Here you have it, folks – the first ever joint photo shoot from Not Dressed As Lamb and Silver Londoner!
It’s been a long time coming as many people have requested an outfit post featuring Keith and myself since he started his blog way back when… This week the timing for a joint shoot was absolutely perfect: I’ve partnered with a young brand to show you some smart, versatile tailoring that’s made for you AND the man in your life!
Today we’re both wearing blazers and shirts by Arthur Shirtley, an exciting young British brand that specialises in the most exquisite tailored workwear. Now as some of you may know, as a pro blogger I don’t work in an office anymore, so it does beg the question, Why would we be showing you smart workwear pieces?
The reason is simple: By styling these pieces in a very casual way, we’ve shown you how smart tailored blazers and office-appropriate shirts are perfect not just as workwear, but also as versatile, classic pieces for the weekend. What we wanted to do was show how quality workwear is a great investment because it CAN be worn out of the office with just a little clever styling. (Click here to see Keith’s outfit and post in more detail – it’s worth it, I promise!)
I’m wearing the Greenwich Picnic Shirt and the Hampstead Blazer, and Keith is wearing the Somerset House Fountains Shirt and the Fitzrovia Blazer. The quality of these garments is absolutely second to none, but what makes them really special is that the blazers are made of 100% silk and the shirts are 100% cotton. Therefore the blazers are lightweight enough to be worn during the summer – who doesn’t want a lightweight, breathable blazer in the office in hot weather?
L-R: Greenwich Picnic Shirt | Hampstead Blazer | Somerset House Fountains Shirt | Fitzrovia Blazer
The finer details of great craftsmanship are also there: the Arthur Shirtley brand name on all the buttons, the beautiful lining fabric, even the stunning boxes and packaging they arrived in. I’m glad I chose this shirt because of the different check fabric used on the cuffs and collar – it gives the shirt the look of being worn under another top and of course appeals to my pattern mix-loving side (taken to yet another level with the check of the blazer).
The little styling touches are what make the outfit: Sleeves rolled up and the shirt cuffs turned back. The top button of the shirt done up. The addition of a hat, and sportswear shoes. All Keith needed to do was add dark wash jeans (the smartest kind), funky brogue boots and a chic pocket square…. I think men should always add a pocket square to a blazer or suit jacket. Always, always.
I’ve actually surprised myself at just how much I love this outfit – I will be honest and say I was apprehensive about still looking somewhat “officey” before I’d styled the shirt and blazer… my fears were unfounded I’m pleased to say. But the addition of a felt fedora, matching wide leg trousers and very unofficey silver slip-on sneakers means it looks nothing like a typical 9 to 5 outfit. It was more “Town and Country”, or even a little 21st century Sloane Ranger-esque.
And that’s no bad thing.
Reasons for investing in quality workwear
Arthur Shirtley’s promise to use factories in the European Union (that they have personally inspected) with fair wages and safe working conditions – as well as a promise to achieve transparent and responsible sourcing – is admirable. They also sell matching skirts and shift dresses, so you could have the ultimate in quality work suits that double up as smart casual wear when worn individually (I just hope they start doing trousers soon – trousers in these fabrics made to the same standard would be amazing).
Yes, the clothes are pricey, but when the quality is this good, the designs are this classic and the pieces are this versatile for work AND play you’re making a very sound investment indeed.
ARE YOU TEMPTED TO REWORK YOUR OFFICE WEAR AS WEEKEND WEAR? COMMENT BELOW!
Catherine – Shirt and blazer: Arthur Shirtley c/o | Trousers: Winser London c/o | Bag: Lotus c/o | Shoes: Finery c/o | Hat: La Redoute c/o (similar) | Watch: ASOS | Fingertip rings: New Look | Earrings: ASOS (love these) | Nails: Nails Inc Porchester Square
Keith: Shirt and blazer: Arthur Shirtley c/o | Jeans: Debenhams | Boots: ASOS | Pocket square: The Hanky Chief
Disclosure: I partnered with Arthur Shirtley on this post (click here for my full disclosure). All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.
Blimey Charlie could you two be any more gorgeous! I mean I'd happily sit & stare at these shots all day long! Couldn't begin to choose a favourite but if you pushed me it's the final image. Why?
Because you're just so damn cool.
Wow, what a stylish couple!
Happy Friday & thanks for linking up with Fashion Should Be Fun!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.com
You two are adorable. Love these looks. The jacket and shirts look so well made and as you said and proved are perfect for a fun weekend. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Love how you have styled these pieces! You both look fantastic and so at ease – you should definitely continue with the joint photoshoots 🙂
Eddie | Arthur Shirtley
Love everything about these photos…the colors are amazing. Could work in decor as well. Crisp and warm at the same time!
The model couple. I'd LOVE Peter to do a shoot like this with me but am certain he wouldn't! Adore the blazer and how dapper does your chap look. One of my fave posts of you guys ever x
Oh Vicki you really should try and persuade him, he's so handsome – you'd look wonderful together!! Thank you so much my lovely xx
That looks fantastic! What a perfect collaboration between you and your husband!
Nancy thank you so much, we really should have done a joint shoot ages ago, it was nice to have a reason to do it at last! x
I've just found your blog and I love it. I have to thank you for highlighting this interesting brand, I've been looking for tailored silk pieces for travel and events and it is impossible! Well until now. I've ordered a dress and matching blazer and I am so excited to see these items in person. Thank you so much.
Oh and I don't work in an office either, I work from my home but tailored clothes make me feel organized and ready to face anything. So agree that tailored pieces are amazing for any day of the week.
Hi Dani!
Thank you for your order, your dress and blazer are about to leave our warehouse 🙂 We will be very excited to hear from you once you have received them!
Eddie | Arthur Shirtley
Dani thank you for the lovely compliment, I'm so glad to have you as a new reader! And WOW that's great to hear you've placed an order, you won't regret it as the Arthur Shirtley pieces are exquisite. I think that's wonderful that you wear tailored clothes working from home, what better way to feel empowered on a daily basis…?!!
Let me know how you get on when the order arrives!! C x
Indeed you have styled the jacket so well. Keith too, but I commented on his blog.
I would have been totally lost and would not have been able to look beyond skinny jeans ut your cimbination is so much nicer. Those shoes are a winner aren't they?
And the bag. I am still in love with the bag.
Greetje
Oops… I see my typing errors only now. Sorry.
Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome. That was really heart warming.
I love this post! And you both look adorable! What a great couple:) Renata
Aww Renata thank you x
The quality looks fantastic; I love the sheen on the cotton in Keith's shirt. Even my husband commented how nice it looks! Your blazer is beautiful… the pattern mixing is fabulous and subtle.
I checked out the website and fell in love with the sheath dress styles– I love them paired with a blazer for a real 1940s polished office look. xx
The sheen on the shirt is exactly what Keith loves too, Lisa! I have to admit I forgot I was pattern mixing (again!!), but they really go together beautifully. And just imagine how great the dress and blazer combo would look in the city in your old job…?!! Thanks hon xx
You two look fantastic! I love the mix polished and casual and the quality definitely shows.
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Thanks Heidi – I'm so glad you can see the quality because the craftsmanship is something else…!
You look both adorable, and spot on quality and class.
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Oh Sacramento thank you!!