Shift into summer
It’s the continual conundrum in the sizzling summer months: what to wear to work and still keep your cool? For the largely office-bound out there, you have to keep things work appropriate while still looking chic. So no shorts, miniskirts or floaty little summer sunfrocks that would be more at home at Bondi than in the boardroom.
You have to dress to be taken seriously, no matter whether you’re the PA or the VP. Let your guard down too far and you’ll be overlooked for that promotion. A chic option is also one of the simplest: the shift dress. It’s a one-stop solution that will keep you covered while letting you keep your cool. You can add simple accessories (never too many in the office) such as a skinny belt, kitten heels and simple jewellery. David 
Lawrence has cotton shifts in three great colours this season (left, in poppy, also in blue and green; $199) that are perfectly polished.
If the air-conditioning in the office gets too cool, just add a classic cardigan—a slimline one that falls to the waist and buttons to a round neckline—nothing chunky that will ruin your silhouette and make you look too casual. And when running around the city on errands or taking a work lunch, just add a great pair of large (and expensive-looking) sunglasses. Wear your hair up in a slick ponytail to keep your neck cool.
An Unkon-ventional collaboration
Sportsgirl has been delivering great designer collaborations over the past few years, and the last one for this year is another winner. The brand has collaborated with Miss Unkon to bring a fun and flirtatious seven-piece collection to stores for summer. A vintage floral print is the lynchpin of the collection, which works back with the other black, white and lilac pieces. You’ll find a great print maxidress (left), cropped tank and flippy shorts, while the black playsuit with crossover front and cut-outs is especially sweet. As always, the pieces are well priced, between $80 and $140. Which will leave you plenty of spending money for gelato and cocktails.
’Tis the season…
Another week closer to the big day, another piece to consider for someone’s Christmas stocking. These necklaces by UK-based Australian accessories designer Jennifer Loiselle are the perfect mix of artisanal handiwork with modern sensibilities. Loiselle’s Tissage collection is influenced by the work of Louise Bourgeois and is created from concertina-woven grosgrain ribbons, oversized beads and laser-cut Perspex hardware. The range is stocked exclusively at the very cool Standard Store in Surry Hills, but you can call them on 02 9310 1550 and ask nicely if you’d like to purchase one in time for Christmas. And at $80–$200, you might be able to buy yourself one, too.
