Stuck in a rut...

Sometimes I wish I could be a stay at home Mum, okay recently...All of the time.

I know this feeling is spurred on by my not being happy at work, by everyone around me who can obviously see my thumbs twiddling and boredom setting in, yet still they by pass me. Unless of course they wish to dismiss me further by allocating mediocre jobs that I never used to do even before going on maternity leave.

I don’t mean to sound like I am above it, but I am just dis-heartened that my going on leave has put me further down the pecking list than the new starter to the team.

I thought time would pass and things would settle down, to how they were before I left for 13 months.

 But too much has changed.

The company changed and so did I.

I can’t ever see myself being happy with my current position; it currently feels like I am doing time for bad behaviour. I feel like I have been demoted, like I am sitting on a shelf slowly losing my sparkle to the dust that is starting to cover me.

I just don’t seem to care about what I do in the office anymore, and no-one seems to care about me not caring? But I want to care. I work hard and when I really care, I go above and beyond to get things done.

I used to care.

I count down the hours until I reach Wednesday at 5pm, the start of the time I get to spend with Leo. 

When Sunday night hits I feel dread in the very pitt of my stomach, all because I don’t want to go to work and sit twiddling my thumbs.

I feel like I need to break loose and push forward in finding something else, but then I am scared at making such a big change.

I know it is something I need to do; I can’t seem to pull my head out of this social media cloud it is currently floating around in and that just confirms to me that I still have passion and I still have drive. 

I do still care, just about other things.

So how do you go about making such a big decision? How do you go about changing your life?

I have the drive and will do anything and everything I can do pull myself out of this rut I am currently sat in, slowly sinking deeper and deeper, but for the right opportunity I will stand up tall and walk out with my head held high.

The Lands' end AW Dress Review

Since returning to work back in July, I am always on the look out for suitable office attire that is both comfortable and looks the part. I was recently approached by Lands' End who very kindly asked me to pick a dress from their new Autumn/Winter dress range. 

Of course I am partial to a pretty dress so I started my dress hunt on their website.

When working a full day, you want something that you can feel at ease in and something that makes you feel good about yourself. While looking through the new collection, there were plenty of dresses that I could see myself donning in the office. The mission was to pick just one. I eventually set my sights on the Pleat-Neck Ponte Jersey Dress in the Wineberry colouring.

More about my new dress...

- Fluid ponté knit drapes softly over your curves

- Elegant pleated neckline
- Three-quarter sleeve length
- Flattering set-in empire waist
- Slim-fit skirt has a back vent for ease
- Flattering knee length

I was drawn to this particular dress because it is a elegantly simple style that you can dress up or down, which is great as there are some days where I just don't have it in me to wear heels to the office, especially when it comes to chasing Leo around before I leave for work. 

The dress arrived quickly and I was soon slipping it on for that very first fitting. I was sent a size small, which is a UK 10-12. I am between a large 8 and a 10 for clothing and I found that around my bust the dress was a little loose, however the fit every where else was great. My favourite aspect to this dress is just how soft it is. 

The colour is vibrant and makes a great change to the same Black that I seem to pull out of my wardrobe more than I care to admit. It is a passionate Purple colour, and I think it looks fantastic.

How did I style it?

I have worn this dress to work on a few occasions now, and it has had some lovely compliments. I have styled it a few different ways depending upon how adventurous I am feeling. In the first instance I paired the dress with Nude heels and a Black belt. I felt this look was perfect for the office, if we had a special event going on or VIP's in house for a visit, but it still gave me the flexibility to chase Leo around before I went to work, bar the high heels of course!

On another occasion I just simply paired the dress with some Nude ballet pumps and Black leggings and off I went to work. This felt like more of a relaxed casual look, that was still perfect for the office and maybe the perfect Friday wear. 

Looking into the future when I have to drop Leo off at the school gates each morning before making my commute to work, this is the kind of outfit that I will be more than happy to make both journeys in.  The dress is incredibly comfortable for the day ahead while still looking great. 

Finding the right style and comfort factors in your outfit are really important, and I am pleased to give this little number a big thumbs up.

What do you think?

Disclaimer: I was sent the dress for the purpose of this article, however all views and opinions are completely honest and my own.