For me, this time is fast approaching and I'm losing my appetite. The thought of shrouding myself in matchy-matchy Maggie Thatcher-esque pin-stripes and blazers makes me feel giddy - (and not in a good 'I've had two glasses of wine and would quite like a third' way)!
And so, it is with more than a degree of trepidation that I begin to weigh up my options.
For starters, we need the basics. I want these to be my failsafe option for days when I try everything on twice, before deciding that I have nothing to wear, only to then pull this outfit on and feel fabulous with two minutes to spare. (I'll put my face on on the train - only to undoubtedly fall into work resembling a well dressed 'Joker').
To begin with I want a pristine white shirt. For me, nothing spells sophistication better than when a woman dresses with a masculine edge. "Pretty" doesn't really sit too well with me and so I'd take the 'drag' option every time. My 'vision' is Diane Keaton in Annie Hall - only ironed.
A pet peeve of mine is when white shirts get messed with. The only ingredients necessary are a great cut, long length and collar so sharp that when 'popped' it poses a health hazard. Say no to frills.Daphne Guinness apparently got so tired of not being able to find what she wanted that she decided to launch her own collection of capsule items - Daphne - which includes a white shirt for every occassion. Personally, I would take them all but the more rational amongst you can choose for yourself at Dover Street Market. Another great thing about these shirts is that the designer price tag doesn't come hand in hand with designer maintenance. They are built for machine washing and in the words of Daphne herself "the more you wash them the nicer they'll get."
Another designer, making a name for himself at the moment is Todd Lynn - if money was no object I would stockpile this shirt. I know I said that shirts shouldn't be messed with but I'll make an exception with this beauty - Lynn does mess exceptionally well: http://www.matchesfashion.com/catalogue/productdetail/matches_ss08_ladies_tops_toddlynn_16_tl_0004_whi_521
For the more petite amongst you, GAP are always a cert when it comes to shirts and blouses, although if like me, you're long of torso then be sure to try before you buy. I frequently find that the "waist" sits somewhere between my chest and neck.Alternatively, Brooks Brothers (a sort of T.M Lewin for our friends across the pond) now has a UK fanbase and has responded with an online shop http://www.brooksbrothers.com/uk. Oprah Winfrey (although a somewhat dubious style icon) sang the praises of their 'non-iron' range which features four shapes to flatter all figures. I would opt for the 'tailored fit' which is slim through the body with long shirt tails (ideal for tucking into high waisted bottoms). I admit I was sceptical about the grandiose 'non iron' claim, but I have witnessed first hand that these shirts do exactly what it says on the tin - from dryer to dinner without so much as a whiff of steam.
Or, coming soon to the internet, is Bank and Son - a newly established 'Ladies' and Gentlemen's outfitters' who offer a bespoke service with surprisingly bank friendly prices. These shirts are excellent quality and the joy is that you are able to dictate everything from collar to cuff. I have two and wear them to death. I'll keep you posted on the launch of the website!
...so, armed with the perfect top half, I should at least be able to make it to work looking pseudo presentable from the waist up. That's unless I manage to spill breakfast down me before I arrive - which sadly, is more than a possibility.
Next post: A Bum Deal
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