I trained my brain not to care about nudity at work. It’s like going to the beach
From work to wow!
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By Demelza De Burca
Wednesday Dec 12 2007
For some, the office Christmas party is the most dreaded date in the calendar. Apart from having to spend an extra five to six hours of your free time with people you are already forced to see everyday one has to strategically plan one's attire.
The problem is, the goal of the work party is so utterly at odds with the normal one of impressing your friends with your new dress while also slaying every man in the room with your killer good looks.
At a work bash, unless you have been working a water-cooler flirtation for the past year, the above is not of any relevance.
Instead, you want to look good in a kind of "I'm fabulous, give me a pay rise", but not in an "I will pay you back in kind" way.
Luckily, lady-like chic is the dress code for the office party '07 and the shops are packed to the brim with glamorous pieces that will take you, stylishly, from your desk to the dancefloor.
The dress is this year's most coveted item so splashing out on one such as this Matthew Williamson little black number, €1,275, would get you through the festive season.
Tis' the season to be sparkly and for something a little less wallet-heavy and edgy check out new Aussie label 'Shakuchachi' which have some fab little dresses from €385, or French Connection's gold snowball dress, €210.
Fashionistas on a budget could opt for Monsoon's Amelia dress, €150, which comes in this season's pretty purple.
Another trick to get you noticed without your cleavage being ogled by Mr Flirty is to don a backless creation. DKNY have a stunning black sequin dress, €390, available at Brown Thomas; but I also love Therapy's metallic backless number, which is a steal at €40.
Team your dress with a pair of killer heels such as these stunning Jonathan Kelsey 'Amy' patent toe suede platform pumps, €465, available at Harvey Nichols. If you are opting for a little black dress jazz it up with these silver J Jeans by Jasper Conran shoes, €54.
The only thing left is to grin and bare it -- avoiding the mistletoe and the photocopier at all costs!
The modern diva’s guide to getting made up for the office party ‘07:
? High brow, low brow, but never no-brow; invest in an eyebrow pencil
? Lipstick, never lip gloss
? A Proper Do, not a quick blow-dry
? False eyelashes, not fake tan
? Perfume on all the pulse points
? Carry a compact, don't hunch with the bunch over the powder-room mirror
- Demelza De Burca
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