Home office: dress to impress – even for yourself!

Since two months I have been writing and researching for my master thesis. Approximately 3 days a week I am sitting on my desk at home all day long. Sometimes I’ve found myself in my pajamas at 3pm.

However, I have noticed that my productivity and motivation greatly improves when I dress nicely.

Dressing when I work at home is completely different than going to work at the office. Nobody cares what I look like – neither my neighbors across the street nor my roommates.

But I figured out that I do!

Besides dressing up it is important to make a break during the day and go somewhere just to grab a coffee or meet some friends. Yesterday, after my brain couldn’t read anymore scientific and theoretic literature, I planned to go outside to buy some fruits. On my way there I passed Zara and couldn’t ignore the big SALES poster in the shop window. Although I didn’t want to buy anything before I leave for New York in 10 days, I came back home with an apple, strawberries and two denim pants.

There was one good thing about it though, I was excited to wear my new white denim shorts and got dressed as soon as I woke up. Today’s daily break should have been an hour of sun somewhere outside near the river. The minute I was about to leave the house it started raining. Instead I thought to take it as it comes and sat down in the middle of my apartment – summery dressed, with a smoothie, some magazines and my NY checklist.

Summer love

The best thing about summer is that I can wear my beloved but very old summer dress and my most favorite pair of good old Steve Madden wedges.

If those two wardrobe icons would be still available in a shop I would by them again.

“Meli don’t you want to throw those heels away, they look very used?” my Mom asked me last weekend. How dare she say that? In fact, they do look as old as they are but I would never give them away.

Those aren’t only my most comfortable pair of 12 cm heels but they also remind me of some good nights and days.

And it’s the same story again but with the dress. It’s not fancy or special at all, it is very simple, crème colored and almost three years old - but whatever! 

With the perfect styling the dress from Urban Outfitters is still a fit for a cocktail party as it is for a relaxed afternoon in my backyard, for a BBQ with friends or for a weekend at the beach.

The Japanese Touch

Let me introduce you to one of my season must haves – the kimono!

The kimono cardigan is one of my new summer favs. The Japanese inspired fashion piece is so versatile and easy to wear, that I couldn't resist writing about it. 

I love my new boho inspired kimono with fringes from Zara. It’s the perfect summer layering piece and transforms a basic outfit into a breezy boho look. 

Summer is just around the corner but hasn’t arrived yet. These days the temperature is likely to take me by surprise. One minute it is cloudy, then it starts to rain and all of a sudden it’s hot and sunny again. The kimono turns out to be the perfect accessory choice for this season.

Yesterday I wore it over skinny jeans from J Brand, a totally simple white top from H&M paired with black wedges from Aldo.

Sweet escape

A research has found, taking frequent short breaks or holidays make people happier than a long one – I agree with that.

I just came back from a short Italy trip and it was great! Three days packed with good food, wine, lots of sun and fun with my love.

A long weekend ahead and a bad rainy weather forecast were the main reason for a spontaneous trip to Italy. Plus swimming season is kicking off soon and I needed a tan.

Over the years I have collected a wide variety of swimwear – different brands, colors and styles. I love to mix and match various tops and bottoms for a signature style. I pair Victoria's Secret tops with Calzedonia bottoms or the other way around. I have a few favorite bikini brands but H&M has never been one of those.

A few hours before I started packing I went to H&M to buy some hairbands, because they always seem to disappear when I need them. On my way to the accessories department I spot a neon orange bikini, which I fancied having for my beach getaway. Usually trying on swimsuits is my least favorite shopping trip – but this bikini top and bottom fit right away and have me re-thinking my prejudices.