the usual 'why do I drink?' moment), from now on, I WILL MAKE THE MOST OF MY WEEKEND.

Yes one glass of wine on a Friday night is justifiable but as long as it doesn't affect the rest of my weekend. Those precious two days should be spent doing something productive, whether that is sorting out a week's worth of wardrobe mess, doing a bit of extra research for work, exploring a new city, or just relaxing.

So this is my 'Spring Resolution', to simply spend less time nursing a wine headache and more time ticking off my bucket list.

(As an extra note, I recommend spending your next weekend checking out Zara's Spring Collection, it is absolutely gorgeous... )

Accessorising your CV

2012-03-27T15:36:00.000+01:00

Over the past few months I have learnt that although it's important to kick start your career, it's also vital that you have a life whilst doing so.

I have made my very own 'bucket list' i.e. everything I would like to do before I die. It includes the standard seeing the world, skydiving, going on an archaeological dig and living abroad in another country for a while. For most of us merely writing the list is adventurous (and tiring!) enough but for the few that actually take the risk and leave their lives behind to travel, I salute you.

You may be passionate and hard working at work but guess what? Employer's like their employees to have full social lives too.

I have decided to go skydiving in May to raise money for a good cause, my old University's Law Clinic needs a new building and mooting chamber. I am extremely scared but I am also excited to be focussing on something that isn't career related but will hopefully be one of the best moments of my life.

And the small cherry that comes on top of the very tasty cake? It looks great on your CV; it accessorises your academic and professional achievements with a fun aspect of your life and something to discuss with both clients and future employers.

So the moral of this post is to just do everything that you want to do, whether that is jumping off a mountain top or learning to drive, it's important to keep your life balanced. So remember...

Never wear a killer dress...

without accessorising ...

Dressing up... your attitude

2012-01-19T22:19:00.003+00:00

Since entering the working life and departing the 'bubble' that was university, I have realised just how different these two social environments are. Both require completely different attitudes.

I don't know about you but my final year at university involved late nights in the library with my friends drinking coffee and pulling all nighters. And although you knew the essay was due for an entire term and started drafting it 3 weeks beforehand, you still find yourself writing it the night before the deadline.

To make matters worse, it's when you're writing the essay that you realise you missed that crucial lecture which would have saved you 6 hours of sleep. But that didn't matter did it? Because everyone did it and as long as you got your essay in on time and made it to the bar straight after than everything was okay.

Well I hate to sound like a preacher but that's not the kind of attitude you can take with you to the workplace. Yes it was great at university, and being able to work right up to deadlines and abuse our bodies with energy drinks may be why we miss it but it's not professional.

When you get the job of your dreams and you need to impress everyone around you, then put your all into everything that is asked of you. Don't be scared of doing something you don't know anything about; research it and give it a go.

Even more importantly, it can be very competitive when there are a few of you trying to impress your superiors so that you climb up that career ladder that little bit quicker. Remember not to lose focus, because although they might try to aggravate you and provoke a reaction from you: DO NOT GIVE IN.

Remember, it's time to change that attitude.

So take of the lazy leggings...

... and put on the proactive power suit.

Bag so Beautiful Review

2011-12-09T23:01:00.001+00:00

Having perused the Bag so Beautiful 2011 winter collection on several occasions I jumped at the chance to review one of them. I went for this Gucci inspired black evening bag.

Bag so Beautiful promises to provide on trend bags at a price everyone can afford and I was not disappointed. Retailing at £21.99 this bag is the ultimate mix of affordable, practical and pretty. I went for the black one, mainly so it will go with everything and because I didn’t actually have a black bag, but it also comes in brown and white.

I am always doing something and I expect a lot from my bag, as it has to lug around pretty much everything bar the kitchen sink. I used my new Bag So Beautiful bag on a day I had work (in a busy pub) followed by university to ensure this bag can keep up.

Filled with my notebook, change of clothes, purse, iPod, book, make-up, phone...the bag was to be tested for a full ten hour day. It was sturdy enough to take the weight of my many necessary belongings but without compromising style, what more can a girl ask for?

My favourite aspect of the bag was probably the multiple compartments it had, the inside was a lovely stripy pattern and there were several pockets which makes it easy for people with terrible organisational skills (me) to actually find their keys without searching for ten minutes on the doorstep...

With Christmas around the corner Bag so Beautiful could be the perfect place to find gifts for your friends or family, failing that it is most definitely the only place to guarantee guilt-free shopping for you.

I can honestly say this bag surpassed my expectations and for the price I cannot stress enough its value for money. Next on my list is the Mulberry inspired satchel, better add it to the Christmas list asap.

Dressing up for an Internship

2011-11-18T19:46:00.001+00:00

So graduation is now a distant memory and for those of you who have landed that dream job, well done, and I am not at all jealous or bitter. For the rest of us the time has come to get off the sofa and get some work experience.

Basically we all know internships are a great way to get experience and potential employers are looking to find some on your CV so I don’t need to lecture you about that. More importantly, to me anyway, is what to wear. After three months of wearing a onesie, as good as I felt I looked, it was a shock to the system to have to consider what to wear EVERYDAY for two entire months.

So here is my advice. Firstly, relax. Secondly, check the dress code. It literally is that simple.

Work is where, whether we like or not, we will be spending most of our time so we may as well look good whilst doing it.

Here are my top picks for smart to casual...

I have just finished my first taste of the world of internships and I was lucky, or unlucky, enough to be able to wear whatever I felt like on that particular day. This, naturally, led to some early morning tantrums and an incredibly messy bedroom but anyway...

Just make the most of any experience you get and don’t be worried about asking questions etc. And have fun dressing up : )

Dressing up your CV

2011-10-15T22:38:00.004+01:00

Hi girls,

It has definitely been a while since I last posted anything, purely out of nerves at the reaction I would get. So I wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who has read the blog so far and told me what you think!

So onto the topic of discussion, how to 'dress up your CV'. Hopefully you have stopped watching Jezza Kyle and realised that he is not old enough to have gone through everything he claims to have survived.

I will start by assuring you that I am purely passing on this advice from Graduate Recruitment Specialists who have helped me and others I know secure jobs in their desired industries.

CURRICULUM VITAE: the most irritating piece of paper which is meant to reflect your potential. But makes you do this instead...

Do not fear, make it reflect you as you are because any employer would be lucky to have a willing graduate like yourself.

Just do not exaggerate the truth.

Firstly, write out your name. Yes it sounds simple but when you are faced with a blank screen it can be very daunting to start typing anything. (Remember those terrifying 3500 word essays you managed to bang out in one night? How did that start? Mine always began with a sob after typing the word introduction)

Then write out a list of everything you have ever done. Split it up into Education, Extra Curricular, Work Experience, Volunteering etc. The information is then more accessible to you when putting together your CV and you will have surprised yourself at how much you have achieved and how unique all your experiences will make you as a candidate.

Next, write out your academic record in chronological order starting with your latest qualification. If it is a specific CV tailored to an industry such as law or auditing than I suggest writing out your module break downs. I know it is tempting, but DO NOT LIE. Employers will find out the truth and it is a permanent smear against your character if you tell an untruth. Be proud of whatever qualification you achieved, as contrary to popular belief, the majority of 18-24 year olds aren't university/college qualified at all.

Moving on, I tend to put down my work experience. Again if this is an industry focused CV than put down any work experience you have undertaken to give you a better understanding of the career you wish to pursue. If it is a general customer focused position you are after than list down any relevant work experience where you have had client contact, both paid and unpaid. Employers need to know that your going to make a positive impression with their customers/clients.

Always list down any extra skills you have, for example any I.T qualifications you have and your competency levels. (Not how good you are at Facebook stalking). As well as any positions of responsibility you have held either at work, university or college. This shows both leadership and determination to get to the top.

Interests and activities: Okay, here is where employers really laugh at you. No matter what you say it is going to come across as cliche or weird. They know that most of us do not regularly 'go to the gym' or 'read The Financial Times' or 'The Economist', but if this is you then by all means put it down. If it isn't then BE HONEST because they will catch you out at an interview. If you can't recall the last thing you read in The Guardian or The FT then you might as well say your goodbyes because 'you are the weakest link'.

Finally, a quick note on the overall layout. Be spacious, do NOT go over 2, maximum 3 pages, and keep your font at a readable size 11 Times New Roman. DON'T try to be creative and put an unflattering border in or italicise/bold your font, it just makes it look too fussy.

Hope this has helped a little bit.

Enjoy 'dressing up your CV's'.

The sooner you do, the sooner you can buy these beauties.

Dressing up, because there is nothing else to do

2011-09-17T17:35:00.000+01:00

Hi.

Now that the awkward greeting is over, welcome to my new blog 'dressing your way to the top'. Yes there will be many cliches and yes I am only a graduate freshly churned out of the university machine, but I still want to share my experiences during the soul destroying four months of job hunting which proceeded university.

I've decided to create this blog for us girls, freshly graduated, who had no guidance what so ever at university when it came to preparing for the future. Alongside my friends I will post tips and advice I have picked up, from 'dressing up your CV' to 'dressing for your first day'.

Now, I don't know about you, but once I graduated I felt that sudden surge of the university blues. It hits you hard and symptoms include watching Jezza Kyle daily, going through old photos from your 'fresher year' and spending all day on Facebook stalking everyone else's job hunting progress.

Well... ENOUGH!

Although it feels like no one is ever going to employ you and this recession is never going to end, there are still SOME jobs out there yours for the taking. You just have to make yourself stand out from the ever growing crowd of graduates. (tips on HOW to do this will come later, I'm just getting started)

For now, my tip is not to let yourself go and get annoyed hanging around the house, it's hard enough moving back in with your family as it is. Instead make yourself get up EARLY and get suited and heeled. Nothing is going to motivate you more then the sight of yourself looking like the ultimate City Slicker.

And although I haven't given any exact tips apart from GETTING UP, don't write of this blog just yet.

I'm just getting started...