London's calling

(London, England) Boss Babe: Karoline Hopkins Age: 38

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia Occupation: Marketing Industry: Financial Services

Ten years ago, Karoline Hopkins left Melbourne, Australia for a relocation to London, England where she since worked for the British Government, the London 2012 Olympics, and more recently in professional and financial services where her title is Customer Experience and Insights Partner.

She is also a volunteer reader at an inner London primary school and married to a very handsome Welshman.

Motivation

"It depends on what I've got going on. Sometimes it's just enough to get through to the end of the day. As far as the bigger picture goes, I try to focus on doing the things that make me happy and being grateful for all the good things (and people) I have in my life."

Melbourne vs London

"My main comparison with Melbourne and London style is that Melbourne is A LOT more black, black, black. It's also harder in London to tell whether something's cheap tailoring versus high end because there's so much choice. Basic high street chains like Zara in London are affordable yet seem expensive for the same pieces in Melbourne."

Favourite labels

"I like to wear bold prints so have a number of dresses from London online retailer Onjenu - their outfits also have pleats, rouching and detailing in all the right places to flatter any size figure. I'm also a fan of labels Cos and '& Other Stories'."

Links to shop each piece (Top, left to right)

& Other Stories - Patent leather pump

& Other Stories - Textured knit cardigan

Cos - Oversized high neck dress

Cos - Shirtdress with irregular hem

& Other Stories - Tie shirt

& Other Stories - Red blouse

& Other Stories - Frill shoulder blouse

Cos - Ribbed merino-wool cardigan

Cos - Tie trousers with pleats

Cos- Cropped trousers with pleats

& Other Stories - Ankle strap pumps

& Other Stories - Jacquard sweater

The dress code in London

"In financial services in London the fashion dress can still be very conservative depending on what firm you work for, although there is much more of a move away from traditional suits and a shift towards mixing and matching of jackets/blazers with trousers, skirts etc. My workplace is pretty relaxed though in general. London is a real mix of fashion although fast fashion shops like Zara and H&M dominate the scene."

Heels or flats?

"Heels but a relatively low one. While they might seem more comfortable, flats really aren't good for your feet (trust me I know after numerous sessions with my physiotherapist)."

Links to shop each piece (Top, left to right)

Valentino - Tango patent leather pump

Michael Kors - Lizzy Leather mid-calf boot

Clarks - Carlita Cove

LK Bennett - Oxblood ankle boots

Zara - Slingback leather court shoes

Gucci - Suede mid-heel pump

Interview outfit advice

"It is so right that you do not get a second chance to make a first impression and women are already under the microscope a lot more than men. Think carefully before you put your interview outfit together and about what image you want to convey."

Fashion crush

"Has to be Amal Clooney. Her beauty, brains and just generally all class. She's rocked some brilliant work outfits as well as her red carpet looks."

Off duty

"My rule is to keep it simple with a great pair of tight fitting jeans and a pullover."

Style evolution

"I have moved towards wearing a lot more dresses over the past few years for work compared with top and trouser combos- they seem to have a lot more longevity and are more forgiving when my weight is fluctuating."

Thank you Karoline!

xoxo Boss Babe

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