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For a polished working girls wardrobe, look no further than Mariko Kuo from the blog Silk and Suits. Monday’s look is the perfect example of power dressing; a statement blue patterned suit and a pair of bright orange heels – colour blocking at it’s best. The beautiful tribal pattern and pop of orange inject a bit of fun into this elegant two piece. Layering up with a cashmere coat provides the perfect addition needed in every wardrobe for transitional dressing.
Silk Suit: Billionaire Couture / Reversible Coat: Les 100 Ciels / Sunglasses: Termite / Heels: Kurt Geiger / Clutch: Sunita Mukhi
Get to know Silk and Suits…
What do you do when you’re not blogging?
My job as a solicitor keeps me occupied during the day, but I absolutely love spending quality time with my handsome pug, Darth Pugington. Without sounding like an overzealous dog lover, Mr Pugington is the sweetest creature I have ever known. He is always up for a cuddle and gives me his undivided attention. Being a major attention seeker, going for a walk with him turns into a social event and his cuteness seems to be irresistible to everyone. It’s always fun bringing him with me to boutiques and bars as well because he is definitely a fashion pug in the making and loves his own mini glass of Guinness!
What interests you?
I am constantly looking at new trends and new season items which I can incorporate into my own style. I find fashion inspirational as it is a platform for personal expression and enjoy people watching for unique styling tips. You’ll find me perched on a park bench or at a cafe watching people walk by. “I am watching you!”
What is your everyday motivation?
I am a firm believer in making my own success. Excuses not to do something can easily get in the way of new ideas and potential pursuits, but the fear of regret and the dreaded thought of “what if I had done that thing that one time…” keeps me motivated. Positive thoughts always inspire me to keep moving forward as well.
Do you have a treasured garment?
My all-time favourite piece is Ana Sui’s pink checkered skirt suit from her first collection. I am a sucker for high school nostalgia and Clueless (the movie) and the skirt suit reminds me of Cher’s iconic outfit. Although mine is fuchsia pink and not yellow, I adore it for its playfulness which makes styling it up so much fun.
What is your best style advice?
Always wear things that you feel comfortable in. Everyone has their own sense of style and I think we feel the most confident when we wear things that we genuinely like. This is why I always trust my gut instinct and go for what feels right when deciding on my newest addition to my wardrobe.
Who is your style inspiration?
I absolutely adore Olivia Palermo. She is the queen of feminine sophistication and is never afraid to play around with bold prints, colours and patterns. Olivia knows how to style items together without going overboard and always looks effortlessly chic. I am always in awe of her New York City looks and her sartorial selections.
Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
In ten years’ time, I would like to be running a successful business with a potential for further global expansion (there are a few ideas I am toying with at the moment). But the dreamer in me would like to have built my ideal home in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan complete with floor to ceiling windows and exposed beams. My dream home would have an annex which runs as a ski chalet and I would spend my days skiing off-piste in the most amazing powder snow followed by long dips in the postcard perfect hot springs scattered around the mountains.
What is your biggest highlight in your career to date?
Having my readers approach me on the street. As blogging takes place in the virtual world, I never really grasped the idea that there are actual people reading Silk and Suits. Being able to chat to people about what I wrote was such an exciting experience which fired me further to continue blogging.
Which trends will make a return next season?
I think the AW14 season will see the revival of consuming cloaks and capes. From Dolce & Gabbana’s forest tale to Alexander McQueen’s Game of Thrones, fairy tale enchantment saw a major return on the catwalk. Covering up this coming winter in an red riding hood cape seems like the perfect winter’s tale.
What would you like to be remembered for?
For having achieved everything I set my heart on.
Words and interview by Jessica Wykes
