How To Be #bosschic

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Balenciaga Paris Eau De Parfum, Oroton Barrel Bag, Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch, Kikki K Leather Personal Planner, Kikki K Leather Diary, Prada Frames (available at Laubman & Pank).

New year, new you – the way I see it, there’s no better time like January to reinvent yourself. Like many other ladies, I’m starting 2015 with a sparkling new career and a #girlboss attitude.

Determined to look the part of a savvy, switched on and stylish, Marketing Coordinator, I’ve invested in a few staple pieces to keep me looking professional and most importantly, #bosschic. After all, if history has taught us anything, it’s that you don’t rise to power status by dressing like a dag. Surely this explains Jacqueline O’s legacy (and the secret to marrying a Kennedy).

Presenting my  Top 5 Tips to looking #bosschic. 

1. You are the bag you carry.

Think clean, sharp accessories with minimal detail and statement status. I’m not suggesting that you spend your car down payment on a bag, but consider sophisticated, high quality, everyday labels like Oroton and Michael Kors.

Leave the print to the weekends and instead opt for an interest fabric, like this croc look leather Oroton tote. The gold hardware offers that detail factor without being OTT.

2. Organized individuals dominate.

Have you ever met an unorganized executive? Neither have I. While we can’t all hire an assistant to keep track of our professional schedule, a planner or diary can do just that. And if you’re a visual person like me, it’s nice to have visual reminder right in front of you, (with the added bonus of shopping at Kikki K).

3. Embrace your Clark Kent mode.

Gone are the days of those “four eyes” quips. Einstein had it right all along, intelligence is sexy! I’m totally embracing my optical deficiency with a bold, cat eye frame. One sophisticated new image and 10+ points added to my IQ later and I’m realizing the symbol of status here. After all, they are not just glasses, they’re Prada.

4. Your scent is your signature. 

Just as a fox knows its own scent, it’s pretty obvious when someone is wearing a cheap, sugary Eau de Toilette perfume. Save yourself the embarrassment and spritz on something elegant, in the form of a parfum. My favourite scents include anything by Elie Saab, Balenciaga, Chanel and Kate Spade.

5. Powder your nose. 

Visiting the lady’s powder room for a quick makeup touch up, has never been so convenient then with a compact cosmetic pouch to house your beauty secrets. My Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch has enough space to hold my Napoleon Camera Finish Powder and 5 Mac lipsticks- that’s one for everyday of the working week!

I’de love to hear your thoughts ladies- what’s your #bosschic must-have? For any suggestions on my next “How To”, drop me a line below or email me personally @ashleigh@theblondesilhouette.com.au x

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White Christmas

White Christmas

A White Christmas Wish List (via Polyvore).

December has arrived and not a moment too soon… My festive spirit has awakened and this year I’m creating my own “White Christmas”, with glistening snowflake baubles and scents of cinnamon and gingerbread. Here’s a little #inspo for the home and for the foodie in you.

DECK THE HALLS:

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Forever 21 Brisbane Launch

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Wearing: French Connection Pleated Dress, Saba Belt, Jo Mercer Tanessa Heels (similar style here), French Connection Silver Clutch, Thomas Sabo Pearl Bracelet.

When I first heard the news that Brisbane would soon be home to the first Australian Forever 21 store, I experienced a #tbt to 2009, where I spent November holidaying in California. Surrounded by effortlessly cool Cali girls, I embraced the american IT girl lifestyle and took a little Californian flavour back to my Brisbane life, with some fast fashion pieces from Forever 21.

Now 5 years later and I’m treated to a VIP media tour of the gleaming multi-storey retailer in Queen Street’s prime position and watching the shiny yellow ribbon being cut my model/actress/blogger Alli Simpson.

Offering a delicious start to my Thursday morning, the event began with a breakfast spread including individual bircher muesli bowls, mini ham and cheese croissants, pastries and fresh fruit, catered by Lennon’s Restaurant in Brisbane’s newest luxury hotel, Next Brisbane. We were then escorted on a private tour of the store, imprinting our footsteps on the new floor before any other shopper- a little bit special indeed!

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Blogger Clique: @itsconnieyeah, @zestfashionblog and @thefashionheist

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Homegrown brand ambassadors Lisa Hyde from The Bachelor 14 and blogger/model Alli Simpson

With an appreciation for an organised layout, I particularly loved how the store is divided into themes, with denim trends and luxe boho/festival fashion merchandised separately, creating a clear yellow brick road for any fashionista. Other highlights included the chic mannequins with their dip-died candy coloured tresses and the girly ambience of the change rooms featuring a pastel pink and mint colour theme.

Offering an extensive summer collection divided over two whole floors, with each pieced priced to suit a minimal budget, I walked away with a little yellow bag of goodies including two contrasting print dresses and a handful of girly toiletries (@theblondesilhouette), with the best part being this little haul came to only $100!

Wearing a lemon hue, teamed with monochromatic and metallic accessories, I certainly blended in with the store’s colour palette which highlights a bright yellow seen in the merchandising. It seems neon was the popular choice among other guests, with the blogger clique dressing brightly for the occasion, while being snapped in store.

A big thank you goes to the girls at The Red Republic for hooking me up with the ultimate insider experience! To my lady following, I would definitely suggest checking out this new fashion hotspot for accessible and affordable style!

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The Tempest Drew Me Skyward

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Pictured: Flocksy “The Tempest Drew Me Skyward” Scarf

This spring, I’m declaring the oriental flavour stamped upon my style passport, seen in the Japanese influence injected into my wardrobe, courtesy of the lifestyle brand Flocksy.

Imprinted onto a luxurious silk fabric is a magical evening told in rich colours of plum, fuchsia, coral and marigold. Two figures wearing traditional Japanese costume; kimono’s in varying shades of pink, are enjoying a mystical evening in the heart of the woods. Skilfully illustrated by artist Sharon Hendy-Moman, this decorative accessory is part of a limited edition silk scarf collection, exclusive to the Flocksy brand. With three distinct parts to the oriental story, this pieces introduces a vibrant start to the whimsical chapters that follow.

In terms of styling this piece, I have selected a neon pink base to allow for contrast against the intricate print. I find it important to still remain consistent in the colour palette, which is why I have chosen a similar shade of pink and encourage this rule when styling a printed scarf. Simple in structure, this dress creates a great foundation for the styling of a scarf, minimising the possibility of detracting from the statement accessory and allowing for versatility on how the scarf is tied. Aiming for a preppy undertone, I have fashioned my Flocksy scarf in a bow tie style, doubling the material around my neck before tieing a small bow with the remainder of the fabric. Teamed with an embellished nude pump and a vintage Vuitton, this look would create a little competition for Blair Waldorf, with the added bonus of a cultural style infusion!

A feminine and functional brand, Flocksy serves fashionista’s with chic, ready to wear clothing and accessories, featuring unique designs and high quality, luxurious fabrics. With the success of their seasonal scarves, I for one am excited to see an expansion of the collection, especially knowing that swimwear is on the cards! Ladies, if you would love to get your hands on this exclusive, limited edition print, then make yourself acquainted with the Flocksy Facebook page and Instagram.

In the mean time, enjoy the latest collaboration, brought to you by Flocksy x The Blonde Silhouette x Erin Smith Photography.

A special mention goes to my star photographer, Erin Smith Photography, who’s artistry captures the most perfect visual moments in  their colourful and whimsical form.

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Flocksy The Tempest Drew Me Skyward Scarf, St Frock Equilibrium Dress, Jo Mercer Dita Heels, Mimco Gold Studs (similar style here), Louis Vuitton Concorde Bag, Michael Hill Teardrop Ring.

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Photography by Erin Smith Photography